Sydney Animal Hospitals

A Complete Golden Retriever Care Guide

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:36:06 GMT

Intelligent, friendly, gentle and loyal for life, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog here in Australia.

If you’re thinking of welcoming a new four-legged member into the family, this Golden Retriever care guide is for you. From temperament, size, and health to grooming, feeding, and training, our Sydney Animal Hospitals vets share all the information you need to look after and raise your Golden Retriever dog with confidence.

Golden Retrievers are an irresistible combination of intelligence, affection, loyalty and eagerness to please. Some standout and particularly endearing traits include:

People-Oriented : If ever there was a dog breed to thrive on human interaction, this is it. Golden Retrievers just love being a member of the family, and their high intelligence helps them bond quickly and effortlessly. Don’t be surprised if you develop a devoted shadow with the arrival of this dog - they will love to follow you around!
Gentle : Their kindness and patience make them a perfect addition to any family with children. They also typically get on well with other household pets and visitors.
Easy to Train : Considered one of the smartest dog breeds, they learn fast and want to please. It’s therefore no surprise that they often make great service and therapy dogs.
Playful : Given their recreational background, these dogs love retrieving, swimming, agility work, and anything that gets their blood pumping and energy levels up! They should be exercised for at least one to two hours every day .

Need professional vet advice before committing to a Golden Retriever puppy or dog?

Sydney Animal Hospitals is here to help.

(02) 8319 5555

All About Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers hail from Scotland, where they were bred as gun dogs to retrieve game from land and water. Because of this background, they instinctively love fetching, swimming and staying active.

With their beautiful golden coats , ‘feathery’ tails and strong, athletic canine build , this medium-sized, muscular dog is an undeniably handsome breed. Combined with their gentle demeanour, intelligence and friendly nature, they are an especially popular choice of pet among Australian families.

Golden Retriever Temperament and Personality

Are Golden Retrievers Good Guard Dogs?

Given they’re so playful, friendly and gentle, it’s not surprising to hear that Golden Retrievers do not make good guard dogs.

Average Golden Retriever Weight and Height

The chart below captures the average height and weight for a Golden Retriever :

The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 10 - 12 human years.

Refer to our Sydney Animal Hospitals puppy weight calculator to better estimate your dog’s final size.

Generally speaking, this is a healthy breed provided it is well-cared for. However, like with any dog breed, you need to be watchful for specific health conditions, such as:

Stifle Disease - cruciate ligament rupture which requires surgery. It’s important to keep them at a healthy weight to prevent this.
Elbow or Hip Dysplasia - joints may not form normally, leading to early pain and arthritis later in life.
Juvenile Cataracts - a clouding that can form over the eyes of Golden Retriever puppies.
Pigmentary Uveitis (PU) - an inherited eye disease that typically affects older dogs. It causes pigment build-up and inflammation in the eye, and can result in glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)- a genetic eye disease that gradually affects the retina and eventually leads to blindness.
Heart Diseases - particularly Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis , which is a narrowing below the aortic valve and forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to faintness, fatigue, an aversion to exercise and even death.
Ear and Skin Infections - especially common in Retrievers that like to swim.

Golden Retriever Health Issues

Australia-Specific Health Considerations

Golden Retriever owners in Sydney and Australia-wide need to also watch out for sun exposure and tick paralysis .

Maintaining regular vet check-ups, inspecting your dog’s ears weekly for any infection and brushing your dog’s teeth regularly will help keep your dog as healthy as possible.

Golden Retriever Grooming

This is a moderate-shedding breed, though it will shed heavily twice a year. As with all pet grooming , the best approach is to brush your dog regularly (at least twice a week) to remove dead hair. When the dog is shedding heavily, brushing should take place at least daily.

Giving your dog a bath can help loosen dead hair, but make sure they are completely dry before you begin. Trim nails regularly.

Golden Retriever Feeding Guide

This is a breed that likes its food, so watch for signs of weight gain and don’t be too generous with doggy treats or meal leftovers! Like all animals, pet nutrition is paramount from an early age.

Golden Retriever Training Guide

Every pet dog should be socialised and trained as early as possible. Exposing your Golden Retriever puppy to a variety of people, places, noises, animals, and situations will help them adjust and become well-mannered adults. Aim to do this between seven weeks and four months of age.

Consider obedience training not only to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, but also to prevent bad habits from developing. This breed lives to please, so it will be exceptionally keen to take direction.

Contact Us for More Reliable Golden Retriever Breed Information

We hope this Golden Retriever owner's guide proves useful. There’s no doubt you’re considering one of the most affectionate, devoted and gentle pet dogs as part of your family.

At Sydney Animal Hospitals, our vets understand that every dog is unique. From puppyhood through to their senior years, we’re here to support your Golden Retriever’s health and wellbeing with tailored advice, puppy vaccinations , routine health checks and compassionate care.

Whether you’re preparing for your first puppy visit or seeking guidance as your dog grows older, you can trust our experienced veterinary team to be by your side at every stage of your dog’s life.

Partner with a veterinary team that will care for your Golden Retriever for life.

Golden Retriever Care Guide FAQs

A Complete Cavoodle Dog Breed Guide

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:05:37 GMT

With their soft, teddy bear looks and affectionate personalities, it’s no surprise that Cavoodle dogs have become one of Australia’s most loved dog breeds.

They are known for being friendly, intelligent, and adaptable, making them a popular choice for families, couples, and first-time dog owners alike.

In this complete Cavoodle guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know before bringing one home. From temperament, size, and health to grooming, feeding, and training, we’ll help you better understand the breed so you can care for your Cavoodle with confidence.

Got questions about Cavoodles? Call or email Sydney Animal Hospitals for advice and support on all areas of Cavoodle care.

A Brief History: What Is a Cavoodle?

The Cavoodle is a beloved hybrid that originated in Australia. It combines the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligent Poodle . This pairing was designed to create a “designer dog” suited for families, singles, and retirees alike.

Over the years, Cavoodles have become one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds due to their affectionate nature and adaptability.

Cavoodles come in a range of sizes, including toy Cavoodle , miniature Cavoodle , and standard Cavoodle (aka full-grown Cavoodle), giving prospective owners flexibility depending on their living space and lifestyle. Their charming, expressive eyes, soft coats, and sturdy build make them not only cute but highly appealing for those looking for a loyal, intelligent pet.

Personality and Temperament

Cavoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and intelligent personalities , which make them excellent companions.

Cavoodles are also highly social dogs that tend to get along well with other pets, as well as children of all ages.

This combination of smarts and sociability has earned them a reputation as one of the most adaptable and loving small dog breeds, suitable for both active households and quieter environments.

Size and Weight

Cavoodle dog sizes vary depending on the type, with each having its own weight and height range.

Cavoodle puppies grow quickly in the first six months, often doubling their birth weight in just a few months. An adult Cavoodle maintains a small to medium stature, making it ideal for apartments or smaller homes.

Toy : Typically weighs 4–6kg and stands around 25–30cm tall.
Miniature : Usually 7–11kg, with a height of 30–35cm.
Standard : Can weigh 12–14kg and stand 35–38cm tall.

Use the Sydney Animal Hospitals puppy weight calculator to get an even more accurate estimate of your dog’s final size.

Health and Wellbeing

Cavoodles are generally healthy; however, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Common Cavoodle health issues include:

Mitral valve disease (heart conditions common in the Cavalier lineage)

Hip dysplasia (joint problems are more common in the poodle lineage)

Progressive retinal atrophy (affects eyesight over time)

Regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care can help detect issues early and keep your Cavoodle happy and healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing daily exercise also reduces the risk of complications.

Care and Grooming

Like all dogs, Cavoodles benefit from consistent pet grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy and comfortable. They have coats that can be curly, wavy, or straight , with textures inherited from their Poodle and Cavalier parents. They are low-shedding but require regular grooming to prevent tangles and maintain a healthy coat.

Cavoodle dog grooming time is a great opportunity for bonding, and they thrive when their coats are clean and well-maintained.

How to groom a Cavoodle : Brush your Cavoodle daily or at least several times a week, and get them professionally groomed every 6–8 weeks. Regular baths help keep skin and coat healthy, but don’t overdo them.

Nutrition and Feeding

Healthy pet nutrition is crucial for both young and old Cavoodles. Puppies require nutrient-rich food to support growth, while adults need a balanced diet to maintain high energy levels.

Providing fresh water at all times and monitoring weight helps your Cavoodle live a longer, healthier life.

Cavoodle food guide : Feed portioned meals 2–3 times per day, including high-quality protein, moderate fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can aggravate hip and heart issues.

Training and Behaviour

Cavoodles are highly trainable dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement . Early socialisation is key to preventing separation anxiety and promoting good behaviour. Daily mental stimulation and exercise are essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Cavoodles adapt well to apartments or houses with yards, provided they receive enough attention and activity.

Cavoodles enjoy interacting with adults, children, and other dogs, making them an ideal family companion for a variety of living situations.

Get Trusted Cavoodle Breed Care at Sydney Animal Hospitals

At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we understand that every Cavoodle is unique. From puppies to adults, our experienced team provides expert advice, routine checkups, and specialised care tailored to the Cavoodle dog.

Whether it’s health checks, vaccinations, grooming guidance, or feeding advice, we’re here to help you give your Cavoodle the best start in life and maintain their wellbeing for years to come.

Still not sure if a Cavoodle is right for your family? Call or email our friendly team today to find out more.

FAQs

Animal Surgery Recovery Guide: What Every Owner Should Know

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:37:33 GMT

Having a pet undergo surgery can be stressful, but knowing what to do afterwards can make all the difference to their recovery.

Whether it’s a routine operation or a complex procedure, the right aftercare helps your pet heal faster, stay comfortable, and avoid complications.

Read on for our top 7 pet surgery recovery tips for pet owners — plus what to expect in the hours, days, and weeks ahead.

Has your cat or dog just come out of vet surgery ? Get a post-operative care plan in motion ASAP. Speak to the pet surgeons at Sydney Animal Hospitals today!

How to Care for Your Pet After Surgery: Our Top Tips

1. Create a Comfortable Environment

In the 24 hours immediately after surgery, your pet will probably be a bit drowsy or unsteady on their feet. This is normal, as they have just been put under anaesthetic and on pain medication.

This post-surgery disposition usually resolves with plenty of bed rest and a calm environment at home. Make sure they have a warm, quiet space away from loud noises, people, and other pets. Offer their favourite blanket or bed for comfort, and keep them in a familiar area where they feel safe.

A peaceful setting lets their body begin the healing process and helps them feel secure during the first crucial hours of their recovery period.

2. Restrict Activities and Exercise

It goes without saying that it might take a while for your pet to return to their usual activities after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery for animals, this could range from a few days to several weeks.

In the meantime, keep walks short, slow and on-leash at all times, and avoid games that involve running, jumping, or rough play.

Restricting activity is essential to prevent strain on stitches, swelling, or re-injury, and to give the body the time it needs to heal.

3. Follow a Pain Management Plan

After pet surgeries, vets will prescribe pain relief, often involving oral medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to follow these instructions exactly as prescribed.

Staying on top of pain management will help your pet feel more comfortable and prevent them from becoming restless or agitated during recovery.

4. Keep the Wound Clean and Dry

The incision site is particularly vulnerable in the first few days after dog or cat surgery. Make sure your pet’s wound stays dry—this means no baths or swimming until your vet says it’s safe.

Check the area daily for any dirt, debris, or discharge. If your pet has been sent home with a bandage, ensure it remains intact and doesn’t slip or become soiled.

To stop your cat or dog from licking, biting, or scratching the wound, your vet may recommend an Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar or cone). While some pets take a little time to adjust, an Elizabethan collar plays a vital role in preventing infection and ensuring the wound heals properly.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet

After surgery, some pets experience a temporary drop in appetite. This is often due to anaesthetic, stress, or pain medication. Offer them small, frequent meals of their regular diet or any special food recommended by your vet.

Avoid introducing new treats or foods at this time, as this can upset their stomach. Good nutrition will support their immune system and give them the energy needed for recovery.

6. Check for Complications or Infections

Keep an eye out for any changes in your pet’s behaviour or the appearance of the wound. Common signs that something might be wrong include excessive swelling, redness, bleeding, vomiting, lethargy, or signs of pain.

Please contact us if you notice any of these symptoms so we can examine your pet promptly and reduce the risk of further complications.

7. Book a Follow-Up Appointment

A follow-up appointment allows your vet to check how well your pet is healing, remove any stitches if needed, and adjust their recovery plan.

The recovery timeline will vary depending on the type of procedure—soft tissue surgeries can heal within 10 to 14 days, while orthopaedic surgeries can require several weeks of restricted activity.

In some cases, your vet may recommend cat and dog physiotherapy to help restore movement, strength, and flexibility after an operation.

Pet Surgery Recovery Checklist

To make monitoring your pet’s post animal surgery progress even easier, here's a timeline-based checklist summarising the steps you can follow at home:

24-48 hours after surgery:

Quiet, warm place for rest

Offer water and light food in small amounts

Begin medication schedule

2–5 days after surgery:

Monitor the surgical site twice daily

Protect the wound/stitches from licking or chewing

Prevent vigorous movement or exercise

6–9 days after surgery:

Continue feeding and hydration routines

Watch for signs of healing or complications

10–14 days after surgery:

Attend follow-up vet visit

Resume regular activity and diet unless instructed otherwise

14+ days after surgery (for more complex cases):

Gradually increase activity under guidance

Consider physio and/or rehab if recommended

Monitor mobility and comfort

Choose Sydney Animal Hospitals for Cat & Dog Surgery

We offer a wide range of pet surgery services to repair bone, joint, ligament and soft tissue conditions – but our involvement in your pet’s road to recovery doesn’t end there!

We also help by creating a comprehensive post-surgery care plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs. From pain management and wound care to dietary advice and rehabilitation, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way.

With advanced technology and highly skilled surgeons, we’re committed to helping your furry friend heal quickly and comfortably.

Contact us to find out everything you need to know about surgery for pets, from available surgical procedures and cost estimates to recovery timelines and post-surgical support.

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs: Risks, Signs and Treatment

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:23:58 GMT

Everyone knows dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate — but most people don’t know why it’s dangerous or what the consequences can be.

Chocolate ingestion is a common yet serious emergency for dogs, and fast action can save their life.

In this blog, we’ll explain why chocolate is so toxic, warning signs to watch for, prevention tips, and most importantly, what to do if your dog eats chocolate.

Concerned your dog may have eaten chocolate? See if they’re at risk with our chocolate toxicity calculator , then bring them in to your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals clinic for an urgent assessment.

Why Is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two chemicals that are harmless to humans in normal amounts but toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Dogs’ bodies metabolise these substances much more slowly, which means the chemicals build up in their body and can affect their central nervous system, heart, and digestive system.

If left untreated, severe chocolate toxicity can lead to organ damage or even death.

How Much Chocolate Is Toxic for Dogs?

How much chocolate can a dog eat? The simple answer is: none.

To be more specific, it depends on the type of chocolate (dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate), as well as your dog’s size, weight, age, breed, and any existing health conditions.

The general rule of thumb is: the more bitter the chocolate, the higher the risk.

Cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate contain the most theobromine, so they are the most dangerous. So, as little as 20–40 grams of dark chocolate can cause severe poisoning in small dogs.

Approximate toxicity levels:

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

The most common clinical signs of chocolate toxicity in dogs include:

Agitation or restlessness
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Drooling
Panting
Queasiness or loss of appetite
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Muscle tremors, spasms or quivering
Loss of coordination
Seizures

Chocolate toxicity symptoms in dogs can escalate quickly, so watch your pet closely and seek professional help if they deteriorate.

How Vets Diagnose the Toxicity of Chocolate in Dogs

Veterinarians determine the severity by asking about the amount and type of chocolate ingested, time since ingestion, and your dog’s weight, breed, and health history.

They may also perform tests and monitoring, such as heart rate and rhythm checks, blood tests to assess organ function, and observation for neurological symptoms.

How Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs Is Treated

The sooner your dog is assessed, the better the outcome.

At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we’ll advise you to bring your dog into one of our Sydney emergency vet clinics immediately, no matter what time of day it is.

Depending on the extent of your dog’s condition, our in-patient care may include:

Inducing vomiting to remove chocolate from the stomach
Administering activated charcoal to prevent absorption into the bloodstream
Intravenous fluids to flush toxins and support recovery
Medications for nausea, seizures, or heart irregularities
Monitoring for tremors or arrhythmias

In severe cases, overnight hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, monitoring, and a urinary catheter is needed to prevent toxin reabsorption.

How to Prevent Chocolate Toxicosis in Dogs

One of the simplest things you can do to keep dogs away from chocolate is to keep it in sealed containers out of reach. Never leave chocolate (or any other non-dog-friendly foods) out on tables or counters.

Tell your children about the dangers of feeding chocolate to pets, and ensure the whole family is vigilant during holiday periods like Easter, Halloween and Christmas when there might be large quantities of chocolate in the house.

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by chocolate or any other product, answer a few questions in our pet poisons guide to get immediate advice on what to do next.

FAQs

A Complete Guide to Puppy Growth Stages

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:35:20 GMT

Bringing a new pup home is such an exciting experience, but there’s no shame in finding it daunting, too. From their first steps to fierce independence, every stage of their growth presents unique milestones and challenges.

Understanding the developmental stages of a puppy will help you provide the right care, nurture positive behaviours, and ensure your puppy grows up healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

In this blog, we’ll explain each of the 7 key phases of puppy development, abnormalities to be on the lookout for, and how Sydney Animal Hospitals can support you on your new puppy owner journey.

Download our free new puppy checklist for trusted veterinary advice on when to book vaccinations, desexing, and in-clinic puppy health check-ups.

Development Stages of a Puppy: An Overview

Puppies grow rapidly, especially in the first few months. Their physical, emotional, and social development occurs in stages, each with key puppy development milestones such as opening their eyes, first steps, teething, and reaching sexual maturity.

Keep reading for a detailed explanation of each stage, or skip ahead to the one you are most interested in by selecting a period below:

7 Stages of Puppy Development: In Detail

1. Neonatal Period (0-2 weeks)

During the first two weeks of life, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother for warmth, nutrition, and protection.

Their eyes and ears are closed, so they rely on smell, touch, taste, suckling, and grasping. They can’t support their full body weight yet, but their front legs are strong enough to crawl and wiggle. Puppies are mostly quiet, occasionally making soft squeaks.

Care tips: Keep puppies warm and monitor feeding. Handle gently if necessary — minimal interference is ideal.

2. Transitional Period (2-4 weeks)

The transitional stage marks the start of sensory awareness and early motor development . Puppies become more responsive to their surroundings and begin interacting with siblings (if they have any).

With their eyes and ears now open, they start sitting up, standing and exploring their environment. Sharp little baby teeth will begin to emerge, and they take their first wobbly steps – they can even wag their tails!

Care tips: Encourage gentle exploration and introduce soft sounds and textures to stimulate their senses. You can start to slowly wean them off their mother’s milk and onto solid food.

3. Socialisation Period (4-12 weeks)

The socialisation period is one of the most important. Exposure to people, other animals, and varied environments sets the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog.

They start to learn bite inhibition (i.e., how to bite gently through play) and begin to recognise human and dog social cues. They also become more confident around new sights, sounds, and experiences, which can help prevent fear or aggression later in life.

Care tips: Consider enrolling them in puppy preschool to learn many of the social skills they will retain for the rest of their lives.

4. Juvenile Period (3-6 months)

During the pre-adolescent period, puppies continue to grow rapidly and begin testing boundaries .

Teething stops, they become fully house-trained, and social skills are reinforced through regular interactions with people and other dogs. Their physical coordination gets better, which leads to stronger independence and curiosity. However, this can sometimes lead to stubborn pet behaviours .

Care tips: Maintain positive reinforcement and continue socialisation with controlled exposure to new people and pets.

5. Adolescent Period (6-12 months)

As puppies reach sexual maturity, their hormones change, and this can make them more challenging to control and train .

Puberty means that heat cycles begin in females and males start marking their territory. Puppies often become more independent and adventurous during this time, which can sometimes lead to increased risk-taking.

Care tips: Supervise interactions to prevent unsafe behaviours. Keep up puppy training and structured routines, and discuss dog desexing options with your vet.

6. Emotional Maturity Period (12-18 months)

Puppies reach adulthood and begin to show fully developed emotional and social behaviours .

Adulthood often starts early for smaller breeds, at around 12 months. Larger breeds won’t reach maturity until at least 18 months of age. Generally, mature adult dogs are much calmer and more self-controlled than they are during the adolescent phase.

Care tips: Transition your pup from puppy food to adult dog food. Continue to train them to be well-behaved and social.

7. The Fear Periods (8-16 weeks & 6-14 months)

The fear periods are two stages when puppies become extremely sensitive to new experiences .

They may suddenly react with anxiety to things they were previously fine with. Signs include shaking, hiding, backing away, barking or growling.

Care tips: Approach these reactions gently and reassuringly. Avoid pushing your puppy into new or stressful situations during this time.

Normal vs Abnormal Puppy Development Stages

The development stages of a puppy can be a little different for everyone, but it’s important to be able to identify when things aren’t progressing as they should.

Normal signs include steady weight gain, learning bite inhibition and social cues, and responding positively to training, people and other animals around them.

Abnormal signs can include a failure to meet the usual puppy developmental milestones mentioned above, a persistent lack of energy, poor appetite, or extreme anxiety or aggression.

If your pup is behaving oddly, book them in for a veterinary appointment to address the issue ASAP.

Get Puppy Growth and Development Support at Sydney Animal Hospitals

Regular vet visits are a must during the critical 7 stages of puppy growth.

Puppies should have their first check-up at around 6–8 weeks of age, then return every few weeks until about 16 weeks for puppy vaccinations .

We’ll also help you track their weight with our puppy growth calculator and monitor milestone visits at 6 months and 1 year to ensure healthy growth and development.

Book your puppy's first health check today at your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals clinic.

FAQs

A Complete French Bulldog Dog Breed Guide

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:53:47 GMT

With their distinctive flat faces, bat ears, and charming personalities, it's no surprise that French Bulldogs have become one of Australia's most sought-after dog breeds.

They are known for being affectionate, docile, and adaptable, making them great choices for those seeking loyal companion dogs.

In this comprehensive French Bulldog care guide, you'll learn everything you need to know before bringing one home. From characteristics, size, and temperament to health needs, diet, and exercise, we'll help you get to know the breed better so you can look after your Frenchie with ease.

Read our French Bulldog guide below and contact Sydney Animal Hospitals for professional advice and dedicated French Bulldog care.

