Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic

20/06/2026

"I Was Given a Puppy... I Just Haven't Had a Chance to Bring Him for Vaccinations Yet"

We hear this almost every week.

A puppy arrives at the clinic very sick, and when we ask about vaccinations, the answer is often:

"We were given him by a friend."

"We rescued her from the side of the road."

"We've been meaning to bring him in, but life has just been so busy."

Unfortunately, parvovirus doesn't wait until life slows down.

Parvo is one of the most devastating diseases we see in young puppies. It attacks the lining of the intestines, causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, weakness and often death. Even with intensive treatment and hospitalisation, some puppies simply do not survive.

The heartbreaking reality is that many of the puppies we hospitalise with parvo are around 2–4 months of age and have never received a single vaccination.

These are often much-loved puppies who were rescued or given a second chance at life. Their owners had every intention of bringing them in, but a few weeks turned into a few months—and by then it was too late.

Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do for your puppy. The puppy vaccination course helps protect against deadly diseases such as parvovirus and distemper, giving your new family member the best possible start in life.

If you've recently acquired a puppy and haven't yet booked vaccinations, please don't feel embarrassed or guilty—just make the appointment today. Every day matters.

At Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic, we offer reduced-rate Wellness Clinic appointments with our nursing team on Wednesdays, Fridays, and selected Saturdays, making it easier and more affordable to keep your puppy protected.

Parvo cases are heartbreaking for families and for our staff. We'd much rather meet your puppy for a vaccination and a cuddle than see them fighting for their life in hospital.

If you've got a new puppy at home and haven't started vaccinations yet, give us a call. Let's get them protected.

For appointments: 084 352 2982. Don't wait until monday! It might already be too late.

( Puppies need 3 sets of vaccinations, so if your book doesnt have at least 3 stickers, chances are you are not up to date ). Send us a picture if you are unsure.

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

Sometimes you don't evenhave to spend money, just think creative!

17/06/2026

🐾 We're Looking for a Veterinarian! 🐾

Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic is growing, and we're looking for a veterinarian to join our team in Pietermaritzburg.

Our ideal candidate is someone who shares our passion for personalised, preventative veterinary care and believes that excellent medicine goes hand-in-hand with exceptional client service. We are looking for a vet who genuinely cares about both pets and their people, enjoys working as part of a supportive team, and wants to make a positive difference in our community.

If you know of a veterinarian who may be relocating to the area, a recent graduate looking for the right practice culture, or an experienced vet seeking a new opportunity, please share this post with them.

Word of mouth is often the best way to find great people, so we'd really appreciate your help spreading the word!

For more information, please email:
📧 [email protected]

Thank you for helping us find the next member of the Chase Valley family. 💙🐾

16/06/2026

🇿🇦 Happy Youth Day, South Africa! 🇿🇦

Please note that Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic is closed today, 16 June, in observance of Youth Day.

Youth Day commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the young people who stood up for their rights. It is a day to reflect on the important role that South Africa's youth have played — and continue to play — in shaping our country's future. It's something to be proud of!

🐾 Emergency?
Please message our clinic cellphone on 084 352 2982 and you will be directed accordingly.

We will reopen tomorrow morning, Tuesday, at 07:30.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Youth Day.

Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic
Stay warm and snuggle your pet today .

14/06/2026

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMRADES RUNNERS! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

From all of us at Chase Valley Veterinary Clinic, we would like to wish every runner tackling the Comrades Marathon the very best of luck!

Whether you're aiming for a personal best, your first finish, or simply putting one foot in front of the other, remember that every kilometre is an achievement. Months of dedication, early mornings, sore muscles, and determination have brought you to the start line.

Run strong, stay safe, hydrate well, and most importantly – enjoy the incredible atmosphere and spirit of the day.

A special shout-out to all our clients, friends, and fellow animal lovers taking part. We'll be cheering you on every step of the way!

💚 Good luck, runners – you've got this! 💚

Remember spectating is pet friendly too!

11/06/2026

Do you know who this kitten belongs to?
Was found on the corner of Connor Road and Chase Valley Road

08/06/2026

🐱 Feline Stress Month: Is Your Cat Stressed by Another Cat?

Many people assume cats are naturally social animals, but the truth is that most cats are solitary hunters by nature. While they may tolerate living with other cats, sharing their home with another feline can be a major source of stress.

A stressed cat may not always show obvious signs. Instead, they may:
🐾 Urinate outside the litter box
🐾 Overgroom or pull out fur
🐾 Hide more often
🐾 Become aggressive or irritable
🐾 Eat less or overeat
🐾 Develop bladder problems such as FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis)

🏠 Tips for Multi-Cat Households

✔ Provide enough resources

One litter tray per cat, plus one extra
Multiple feeding stations
Multiple water bowls or fountains
Several scratching posts

✔ Create vertical space
Cats feel safer when they can escape upwards. Cat trees, shelves and window perches can reduce conflict.

✔ Give each cat a safe zone
Every cat should have a quiet place where they can sleep and retreat without being disturbed.

✔ Avoid forcing friendships
Some cats may never become best friends—and that's okay. The goal is peaceful coexistence, not cuddling.

