In Support of the Health and Happiness of All Pets

Dr Nada de Villiers has been a veterinarian for 16 years and she’s currently working at Blouberg Animal Clinic in Limpopo.

 

Are there common misconceptions about mixed-breed pets?

“People tend to think that they are healthier than purebred pets, but they can get just as sick. People also think that ‘mutts’ are only found in shelters.”

 

Does the health of mixed-breed pets tend to differ from those that are purebred?

“Mixed-breed dogs tend to be slightly tougher, but it varies. A difficult question to answer because I think every vet has their own opinion regarding this topic. I do prefer mixed breeds because they are so interesting.”

 

What are the benefits of having a DNA test done on a pet?

“DNA tests can do a breakdown of the breed makeup of your dog (but there will still be plenty of research left to be done). Health testing, on the other hand, could predict certain health issues or genetic conditions in your dog (it involves breeds-specific screening or general screening for all potential disease-associated genes).”

 

Would you say a pet’s temperament is determined by genetics or how they’re raised?

“In my opinion, a pet’s temperament is determined by both, but I think how they are raised is the most important of the two. A pet with good genetics can be destroyed emotionally by a bad owner.”

 

Any last thoughts on the topic?

“I am in favour of mixed breeds because, in my opinion, one can mitigate some of the unhealthy genetic traits of certain pure breeds. For example, adding a dog with normal airways to a brachycephalic breed could improve the anatomy of their faces. I am not in favour of backyard breeding and irresponsible owners. I am a firm believer in having your pet spayed or neutered in order to prevent unwanted litters. Our shelters are full of animals due to irresponsible humans.”

 

Learn More About Our Vet of the Month (VOM)

Dr Nada is happily married and the mother of twins. She prefers small-animal medicine and performs most of the surgeries at the practice. She has what she calls “an abnormal love for all animals”, especially cats & horses.

 

When did you decide to become a vet?

“I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a child. I was not interested in becoming anything else but a vet.”

 

Dr Nada, do you have any pets?

“Oh yes, and the pets! They are our children! Where do I start…”

 

We thought it might be best to provide a comprehensive list of all Dr Nada’s pets 😉

Rescue cats:

  • Sushi (tuxedo boy).
  • Jellytot (tabby girl).
  • Ninja (snow-shoe Burmese).
  • Monroe (tabby and white girl) and her brother, Catanova (black).
  • Dorito (calico).
  • Odin (tabby boy).
  • Impi (tabby boy).
  • Lennox aka Peanut (ginger boy).
  • Hicks (grey and white bi-colour).
  • Murphy and Sheldon (“seal point, long-haired floof balls”).
  • Quinn (bi-colour girl).
  • Siggy (“black and white, long-haired, floofy girl”).
  • Kai – “A tiny 4-week-old kitten.”
  • Peaches – “My stable cat. I took her in as a working cat, but she gets spoiled.”

A dog:

  • Ntondo – “He is a mixed breed and one-of-a-kind. He has the sweetest nature ever.”

A chicken:

  • Helga (Brahma hen).

An Africa Grey:

  • Olga – “She has a huge cage inside our home and she’s living a life of luxury.”

Ferrets:

  • Hobbs and Hooligan – “Super-charged, persistent chaos. We love them.”

Dumbo rats:

  • Matyeo, Remi, Sprinkle, Django, and Mad-Eyed Moodie.

Horses:

  • Dawn (Warmblood), Sugar aka Supergirl (Appaloosa), Toby’s Spots (Appaloosa), and Dakota (Appaloosa).

Fish:

  • “We have one big black goldfish named Juju and plenty of guppies.”