French Bulldog Breed History

The French Bulldog (also known as a Frenchie) is a beloved companion breed with fascinating origins. Despite the name, French Bulldogs actually originated in England during the mid-1800s as miniature versions of the English Bulldog , bred specifically as lap dogs for Nottingham lace workers.

During the Industrial Revolution, these artisans migrated to France for work, bringing their bulldogs with them. The breed quickly gained popularity among Parisian society, with breeders refining their ears and compact build, giving rise to the Bouledogue Français —the French Bulldog we know today.

By the late 1800s, Frenchies had charmed their way to America and eventually Australia, where they've consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular breeds.

Physical Characteristics and Size

French Bulldogs have signature skin folds, a stocky, muscular build, and short, stumpy tails . They come in various colours including fawn, brindle, cream, and white.

French Bulldog sizes are relatively consistent across the breed, with males slightly larger than females. French Bulldog puppies grow steadily during their first year, reaching full maturity around 12–14 months.

Adult French Bulldog size:

Weight : Typically 8–14kg
Height : 28–33cm at the shoulder
Body shape : Compact, broad-chested with a "square" silhouette

Use our Sydney Animal Hospitals puppy weight calculator to get an even more precise estimate of the final size of your full-grown French Bulldog .

Personality Traits

French Bulldogs are known for their loyal, playful, and easygoing personalities , which make them excellent companions.

Frenchies are also highly social dogs that form strong bonds with their families and tend to get along well with children and other pets when properly socialised.

However, they can be prone to separation anxiety and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They thrive on human interaction and are happiest when included in daily family activities.

Health Considerations

Although generally robust, French Bulldogs are predisposed to certain health conditions. Common French Bulldog health issues include:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) : Causes breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, and heat sensitivity
Hemivertebrae : Spinal malformations that can cause pain or mobility issues and can predispose to intervertebral disk disease
Allergies and skin conditions : Facial fold dermatitis, environmental allergies, and food sensitivities
Eye problems : Cherry eye, dry eye, and corneal ulcers due to their prominent eyes and flat faces
Joint issues : Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation

Preventive care can help detect French Bulldog breeding issues early. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity significantly exacerbates breathing difficulties.

Sydney climate considerations: Australia’s hot, humid summers are particularly dangerous for French Bulldogs. Always provide air conditioning, avoid midday exercise, and watch for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.

Grooming and Care

French Bulldogs benefit from regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy and comfortable. They have short, smooth, single coats that are low-maintenance compared to longer-haired breeds.

Whilst they are moderate shedders , they require specific care for their unique physical features. Special French Bulldog grooming considerations:

Facial wrinkles : Clean daily with a damp cloth, dry thoroughly, and apply veterinary-recommended balm if needed
Ears : Weekly cleaning to prevent infections
Tear staining : Gentle daily wiping helps
Nails : Regular trimming every 3–4 weeks
Bathing : Monthly baths or as needed, using gentle dog shampoo

Professional pet grooming every 8–12 weeks can help maintain nail length and overall hygiene, though French Bulldogs don't require haircuts like some breeds.

Diet and Nutrition

Good pet nutrition is important for French Bulldogs at every life stage. Puppies require nutrient-rich dog food formulated for small dogs to support proper growth, whilst adults need balanced diets to maintain a healthy weight and energy levels.

French Bulldog feeding considerations:

Portion control : French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain; measure food carefully
Flat-face friendly bowls : Shallow, wide dishes make eating easier
Food allergies : Common in the breed; watch for skin issues or digestive upset
Slow feeding : Many Frenchies eat too quickly; consider slow-feeder bowls
Avoid heat : Never feed immediately before or after exercise, especially in warm weather

Training and Behaviour

French Bulldogs are moderately trainable dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and patience. Whilst intelligent, they can be stubborn and independent, requiring consistency and gentle persistence rather than harsh corrections.

Early house training and socialisation are key to managing territorial behaviour and promoting good manners around other dogs and people.

They adapt well to apartments or houses with yards and only require minimal exercise compared to other breeds—short 10–15 minute walks plus gentle play sessions are typically sufficient.

Training tips : French Bulldogs are food-motivated, so use treats and praise. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) to maintain attention and avoid exercise in hot weather due to breathing difficulties.

Get Trusted French Bulldog Breed Care at Sydney Animal Hospitals

At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we know that French Bulldogs have unique health needs. From puppies to adults, our experienced Sydney vet team provides checkups, screenings, and specialised care designed for brachycephalic breeds.

Whether it's respiratory health assessments, skin fold care, weight management, or more general French Bulldog breed info and advice, we'll help you give your beloved Frenchie the best life possible.

Not sure if a Frenchie is right for you and your family? Talk to our team today.

FAQs

BENEFITS OF DESEXING YOUR PETS

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:22:00 GMT

From preventing serious disease to reducing roaming and aggression, discover the biggest benefits of male and female cat and dog desexing here.

Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 08:30:00 GMT

Flea and tick prevention for your pets is the ideal way to give them a happy, long life. Find out the best tactics for looking after your furry friends.

7 Health Issues Associated with Brachycephalic Breeds

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:17:00 GMT

Brachycephalic breeds are prone to a range of health conditions. Discover what they are and how the team at Sydney Animal Hospitals can help treat them.

How to Detect and Manage Arthritis in Pets

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 03:28:00 GMT

Understanding arthritis in pets is the first step to giving your dog or cat the care they deserve. Learn about causes, symptoms and treatment options.

6 Signs of Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:34:00 GMT

Dental disease in cats and dogs is a common yet painful condition with potentially severe health implications. Learn how to identify the signs here.

Animal Emergency: When to Seek Urgent Vet Care

Wed, 07 May 2025 04:44:00 GMT

When it comes to an animal emergency, acting quickly could save your pet’s life. Discover when, where and how to get emergency assistance here.

Holiday Hours for Sydney Animal Hospitals – Plan Ahead This Festive Season!

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 03:02:00 GMT

The holiday season is upon us! While it’s a time for fun, family, and festivities, it’s also important to know that our Sydney Animal Hospitals will have special hours over the Christmas and New Year period. We’re here to ensure your furry friends get the care they need, but please take note of the altered schedules for our clinics.

Sydney Animal Hospitals Holiday Hours

Plan Your Visit

During the busy festive season, we encourage you to book ahead if your pet needs a check-up or treatment. If your clinic is closed on a day you need assistance, please refer to one of our other locations that may be open.

For emergencies, it’s always best to call ahead to confirm availability.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you and your pets a joyful and safe holiday season!

Gastric dilation volvulus or ‘GDV’

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:21:00 GMT

WHAT IS GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS ‘GDV’

A GDV describes a situation where the stomach becomes bloated with gas or food and then twists around on itself within the abdomen. This causes extreme pain and can be fatal within hours due to the impacts of shock and compromise of blood supply to organs within the body.

WHO COULD BE AT RISK

Most classically affected breeds are large, deep chested dogs (e.g. Great Danes, Setters, Weimaraner, Standard Poodles), but any size and age of dog can be affected.

SIGNS OF GDV

Signs you may see at home include an obviously distended abdomen, signs of pain or distress, panting and vomiting or retching that is not productive. Xrays are commonly used by veterinarians to help diagnose a GDV.

TREATMENT

Treatment includes emergency stabilisation, decompression of the stomach to release gas and or food, followed by emergency surgery to de-rotate the stomach and in some cases remove parts of the spleen or stomach if they have been severely injured.

POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS

Some of the risk factors thought to be associated with development of a GDV include breed (as discussed above), eating rapidly, a stressed or anxious temperament, feeding a large volume, single meal per day, exercise shortly after a meal, having a close family history of bloat and eating from an elevated food bowl.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

For high-risk breeds, a discussion should be had with your veterinarian regarding ways to reduce risk of bloat and GDV in your dog.

A surgical procedure called a ‘gastropexy’ can be performed for at risk breeds and may be offered at the time of desexing.

In this surgery the stomach is tacked to the body wall, which does not stop bloat but greatly reduces the risk of the stomach rotating and causing a much more serious situation.

Being able to recognise and treat this condition quickly is crucial for a good outcome.

Gum Disease in Cats

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:09:00 GMT

Safeguard your cat's health. Protect their vital organs from toxins by preventing gum disease. Book a dental checkup at Sydney Animal Hospitals today.

Gum disease affects vital parts of your cat’s body

Gum disease can affect more than just your cats oral health as toxins caused by periodontal disease are absorbed into your cat’s bloodstream, which in turn is filtered through the kidneys, liver and brain. This process of filtering toxins causes small infections to occur, causing permanent and sometimes fatal organ damage.

In addition, many veterinarians suggest that actual bacterial colonies can spread, aided by the circulatory system, to set up house within your cat’s tissues, commonly in the heart valve areas, kidneys and liver which can cause more serious long term issues. However, the best form of treatment, instead of extracting teeth and performing complex dental procedures, is to prevent the damage to your cat’s teeth from happening in the first place, before it becomes a problem. This can be achieved through regular dental care.

Age is a factor contributing to gum disease in cats

Pet dental care should be regularly maintained from the time your cat is a kitten, because by the time your cat is a ‘senior’, the effects of neglected dental care will be obvious and potentially life threatening. Periodontal disease is very common among older pets, and one of the more serious health problems that can occur, as rotting teeth can cause gum and mouth infections which can migrate to the vital organs, causing permenant damage.

Keep up your cat’s chewing habits

As your cat ages, it gets a little lazier about chewing food and playing with the toys it used to love. Your cat may even start to prefer softer foods. A gradual fading interest in chewing and playing with toys is normal as your cat gets older; but if your cat suddenly stops chewing altogether or looks like it is eating ‘gingerly’ or not as comfortably as it used to, it could be a sign that its teeth and gums are sore and need professional attention.

Make sure your vet checks your older cat’s teeth at your scheduled exam times, but also do it right away if you notice a sudden change in eating or chewing behaviour. Your vet may even recommend that your cat’s teeth be cleaned. We have the facilities to lightly sedate your cat to reduce any potential for trauma or discomfort.

All About Rabbits

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Rabbits are common pets, especially with children – however they do require good nutrition and health care, along with the appropriate housing and veterinary care, to keep them happy and healthy. Whether you’re thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, or you’ve recently got one, we’ve summarised the main points of keeping rabbits as pets.

Rabbits are common pets, especially with children – however they do require good nutrition and health care, along with the appropriate housing and veterinary care, to keep them happy and healthy.

Whether you’re thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, or you’ve recently got one, we’ve summarised the main points of keeping rabbits as pets.

Rabbits are social creatures that should ideally be kept with at least one other rabbit for company and to prevent boredom. Bonded pairs of rabbits are ideal, whether two of the same gender, or a male and a female, in which case it’s important to have them sterilised to prevent unwanted breeding. It is also not recommended to keep rabbits and guinea pigs together.

Breeding like rabbits is a commonly used term and it highlights the fact that rabbits can start breeding from only a few months of age, so having pet rabbits desexed at about 3-4 months of age is very important. Chat with one of our veterinary team for further information about having your rabbit desexed.

Handling and housing

Rabbits can scratch if they feel insecure or are not held correctly, so it is important to hold and handle them carefully – supporting their body with two hands, and holding them close to your own body so that they feel safe and secure.

A large hutch is needed to house rabbits, this keeps them safe from other animals, and also provides shelter from the weather. The hutch should be large enough to allow space for exercise and toileting, and have hiding areas or a separate sleeping area that is darker. Ideally the rabbit hutch should be mosquito-proof, as mosquitoes can spread diseases to rabbits.

It is important that the hutch is well ventilated and located in an area out of the extremes of weather – as like guinea pigs, rabbits can be prone to heat stress if they get too hot. If you know that the weather is going to be particularly hot, then consider moving the hutch to a cool area, and you can also provide frozen drink bottles or ice bricks to help reduce the temperature of the hutch. Read more ways to keep your rabbit cool in hot weather.

Providing the appropriate bedding or substrate will help keep your rabbit healthy. Dust-free substrate options include untreated wood shavings or shredded paper. Regularly clean the hutch and change the bedding to remove soiled substrate and ensure that the rabbits have a clean dry area to sleep in.

Feeding

Good quality grains and pellets should only be fed in small amounts to avoid the rabbits becoming overweight or sick. Feeding the wrong diet is a common cause of health problems in rabbits. Fibre in their diet is required to help the rabbits wear their teeth down – which are constantly growing, and also to help promote intestinal movement. A lack of fibre can contribute to a condition call gut stasis which is a common health problem in rabbits.

Remember to provide clean fresh water at all times. Chat with one of our veterinary team for further advice on feeding rabbits.

Health care

In addition to providing rabbits with the right housing and diet, some of the common health problems experienced by the species involve their teeth, coat and eyes.

Rabbit teeth are constantly growing, so the animals need to be chewing on fibrous plant material such as grass and hay to help wear their teeth down. Overgrown teeth can be very painful and lead to gut problems, abscesses, weight loss and discomfort.

If you notice that your rabbit’s incisor teeth are overgrown, or that their level of activity or weight changes, or they have lots of drooling from their mouth, swelling around their face, discharge from their eyes or become picky with food – then it is very important to seek veterinary attention for them as soon as possible.

Rabbits benefit from regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition and to prevent matting, knots or flystrike – especially around their rear end and feet. Rabbits can also be susceptible to skin parasite problems, such as skin mites – you may notice them scratching, or areas of hair-loss could develop. It is vital to seek veterinary care to manage any skin parasites which may be present.

Another health condition affecting rabbits, is when their back feet or hocks become infected and ulcerative associated with them being kept on hard or wire mesh surfaces. This condition is known as ulcerative pododermatitis, or bumblefoot, and is avoided by ensuring that the rabbits housing consists of a soft substrate such as hay or grass for them to walk on.

Rabbits require regular vaccination to protect them against calicivirus – which can be transmitted by infected rabbits or via mosquitoes.

Baby rabbits require vaccination at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age, and then every 6 months for the rest of their life.

Rabbits can also be susceptible to myxomatosis, a disease spread by wild rabbits – however there is unfortunately no vaccination available against myxomatosis.

Regular rabbit health checks with our veterinary team are recommended to ensure that your pet stays in the best of health.

Gum Disease in Dogs

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:01:00 GMT

Learn about how to prevent gum disease in dogs and its impact on the overall health of your pet. Contact our veterinaries at Sydney Animal Hospitals today.

Some factors contributing to the build-up of plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease are:

Age and general health status
Diet and chewing behaviour
Breed, genetics and tooth alignment
Grooming habits
Home care
Mouth environment

Gum disease can damage other parts of the body

Periodontal disease can affect more than just your pets mouth, as the toxins from any gum infections are absorbed into the blood stream . This means that as the kidneys, liver and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage . The adverse effects of periodontal disease are due in part to the toxins the bacteria secrete and the damage these toxins cause to delicate kidney, cardiac and brain tissue.

In addition, many veterinarians believe that actual bacterial colonies can spread via the circulation and settle within the animal’s tissues, commonly in the heart valve areas, kidneys and liver, and cause significant problems down the track . Far better than extracting teeth, performing gingival flaps, filling erosions or doing root canal procedures, would be to prevent the health damaging periodontal disease in the first place. The good news is that after periodontal disease is treated, and pet owners give proper home care, most pets respond well due to the decreased pain and infection.

Breed and genetics contribute to gum disease

Gum disease in dogs is more common in smaller breeds than larger breeds, as their smaller amount of bone in the jaw leads to more rapid loss of teeth if preventative steps are not taken . We need to be much more proactive in these small breeds to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Greyhounds have a known genetic predisposition to severe periodontal disease. Brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds have a much higher incidence of missing and possibly un-erupted teeth, crowded teeth and resulting periodontitis.

Knowing this at an early age can prevent much in the way of severe damage to the bone and associated tissues.

Age contributes to gum disease

Pet dental care needs to be continuous from the time a pet is young. By the time your pet is a ‘senior’, the effects of dental neglect will be evident and could potentially shorten your pets life . Rotting teeth can cause gum and mouth infections, and as mentioned earlier, these infections can migrate to the vital organs and cause serious damage. Periodontal disease is extremely common in older pets, and one of the more serious health problems that occurs. Basically it is the overwhelming presence of bacteria in the plaque that adheres to your pet’s teeth.

Keep up your dog’s chewing habits

As a pet ages, it gets lazier about chewing its food and playing with chew toys. Your pet may develop a preference for softer food. It may give only a few half-hearted nudges to the toys and bones it once gnawed on happily for hours. A gradually diminishing interest in chewing is normal as a dog ages; but if your dog stops chewing suddenly or looks like it is eating ‘gingerly’, it may be a sign that its teeth and gums are hurting and need professional attention.

Have your vet check your older pet’s teeth at regular exam time, but also do it immediately if you notice a sudden change in your pet’s chewing or eating behaviour. If your vet recommends that your pet’s teeth be cleaned under anaesthesia, you should be informed about the risks.

All Sydney Animal Hospitals clinics have the most up-to-date equipment and fully trained vets and staff to keep on top of any dental issue your pet may have. We also have the best facilities to lightly sedate your dog to reduce any potential for trauma or discomfort.

Heart disease in dogs

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:01:00 GMT

Heart disease affects 10% of all dogs.1 In good news, if problems are diagnosed early and proper treatment given, a dog with heart disease can live a longer, fuller life.

Heart problems in dogs can be present from birth; this is termed congenital heart disease. More commonly, disease develops over the pet’s lifetime, this is known as acquired disease. Acquired heart disease accounts for an estimated 95% of all heart conditions in dogs.2

Causes of acquired heart disease in dogs include:

valve defects (e.g. myxomatous mitral valve disease)
cardiac muscle disease (e.g. dilated cardiomyopathy)
heartworm

Heart diseases can result in heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the body can no longer compensate for the disease within the heart. At this point dogs start to show signs such as laboured or fast breathing at rest, reluctance to exercise, lethargy and weight loss.

While there is no cure for heart failure, it can usually be managed with medication and care. With appropriate management, we can also delay the progression of heart disease to heart failure.

What are the signs?

Dogs with heart disease may show no outward signs. However, in time, dogs with heart disease may develop heart failure, leading to the appearance of clinical signs.

Signs of heart failure can include:

Laboured or fast breathing at rest
Reluctance to exercise/tiring more easily
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Enlarged abdomen
Weakness
Fainting

What can you do for your dog?

Regular veterinary check-ups – at least once a year to monitor your dog’s heart health
Maintain a healthy diet for your dog
Encourage your dog to exercise and walk regularly unless otherwise directed by your vet

The Heart2Heart Respiratory App, is a free, easy-to-use App to help you track your dog’s RRR.

Get the App from your favourite App store:

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:12:00 GMT

At Sydney Animal Hospitals we offer a set package to manage your dog’s Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery. It includes follow-up checks. Learn more.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for dogs for cranial cruciate ligament injury.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the knee is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs especially in at risk breeds such as Labradors, Retrievers, Boxers and Rottweilers. The risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs increases with age as the ligament can be prone to wear and tear over time, ultimately leading to rupture. A dog’s body weight is also an important predisposing factor.

In the knee joint, the cranial (anterior) and caudal (posterior) cruciate ligaments stabilise the stifle. If one of these ligaments is torn or ruptured, the joint becomes unstable leading to movement of the femur with respect to the tibia, this can cause injuries to the meniscal cartilage of the knee joint and significant pain which leads to lameness.

Lame dogs require examination by your veterinarian who will check for instability and pain in the knee joint as well as other areas of the affected leg. If an injury or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is suspected, your veterinarian will recommend x-rays to be conducted to help confirm the diagnosis.

For evaluation of cruciate ligament disease, it is important to obtain high quality digital x-rays to support the diagnosis, to accurately plan any potential surgery and to determine if there are any concurrent problems such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. To facilitate correct positioning and to allow further examination of the joint with the muscles of the leg completely relaxed, the x-rays are taken whilst the dog is under a general anaesthetic.

Given there are different surgical treatment options available depending on the patient, one of our veterinarians will explain the treatment management plan most appropriate to you and your pet’s individual needs. For many pets a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the treatment of choice to correct cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

What’s involved in a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery?

Prior to having any procedure under general anaesthetic or sedation, your pet should be fasted (no food) overnight and then brought into the veterinary hospital between 8am and 9am on the morning of the surgery. Access to drinking water overnight should be allowed and any medications that your pet is currently taking should also be brought into the hospital for your pet’s stay.

TPLO surgery changes the angle and relationship of the femur and the tibia. The overall aim of the surgery is to alter the biomechanics of the joint such that the cranial cruciate ligament is no longer required to stabilise the stifle joint. Restoring a stable joint allows return to function and reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

The majority of dogs who have a TPLO surgery are expected to start weight bearing on the operated limb within three to seven days of the surgery. Over 50% of dogs return to normal activity 3-4 months after a TPLO procedure. Almost all patients are at 90% or better at 6 months post op.

At Sydney animal Hospitals we offer a set package to manage your dog’s entire procedure. The package includes all rechecks and management of any minor complications.

Lameness examination by your vet
Pre-operative planning and radiographs.
Choice of recommended procedure: e.g. TPLO, TTA,
Surgery – including intra articular examination (meniscal cartilage) if indicated.
Pain management, wound management, infection control medications and visits
Post operative radiographs
Hospital discharge (we offer a complimentary week of post operative care in hospital to assist your patient management)
Arthritis preventative medication
Recovery and rehabilitation – at home
Optional Class IV laser therapy is also additionally available at a discount to our TPLO patients.
Follow up checks and final radiographic check at 6 weeks

At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we have an advanced protocol for your dog’s medication regime. Patients are given intravenous antibiotics and pain medication during the procedure, and an intravenous analgesic infusion is continued for 24 hours post operatively. Your pet will also have a course of oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to complete at home. We apply a pain patch and use long term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications post operatively to keep your pet comfortable. All these medications are included in our overall TPLO package.

SAH TPLO Discharge instructions

Post-operative care

A week of post-operative hospitalisation is included with the surgery to allow our experienced team to care for your pet in the immediate post-operative period and to reduce the risk of complications associated with overuse of the leg. This period can be extended at a heavily discounted rate for pet owners that are unable to care for their pet at home.

During the post-operative period, it’s important to follow the advice of our veterinary team, which will include instructions about medications, exercise, rehabilitation techniques and follow up re-checks.

Medications and rechecks

A course of injectable glycosaminoglycan medication to help prevent arthritis is also recommended. This medication is started immediately post-operatively and subsequent injections are given once a week for a total of four injections.

Weekly rechecks are conducted weekly for the first 4 weeks post-surgery to monitor your pet’s recovery, these are included in the cost of your pet’s procedure.

It is essential that the surgical site is protected against self-injury by your pet. As wounds heal they can become quite itchy which can cause most dogs to lick the wound, this can introduce infection which can lead to serious complications. For these reasons it is essential that your pet is fitted with an Elizabethan collar or cone until the sutures are removed – this usually occurs 2 weeks after the surgery is completed.