✔ Watch for subtle bullying
A cat doesn't have to fight to be a bully. Blocking access to food, litter trays, doorways or favourite resting spots can create significant stress.

✂️ Why Neutering Helps

Neutering is one of the best ways to reduce stress-related behaviour.

Benefits include:
✅ Less territorial marking and spraying
✅ Reduced roaming behaviour
✅ Less fighting with neighbouring cats
✅ Lower risk of injuries and abscesses
✅ Fewer unwanted litters

Male cats especially become much less motivated to patrol and defend large territories after neutering.

🌍 How Far Does a Cat Actually Roam?

Most owners are surprised by the answer!

Studies have shown:
🐱 Neutered cats often stay within 50–300 metres of home.

🐱 Unneutered males may roam 1–3 kilometres from home every day.

🐱 Some entire tomcats have been recorded travelling more than 5 kilometres in search of mates or territory.

This means your cat may be encountering many unfamiliar cats in the neighbourhood, leading to territorial stress—even if you never see the other cats.

💙 Remember

If your cat is showing signs of stress, the problem may not be inside your home at all. Sometimes it's the neighbourhood cat peering through the window, visiting your garden, or leaving scent marks around your property.

Reducing feline stress can improve:
🐾 Bladder health
🐾 Behaviour
🐾 Appetite
🐾 Relationships with other pets
🐾 Overall quality of life

A calm cat is a healthier cat. 🐱💙

06/06/2026

🐾 No More Crazy Saturdays! 🐾

Dr Katrin has just one more week left at the clinic before she heads off on her new adventure.

From this morning, we are excited to welcome Phumie, our Animal Health Technician (AHT), to our Saturday team. Phumie will be assisting with:
• Vaccinations
• Cytopoint injections
• Librela injections
• Pentosan injections
• General preventative healthcare

This means that our veterinarian can focus on sick pets and medical consultations, while wellness visits receive the time and attention they deserve.

These appointments will be charged at our Wellness Clinic rates (excluding the normal Saturday surcharge), making routine preventative care more affordable and less rushed.

For the immediate future, Dr Estee will be the only veterinarian on duty on Saturdays while we continue the search for our next full-time vet.

Thank you for your patience and support during this transition period. We look forward to continuing to provide the best possible care for your pets! 🐶🐱💙

03/06/2026

Why Do We See More Blocked Cats in Winter?

Winter is the season when many cats become less active, drink less water, and spend more time indoors. Unfortunately, these changes can increase the risk of urinary tract problems, especially in male cats.

A urinary blockage occurs when a cat's urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) becomes obstructed. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Why Does Winter Increase the Risk?
Cats Drink Less Water

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. During colder weather, many cats drink even less water than usual. This can lead to concentrated urine, which may contribute to crystal formation and bladder irritation.

Cats Are Less Active

Cold weather often means more sleeping and less movement. Cats may urinate less frequently, allowing crystals, mucus, and inflammatory debris to accumulate in the bladder.

Cats May Avoid Going Outside

Many outdoor cats dislike cold, wet, or windy weather. Some will delay urinating rather than venture outside. Holding urine for prolonged periods can contribute to bladder irritation and urinary tract problems.

If your cat normally toilets outdoors, consider providing an indoor litter tray during winter. Having a convenient indoor option may encourage more frequent urination and reduce stress.

Winter Can Be Stressful

Cats thrive on routine and predictability. Changes in the household, visitors, less outdoor access, and spending more time in close quarters with other pets can all increase stress levels.

Stress is one of the major triggers for Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), a painful inflammatory condition of the bladder that occurs without infection.

Stress Causes Bladder Inflammation

When cats experience stress, the bladder lining can become inflamed. This inflammation produces mucus and debris that may combine with crystals to form plugs within the urinary tract.

Male cats are particularly vulnerable because their urethra is much narrower than that of female cats. Even a small amount of inflammatory material can cause a complete blockage.

Signs of a Urinary Blockage

Seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat shows any of the following signs:

- Frequent trips to the litter tray
- Straining to urinate
- Crying or vocalising while urinating
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the ge***al area
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or collapse

A blocked cat cannot pass urine and may become critically ill within a short period of time.

How Can You Reduce the Risk?

✔ Encourage water intake with multiple water bowls or a drinking fountain

✔ Feed wet food where appropriate

✔ Provide an indoor litter tray, even for outdoor cats

✔ Keep litter trays clean and easily accessible

✔ Ensure your cat has warm, comfortable resting places

✔ Maintain a consistent routine

✔ Provide environmental enrichment such as toys, scratching posts, climbing areas, and window perches

✔ Reduce stress between cats in multi-cat households

✔ Discuss calming products or stress management options with your veterinarian if needed

The Take-Home Message

Winter is the perfect storm for urinary problems in cats. Drinking less, moving less, avoiding the outdoors, and experiencing increased stress can all contribute to bladder inflammation and urinary blockages.

Remember: a blocked cat is a veterinary emergency. If your cat is straining to urinate or repeatedly visiting the litter tray without producing urine, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Stressed Cats Get Sick – and sometimes that stress starts with something as simple as cold weather and a litter tray that isn't available when they need it.