Flystrike in Dogs – How to Protect Yours

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Flystrike is a painful condition where flies bite and feed on a dog’s ear tissue. While it can affect any breed, it is most common in larger dogs like German Shepherds. 

A Case Study: Lassie (not her real name)

One extreme case involved “Lassie”, a German Shepherd rescued from a backyard breeder who forced her to produce eight litters in a row. Upon her rescue, she was brought to our clinic and received immediate medical intervention. 

Treatment 

  • Sterilisation to prevent further breeding stress.
  • Exspot Spot-On applied to her back to repel parasites.
  • Shoo-Fly Ointment applied directly to her ears to heal the bites and deter flies. 

Prevention Tips

To protect your dog from flystrike, focus on eliminating fly breeding grounds and using physical barriers: 

  • Hygiene: Pick up faeces daily and remove uneaten food immediately.
  • Control: Use fly traps around the perimeter of your yard.
  • Protection: For dogs prone to bites, apply preventative ointments or sprays regularly during fly season. 

Conditioning and Socialising Your Pet: Setting Them Up for a Lifetime of Confidence

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The experiences your pet has early in life — and throughout adulthood — play a major role in how they cope with the world. Gentle conditioning and appropriate socialisation help pets grow into calmer, more confident companions and make everyday care, grooming, travel, and vet visits far less stressful.

While early exposure is ideal, it’s important to remember: it’s never too late to start. Older pets can also learn to feel more comfortable and confident — it may simply take more patience and time.

What Is Conditioning — and Why Does It Matter?

Conditioning is the process of gradually and positively exposing your pet to experiences they’ll encounter throughout their life. When pets learn that handling, travel, and routine care are safe and predictable, they’re far less likely to develop fear, anxiety, or defensive behaviour.

This is especially important for unavoidable experiences such as veterinary examinations, grooming, nail trims, and car travel.

Getting Your Pet Comfortable with Handling

From a young age, puppies and kittens should become accustomed to gentle, calm handling. 

This includes:

  • Touching and holding feet and toes 
  • Gently examining ears 
  • Lifting lips and looking inside the mouth 
  • Light restraint or short cuddles 

Start with very short sessions and always pair handling with treats, praise, or play. This helps your pet associate touch with positive experiences and makes vet examinations easier and less intimidating as they grow.

Conditioning at Home: Start Small and Build Slowly

Routine care tasks can be overwhelming if introduced too quickly. Gradual exposure is key.

Dental Care

Dental care is best introduced gradually so it doesn’t become a stressful experience.

  • Begin by gently touching around the mouth and muzzle 
  • Progress to lifting the lips for a few seconds at a time 
  • Once your pet is comfortable, introduce a finger brush or toothbrush 

To make the experience more pleasant, you can use pet-safe toothpaste or dental gels, which are specially flavoured to be appealing to dogs and cats. Some pets also tolerate a small amount of coconut oil, which can help with acceptance due to its taste and texture.

For pets that won’t tolerate brushing initially, dental wipes are another useful option and can be a great stepping stone toward full brushing.

Always keep sessions short, calm, and positive, and reward your pet afterwards to build a positive association.

 

Ear Cleaning

  • Start with simple ear handling 
  • Allow your pet to sniff the cleaning solution  
  • Clean small amounts initially and build up gradually 

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming should always be introduced using positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your pet for calm, relaxed behaviour so they learn to associate nail care with something pleasant, rather than something to fear.

  • Handle your pet’s paws regularly so they become comfortable with their feet being touched 
  • Introduce nail clippers or grinders by letting your pet see and sniff them, without using them at first 
  • When trimming, start with one nail at a time and immediately reward your pet with praise, treats, or gentle affection 

Keeping sessions short and ending on a positive note helps build trust and confidence. Over time, positive reinforcement teaches your pet that nail trimming is safe, predictable, and even rewarding.

