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A dog owner feeding a Boerboel NEWS

Food first: Fixing guts, not just symptoms

Dr Karien Brink, Veterinary Key Account Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, brings decades of expertise across veterinary medicine, behaviour, and dermatology. She emphasises the transformative role of nutrition in managing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in dogs and cats, highlighting that dietary interventions are increasingly recognised not just as supportive care, but as a primary therapeutic strategy.

Mariaan NEWS

What you need to consider when running a successful veterinary practice

In Part 1 of our three-part series, Marianne van Wyk, CEO of Vetmaster Online, explores the evolving demands of modern veterinary practice. Running a successful veterinary practice today requires a careful balance of clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and sound business management. In this context, digital enablement is no longer optional — it is essential for sustainable, long-term success.

A veterinary nurses comforting a dog undergoing a procedure NEWS

Onderstepoort veterinary nursing eyes its golden milestone

In 2027, veterinary nursing in South Africa will celebrate 50-years — a milestone that marks half a century of growth, resilience, and dedication to animal care. As we move through 2026, there is a growing sense of anticipation and pride as the profession looks ahead to this significant anniversary. At the heart of this story sits one place: Onderstepoort, or ‘OP’ as it is affectionately known.

Close-up of a veterinarian injecting cattle with an injectable TM formulation NEWS

Optimising cattle reproductive performance through strategic trace mineral supplementation

Reproductive success drives cattle enterprise profitability, and trace minerals play a pivotal role in both bulls and cows. Copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, and chromium influence fertility, embryo viability, and metabolic resilience. Strategic supplementation — especially during pre-breeding, gestation, and stress periods — can correct deficiencies, optimise reproductive outcomes, and enhance herd performance. Injectable formulations offer precise, rapid support under veterinary guidance, improving conception rates and herd profitability.

A vector of the canine microbiome NEWS

The canine GI microbiome and dysbiosis

In this article, Dr Angeliki Kaldelis, Scientific Communications Manager South Africa at Royal Canin, summarises key insights from the Royal Canin Veterinary Academy on the canine gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and dysbiosis. It explores the GI microbial ecosystem’s role in digestion, immunity, and health, the consequences of dysbiosis, diagnostic approaches, and evidence-based dietary and therapeutic strategies to support microbial balance and overall canine GI wellbeing.

Veterinarians dosing a cow with a nutritional supplement NEWS

FMD recovery: The role of targeted nutritional rehabilitation in clinical outcomes

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is more than a viral outbreak — the systemic effects of suppressed feed intake can drive rapid deterioration in affected animals. Veterinary intervention that prioritises early nutritional rehabilitation, including rumen restoration, trace mineral support, and antioxidants, can stabilise metabolism, enhance immune function, and accelerate recovery, ultimately improving survival, productivity, and long-term animal welfare.

Photograph of an inquisitive rabbit NEWS

Gut under siege puts rabbits at risk

Rabbits may be common pets, but their digestive systems are anything but simple. Hindgut fermentation, caecotrophy, and sensitive microbiomes make GI problems a frequent emergency in practice. Dr Coetzee de Beer highlights why specialised knowledge, early intervention, and preventive nutrition are critical to saving lives, supporting gut health, and ensuring these delicate patients thrive in homes and clinics alike

Photograph of Minister John Steenhuisen NEWS

Governance storm precedes new chapter for SAVC

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has been officially reconstituted, bringing together a diverse 20-member team of veterinarians, para-veterinary professionals, academics, and legal experts. With a clear mandate for integrity, governance, and public protection, the new Council aims to restore confidence, strengthen administrative efficiency, and support animal and public health across South Africa, marking a […]

Photograph of Karen Nel INDUSTRY & PRODUCTS

Design Biologix: Pioneering animal health solutions from ‘snout to tail’

From a modest CSIR lab to a 7000 m² state-of-the-art facility, Design Biologix has become a beacon of innovation in animal health. Specialising in Southern African livestock and wildlife vaccines, the company combines rigorous research, rapid response autogenous vaccines, and international-quality manufacturing standards. Their animal-centric approach empowers veterinarians and farmers alike, safeguarding animal health from snout to tail.

Photograph of Dr Amir Anwary NEWS

Meet the vet behind the handle

Before social media fame, Dr Amir Anwary—known to over two million followers as Amir the Vet — was a child caring for orphaned kittens and wildlife. Guided by empathy, resilience, and a lifelong bond with animals, he transformed early instincts into a global platform for veterinary education, conservation, and responsible influence, showing that impact is […]