24 hour Vet CARE Specialists

Animal Accident and Emergency (AAE) is a purpose-built animal emergency centre servicing Melbourne.  It provides 24hr animal emergency services.  There are two great locations – Essendon and Point Cook. 

Our Melbourne Vet Emergency Centres provide dedicated emergency care 24/7.  We are not just an after hours vet clinic.  Our whole focus is emergency and critical care.

If you require treatment for an animal emergency, Melbourne’s AAE offers:

• 24 hour emergency service Critical care and after hours vet emergency care
• Experience in veterinary emergencies
• Up-to-date equipment and purpose-built surgery
• 24 hour veterinarians

Crisis Care Specialists

Our services extend far beyond what would normally be expected of an after hours vet.  Our equipment and training allow us to provide an exceptional level of patient care.

http://www.animalemergency.com.au/about-us.html

24 hour Emergency Vet

It’s been a very busy weekend at Animal Accident & Emergency.
This is Boss, 1 year old Husky who received critical care at our  #24hour #Pet #Emergency #Centre for a fractured leg. Boss had jumped off the fence.

The staff at #Animal #Accident & #Emergency  wish Boss a speedy recovery.www.animalemergency.com.au

Von Willebrand’s Disease – The Inherited Bleeding Disorder

 

Von Willebrand’s disease is a genetic bleeding disorder that is found in all breeds of dogs, but more commonly in certain breeds, such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, Scottish Terriers, German Shepherds and German Short Haired pointers. It is caused by a deficiency in a specific blood clotting factor that helps platelets to bind broken blood vessels and start to form a blood clot. Without veterinary treatment, von Willebrand’s disease can be life threatening when the pet’s body needs to deal with any form of internal or external bleeding. When this blood clotting factor deficiency is present (known as the von Willebrand factor), even a small injury can lead to excessive blood loss and potentially anaemia, as the blood is unable to clot normally.

While the specific clinical signs for von Willebrand’s disease aren’t always obvious for pet owners to spot, any sign of excessive bleeding should be treated as an animal emergency and the pet needs to be taken to a 24 hour vet clinic immediately. Also, while pets are born with this disease present in their body, they may not show any effects of the bleeding disorder until later in life when they have a surgery or injury that causes bleeding.

The most common clinical signs that may be seen are:

• Excessive bleeding from injuries/lacerations
• Sudden bleeding from the nose, gums or vagina
• Blood present in urine
• Excessive bleeding after females give birth
• Prolonged bleeding after veterinary procedures/surgery

When veterinarians suspect that pets may have von Willebrand’s disease, the most common diagnostic test performed is the buccal mucosal bleeding time. This tests how well blood clotting platelets are working by by making a small incision in the pet’s gum and timing how long it takes for the bleeding to stop. Blood tests are also used to check how much of the von Willebrand’s factor is present in the blood.

When the disease becomes an emergency situation, 24hr emergency vets will often need to use plasma transfusions to stabilise the pet and return clotting factors to the bloodstream. Blood transfusions may also be required if there has been significant blood loss. After transfusions, animals will generally need to remain in a 24 hour pet hospital for ongoing monitoring and care, as well as potentially more transfusions.

There is unfortunately no cure for von Willebrand’s disease. However, it is still highly important to know if the disease is present in pets, especially Dobermans (as they are particularly prone to the disease), as this is crucial information if pets ever require surgery or if any sudden injuries occur. Owners of pets with von Willebrand’s disease can also help to prevent any excessive bleeding crisis’ from happening by avoiding high levels of stress and particular medications when possible, as these can worsen the effects of the disorder. While von Willebrand’s disease cannot be cured, most pets with this condition can still go on to lead long, happy and completely normal lives with the appropriate veterinary care.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook – both with easy freeway access and ample parking. Our animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating every vet emergency from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that they will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may be have von Willebrand’s disease, or for any veterinarian emergency, please phone one of our 24 hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

We’re Always Open, Always Care

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Radio-iodine treatment for feline hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition of older cats resulting from excessive amounts thyroid hormone in the blood stream.  The majority of cats will have a benign thyroid tumour causing this condition but some may have a thyroid cancer.  The excessive thyroid hormone in the body speeds up the metabolic rate resulting in the common clinical signs of weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, increased activity and excitability, vomiting and diarrhoea.  A large thyroid gland, increased heart rate, presence of a heart murmur and increased blood pressure may be reported from the physical examination.  The diagnosis is usually made by means of a blood test although sometimes additional testing is required.

 

How can it be treated?