 

Grooming & Bathing

  • Brush for short sessions before your pet becomes restless 
  • Introduce water slowly and calmly 
  • Keep early baths quick and stress-free 

For dogs, using a LickiMat or a thin layer of dog-safe peanut butter spread on the wall can help keep them calm and occupied during bathing or grooming

 

If your pet becomes anxious, stop and try again another day — forcing the process can create lasting fear

Socialising Beyond the Home

Socialisation is about more than meeting other pets — it’s about helping your pet feel comfortable in different environments and situations.

Car Travel & Vet Visits

Many pets associate car rides with stress because they only travel when something unpleasant is about to happen. To help:

  • Take short, positive car trips that don’t always end at the vet 
  • Reward calm behaviour in the car 
  • For cats, leave the carrier out at home so it becomes a familiar, safe space 
  • Occasionally place treats or bedding inside the carrier without closing the door 

Using a Leash & Basic Obedience

Learning to walk comfortably on a leash builds confidence and control:

  • Start indoors or in quiet areas 
  • Use positive reinforcement for calm walking 
  • Avoid pulling or punishment 
  • Short, consistent sessions work best 

Basic obedience training not only improves behaviour but strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

Socialising With Other Dogs, People & Environments

Expose your pet to:

  • Different people (adults, children, people wearing hats or uniforms) 
  • New surfaces and environments 
  • Everyday sounds like traffic, vacuum cleaners, and household noises 

This helps reduce fear-based behaviour and builds emotional resilience.

A Very Important Safety Note About Vaccinations

While socialisation is essential, it must be done safely.

We recommend waiting at least two weeks after your puppy’s third vaccination before:

  • Visiting dog parks 
  • Walking in high-traffic pet areas 
  • Allowing contact with unfamiliar dogs 

Before this point, puppies are vulnerable to serious diseases such as Parvovirus and Distemper. Early socialisation should be limited to healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know well and controlled environments.

It’s Never Too Late — Conditioning Older Pets

While puppies and kittens learn quickly, adult and senior pets can absolutely benefit from conditioning and socialisation too.

Tips for Older Pets:

  • Move at your pet’s pace 
  • Keep sessions short and positive 
  • Use high-value treats or favourite toys 
  • Be consistent and patient 
  • Celebrate small wins 

Older pets may take longer to adjust, but gradual, positive exposure can significantly improve their comfort and quality of life.

How We Can Help at Bruma Lake Vet

Our team is always happy to help with:

  • Advice for anxious or fearful pets 
  • Making vet visits as calm and positive as possible 

Early effort — or even late effort — makes a lifetime of difference. A well-conditioned, well-socialised pet is easier to care for, more relaxed, and happier overall.

 

If you’re unsure where to start, or if your pet struggles with fear or anxiety, chat to us — we’re here to help.

Interdigital Cysts in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & Long-Term Management

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Rocco’s Story and What Pet Parents Should Know

Interdigital cysts are a common — and often very painful — condition affecting dogs, particularly short-haired, stocky breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers and Bull Terriers. These lesions appear between the toes and can range from mild swelling to severely inflamed, ulcerated and pus-filled sores.

Recently, Rocco, a handsome Bulldog, came to see us at Bruma Lake Vet with painful lumps between his toes that were making walking uncomfortable. On examination, the lesions were ulcerated and filled with pus — classic signs of interdigital cysts.

Rocco’s case is just one of many presentations we see, and it highlights why early diagnosis and proper management are so important.

What Are Interdigital Cysts?

Despite their name, interdigital “cysts” are not true cysts. They are best described as deep inflammatory lesions that form in the skin between a dog’s toes.

They develop when hair follicles in the webbing between the toes become damaged, blocked or ruptured. This triggers inflammation deep within the skin and often leads to secondary bacterial infection, which causes swelling, pain and discharge.

Over time, these lesions can rupture, ulcerate and recur — making them frustrating for both dogs and their owners if not properly managed.