Exercise

It is very important that your dog has strict enforced rest for the first 6 weeks following the TPLO surgery. This means confining your dog to a small room or crate for the duration of this period. The only exercise allowed is short-duration (5 minute) slow walks on a leash in the backyard or verge for toileting purposes only.

Walking up and down flights of stairs, jumping up or down, or any uncontrolled activity must be avoided, as this can risk re-injuring the leg. It’s also important to take care to avoid your pet slipping when walking on wet or smooth surfaces. We can provide a hind-quarter sling to be placed underneath the abdomen to help support your dog.

Post-operative muscle therapy

Muscle therapy in the form of passive range-of-motion exercises can be performed to aid your pet’s rehabilitation. Ideally, all joints of the affected limb should receive physiotherapy two to three times a day but we instruct clients to concentrate mainly on the knee joint if time is short.

During each session, a minimum of 10 flexions and extensions should be performed on each joint. After flexion and extension of the individual joints, the entire limb should be cycled through its full, pain-free range-of-motion 10 times. It is very important never to force the joints or cause pain, but gently manoeuvre the limb through a range-of motion that is well tolerated. Our veterinary team will be able to demonstrate this muscle therapy techniques to you and can perform these exercises for your pet if you wish.

In addition to muscle therapy, laser therapy may assist in your pet’s recovery. Class IV lasers can improve blood flow, improve healing time, reduce pain, and decrease swelling. Please ask our team if you are interested in adding laser therapy to your pet’s rehabilitation program.

Longer-term follow-up and care

Six weeks after the TPLO surgery, our veterinarians will schedule a revisit to take x-rays of the knee joint to assess the progress of healing. This x-ray is usually taken under a general anaesthetic or sedation and is included in the initial cost of the TPLO procedure.

Once healing is confirmed, then controlled exercise on a leash may begin. Leash walks should be minimal at first (15 to 20 minutes twice daily), and then gradually increased by 20 minutes per week after eight weeks post-operatively.

Undertaking a set of sit and stand exercises should also begin at six weeks post-operatively. This can be achieved during leash walking by commanding your dog to “sit” and just before the dog assumes the sitting position, the command to “walk-on” is given. This routine is repeated ten or more times every walk and helps to restore the quadriceps muscle mass, which is very important in rehabilitation following cruciate repair.

There should be no unsupervised or off-leash exercise, and running and jumping should be avoided during the initial 6 to 12 week post-operative period. Between 8 to 12 weeks after the TPLO surgery, exercise can be increased slowly to 30 to 40 minutes twice daily. If available, deep-water swimming for 10 to 15 minutes several times a week is excellent therapy at this stage.

By 12 to 16 weeks the patient should have returned to near normal activity. However, there is a large variation in how quickly individual dogs return to full function following TPLO surgery. If there is not near normal activity by 12 to 16 weeks post-operatively, then it is advisable to make an appointment with one of our veterinarians for reassessment.

Possible complications

With appropriate care post operatively, the complication rates for TPLO surgery are very low (3%). Infections of the surgery site or joint can usually be treated with antibiotics and appropriate follow up revisits. Mechanical complications such as bone and plate issues usually occur in dogs that have resumed exercise prematurely and before the bones have appropriately healed after the surgery. Most mechanical complications can be managed with extended rest and anti-inflammatory medication.

Empowering Pet Owners: Understanding Common Pet Surgeries

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:17:00 GMT

Like humans, our beloved pets sometimes require surgical interventions to address various health conditions and injuries. Read more here.

Like humans, our beloved pets sometimes require surgical interventions to address various health conditions and injuries. From orthopedic procedures to soft tissue surgeries, veterinary medicine offers a wide range of surgical options to improve the health and well-being of our furry companions. Whether correcting a cruciate ligament injury in an active dog or alleviating breathing difficulties in a brachycephalic breed, pet surgeries are crucial in enhancing the quality of life and promoting longevity for our animal companions.

Among the surgeries performed in veterinary clinics, several procedures are more common and impactful. One of the most prevalent surgeries is the Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), often recommended for dogs suffering from Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries. This procedure aims to stabilise the knee joint by altering the angle of the tibia, providing long-term relief and improved mobility for affected pets. Similarly, desexing surgeries, such as spaying and neutering, are routinely performed to prevent certain illness, diseases, to curb undesirable behaviours and to control the pet population

Soft tissue surgeries are another vital aspect of veterinary care, addressing conditions ranging from tumour removals to urinary tract obstructions. Procedures likeTibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and corrective surgeries for brachycephalic breeds tackle specific anatomical challenges, offering targeted solutions to enhance respiratory function and overall comfort for affected pets. By understanding the common surgeries performed, ‌pet owners can better navigate their pet’s healthcare journey and make informed decisions to optimise their furry friend’s well-being.

Common Pet Surgeries Explained

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) :

Purpose : TPLO is a surgical procedure primarily used to address dogs’ Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries. The CCL, equivalent to the ACL in humans, helps stabilise the knee joint. When this ligament is torn or ruptured, it leads to instability and pain in the knee.
Procedure : During TPLO, the top portion of the tibia (shinbone) is altered to change the angle of the knee joint. The need for a functioning CCL is reduced by levelling the tibial plateau, as weight-bearing forces are redistributed in the joint.
Candidates : Dogs with CCL injuries are evaluated for TPLO based on various factors such as breed, weight, activity level, age, and the specific anatomical measurements of the knee joint.
Benefits : TPLO offers several advantages over traditional ligament repair techniques. It provides more immediate stability to the joint, typically results in faster recovery times, and may reduce the risk of post-operative complications like arthritis.
Recovery : Post-operative care involves limiting activity, managing pain, and gradually reintroducing exercise under veterinary guidance. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to promote healing and strengthen the joint.

Desexing Your Pet :

Purpose : Desexing , also known as spaying (for females) or castration (for males), is a common surgical procedure performed to remove the reproductive organs of pets.
Health Benefits : Desexing offers numerous health benefits for pets, including a reduced risk of certain cancers (e.g., mammary tumours, uterine infections, and testicular cancer), elimination of the risk of unwanted pregnancies, and prevention of reproductive-related behavioural issues such as roaming and aggression.
Population Control : One significant reason for promoting desexing is to control the pet population. By preventing unwanted litters, desexing helps reduce the number of stray and feral animals, alleviating the burden on shelters and decreasing euthanasia rates.
Procedure : Desexing surgeries are routine procedures performed under general anesthesia by a veterinarian. Recovery typically involves a few days of rest and monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection.
Timing : The optimal age for desexing may vary depending on the pet’s species and breed, but it is often recommended before sexual maturity to maximize health benefits and minimize the risk of unwanted pregnancies..

Dog Breathing Problems in Brachycephalic Breeds :

Breeds Affected : Brachycephalic breeds, characterised by their short, flattened faces, are prone to various respiratory issues due to their unique anatomical features. Examples include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers.
Obstructive Airway Syndrome : These breeds often suffer from obstructive airway syndrome, where their airways are narrowed or obstructed due to anatomical abnormalities such as elongated soft palate, stenotic nares (narrow nostrils), and hypoplastic trachea (narrow windpipe).
Surgical Correction : Many brachycephalic dogs benefit from corrective surgeries to alleviate breathing difficulties and improve their quality of life. These surgeries may include procedures to shorten the soft palate, widen the nostrils, and remove excess tissue from the airway.
Timing and Considerations : Surgery is often recommended when the dog is young, ideally during the same time as desexing or within the first 18 months of life. Early intervention can help prevent worsening respiratory problems as the dog ages.
Benefits and Risks : Corrective surgery can significantly improve a brachycephalic dog’s ability to breathe comfortably, reducing respiratory distress and associated health risks like heat intolerance and exercise intolerance. However, risks are involved with any surgical procedure, and careful pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care are essential.

How To Have Confidence In Your Pet’s Surgery

If your beloved pet requires surgery, it’s natural to feel concerned about its well-being. However, you can rest assured that veterinary medicine has made significant advancements and that veterinarians routinely perform pet surgical procedures successfully. With the expertise of skilled veterinarians and the support of dedicated veterinary teams, your furry companion will receive the highest standard of care throughout their surgical journey.

Like humans, pets have remarkable resilience and the ability to recover from surgery with proper medical attention and post-operative care. Veterinary professionals commit to ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet, whether it’s a standard procedure like desexing or a more complex surgery to address orthopedic, respiratory issues or urgent surgeries such as gastrointestinal foreign bodies or urinary blockages

Advancements in pain management, anesthesia protocols, and surgical techniques have significantly reduced risks and improved recovery times for pets undergoing surgery. State-of-the-art facilities and diagnostic tools in veterinary clinics allow for accurate diagnosis of conditions and the provision of tailored treatment plans for each patient.

As a pet owner, your role in supporting your pet’s recovery is invaluable. Following your veterinarian’s post-operative instructions, administering medications as prescribed, and providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for your pet’s recuperation are essential to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Ultimately, while the prospect of surgery for your pet may be daunting, know that you are not alone. Your veterinary team is there to guide you every step of the way, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and providing compassionate care for your furry family member. With patience, love, and proper medical attention, your pet will soon be back on their paws, enjoying life to the fullest once again.

Experience Excellence in Pet Care at Sydney Animal Hospitals

Quality: We uphold the highest standards of veterinary care, ensuring your pet receives top-notch treatment every visit.

Responsibility: Trust our dedicated team to take personal responsibility for your pet’s health, keeping you informed and involved in every decision.

Leadership: Our skilled veterinarians are experts in their field and committed partners in your pet’s wellness journey.

Latest Technology: With cutting-edge technology at our fingertips, we can provide your pet with the best possible care.

Contact one of our Sydney Animal Hospitals today to experience superior veterinary care tailored to your pet’s needs.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery (TTA)

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hill’s Pet Food Delivery Service

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:27:00 GMT

New Home Delivery Service. Have your Hill's pet food delivered to your front door. Simply call your local Sydney Animal Hospitals, let our staff member know what food you would like to order and pay over the phone.

New Home Delivery Service

Have your Hill’s pet food delivered to your front door

1. Simply Call your local Sydney Animal Hospital

Newtown 9519 4111
Inner West 9516 1466
Norwest 8883 0411
Kellyville 8883 0533
Newport 9997 4609
Avalon 9918 0833

2. Let our staff member know what food you would like to order and pay over the phone

Your pet food will arrive within 2-5 business days at your front door.

Total postage is $14.50 per delivery from Australia Post (no matter what weight or number of bags)

Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
Inner West (02) 9516 1466
Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
Newport (02) 9997 4609
Avalon (02) 9918 0833
Baulkham Hills (02) 9157 5557

To find out more about pet nutrition, including the best way to introduce a new food click here

Operational Hours

Newtown Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 7am-6pm
Inner West Open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm
Norwest Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm
Kellyville Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm
Newport Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am-7pm
Avalon Open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8.30am-4pm closed Sundays
Baulkham Hills Open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm Saturday-Sundays 9am – 5pm

Post-operative cruciate ligament care for dogs

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:25:00 GMT

Post operative cruciate ligament care for dogs. Your pet must be strictly rested for the first six weeks following cruciate ligament surgery TTA or TTO.

How to Effectively Manage Your Pet’s Weight

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 03:49:00 GMT

Keeping your pet’s weight under control is crucial to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing in all stages of life. Read on to learn more!

Puppy Preschool Socialisation Benefits for Pets

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 03:48:00 GMT

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Pet in Sydney

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:51:00 GMT

Discover the key factors to consider when choosing or adopting a new pet in Sydney. Explore our comprehensive guide now or contact any of our clinics.

Why Ticks Are Dangerous and How to Prevent Them on Pets

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 02:57:00 GMT

Bravecto Quantum's injectable treatment prevents fleas and ticks in dogs. Book an appointment with the team at Sydney Animal Hospitals to treat your pet.

Bayview yachtie a NSW Legend

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:49:00 GMT

Bayview yachtsman John Forbes will join fellow Northern Beaches sportspeople, surfer Layne Beachley and cricketer Brett Lee, in being inducted as a Legend of NSW Sport. The trio will be honoured at a NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony on November 20. Forbes made history when he became the first Tornado catamaran sailor to win three World Championships. He went on to better that by completing his career with a total of seven catamaran World Championship wins. Four-time Australian Sailor of the Year, and a veteran of three Olympic Games, Forbes won a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games with Mitch Booth. In 2000, they won silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Forbes won four European Championships, and 10 Australian Championships. Beachley, from Queenscliff, unquestionably one of the greatest female surfers in the history of the sport, becomes the 24th NSW athlete and the first surfer to be elevated to NSW Legend Status. Beachley is the first woman to win seven
World Championships triumphing in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006.

New beach wheelchair

Pittwater MP Rory Amon joined with representatives of the Newport Surf Life Saving Club to unveil the Club’s
new beach wheelchair in October. “After having the previous beach wheelchair for 15 years, the club sought support from the community to obtain a new fit-for-purpose wheelchair, to ensure Newport Beach can continue to be accessed and enjoyed” said Newport SLSC President Guyren Smith. The Club received financial support from Pharmacare Laboratories in Warriewood and an Amon Community Grant to fund the purchase of the chair. *The chair is available now and bookings can be made through Northern Beaches Council or directly through the club.

For more details you can click on the thumbnail below too see our pdf article.

Effective Treatments for Pets with Behavioural Problems in Sydney

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 03:46:00 GMT

Learn to recognise behavioural problems in your cat or dog and seek appropriate care. Call our team at Sydney Animal Hospitals to book an appointment.

Behavioural problems in dogs and cats are a common issue that our veterinarians can assist with. By helping you understand what may be contributing to your pet’s behavioural traits and implementing the right treatments , our veterinarians will help your pet to be more relaxed and happier.

Causes of Problematic Behaviour in Pets

Some of the commonly reported behavioural issues in dogs include excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, digging or toileting, separation anxiety and noise phobias and aggression towards people or other pets. In cats, common behavioural issues include inappropriate toileting, overgrooming, scratching and aggression towards people or other cats.

Each of these behavioural issues can be brought on by a variety of different causes and stimuli, including boredom, stress, anxiety and changes to the pet’s environment.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Sometimes underlying medical conditions or injuries (like an ear infection) can also cause an animal to display altered behaviour that may result in unexpected aggression or fear. If you’re concerned that your pet may have a behavioural issue, it’s imperative to seek veterinary care so that our veterinarians can assess the animal through a full physical examination.

The Benefits of Socialising and Exercise

Some behavioural issues in dogs can be improved through making sure your pet is well socialised, especially when they’re young. Implementing regular training sessions will also ensure your dog responds to commands which can help when trying to manage inappropriate behaviours. Ensuring your pet has regular exercise or stimulation through games and activities can help ease boredom. Scheduling dog dates, inviting friends or family to visit your pet during the day or utilising doggy day care facilities can all reduce the severity of separation anxiety in dogs.

Seeking the Right Treatments and Preventatives

Behavioural disorders such as noise phobias and separation anxiety may require a combination of a referral to behavioural training and medications to help manage your dog. Our veterinarians will explain the treatment options available to you to improve your pet’s behaviour and in more complex cases they may also recommend a referral to a veterinary behaviour specialist.

For further advice about behaviour issues in pets, or to book your pet a consultation, please call our team or visit our website.

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CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the August 2023 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

How to Recognise and Treat Pets with Atopic Dermatitis in Sydney

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:47:00 GMT

Ear problems in pets

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:19:00 GMT

Itchy, smelly or inflamed ears are a common problem in pets, especially for dog breeds that have large floppy ears.

80% of dogs have dental disease by 3yrs

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:57:00 GMT

Over 80% of dogs develop dental disease by the age of 3. If we don’t look after our pet’s teeth properly, not only will they have problems with their teeth and gums, they can also suffer from issues elsewhere in their body.

Laser therapy treatment for pets

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 02:21:00 GMT

Therapeutic laser therapy for pets involves the use of red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal, through a process called photobiomodulation. The effects of this laser energy include improved healing time after wounds or surgery, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.

Winter Wellness

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:36:00 GMT

Winter Wellness - 5 ways to keep your dog comfortable & well over Winter. Winter is upon us and with the change in seasons it’s important to be aware of how this can affect our furry best friends.

Arthritis in cats

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:41:00 GMT

As cats age it can be common for cats to develop arthritis – an inflammatory joint disease, which commonly affects the cat’s hips, elbows and spine. Arthritis results from wear and tear to the joints and can be exacerbated by joint instability, injuries, infection, immune disorders, and genetic abnormalities.

Wellness blood tests for our senior pets

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 08:26:00 GMT

Wellness blood tests for our senior pets. Because our pets cannot talk to us and communicate how they’re feeling, it is important as they enter their senior years that they have regular health checks with our veterinarians and wellness blood checks, so that any potential problems can be detected before they progress.

How to make PUP-CAKES

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:41:00 GMT

How to make PUP-CAKES. Want to give your pooch something for Easter? Here is a dog friendly recipe to bake cupcakes for your dog.

Easter Hazards For Your Pet

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:08:00 GMT

Easter Hazards For Your Pet chocolate and hot cross buns. Chocolate is toxic and potentially fatal to pets due to a chemical called Theobromine.

Caring for Your Older Senior Pet

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:34:00 GMT

Caring for Your Older Senior Pet, as our furry friends age, it is so important to make sure that we are providing them with the best care possible. It can be difficult to know how to do this when our beloved pets enter their senior years.

Tips to keep your pet safe in hot weather

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:48:00 GMT

Heat stress leads to multiple organ failure and death. Heatstroke fatalities are particularly common in pets. Tips to keep your pet safe in hot weatherIf left untreated, heat stress leads to multiple organ failure and death. It can be extremely fast. Heatstroke related fatalities are particularly common in pets housed outdoors during summer. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe in hot weather If left untreated, heat stress leads to multiple organ failure and death. It can be extremely fast. Heatstroke related fatalities are particularly common in pocket pets housed in outdoor enclosures during summer. Pregnant animals are at an increased risk.

Exploring Causes and Treatments for Dog Breathing Problems

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:19:00 GMT

Exploring Causes and Treatments for Dog Breathing Problems. It is concerning when your beloved four-legged family member experiences difficulty breathing. Dogs can experience a variety of respiratory problems, ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions. While it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian if

Starting the year with a new puppy or kitten!

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:50:00 GMT

Puppies and kittens are a cute addition to the family and to ensure they grow into happy and healthy dogs and cats, it’s important to follow the health advice of your veterinarian. The team at Sydney Animal Hospitals are here to help keep your new pet happy and healthy, and

Heartworm disease? Is your dog adequately protected?

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 21:46:00 GMT

Protect your dog from heartworm with proven prevention techniques. Visit Sydney Animal Hospitals to learn about our guide on heartworm prevention.We all know how important tick prevention is for our dogs but what about heartworm disease? Is your dog adequately protected? Heartworm in dogs is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted from infected to uninfected dogs by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes inject a number of tiny worms (microfilaria) into the dog’s body which then mature into adult heartworm over about 6 months. These adult worms settle inside the chambers of the heart and interfere with the flow of blood. Adult heartworm infection causes heart failure which can result in serious illness and death. Heartworm disease is very difficult and expensive to treat so prevention is much better than cure!

Why vaccinations are important for your pets?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 07:04:00 GMT

Vaccinations and health checks are important for keeping your pets healthy and protected from a variety of diseases such as parvovirus and canine cough in dogs, and cat flu and feline enteritis in cats. Starting from when your pet is a puppy or kitten, vaccinations boost your pet’s immunity against disease and protect them as they grow older.

Why Vaccinate Dogs?

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:01:00 GMT

I am often asked why we vaccinate our dogs every year and what diseases we are protecting them against. Vaccination is an essential part of the creation of ‘herd immunity’ whereby the larger animal population is protected because the prevalence of many life-threatening, contagious diseases is substantially reduced due to greater immunity in the population of pets as a whole. Every vaccinated animal contributes to the maintenance of herd immunity, similar to the way individual links in a chain contribute to its overall strength. Annual vaccination also allows a complete physical examination to be conducted each year which can help identify health problems much earlier, allowing more rapid resolution. This is particularly important because our pets can’t tell us they feel unwell, and signs of disease (especially in the early stages) can be very subtle.

We recommend an annual check-up and vaccination for all pets, however with advances in vaccine technology we no longer need to vaccinate dogs against the same diseases every year. This avoids unnecessary overstimulation of the immune system. At Sydney Animal Hospitals our core vaccination against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis in dogs is extremely safe and now lasts for 3 years. For unvaccinated dogs Parvovirus is still very common, especially in younger dogs, and can cause life-threatening viral gastroenteritis and bone marrow suppression. Distemper causes viral meningitis and is rapidly fatal in the majority of dogs it infects. Thankfully, due to vaccination and herd immunity, this disease is rare in Australia, but is very common overseas. Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a worldwide, contagious disease of dogs. Signs vary from a slight fever to severe depression, marked bone marrow suppression, liver disease and blood clotting disorders. It is also seen in foxes and other wild carnivores, which may become infected without developing clinical illness, meaning periodic outbreaks can still occur, reinforcing the need for continued vaccination.

In addition to our core 3 yearly vaccination protocol we also recommend vaccination against canine cough every year. Canine cough is caused by parainfluenza virus and/or a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. The vaccination against canine cough is an oral vaccine plus an injection, which safely provide high levels of immunity where it is needed – in the respiratory tract (i.e. nose, mouth and throat). Canine cough is common, especially where dogs congregate e.g. dog parks, and via public water bowls. It causes a dry, hacking cough that can progress to pneumonia in severely affected, unvaccinated dogs. Ask our team about our Preventative Pet Health Care Plans or LifeVAC Program.

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the October 2022 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

Home Euthanasia

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 23:23:00 GMT

Home euthanasia - end-of-life services for your most loveable family member.

End-of-life services for your most loveable family member

Every beautiful relationship with a beloved pet brings endless joy. But part of this journey is the inevitable final stages. Your pet’s end-of-life experience is an important and inevitable part of the bond you share. From identifying quality of life changes, to knowing when to make decisions, the end-of-life process through to aftercare.

Sydney Animal Hospitals Newport and Avalon on the Northern Beaches offer home euthanasia, for other locations in Sydney please contact Goodbye Good Boy. They are Australia’s premier pet end-of-life service. From in home euthanasia and cremation services, to grief counselling & fitting memorial options, they are here to help you navigate the end-of-life journey.

We also have a number of aftercare options including individual cremation packages with your pets ashes hand delivered back home to you or scattered in the crematorium gardens. Our team will discuss these options with you to ensure you find the perfect final resting place.

Regular consultations and discussions with your veterinarian are important to monitor your pet’s quality of life and avoid suering.

