Montana Park Animal Hospital

17/06/2026

🩺🐾 Endotracheal Tube Placement: Human vs Dog – A Comparative Anatomical Guide

15/06/2026

08/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome back Sonja, our practice manager, following her maternity leave. She was greatly missed by everyone.

03/06/2026

Pyometra in Dogs

Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus that commonly affects unspayed (intact) female dogs, usually a few weeks after estrus (heat).

Causes

* Hormonal changes after heat, especially increased progesterone.
* Thickening of the uterine lining (cystic endometrial hyperplasia).
* Bacterial infection, most commonly E. coli.
* Accumulation of pus within the uterus.

Types

🔹 Open Pyometra

* Cervix remains open.
* Pus or bloody discharge from the v***a.
* Easier to recognize.

🔹 Closed Pyometra

* Cervix is closed.
* No vaginal discharge.
* Pus accumulates inside the uterus, causing severe abdominal enlargement and a higher risk of uterine rupture and sepsis.

Clinical Signs

* Depression and lethargy
* Loss of appetite
* Fever (may be absent in some cases)
* Increased thirst and urination (PU/PD)
* Vomiting
* Weight loss
* Abdominal distension
* Vaginal discharge (open pyometra)
* Dehydration

Diagnosis

* History of recent heat cycle
* Physical examination
* Complete blood count (often shows neutrophilia)
* Ultrasonography: enlarged, fluid-filled uterus
* Radiography in advanced cases

Treatment

✅ Ovariohysterectomy (spay surgery) is the treatment of choice and is usually life-saving.

Supportive therapy:

* Intravenous fluids
* Broad-spectrum antibiotics
* Pain management

Medical treatment with prostaglandins may be considered only in selected breeding animals and carries risks.

Prevention

✔️ Elective spaying before breeding age is the most effective prevention.

⚠️ Pyometra is a veterinary emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to septicemia, shock, uterine rupture, and death.

27/05/2026

June Special Offer - Act Now. Prioritize Health, Sterilize Today.

26/05/2026

A cruciate ligament injury is the most common knee problem in dogs, leading to sudden or gradual hindlimb lameness, joint instability, and pain. Unlike humans, pets usually experience a slow, degenerative wearing down of the ligament rather than sudden trauma.

24/05/2026

Pet's Vaccination Schedule 🐶🐕🐾 😺

18/05/2026

Giardia in pets

15/05/2026

⚠️ DISTEMPER – URGENT WARNING TO ALL DOG OWNERS ⚠️

The Lower South Coast SPCA has recently seen an increase in the number of dogs affected by this deadly and highly contagious disease.

We have received numerous cases of sick dogs — some in the early stages and others already in the final stages of this serious viral disease. Most of these cases have been reported in the Gamalakhe and surrounding areas.

Distemper spreads through the air and can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected animal (for example through utensils, bedding, food bowls, or water bowls).

The disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and nervous systems. Dogs that are not vaccinated are at particularly high risk of contracting the disease if they come into contact with an infected animal.

❗ We strongly urge all dog owners to ensure that their pets’ vaccinations are up to date ❗

Symptoms of Distemper include:
⚠️ Fever
⚠️ Listlessness
⚠️ Tiredness or weakness
⚠️ Vomiting and diarrhoea
⚠️ Discharge from the eyes and nose
⚠️ Coughing
⚠️ Muscle tremors of the body and head

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, please take it to your nearest veterinarian immediately, or contact the SPCA Emergency Line on 083 222 6355 for assistance.

💉 In light of this, the Lower South Coast SPCA will be holding two Vaccination Drives in early June 2026 💉

📌Further notices and dates will be posted on our page.

14/05/2026

Skin allergies are the most common cause of persistent itching, hair loss, red/inflamed skin, and recurrent ear infections in pets. Triggers include fleas, environmental factors (pollen, dust), and food. Management often involves veterinary diagnosis, specialized shampoos, dietary changes, and medication to control symptoms.