Why Do Interdigital Cysts Occur?

Interdigital cysts rarely have a single cause. In most cases, several contributing factors are involved.

Common Predisposing Factors

Breed & Paw Conformation
Dogs with broad, splayed feet or poor foot conformation place extra mechanical stress on the skin between their toes. Bulldogs are particularly prone because of the constant pressure and friction in this area.

Coat Type
Short, stiff, bristly hair can easily penetrate the skin between the toes, acting like a foreign body and triggering inflammation.

Allergies
Environmental or food allergies commonly affect the paws. Chronic licking, chewing and inflammation weaken the skin barrier and make infections more likely.

Obesity
Extra body weight increases pressure on the feet, worsening irritation and delaying healing.

Foreign Bodies
Grass seeds, thorns or debris can lodge between the toes and cause local trauma and infection.

Parasites & Infections
Mites, yeast or bacterial infections may contribute to ongoing inflammation.

Hormonal or Immune Conditions
Underlying endocrine disorders or immune-mediated disease can impair skin health and healing.

Clinical Signs to Watch For

Dogs with interdigital cysts may show:

  • Swelling or firm lumps between the toes

  • Redness, ulceration or open sores

  • Pus or bloody discharge

  • Limping or reluctance to walk

  • Excessive licking or chewing at the paws

  • Pain when paws are touched

Because these lesions are painful, dogs may become irritable or less active.

How Are Interdigital Cysts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on:

  • Clinical examination of the paws

  • Assessment of breed, history and recurrence

  • Identifying signs of infection or inflammation

In recurrent or severe cases, additional diagnostics may be recommended, such as:

  • Skin cytology or cultures to identify bacteria or yeast

  • Allergy investigations

  • Biopsies (in rare or non-responsive cases)

  • Blood tests to rule out underlying conditions

Treatment: How We Help Dogs Like Rocco

Treatment depends on severity, infection and whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Medical Management

In Rocco’s case, treatment included:

  • Antibiotics to address secondary bacterial infection

  • Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling

  • Topical cortisone cream to calm inflammation

  • Antiseptic paw washes to keep the area clean and reduce bacterial load

This approach is effective for many dogs when started early.

Supportive Care

  • Keeping paws clean and dry

  • Preventing licking (using cones or boots if needed)

  • Weight management where applicable

Long-Term Management & Prevention

Interdigital cysts can recur, especially in predisposed breeds. Long-term management may include:

  • Regular medicated paw baths

  • Ongoing allergy management if allergies are identified

  • Weight control

  • Routine paw inspections after walks

  • Addressing underlying infections promptly

In chronic, severe or non-responsive cases, surgical intervention or referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be considered.

When Should You See a Vet?

If you notice any swelling, sores, discharge or limping related to your dog’s paws, it’s important to seek veterinary care early. Prompt treatment reduces pain, speeds healing and lowers the risk of recurrence.

Final Thoughts

Interdigital cysts are uncomfortable, frustrating and often recurrent — but with proper diagnosis, treatment and long-term management, most dogs can remain comfortable and active.

Rocco is already well on his way to recovery, and with continued care, we’re hopeful his paws will stay healthy going forward.

If your dog is licking their paws excessively, limping, or has sores between their toes, our team at Bruma Lake Vet is here to help.

The Hidden Dangers of Skipping Parasite Prevention in Pets

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Parasite prevention isn’t just about avoiding scratching or nuisance pests — it’s a critical part of protecting your pet’s overall health. Fleas, ticks and internal parasites can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness when prevention is missed or inconsistent.

Fleas: More Than Just an Itch

Fleas are extremely common, especially during warmer months. While many pet owners associate fleas with scratching, the risks go far beyond discomfort.