Unlike humans, animals do not have an emotional attachment to their pain, meaning they express pain in very dierent and often dicult to interpret ways. These expressions and symptoms can be specific to the disease process being managed or more generalised for senior pets.

Your pet might be coming towards the end of their journey, understanding quality of life.

Regularly assessing your pet against these core areas will help you interpret their quality of life.

Eating – Is your pet interested in their food?
Mobility – Can they get around how hey want or do they hesitate to move?
Drinking – Is your pet still drinking a normal amount or water?
Elimination – Do they still go to the bathroom in the correct location?
Interaction – Are they still interacting as normal or have their interactions changed?
Interest – Are they still interested in their favorite things?

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

#HomeEuthanasia

Pet After Hours Emergency Veterinary Hospitals

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:39:00 GMT

If you have a pet emergency after hours and your local Sydney Animal Hospital is closed, please see a list of other ‘After Hours Emergency Veterinary Hospitals’ in Sydney.

If you have a pet emergency after hours and your local Sydney Animal Hospital is closed, please see a list of other ‘After Hours Emergency Veterinary Hospitals’ in Sydney;

SASH Prospect

Ph (02) 9199 8935

1 Rowood Road, Prospect 2148

sashvets.com

SASH North Ryde

Ph (02) 9199 8935

Level 1, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, NSW 2113

sashvets.com

Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Baulkham Hills

Ph. (02) 9639 7744

19 Old Northern Road, Baulkham Hills

arhvets.com.au

Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Homebush

Ph (02) 9758 8666

250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West

arhvets.com.au

Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS)

Ph. (02) 8376 8767

106 Parraweena Road, Miranda

www.vsos.com.au

University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney (UVTHS)

Ph (02) 9351 3437

Evelyn Williams Building B10 65 Parramatta Rd Camperdown, NSW 2050

www.uvths.com.au

Northside Emergency Veterinary Service (NEVS)

Ph. (02) 9452 2933

335 Mona Vale Road Terrey Hills NSW 2084

nevs.net.au

For further information please contact the emergency hospitals above direct.

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

#AfterHoursEmergencyVeterinaryHospitals

Taxi Uber with Pets

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:03:00 GMT

Uber Pet – A taxi transport ride for all paws. Can't get to a vet, contact Uber a pet-friendly ride option – Uber Pet – for riders travelling with a pet in Sydney.

Tick Paralysis Alert

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 02:53:00 GMT

As the weather is warming up, so is tick season and we have already treated many cases of tick paralysis in dogs and cats.

Ixodes holocyclus is the official name of the paralysis tick which inhabits coastal bushland areas. This species of tick is only a problem in Australia – another deadly creature unique to down under! These ticks are most active in the warmer months especially after wet weather which initiates hatching of eggs in the environment and activity of the larval stages which feed on mammals.

After attaching to a host these ticks inject a neurotoxin (or nerve toxin) as part of their feeding process. After the tick has been attached for a day or two, enough poison will have been injected to cause significant neurological disease in pets due to blocking of nerve receptors at the nerve-muscle interface. The most common symptom is a weak or flaccid paralysis starting in the hind limbs due to nerve signals being blocked from accessing the muscles of movement. As time progresses the paralysis ascends up the body to eventually affect the muscles of breathing and swallowing. This process causes significant illness and death unless an antiserum is administered to neutralise the toxin before it attaches to more nerve receptors. Other symptoms of tick paralysis include vomiting, coughing, excessive panting and grunting, an altered bark or meow or limping if the tick is lodged in a foot or leg.

Tick poisoning is common, severe and very preventable. Our top tips for tick prevention are:-

– Tick clipping by an experienced groomer and daily tick searching .

– Administration of highly effective and safe tick preventatives such as Bravecto, Seresto collars (dogs and cats) Nexgard (dogs only). Never rely on an animal’s natural immunity against ticks or herbal or natural remedies that have not been properly tested and proven to be effective and safe.

– Avoid taking your pet into long grasses and bushland during the warmer months.

– Know the symptoms of tick paralysis and seek veterinary attention immediately if your pet appears unwell, is vomiting, is wobbly and weak or has difficulty breathing.

– Ensure that you have adequate pet insurance for your pet and that this covers tick paralysis.

YOU MAY ALSO…LIKE TAXI UBER WITH PETS

Uber Pet – A taxi transport ride for all paws. Can’t get to a vet, contact Uber a pet-friendly ride option – Uber Pet – for riders travelling with a pet in Sydney.

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the September 2022 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

Rat lung worm

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 06:32:00 GMT

Rat lung worm normally inhabits the heart and pulmonary arteries of wild rats, where it rarely causes disease, as expected for an efficient parasite. To complete its lifecycle, however, the rat lung worms’ eggs are passed in the rat’s stool and ingested by an intermediate host – normally slugs or snails, where they develop into larvae. When these slugs or snails (or infected rats carrying the larval stages of worms) are ingested by accidental hosts such as dogs, serious disease can occur.

Unfortunately for our pets there are many unusual parasites in Australia that can cause serious health issues. Some are common, such as paralysis ticks and intestinal worms and some are uncommon, but just as deadly, such as the rat lung worm.

After ingestion of the larval stages of rat lung worm, the microscopic larvae migrate from the gut via the blood vessels to the peripheral nerves and then to the spinal cord. From here the parasite can travel up the spinal cord and into the brain causing serious neurological disease along the way. Damage is inflicted both by migration of the parasite but also by the hosts’ inflammatory response. Sadly, the use of deworming medication at this stage can cause worsening of disease due to an increase in inflammation prompted by death of the migrating larval stages of rat lung worm. Common symptoms of rat lung worm include urinary incontinence, neck pain, difficulty walking and loss of nerve function in the tail and/or parts of the face.

Rat lung worm can be treated in some cases with steroid anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics and careful nursing care. For some patients, however, the damage can leave permanent neurological deficits.

Puppies are more commonly affected than adult dogs due to their tendency to eat slugs, snails and rats. Cases of rat lung worm peak during the winter months due to increased prevalence of slugs and snails. Prevention is far more effective than cure and all dogs (and children) should always be prevented from eating slugs and snails. For further information contact our hospitals.

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the August 2022 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

Dog Dental Months July & August 2022

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 06:12:00 GMT

Is your cat hiding something from you? Part 2

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 03:47:00 GMT

Vaccinating your cat helps to protect your precious pet from various debilitating diseases, some of which may not be immediately obvious as cats are adept at hiding signs of illness. As a result, sometimes they may be suffering for a long period of time before any symptoms become apparent. This is why it is so important to have your cat regularly vaccinated and undergo an annual health check with one of our veterinarians.Vaccinating your cat helps to protect your precious pet from various debilitating diseases, some of which may not be immediately obvious as cats are adept at hiding signs of illness. As a result, sometimes they may be suffering for a long period of time before any symptoms become apparent. This is why it is so important to have your cat regularly vaccinated and undergo an annual health check with one of our veterinarians.

Is your cat hiding something from you?

Tue, 24 May 2022 08:26:00 GMT

Dental disease can often be hidden from sight, with unhealthy teeth contributing to pain and other diseases, and cats can be adept at hiding any discomfort. If we haven’t seen your cat for a while, Sydney Animal Hospitals has the purr-fect opportunity during May and June with free dental checks by our veterinary nurses, to have your cat’s dental health assessed, along with reduced price dental procedures.

Helping our senior pets stay happy and healthy

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:48:00 GMT

As our pets age, they can suffer from a variety of conditions which can be painful and debilitating. Effectively managing any chronic pain conditions in our pets ensures that they can live a happy and comfortable life.

One of the most common causes of chronic pain in our pets is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease – where the cartilage within the joint is worn away, leading to inflammation, pain and impaired mobility.

Chronic pain can develop when acute pain isn’t adequately managed, and other common causes of chronic pain in pets can include dental disease, chronic ear infections, nerve or spinal pain, and some metabolic conditions such as renal disease – causing kidney pain and changes to the pet’s normal behaviour.

Monitoring your pet for any indications of pain is important, such as noticing if your pet reacts differently to being patted at different locations on their body, observing any changes in their demeanour, or seeing them have difficulty getting up from resting.

As dogs and cats are quite effective at hiding their pain, it can sometimes be difficult to detect the underlying cause of chronic pain in its early stages. That’s why regular health checks with a veterinarian are so important, so that we can examine your pet, assess their behaviour and undertake any diagnostic investigations such as blood tests or imaging.

Our veterinarians will discuss with you the appropriate treatment options available to manage your pet’s condition, and also explain strategies for how you can help your pet at home. This might include things like ensuring their food and water is easily accessible, and making sure that they have the most appropriate bedding and the right amount of daily exercise.

Recognising when your pet appears to be in pain, seeking advice from our veterinary team and implementing the appropriate treatment will ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy into their older years.

Senior pets are the focus during April at Sydney Animal Hospitals with the opportunity for your pet to have a free senior pet arthritis check from a veterinary nurse and a geriatric profile blood test undertaken at a reduced price. This offer is valid until the 30 ^th April 2022 (T&C’s apply).

To book your free senior pet arthritis check from a veterinary nurse or for more information, please call our friendly veterinary team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals SEE BELOW

CONTACT US

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the April 2022 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia #SeniorPets

Dog park etiquette

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 00:07:00 GMT

Dog park etiquette. Dog parks are fantastic places for your pet to exercise and interact with other dogs. If the park is fenced and contained, then this is even better - as you can relax knowing that your pet is safe from busy roads and traffic. When you first arrive at your local dog park, it can be worthwhile to keep your pet on a lead whilst observing how any other dogs present are playing, and whether there are any displaying rough or potentially aggressive behaviour.

Dog parks can be fantastic places for your pet to exercise and interact with other dogs. If the park is fenced and contained, then this is even better – as you can relax knowing that your pet is safe from busy roads and traffic.

When you first arrive at your local dog park, it can be worthwhile to keep your pet on a lead whilst observing how any other dogs present are playing, and whether there are any displaying rough or potentially aggressive behaviour.

When you let your pet off their lead, keep an eye on your dog and watch them as they meet and interact with the other dogs – if you’re unsure how your dog, or any of the other dogs may react, then stay nearby to your pet so you can intervene and place your dog back on a lead if necessary. This is also when it’s handy to have trained your dog with good recall commands, so they come to you when called.

If another dog is displaying particularly rough behaviour with your pet, you could consider asking the other dog’s owner to put their pet back on a lead and see if this settles their behaviour, or alternatively – if this is not possible, then place your dog back on a lead and consider returning to the dog park at a different time.

Remember to always quickly pick up and dispose of any dog poo and try not to let your dog play with other dog’s toys.

The recent COVID-19 restrictions have prevented routine puppy socialisation classes from being able to occur, so this has meant that many new pet owners may have missed out on the opportunity to learn routine health and training information and that new puppies have had reduced socialisation opportunities.

As a result it is important to take care when introducing young dogs to new environments such as off-lead dog parks especially if you’re unsure how they will react around other dogs or if you are uncertain how well they will return when called. Visiting the dog park during quieter times of the day such as the early morning is a good idea until you are more confident with your pet’s behaviour.

Dog parks might be a hive of canine activity but remember that there’s also lots of fun humans to meet as well – and share experiences about your much-loved pets. Just remember to adhere to any relevant COVID-19 social distancing requirements and respect other people’s personal space.

To find out where your local dog parks is located click on the Northern Beaches Council for the Hills district or Inner West Council to see a full list.

If you plan to take your dog to the local dog exercise area, it’s important that your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, to ensure that they are protected from potentially contagious diseases like canine cough or parvovirus. Making sure they are on parasite protection which is a must to protect against ticks, fleas and gut worms.

If you’re unsure about your pet’s vaccination status, or have any further questions about dog parks, then please speak with our friendly veterinary team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the January 2022 Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia #DogParkEtiquette

Dogs and face masks blog

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 05:05:00 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to our community, and the wearing of face masks is now mandatory. As our facial features and reactions play an important role in how we communicate, having a face mask obscure our face can impact how easily we can read a person’s body language or demeanour – such as is something being said with a smile or a frown.Dogs also look to our faces when interacting with us or seeking direction from us - and if we’re wearing a face mask, dogs may be noticeable hesitant or sometimes even potentially a little aggressive when approached. The face mask is affecting the dog’s ability to read our expression, so there’s a few things we can do to familiarise dogs with us having to wear face masks, to make the dog more comfortable.

Dogs also look to our faces when interacting with us or seeking direction from us – and if we’re wearing a face mask, dogs may be noticeable hesitant or sometimes even potentially a little aggressive when approached. The face mask is affecting the dog’s ability to read our expression, so there’s a few things we can do to familiarise dogs with us having to wear face masks, to make the dog more comfortable.

Practice slowly putting on your face mask with your dog present, rewarding your pet for staying calm and relaxed, and only progressing to putting on the face mask completely if your dog appears comfortable.

Remember to keep these sessions short and positive so that the dog positively associates with you wearing a mask. Once you’re wearing a face mask, don’t stare at your dog or lean over them as they may appear threatening to them. Speak to them in a reassuring tone, and provide lots of rewards such as gentle pats or the occasional treat.

For advice about any behavioural changes you’ve noticed with your dog, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals, and remember – we’re all in this together!

For more information contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the October Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia #Dogsandfacemasks

Hip dysplasia in pets blog

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:51:00 GMT

Learn how Sydney Animal Hospitals helped Sam, a border collie with hip dysplasia. Contact us today for pet consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease which affects the ball and socket joint of the hip in the hind legs of dogs, is one of the most common inherited orthopaedic diseases in dogs.

Larger breeds of dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers are most commonly affected by hip dysplasia, however it can occur in any breed.

Hip radiographs or x-rays, especially the PennHip x-ray series – is the most reliable means of diagnosing and predicting which dogs will develop hip dysplasia.

The PennHip x-ray series can be performed on dogs from 16 weeks of age, and is performed under a general anaesthetic. The resulting x-ray series are then sent to the University of Pennsylvania for interpretation and a ranking is provided according to the dog’s specific breed – for the potential of them developing hip dysplasia.

If the PennHip x-ray series if not required, the veterinarian may recommend that your dog has a standard hip-extended x-ray taken to assess for radiographic signs of arthritis. This procedure still requires a general anaesthetic, and whilst it does not provide the same level of interpretation as the PennHip x-ray series, it is still commonly used to assess hip health in dogs.

If a predisposition to hip dysplasia is diagnosed for your dog, the vet will discuss management options aimed towards delaying the onset and severity of arthritis and associated pain.

For more information about hip dysplasia in pets, speak to one of our friendly team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the October Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia #HipDysplasia

Breathing problems in brachycephalic dogs blog

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 03:00:00 GMT

Brachycephalic dog breeds – or short-nosed breeds, are those which have a relatively broad and shortened face or skull, with the resulting distortion of the soft tissue structures involved in breathing causing the dog to experience breathing problems.Brachycephalic dog breeds – or short-nosed breeds, are those which have a relatively broad and shortened face or skull, with the resulting distortion of the soft tissue structures involved in breathing causing the dog to experience breathing problems. Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a condition that is more common with short-muzzled, flat faced brachycephalic dogs. Commonly affected breeds include the Pug, Shih tzu, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Boxer, Bulldog, Staffordshire bull terrier, Pekingese and Boston terrier.

New Phone System at Newtown

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT

To help us manage our communications more effectively we now have an automated menu when you call the Hospital. You can always bypass the menu to get through in an emergency or if you need to speak to us directly, but we ask that where prompted you leave a detailed voice message to which we will respond very quickly.

New self service calls at Newtown Sydney Animal Hospitals

Our receptionists have been taking up to 300-400 calls a day. This has been increased by the necessity of the non-contact protocols that we have to follow. Everyone will be aware that Veterinary Hospitals are an essential service and we have to do everything possible to keep our clients and staff safe during the pandemic. All our communications have been by phone, often several calls have been necessary in managing an individual patient’s care and communications.

As a result our phone lines are overwhelmed. We recognise it is hard for our clients with sick pets to get through and people are getting frustrated and upset.

Our fabulous nurses receptionists are working really hard, but to help us manage our communications more effectively we now have an automated menu when you call the Hospital. You can always bypass the menu to get through in an emergency or if you need to speak to us directly, but we ask that where prompted you leave a detailed voice message to which we will respond very quickly.

You can also email us at newtown@sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au and this is constantly monitored. Please use the subject line to indicate your request.

We also ask you to use our online booking portal click here where you can make or change bookings and update your details via the secure client account login.

In addition, the Hospital will often make contact by sending a SMS. These are to help avoid “phone tag” – missed calls from us and so forth. We are always there to answer questions about your pet, but using SMS will help us reduce some phone traffic.

Please bear with us while we make the transition to our updated communications system. We thank you for your patience.

SAH is committed to helping you keep your pets happy and healthy.

Sydney Animal Hospitals are located at;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

[appointment_button text=”Book An Appointment Online”]

Why do magpies swoop?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 22:51:00 GMT

Why do magpies swoop? During their spring breeding season from about July to December, it’s vital to be alert to swooping magpies – part of their distinctive protective behaviour as they ward off intruders from near their nest and young.

If you’re walking or running with your dog, riding a bike or even thinking of a socially distanced picnic in your local park, it pays to be aware of swooping magpies in your area to prevent injury. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is a good idea, and if you notice swooping magpies, you can protect your head with an umbrella or small leafy branch held above your head. Bike riders often attach cable ties extending upwards off their bike helmets to add some further protection.

Taking an alternative route around the area where you’ve seen magpies is one way to minimise the risk of swooping, but if there is no way around, then generally it’s advisable to walk through the bird’s territory quickly but without running. Watch the birds as you walk past, they have the ability to recognise familiar faces, so talking softly and reassuringly is recommended instead of being loud or screaming. Protect your pet by keeping dogs on lead and discouraging them from chasing the magpies.

You can also track or report swooping magpies in your area via the Magpie Alert website. The natural diet of magpies includes insects, lizards and small rodents. So it is not recommended to feed magpies mince or human food as this can lead to nutritional imbalances which can result in diseases affecting their growth. There’s more great information about the impact of feeding wildlife on the Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives website

So remember to be alert but not alarmed when you see magpies swooping, and follow this advice to minimise the risk of injury to you or your pet. For further advice this magpie breeding season, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

[appointment_button text=”Book An Appointment Online”]

How to Keep Your Pets Healthy and Happy During a Pandemic

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:19:00 GMT

Want to ensure the needs of your pets are met - pandemic aside? Read on for some tips that will help to keep pets healthy and safe during a pandemic.

With the global pandemic, normal routines have gone out the window. Between working from home and staying on top of housework, it’s easy for pet parents to overlook the needs of their pets. The stress can cause problems for everyone – pets included. Want to ensure the needs of your pets are met – pandemic aside?

We are still open: Vets are an essential service so we are open for all your pets-medications, parasite control, pet nutrition and veterinary services. As per NSW Government regulations to keep everyone safe and to help us stay open for your pets, we are operating by a NON-CONTACT patient transfer at Sydney Animal Hospitals.

Read on for some tips that will help to keep pets healthy and safe during a pandemic.

1. Exercises can help

Exercises will go a long way in keeping pets healthy and happy. Try to offer them toys, when possible, to release their pent-up energy. If your pet has shown signs of being bored with their existing toys, put them away and give them “new ones”. Rotate them with their old toys. Or try hiding treats all over the house and allowing your pets to find them. Remember doggy walks are allowed during lockdown so what a great excuse to spend some quality time with the pooch! Vet clinic staff will be able to give you some more ideas.

2. Avoid overfeeding and underfeeding

Both overfeeding and underfeeding can be detrimental to the health of your pet. Make sure that you have a regular feeding schedule and not feeding extra-human meals every time family members are eating. Call your local vet clinic to ask about the recommended feeding frequency and amounts for your pets.

3. Don’t forget your pet’s vaccinations

Make sure your pets have up-to-date vaccinations. If your pet is due simply book an appointment online at sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au If you have any other concerns about your pet ask your vet clinic in Sydney while you are there.

Kennel Cough

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:59:00 GMT

Kennel cough describes a respiratory infection in dogs that can be caused by a variable collection of viruses and bacteria.

Heart Disease in Pets Blog

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:49:00 GMT

Heart disease is common in pets with some breeds of dogs and cats being more susceptible than others. Often the first sign of heart disease in pets may be a ‘murmur’ detected by a veterinarian during a routine health check-up. A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by a leaking heart valve.Heart disease is common in pets with some breeds of dogs and cats being more susceptible than others. Often the first sign of heart disease in pets may be a ‘murmur’ detected by a veterinarian during a routine health check-up. A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by a leaking heart valve. The most common form of heart murmur in dogs is due to a leaking mitral valve which is on the left side of the heart, this is especially common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. In dogs the severity of the heart murmur often correlates with the severity of heart disease.

Pets and the Pandemic AMA Report

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:41:00 GMT

Pets and the Pandemic: a social research snapshot of pets and people in the COVID-19 era

We are happy to share with you a report from Animal Medicines Australia AMA , with the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia PFIA , the Pet Industry Association of Australia PIAA and the Australian Veterinary Association AVA who worked together to present their findings of – Pets and the Pandemic.

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have created an opportunity for Australians to introduce a previously desired pet into the family, rather than the pandemic being the reason itself for acquiring a pet. For instance, working from home arrangements have provided the opportunity to spend time with a pet.

The research shows the early anecdotal reports accurately reflect the biggest boom Australia has seen in pet ownership. In a time of significant uncertainty and reduced social interaction, Australians have turned to pet ownership as a source of comfort and joy. This report, a supplement to Animal Medicines Australia’s triennial report, includes overall pet population data as well as information specifically focused on cats and dogs based on a quantitative survey and qualitative research.

Owners said that ‘pets had a positive impact on their lives throughout the pandemic because they provided joy, comfort and were good for mental health’.

With pet ownership now at record levels, policy makers must consider the needs of companion animals and their owners. This should range from rental, strata and body corporate regulations to animals in public places, transport access and holiday accommodation. The pandemic also showed that pet animal welfare must be explicitly protected as an essential service/activity.

‘Our pets bring so much love and joy to our lives; it is our responsibility in turn to provide them with the best health, care and environment we possibly can’ Lance Williams President AMA.

Download the full report – Pets and the Pandemic: a social research snapshot of pets and people in the COVID-19 era

If you have any questions or concerns about your pets please speak with one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

Acknowledgements – this report was produced by Newgate Research on behalf of the Animal Medicines Australia AMA, with contributions from the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia PFIAA, the Pet Industry Association of Australia PIAA and Australian Veterinary Association AVA for their contribution to this report.

