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Arthritis is a condition resulting in painful joints. It is extremely common in older pets, especially the larger breeds of dogs. Any joint can be affected by arthritis. The most commonly affected joints include the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, and vertebral column (back). It is estimated that arthritis affects one in five adult dogs. Arthritis may be a result of an injury or may develop for unknown reasons. Frequently it is progressive (worsens with time). It may develop slowly or quickly. Often it begins with occasional sore days, often associated with weather changes or strenuous exercise. Clinical signs in most pets are often worse when they first get up and start to move. Overweight pets are most susceptible. Many clinical signs may be a result of arthritis and the related pain it causes. Signs may include lack of appetite, reluctance to walk, climb stairs, or play, limping, lagging behind on walks, difficulty in rising from a resting position, personality changes, or even crying aloud when the pain is severe. Animals don’t moan or whimper until the pain becomes very severe. Other diseases must be ruled out before a diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made. Potential rule-outs include disc disease, ligament tears, bone infections, and nerve damage. X-rays are often necessary to obtain the correct diagnosis. There is no need to let your pet suffer the intense pain that can be attributed to arthritis. Strategies for the treatment of arthritis may be either proactive or reactive. Proactive involves therapy, which increases the body’s ability to cope with the problem. Reactive treatment includes such things as drugs designed to minimize pain. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to minimize the side effects of these drugs. Periodic comprehensive physical examinations and laboratory screening are necessary to monitor the body’s response to any long-term medication. Exercise Helps: Regular, moderate exercise is very important in keeping joints working properly. Over-exertion can make the condition worse. Swimming is a great exercise for arthritis pets. Prevent Obesity: The number one cause of malnutrition in pets is OBESITY. Overfeeding, either too much food or food too rich is the major culprit. Older pets may need no more than 50% of the calories of a young, growing pet. Our veterinary team can assess your dog's condition and develop an individual treatment plan to help manage arthritis and improve quality of life. Learn more about our internal medicine services. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Most of you already know Dr Jason Meyer. Dr Jason was basically born and raised at the Honeydew Animal Clinic. From a young age, he knew that he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and worked very hard to get where he is today. He is also a “chronic studier”, always trying to improve his knowledge and level of care. He is currently completing his postgraduate studies in small animal medicine through the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS). In his limited free time he likes to escape to rivers and dams for fly fishing, cycle in the cradle, or spend time with his 8 fur babies at home. Learn more about the Honeydew Animal Clinic team and the veterinary professionals who care for our patients.

A dog's skin is a good indicator of their overall health. As dogs age, they may develop lumps, bumps, and cysts, which can be normal. However, these can also be signs of an underlying problem. It's important to keep an eye on your dog skin and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes or abnormalities. How we diagnose lumps When it comes diagnosing lumps in dogs, a sample of cells may need to be taken. This can be done by performing a fine needle aspirate or surgically removing a small tissue sample. These procedures can help determine the nature of the lump and guide further treatment options. What is a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)?​ A fine needle aspirate is a biopsy procedure commonly used to investigate lumps and masses. During the procedure, a hollow needle is inserted into the mass for sampling of cells, which are then placed on a slide for examination under a microscope. A FNA is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that can provide valuable diagnostic information. Why is a FNA necessary? There are two major types of lumps and bumps on dogs: malignant (cancerous) and benign (not cancerous). However, you can’t tell the type or severity of a growth just by looking at it. A FNA allows your veterinarian to look at cells to determine if your pet has an inflammation, an infection, a cyst or a tumour. A FNA is the first step in determining if your pet may need further diagnostics or surgery to remove the lump. Not all tumours can be diagnosed on FNA alone but it guides your veterinarian on the next best steps to treat a lump or bump. What to do if you find a lump on your dog? It is advisable to seek veterinary attention for any growths observed on your dog to ensure optimal care. It is recommended that you take note of the lesion location, duration, any changes, and your dog's reaction to it. This information will aid your veterinarian in determining the most appropriate course of action for your pet. Treatment for lumps​ Monitoring for changes Laser treatment Surgical removal Chemotherapy Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

