What does 2016 hold for Russell Vale Animal Clinic?

What will be in store for Russell Vale Animal Clinic for 2016? 

We are filled with such hopes, dreams and aspirations, aren't we, as human beings, and then reality occurs.  Things can happen which can derail those dreams and hopes.

Well, 2015 was again one of those years - it started with someone hacking my computer, and diverting $3000 (that was to pay a tree loper), and ended with the never ending foot path/driveway council work - with multiple break ins, vandalism, and theft of services in the inbetween months.

It almost feels like Russell Vale Animal Clinic is a living version of "Groundhog Day" (for those who are young, this is a reference to a movie which you should never watch when you are drunk).  In 2014, we endured multiple break ins, enough to make it into the local newspaper! 2015 was supposed to be a better year - in which it was, but then it wasn't in other ways.

I won't ever give up on my childhood dream! 

So, what does 2016 hold for us? 

I am so excited about the plans I have for the next twelve months and beyond, and it has already started.   It is as a result of our ongoing investment in our equipment, and ongoing training to provide services that our pets deserve. I am not going to let a few breakins, a smashed pot plant or three, or anything else (although I am not trying to challenge fate), stop me.

Online Veterinary Advice 

Ok, this doesn't require extra equipment or skills, but it is something which every pet owner deserves - an email service, where you can ask any question from your vet, and have it answered within a reasonable time frame. We aim for within 24 hours, and if you are lucky, it is within 2 hours.

Dr Liz is as reliable as your Lab

So it isn't for emergency advice, but then you know to take your pet to an emergency vet for that.  But what about the "hiccuping puppy", or the "just wanted to confirm the dose of abc medications"?  Our online veterinary advice service is perfect for that.

After all, isn't most of the questions you have about the care of your pet not urgent?  Serious enough that you want an answer to, but not serious enough that you are able to pay a vet for?

Our online veterinary service is free, but of course, we will accept donations, which can be made directly via paypal. 
 

Eyes are the Window to the Soul

It is true that the eyes are the windows to our soul, but when they are irritated, so is the owner of these eyes (and the pet's owner too).

Our eye examination usually includes a Schirmer Tear Test (measuring tear production), Fluroscein staining (checking for irregularities to the cornea), and checking for foreign bodies.

Whilst we are experienced in dealing with "red eyes", we had to rely on old technology (our Schiotz tonometer" in being able to accurately measure eye pressures.

In December 2015, our digital Tonovet arrived, which will revolutionize our diagnosis and management of "Red Eyes", whether it be uveitis or glaucoma.

Fluroscein staining on an indolent corneal ulcer (prior to grid keratotomy)

Every dog with "Red Eyes" needs to have the eye pressures measured - this is something that we always knew, and we relied on old technology as well as experience (touching the eyeballs) to get a feel for what was happening.

With our new Tonovet, we are able to accurately measure eye pressures - so instead of saying "it feels soft", we can say " the eye pressure is 8 mm, with the normal range of 15 to 25" (common in uveitis), or "the eye is bulging", we can say "the eye pressure is 56 mm, with the normal range of 15-25" (common in glaucoma, either primary or secondary).

We are expanding our opthalmic service in 2016, to go beyond what we currently do.  We are currently able to manage successfully "Dry Eye", Red eyes,  eyelid nodules, corneal ulcers and ulcerations, weepy eyes, conjunctivitis, cherry eye, epiphora, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, as well as blocked tear ducts.

You can't handle the "Tooth" - ah, yes, I can! 

Sorry for my poor pun on "You can't handle the Truth", a great line by actor Jack Nicholson in the Tom Cruise movie, "A Few Good Men" (1992)

Identifying, and extracting unerupted/hidden teeth and fractured tooth roots is our specialty (sadly).

Ah, yes, we can handle the truth, and your pet's tooth (or teeth),  as we have spent many years training to be able to do just that! In December 2015, we upgraded our dental base to a (almost) top of the line dental base with suction and LED lighting (of course, this description will mean nothing to you, but everything to those vets with a working wish list).  With the training that we are currently undergoing (you know, in the spare time I have from working as a solo vet), we are hoping to offer services that would've often meant extraction of the tooth, or referral to a veterinary dental specialist.

Whilst many of my loving pet owners are willing and able (financially, and with their time) to travel to a veterinary dentist, there are an equal (if not more) number of pet owners who are not able to .  Their pets still need the care, which is something that I, as a vet, recognise.

