Companion Animals

As we come into the warmer months, pollens and environmental allergens are present at an all time high. For some of our pets this may mean that the season of itching and scratching has begun.Dogs and cats can be allergic to many different things including…

This is never an easy conversation to have but we are very fortunate in veterinary medicine to have the ability to perform euthanasia on animals.  Most vets will say that this can be the hardest part of our jobs but it can be reframed as…

Did you know it’s illegal to leave your pet in a car on a hot day and you can be liable for a $300 fine? The windows of your car act like a glass house and the inside temperature can get very hot, very quickly…

What is heat stress? The normal temperature of a dog or cat is around 38.5 degrees.  A rectal temperature above 39.4 is generally classed as abnormal.  When your pet overheats they may pant and be thirsty.  They may lie flat on a cool surface and seek…

Also known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy or Cervical Stenosis for short. Affected dogs develop a wobbly gait due to pressure on the spinal cord in the lower part of the neck.  Often the hind legs are affected first.  How does it happen? This disease begins because…

Cats have two thyroid glands, which are located in the neck and play a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate. Hyperthyroidism is caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and leads to an increased metabolic rate. The more thyroid hormone produced, the higher the metabolic rate…

Why do we blood test our pets before surgery?

Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can’t process efficiently. Darker chocolate and smaller dogs mean higher risk. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, a fast heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures. If your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet straight away rather than waiting for…

If you are like me, the arrival of spring may have your eyes running and your nose blocked. It is allergy time. Likewise, we are seeing the usual seasonal increase in itchy dogs. For years we have used cortisone to suppress these symptoms but there…

Let’s get the Facts Early The Kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. As animals age, kidney function often declines. Chronic Kidney Disease can occur because of a variety of reasons including…