A tooth root abscess is a severe infection that develops around the root of a tooth. It usually occurs as a result of bacteria entering through a broken or traumatised tooth. Many dogs may not show obvious signs like the swelling seen below the eye in this patient, which is quite a severe case of a tooth root abscess. Owners may notice a reluctance to chew on toys, pulling their head away when touched, chewing on one side only, or dropping food when chewing, Some owners may also notice foul breath or the dog pawing at one side of the face or rubbing it on the ground. A tooth root abscess is a very painful condition and needs treatment as soon as possible. Usually, this will mean the extraction of the affected tooth under general anaesthesia. It is important to have a dental assessment for your pet at least every 6 months to prevent teeth from getting to this stage. We offer free dental assessments at our clinic so pop in for a visit See images and videos of the affected teeth and the amount of pus drained from the area after the affected tooth was extracted by following our Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkYzSmUD87w/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Honeydew Animal Clinic provides comprehensive veterinary dental care, including dental examinations, professional cleaning and treatment of dental disease. Learn more about our dental services. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

A dog with an elongated soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) has a soft palate that is too long for the length of the mouth. The excess length partially blocks the entrance to the trachea (windpipe) at the back of the throat. Clinical signs include respiratory signs (breathing difficulties, snoring, stridor, snorting) gagging, and sometimes the gagging will induce vomiting. An elongated soft palate is diagnosed on clinical signs, video scope, or looking down the throat when your dog is sedated or under a general anesthetic. Surgery is needed to shorten the soft palate. The soft palate is resected at a level where it will barely make contact with the epiglottis. Surgical scissors are used to resect the palate and absorbable sutures are placed into the remaining tissue. The first video shows how the soft palate flops back and forth over the epiglottis and the second video shows how the dog’s ability to inhale and exhale has greatly improved. These videos were taken using a video vetscope by Louis Gotthelf, DVM of Montgomery, AL If you would like to know if your dog/cat will benefit from this procedure you are welcome to visit us for a consultation. Honeydew Animal Clinic provides surgical treatment for airway conditions in dogs, including correction of an elongated soft palate. Learn more about our veterinary surgery services. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Stenotic nares are smaller nostril openings than normal. The smaller breathing lumens make for an increased respiratory effort. Small changes in airway size create vast changes in air flow—especially in small patients with small airways. Over time, the increased work of breathing causes the secondary components of the syndrome—eversion of the laryngeal saccules and laryngeal collapse. The increased resistance to airway pressure creates more work for the patient to move air in and out of its lungs. This creates problems during exertion or when exposed to high temperatures when panting is needed to cool the body. These scenarios can create an obstructive airway crisis, hyperthermia, or both. As the disease progresses and secondary changes occur, a crisis can occur with minimal stress or exert ion. Chronic hypoxia creates pulmonary vasoconstriction and eventually pulmonary hypertension.Most airway resistance comes from the nasal passages. By surgically correcting the stenotic nares we greatly reduce the pressure of airflow. Stenotic nares are corrected with one of several resection techniques. At Honeydew Animal Clinic we use the wedge resection technique - this entails curing out a small wedge from each nostril and closing the defect with a few absorbable sutures. Your dog will be required to wear a buster collar for 10-14 days to prevent self-trauma to the surgical site. If you would like to know if your dog/cat will benefit from this procedure you are welcome to visit us for a consultation. Honeydew Animal Clinic provides surgical treatment for conditions affecting the airways and breathing in dogs, including surgical correction of stenotic nares. Learn more about our veterinary surgery services. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Understanding TPLO surgery for dogs with a cranial cruciate ligament injury A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is a common cause of hind-leg lameness and knee pain in dogs. One of the surgical options used to treat significant CCL injuries is Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO). TPLO is an advanced orthopaedic procedure that changes the mechanics of the knee, allowing the joint to remain stable without relying on the damaged ligament. What is a TPLO? The cranial cruciate ligament helps stabilise the knee during movement. When it is torn or significantly damaged, the knee can become unstable, resulting in pain, lameness and, over time, progressive arthritis. During TPLO surgery, the top portion of the tibia is carefully cut and rotated to change the angle of the tibial plateau. The bone is then stabilised in its new position using a specialised plate and screws. This changes the way forces are transmitted through the knee and helps prevent the abnormal forward movement of the femur over the tibia. How is TPLO surgery performed? Before surgery, X-rays of the affected knee are taken and carefully assessed. Measurements help determine the correction required for the individual patient. During the procedure: The knee joint is examined for damage to the cruciate ligament and meniscus. A specialised curved saw is used to make the required cut in the tibia. The tibial plateau is rotated to the desired angle. A specialised bone plate and screws are used to stabilise the bone. Follow-up X-rays are used to monitor healing after surgery. TPLO is a precise procedure that requires specialised equipment, implants and orthopaedic surgical expertise. Is TPLO suitable for every dog? No. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including your dog's: Size and breed Activity level Age and general health Degree of knee instability Condition of the knee joint Long-term lifestyle requirements TPLO is commonly considered for medium to large dogs and active dogs where restoring good long-term function is an important goal. Your veterinarian will assess your dog and discuss the most appropriate treatment options. What is recovery like? Recovery following TPLO surgery requires patience and careful management. For the first 6–8 weeks, activity needs to be restricted while the bone heals. Exercise is gradually increased through controlled lead walking and, where appropriate, rehabilitation exercises. Follow-up examinations and X-rays are an important part of the recovery process. Many dogs show noticeable improvement in their use of the operated leg within the first few weeks, but a complete return to unrestricted activity takes longer. Full recovery commonly takes several months. What are the possible complications? As with any surgery, complications are possible. These can include infection, inflammation around the patellar tendon, delayed bone healing, meniscal problems and complications involving the plate or screws. Serious complications such as implant failure or bone fracture are uncommon, but all potential risks will be discussed with you before surgery. TPLO Before & After Surgery Does your dog have a suspected cruciate ligament injury? If your dog has suddenly become lame on a hind leg, is reluctant to exercise, has difficulty getting up or appears to be experiencing knee pain, a cranial cruciate ligament injury could be one possible cause. An examination and appropriate imaging can help determine what is happening and which treatment options may be suitable. Learn More About TPLO Surgery → Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing signs of lameness or knee pain, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic can assess your pet, explain the treatment options and help you decide on the appropriate next steps. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our services include preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and advanced orthopaedic procedures.

What Are Brachycephalic Dogs? Brachycephalic literally means "short-headed," and refers to dogs and dog breeds with shortened snouts. While not all brachycephalic dogs have associated health problems, the shape of the nose and head of a brachycephalic dog can place them at risk for a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome. Four distinct upper airway abnormalities can, cause this condition and a brachycephalic dog can have one or more of these abnormalities. They include: Stenotic nares, Elongated soft palate, Hypoplastic trachea, Everted laryngeal saccules If you think your dog may suffer from one or more of these abnormalities, come see one of our veterinarians to work out a treatment plan for you. Dogs that suffer from this syndrome typically have a history of loud snoring and noisy breathing and are prone to reverse sneezing or tracheal collapse. The gums or tongue can sometimes turn blue from lack of oxygen, and overexertion or over-excitement can lead to collapse. Because of their breathing difficulties, these dogs tend to have a low tolerance for vigorous exercise and are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Because these conditions and their symptoms are exacerbated by obesity, the first line of treatment for an overweight dog with this condition is usually to be put on a weight-loss meal plan. Mild cases can usually be managed by controlling the dog's weight, monitoring exercise levels, keeping the dog out of heat and humidity, and reducing or avoiding stress. Some brachycephalic dogs may benefit from surgical correction of airway abnormalities. Learn more about our veterinary surgery services. The term can also be applied to mixed-breed dogs that inherited this trait from brachycephalic ancestors. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