Fleas can cause:

  • Severe itching and skin infections
  • Flea allergy dermatitis, which can lead to hair loss, wounds and chronic skin disease
  • Tapeworm infections when pets ingest fleas while grooming
  • Anaemia, particularly dangerous for puppies, kittens and small pets

A heavy flea infestation can weaken young or elderly pets quickly — and once fleas establish themselves in your home, they can be very difficult to eliminate.

Ticks: Small Parasites, Serious Consequences

Ticks are more than just a local irritation. Certain tick species in South Africa transmit life-threatening diseases.

Tick-related risks include:

  • Painful local reactions and skin infections
  • Tick bite fever (Ehrlichiosis) — which can cause fever, bleeding disorders, weakness and organ damage
  • Babesiosis — a potentially fatal disease affecting red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia

These illnesses often require intensive treatment and hospitalisation. Preventing tick attachment is far safer — and far less costly — than treating tick-borne disease.

Worms: The Invisible Threat

Internal parasites are often overlooked because they’re not always visible, but they pose serious risks to pets and people.

Worm infestations can cause:

  • Weight loss and poor growth
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Pot-bellied appearance in puppies
  • Anaemia
  • Zoonotic risk — some worms can infect humans, especially children

Worm burdens increase during wet weather, and when new puppies and kittens are introduced into homes. Regular deworming is essential, even for pets that appear healthy.

Why Regular Preventative Treatment Matters

Parasite preventatives such as flea, tick and worm treatments work best when given consistently and correctly. Missing doses allows parasites to return — often unnoticed — until serious illness develops.

Preventative care:

  • Protects your pet’s health long-term
  • Reduces the risk of expensive emergency treatment
  • Helps keep your home and family safe
  • Supports healthier skin, coat and immune function

How Different Brands Work

Flea & tick options

Frontline (Fipronil)

  • Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
  • Applied topically once a month.
  • Fast-acting, safe for cats and dogs, widely available.
  • Effectiveness decreases with frequent bathing.

Bravecto (Fluralaner)

  • Chewable (dogs only) or topical form.
  • Lasts up to 12 weeks for fleas and ticks.
  • More expensive than monthly treatments

Simparica (Sarolaner)

  • Chewable tablet for dogs only.
  • Protects against fleas and ticks for one month (Simparica Trio offers comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms)

NexGard (Afoxolaner)

  • Chewable tablet for dogs only.
  • Protects against fleas and ticks for one month

Flea, tick & dewormer combination

NexGard Spectra (Afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime)

  • Chewable tablet for dogs only.
  • Protects against fleas and ticks as well as worms and heartworm for one month
  • More expensive option

NexGard Combo for cats (Esafoxolaner + eprinomectin + praziquantel)

  • Topical spot-on treatment for cats
  • Provides broad-spectrum protection against both external and internal parasites in one monthly treatment.

Revolution Plus (Selamectin + sarolaner)

  • Topical monthly treatment for cats and dogs.
  • Protects against fleas, some ticks, heartworm, and certain intestinal parasites.

Advocate (Imidacloprid + moxidectin)

  • Topical monthly treatment for cats and dogs.
  • Provides comprehensive protection against fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms, ear mites, lice, and mange mites
  • Lack of protection against ticks and tapeworms

No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

When it comes to parasite prevention, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your pet’s lifestyle plays a huge role. 

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, visit dog parks, or interact with other animals are at higher risk of picking up fleas, ticks, and worms. 

Cats that roam freely are more likely to hunt prey and encounter parasites, while indoor-only pets may have a lower risk but aren’t completely immune. 

Household factors also matter: if you have young children, other pets, or live in a region with high tick or flea prevalence, extra vigilance is important. 

Chewables are oral, long-lasting, no-mess, great for swimmers/sensitive skin, while spot-ons are topical liquids applied to the skin, offering broad-spectrum protection, but can wash off or cause skin irritation. 

The best choice depends on your pet’s habits (swimming, skin sensitivity) and your lifestyle, so consult your vet for tailored advice.

