Our Pet Emergency Centres will open 24/7 on Anzac Day should you need us.
If you need a veterinary help, then please contact one of our 24 hour Pet Emergency Centres in Melbourne:
Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700
www.animalemergency.com.au
Tag Archives: 24hr Pet Emergency
Pet Owners Extreme Heat Forecast
******* EXTREME HEAT FORECAST ******
Melbourne’s forecast tomorrow is for extreme heat. Extreme heat causes significant stress for all animals.
To reduce the impacts of high temperatures on your pet, please ensure:
* the provision of a plentiful supply of clean cool water
* shade is essential if your pet is outside
* walk your dog early to avoid the hot mid day sun
* don’t over exercise
* never leave your pet in a hot car
* provide ice blocks and/or wet towels
If you are concerned your pet is be suffering from the heat get veterinary help immediately or one of our 24 hour Pet Emergency Centres in Melbourne:
Animal Accident & Emergency:
Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400
FLUTD is a major emergency for cats as it can cause death
FLUTD is a major emergency as it can cause death. The urethra is tube that connects the bladder and penis. If this becomes blocked, you cannot urinate. In some cases the bladder will burst.
If you cannot urinate, you body starts to build up toxins from the kidneys. These toxins can cause death by affecting the heart and other organs. FLUTD can be a common problem in male cats.
If you notice that your cat is unwell, licking his genital area more than normal and straining to go to the toilet, then they should be checked. Other common signs can include frequently using the litter tray and only urinating a couple of drops. Sometimes you may see blood in the urine.
There are many causes of FLUTD. Sometimes a special diet is required to reduce crystals forming in the urine.
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 cat is FLUTD 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
Our Emergency Vet Department – Melbourne
Along with being able to deal with any animal emergency, Animal Accident & Emergency also houses a critical care unit. This is complementary to our 24 hour vet – Melbourne pets requiring intensive care have access to experienced care around the clock.
Critically ill patients have access to central venous pressure monitoring, positive pressure ventilation or respirators, enteral feeding and parenteral feeding catheters and more.
Critically ill animals will likely need the assistance of a team of doctors.
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
36 degrees today & tomorrow – Keep your Pets Cool
Tips to avoid heat stress/stroke:
- Provide a cool shaded area
- Provide plenty of clean fresh water and extra water sources in case of spillage.
- Bring animals indoors on hot, with the air-conditioning or fan on.
- Do not exercise animals in hot weather conditions. Walk your dog very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon and avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Do not leave your dog in a vehicle – even when the windows are down dogs can still overheat and die.
If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please call Animal Accident & Emergency or contact your local vet without delay.
Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400
Melbourne Vet OPEN Australia Day 2015!
OPENING HOURS FOR AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND
Animal Accident & Emergency will be OPEN 24/7 over the long Australia Day weekend.
We have two Pet Emergency Centres in Melbourne which will be OPEN 24 hours on Australia Day.
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Happy Australia Day!
Vet Open New Years Day Melbourne
OPENING HOURS OVER THE NEW YEARS PERIOD
Animal Accident & Emergency will be OPEN 24/7 during the New Year period should you need us.
WE NEVER CLOSE
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Wishing you and your fur babies a very Happy New Year.
Animal Accident Emergency Open Christmas & New Year Day
Vet Open Xmas Day Melbourne
OPENING HOURS OVER CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS
Animal Accident & Emergency will be OPEN 24/7 during the Christmas and the New Year period should you need us.
WE NEVER CLOSE
Please call one of our Pet Emergency Centres:
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Wishing you and your fur babies a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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.
How We Diagnose Snake Bite in Pets: Vet Emergency Melbourne
How We Diagnose Snake Bite in Pets
During summer we treat numerous pets with snake bite. It is a downside to living in Australia. In the Melbourne region, the most common snakes are Tiger snakes. Brown snake bites also occur but are less frequent. Tigers and Browns are very deadly. Bites from these snakes may kill pets within minutes. They have a mixture of toxins depending on the snake. Toxins may include: Neuro Toxin (affects nervous system and causes paralysis); Myotoxin (destroys muscles within the body); Coagulant Toxin (causes massive internal bleeding); Renal Toxin (affects kidney function).
To treat snake bite we use specific anti-venom therapy. While some pets may survive without anti-venom, the length of recovery and complications including death is much greater for these pets. Often these pets have had a minimal bite if they do survive.