An echocardiogram, also known as an echo or cardiac ultrasound, is a tool to look at the heart as well as inside and around it. An echo creates live images that allows your veterinarian to get an idea of what the heart looks like and how it is functioning in real time. This provides information about the size, shape, and function of the heart, its four chambers, the heart valves, and surrounding structures, such as the pericardial sac. What does the procedure entail? Echos are done with the pet lying on an ultrasound-specific table. The ultrasound probe is held against the skin overlying the heart to get an image on the screen. This is a painless procedure and often done in a quiet, dark room. Most pets are able to lie comfortably without stress and with minimal restraint. Why would my pet need this procedure? Your veterinarian will recommend an echocardiogram if it is suspected that your pet has a heart disease. This is when your pet has a heart murmur, abnormalities on chest x-rays and other clinical signs like coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath or fainting. The echo will show if your pet’s heart is working properly, and if not, what the problem is. Understanding the problem will help your veterinarian to tailor specific treatment for your pet’s condition as medications and treatments for heart disease are unique to each animal. Echocardiograms can also be used to see if treatments are helping or if a change in dosage or new medications are needed. At Honeydew Animal clinic we offer echocardiography with state of the art ultrasound equipment and up to date training and knowledge. Make sure to visit us if you suspect or know your pet has a heart condition so we can guide you on an individualised treatment plan for your pet. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Everted laryngeal saccules occur in dogs due to the pressure associated with the increased respiratory effort caused by the stenotic nares and/or the elongated soft palate, as discussed previously. Laryngeal saccules are small sacs or pouches that are located in the larynx just in front of the vocal cords. Brachycephalic dogs must work harder to fill their lungs with air, which causes these saccules to evert or be pulled into the airway and partially obstruct airflow. The treatment for this problem is to remove the saccule tissue. The surgery is usually done in combination with correcting stenotic nares and shortening an elongated soft palate. The earlier the abnormalities associated with brachycephalic syndrome are corrected, the better the outcome. The condition worsens over time and can cause other abnormalities. Dogs that undergo this procedure show great improvement in breathing, exercise tolerance and overall quality of life. If you would like to know if your dog/cat will benefit from this procedure you are welcome to visit us for a consultation. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Mast cell tumours are the most common skin tumours in dogs. Almost 21% of all dog skin tumours are mast cell tumours. Any dog can develop mast cell tumours but certain breeds like the boxer, ridgeback,pug, boston terrier, pitbull, shar-pei and weimaraner are 4-8 times more likely to develop them compared to the general population. A mast cell tumour is diagnosed on a fine needle aspirate of the skin lump which is then evaluated under the microscope. They have distinct staining characteristics as can be seen in the picture. These tumours are very invasive and need wide surgical excision that may lead to tricky surgery if they are very large or in a difficult location like the face or extremities. After surgery the lump needs to be sent to a pathologist who will then grade the mast cell tumour as low or high grade and comment on the tumour free margins of the skin surrounding the mass. It is crucial to grade the tumour to determine a prognosis and indicate if further surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is necessary. It is important to seek veterinary advice when you notice any lumps or bumps on your pet’s skin. The earlier you can catch a mast cell tumour the easier they are to remove and the better the outcome. Need Veterinary Advice? If your pet is showing any of the signs discussed above, the team at Honeydew Animal Clinic is here to help. Our experienced veterinarians can assess your pet, explain the available treatment options and work with you to provide the best possible care. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Ava is reading up on proper protocols for postoperative care. Ava had a luxating patella and it was corrected by doing a RidgeStop surgery. This is a surgical technique that uses a prosthetic implant to form a "Ridge " to prevent the patella from luxating. About Honeydew Animal Clinic Honeydew Animal Clinic provides compassionate veterinary care for dogs, cats and other companion animals in Honeydew and the surrounding Johannesburg area. Our experienced team offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry and emergency care, with a focus on helping pets live long, healthy lives. 📞 011 795 2034 🌐 www.honeydewanimalclinic.co.za