We’re Here to Help

Every pet’s needs are different. Our team can help you choose the right parasite prevention plan for your dog or cat based on their age, lifestyle and risk factors.

If you’re unsure whether your pet is fully protected — or if you’ve missed treatments — chat to us. Prevention is always better than cure.

The Little Lump With a Big Lesson: Understanding Histiocytomas in Dogs

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Some years ago, we treated a memorable case involving Godzilla, an adorable six-month-old Bulldog pup who developed a peculiar skin growth behind his left foreleg. The lump was button-shaped, hairless, and ulcerated — enough to worry any pet parent.

Why We Can’t Diagnose Lumps Just by Looking

When it comes to skin growths, even experienced vets cannot diagnose a lump purely by sight or touch. Many different conditions look similar on the surface.

In Godzilla’s case, I performed a fine-needle aspirate, using a small needle and syringe to collect cells from the mass. After staining the sample and examining it under a microscope, I was able to make a diagnosis. (If this test is inconclusive, we send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.)

The Diagnosis: Histiocytoma

Godzilla’s lump turned out to be a histiocytoma — a benign skin tumour. These do not spread to other areas and usually do not cause serious harm. dog skin tumour

Histiocytomas are:

  • Common in young dogs under two years old 
  • Reported more frequently in Bulldogs, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Great Danes 
  • But in reality, they can occur in almost any breed 

Do Histiocytomas Go Away on Their Own?

Most histiocytomas resolve naturally within 2–3 months. However, removal is recommended if they:

  • Become infected 
  • Grow large 
  • Cause discomfort or irritation 
  • Show features suspicious for the rare malignant form (Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma) 

In these cases, the growth is surgically removed and often sent to a specialist pathologist for confirmation.

A Reminder to All Pet Parents

Always have any new lump or bump examined by your vet. It is not possible to determine exactly what a mass is simply by looking or feeling it.

What Happened to Godzilla?

Godzilla’s histiocytoma needed to be removed — and we’re pleased to share that he made an excellent recovery. Thank you to Ashley Liu (Godzilla’s mom) for the beautiful collage of his journey.

Till next time,
 Dr Larry
 Bruma Lake Veterinary Clinic

Understanding Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease — Rollo’s Story

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When Rollo, a much-loved male cat, arrived at the clinic recently, he was in serious trouble. He was blocked — meaning a stone in his urethra had prevented him from passing urine. This is one of the most dangerous emergencies we see in male cats and forms part of what we call Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).

A urethral blockage is not something that can wait. Even a few hours can lead to:

  • Life-threatening electrolyte disturbances
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Bladder rupture
  • Severe pain and shock 

Longer-term complications may include chronic kidney disease and a hypotonic bladder (a bladder that can no longer contract effectively).

Fortunately, Rollo’s owner recognised the danger early and brought him in immediately — which saved his life.

How We Treated Rollo

On examination, it was clear that Rollo’s bladder was dangerously enlarged and he was unable to urinate at all — a red-flag emergency.

Here’s what we did:

  1. Cleared the blockage to allow urine to pass. 
  2. Passed a urinary catheter, which we stitched in place to keep it secure. 
  3. Started IV fluids to support his kidneys and flush out crystals. 
  4. Placed him in a collar so he can’t pull out the catheter. 
  5. Ran blood tests to check his kidney function and electrolyte levels. 
  6. Admitted him to hospital for monitoring. 

The catheter will stay in for about two days to keep the bladder empty and prevent it from overstretching — an important step in avoiding a hypotonic bladder later. After removal, Rollo will stay with us for one more day to ensure he doesn’t block again.

Thankfully, he is doing really well so far.

What Is FLUTD?

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra in cats. Male cats are particularly at risk because their urethra is narrow and more easily obstructed.

There are several different forms of FLUTD, including:

1. Urethral Obstruction (Blocked Cat)

Often caused by crystals, mucus plugs, or stones that block urine flow. This is always an emergency.