There are three methods of treatment in Australia: daily medical treatment at home for life, radio-iodine therapy or surgery.  Daily medical treatment will be suitable for some cats but it will not cure the condition and periodic examinations together with blood tests will be required to monitor the cat whilst it is being medicated.  Some cats may not be able to tolerate the drugs used to prevent thyroid hormone production due to side effects and other treatment options will be recommended instead.  Radio-iodine is a simple, effective (over 95% of cats treated will have normal thyroid function after a single treatment) and usually single treatment.  Whilst administration of radio-iodine does require sedation and hospitalisation (at a special licenced facility to allow the radiation to decay), the risk associated with this treatment is low.  Hyperthyroidism may alternatively be treated by surgery to remove the affected thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).  This will require a general anaesthetic and there can be complications following the surgery.

Each cat treated with radio-iodine (or thyroidectomy) will need to be assessed for the presence of other illnesses before the treatment goes ahead.  This is to make sure that there will not be any complications either during the administration of radio-iodine, during surgery or later when the thyroid hormone has decreased to normal.  Both radio-iodine therapy and thyroidectomy provide a non-reversible treatment and one consequence of reducing the thyroid hormone to normal in the blood stream is that for some cats kidney disease may become unmasked by this process.  Those cats which will suffer kidney disease when their hyperthyroidism is treated cannot be predicted from initial blood and urine tests.  This is why many veterinarians will suggest a medical treatment trial (where possible) to reduce the thyroid hormone to normal.  When the thyroid hormone has reduced to normal, blood and urine tests are used to assess how well the kidneys are working.  If the kidneys are not working properly, recommendations will be made depending on the severity of the decreased function.  For some cats this may mean that radio-iodine and surgery are not recommended.  Alternatively, it may mean that the radio-iodine treatment or surgery is postponed while the medication is continued and the kidney function is regularly checked.

 

What will happen to my cat during the treatment?

Typically, our cats will be admitted on a Monday (before 12 noon) for treatment the following day.  Food is taken out of the cage later in the evening and water is left for the cats to drink overnight.  Sedation is given on the Tuesday to administer the radio-iodine capsule by mouth.  Even if your cat is good at taking medications, sedation will be used to reduce the risk of radiation spillage should the cat not swallow the capsule.  There are strict laws that govern the handling of radiation in Australia.  Administration of the capsule is done in a designated area of our hospital where our patients are then housed during their stay.  Their body is scanned by a Geiger counter to ensure that the capsule has been swallowed properly.  The radiation needs to reduce (decay) to a certain amount and this will usually take a week.  Owners are not able to visit their cats whilst hospitalised due to radiation safety regulations.  During this period, the cats are observed frequently and fed twice daily.  Whilst we provide high quality cat food, some cats may become fussy eaters away from home and we encourage owners to provide a small supply of their favourite food so that their cat may be tempted to eat if they do not enjoy the food offered.  Similarly, we provide bedding but if bedding is provided from home it cannot be returned.

 

What do I need to do when my cat returns home?

There will be some residual radiation in the cat’s body and prolonged close contact should be avoided for the first week that the cat is home.  This means that your cat may not sleep on the bed with anyone at night or on their laps or be held for periods that exceed 30 minutes per day.  Any pregnant women or children should not have any contact with the cat for the first week that it is home.

The radiation does not work immediately and you may not notice too much difference in your cat’s health at first when they return home.  The radiation continues to works it effect over the next weeks to months and we therefore suggest that a blood sample is collected one month after treatment to assess the response.  This may be taken at our clinic or by your referring veterinarian.

If you are concerned regarding your cats health once home, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

 

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

 

Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking a full time Veterinarian

Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking applications for a full time veterinarian. We are seeking applicants with experience in emergency and critical care. Animal Accident & Emergency operates 24/7 at two locations. The position will involve shift work at both emergency centres. Our centres are fully equipped and would suit applicants looking to further their career within emergency and critical care. You should be motivated, communicate well and have the ability to teamwork. You must also display a commitment to continuing education and willingness to learn.
We believe in a team approach with a supportive environment. Our Medical Director is a Registered Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care.
The ideal applicant would have Membership in emergency (ANZCVSc) or preparing to sit for membership within the next 12 months. Applicants with less experience will be considered. Employment is shift based, with rotations involving day, night, weekend and public holiday shifts. The average working week is 37.5 hrs.

Please send applications to jobs@animalemergency.com.au Applications will close on the 27th June 2014.

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Animal Accident & Emergency Medicine Service – Dr Linda Abraham

For pets that are in need of specialised medicine treatment, Animal Accident & Emergency offers a Medicine Service at our Point Cook Pet Emergency Centre. Our Medicine Service accepts all forms of Internal Medicine consults and we are more than happy to provide advice on a wide range of medical conditions.