#PetsAndThePandemic #Covid

#AMA #AVA #PFIAA #PIAA

Kidney disease in pets

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:11:00 GMT

The kidneys play an important role filtering the blood to remove waste products, they also help to maintain the balance of electrolytes in the blood, to keep the body hydrated and healthy. Kidney disease or renal disease, occurs when there is a change in the functioning of the kidneys.

Brown Ticks transmitting Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 03:18:00 GMT

Brown ticks transmitting Ehrlichiosis in Dogs. You might have heard about a tick-borne disease in dogs called Ehrlichiosis, and apart from being a difficult word to pronounce – we wanted to explain a bit more about this disease and how you can best protect your pet.Brown ticks transmitting Ehrlichiosis in Dogs You might have heard about a tick-borne disease in dogs called Ehrlichiosis, and apart from being a difficult word to pronounce – we wanted to explain a bit more about this disease and how you can best protect your pet. Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is transmitted by the brown dog tick – Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Dogs can potentially become infected with the disease when they are bitten by one of these brown dog ticks that is carrying Ehrlichia canis.

NEW ONLINE BOOKINGS & CLIENT PORTAL

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:09:00 GMT

New Online Bookings & Client Portal Simply go to our website www.sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au Click ‘Book Appointment Online’ Click ‘Log In’ OR if this is your 1st time click ‘Sign Up’ Once logged in you can; Make an appointment View & edit your contact details, pet’s details, add pet photos etc View vaccination history, microchip details, insurance details Order pet food/medication/parasite prevention

Jeans for Genes Day

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:02:00 GMT

Jeans for Genes Day is August 6th this year and it’s a cause that's very close to our hearts.Jeans for Genes Day is August 6th this year and it’s a cause that’s very close to our hearts. 1 in 20 kids in Australia are born with a congenital disorder or genetic disease. This presents huge challenges not only for them but also for their families. Jeans for Genes Australia Day raises money for the Children’s Medical Research Institute to help discover treatments and cures for these kids. One of our practice owners, Dr Ben, is fundraising for this important cause and to help open the wallets he’s promised to shave off his head and beard to raise money! (he’s had a beard for about 15 years!). Link below! Thanks for your support, please like and share!! https://fundraise.jeansforgenes.org.au/…/jeans-for-gene

LIVE WEBCHAT SERVICE

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:51:00 GMT

NEW LIVE WEBCHAT SERVICE Do you have a question about your pet or our services? Our new free Live Webchat service is with a REAL PERSON, not just a chatbot you will be web-chatting with a veterinary nurse. Available Monday to Friday 4pm-7.30am. Simply go to our website home page https://sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au/ to chat

What is Scrotal Ablation Surgery?

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:55:00 GMT

Having your pet male dog sterilised or de-sexed is a common surgical procedure which is also referred to as castration. For more information about scrotal ablation and castration in dogs, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals.

Having your pet male dog sterilised or de-sexed is a common surgical procedure which is also referred to as castration. Castration involves the removal of both of the dog’s testicles and the surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic.

If castration is performed when the dog is young, the skin of the scrotum usually contracts and soon becomes minimally noticeable. However if the castration surgery is performed in a mature dog, or in some younger larger breeds, the skin of the scrotum may be more pendulous and obvious.

Because of this, if you have a mature male dog that is due to be castrated, the veterinarian may recommend that the dog has a scrotal ablation as part of the castration procedure. Scrotal ablation is a surgical procedure to remove the excess pendulous skin of the scrotum so that the skin sits flat, reducing the risk of post-operative swelling or infection.

Scrotal ablation is also recommended in cases where there may be infection, injury or cancer affecting the scrotum, and it may also be performed when surgery is required to relieve a blocked urethra.

Scrotal ablation surgery involves the removal of the excess scrotal skin, with the resulting wound edges sutured together. The dog’s testicles can be removed through the same surgical incision, leaving just one incision site to be sutured.

For more information about scrotal ablation and castration in dogs, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals .

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

Hip x-rays to check for hip dysplasia in dogs

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:31:00 GMT

Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited orthopaedic disease in dogs. Hip radiographs or x-rays, especially the PennHip x-ray series - is the most reliable means of diagnosing and predicting which dogs will develop hip dysplasia. Read more.

Cat survives attack

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:17:00 GMT

Purdy our clinic cat who was treated by our vets after being attacked by a dog. Whilst initial x-rays showed Purdy had a fractured skull, a CT scan at our Kellyville clinic was recommended to further assess his jaw.

Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 02:06:00 GMT

Regular veterinary care is the best way to keep your cat healthy and happy. There are almost 4 million pet cats in Australia, but they are less likely to receive regular health checks than dogs. In 2016, approximately 80% of dogs were examined by a vet at least once, but this was the case for only 65% of cats. This disturbing trend is leading many veterinary professionals to ask pet owners, “Have we seen your cat lately?”

Many feline veterinary specialists recommend a minimum of one annual wellness examination for cats, with more frequent examinations for senior and geriatric patients, or those cats with medical or behavioural conditions. Cats are masters at hiding illness and injury and their more sedentary nature, compared to dogs, means that signs of disease may be harder to detect. Cats are also very susceptible to kidney disease because their kidneys contain less nephrons, the functional tissue of the kidney, than other species. They are also adapted to living in the desert and conserving water by producing highly concentrated urine, this can make them more susceptible to acute kidney failure related to ingestion of toxins. Cats are also very susceptible to a special type of dental disease called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, which causes painful cavities in their teeth and can result in the loss of teeth.

So to make sure your feline friend stays in tip top shape, we are offering a FREE cat dental check by our vet nurse call your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the June Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

Looking for a new dog

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:30:00 GMT

Are you looking to get a new puppy or dog? There are a few things to consider in terms of choosing the right pet for you and your lifestyle. To learn more, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals today.

All about Desexing your Pet

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 19:15:00 GMT

Having your pet cat or dog sterilised or desexed is a common surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic by veterinarians. In female dogs and cats

Having your pet cat or dog sterilised or desexed is a common surgical procedure performed by veterinarians. Desexing is recommended because it prevents unwanted pregnancies in female dogs and cats, and stops pets coming into season when female dogs and cats may bleed from the vulva.

Desexing also prevents reproductive behaviours such as calling and yowling in cats, and reduces some behaviours like aggression and wandering instincts in male dogs and cats.

The desexing procedure is performed by a veterinarian, and it involves a general anaesthetic. In female dogs and cats, the surgery is called spaying or ovariohysterectomy – and involves removal of the uterus and ovaries. In male dogs and cats, the surgery is called a castration – and involves the removal of both testes.

Sydney Animal Hospitals recommends that you have your kitten or puppy de-sexed, and our veterinarians can provide specific advice on the best age to have your pet desexed based on their breed and species.

Here in NSW, the State Government has introduced regulations that require payment of an annual fee for non-desexed cats aged from four months of age and older. Improving desexing rates will ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Desexing your cat can have health benefits and reduces the likelihood of them roaming and being involved in fights or accidents.

In female dogs and cats, the health benefits of desexing include a reduced risk of mammary tumours, prevents medical conditions such as an infected uterus (call pyometra), and eliminates the risk of cancers of the ovaries and uterus.

In male dogs and cats, the health benefits of desexing include a reduced risk of prostatic disease and perianal tumours, and it eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Read more on desexing your pet……

Contact our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals about your pet on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111 Inner West (02) 9516 1466 Norwest (02) 8883 0411 Kellyville (02) 8883 0533 Newport (02) 9997 4609 Avalon (02) 9918 0833

As seen in Pittwater Life Magazine click her to read more

What to do if my dog is barking all of the time

Tue, 25 May 2021 12:24:00 GMT

Learn about how to prevent your dog from problematic barking. Dogs may bark if they are injured, feel unwell, or have canine senility. We’ve rounded up the most effective ways to correct this behaviour. Read now.

For dogs, barking is their key way to communicate. Dogs may bark to attract attention, or sometimes also if they are injured, feel unwell, or have canine senility. But sometimes barking can become a compulsive behaviour and be excessive – and this can be a nuisance.

If your dog is barking and you are concerned that it may be anxious, injured or unwell, then seeking veterinary attention at the vet hospital is recommended. One of our veterinarians will examine your pet to investigate the issue further, to identify whether there is a medical or behavioural cause, and to determine what management may be required.

Through this thorough veterinary assessment, a course of action will be discussed with you. A veterinary behavioural consultation may be recommended, where a veterinary behaviourist will work with you and your pet to identify the potential triggers for the barking.

The veterinarian will then develop a management plan incorporating positive ways for you manage your pet’s barking. This may include divert the dog’s attention away from the trigger, along with providing positive reinforcement to desensitize the dog to the triggers, and teaching counter conditioning to help alleviate the problem.

If your dog is barking excessively, consider this important general advice:

Stay calm and be patient: Try not to get frustrated when your dog barks excessively, as this may only exacerbate their barking.

Regular exercise: Ensure your pet receives regular walks and other activities to reduce their energy and maintain their socialisation.

Seek expert help: Discuss any problems or concerns you may have with your veterinarian. Recording a short video of your dog’s behaviour on your mobile phone can be useful.

Why chocolate is bad for your dog

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 05:28:00 GMT

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures. In severe cases, chocolate toxicity can be fatal. For more information, contact local Sydney Animal Hospital today

Easter is known as a time for feasting and celebration, and many of us will be indulging over the long weekend with a tasty Easter egg or two. But if you have a pet pooch in your home, it’s important to be extra vigilant, because while Easter eggs are a tasty treat for humans, if your dog comes into contact with any leftovers, it can be a recipe for disaster.

Why is chocolate bad for your dog?

Ingredients found in chocolate – like caffeine and theobromine – are very bad for your dog’s health. Any vet in Sydney will confirm that these will lead to increased heart rate in dogs, as well as stimulating their nervous system.

The extent of risk to your dog will depend upon the concentration of these ingredients; the higher the level of cocoa in the chocolate, the greater the risk.

When to rush to an emergency vet

If you can identify both the type and quantity of chocolate digested by your pet, your vet can decide if your dog needs emergency help.

Mild symptoms are displayed with theobromine doses as low as 20mg/kg, while a 40 to 50 mg/kg dose causes severe heart-related symptoms. Chocolate ingestion above 60mg/kg can cause twitching, tremors, and seizures in your dog. Ingredients at about 200mg/kg can prove fatal.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning

Agitation
Vomiting
Drooling
Queasiness
Diarrhoea
Increase in urination
Unusually high heart rate
Quivering
Seizures

Remedial Action Taken by Your Vet in Sydney

If your vet in Sydney feels that chocolate consumption is nothing to worry about, they will simply tell you to monitor your dog’s condition. In other circumstances, they may ask you to get your dog to the clinic. Activated charcoal doses will be given to your dog to remove the toxins from the body before their absorption into the bloodstream. This is helpful if the chocolate consumption has taken place within less than two hours. Severe cases may call for your dog to stay overnight with the vet.

As Easter is known as a time when there is a lot of chocolate around the house, ensure that any sweet treats are kept out of your pet’s reach during such times to avoid emergency visits to your vet in Sydney .

If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact us now.

Sydney Animal Hospitals have a poisons guide , click on the link for more info;

If you have any further questions about dog chocolate poisoning, please speak with one of our friendly veterinary team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02)9519 4111

Inner West (02)9516 1466

Norwest (02)8883 0411

Kellyville (02)8883 0533

Newport (02)9997 4609

Avalon (02)9918 0833

Our six convenient hospital locations are each open different hours, with after-hours emergency services available nearby when needed – click here to see – https://sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au/emergency-care/

Why vaccinate?

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 23:16:00 GMT

Vaccination is the key to your dog's health. With vaccination, you can protect your dog from several highly contagious diseases. At Sydney Animal Hospitals our core vaccination against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis in dogs is extremely safe and now lasts for 3 years.

In addition to our core 3 yearly vaccination protocol we also recommend vaccination against canine cough every year. Canine cough is caused by parainfluenza virus and/or a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica . The vaccination against canine cough is an oral vaccine plus an injection, which safely provide high levels of immunity where it is needed – in the respiratory tract (i.e. nose, mouth and throat). Canine cough is common, especially where dogs congregate e.g. dog parks, and via public water bowls. It causes a dry, hacking cough that can progress to pneumonia in severely affected, unvaccinated dogs.

To book an appointment online for your pet or call your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the March Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

March Ad Offer

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

How to prevent unprovoked biting from your cat

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:31:00 GMT

Concerned about unprovoked biting from your cat. Read Sydney Animal Hospitals blog to learn why cats bite and what you can do to correct their behaviour.

Vomiting and diarrhoea in pets

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 04:42:00 GMT

Vomiting and diarrhoea are common reasons for pet owners to seek veterinary attention. The causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in pets are numerous and can be serious or relatively mild. Because there can be a number of possible causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in pets tests are often needed to determine the cause and therefore the treatment required. Significant vomiting and diarrhoea quickly leads to dehydration which can be life threatening – regardless of the underlying cause.

Vomiting and diarrhoea can be related to a primary gastrointestinal problem. The most common reason is ‘dietary indiscretion’ which is when pets (especially dogs) eat or scavenge foods that they don’t usually eat. This can cause inflammation of the digestive tract and subsequent vomiting and diarrhoea. Any change in pet food needs to be done slowly to avoid a sudden change in the population of the microbiome of the gut (called dysbiosis) that can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, dysbiosis can lead to inflammation of the colon – called colitis, which often leads to bloody diarrhoea.

Parasites can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. For adult dogs and cats we recommend deworming medication be given every three months. Puppies and kittens need more frequent treatments as they are more at risk of carrying parasites. In addition to worms, protozoal infections, bacteria and viruses can also cause gastrointestinal disease in pets, similar to humans.

Vomiting and diarrhoea can also be secondary to other health problems. Liver and/or kidney disease can affect the digestive tract secondarily and cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) sometimes follows ingestion of a very fatty mean and can cause life threatening illness. Dogs and cats with pancreatitis often have abdominal pain and vomiting.

A thorough physical examination by one of our vets, blood tests and stool analysis are often used to determine the cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in pets and to determine the best treatment. If your pet is a little ‘green around the gills’ make an appointment with one of our team.

If you have any questions please speak with our team at your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the February Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

February Ad Offer

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia

19th January 2021 – Leptospirosis update

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:27:00 GMT

We recommend vaccination against Leptospirosis in dogs living within a 5km radius of Surry Hills, in Annandale, Balmain or Crows Nest or their immediately surrounding suburbs or if the dog is in contact with rats.

Update and a summary about canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney over the past few months. In August, four cases were identified – in Newtown, Crows Nest, Balmain and Paddington.

The dog from Balmain made a full recovery. The other dogs sadly had to be euthanized. The dog from Paddington had been fully vaccinated against leptospirosis 10 months prior to presentation with the currently available vaccine (Protech® C2i, Boehringer Ingelheim, Australia) containing serovar Copenhageni. The causative serovar could not be determined, likely due to insufficient time for seroconversion.

In September a case was identified in Firefly, 300km north of Sydney. The dog was euthanised due to anuric renal failure. The causative serovar could not be determined likely due to insufficient time for seroconversion.

In October a case was diagnosed in a dog from Cheltenham. This dog is a working dog used for sheep herding. In this case serovar Hardjo was identified as the causative serovar. The reservoir hosts for this serovar are sheep and cattle. The dog developed CKD stage 3 and remains stable.

In December 2020 a case was identified in Annandale in a 9-week-old puppy. The dog had been adopted from a farm in Armidale 12 days prior. The dog sadly was euthanised due to anuric renal failure. The causative serovar could not be determined due to insufficient time for seroconversion.

The University of Sydney is continuing to investigate Leptospirosis cases to determine which serovars are involved and if there is any specific source of infection which can be identified.

In a subsequent study we are investigating the immune response and its implication on the diagnosis of natural infection after vaccination with the currently available monovalent vaccine containing Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni.

Leptospirosis may be suspected in any dog with:

– Nonspecific clinical signs like lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea which can precede more obvious clinical signs like icterus

– Azotemia

– +/- hyperbilirubinaemia, elevated liver enzymes

– +/- glucosuria

Important information to ask:

– Is there any contact with rats?

– Is there any contact with stagnant water (eg ponds)?

– Which area is the animal from?

– Has there been any travel into areas in which there have been reported cases (Annandale, Balmain, Newtown, Crows Nest, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Glebe, Paddington, Cheltenham, Firefly)?

To read more information on leptospirosis click here

Is your dog vaccinated for leptospirosis? Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

Written by Dr Christine Griebsch Dr med vet DipECVIM-CA (Small Animal) EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine, Unit Head Medicine.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney.

#Leptospirosis

Written by Dr Christine Griebsch Dr med vet DipECVIM-CA (Small Animal) EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine, Unit Head Medicine.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney.

#Leptospirosis

Ensure the comfort and safety of your pets in hot weather

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 02:53:00 GMT

Our pets love enjoying the outdoors just as much as we do, however there are some things we need to keep in mind to ensure the comfort and safety of our pets during the warmer months. Certain breeds of dogs and cats can be more affected by the heat, particularly those with shortened noses

The beautiful hot summer weather is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than to get out and about in our local parks and beaches. Our pets love enjoying the outdoors just as much as we do, however there are some things we need to keep in mind to ensure the comfort and safety of our pets during the warmer months.

Certain breeds of dogs and cats can be more affected by the heat, particularly those with shortened noses, and narrow airways such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, and also those with a heavy coat such as Huskies and Pomeranian breeds. It may be of benefit to consider having any long haired dogs or cats clipped by a groomer over summer as a preventative measure, this also makes tick searching much easier. Pugs, French Bulldogs and other short nosed breeds should be examined by a vet to ensure they do not have serious respiratory issues that may be affected by the heat.

In hot weather try walking your pets on grass rather than concrete or hot sand, and make sure at home there are areas of shade or shelter where they can rest and walk about. You may also wish to put ice cubes in their water bowl, or freeze some of their food to help keep them extra cool.

We always reiterate the importance of never leaving pets in the car in hot weather as well, as pets can overheat in a matter of minutes; this has sadly led to the deaths of otherwise healthy animals.

If there are any signs of distress such as panting excessively, breathing quickly, or unexpected lethargy please seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Heat stress can unfortunately be fatal if treatment of the condition is not sought promptly. Try taking your dog to the park or on their walks during the cooler times of day (early morning or early evening), and always ensure there will be access to water along the way or bring a bottle with you just in case.

If you would like further tips on how to prepare for a hot day see Tips For The Festive Season | Sydney Animal Hospitals , or speak with our team at your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the January Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

January Ad Offer

#PittwaterLife #LocalMedia #HotWeather

Bladder stones in dogs

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 23:25:00 GMT

Both humans and animals can get bladder stones, and if you’ve ever experienced bladder stones, you’ll know how painful they can be.

Ouch! Bladder stones are painful and potentially life threatening

Both humans and animals can get bladder stones, and if you’ve ever experienced bladder stones, you’ll know how painful they can be.

Goji the dog recently presented to Sydney Animal Hospitals after his owners noticed that he was straining to urinate, as well as trying to urinate frequently and the urine he was passing was tinged with blood. After a consultation with one of our veterinarians, during his physical examination it was suspected that Goji was suffering from bladder stones, which was then confirmed with an x-ray.

Dogs or cats with bladder stones often display blood in their urine or have difficulty urinating – straining, and often only passing small amounts of blood tinged urine. Bladder stones can also sometimes cause an obstruction – this is mainly in male dogs and cats, where the stones or crystals have to travel out the narrow urethra when the animal urinates. A blocked bladder is a potentially life threatening condition and requires urgent veterinary intervention.

If you have any further questions about bladder stones in pets, please speak with one of our friendly veterinary team at your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02)9519 4111
Inner West (02)9516 1466
Norwest (02)8883 0411
Kellyville (02)8883 0533
Newport (02)9997 4609
Avalon (02)9918 0833

#BladderStones #KidneyStones

Knee problems in dogs

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 09:44:00 GMT

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from an array of knee problems. The most common knee problem of dogs is a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This condition can cause significant pain, resulting in lameness and reduced activity. If left unchecked the arthritis that can ensue in the joint can be significantly debilitating for the dog.

The ACL is a ligament that joins the femur to the tibia and provides stabilisation for the knee joint in the hind limbs of the dog. The front legs of dogs are similar to our arms and therefore don’t have a knee joint so ACL problems only affect the back legs. Older, overweight pets tend to be more commonly affected however the problem can occur at any age in any breed. Typically, the ACL simply wears out due to calcification of the ligament. Less commonly, rupture of the ligament is associated with an injury from overexertion during activity which is similar to humans with the same problem.

After the ligament ruptures there is significant swelling in the joint that can be detected with an x-ray. Our vets can also feel the joint for signs of laxity which aids in the diagnosis, sometimes sedation is required for this to help pets relax and allow examination. In some cases there is also an injury to the cartilage of the knee joint which causes further pain and arthritis.

The best treatment of a ruptured ACL in dogs is the same as for active humans – surgery. Given most dogs enjoy an active life, conservative (non-surgical) treatment often leads to poor results and significant problems later in life. Once a dog ruptures their ACL in one leg they have a 50-60% chance of injuring the other knee joint in the other leg the same way. After surgery there is a rehabilitation period of 10-12 weeks before normal activity can be resumed.

If your dog is limping it is important to note that this means they are in pain and should be checked by one of our team immediately. Pain relieving medication can be given while a diagnosis is being determined by x-rays and other tests. If you have any questions please contact our your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02)9519 4111
Inner West (02)9516 1466
Norwest (02)8883 0411
Kellyville (02)8883 0533
Newport (02)9997 4609
Avalon (02)9918 0833

As seen in December 2020 issue Pittwater Life Magazine, read more

#RupturedAnteriorCruciateLigament #ACL

Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:02:00 GMT

Lest We Forget our four legged diggers who served as well. Did you know the traditional red poppy worn to mark Armistice Day (Remembrance Day) 11 November, that there is also a purple poppy, remembering animals who served in War.

Lest We Forget our four legged diggers who served as well ��

Did you know the traditional red poppy worn to mark Armistice Day (Remembrance Day) 11 November, that there is also a purple poppy, remembering animals who served in War.

Working alongside these brave men and women were animals. Animals had a significant role in War.

��Mules & horses hauled ammunition over treacherous terrain also carried troops & equipment.

��Dogs were used as messengers, to guard valuable military equipment, as bomb detectors, and for search and rescue missions. A dogs senses would pick up the hum of enemy planes two minutes before any soldier. Just before a deadly bombing, his signal of sitting, barking and then dashing for the trenches, would give precious time for all the soldiers to run for cover.

��Carrier pigeons delivered messages to specific destinations and were said to be the most dependable way of sending a message during the war.

��Collected in jars, Glowworms provided much needed light in the trenches for officers to study battle maps and soldiers to read their letters from home.