2. Urolithiasis (Bladder or Urethral Stones)

Stones can irritate the bladder, cause bleeding, or lead to full obstruction — as in Rollo’s case.

3. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

A very common condition linked to inflammation, stress, and environmental factors. Symptoms mimic an infection but occur without bacteria.This disease also occurs in female cats.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

More common in older cats or those with other health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

5. Urethral Spasm

Muscle spasms around the urethra can make urination painful or difficult.

6. Trauma or Anatomical Abnormalities

Less common but still part of FLUTD.

Signs of FLUTD You Should Never Ignore

Contact a vet immediately if you notice:

  • Straining in the litter box
  • Producing only drops of urine
  • Pain or crying while urinating
  • Frequent trips to the litter box with little output
  • Blood in the urine
  • Excessive licking of the genital area
  • Vomiting, lethargy, or collapse (late, severe signs) 

For male cats, straining to urinate is always an emergency. Even if they produce a few drops, they may still be partially blocked.

Can FLUTD Be Prevented?

In many cases, yes — especially when caused by crystals or inflammation.

Prevention may include:

  • Monitoring for early symptoms
  • Prescription urinary diets
  • Improving food quality, as less nutritious and unbalanced diets increase the incidence of crystals in the urine and hence blockages
  • Increasing water intake
  • Weight management
  • Reducing stress and improving environmental enrichment
  • Regular veterinary checks including urine evaluation and blood tests 

Your vet will recommend a long-term plan based on which form of FLUTD your cat has.

Rollo’s Prognosis

Thanks to early treatment, Rollo is recovering beautifully. He will stay with us for monitoring after catheter removal to ensure he doesn’t re-block — a risk in the first few days.

His story is a powerful reminder: If your male cat is struggling to urinate, act fast. It truly can be the difference between life and death.

Understanding CBD Use in Pets: Benefits, Risks, and Veterinary Guidance

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Using CBD in Pets

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound extracted from the hemp plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Unlike THC — a compound found in the cannabis plant — CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause unwanted side effects such as a “high” or severe anxiety.

However, it is not without other side effects, and should therefore be used with caution.

Potential Benefits

Pet owners commonly use CBD to help with:

  • Stiff Joints and Discomfort: Thanks to its potential anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Stress and Anxiety: Providing a calming effect for issues such as separation anxiety or fear of loud noises.

  • Seizures: CBD has shown promise in reducing seizure frequency.

    Note: Do not stop your pet’s prescribed epilepsy medication. Always discuss possible interactions with your vet first.

  • Appetite: May help with nausea and encourage eating in pets with poor appetite.

Crucial Veterinary Warnings and Risks

  • Lack of Regulation: CBD products are largely unregulated, meaning their quality, purity, and actual CBD content can vary widely.

  • Potential Contamination: Some products may contain other substances that are toxic to pets.

  • Drug Interactions: Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, as it can interact with certain medications, including:

    • Anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenobarbital)

    • Anti-inflammatories

    • Cortisone

    • Blood thinners

    • Antidepressants

    • Certain antibiotics and antifungals

Dosing and Side Effects

  • Dosing: It’s best to start low and go slow. A common starting dose is 1–2 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight, given once or twice daily.

  • Possible Side Effects: Watch for signs such as drowsiness, increased thirst (dry mouth), or mild diarrhoea, which can occur if the dose is too high.

In summary:
While CBD may offer some benefits for pets, it should only be used under veterinary guidance. The safety, dosage, and quality of CBD products can vary greatly — so professional advice is essential before trying it for your pet.

Proper restraints when transporting your pets

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You buckle up for safety when you’re in the car, shouldn’t your pet?   Unrestrained pets in a car are a distraction to the driver, and can put driver and pet at risk for serious injury, “or worse,” says Vet Larry.   …   To keep pets safe in transit: Never allow pets to travel […]