The Medicine Service is essential in the diagnosis, management and nonsurgical treatment of complicated and unusual medical diseases in animals. The types of diseases seen by our Medicine Service are wide and varied, including diseases of different organ systems. For example:

• Kidneys (nephrology)
• Liver (hepatology)
• Lungs (respiratory)
• Blood system (haematology)
• Central nervous system (neurology)
• Immune-system (immunology)

We also see diseases that may affect multiple body systems at the same time, such as infectious diseases or cancer. As part of cancer therapy, we now offer a chemotherapy service. Our Medicine Service is also complimented by our Intensive Care Service for seriously ill patients requiring ongoing 24 hour care.

The benefits of seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist in our Medicine Service is that they can offer diagnostic procedures and management of diseases that are often not available in general practice veterinary clinics, which may be due to limitations of equipment or the complexity of the disease. Like all veterinary specialists, Internal Medicine Specialists undergo advanced training in the form of a Residency program and are required to pass Fellowship exams through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) or the overseas equivalent (USA or European boards). This training means that Internal Medicine Specialists develop advanced technical skills that allow them to perform diagnostics and treatment at a specialist level in their area of expertise.

Diagnostic testing used by our Medicine Service may involve:

• Blood and urine tests
• Collection and analysis of body fluids
• Endoscopy
• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Fine needle aspirate or biopsy
• Imaging (X-rays and ultrasound)
• Advanced imaging (CT and MRI)

 

Patients seen by our Medicine Service require a referral from their family veterinarian that they see for routine healthcare. We also require the patient’s medical history to be sent in advance of the consultation where possible. We will continue to update the referring veterinarian with summaries of our consultations and aim to work together with them to provide the most appropriate continuing care for your pet. Ongoing management may require periodic visits to our Medicine Service and/or ongoing communication with your veterinarian. As with any veterinary patient, drugs may only be prescribed for those directly under our care, which means that drugs may only be dispensed by our clinic for up to six months following a consultation with us. It is also important to note that our Medicine Service does not provide primary healthcare (such as vaccinations and desexing) as these types of vet care are performed by your family veterinarian.

Since early 2013, the development and management of the Medicine Service has been headed by Dr Linda Abraham, who is an Internal Medicine Specialist with many years of experience in referral/specialist veterinary practice. Prior to attending university, Dr Linda Abraham worked as a veterinary nurse in a mixed practice. In 1983, Linda passed her preliminary veterinary nursing examination and then her final veterinary nursing examination in 1985, for which she was awarded the BSAVA prize for the highest marks in that year.

Linda then went on to graduate from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1994 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed). She has also completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a PhD from the University of London in 1991 and 1998 respectively. Following on from this, Linda then underwent specialist training, completing her Membership in Small Animal Medicine (MANZCVS) in 2000, and then completing her Fellowship in Canine Medicine (FANZCVS) in 2006. She has since acted as an examiner for the ANZCVS both at the Membership and Fellowship levels.

Linda’s residency program (specialist training) at the University of Melbourne was supervised by Dr Steven Holloway and after the program was completed, she continued to work at the University of Melbourne as a registrar initially and then became a member of faculty in 2002. Linda has lectured veterinary undergraduates for many years at the university and is currently involved in teaching veterinary post graduate continuing education programs.

Linda’s areas of interest include endocrine disease and, despite having specialised in canine medicine, she has a particular interest in feline endocrine disease, including feline hyperthyroidism. Linda has previously treated many cases of feline hyperthyroidism successfully with radio-iodine therapy (this treatment will soon be available at our Point Cook Clinic). Linda also has an interest in liver disease and the treatment of cancer.

Dr Linda Abraham is available for specialist medicine consultations during weekdays (excluding public holidays). Please contact our Point Cook Pet Emergency Centre on (03) 8368 7400 to book an appointment.

Appointments are by referral from your family veterinarian or AAE’s emergency veterinarians.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Melbourne Pet First Aid Course: Free to the public

Animal Accident & Emergency is running a 1 hour Introduction to Pet First Aid Courses in Melbourne.

This course is open to the general public and it’s free.

The course will cover common emergencies and first aid:

Bandaging

Toxins around the home

When you need to see a vet

CPR – basics

What is in a first aid kit and how to use it

 

Animal Accident & Emergency

Essendon Airport – 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields

Wednesday 4th June 2014 – Essendon Fields

Wednesday 11th June 2014 – Essendon Fields

Wednesday 18th June 2014 Essendon Fields

Wednesday 25th June 2014 Essendon Fields

Wednesday 2nd July 2014 – Essendon Fields

 

Animal Accident & Emergency

6 Wallace Avenue , Point Cook

Wednesday 9th July 2014 – Point Cook

Wednesday 16th July 2014 – Point Cook

Wednesday 23rd July 2014 – Point Cook

 

Enrol online:

http://www.petemergencystore.com.au/pet-first-aid-courses-1.html

 

Diaphragmatic Hernias

 

Our 24 Hr Pet Emergency Centres often see cases of trauma.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital that is Always Open, we understand what is required in such a pet emergency.  If your pet is injured from a significant trauma, ensure you speak to veterinarian to ensure that X-Rays / Radiographs of the chest (Thorax) were taken.  Even if your pet looks well after a trauma, you should have them checked.

Dr Jason Arlaud one of our team of emergency vets has summarised the following article for you from “Small Animal Critical Care” by Silverstein and Hopper.

Diaphragmatic hernias occur when there is a “hole” in the diaphragm.  The diaphragm is a sheet of tissue that separates the thorax, where the lungs and heart reside from the abdomen where the: bladder, intestine, kidneys, liver, stomach and spleen reside.

Dogs and cats may be born with a diaphragmatic hernia (congenital) which is rare or develop one from an unknown cause (iatrogenic) or as a consequence of trauma.

Blunt trauma due to vehicular accidents, high-rise syndrome (falling from apartments) or dog fights are the most likely causes.  Trauma accounts for eighty five percent of diaphragmatic hernias in dogs and cats.  In traumatic diaphragmatic hernias usually one or more of the abdominal organs (stomach, liver, intestine etc.) has as a consequence of force, been pushed through the diaphragm into the chest, causing a tear in the diaphragm.  Once one or more abdominal organs are in the chest there is the potential to affect the heart and lung’s normal function.  This leads to difficulty getting enough oxygen into the body and the animal breathing at a faster rate. Complications may be fatal.

Animals that present to veterinary clinics and are subsequently diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernias may vary in their breathing pattern from normal to struggling to breath (dyspnoeic).  Their breathing may worsen hours after they were injured in some cases. Dyspnoeic animals will have a fast breathing rate, they may have their mouth open and neck stretched to try and get as much oxygen into their lungs as possible.

Organs most likely to be pushed through the diaphragm are: stomach, liver, intestine, omentum and spleen. The liver is the organ most likely to herniate.  Most insults occur on the right side of the diaphragm possibly due to the stomach sitting on the left side and being gas filled it may cushion some of the force.

Diaphragmatic hernias are suspected when certain findings are observed on examination including: borborygmus (stomach sounds) over the chest, abnormal heart and lung sounds, displacement of heart,  lungs or trachea by abdominal organs, pleural effusion or an incomplete diaphragm on radiograph and signs or history consistent with trauma.

Other associated injuries may include:  pleural effusion, pulmonary contusions (bruising), pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity) chest wall disease (broken ribs).

What often kills a pet with such trauma is the damage that occurs to the lungs and lung tissue.  Usually if a trauma was severe enough to rupture the diaphragm, it will have caused bruising to the lungs.  If the lungs are severely damaged then pets can die, despite all treatment.

Treatment involves stabilisation from shock and eventual surgery.  This type of injury is very painful and we do use a significant amount of pain medication.  Our main concern in our Melbourne Animal Hospital is ensuring your pet is in the best possible condition for surgery to occur.  Our 24Hr Pet Emergency Centres provide some of the most advanced monitoring equipment available.  Our Blood Gas unit helps identify problems with their lungs.  The tests are run as needed and we have the results available within 1 minute of collection.  In the most severe cases we use a ventilator to help improve breathing and lung function.  Ventilators are not common at most veterinary clinics and for diaphragmatic hernias they may make the difference between your pet surviving.

If your pet is involved in an accident then we urge you to have them checked by a Vet Now Open.  We have two convenient locations for our Melbourne Pet Emergency Centres.

 

We are Always Open, We always CARE

Essendon Airport – Essendon Fields 9379 0700

Point Cook – 8368 7400

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Pyometra can be fatal if left untreated

What is Pyometra?

Pyometra is a severe uterine infection, causing inflammation and the accumulation of pus in the uterus, which occurs in entire female dogs and cats and can happen at any age. However, there is a higher chance of it occurring in older animals, especially when they go through several estrus cycles (heat) without becoming pregnant, as the changes to the uterine wall can further promote the disease. Pyometra is a highly seriously condition that requires immediate and aggressive emergency pet care at a 24 hour vet clinic. If left untreated, pyometra can be fatal.

Pyometra is the result of bacteria gaining access to the uterus through the cervix, which is normally tightly closed except for when the animal is in season. When pregnancy does not occur during the heat cycle, especially for multiple cycles, the lining of the uterus begins to thicken and will keep doing so each cycle, which will often result in cysts forming. When the uterus is normal, the invading bacteria are easily eradicated. However, when the uterus becomes thickened and cystic, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which leads to infection and the animal becoming seriously ill.

 

The clinical signs of pyometra will generally show between 6-8 weeks after heat, but the signs vary depending on the type of the disease that is present. There are two types of pyometra:

• Open pyometra – meaning the cervix is open and pus can drain from the uterus, creating an obvious vaginal discharge
• Closed pyometra – meaning the cervix is closed and not allowing pus to drain, making it more difficult to diagnose

The main clinical signs that pet owners need to be aware of are:

• Increased drinking and urination
• Lethargy and depression
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Fever
• Vaginal discharge (Open pyometra only)
• Frequent licking/cleaning of vaginal area (Open pyometra only)

If pet owners ever notice their animal displaying any of these signs, they need to contact a 24hr veterinarian immediately, as deterioration can occur very rapidly.

Animals that are brought in early may only display slight vaginal discharge and no other clinical signs. However, most pets are brought in when the disease is more advanced and showing additional signs. In order to diagnose pyometra, 24hr emergency vets will need to examine the pet’s medical history and perform a physical examination and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests.

The main treatment for pyometra is to firstly stabilise the pet with IV fluids and pain relief, and then surgically remove the infected uterus. The surgery is very similar to a routine spey (ovariohysterectomy) and has a high success rate if animals are brought in early. However, it is often more complicated due to the pus in the uterus causing risk of further infection in the abdomen (peritonitis).

After surgery, pets will need to remain in a 24 hour pet hospital for several days for ongoing monitoring and intensive care. After this time, pets will then be sent home with pain relief and antibiotics and will need to rest for a few days and be closely monitored. They will also require a follow up appointment at the veterinary clinic in 10-14 days to remove the sutures.

The alternative treatment of pyometra is a medical approach, but this is rarely recommended due to being quite complex and having a high chance of nasty side-effects occurring. The medical treatment also has a low success rate and pyometra is likely to occur again after the pet’s next season.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook and both with easy freeway access and amble parking. Our emergency vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may have anaemia or for any emergency, please phone one of our 24-hour Animal Accident & Emergency Centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

Always Open, We Always Care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Pain Medication – What Pet Owners Need to Know

 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammation. They are incremental in improving the quality of pet care for cats and dogs, as they allow for pet owners to treat their animals with pain relief at home, which was not possible to do safely until recently. For cats and dogs that are recovering from a serious injury or dealing with ongoing highly painful conditions/diseases such as arthritis, NSAIDs are essential to ensure they stay as healthy and happy as possible.

While NSAIDs are safe and highly effective, they are still prone to side effects like all medications. When animals are prescribed with NSAIDs, it is important that pet owners understand the correct doses that should be administered and what complications may arise.

Common side effects of NSAIDs are:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Dark-coloured faeces
• Increased/decreased water consumption and urination
• Lethargy
• Itchiness
• Seizures

These side effects are more common when medications are given in large doses or long term, but they can also occur even within the first few days of treatment. If pet owners ever notice any of the above side effects when treating their pet’s with NSAIDs, they should cease administering any further doses and contact a 24 hour veterinary clinic immediately, as it could be an animal emergency.

When pets are given NSAIDs it is important for pet owners to note the following:

• Never increase the dosage or frequency of doses, unless instructed to by your vet
• Never dose your pet in combination with over-the-counter medications (such as herbal supplements), unless you have consulted with your veterinarian that it is safe to do so
• Never administer other animals with the NSAIDs without first consulting with your vet, even if you believe they have the same condition

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook – both with easy freeway access and ample parking. Our animal hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating every vet emergency from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that they will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may be having an adverse reaction to pain medications, or for any veterinarian emergency, please phone one of our 24 hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

Always Open, We Always Care

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

Knowing When Your Pet Needs a Caesarean

A caesarean section is a major surgical procedure used to deliver babies when normal birth isn’t possible. This is done by surgically entering the abdomen to remove the babies directly from the uterus. While caesareans are sometimes needed for cats, they are a lot more common with dogs, especially particular breeds such as bull dogs. However, birth complications are life threatening to all mothers and their offspring when delivery isn’t progressing normally, regardless of species or breed. Therefore, pets experiencing birth complications may be in need of a caesarean and must be taken to a 24 hour vet clinic immediately for emergency surgery.

In most cases, pet owners won’t be aware that their pet is in need of a caesarean until they begin giving birth. When your pet is pregnant and close to giving birth, it is important to keep a close eye on them, especially during the delivery, and be at the ready to take them to a 24hr animal hospital in an emergency.

When your pet is in labour, the most obvious signs that they may be in need of a caesarean are:
• Your pet has been having contractions for more than 2 hours without delivering a puppy/kitten (even after the first delivery)
• Your pet appears too tired to push out the puppy/kitten
• There is a puppy/kitten stuck in the birth canal
• If your pet hasn’t delivered all puppies/kittens (providing you have had x-rays taken to determine the litter size)
• If there is a green discharge from the vulva and no puppies/kittens are produced

A caesarean section will normally take between 1-1.5 hours by an experienced emergency veterinarian and then a further 1-3 hours for recovery in a pet hospital. During the surgery and post-operative care, your pet will be closely monitored and administered anaesthetic, pain relief, IV fluids and antibiotics. Puppies/kittens will also be closely monitored to ensure they are suckling well and kept clean, dry and warm.

Generally within a few hours after surgery, your pet and her new puppies/kittens will be discharged to return home. It is important to allow your pets to have some time alone together to feed and bond, while still keeping an eye on them. Pet owners should also remember to bring their pet in for a veterinary check-up 1-2 days after surgery, and stitches will need to be removed in 10-14 days following surgery. Your vet will be able to instruct you on any additional pet care required and schedule an appropriate time to begin vaccinations and worming treatment (usually between 3-6 weeks after birth).

It is important to closely monitor your pet and her new puppies/kittens and contact a 24 hour veterinary clinic if you have any concerns at all. If you notice any of the following then it may be an animal emergency (such as mastitis, eclampsia or unwell puppies/kittens), which needs to be seen by a 24hr emergency vet urgently:

• The puppies/kittens aren’t feeding regularly or at all (roughly every 3 hours is normal)
• The puppies/kittens are crying excessively (they should be sleeping or feeding 90% of the time)
•  The puppies/kittens are cold (their environment should be kept at roughly 30°c)
•  The caesarean wound is discharging, red or inflamed
•  Mammary glands are swollen, inflamed, hard or painful
•  Mother reluctant to nurse or appears impatient with the puppies/kittens
•  Any signs of fever/high temperature, shaking, tremors, seizures or high heart rate

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour Animal Hospitals in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook and both with easy freeway access and amble parking. Our emergency vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

If you believe your pet may be in need of a caesarean section or for any other veterinarian emergency, please contact one of our 24-hour animal emergency centres:

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

Always Open. We Always CARE

 

http://www.animalemergeny.com.au

Marijuana Toxicity in Pets: The Green Stuff, the Dream Stuff

The CARE your pet requires

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide and is also known by a variety of other names such as ‘weed’ and ‘pot’. Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis sativa and the term ‘marijuana’ refers to the various parts of the plant such as the stems, leaves, seeds and flowers.

Apart from its use as a recreational drug, there is active ongoing research into the potential medicinal uses of marijuana for the management of conditions in humans such as chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. In fact, marijuana has already been approved for medical use in some places around the world. Unsurprisingly, the increased use of marijuana in humans has also resulted in an increasing number of animals being presented to veterinary clinics suffering from marijuana toxicity after accidental exposure to marijuana products.

This article will describe the common methods of intoxication and clinical signs seen in patients. We hope that readers will be able to better recognise early signs of intoxication and seek early medical intervention for their pets in the event of intoxication. If you believe your pet has ingested a drug, you need to contact our 24 hour vet Melbourne.

Commonly Encountered Forms of Marijuana

• Unprocessed plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds)
• Marijuana or hash cookies, brownies, candy
• Marijuana (THC) in butter
• Marijuana in cigarettes or ‘joints’
• Marijuana in modified pipes or ‘bongs’

Why is marijuana toxic?

The major active component in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and can be found in varying levels throughout the different parts of the plant. Intoxication may occur via various means such as ingestion of a marijuana product (most common) and inhalation of toxic smoke. Once absorbed, THC is rapidly distributed around the body and exerts its toxic effects by binding to specific receptors within the brain and the rest of the body. While the effects of THC are yet to be fully determined, studies have found that clinical signs are related to the amount of marijuana ingested, and intoxicated animals often present with signs such as altered mentation or gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting.

• Depression, tremors, coma
• Ataxia (unstable gait/walk)
• Disorientation/Hyperexcitability
• Hypersalivation

 

Cardiovascular Signs

• Bradycardia (Slow heart rate)
• Tachycardia (Rapid heart rate)

 

Metabolic Changes

• Hyperthermia (High body temperature)
• Hypothermia (Low body temperature)

 

Gastrointestinal Signs

• Vomiting

 

Making a diagnosis

A diagnosis can usually be made based on history provided by owners, known or witnessed ingestion of marijuana and suggestive clinical signs. However, in the event where there is no known exposure, a presumptive diagnosis can still be made based on clinical signs and resolution of clinical signs after treatment. However, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained from analysis of stomach content or urine of affected animal if required. Our pet hospitals stock urine identification tests that aid in the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is currently no specific antidote for THC toxicity. Treatment consists of supportive care and symptomatic therapy. Most pets will need to be admitted to our veterinary hospital.

In cases that present acutely after ingestion, decontamination via the induction of emesis (vomiting) may be attempted if patients are still conscious and alert. In severe cases however, patients may present comatose and as such would require more aggressive measures such as gastric lavage (emptying) and enemas (manual emptying of rectal contents) to achieve rapid removal of marijuana from the body.

In addition, other supportive measures such as activated charcoal, muscle relaxants, ventilatory support (via the provision of oxygen), intravenous lipid administration and constant monitoring of the patient’s body temperature may also be required. Our Emergency Centres are open 24 hours / 7 days a week. Our intensive CARE units always have emergency vets on shift.

Prognosis

The prognosis for affected patients is generally optimistic. The majority of cases tend to recover within 5 days with no long-term adverse effects.

In severe cases however, recovery may be prolonged and complications such as death has been reported in cases of marijuana butter ingestion.

My pet has eaten marijuana! What should I do?

• Stay calm and seek immediate veterinary attention for your pet
• Give an honest history to your veterinarian, all details provided to us are kept strictly confidential
• Do not attempt to induce vomiting or treatment at home

• Making an unconscious animal vomit may cause it to aspirate the vomit and result in secondary aspiration pneumonia
• Intoxicated animals can have an altered mentation and turn violent or aggressive without warning and cause serious injury to both itself and you
• Attempting home treatment wastes valuable treatment time and prolongs the duration of your pet’s exposure to THC and increases the risk of potential complications

 

 

If you have any questions, please phone our emergency centres: Essendon 03 9379 0700 or Point Cook 8368 7400.

Our Centres are for Animal Referral and Emergency.

We are Always Open, We Always Care

 

References

1. Meola SD, Tearney CC, Hass SA et al. Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005-2010). JVECC 2012;22(6): 690-696.
2. Fitzgerald KT, Bronstein AC, Newquist KL. Marijuana poisoning. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 2013: 8-12.
3. Osweiler GD, Hovda LR, Brulag AG et al. Marijuana. In: Osweiler GD, Hovda LR, Brutlag AG et al (eds). Blackwell’s Five-Minute veterinary Consult – Clinical Companion: Small Animal Toxicology. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Iowa, 2011: 224-229.
4. Volmer PA. Recreational Drugs. In: Peterson ME, Talcott PA (eds). Small Animal Toxicology. 2^nd Edn. Elsevier Saunders, Missouri, 2006: 293-295.

How to Keep Your Puppy Safe from Parvo (Parvovirus)

 

Parvo Puppy

Parvo (Parvovirus) is a relatively new disease found in dogs, which is highly contagious and potentially life threatening.

While any unvaccinated dog can contract parvo, it is most commonly found in dogs less than one year old  and puppies less than 5 months old are the most severely affected by the disease. Pet owners of unvaccinated dogs, especially of young puppies, need to be aware of the signs of parvovirus and know when their pet may be in need of emergency vet care. More importantly, pet owners need to be aware of what can be done to prevent their dogs from ever contracting parvovirus in the first place.

Parvo is spread through faeces and can be easily transmitted in a number of ways:

• such as via the hair or the feet of infected dogs,
• contaminated shoes and clothes,
• or any other objects contaminated by the infected faeces.

Direct contact with an infected dog is not necessary for the disease to be spread, as parvovirus lingers in the environment for anywhere between 5-7 months and is notoriously difficult to kill. Parvo is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, alcohol and most disinfectants, with the only known way of removing the virus from the environment being a chlorine bleach solution.

When the virus is ingested, either directly from faecal matter or any contaminated object, the disease passes into the dog’s intestine, affecting the intestinal wall and causing inflammation. Dogs affected with parvovirus will begin showing clinical signs and becoming ill within 6 to 10 days of being infected.

The first clinical signs of parvovirus are severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which is often strong smelling and may contain mucus and blood. Dogs may also become lethargic, feverish and lose their appetite, but these additional signs are not always displayed. Luckily, parvo can now be quickly diagnosed by use of a faecal test (SNAP® Parvo Test) in a 24 hour veterinary clinic, meaning treatment can commence immediately. However, it is not something that can be treated at home and will require the dog to remain in an animal hospital for 24 hour intensive care by an emergency vet.

IDEXX – SNAP® Parvo Test

While there is no treatment that can destroy the virus from an infected dog, with the appropriate vet care the virus can be brought under control and return the pet to good health. Parvo damages the dog’s intestinal tract lining resulting in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and bloodstream infection, which results in death if untreated. Therefore, the main treatment for parvovirus includes the use of IV fluids, antinausea medications and antibiotics, with the chance of survival being high providing they are treated early and by an experienced 24 hour emergency vet.

The most important thing for pet owners to know is that parvo is preventable through proper vaccination. All pet owners should have their puppies vaccinated as part of their initial puppy vaccinations, which help to prevent a wide range of debilitating and life threatening illnesses. The parvovirus vaccine is a simple process of regular injections during a puppy’s first few months, followed up with a booster at one year of age and then revaccinations later in life. A veterinarian will be able to determine an appropriate schedule for administering all required vaccines and ensuring your dog is safe and healthy.

Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour pet emergency centres in Melbourne, which are ideally located in Essendon and Point Cook and both with easy freeway access and amble parking. Our emergency vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest equipment and state of the art technology, as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. So when you bring your pet to Animal Accident & Emergency you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best and most advanced vet care available.

 

If you believe your pet may be have parvo or for any emergency, please phone one of our 24-hour Animal Accident & Emergency Centres.

 

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

 

We’re Always Open, We Always Care

 

 

www.animalemergency.com.au

 

Knowing the Signs of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

When your dog is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea it is always cause for concern, but when blood is included in the vomited material or stool then you should certainly be alarmed and treat it is an animal emergency. Bloody diarrhoea and vomiting can often be a sign of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, which is an acute disorder that can lead to your pet becoming seriously ill or even dying.

The exact cause of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis remains unknown, making the diagnosis challenging and often requiring intestinal biopsies for persistent cases. However, it is known to be most common in small breed dogs. Some possible causes of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis include change of diet, stress, intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, trauma, gastrointestinal tumours and infectious diseases (such as canine parvovirus infection and coagulation disorders).

When testing for Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, evaluation requires a wide range of tests and procedures to determine the cause and the best treatment plan. This includes taking a complete blood count, biochemical analysis of the blood, urinalysis, x-rays, coagulation tests, faecal evaluation, as well as ultrasound or endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dogs that are suffering from Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis will appear severely ill and need to be treated by an experienced emergency vet or they may die. In most cases that are treated, the disorder appears to run its course within a few days, providing the dog is given the appropriate medical care. Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis causes stomach and/or intestinal ulcers that result in bleeding into the gut and severe dehydration. Therefore, the main treatment involves intravenous fluid therapy to correct their dehydration and circulatory shock. Other treatments include anti-nausea medications, gut protectant medications and pain relief.

Treatment usually requires the dog to be in an animal emergency hospital for between 2-4 days, so the appropriate medications can be administered and they can be closely monitored. Except for very severe cases that involve sepsis and blood clotting problems, the majority of cases that are treated intensively make a full recovery.

Melbourne pet owners should contact an emergency veterinarian at a 24 hour animal emergency centre if they ever observe blood in their dog’s stool or vomit, if vomiting or diarrhoea persists beyond six to twelve hours, if their dog is trying to vomit but unable to bring up anything, or if their pet becomes quiet, lethargic or weak. Other things to consider are if your dog is less than 6 months of age or older than 10 years, has any other medical conditions or on any medications, or if they may have eaten a foreign object.

In case of suspected Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis or any emergency, please phone Animal Accident & Emergency at either of our 24 hour animal emergency centres. Our clinics operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including public holidays), and offer all the latest state-of-the-art equipment, as well as a 24-hour intensive care unit. Our dedicated team of emergency vets and nurses provide the highest standards of emergency and critical care medicine and surgery available, so you can be assured your pet will always receive the best treatment possible.

Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400

We’re Always Open, We Always CARE

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in North Melbourne

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from North Melbourne.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.

Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

www.animalemergency.com.au

Looking for a Vet in Melbourne

Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.   We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Melbourne.  As a Melbourne Animal Hospital we will care for your pet if they are sick or injured.  Our team includes Specialists in Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care.

There is easy Access from the freeway and plenty of safe parking.  We are not just open after hours, we are a 24 hour vet hospital that specialised in Emergency and Critical Care.  Two great locations:  Essendon Fields and Point Cook.

 

www.animalemergency.com.au