Hence our commitment to working towards being able to bring in to you, for your pets.

There are many "tooth salvaging " procedures, such as advanced periodontal therapies which we have been offering for a few years now (whereas under normal circumtances elsewhere,  extraction would be the only option available).  This is one of the many reasons, why we are one of the best providers of veterinary dental care in the Illawarra region.

As a final note - we do not extract or perform any dental procedures on your pet without your permission aka - we keep you informed 100% of the time.


Beauty is skin deep, but the itch goes on!

Ah, but the itchy dog seems to annoy more than just the pet.  Being the owner of an itchy pet, every time Piper goes to even look at licking her feet, or chewing her back leg, I squirm.  Allergic skin disease is one of the most frustrating diseases pet owners face.

For those who may not know, Piper is a 2 yr old desexed female kelpie, who has been diagnosed with Food allergy (beef, chicken, fish, lamb, egg, rice), Inhalant allergies (multiple grasses, pollens, dust and dust mite plus cockroaches), Insect bite allergy (fleas predominantly), and she is probably allergic to alot of other things that are yet to be determined.   She is currently on desensitisation injections three weekly, a strict diet (with a dash of doggie scavenging), antihistamines, sprays and special shampoos/conditioners.  Despite all of this, she still has episodes of itchiness, but if you looked at her - you wouldn't know - her coat is shiny, and she looks awesome.

 It takes alot of work to keep her that way. With the knowledge of knowing that we will never cure her, but can only manage her condition to make her comfortably itchy.

So what is new for 2016 - ah, I shall not tell yet, except to say that we feel, oh boy do we feel (and understand), the frustration of an itchy pet.  We also understand that whilst the best practice of skin testing and creation of a personalised vaccine is the best (as this is what we are doing for Piper), that this is an expense that many pet owners cannot do.  I do not say that with disrespect or rudeness, but from experience -  I have had only one pet owner pursue allergy testing (other than me), yet I have seen many allergic pets, and the frustration that this brings.

We are hoping to bring to you an affordable desensitization allergy treatment, as well as a new medication to sooth the chronically itchy pet.

Dr Liz aka Mad Vet

 It is a "watch this space", (or subscribe to our newsletter) to find out more when this becomes available

Is there more?

Well, yes, I do have alot more planned for 2016 -  and it is only through listening to the sort of things that you, the loving pet owner tell us that you are looking for.

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi Lane.

Feel free to wave your magic wand, and share below your "wish list" for your family pets vet.  After all, we are only as good as what you want. 

So you found a "Stray" Dog or cat in Wollongong

As a vet, we are often the first port of call when someone finds a stray pet.  These kind hearted people, who may have stopped their car, and stopped what they were doing to take the time to rescue  this pet, that, more often than not - was playing with the traffic!

And pets who play with the traffic, can often ended up injured, or worse!

Many Good Samaritans are confused as to what the process is next - and it is not uncommon, to have the waiting room full of people (with their pets), with all of the hullabaloo of a stray dog as well.

To help explain the process, we have developed a handout, which we are going to start giving to these people to read, whilst we try to track down pet owners. 

Whilst the majority of people have been understanding of the process involved in scanning, checking databases and contacting pet owners, some feel that their needs takes priority over the other things that may be happening within the veterinary hospital - and this can cause problems.  Also, some do not understand that when we take the stray pet away from them, it is only to reduce the stress for everyone in the room, especially those pets who are waiting to see the vet.  

Thank you for bringing in this lost pet

This is a note to explain to you what happens now -

Note – you can choose to take the dog to the pound directly yourself, or back home whilst we try to contact the owner. If we are placing this dog in a cage, this is to reduce their stress whilst we take the time to check the databases.

We thank you for your patience. Be aware, that under the Companion Animal Act we are not required to do anything with stray animals, however, we want to get them back home as much as you do.

What we will and can do -

1. We will scan the pet for a microchip.
2. We may put them into a cage, temporarily, to reduce their (and our stress) in times when there are other pets or people in our waiting room.
3. We will check the government's Companion Animal Register to identify the pet owners.
4. Under privacy laws – we cannot give you the pet owners address or phone number.
5. We will make contact with the pet owner, and ascertain their instructions on what to do with their pet, and to make arrangements to get their pet back home.

Many pet owners do not come down straight away, as they are at work, and we are happy to keep your contact details to pass on to them.