��Other animals were also seen on the battle fields.

Today we recognize the importance of both humans and animals who had and continue to serve.

#RemembranceDay #PurplePoppy
#WarAnimal #LestWeForget #FurAngels

The Dog Project

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:02:00 GMT

The Dog Project. A goal to photograph and interview 100 people and their dogs. A project from the heart of the community for a good cause. Learn more through our page with India Kerr.

Local Northern Beaches Girl Indi had a goal to have 100 local people and their dogs photographed, interviewed and then to combine into a book, called The Dog Project.

A project from the heart of the community for a good cause. Sydney Animal Hospitals Avalon client Tania and her daughter Indi Kerr started talking about the dog project. As most great things do – a conversation between friends which resembled… “wouldn’t it be great..”, followed by “YES!”, “Let’s do it”.. this simple, honest, wholesome initiative has been the most enjoyable ride so far! Tania says.

Our intention has been, and will always be, on Indi’s learning and interaction within the community and her environment.

We didn’t plan for the project to last so long, and if we reached our goal of making the book it was going to be a bonus, but Indi has shown such growth and commitment to the project we are able to continue each week – focused and excited to interact, interview, be inspired by, in awe of and grateful for each and every person and fur friend we meet.

Funds raised from The Dog Project Book will be donated to charities Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Monika’s Doggie Rescue .

Engagement, Community, love & DOGS!

To support The Dog Project and Pre Purchase ‘The Dog Project Book’ $39.00

Book launch for ‘The Dog Project’ is on Saturday December 5th from 2.30pm – 5pm at Avalon Bowlo

As seen in the November Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

#TheDogProject #PittwaterLife #IndiaKerr #Avalon #NorthernBeaches #Inspiration #Community #DogPhotography #LoveOfDOGS

Heartworm in dogs can be deadly!

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 10:03:00 GMT

Heartworm in dogs is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted from infected to uninfected dogs by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes inject a number of tiny worms (microfilaria) into the dog’s body which then mature into adult heartworm over about 6 months.

Planning For Your Animals in Emergencies

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 01:28:00 GMT

Planning For Your Animals in Emergencies. Whether its floods, storms, bushfires or medical emergencies, having a simple plan for your animals will have you covered for any emergency situation.

Make a plan for your animals today!

Emergencies can impact at any time, and our beloved animals count on us to keep them safe.
Whether its floods, storms, bushfires, buildings that are cracking, or medical emergencies, having a simple plan for your animals will have you covered for any emergency situation.

The SES have put together the below important contact details and steps to consider which all responsible animal owners should take to ensure their animals are safe in an emergency.

Let’s Get Ready and Make an Animal Emergency Plan

Emergency Information

In a life threatening emergency dial 000 (triple zero) immediately

For animal information or assistance go to NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Local Land Services .
If you find wildlife impacted during emergencies, please contact WIRES on 1300 094 737, or Wildlife Rescue Inc on 1300 596 457 (24/7 number)

For Veterinary assistance contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02)9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 7am-6pm

Inner West (02)9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore Open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Norwest (02)8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Kellyville (02)8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Newport (02)9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am-7pm

Avalon (02)9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach Open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8.30am-4pm closed Sundays

#PlanningForYourAnimalsinEmergencies #SES #Flood #Fire #Storm #KeepPetsSafe

Does your pet have itchy skin?

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 11:18:00 GMT

Spring is a fantastic time of the year but can often present some challenges for the health of our pets. One of the more common problems we see at this time of the year is itchy skin – especially in dogs.

One of the reasons dogs and cats may itch at this time of the year is due to an increasing prevalence of external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Warming temperatures provide ideal conditions for hatching of flea and tick eggs in the environment which can lead to skin inflammation when juvenile fleas and ticks bite our pets and cause subsequent itching. Fleas commonly cause dogs and cats to itch around the base of the tail. Thankfully there are many very effective preventative medications available for fleas and ticks in both dogs and cats which can eliminate this problem and also avoid the life-threatening risk of paralysis tick envenomation.

Another common issue in spring is allergic skin disease (or atopy). Dogs can be allergic to pollens and grasses just like us and this can often lead to very intense itching. Commonly affected areas for atopy are the feet, armpits and hairless areas of the groin. Atopy can often lead to recurrent ear infections especially in dogs that like to swim. Recent advances in medical therapy of this condition have made it a lot easier to control but very difficult to cure.

Scratching can also lead to secondary bacterial skin infection which further increases the itch, leading to a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Often antibiotics and medicated shampoos are required to bring this under control, it is imperative in these cases that the underlying cause of the itchy skin is also addressed.

Don’t wait until itchy skin causes both you and your pet to tear their hair out – drop in and see one of our team for advice about this very common problem.

Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the October Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

As seen in the Hills to Hawkesbury magazine read more

#PittwaterLife #HillstoHawkesbury #LocalMedia #ItchyPets

Owning a new puppy or kitten

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 05:32:00 GMT

During the COVID pandemic, many people have chosen to take on a new puppy or kitten. Owning a new pet can be a very exciting (and busy!) time for pet owners. There are some crucial health care measures that need to be taken to ensure your new fur bundle gets the best start in life.

Moving to a new home can be a stressful time for a puppy or kitten. This stress combined with their immature immune system can make them prone to illness and disease. New puppies and kittens should visit one of our hospitals to see one of our vets for a free health checkup to ensure they have the best chance of settling into their new home smoothly. Our vets will conduct a full physical examination, check for common congenital problems and discuss important health care measures to keep your new puppy or kitten healthy and happy.

Puppies and kittens need a balanced, premium quality pet food. Puppies and kittens grow and develop rapidly and have very different nutritional requirements to adults. For example, puppies and kittens require additional calcium and energy to facilitate proper growth of bones and muscles. It’s essential that you discuss the best nutritional plan for your puppy with a trained veterinary professional. Our vets will make sure your new pet receives the right nutritional advice and a free trial of premium puppy or kitten food.

Parasite control is also very important for puppies and kittens as they are more likely to be carrying gastrointestinal worms at this stage in their life. A worming tablet should be given every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, every month until 6 months of age and then every 3 months for life.

Heartworm prevention for dogs is even more important – the best way to prevent heartworm is with injectable medication administered by your vet, this removes the possibility of forgetting to give a dose as one missed monthly heartworm dose can result in heartworm infection. Puppies need to start this heartworm prevention medication at 12 weeks of age, they will then need a booster at 6 month of age and then need repeat injections every year at the same time as their annual vaccinations.

Tick and flea prevention is also a must. The newer oral and topical flea and tick preventatives and tick collars are highly effective and very safe even in puppies and kittens. These products prevent these parasites for extended periods. Paralysis ticks can be rapidly fatal for dogs and cats of any age, and are especially prevalent on the Northern Beaches.

Vaccinations are also imperative to prevent deadly infectious diseases. During the vaccination consultation, the veterinarian will also complete a full physical examination to ensure your puppy or kitten is healthy and fit for vaccination. Puppies and kittens need vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, 10-12 weeks of age and 14-16 weeks of age. After these vaccinations are completed your puppy or kitten will then be able to safely mix with older animals without the risk of acquiring these infectious diseases.

If you have a new puppy or kitten contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals for a free health check by a Vet and a free trial of premium puppy or kitten food.

For more information contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on:

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the September Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine

Click here to read the full issue

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

#newpet #puppy #kitten #PittwaterLife

As seen in the September Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine

Click here to read the full issue

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

#newpet #puppy #kitten #PittwaterLife

Leptospirosis Update August 2020

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:18:00 GMT

Leptospirosis Update August 2020: This week there has been a case of confirmed Leptospirosis in a dog in Newtown. Sadly, this dog was euthanised. The dog had been in contact with rats.This is the first case of confirmed Leptospirosis this year and the first one reported in Newtown. Please remain vigilant! Sydney Animal Hospitals continue to recommend vaccination of dogs in the Newtown and Erskineville area – which is on the border of the previously recommended zone, a 3 km radius around Surry Hills.

Sadly yesterday there was another confirmed Leptospirosis case, this time the dog was from Crows Nest. The dog was not vaccinated against Leptospirosis and sadly was euthanized due to anuric renal failure. They were unable to determine the causative serovar in this case – likely due to insufficient time for seroconversion. This is the first reported case of Leptospirosis from Crows Nest.

Last year there were 8 confirmed Leptospirosis cases between May and November and these dogs lived or visited Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Glebe and Redfern. This month there has been 2 Leptospirosis cases recorded from Newtown and Balmain. While the dog from Newtown was also euthanized the dog from Balmain has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well. In both these cases Copenhageni was identified as the causative serovar.

Therefore, we recommend vaccination against Leptospirosis in dogs who live or visit the Inner West of Sydney, North Shore plus the Northern Beaches areas or if a dog is in contact with rats.

Leptospirosis Update 14th August 2020:

This week there has been a case of confirmed Leptospirosis in a dog in Newtown. Sadly, this dog was euthanised. The dog had been in contact with rats.

This is the first case of confirmed Leptospirosis this year and the first one reported in Newtown. Please remain vigilant! Sydney Animal Hospitals continue to recommend vaccination of dogs in the Newtown and Erskineville area – which is on the border of the previously recommended zone, a 3 km radius around Surry Hills.

Sydney Animal Hospitals currently continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all Inner City dogs and all dogs that may be exposed to rats or environments inhabited by rats.

Please ensure your dog remains current with its vaccination protocol. Boosters are required annually if your dog has been previously vaccinated.

The University of Sydney continues to investigate Leptospirosis cases to determine which serovars are involved and if there is any specific source of infection which can be identified. Sydney Animal Hospitals is assisting the University and may ask for your permission in collecting samples from your dog prior to vaccinations. Sampling should not be cause for alarm, it is to collate information in healthy animals in order to obtain the back ground exposure in our dog’s communities.

Leptospirosis may be suspected in any dog with:
–       Nonspecific clinical signs like lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea
–       Azotemia (kidney failure)
–       +/- hyperbilirubinaemia (yellow gums and mucus membranes), elevated liver enzymes
–       +/- glucosuria (glucose in the urine)

Important information that the vet may ask is:
–       Any contact with rats
–       Any contact with stagnant water (eg ponds)
–       Which area is the patient from?
–       Any travel to endemic areas (Newtown, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Glebe and surrounding suburbs)

In suspicious cases Sydney Animal Hospitals vets will recommend:
–       Collection of urine and blood samples
–       Ensuring gloves / PPE are worn when handling the animal as Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (that is a disease that is transmissible to humans)
–       Starting treatment with IV fluids and antibiotics.
–       The patient should be isolated from other animals. We currently recommend isolation for 72 hours following the commencement of antibiotics.
–       The owner/s should be advised to seek medical advice.

We may ask clients who are from the Newtown area to obtain screening samples from their dog before we vaccinate against leptospirosis, on behalf of the University Study into the prevalence of this disease. These blood and urine samples would be collected before the dog’s initial vaccination (only in dogs never vaccinated against leptospirosis before).

For more information go to sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au/leptospirosis-alert

If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

New Cancer Treatment Breakthrough!!

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:36:00 GMT

New Cancer Treatment Breakthrough!! Unfortunately our pets can suffer from many of the same forms of cancer that humans do. Our vets are trained in both the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer in pets and are consistently updating their skins in new forms of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation oncology, surgery and immunotherapy.Recently one of our practice owners, Dr Ben Brown, commenced treatment of an aggressive form of skin cancer in a 13 year old Poodle Cross, with a new form of cancer treatment in collaboration with Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney and the CSIRO.

Unfortunately our pets can suffer from many of the same forms of cancer that humans do. Our vets are trained in both the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer in pets and are consistently updating their skins in new forms of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation oncology, surgery and immunotherapy.

Recently one of our practice owners, Dr Ben Brown , commenced treatment of an aggressive form of skin cancer in a 13 year old Poodle Cross, with a new form of cancer treatment in collaboration with Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney and the CSIRO.

Samples of the dog’s cancer have been used to create a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells. This treatment is much cheaper, safer and carries less side effects than conventional cancer treatments. It has also been shown in preliminary trials to be highly effective for certain kinds of cancer.

Results of these new treatments in pets will be used to determine if similar treatments can be used in humans in the future.

We all have our fingers (and paws) crossed for our patient to make a full recovery!

Our vets also treat cancer using the latest chemotherapy protocols in conjunction with specialist oncologists. It is important to point out that the doses of medications that our veterinarians administer to pets for chemotherapy are much less than those used in humans. This is because our pets have a shorter natural lifespan compared to humans and so we are trying to achieve remission of cancer (i.e. no active progression of disease) rather than cure of cancer (elimination of all cancer cells from the body, as is done in many human cases). This means that many of the adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment in humans are not experienced in pets e.g. pets do not suffer from hair loss and often feel much better during treatment of their cancer than they did prior.

The goal of all our chemotherapy treatments is to consistently improve both quality and quantity of life both during and after treatment.

If your pet has a strange lump or bump do not wait to see what happens, get it checked by one of our team to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the August Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more

As seen in the July 31st Issue of Hills to Hawkesbury Magazine click here to read more

Claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 23:45:00 GMT

Innovating the pet insurance claims experience, GapOnly™ reviews and calculates your claim while you’re still at the vet. You simply pay the gap (the difference between the vet’s invoice and the pet insurance claim benefit under your policy) and go.

GapOnly TM Pet Insurance Claims Reinvented

As a pet parent, when your fur baby gets sick or injured, the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether you can afford treatment.

For example, if you have a pet insurance policy with an 80% benefit cover and you get a $1,000 vet bill, your policy would provide $800 benefit cover if the claim is approved.

Before GapOnly™, you would pay the full $1,000 bill upfront, and wait for the $800 benefit to be processed and returned over a few days.

With GapOnly™, your claim is processed on the spot, and you simply pay the gap of $200 and go.

It keeps the focus on the health of your pet, not the cost of treatment, with the added convenience of no paperwork, on-the-spot processing, and less out-of-pocket expense.

GapOnly™ is available at Sydney Animal Hospitals and currently offered to the below list of pet insurance partners plus many more.

Click here to see a full list of GapOnly partners.

Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals to find out more or go to gaponly.com.au

Newtown (02)9519 4111
Inner West (02)9516 1466
Norwest (02)8883 0411
Kellyville (02)8883 0533
Newport (02)9997 4609
Avalon (02)9918 0833

Please Note: GapOnly® is available;
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm (excluding NSW public holidays)
When GapOnly® isn’t available to claim on the spot, we can submit an electronic pet insurance claim instead.

#GapOnly #PetInsuranceClaims #Claimonthespot

Please Note: GapOnly® is available;
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm (excluding NSW public holidays)
When GapOnly® isn’t available to claim on the spot, we can submit an electronic pet insurance claim instead.

#GapOnly #PetInsuranceClaims #Claimonthespot

NSW Government introduction of annual permits for non-desexed cats and dangerous / restricted dogs

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 03:03:00 GMT

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers.

Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

From 1 July 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee, by NSW Government.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

Restricted dog breeds are the pit bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Argentinian fighting dog, Brazilian fighting dog, and canary mastiff. A dog can also be declared to be one of, or a cross-breed of, one of these restricted breeds.

Dogs of any breed can be formally declared dangerous by a council or court if the dog, without provocation, has attacked or killed a person or animal, repeatedly threatened to attack or repeatedly chased a person or animal, or is kept or used for hunting.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through their local council.

Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs. The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.

Local councils will have primary responsibility for enforcing the new requirement consistent
with other companion animal management practices.

If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the NSW Pet Registry at pets@olg.nsw.gov.au and 1300 134 460.

Annual Permits – Frequently Asked Questions

#NSWPetRegistry #NSWGov #AnnualPermits #NonDesexedCats #RestrictedDangerousDogs #LocalCouncil

Paws For Sick Kids

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:59:00 GMT

Join us to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney with a new campaign Paws For Sick Kids, with Wilbur Chief Cheer Officer

Join us to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney with a new campaign #PawsForSickKids

Its simple to be apart of Paws For Sick Kids;

????Register for free or join our team https://www.pawsforsickkids.com.au/fundraisers/SydneyAnimalHospitals

????Plan your challenges & get sponsors

????Take a photo or video of you & your pet doing your challenges

????Post your challenge pics 2nd to 8th August on your social media & tag #PawsForSickKids

Or simply make a donation today https://www.pawsforsickkids.com.au/fundraisers/SydneyAnimalHospitals

Help Wilbur Chief Cheer Officer and us to cheer up sick kids & their families????

More information www.pawsforsickkids.com.au

#RMHCSydney #WilburTheHouseDog #SydneyAnimalHospitals

Paws For Sick Kids

After Covid-19 with Pets

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 00:13:00 GMT

After Covid-19 with pets - How to prepare your pet for your transition back to work after COVID-19. Here are a few simple strategies to help transition

Does your pet have smelly breath?

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:55:00 GMT

Does your pet have smelly breath? Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals for a free dental health check for your dog or cat.

Does your pet have smelly breath? Halitosis (bad breath) is common in pets and can occur for several reasons.

The most common cause of bad breath in dogs and cats is dental disease. Even a small amount of dental tartar and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) can lead to a bacterial infection in the mouth which causes bad breath. A staggering 80% of pets have some form of dental disease by 2 years of age. Fortunately, if caught early enough, dental disease can be treated by veterinarians without it causing permanent damage to your pet. Prevention of dental disease via brushing, dental diets and dental chews is the most effective way to preserve your pet’s teeth for life.

Another cause of bad breath in pets is cancers of the mouth, tongue and throat. This occurs more commonly in middle aged to older pets but can affect animals of any age. Tumours can affect the jaw bone and/or the soft tissues of the mouth resulting in inflammation and secondary infection. Many cancers grow so quickly that the blood supply can’t keep up meaning that some of the tumour begins to become diseased causing further bad breath. Early diagnosis is crucial as many oral cavity cancers can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. A detailed oral cavity examination by a veterinarian can allow early diagnosis and treatment which greatly reduces the impact many of these tumours can have on our pet’s lives.

Some breeds of dogs – especially the Cocker Spaniel, can be genetically prone to developing lip folds near the mouth on the lower jaw that become infected due to the constant presence of moisture from the mouth. This can cause pain and inflammation and a very foul smell. These lip folds are not required for the health of the animal and surgical removal can greatly improve these dog’s quality of life – and their breath!!

If your pet has bad breath contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals for a free dental and oral cavity health check by one of our friendly qualified vet nurses during June, July and August.

For more information contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on:

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in the June Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine

Click here to read the full issue

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

#smellybreath #petdentist

As seen in the June Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine

Click here to read the full issue

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

#smellybreath #petdentist

Pet Insurance – Is it worth it?

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:25:00 GMT

We are frequently asked for our opinion on the controversial topic of pet insurance. Many pet owners are unsure if they should take out a policy for their new pet and there is a great deal of confusion regarding which policy represents the best value,. The bottom line is…

The bottom line is that pet insurance IS a good idea, but like many things in life – you get what you pay for and it pays to read the fine print!

Health care is expensive regardless of whether it’s for humans or animals. Thankfully Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world and human healthcare costs are heavily subsidised by the government. Many Australians who find themselves requiring emergency treatment can attend a well-equipped public hospital and receive fantastic health care without paying a cent. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of our pets’ healthcare and so pet owners must be prepared for both routine and emergency medical expenses for their pets.

This is where pet insurance can help ease the burden. Pet owners can choose a level of cover that suits their needs for a monthly premium that suits their budget, some policies will also have a variable excess, just like car insurance. It is critical to know what your premium covers and what is excluded – if your pet has pre-existing medical conditions, you won’t be able to claim against these (at least in the short term) and some policies have limits to how much cover they will pay for conditions such as tick paralysis and certain orthopaedic surgeries. At the other end of the spectrum, there are policies that have generous allowances and will also cover routine procedures such as dentistry, vaccinations and desexing operations. The devil is in the detail and it pays to set aside some time to research as it can often be difficult to compare different policies.

Click here to see a couple of pet insurance companies.

We offer pet health care plans that bundle all the routine healthcare costs into a discounted, monthly payment which is much easier for budgeting. Give us a call to discuss what’s best for your pet!

For more information contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on:

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in Pittwater Life Magazine May 2020 Issue

#petinsurance

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

As seen in Pittwater Life Magazine May 2020 Issue

#petinsurance

Blog written by Dr. Ben Brown Director Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

Just like humans, animals need greater care in their senior years

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:22:00 GMT

Just like humans, animals need greater care in their senior years. Dogs are considered seniors when they reach their 7th birthday, for cats it is their 10th birthday. Older age presents new health problems for our pets and it is important to be aware of the signs of aging as…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just like humans, animals need greater care in their senior years. Dogs are considered seniors when they reach their 7 ^th birthday, for cats it is their 10 ^th birthday. Older age presents new health problems for our pets and it is important to be aware of the signs of aging as early detection is vital, say Dr Ben Brown.

Some symptoms of aging may be more obvious, like an intolerance to exercise or limited mobility, while others are much more subtle. It is important to monitor your pet’s eating patterns and body weight, as obesity can cause many health issues, including osteoarthritis and diabetes in old age. Similarly, if your pet is too thin it could be having dental issues, metabolic disease or certain types of cancers. Sleeping patterns and cognitive behaviour are also things to look out for; a cat or dog that isn’t aware of its surroundings or has difficulty recognizing people may be experiencing early cognitive dysfunction or dementia. Also, looking at the condition of your pet’s coat and how much your cat is grooming itself can also be indicative of its health.

Importantly, a less obvious but just as important sign of aging is how much your pet is drinking and urinating. How much your pet is or isn’t drinking can be indicative of many problems, from endocrine issues to kidney disease. It’s often difficult to check, especially in multi pet households, but water intake should be monitored closely if possible. The normal water intake for cats and dogs is approximately 50ml per kg bodyweight per 24hrs, any level above this warrants a check-up.

Because our pets can’t talk to us and communicate how they feel, senior pets should have a routine blood test every year. This helps to determine the health of many important internal organs such as the kidneys and liver and can often be the first indicator that something is wrong. Drop into one of our hospitals this month to discuss our senior pet health focus.

If you have any questions, please call your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on:

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

As seen in April Issue of Pittwater Life magazine, read more

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CONFIRMED Veterinarians are an Essential Service COVID-19

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:42:00 GMT

Read about the essential role of veterinarians during COVID-19 at Sydney Animal Hospitals. Discover the importance of pet healthcare.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:43:00 GMT

Coronavirus (COVID-19) NON CONTACT pet transfer for Grooming at Hot Dog Cool Cat Grooming Salon are open and here to keep your pet happy and healthy. Keeping our pets well is very important at this difficult time. #COVIDSafe #EssentialService #OpenAsUsual #PetGrooming #WeAreAllInThisTogether

Sydney Animal Hospitals with World Vets Bushfire Disaster Relief

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 13:55:00 GMT

Support the joint efforts of Sydney Animal Hospitals & World Vets in bushfire relief. Help affected wildlife & pets and donate animal health supplies.

