Having a sick pet is horrible. Some pet owners rush the animal to the vet quickly for a diagnosis and possible treatment, others may give it a day or two before making the appointment. Neither way is the right way. As a pet owner you know and understand your pet better than anyone and you know when to make the call. It’s something called instinct.

Booking an examination is easy

If you are worried or feel that something is wrong, bring your pet in for an examination. Our vet will look at your animal, take his or her temperature, do a thorough examination and health check. If we feel it is required we may admit your pet into hospital for observation, advanced diagnostics and treatment.

How to know when your pet is sick?

  • Loss of appetite.
  • Increased thirst.
  • Lethargy.
  • Unusual or aggressive behaviour.
  • Unusual panting.
  • Runny stomach.
  • Vomiting.

Radiology

We have highly trained and experienced radiologists on our staff and offer a wide range of radiological services. X-rays are a very useful and non-invasive way of diagnosing problems in your pet. We are able to do plain X-rays and contrast X-rays such as barium swallows, intravenous pyelograms, urethrograms, myelograms etc. We can do hip and elbow X-rays for any of the Australian HD and Elbow schemes.

Ultrasound

We have experienced ultrasonographers available and offer a wide range of ultrasound services. Ultrasound is a sensitive and non-invasive way of diagnosing many conditions and can be used to obtain biopsies without going to surgery. We can do pregnancy ultrasounds (from 21 days), abdominal ultrasounds, cardiac ultrasounds, Polycystic Kidney Disease testing and ultrasound guided biopsy of most internal organs.

Endoscopy

We can perform endoscopy of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts using both rigid and flexible endoscopes. Endoscopy can be used to take biopsies of the stomach and duodenum and the nose as well as visualise lesions in these places. It can also be used to remove foreign bodies from the oesophagus, stomach and nasal cavity, without going to major surgery.

Pathology Services

The hospital has a fully equipped pathology laboratory and most routine pathology and blood testing can be performed in house on the same day. This ability to rapidly reach a diagnosis is extremely important in getting your pet quick and effective treatment. For other tests, a daily courier service ensures a quick turnaround time.

Cancer Treatment

Until recently, surgery was the main form of cancer treatment. In recent times we have found chemotherapy to be a very effective option for pets with cancer. The aim of chemotherapy in veterinary medicine varies from human medicine and we aim not for a cure but for extended quality of life. As such the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy in people are rarely seen in animals. We have several staff members who are both skilled and experienced in this area and will be happy to advise you and answer any questions on all aspects of this treatment option.

In an emergency

If the signs are much worse, sudden frothing at the mouth, or seizures, bring your pet to emergency as soon as possible. Speed is important and it is best to get to the vet early and for diagnosis.

If you have a puppy or kitten, or any new and young animal with any of the above symptoms, you should see the vet as quickly as possible. Puppies and kittens are still building up their immune systems and are more susceptible to illness. You do not want to waste any time.

What can you do for your pet at home?

If you cannot get your sick pet to the vet quickly, or you decide to wait a day or two, ensure that you keep them well hydrated, comfortable and of course, keep an eye on them. Hopefully they improve quickly and have what we humans know as a ’24 hour bug’ but if they are not showing any improvement, bring them in.  Our job is to diagnose and treat, at the same time as ensuring the animals do not go through any stress, and that you do not go through any stress either.

Making life easier for you

Bring your dog on it’s leash, or bring your cat in it’s cat-box. It will be easier for you to handle the animal once you are at the vet. Try and stay calm because the calmer you are, the calmer your pet is. If there is anything you are specifically worried about, talk to us. Our  job is to diagnose what is wrong with your pet and to treat him in the best possible way.