Many situations arise when the phone number is disconnected, not accepting incoming calls or the person who has the number denies any ownership of a pet. In these situations, the Companion Animal Act is clear – the pet must be transferred to Council as soon as possible.

In these situations, we contact other veterinarians, in case the pet owner has been there, or we will check Facebook and the phone book. We will make contact with the “alternate contact” numbers on the database if they exist.

If we are unable to make any contact, then we transfer the pet to the RSPCA (Council Pound) as soon as we can (usually within 24 hours).

What we cannot do is – keep the pet indefinitely

- rehome the pet

 

What you cannot do is -

• you cannot keep this pet as your own – this pet belongs to someone, and that someone is looking for them.
• You cannot keep the pet for a few days because you do not want it to go to the pound – many pet owners go to the pound first in search of their pet
• You cannot be rude or treat any veterinary staff with disrespect as they are going about their work.

We thank you for your patience whilst we are searching the multiple databases, and (hopefully) contacting the owner of the pet you have rescued from injury!

Any questions do not hesitate to ask! …...... Dr Liz

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi Lane. We are thankful that there are many kind and generous people out there who work tirelessly for our animals!  Thank you, if you are one of them!

Pet Etiquette - Help your pet be a great part of our Community!

This year, 2015, has been one of the most extraordinary years - and not in a good way! 

The rules are written there - just for you! 

As a vet, I am here to care for injured and sick animals, but what devastates me, is that this year, I have seen a spike in the number of dog bite wounds I have had to treat, as well as the number of cats too!

 What made it worse - the number of pet owners who just walked away after the incident! 

The Companion Animal Act 1998 changed the landscape of our animals as part of our New South Wales animal loving community. 

Cats became a "legal entity", and it was legal requirement for BOTH cats and dogs to be microchipped and registered! 

Pets could not be purchased or given away (even if free) without being microchipped, and the new pet owner details needed to be updated on the Companion Animal Register.

Dogs walking "off leash" in public areas was banned, and "Off Leash "  parks and beaches were created.

In 2014, there was a BIG move to STOP our dog's access to some areas -  all because some pet owners refused to follow community expectations of "Pet Etiquette" . These policies are reviewed on  a regular basis, so please do not do anything that gives the "anti-dog" people of our community and council any leverage! 

Paige doing the "Poo Pick up"

The power is in OUR hands!

And our hands should be holding a leash, attached to our dog when in a public space! If you are an "animal lover', you will love and respect all animals, not just your own; you should understand how the behaviour of your pet will affect other pets. 

What has upset me this year, has been the number of people who have witnessed their dog attack another dog, but walk away!  This is directed towards you - be the person your dog thinks you are! 

Hint:  If you are travelling to another area, please check with the local Council's rules on pets - some councils will not even allow pets on sports grounds, or parks. 

Pet Etiquette Tips

• Take ample "poo bags" with you - they are cheap, and it really isn't that icky a job.
• Make sure your  dog always has a collar with an up to date (with phone numbers)  pet tag attached.  If they are being baby sat, a key tag with phone numbers is cheap and easy.
• Do not use retractable leads - they are dangerous, and not appropriate leads for a walk. Many dogs have damaged their necks as a result of these leads, or worse
•  Socialise your dog - i.e train them to not want to go up to every other dog out there!  
• Respect those around you - if you want your dog to play with their dog - ask them first if their dog is up to social interaction!
• One dog per person - if you have four dogs - then you need four people.  Allowing four dogs to run amok, and harass another dog (this happened to our Piper recently) is unfair, and is, in reality, bullying. No one likes a bully!
• Your dog should be able to obey basic commands - such as "come" and "sit"

Hint:  Ask other pet owners if their pets are OK with other dogs - your pet may be friendly, but theirs may just like to walk and play solo!  

•  If your pet hurts another (even if minor), do not say "its only a scratch", or worse, walk away. Be the person your pet believes that you are, and help the other pet and their owner.
• Do not tie your pet outside a shop, house anywhere unattended - it is an open invitation to someone to steal them, or worse, they are tied and could be attacked by any stray pet that may come along.
• You are in control of your pet's world - so if they need exercise, you need to do it, if they need food, water, you must supply it, and if they need love - give it!

And - if you know your dog doesn't like other dogs, and if you have no control over them, DO NOT go to an off leash area!  

I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi.  Our dog Piper loves going to our off leash dog beaches and parks, and, and she (mostly) behaves very very well.  We wish we had a fenced Dog Park area for her to play in, such as the dogs in Canberra, but alas, it is not to be!