Sydney Animal Hospitals is deploying a veterinary disaster response team today in conjunction with World Vets to assist in animal welfare efforts in bushfire affected areas of the South Coast of NSW at the request of local veterinarians in that area.

Specifically we will be helping wildlife, companion animals and livestock directly impacted and working with local vets who are already struggling with loss of property and personally and professionally demanding conditions.

One of our practice owners, Dr. Ben Brown, will travel with a small team of vets and nurses to assist local veterinarians and government vets in the area around Bega, Cobargo and Eden.

Funds will be used solely to animal health supplies such as pain relief, burns creams and bandages and antibiotics. Vets and nurses are donating their time and will not receive any funds

This is an unfolding human and animal disaster that will take many months to resolve. Any assistance you can offer is appreciated. All funds go directly towards the purchase of veterinary supplies for affected areas and dispersing these directly to animals in need.

If you would like to donate please click on link below;

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sydney-animal-hospitalsworld-vets-disaster-relief?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

#BushfireDisasterRelief #Donate

Tips For The Festive Season

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 04:48:00 GMT

Tips For The Festive Season and afterhours help for your petTips For The Festive Season To help you navigate the festive season we have put together a few tips to keep you and your pets happy and healthy.

Hip Replacement Hero – Sam Harris

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 08:24:00 GMT

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As the world moves forward with new apps, new technology, and new science, so too does the possibilities in the veterinary world. With the number of canines needing orthopaedic surgery increasing, Total Hip Replacements have become one of the most common joint replacement surgeries performed. If we were to go back 50 years ago this procedure might not have been possible, yet it was exactly what we were able to do at Sydney Animal Hospitals.

Our canine hero came to us with a history of pain in his left hind leg, which had been present since he was a puppy. In his first consultation, with Northern Beaches Practice owner Dr. Ben Brown , we were told by his owners that Sam had never been able to run or jump properly and was usually slow to rise. Border Collies as a breed are commonly known for their athletic ability, high intellect & high energy, so hearing that Sam did not fit the normal profile immediately raised a red flag. Dr. Ben performed a full health assessment, including manipulating specific joints and limbs, and reviewed radiographs of Sam’s hips that had previously been taken. The diagnosis became clear, Sam was suffering from a condition called Hip Dysplasia.

The options for treatment were discussed and under Dr. Ben’s advisement, it was decided that a total hip replacement by the team at Veterinary Specialists of Sydney was Sam’s best chance. The surgery date was set, now we just had to prep Sam for his big day.

Before we could begin, we needed to run a pre-anesthetic blood test to ensure Sam’s internal organs were healthy and could handle the extensive surgery he was about to undergo. Once given the all clear our nurses prepped Sam for his operation, ensuring he had adequate pain relief, intravenous fluids and the surgical site was sterile.

Once on the operating table the specialist surgeon Dr. Andrew Levien confirmed yet again that Sam had significant osteoarthritis and his left hip was completed luxated. With our team of vets and nurses closely monitoring Sam’s vitals throughout the procedure, Dr. Andrew removed the femoral head and neck. A prosthetic hip joint and femoral head were then surgically attached, replacing the hip joint entirely. The final step to the procedure involved taking a set of radiographs to ensure the implant was in the proper position.

For the next ten weeks Sam was on strict bed rest. He spent four of those weeks in hospital under medical observation and being cared for by our team of dedicated nurses. Oral antibiotics and pain relief up to twice daily was just the tip of the iceberg of Sam’s post-operative treatment. Our nurses took extra care with his handling, as they knew the more active Sam was, the more prone he would become to surgical complications. Every time he needed to toilet our nurses used a special sling that help alleviate the weight from his hind legs – we came to think of it as his hero’s cape.

Finally Sam was ready to head home where his family continued the hard work keeping him confined and using his special cape to help him get around. After his ten weeks of bed rest were up the last set of x-rays were performed. With the approval from the Veterinary Specialist of Sydney team, Sam could final be released from bed rest and back to normal activity.

Sam has now healed completely and is walking and running better on the operated leg than his other one! He is at home and is one happy, pain free dog. After his massive surgical procedure and ten weeks of care, how could you not think he was a hero!

If you think your pet is struggling with pain, contact your nearest Sydney Animal Hospital to find out what we can do for you and your furry family.

Newtown (02) 9519 4111 Inner West (02) 9516 1466 Norwest (02) 8883 0411 Kellyville (02) 8883 0533 Newport (02) 9997 4609 Avalon (02) 9918 0833

#HipDysplasia #HipReplacement [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/mfHGZ8ICgNA” el_width=”80″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Leptospirosis alert

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 07:25:00 GMT

Sydney Animal Hospitals is recommending vaccination for all at risk dogs, this includes any dogs that may live or travel to the Inner West of Sydney. Leptospirosis is a fatal disease of dogs.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Leptospirosis Update 25th August 2020:

Therefore, we recommend vaccination against Leptospirosis in dogs who live or visit the Inner West of Sydney, North Shore plus the Northern Beaches areas or if a dog is in contact with rats.

Leptospirosis Update 14th August 2020:

This week there has been a case of confirmed Leptospirosis in a dog in Newtown. Sadly, this dog was euthanised. The dog had been in contact with rats.

Sydney Animal Hospitals currently continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all Inner City dogs and all dogs that may be exposed to rats or environments inhabited by rats.

Please ensure your dog remains current with its vaccination protocol. Boosters are required annually if your dog has been previously vaccinated.

In suspicious cases SAH vets will recommend:
–       Collection of urine and blood samples
–       Ensuring gloves / PPE are worn when handling the animal as Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (that is a disease that is transmissible to humans)
–       Starting treatment with IV fluids and antibiotics.
–       The patient should be isolated from other animals. We currently recommend isolation for 72 hours following the commencement of antibiotics.
–       The owner/s should be advised to seek medical advice.

We may ask clients who are from the Inner West of Sydney area to obtain screening samples from their dog before we vaccinate against leptospirosis, on behalf of the University Study into the prevalence of this disease. These blood and urine samples would be collected before the dog’s initial vaccination (only in dogs never vaccinated against leptospirosis before).

more information on Leptospirosis contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 7am-6pm

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore Open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am-7pm

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach Open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8.30am-4pm closed Sundays

Update on Leptospirosis 05/08/19

Sydney Animal Hospitals recommend vaccination of dogs who live or visit the Inner-City Sydney area.

Sadly a dog from the Northern Beaches is reported to have passed away from Leptospirosis after visiting an off-leash dog park in the Inner West of Sydney. Sydney Animal Hospitals is recommending vaccination for all at risk dogs, this includes any dogs that may travel to the inner city (or currently live in that area) either now or in the future. Leptospirosis is a fatal disease of dogs that can also be transmitted to humans, as such, our veterinary team are recommending vaccination to ensure your pet and your family are not at risk.

Update on Leptospirosis 10/7/19

Dogs in the Inner City Sydney are considered at risk of contracting leptospirosis. There have been 7 confirmed cases, 5 of which unfortunately succumbed to the disease. We have advice from Professor Jacqui Norris Head of Microbiology and infectious diseases, that this is considered an outbreak. It is unknown as to why the disease has emerged in Inner City Sydney, but possibly there is increased rat activity and population movement associated with construction (e.g. light rail).

Please contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals for details on getting your dog vaccinated.

Post 9/7/19

Sydney Animal Hospitals has been monitoring the outbreak of Leptospirosis, which is a disease transmitted mainly by rodent (particularly rats and mice) urine contamination. Our understanding is that there have been 3 (possibly 5) cases this year, from the inner city area. The disease can be fatal.

If a dog is exposed (this disease can infect cats, but the incidence is much less likely) there is a seven day incubation period between infection and clinical signs. Signs of infection include fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, red urine and ultimately meningitis and kidney failure.

Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans – it is a zoonotic disease.

The following is an extract from an advice memo by Dr Jody Braddock, specialist Veterinarian at SVES:

Leptospirosis:

Reservoirs: Rodents (rats and mice) are a reservoir species for Leptospira and the most likely source of Leptospira sp.

infection in urban areas is exposure to infected rodent urine or exposure to stagnant water contaminated with infected rodent urine. The recent weather patterns in Sydney would be favourable for this organism to be more easily spread due to rain and pooling water, but it is considered likely that the organism is endemic in the rodent population.

Furthermore, the organism can survive for up to 2 months in stagnant water if conditions are favourable. Leptospires do not survive in dry conditions. Transmission is by direct contact of the organism (in urine or contaminated water) with mucus membranes or macerated skin, or breaks in skin or by swallowing infected water.

Vaccination:

Leptospira vaccination is considered the best protection available for “at risk” populations however up to three vaccinations are required for maximum immunity – follow manufacturer’s recommendation. As for all vaccinations, there is individual variation in the level and duration of immunity, and it is likely shorter than that of the core vaccines.

Human transmission / zoonotic / occupational exposure:

Staff are at risk when exposed to the infected urine of affected patients. Staff should wear PPE when handling affected or suspected infected patients and masks worn when hosing / cleaning their cages and washing bedding.

While this is typically a disease of more tropical cities and towns, the disease has emerged in inner city Sydney so it is important that the Sydney Animal Hospitals clients in these areas are informed and aware of Leptospirosis.

Prevention measures include keeping dogs on leads after rain to prevent drinking from puddles. If you have rodents around your property use pet safe control methods, although rats and mice in laneways and back alleys are implicated in Leptospirosis transmission. Dogs in high risk areas or with high risk behaviours (like scavenging or puddle drinking) should also be vaccinated.

Sydney Animal Hospitals staff would be happy to answer any questions about the disease and vaccinating your pet.

Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals on:

Newtown (02) 9519 4111 Inner West (02) 9516 1466 Norwest (02) 8883 0411 Kellyville (02) 8883 0533 Newport (02) 9997 4609 Avalon (02) 9918 0833

To read more click here Leptospirosis Alert [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

PennHIP Radiographs by Dr Markus Mander

Thu, 23 May 2019 01:21:00 GMT

PennHIP radiographs are used to accurately diagnose hip dysplasia in dogs used for breeding purposes. PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic technology (X-ray) to assess the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation provides the ability to predict the onset of…

The PennHIP method of evaluation provides the ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis, which is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia. PennHIP X-rays are the most accurate way of assessing this predispotion.

Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysphasia (CHD) is the most common inherited (passed on from generation to generation) orthopaedic disease in the dog. These dogs have normal hips at birth which develop abnormally as they age. CHD leads to hip arthritis causing pain, stiffness and disability and a decreased quality of life for which there is no medical or surgical cure.

It affects over 50% of some breeds especially larger breeds of dogs (eg Labradors, Golden Retrievers and their crosses)

Hip laxity is the main predisposing factor contributing towards CHD and arthritis so the dogs with looser hips are at higher risk of developing hip dysphasia than dogs with tighter hips. We can identify dogs at risk of developing CHD with a PennHip x-ray series from 16 weeks of age. If we identify a patient as having “loose hips” and a predisposition towards CHD we discuss preventive measures aimed towards delaying the onset of arthritis and pain and the severity of arthritis by up to 50% in some cases Clinical signs of CHD can be variable and palpation of hips is a very unreliable means of diagnosing CHD or increased joint laxity so radiology ,especially the PennHip x-ray series ,is the most reliable means of diagnosing and predicting which dogs with develop hip arthritis.

The procedure needs to be done under a general anaesthetic. It is a non painful and non invasive x-ray series that involves taking 3 views 1-a hip extended view to assess for radiographic signs of arthritis (this is the only view used on the traditional hip screening methods) 2- a compression view to assess how well the femoral head fits into the acetabulum (how well the ball fits into the socket) 3- A distraction view which allows an accurate measurement of maximal hip laxity These x-rays are sent to the USA for interpretation and a distraction index (DI) is given for each dog and each dog is ranked and assessed according to that specific breed for the potential of developing CHD. This information assists breeders with decision making on whether their dogs are likely to pass on the CHD gene or not and assists pet owners in putting in place preventative measures aimed towards delaying the onset and severity of hip arthritis in dogs with loose hips.

For further information please visit www.pennhip.org .

Dr Markus ( Kellyville)

Meet Pippin by Dr Chris Sun

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 01:39:00 GMT

This is Pippin, he is a 12 year young Bichon who presented to Sydney Animal Hospitals Norwest for abdominal pain, acute vomiting, diarrhea and fever. He has had a history of elevated liver enzymes but it had been a long time since he has been ill. After a detailed work up by the team it was found that Pippin had cholecystitis and mucocele formation – a gallbladder infection and swelling of soft tissue lining.

As in people with gallstones, gall bladder problems in dogs can be very painful and problematic. Pippin was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, analgesia, and fluid therapy, and responded within a few days. However, the risk of cholecystitis and mucocele remained and was at risk of future rupture.

A gall bladder removal surgery – cholecystectomy, was recommended and performed after Pippin finished his initial course of antibiotics and felt better. Along with the Veterinary Specialists of Sydney, Pippin had his gallbladder surgically removed to eliminate the risk of further issues.

Pippin is doing 100% two weeks on from his surgery. He continues to be young at heart and full of beans. Our team at Sydney Animal Hospitals Norwest would like to wish Pippin and his family all the best!!

Dr Chris Sun

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Pets get the chills too by Dr Anne Fawcett

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 07:51:00 GMT

Discover essential tips for keeping your pets warm and comfortable during the cold season. Don't let the cold weather affect your pets' well-being.

Now that the cold weather is well and truly upon us, we need to take a moment to consider our pets and what we can do to make their lives a little more comfortable. Our pets can’t throw on a jumper when they get cold and many species originated in warmer climates possessing shorter hair, meaning they are less equipped to deal with cold weather.

Some things to think about are:

Ensure your pet has somewhere warm to sleep.
Make sure your pet has decent bedding to help retain heat.
Smaller pets have less mass and larger surface areas meaning that they lose heat easily.
Wet weather can be especially dangerous to pets that cannot stay warm and dry.
Cold weather can enhance the effects of arthritis in pets, making simple actions like sitting or climbing stairs painful.

Periodontal disease in our pets by Dr Anne Fawcett

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:15:00 GMT

Did you know that 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 2 have periodontal disease? Regular tooth scaling helps maintain oral health as a build up of bacteria, saliva and bits of food on the teeth can form plaque, which if left for long enough eventually hardens into what we call tartar. Tartat is a hard yellow material on our pets teeth that can cause destruction of tissue, red sore gums and bad breath.

The pet in the image above is called Smudge and had a dental scale and polish and her teeth are now sparkling white!

Clooney’s Bowel Mass by Dr Anne Fawcett

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:33:00 GMT

Explore Clooney's journey from a surprise abdominal mass diagnosis to recovery. Witness how our team at Sydney Animal supported him every step of the way.

This is Clooney. When he was adopted from a shelter it was believed that he had been desexed.

Thirteen years later, he was brought in for a consult and was diagnosed with an abdominal mass. Upon investigation, it was concluded that the mass would require surgery to be removed. The mass turned out to be an abdominal testicle – with a diameter of 63mm.

Clooney only weighed 5 kg and such a large abdominal mass would have been a serious problem had it not been removed. Clooney is certainly much happier now.

Paralysis Tick by Dr Sam Haynes

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:39:00 GMT

Adult paralysis tick, and an engorged paralysis tick after feeding The Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus receives its name from the highly potent toxin it injects into its victims whilst it feeds. This toxin is only dangerous to humans through prolonged contact or in the event of a severe…

Adult paralysis tick, and an engorged paralysis tick after feeding

The Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus receives its name from the highly potent toxin it injects into its victims whilst it feeds. This toxin is only dangerous to humans through prolonged contact or in the event of a severe allergic reaction, however in regards to our pets, this toxin can cause paralysis and in some cases, death. The paralysis ticks size and appearance can vary as highlighted by the image above, but generally if found, the paralysis tick may look and feel like a small lump or wart.

The ticks themselves can be exceedingly difficult to find, even in pets with short hair. The best way to search your pet for a tick is to gently run your hands through its fur going against the grain and checking under arms, tails, between toes and inside lips. If you discover one tick, don’t stop searching because often pets can have several ticks on them at once.

Training our puppies to be social by Dr Sam Haynes

Tue, 29 May 2018 11:57:00 GMT

There are many benefits to enrolling your puppy into a puppy pre-school class, as the skills they learn as puppies will be carried into adulthood, so it's important to ensure they are receiving the right training at the right time. Between the ages of eight and 14 weeks of age…

There are many benefits to enrolling your puppy into a puppy pre-school class, as the skills they learn as puppies will be carried into adulthood, so it’s important to ensure they are receiving the right training at the right time. Between the ages of eight and 14 weeks of age a puppy is considered to be in its ‘critical socialisation period’, and its important that our puppies are exposed to a wide variety of dogs and other people to help acclimatise them to later life.

Our puppy pre school facilities;

Are an ideal location for learning in a safe environment
Are conducted by an experienced puppy pre school leader
Teach puppies more than just basic training
Allow puppies to lose their fear of the vet

Puppy Preschool – Class of October 2012 by Dr Anne Fawcett

Mon, 28 May 2018 11:58:00 GMT

Graduations are always exciting; in fact we don’t think its possible not to enjoy the ceremony at our Puppy Preschool classes! Here our Class of October 2012 proudly displays their certificates. We wish Bear, Buttons, Chicken, Darla, Freddy and their owners all the very best and look forward…

Graduations are always exciting; in fact we don’t think its possible not to enjoy the ceremony at our Puppy Preschool classes!

Here our Class of October 2012 proudly displays their certificates. We wish Bear, Buttons, Chicken, Darla, Freddy and their owners all the very best and look forward to keeping in touch as these puppies grow up.

We hold regular puppy preschools at all our clinics. Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospitals vet clinic to join the next class in your area or to find out more about why puppy preschool is so important for your new puppy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Have We Seen Your Cat Lately? by Dr Ben Brown

Thu, 03 May 2018 11:09:00 GMT

Learn why cats deserve the same attention as dogs and how to keep them healthy and happy. Schedule an appointment with one of our clinics today!

Australians love their cats, and more households are getting cats each year. But, compared to dogs, cats still aren’t getting the care they need and deserve. Since the days of the ancient Egyptians and throughout history, cats have earned their reputation as affectionate, intelligent, clean, playful and fun family pets. As a cat owner, you probably agree!
Regular veterinary care is the best way to keep your cat healthy and happy. There are almost 4 million pet cats in Australia, but they are less likely to receive regular health checks than dogs. In 2016, approximately 80% of dogs were examined by a vet at least once, but this was the case for only 65% of cats. This disturbing trend is leading many veterinary professionals to ask pet owners, “Have we seen your cat lately?”
Many feline veterinary specialists recommend a minimum of one annual wellness examination for cats, with more frequent examinations for senior and geriatric patients, or those cats with medical or behavioural conditions. Cats are masters at hiding illness and injury and their more sedentary nature, compared to dogs, means that signs of disease may be harder to detect. Cats are also very susceptible to kidney disease because their kidneys contain less nephrons, the functional tissue of the kidney, than other species. They are also adapted to living in the desert and conserving water by producing highly concentrated urine, this can make them more susceptible to acute kidney failure related to ingestion of toxins. Cats are also very susceptible to a special type of dental disease called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, which causes painful cavities in their teeth and can result in the loss of teeth.
So to make sure your feline friend stays in tip top shape, call your local Sydney Animal Hospitals for an appt, to discuss your cat needs.

Dr. Ben Brown
B.V.Sc. (hons) M.A.C.V.Sc
Director of Sydney Animal Hospitals – Northern Beaches

Environmental changes you can make at home for the senior cat

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 11:14:00 GMT

Environmental changes you can make at home for the senior cat. Identifying chronic pain in the older cat is not always easy. Cats are solitary

Identifying chronic pain in the older cat is not always easy. Cats are solitary survivors and can be very
secretive about demonstrating pain and discomfort.

Look for changes in general behaviour, interactions and activity levels. Are they eating less? Are they more grumpy than usual?

Do their coats appear to have more dandruff, or be dull looking? Cats who are too sore to adequately grooms often develop dry
lack lustre coats.

Some environmental changes you can make at home for a senior cat are;

* Regular nail trimming helps maintain proper joint relationships and function.

* The use of ramps or steps make it easier to climb on and off those favorite sleeping spots. There are lots
of cheap options on ebay.

* Having padded, soft matts on sleeping areas helps protect those stiff bony joints.

* By raising the food and water bowls, you will make it easier for cat with arthritis in the neck or
forelimbs.

* Add an extra litter box to reduce the distance between trays. This helps prevent unwanted accidents
and encourages regular use. Make sure the rims of the tray are not too high.

If you are unsure and worried that your cat may be in discomfort, feel free to contact your local Sydney
Animal Hospitals to discuss further.

Newtown (02)9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville

Inner West (02)9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore

Norwest (02)8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista

Kellyville (02)8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville

Newport (02)9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport

Avalon (02)9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach

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#SeniorCat

Senior Pet Health by Dr Sam Haynes

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 11:20:00 GMT

Like us, as they get older, cats and dogs are more likely to develop health problems. Common age-related conditions in cats and dogs include arthritis, heart disease, dental disease and diabetes. So as your pet ages it becomes even more important for you to keep an eye on his or…

Like us, as they get older, cats and dogs are more likely to develop health problems. Common age-related conditions in cats and dogs include arthritis, heart disease, dental disease and diabetes.

So as your pet ages it becomes even more important for you to keep an eye on his or her health!

When does a pet become ‘senior’?

Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats live longer than dogs. However, as a general rule your pet is considered senior if he or she is aged seven years or more . You can use our cat age and dog age calculators to work out your pet’s age.

Arrange regular check-ups

To make sure that your senior pet stays happy and healthy for as long as possible it is important to arrange regular check-ups . We recommend every six months , because in this time, your pet will have aged two to three years in human terms. Most age-related conditions can be managed successfully with early diagnosis.

Look out for warning signs

Although your senior pet can’t tell you something is wrong, his or her behaviour might. Early signs that things aren’t right can include:

Bad breath or difficulty eating
Increased thirst or urination
Coughing or breathing difficulties
Lumps
Diarrhoea or loss of house-training
Noticeable weight loss or weight gain
Changes in skin, hair or coat
Reluctance to walk, jump or exercise
Confusion or disorientation
Changes in behaviour including agitation, aggression or increased vocalisation
Red or watery eyes.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, it’s time to visit your veterinarian.