Sometimes it is very easy to identify a snake bite – the pet was seen with a snake, starts vomiting and collapses. Other times we need to run specific tests to identify a snake envenomation.
Within our 24Hr Pet Emergency Centres we keep a range of tests to identify snake bites. We have specialised laboratory machines so that we can identify a snake bite quickly. Sometimes there is not one test that we use, but a range of tests.
One of the most important tests is the Snake Venom Detection Kit (SVDK). The SVDK was developed by CSL and is specific for all Australian venomous snakes. The test looks for free venom in urine (or blood). If you have been bitten, then within a short period of time, there will be free venom filtered into your urine by your kidneys. The SVDK identifies this venom and tells us what type of snake has bitten the pet. It means that we know that the pet has been bitten and what type of anti-venom should be used.
Some pets can play with a snake and not be envenomated. The SVDK can be used to identify such pets and if the test is negative, we can avoid giving anti-venom which is very expensive.
We also use the SVDK to guide therapy. If after receiving anti-venom, the test is still positive, it indicates that further anti-venom will benefit the pet. If it is negative, then we know that giving further expensive anti-venom is not required.
We stock numerous vials of anti-venom as well as SVDK at both our Melbourne Animal Hospitals. Vets now Open with immediate treatment for Snake Bite. If you need further advice, please contact any of our 24Hr Pet Emergency Centres:
Essendon 9379 0700
Point Cook 8368 7400
Snake Warning as Weather Warms up in Melbourne
With the weather warming up, Snakes are now emerging from hibernation and becoming active in the late afternoon.
If you are out walking your pets you should keep an eye on your dog and avoid walking in long grass.
The common signs of Snake bite include pets who suddenly start vomiting, having trouble walking, urinating blood, collapsing.
If you think that your pet may have been bitten, then you need to take them to your local vet or to one of our 24 hour Pet Emergency Centres as they need to be seen as soon as possible!!
For more information on Snake Bites – Prevention and Treatment click on the link below:
https://animalaccidentemergency.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/snake-bites-prevention-and-treatment/
24 hour Vet Clinic Open Queens Birthday long weekend – Melbourne
We are OPEN on the
Queens Birthday Public Holiday
Public Holiday Consult fee is $170
(Effective from 8pm Sunday 8th June 2014)
If you have concerns or you are looking for a vet that is now open, please phone one of our Pet Emergency Centre:
Essendon Fields 9379 0700
Point Cook 8368 7400
Our Vet Clinics are Always Open, We always CARE
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.
What happens with a Pet Emergency
Pet Emergencies occur at all times of the day and night. Our Vet Emergency Centres are open 7 days a week and we are a 24 Hour Melbourne Animal Hospital.
Our Pet Emergency Centres are open daily. If you need to see a vet, we always recommend that you contact your family veterinarian. There are times where they may be too far away, booked out or their vets are not available. At Animal Accident & Emergency, we always have vets on shift waiting to see your pet. You do not need to make an appointment for our emergency service. We will have a trained person examine your pet when you arrive.
Our Vet Emergency Centres treat all types of illness in pets, from car accidents, cuts and lacerations, snake bites, diabetes to the diagnosis of Cancer. We are different from your family veterinarian only in that we do not provide routine healthcare such as dental, desexing and vaccination.
For good advice and tips on first aid, you can look at our website www.animalemergency.com.au
Vet Now Open is usually what people google to find us. Knowing that there is always a Vet Open in Melbourne when your pet is ill is important. Our team of of Vets and Nurses really CARE for your pet. We try and make a difference with each patient. Our Centres are open each day. We are 24 hour pet emergency centres. Our two locations means that we can service most Melbourne suburbs including Vet Open Sunday.
Find us at:
ESSENDON (03) 9379 0700
POINT COOK (03) 8368 7400
A Melbourne Animal Hospital providing Advanced Vetcare for pets. No Appointment required. We are a centre for referral and emergency.
Animal Accident Emergency: Free Pet Health Check Melbourne
Animal Accident & Emergency will be at LaManna Direct – Essendon Fields this Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Bring your Pet for a free healthy check by one of our emergency vets.
Sonia Ross will also be there to give “Pet First Aid” tips.
If you believe that your pet is unwell contact us directly at one of our 24 hour Animal Hospitals in Melbourne:
Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400
Always Open, We Always Care
http://www.animalemergency.com.au/
Pet First Aid Workshop held 3rd August 2013
Animal Accident & Emergency is running a 3 hour Pet First Aid workshop course.
This course is open to the public and recommended for those who work with pets – foster carers, pet sitters, rescue workers etc
For more information or to enrol, click on the link:
http://www.petemergencystore.com.au/pet-first-aid-3hr-workshop.html
Always Open, We Always Care
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
Vet Open Anzac Day
On Anzac Day our 24 Hr Animal Hospitals will be available to help you at anytime. Our Emergency Vet Hospitals have Veterinarians on shift at all times. Both our centres are located so that they can service Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Our Point Cook 24Hr Pet Emergency Centre services Geelong and the surf Coast.
If you have concerns or you are looking for a vet that is now open, please phone our Essendon Pet Emergency Centre on 9379 0700 or our Point Cook 24 Hr Emergency Animal Hospital on 8368 7400.
Our Vet Clinics are Always Open, We always CARE
Vet Open Easter Holidays
If you need a Vet over the Easter Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday) Animal Accident & Emergency is OPEN 24/7.
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
We operate 24hrs a day and never close. Our team is ready to deal with all emergencies. Emergency and critical care is our core business and we often treat dogs or cats hit by a car (Trauma), dog or cat poisonings (Toxicities), breathing trouble (respiratory distress), or chronic medical conditions when your vet is not available.
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
Animal Accident Emergency’s Marathon Effort to Save Courageous Beagle from Snake Bite
It started out like any other day. Pierre, a 10-month old beagle, was out for a walk along Merri Creek in Coburg with his owner and friend when the unthinkable happened. Lachlan Scully, Pierre’s owner, was chatting to his friend when he heard a sudden and gut wrenching howl. Having no idea what had caused Pierre to cry out, and due to the almost instant vomiting and diarrhoea, Mr Scully rushed his beloved puppy to the Heritage Veterinary Clinic, where he collapsed upon arrival.
The consulting vet was concerned that Pierre had potentially been bitten by a snake, and therefore administered a vial of antivenom. However, due to his deteriorating condition and the venom causing paralysis of his respiratory muscles, Pierre was unable to breathe on his own and needed a mechanical ventilation machine to breath for him. Pierre was transferred to the 24-hour Animal Accident & Emergency Centre in Essendon, where our team of dedicated emergency vets and nurses were at the ready to continue treating him immediately.
After using a Snake Venom Detection Kit, it was confirmed that Pierre had indeed been bitten by a Tiger Snake and had severe envenomation. A second vial of antivenom was quickly given but, due to Pierre’s serious condition, he was still near death for days and the emergency team had a mammoth task ahead of them in order to keep him alive.
As is the case with all snake envenomations, especially with Tiger Snakes, there is usually more than just one problem that emergency vets need to treat simultaneously, making care of the envenomated patient very intensive. Pierre also suffered from bleeding in his gut and bladder, caused by the venom stopping his blood from clotting properly, so a plasma transfusion was needed to replace clotting factors in his blood. Additionally, he developed aspiration pneumonia due to paralysis preventing him from being able to swallow. His continuing respiratory paralysis meant that he had to remain on a life support ventilator for nearly 36 hours. The other conditions that the emergency team needed to treat were Acute Kidney Injury; severe muscle damage requiring strong pain medication; Vasculitis (leakage of fluid from his vessels) causing fluid accumulation in his abdomen and under his skin; anaemia (requiring a further blood transfusion); pancreatitis and liver damage.
Pierre quickly won the hearts of the Animal Accident & Emergency team, who gave their all and often came in on their days off to help care for the courageous beagle during his recovery. After a marathon effort and 11 days in hospital, all of his conditions were improving and he was given the go ahead to return home. Pierre will still require several weeks of rest and further checkups at AAE to ensure a full recovery, but after such a severe snake bite he is incredibly lucky to be alive.
Due to Pierre’s extreme circumstances and the amount of time and resources that were required to treat his life-threatening conditions, the final treatment cost reached just over $20,000. Treatment for snake bites isn’t normally quite so much, but Pierre was one of the worst snake bites that Animal Accident & Emergency have ever seen and required extensive medical care due to his many ailments. However, Mr Scully wasn’t worried about the cost and just wanted to do anything possible to save his much-loved beagle, and he had wisely bought Pet Insurance for Pierre, which thankfully covered over $7,000. Also, with thanks to the overwhelming public support, a fundraiser for Pierre has been organised for Saturday 30th March. More information can be found on the Facebook page created for Pierre.
If you ever suspect that your pet has been bitten by a snake, remember that time is of the essence and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more severe the condition will become. Animal Accident & Emergency have two 24 hour emergency centres in Essendon and Point Cook that are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to treat all emergencies right across Melbourne. Antivenom is always kept on the premises and our experienced team of emergency vets and nurses are always at the ready to care for your pets.
In case of a snake bite or any emergency, please phone Animal Accident & Emergency:
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
We’re always open, We always CARE
Reducing Pet Anxiety and Providing Better Care with Feel Good Pheromones
Taking your pet in for a veterinary consult can often be a stressful experience for the animal, causing high levels of anxiety and often leading to frightened or defensive behaviour, especially with cats. This is why at Animal Accident & Emergency we have made some important changes in order to lower stress levels and provide the best possible care and experience for your pets when visiting our state-of-the-art hospitals.
Both of our Essendon and Point Cook 24 hour emergency centres now have separate cat and dog consult rooms, which use species-specific pheromone diffusers to create a stress-free environment to help your pet relax. The pheromone diffusers (known as Feliway® for cats and Adaptil® for dogs), give your pet a sense of familiarity and security, allowing them to better cope with the stress of being in a new environment.
As with humans, pheromones are odourless chemical substances that animals release to convey messages and different information to their own species, such as alarm pheromones, sex pheromones, trail pheromones, etc. By using the Feliway® and Adaptil® pheromone diffusers, synthetic pheromones are circulated through the consult rooms that communicate different messages to cats and dogs, but induce the same end result for both.
Feliway® works by using feline facial pheromones, known as the familiarisation pheromone. This pheromone is common in all cats and originates within cheek glands, which are then spread when cats rub their face against their owners and various surfaces in their environment and territory. These pheromones indicate known places and help to instil a sense of familiarity. Adaptil®, on the other hand, works by using the dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP). This is the same appeasing pheromone that is produced by all female mammals and excreted through the mammary glands, which are used to convey a feeling of calm and reassurance to offspring. Both Feliway® and Adaptil® diffusers used in consult rooms have been proven to help cats and dogs calm and settle, as well as making them easier to handle for vets and nurses, which can be crucial in an emergency situation.
Extended hospitalisation periods can also lead to depression and high levels of stress and anxiety for cats and dogs, even with regular visits by the owner. This is why Feliway® and Adaptil® are also used within the hospital areas of Animal Accident & Emergency in the form of localised sprays. Studies have shown that continued use of Feliway® for the duration of a cats stay in hospital will not only help them to settle, but also to eat more, play more and feel comfortable grooming themselves more quickly. Within dogs, Adaptil® used in the same way has been shown to reduce destructiveness, excessive licking and barking, which all result in a more pleasant stay for your animals.
To experience the difference for yourself and your loved pets, please feel free to visit Animal Accident & Emergency at any time, day or night. Our Essendon and Point Cook 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. And remember, we’re always open and we always care.
Vodka Saves Life of Maltese Terrier
A Maltese terrier named Charlie went on an epic bender to save his life after accidentally licking antifreeze off the floor of his owner’s garage.
ABC UK story regarding Charlie who had received treatment at Animal Accident & Emergency – Essendon Fields:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/03/vodka-saves-life-of-maltese-terrier/
Insect Stings / Animal Accident Emergency
Stings occur most commonly when your pet has been exploring in the park, your backyard, or even within your own home. Stings will occur more commonly on thinly furred areas, such as the face and paws. However, this does not mean that they cannot be affected elsewhere.
Insect bites will usually have both an allergic and toxic (poisoning) component. Symptoms of insect bites are quite variable; sometimes a sting will be inconsequential and you may not even notice that it has occurred while other times there may be a severe inflammatory reactions causing critical disease and even death.
Symptoms that may be attributed to stings can include: irritability, restlessness, itchy skin (especially face, paws and eyes), pain, swelling, redness, heat, wheals, vomiting, defecation, diarrhea, urination, salivation, weakness, collapse, seizures, increased breathe noises and difficulty breathing.
Usually if your pet has reacted badly to a sting in the past then they are likely to react in the same way, if not worse, in the future.
If your pet has any of the above listed symptoms, unexplained inflammation, or inflammation that you suspect may be attributed to insect bites, please seek veterinary advice immediately.
Animal Accident & Emergency is open 24 hours, 7 days a week at Essendon and Point Cook.
Always Open – We Always Care
A Big Weekend for Charlie
This has to be one of the most unusual situations, but this weekend we treated Charlie for Ethylene Glycol Poisoning. Ethylene Glycol is a product found commonly in anti – freeze solution. It is very common in radiator and brake fluids. The product is usually a bright green colour and is very sweet. When ingested (even tiny amounts), it causes kidney failure. Death can occur within a day or so of ingestion.
Initially, pets will look a bit “drunk” or may have some vomiting. This occurs within an hour or so of ingestion. The toxin is then broken down in the liver and form a more deadly kidney toxin.
In Australia, the only antidote we have is alcohol. Alcohol alters the chemical reaction and stops the kidney failure from occurring. It is important that we treat these pets as soon as possible after ingestion. For most pets, a couple of licks of anti-freeze is enough to cause problems.
How we treated Charlie: Charlie had a tube placed through his nose to his stomach. Over about 48 hours, he was given successive doses of alcohol. The easiest form of alcohol is vodka. In fact for the whole weekend, Charlie had a huge party with us in the Pet ICU. The vodka sedated Charlie and while undergoing therapy, we needed to monitor Charlie in our Intensive Care Unit. The good news is that Charlie has recovered and is not showing signs of kidney failure. Charlie went home this morning, still nursing a hangover.
We treat 2 or 3 cases of Ethylene Glycol per year in our 24 hr Pet Emergency Centres.
Always Open – Always Care
24 hour pet emergency centre
Always Open, We always CARE
Animal Accident & Emergency, is an emergency veterinary clinic located in 2 convenient locations – Essendon and Point Cook. Our centres CARE for injured or sick pets anytime of the day. An emergency veterinary clinic is not the same as most vet clinics. Our aim is to work with your personal Vet to provide the best possible CARE for your pet.
We operate 24hrs a day and never close. Our team is ready to deal with all emergencies. Emergency and critical care is our core business and we often treat dogs or cats hit by a car (Trauma), dog or cat poisonings (Toxicities), breathing trouble (respiratory distress), or chronic medical conditions when your vet is not available.
Our emergency veterinary clinic is open 24-hours per day to attend to urgent conditions. We are always open including – vet open Sunday in Melbourne, we are open weekends, including all public holidays. If you need help, then please phone. One of our team, will be sure to assist you.
24 hour Pet Emergency Centre:
Essendon – 72 Hargrave Ave. Essendon Fields (inside the Essendon Airport Precinct) (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook – 6 Wallace Ave (Across from Oz Ten Bowling) (03) 8368 7400
In The Emergency Centre This Week
Rat poisons not only kill rats and mice but will kill family pets as well.
On Sunday this week, Billy a lovely 18month old bulldog was transferred to our 24hr animal hospital from his family vet. Billy had developed classic signs of internal bleeding (common with rat poisons).
On presentation to our emergency centre, Billy had severe bleeding into both his chest and abdomen. He was at the point where the amount of blood he was losing was life threatening. Dr Yenni our senior veterinary resident needed to provide Billy with an emergency blood transfusion. In this case, the blood transfusion was critical and needed to be completed within minutes to save Billy’s life The degree of blood loss was severe enough that we now need to monitor for any damage to body organs including his heart.
By late Sunday afternoon, Billy remained in our purpose built intensive care cage where he was able to receive oxygen and we could monitor his heart (ECG). He is now stable and feeling much better. He will remain with our ICU team for the next 24 hours.
When Billy is ok to go home, he will receive an antidote for the rodenticide for at least 6 weeks.
Please be careful with Rat Poisons – Billy’s owner was very diligent, but Billy still found a way to snack on the rate poison.
Pet owners are also being warned to be vigilant as the heatwave hits.
“Towns soar past 40C as heatwave hits Victoria”
Dr Scott Hall, of Animal Accident & Emergency in Essendon, said owners should relax exercise routines and make sure animals had water and shade.
“And if there is not enough shade in the backyard it is even worse – unfortunately people will come home to find their dog deceased,” he said.
Dr Hall said owners said pugs, bulldogs and other breeds with short noses were most at risk and he said long-haired dogs should be hosed down regularly.
If there is inadequate shade, Dr Hall recommended doggie day care over the heatwave.
For more information:
Looking for a Vet in Albert Park
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Albert Park. 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.
MEDICINE Patient Coordinator
Animal Accident & Emergency Point Cook is seeking a Medicine Patient Coordinator (MPC). The MPC is a new position at our Point Cook 24Hr Pet Emergency Centre. This is a nursing based position working directly with our medicine specialist, Dr Linda Abraham. The position is designed to provide direct nursing support for medicine cases, assist in procedures, coordinate client appointments and follow up on the progress of our medicine patients.
Position Requirements
- Certificate 4 or Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent
- Manual Car Licence
- Available to work Monday to Friday with occasional weekend or overtime required
- High standard of written and computer skills
- High standard of communication skills – this position involves significant client contact
- Highly organised
- Prior experience in referral or specialist centres (desirable)
Applications will close on the 30th of January 2014 unless a suitable applicant is found prior to this date. A CV with 3 current referees should be forwarded to jobs@animalemergency.com.au.
For further information, please contact Ms Sonia Ross on 8368 7400 or Sonia.ross@animalemergency.com.au
Looking for a Vet in Balaclava
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Balaclava. 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.
Looking for a Vet in City of Port Phillip
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from City of Port Phillip. 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.
Looking for a Vet in Docklands
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Docklands. 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.
Full Time Emergency Patient Care Co-ordinator Position
Animal Accident & Emergency would like to announce that we now have a full time Patient Care Co-ordinator (PCC) position available. We are looking for someone who is excited by emergency nursing and are looking for a challenge. This position would ideally suit an experienced nurse.
The PCC role provides a critical link between clients and the healthcare team. Liaising directly with the attending veterinarian, nursing team and clients to ensure that communication is maintained. This is a customer service orientated role. The role will commence on Monday 3rd February with a 2 week handover from the outgoing PCC.
Applications will close on 15th January 2014. Please send a résumé to htm@animalemergency.com.au . Attention your application to HealthCare Team Managers.
Looking for a Vet in West Melbourne
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from West 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.
Looking for a Vet in South Yarra
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.
Looking for a Vet in Port Melbourne
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Port 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.
Happy New Year from AAE
From all the team at Animal Accident & Emergency we would like to wish you a very “Happy New Year” for 2014!
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Always Open, We Always Care.
Looking for a Vet in Carlton North
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Carlton North. 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.
Looking for a Vet in Kensington
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Kensington.
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.
Looking for a Vet in East Melbourne
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre. We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from East 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.
CFA Total Fire Ban on Saturday 28th December 2014
CFA are announcing that conditions may be very severe on Saturday, Fires are very unpredictable. Please make sure you have an action plan ready. Consider your pets. Ensure you have medications etc. ready for them if you do need to re-locate. Attached is a handout from the CFA. Keep Safe!
Our 24 hr. Pet Emergency Centres are well equipped to deal with injured pets post fires. For advice, please phone either Centre Essendon 9379 0700 or Point Cook 8368 7400. www.animalemergency.com.au
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/fm_files/attachments/plan_and_prepare/frk_2013/Section_Two.docx
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and your furbabies.
From all the staff at Animal Accident & Emergency
Looking for a Vet in Carlton
Animal Accident & Emergency is a full service Pet Emergency and Critical Care Centre.
We are open 24/7 and often receive patients from Carlton. 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.
WOMO Special Offer
Mention you found us at WOMO and receive $25.00 off the Consultation fee at either of our 24 hour Pet Emergency Centres:
Essendon Fields
Essendon Airport-Main Terminal, 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook
‘Exit 16’ Princes Fwy, 6 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
For more information about our services visit: www.animalemergency.com.au
Hot Weather Warning
The temperature today is likely to reach 35 degrees C or higher. The sun is a fantastic welcome to us in Melbourne but we do see heat related disease at our 24 Hour Pet Emergency Hospitals / Animal Hospitals. Here are some very simple tips:
• Avoid exercising when the temperature is high
• Make sure your pets have plenty of shade
• Make sure there is ample water that your pet cannot tip over
• Only exercise your pet in this weather if they are fit and active
• Kiddies pools can work well to help your pets keep cool
• Hosing your pets can keep them cool
• Freezing there food or ice cubes in water as a treat
Heat stress is a serious disease and we treat pets for it with each heat wave. Some pets are more prone to heat stress:
• Dogs with short noses – pugs, bulldogs, staffys etc.
• Dogs with chronic problems – arthritis, kidney disease, overweight, diabetes, are just some examples.
• Fire works on hot nights is a big cause of heat stress
If your pet is suffering heat stress, then we need to see your pet as soon as possible.
• Cool them down with fans and water
• Phone us
• Drive to our emergency centres as safe as possible.
Here is a great article that explains heat stress in more detail:
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/lifestyle/keep-your-dog-cool-summer-heat-stroke-part-i
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/lifestyle/keep-your-dog-cool-summer-heat-stroke-part-ii
Pet First Aid – How to stop nails bleeding
How to stop nails bleeding
If you have trimmed your pet’s nails to the quick, they may start to bleed. To help stem the flow of bleeding you can:
- Firmly press the nail into a bar of soap or candle wax. This will form a plug at the end of the nail.
- Potassium Permanganate (Condies Crystals) can also be used – dampen the tip of a cotton bud, dip into your jar until there is a small layer of crystals over the tip, then apply firm pressure with the cotton bud tip to the bleeding nail
Animal Accident & Emergency is running 1 day Pet First Aid Courses on Sunday 1st & 15th December 2013.
ENROL ONLINE or find out more Pet First Aid Course
Full Time & Casual Emergency Veterinary Nursing Positions
Animal Accident & Emergency would like to announce that we now have two full time nursing positions and casual positions available. We are looking for people who are excited by emergency nursing and are looking for a challenge. These positions would ideally suit an experienced nurse. Animal Accident & Emergency operates on a 24 hour basis and employment is shift based. Shifts are scheduled to include night, day and weekend work. This would be a great opportunity for those looking at completing a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Successful applicants will be required to work at both our locations, Point Cook and Essendon Fields.
Applications will close on 5th November 2013. The positions available are for immediate start. Please send a résumé including a referee list to jobs@animalemergency.com.au . Attention your application to HealthCare Team Manager and advise which position you are applying for.
Please note that this is not a training a position. Applicants must have as a minimum a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. All applicants will be contacted after the application close date.
We would like to introduce Shelby
Shelby is a 4 yr old Rottweiler who presented to our 24hr Pet Emergency Centre at Essendon. Shelby was referred from her veterinary clinic, Sunbrury All Creatures.
Shelby is suspected to have a condition termed Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMT). IMT is a disease of the immune system, where the immune system destroys normal body cells in the blood. With IMT, the immune system specifically targets Platelets. Platelets are small cells that are involved in blood clotting. If they are removed from you blood or if they are not functioning, then you are at risk of bleeding.
Treatment for Shelby will involve suppressing the immune system with a number of medications. Often this will occur over a 6 to 12 month period. In the short term we are monitoring Shelby’s blood count using our in-house lab. We use a combination of tests to guide us on treatment for Shelby.
Earlier today, it was noted that Shelby’s blood count was dropping to a low level and we are now in the process of giving her a blood transfusion. Our medicine specialist Dr Linda Abraham will ultrasound Shelby later today, looking for causes of IMT. Shelby is currently under the care of our Resident Dr Nicole Trigg and Emergency and Critical Care Specialist Dr Trudi McAlees. Shelby will remain under the care of our ICU team until her blood count is stable. We wish Shelby a quick recovery.
Full Time Healthcare Team Manager
Animal Accident & Emergency is seeking applications for a Full Time Healthcare Team Manager (HTM).
We are seeking applicants with experience in people management and emergency nursing. Animal Accident & Emergency operates 24/7 at two locations. The position will involve shift work at both emergency centres, Essendon Fields and Point Cook. Our centres are fully equipped and would suit applicants looking to further their management career in an emergency and critical care environment.
You should be motivated, communicate well and have the ability to teamwork. You must also display a commitment to continuing education. We believe in a team approach with a supportive environment. The ideal applicant must have Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing or a Diploma in Emergency & Critical Care and have experience in managing or leading a team.
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. The role will be a compliment our current Healthcare Team Managers at Animal Accident & Emergency.
We are looking for applicants that enjoy working in a team environment, communicate well and want to improve their skills as well as the teams.
Please send applications to jobs@animalemergency.com.au attention to the General Manager by 14th November 2013.
Animal Accident & Emergency 