Senior Pet Wellness Plan

Here at Sydney Animal Hospitals we have created a special Senior Pet Wellness Plan to help you keep on top of your senior pet’s health.

For more information about the plan or if you are worried about your senior pet, please call your local Sydney Animal Hospitals clinic:

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Free Dental Health Check at Sydney Animal Hospitals

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:23:00 GMT

Get a FREE Dental Health Check for your pet at Sydney Animal Hospitals. Visit us to learn more and start ensuring your pet's dental well-being today!

Providing comprehensive veterinary services to residents of Erskineville, Avalon Beach, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Newport and Stanmore, Sydney Animal Hospitals is excited to announce Pet Dental Awareness month by offering a FREE dental check for pets, a free starter kit, and 30 to 50 percent off Grade 1 dental treatments. Our veterinarian wants all pet owners to understand the importance of regular pet dental care and how untreated dental problems may lead to infections, malnutrition and other illnesses requiring intensive treatment. That’s why we are encouraging pet owners to visit one of our multiple hospitals to take advantage of our FREE dental check offer.

How Does a Veterinarian Check Your Pet’s Teeth and Gums?

Your Avalon Beach vet can gain much information about your pet’s overall health just be evaluating gum color and capillary refill time. By lifting your pet’s upper lip and observing gum color above the incisors, your veterinarian can tell if your pet is suffering from gingivitis, periodontitis or a systemic disease such as kidney or heart disease. Assessing capillary refill time involves gently pressing your pet’s gums and watching to see how long it takes for blood refill the pressurized area. Gums that remain blanched for more than a couple seconds may indicate dehydration, anemia or heart problems. The vet will also inspect your pet’s teeth for signs of pitting, decay or looseness during your free dental check at one of our Sydney Animal Hospitals.

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Extremely bad breath, drooling and reduced appetite are classic symptoms of oral disease in dogs and cats. Pets with dental or gum pain may paw at their mouths frequently or not close their mouths completely when resting. When chewing food is painful, your pet may move small bites of food to the back of their mouths and attempt to chew the food using as few teeth as possible. Blood mixed with drool is a sign of gum disease, abscess and/or a loose tooth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are a pet owner living in Newport, Stanmore, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Avalon Beach, Erskineville and surrounding areas, learn more about our FREE dental health check offer by contacting your nearest Sydney Animal Hospital. We are an owner operated, independent group of A Class veterinary hospitals not affiliated with a corporation or multinational, providing superior, compassionate, state-of-the-art care for all pets.

Case Study – Scout by Dr Anne Fawcett

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 11:59:00 GMT

Read Dr. Anne Fawcett's compelling case study about Scout, the cat who overcame severe injuries after being hit by a car. Read on to know more about this.

Scouts initial assessment

Scout was a middle-aged domestic short-hair cat who was hit by a car.

Scout had sustained severe facial and pelvic fractures and one of her eyes was beyond repair and the other had sustained nerve damage .

She had multiple wounds over her body. She could not stand, was having difficulty sustaining normal blood pressure and her facial injuries were causing problems with her breathing.

Scout was placed on an intraveous drip, was given pain relief and antibotics . She had a nasal oxygen catheter placed to aid in her breathing. She was given special drugs to help support her blood pressure . Scout was stablised over the next 24 hours. Once stable she underwent surgery to repair her fracutred jaw, removed the prolapsed eye and to stabilse her pelvic fractures.

Scouts Recovery Process

After surgery Scout stayed with us for nearly two weeks . During this time she visited the opthalmologist specialist who preformed a retinal scan. The retina was found to be damaged beyond repair meaning that Scout was now completely blind.

Scout was taken home to finish recovery. Initially Scout’s new blindness and other injuries caused her stress and she started to overgroom, removing all her coat. She was placed on anti-anxiety drugs for a couple of months and this behaviour resolved . Scout had further surgery to removed the wires that had stabilsed her jaw.

Scout continued to improve and eventually her jaw totally mended, as did her pelvis. She got used to her blindness and could run around the house at full speed, jumping on and off furniture with ease. In fact, she got so good that the owners had to place a harness with a rope of her when she went outside as she would climb the fence and try and jump over. Nothing seemed too hard for this cat.

It has been five years since her accident and Scout continues to lead a happy life and to be an inspiration.

Geoffrey’s Fracture Repair by Dr Sam Haynes

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:47:00 GMT

Learn about Geoffrey's fracture repair with Dr. Sam Haynes. Sydney Animal Hospitals shares real cases and veterinary treatment insights. Visit us today.Geoffrey is a 7 year old Himalayan cross who went missing for 5 days, and when he eventually returned, had suffered a severe fracture to his femur in his left hind leg. The image below shows the severity of the break. Geoffreys femur had shattered into several pieces Geoffrey had suffered a comminuted fracture (a […]

Warning for domestic rabbit owners by Dr Sam Haynes

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:45:00 GMT

Domestic rabbits should be vaccinated As part of the ongoing feral rabbit control program, a new RHDV virus is scheduled for release in late March 2013. The virus will be released into public open space in northern Sydney with the aim of reducing the feral rabbit numbers and thereby reduce…

Domestic rabbits should be vaccinated

As part of the ongoing feral rabbit control program, a new RHDV virus is scheduled for release in late March 2013. The virus will be released into public open space in northern Sydney with the aim of reducing the feral rabbit numbers and thereby reduce the negative impact of feral rabbits.

To check your rabbit’s vaccination status please call your Sydney Animal Hospital . If you have any questions regarding rabbit vaccination please do not hesitate to call us.

What is RHDV Virus?

RHDV or Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus is a virus in solution applied to chopped carrots , which will be dyed green to identify them. The virus is spread via contact with other wild rabbits or biting insects and is not harmful to any other domestic pets or native animals.

Christmas Opening Hours by Dr Sam Haynes

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:42:00 GMT

Check the Christmas opening hours at Sydney Animal Hospitals. Plan your pet's care during the festive season or contact us today for more info.

Norwest Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 24 ^th 7:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday 25 ^th Closed
Wednesday 26 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 27 ^th Normal opening hours
Friday 28 ^{t

h} Normal opening hours
Saturday 29 ^th Normal opening hours
Sunday 30 ^th Normal opening hours
Monday 31 ^st 7:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 1 ^st 9:00am – 6:00pm

Newtown Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 24 ^th 7:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday 25 ^th Closed
Wednesday 26 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 27 ^th Normal opening hours
Friday 28 ^th Normal opening hours
Saturday 29 ^th Normal opening hours
Sunday 30 ^th Normal opening hours
Monday 31 ^st 7:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 1 ^st 9:00am – 6:00pm

Kellyville Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 24 ^th 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 25 ^th Closed
Wednesday 26 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 27 ^th 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday 28 ^th 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday 29 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 30 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Monday 31 ^{s

t} 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 1 ^st 9:00am – 6:00pm

Inner West Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 24 ^th 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday 25 ^th Closed
Wednesday 26 ^th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 27 ^th 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday 28 ^th 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday 29 ^th 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 30 ^th 8:00am – 6:00pm
Monday 31 ^st 8:00am –4:00pm

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Why is Puppy Preschool Important by Dr Anne Fawcett

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:34:00 GMT

Puppy Preschool should be seen as important to your puppy’s long-term health as vaccinations and good nutrition, as it offers you the chance to positively influence how your puppy will interact with other dogs and people for the rest of its life. Puppy Preschool teaches puppies more than basic…

Puppy Preschool teaches puppies more than basic training

Puppy Preschool allows even the most well-behaved puppy to learn even better manners and also equips them with skills to deal calmly and appropriately with a variety of behaviours that other puppies may exhibit. These skills persist into adulthood and can help your puppy when it is older and dealing with other dogs that may not be as nice and friendly!

Why is Puppy Preschool important?

Between the ages of eight and 14 weeks of age a puppy is considered to be in its ‘critical socialisation period’. During this period a pup will learn many of the social skills that it will retain for the rest of its life. It is important for puppies to be exposed to a wide variety of people and other dogs during this period of time, preferably both in and outside of the household.

It is vitally important that these interactions are positive and non-intimidating to the pup because unpleasant experiences that occur during this time may have a long-lasting effect of the behaviour of the puppy. The puppy must also be protected from the risk of infection during this period. The people and other dogs that interact with your puppy and the location that this takes place in should therefore be carefully selected.

Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital for more information on Puppy Pre-school.

Luna’s foreign body removal by Dr Anne Fawcett

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 12:10:00 GMT

What is a foreign body? A gastrointestinal foreign body is essentially a non-digestible item which is eaten by an animal and ends up causing problems, such as obstruction or blockage, in the gut. Examples of foreign bodies we see at Sydney Animal Hospitals include bones, toys, fur balls, coins, large…What is a foreign body? A gastrointestinal foreign body is essentially a non-digestible item which is eaten by an animal and ends up causing problems, such as obstruction or blockage, in the gut. Examples of foreign bodies we see at Sydney Animal Hospitals include bones, toys, fur balls, coins, large seeds such as peach pits, […]

What is Cat Flu? by Dr Sam Haynes

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 11:52:00 GMT

Learn about cat flu in cats caused by the feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. Act quickly if your cat shows signs of Cat Flu by calling us today!

Pet Diabetes by Dr Sam Haynes

Wed, 31 May 2017 11:54:00 GMT

Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus or pet diabetes is a condition that affects both dogs and cats and is caused by one of two things; A lack of production of insulin Insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to absorb sugar into the cells…

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus or pet diabetes is a condition that affects both dogs and cats and is caused by one of two things;

A lack of production of insulin
Insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to absorb sugar into the cells for energy production. It is also involved in protein and fat regulation as well as that of potassium and magnesium.

How is pet diabetes diagnosed?

Diagnosing diabetes can be a little tricky – patients can be presented as either normal or unwell. There is usually a history of increased thirst and weight loss although as it is gradual sometimes the owners have not noticed the changes until the animal is put on the scales and the weight is compared to previous visits.

Laboratory tests will indicate hyperglycaemia that is generally higher than twice normal levels.

The increased thirst is caused by the increase in sugar in the urine, dragging excess water with it, as well as the blood metabolic derangements. With the body unable to absorb sugar into the cells, protein stores and muscle are broken down, resulting in weight loss . Keto-acid build-up from abnormal fat breakdown can result in an acid (low pH) state in the blood, resulting in panting, vomiting and lethargy. Patients are often dehydrated. If the patient has become ketotic, i.e. they have critical acid build-up in the blood, they may be very unwell.

How is pet diabetes treated?

Treatment initially varies depended on how unwell your pet is when they are presented. If your cat or dog is well, we can usually start insulin therapy immediately to regulate metabolism. If your pet is unwell, dehydrated or has secondary infections, we may need to rehydrate first with intravenous fluids .

We start insulin at a standard dose rate then take glucose tests through the day to make sure we are achieving the desired levels. We will also make dietary changes to reduce the carbohydrate component of the diet and to increase the relative amount of protein.

Once stable and on acceptable levels of insulin, the patient is usually discharged from hospital. You will have a discharge appointment with our vets to teach you how to give insulin via injection . Most people are nervous the first couple of times they inject their pet but then they find it easy. You will usually be asked to come back in for a recheck in one to two weeks so we can check the blood glucose levels to make sure your pet is still in the right range. Based on these results we may reduce or increase the amount of insulin being given.

You should never make any changes to the insulin levels yourself without contacting our vets first.

Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Sam Haynes

Tue, 30 May 2017 11:56:00 GMT

Stem cell therapy is a process whereby adult stem cells are derived from fatty tissue and injected into a degenerated joint, where the adult stem cells stimulate the bodies own repair mechanisms to heal damaged or diseases tissues. Stem cell therapy is now available "off the shelf" meaning…

Stem cell therapy is now available “off the shelf” meaning that we store pure stem cells on site, and can administer the treatment to our patients at any time.

Heat stroke, aka heat stress in rabbits and guinea pigs

Fri, 26 May 2017 12:03:00 GMT

Guinea pigs or cavies make fantastic pets, and to keep them happy and healthy they require good nutrition and health care, along with the appropriate housing. Whether you’re thinking about getting a guinea pig as a pet, or you’ve recently got one, we’ve summarised the main points of keeping guinea pigs as pets.Summer is our favourite time of the year, but for our pocket pets it can be a dangerous period. Heat stroke, aka heat stress, in rabbits and guinea pigs, occurs when heat production exceeds heat loss, leading to a high body temperature (hyperthermia) and in some cases thermal injury to tissues. If left untreated, heat stress leads to multiple organ failure and death. It can be extremely fast. Heatstroke related fatalities are particularly common in pocket pets housed in outdoor enclosures during summer. Pregnant animals are at an increased risk.

Dog Skin Condition by Dr Anne Fawcett

Thu, 25 May 2017 12:04:00 GMT

Explore valuable information about dogs' skin conditions with Sydney Animal Hospitals. Read on to learn about caring for your pet's skin. Visit us today.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With Summer upon us, it’s important to understand that not all itchy dogs are the same. This pug has a skin condition caused by the mite demodex canis, which is a microscopic parasite that lives in dogs skin, and secondary infections causing the skin to become red, inflamed and exudative meaning it bleeds a little bit.

The mite combined with the secondary infection were causing itchiness, widespread inflammation and a fever in the patient. Once we have made the diagnosis via a deep skin scrape (a simple in-house diagnostic test), demodex can be managed.

* Please note all images were obtained by Dr Anne Fawcett with the owners permission and were not externally sourced.

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Dog Clothing – More that just stylish by Dr Anne Fawcett

Tue, 23 May 2017 12:09:00 GMT

Get expert tips on choosing the right pet clothing style, and ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and happy. Read on to know more insights.

Some people love dressing up their dog, others think its a ridiculous notion, but it can be very practical. For dogs with skin disease, clothing can be helpful protection against topical allergens and reduce self trauma due to licking or biting. It can also keep dogs comfortable and warm in winter – especially after a groom. Clothing can be practical, such as rain coats and parkers, or just plain decorative (we have a few clients who have bought doggy tuxedos so their dogs can be included in their wedding party).

My tips for dressing up dogs

Make sure clothing is loose enough fitting to permit movement and not constrict the chest. Dog clothing sizes vary significantly between brands, so try-on before you buy where possible.
Be aware of temperature changes. It might be cool when you put your dog’s tee shirt on in the morning but when it warms up during the day, or if the dog moves from an air-conditioned space out of doors, remove clothing where necessary.
Make sure male dogs can “clear” their clothing when they urinate. That is, t-shirts and jumpers that are too long may get in the way, causing the urine to accumulate in the material which smells unpleasant but also can be irritating to the dog’s skin. Ideally, tee shirts and jumpers should be long on top (along the dog’s back) but shorter below.
Don’t leave clothed dogs unsupervised. They can get their legs caught in the sleeves.
Always aim for comfort. Some outfits are elaborate, intricate constructions that may be heavy, may affect your dog’s center of gravity or may be just annoying to wear for prolonged periods of time (for example, outfits that incorporate a hat). If your dog’s behaviour changes (for example, if your dog refuses to move or shakes his head continually) he or she is probably telling you that they would rather go natural than wear that particular outfit.
Remove wet or damp clothing as soon as possible. Prolonged exposure to damp clothing can macerate and irritate the coat and skin.
Change clothing regularly and wash carefully (I use a Woofy Washbag for my dog’s gear, which protects from pilling).

Keep this tips in mind and your dog will not only look stylish, but be happier and healthier as well.

Pets get the chills too by Dr Anne Fawcett

Sat, 20 May 2017 12:12:00 GMT

Now that the cold weather is well and truly upon us, we need to take a moment to consider our pets and what we can do to make their lives a little more comfortable. Our pets can't throw on a jumper when they get cold and many species originated…

Some things to think about are:

Ensure your pet has somewhere warm to sleep.
Make sure your pet has decent bedding to help retain heat.
Smaller pets have less mass and larger surface areas meaning that they lose heat easily.
Wet weather can be especially dangerous to pets that cannot stay warm and dry.
Cold weather can enhance the effects of arthritis in pets, making simple actions like sitting or climbing stairs painful.

Goliath the Oversized Puppy by Dr Anne Fawcett

Fri, 19 May 2017 12:13:00 GMT

Discover the story of Goliath, the oversized puppy, and read how Holle, a 2.5kg dog, faced a challenging birth due to her 110g puppy. Read on now.

Holle was a 2.5 kg dog that was brought into Sydney Animal Hospitals experiencing trouble giving birth. She was taken in for x-rays and the it turned out that the reason she was having such trouble was that her puppy weighed 110g, far too large for her to deliver naturally.

Dr Sam Haynes successfully performed a ceasarian on Holle, and her new baby puppy was born. Holle has since recovered and her little puppy, appropriately named Goliath, is perfectly happy and healthy.

Cleo the chihuahua by Dr Anne Fawcett

Tue, 16 May 2017 12:16:00 GMT

Meet Cleo the Chihuahua who had fractured all her front paw bones and see how Sydney Animal Hospitals successfully treated her condition. Read on now.

A couple of years ago we operated on Cleo, a tiny nine-week-old chihuahua, who was brought into our Inner West vet hospital in Sydney with a severe limp in her right foreleg.

Upon a closer examination we discovered that Cleo had swelling from the carpus (wrist) down and we suspected she had injured her paw by jumping off a bed. We advised X-rays to be taken.

It turns out that Cleo had fractured all her metacarpal (front paw) bones – the long bones in the X-ray. We applied a cast to Cleo’s right foreleg from the elbow down to stabilise the paw, to allow healing.

Cleo healed up very well and has full use of her right foreleg.

Guinea pigs visit to the Vet by Dr Anne Fawcett

Mon, 15 May 2017 12:17:00 GMT

Join Dr. Anne Fawcett on a guinea pig's visit to the vet. Sydney Animal Hospitals provides insights on small animal care and health. Call us today.

The guinea pig boar above, Willis, bought his friend Julio along for company.

When you bring “pocket pets” into the vet, it’s always a good idea to bring along a friend to help keep them company. Pocket pets such as g uinea pigs and rabbits are typically herd animals, and benefit from being surrounded by friends and family, especially if they are in a new environment like a veterinary practice.

This can help keep them calm and aid recovery.

Keeping your cat out of fights by Dr Anne Fawcett

Sun, 14 May 2017 12:18:00 GMT

While cat fights are fairly common, its a good idea to try and keep your cat out of trouble, as even a relatively mild injury can become infected and form an abscess. If your cat has been in a fight and has clear marks of animal bites, ensure you make an appointment with your local vet to get them looked at.

If you see your cat in a fight with another strange cat, it’s important to be very careful in breaking it up, as you can quite easily get caught in the middle. It is usually sufficient to clap your hands and yell to cause the fighting cats break off their fight, and the other cat will usually flee. If they don’t break it off, the strange cat might be rabid, in which case you certainly don’t want to risk being bitten.

Feline Friends book launch by Dr Anne Fawcett

Sat, 13 May 2017 12:19:00 GMT

Join Dr. Anne Fawcett at the heartwarming Feline Friends book launch, a collection of captivating tales about cats and their humans. Grab your copy now!

Earlier on this month I was honoured to launch Feline Friends: Tales from the heart , a book put together by the Cat Protection Society of NSW (CPS), a charity based on Enmore Road in Newtown, Sydney.

A number of Sydney Animal Hospitals’ clients and patients contributed to this beautiful collection of photos, essays, illustrations and tales about cats and their humans. It has been amazing to learn and see what our patients get up to when they are on home turf and it was fantastic to catch up with contributors and fellow feline advocates at the launch on Tuesday, 9 October 2012.

The book will be available in bookstores from November – but you don’t need to wait! Advance copies can be purchased directly from the Cat Protection Society’s shop at 85 Enmore Road, Newtown. Proceeds go to the important work done by CPS.

Above is a photo of a foster kitten (being cared for by SAH nurse Ashleigh) road testing the book! It’s the perfect size to hold in one hand while stroking your cat with the other. Or, as demonstrated by this young miss, good for relaxing on after you’ve had a big drink of milk!

Benefits of Cat Grooming by Dr Anne Fawcett

Fri, 12 May 2017 12:21:00 GMT

Explore the benefits of cat grooming with Dr. Anne Fawcett. Sydney Animal Hospitals shares insights on maintaining your cat's well-being.

Grooming your cat can be a difficult task at the best of times. Cats are far more solitary than dogs and as such, can become highly distressed during a standard groom or clip. There is also a risk of injuring your cat when grooming at home as the skin on a cats body, especially around the belly, is very loose and can sometimes be hard to see in amongst the hair.

What are the medical benefits of cat grooming?

Our professional groomers are trained to check your cats skin, eyes, ears and mouth during a groom to make sure;

There are no infections in the eyes, ears, or mouth
There are no “hot spots” on the skin where there is bacteria and moisture that may cause infection
There are no sore spots on the skin caused by matted fur
There are no lesions or scabs caused by excessive scratching

As any of the issues listed above can lead to more serious conditions.

We recommend our professional grooming service

Sydney Animal Hospitals has the facilities on hand to lightly sedate your cat, allowing us to ensure that they experience no discomfort during the grooming process.

How are skin conditions in my pet diagnosed? by Dr Anne Fawcett

Thu, 11 May 2017 12:22:00 GMT

Understand pet skin condition diagnosis with insights from Dr. Anne Fawcett. SAH discusses approaches to identifying and treating skin issues.

If you notice your pet is scratching excessively, experiencing sensitivity to touch or has visibly red, swollen or irritated skin then it is best to consult your vet. Our experienced groomers are trained in the identification of potential skin conditions and will always let you know if there may be a need for a further consultation by your vet.

The vet will review your pet’s medical history and perform a physical exam and diagnostic test to determine the symptoms your pet is displaying.

These may include:

Skin biopsy
Ringworm test
Microscopic examination of the skin and hair to determine if there are any parasites or infections present
Allergy test which may include a change in diet
Blood test for your dogs overall health

If in doubt or you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to call your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals or visit our online pages dedicated to skin disease.

ITCHY EARS

DOG MANGE

FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS

FOOD ALLERGIES

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

What can I do to prevent skin disease in my pet? by Dr Anne Fawcett

Wed, 10 May 2017 12:23:00 GMT

Skin conditions can be highly irritating, and sometimes develop into more serious conditions if left untreated. However there are a few precautions you can take, along with keeping your pet clean and well groomed, in order to prevent skin conditions developing in your pet. These include: Ensure you pet maintains…

These include:

Ensure you pet maintains a healthy balanced diet.
Ensure your pet is within their healthy weight range.
Schedule regular checkups with your vet to ensure that the primary issue is diagnosed before secondary symptoms can develop.
Use soaps and shampoos specific for pets, and try to maintain a regular brushing schedule to prevent matting of hair
Provide a calm environment and toys for entertainment to prevent stress and/or boredom

If in doubt or you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to call your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals.