Celebrating New Year’s Eve is a great tradition but it is one of our busiest nights for lost/stray pets.
Is Your Pet Ready for New Years Eve:
1. Have you microchipped your pet?
2. Are they wearing a collar ID tag?…
3. Are your contact details are up-to-date with the National Pet Register?
By doing these 3 things it will give you and your pet the best chance of being reunited in the event they become lost.
***Important Numbers***
National Pet Register can be contacted 24/7 on 1300 734 738
Lost Dogs Home can be contacted (03) 9329 2755
Georgy is a gorgeous Burnese Mountain Dog who presented to Animal Accident and Emergency Point Cook last week for severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension (bloated belly) and dry retching (attempting to vomit without producing any vomit).
This presentation and breed are typical of a disease commonly known as BLOAT. The technical name for bloat is “gastric dilation and volvulus” or “GDV” for short.
In cases of GDV the stomach has become distended and has filled with gas and then twisted over on itself. This is a life threateningcondition as all the blood vessels that supply the stomach get kinked off like a bent hose pipe and this stops the blood flow to the stomach wall. The stomach wall begins to die as a result of the lack of blood supply. The stomach then inflates further as gas cannot escape out of a twisted stomach. The inflating stomach blocks off blood that is returning to the heart via the large vessels in the abdomen. This causes shock. Another complication of the overly inflated stomach is that it puts pressure on the diaphragm (the muscle that makes you breath) thus making it very difficult for these poor doggies to breath!
Please see this link for an animation of what happens in GDV:
In summary, the main things that happen in a bloat case are:
distended stomach twists and loses blood supply causing the stomach wall to start dying
the distended stomach inflates even more and blocks off other blood vessels returning blood to the heart
the now very distended stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm and prevents the dog from being able to breath properly.
So now that we all know about GDVand what happens, what can we doto correct it and save your beloved dog?
The first thing to do is confirm the vets suspicion of GDV with a x-ray of the patient’s belly. This is exactly what we did for Georgy. If the vet suspects that your dog has GDV, you may be asked if we can take an x-ray immediately to check if that is indeed what is happening.
GDV XRAY VET EMERGENCY
Unfortunately, once the twisted stomach has been confirmed, the only way to fix what is happening is surgery. Before we get into what is done surgically to correct this condition we need to stabilise the dog first. Stabilisation involves deflating the stomach by either passing a tube down their throat or using a needle to let some gas out. Given that these patients are in shock fluids will need to be started immediately in order to help their heart and circulation. This condition is also painful and pain relief will be provided in this phase.
The next step is surgery. Surgery involves anaesthetising the patient and an incision (cut) into the abdomen (belly). The stomach is untwisted and inspected carefully. Sometimes the stomach will be dead in places and these places will have to be removed because dead tissue cannot be left behind. The spleen (a blood storage organ) is closely attached to the stomach and sometimes this may have twisted with the stomach and may need to be removed as well- this may sounds like a big deal but dogs do just fine without their spleens. Once the stomach and spleen are dealt with, the stomach is then stitched to the abdominal wall to prevent it twisting over on itself again – this is called a GASTROPEXYand is a VERY IMPORTANT part of thesurgery as this condition will recur if this is not done!
The rest of the abdomen is inspected and then closed.
RECOVERY
Recovery time for this surgery depends on a lot of different things. Minimum time in hospital after surgery is 24 hours but some patients may require a few days. The longer the stomach is twisted for before surgery is performed, the more complications are encountered and the longer the recovery period.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?
BREED IS THE NUMBER ONE CONSISTENT FACTOR IN BLOAT. Certain breeds are far moreat risk than others. These breeds are the bigger breeds of dog and tend to have “deep proud chests”. Breeds most at risk: Great Dane, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, Boxers, Dalmatians, Weimaraner, Burnese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Newfounlands, Labradors, Retrievers, Chow Chows and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. However OTHER DOGS CAN HAVE GDV.
Bloated belly
Trying to vomit (dry retching). Some dogs with bloat may be able to produce some vomit so do not exclude bloat on the basis that your dog can vomit. A vomiting pet is always a concern and you should always seek veterinary advice if your pet is vomiting or trying to vomit.
Sore belly- standing hunched, whining or yelping.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS BLOAT?
Contact a vet immediately. As mentioned before, time is of the essence in both saving your dog and in minimising complications. AAE Essendon and Point Cook are open 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT GDV?
If your dog is an at-risk breed for GDV (see breeds above) there is the option to consult your general practice vet about prophylactic gastropexy (a surgery where they stitch the stomach to the abdominal wall before the GDV has occurred). This is the ONLY way to prevent your dogs stomach from twisting. This surgery is especially easy to do in females when they are spayed as puppies as the vet is already entering the abdomen and saves a separate anaesthesia and surgery.
If you have an at-risk breed of GDV (see breeds above), it is recommended to feed your dog smaller meals more frequently as opposed to one large meal.
It has long been thought that exercising your dog immediately after feeding may increase the risk of bloat. It is recommended that you avoid exercising your dog soon after you have fed them.
DISPELLING THE MYTHS
Feeding your dog antacids or de-gas medication does not decrease the risk of the development of GDV.
If your dog has a twisted stomach, surgery is the ONLY option in order to save your dog’s life, without the appropriate surgery THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE DOGSWILL TWIST THEIR STOMACHS AGAIN!
Dr Tim Conolly & Georgy
We are happy to say that the lovely Georgy made a full recovery from her GDV and subsequent surgery with very few complications.
Guinea Pigs and Rabbits should not be put together
We do not recommend rabbits and guinea pigs together for the following reasons:
Rabbits may hog the food
Rabbits may bully the guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs can cause severe eye injuries to rabbits.
Rabbits carry a bacteriaBordetellathat is lethal to guinea pigs
They require different feeding regimes
Rabbits talk ‘rabbit’ with rabbits and guinea pigs talk ‘pig’ with guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs rarely cohabit well with other species. If you have indoor dogs and cats you need to a secure enclosure.
TheMelbourne Rabbit Clinic is the first and only hospital in Australia to treat rabbits and guinea pigs exclusively.
Melbourne Rabbit Clinichave an absolute passion for rabbits and guinea pigs offering high quality veterinary care especially tailored for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs.
Melbourne Rabbit Clinicis consulting at Animal Accident & Emergencyour 24 hour Vet Emergency Centres – Essendon Fields & Point Cook
FLUTDis 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 providethe highest standards of emergency vet care, critical care medicine and surgery, and are experienced in treating all emergencies from right across Melbourne, Geelongand Ballarat. So when you bring your pet toAnimal Accident & Emergencyyou 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
If you require a24-hour emergency vet in Melbourne pleasecontact oneof our twoPet Emergency Centres:
Essendon Fields (03) 9379 0700
Point Cook (03) 8368 7400
Our 24-houremergency vet centres CARE for injured or sick pets anytime of the day. An emergencyveterinary clinicis not the same as most vet clinics. Our aim is to work with your personal Vetto provide the best possible vet CAREfor your pet.
A common cause of toxicity in cats presented to emergency vet clinicsis the application and/or accidental exposure to canine insecticide and flea products containing the active ingredient permethrin.
Permethrin is part of the “pyrethroid“ class of toxins which affect the central nervous system. As a general rule, any product containing pyrethroids should not be used in cats as they are very sensitive to these toxins.
Clinical signs usually occur within hours of exposure and affected cats can exhibit signs of seizures, muscle tremors, shaking, drooling and vomiting. Affected patients require emergency vet care to control and treat seizures and muscle tremors.
If you have any concerns about your cat having come into contact with permethrin or pyrethroid containing products then do not hesitate to contact your local animal emergency hospital.
With Mothers Day approaching this weekend, we thought it was important to write about Lily Flower Toxicity in Cats.
Lily flowers are toxic for cats and can cause death. Toxicities in pets are a common cause of vet emergency. Lily toxicity is seen most often during holidays and on special occasions such as Valentine’s day and Mother’s day when flower bouquets are given as gifts.
Many lily species are toxic to felines and can include, but not limited to: • Easter lily • Tiger lilyR • Rubrum lily • Stargazer Lily • Japanese show lily • Red lily • Western lily • Wood lily • Day lily
All parts of the plant are toxic and a small amount, even 1-2 leaves, can be lethal. Toxicity can cause kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
If your cat potentially ingested lily’s prompt and early intervention often leads to a good prognosis, however once clinical signs develop and progress then it may be too late to reverse the damage done.
If you have any concern about your cat ingesting Lilies you should contacting your local vet or 24 hour pet hospitalimmediately as lily ingestion is an animal emergency.
Animal Accident & Emergencyis seeking applicants for a full time emergency and critical care veterinarian. Our hospitals are purpose-built 24-hour emergency, critical care and referral facilities, with the latest up-to-date equipment. We have everything you will need to provide the best standard of care including multi-parameter patient monitors, in-house laboratory, ultrasound, endoscopy, digital radiography, mechanical ventilation, CT and fluoroscopy. The position will involve shift work at both our Essendon and Point Cook centres and would suit applicants looking to further their career within emergency and critical care.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
A minimum of 2 years experience as a Veterinarian with a keen interest and/or background in emergency medicine
Commitment to continuing education and willingness to learn
Exceptional written and verbal communication skill
Ability to work efficiently, independently and as part of the team
Commitment for exceptional patient care
Our successful candidate will have access to the following:
Ability for career advancement
Structured internal training and clinical mentoring programs
External continuing education
Access to a great team of veterinarians and nurses
Support from Registered Specialists, Registrars and Residents in Emergency and Critical Care
Employment is shift based, with rotations involving day, night, weekend and public holiday shifts.
The standard working week is 37.5 hrs.If you are interested in working with a great team with plenty of support and challenging and rewarding cases, please send your application tojobs@animalemergency.com.au
Rufus is a 9 month old Choc Point Burmese cat who presented to Animal Accident&Emergency as a referral from his regular vet for ongoing care after being diagnosed with a tail pull injury.
What is a Tail Pull Injury:
It is a common injury caused when a car runs over the cat’s tail pulling apart the sacral-lumbar or coccygeal vertebrae and stretching the nerves that go to the bladder, rectum, and tail.
Signs: Tail hangs loosely – paralysed tail, urinary and/or faecal incontinence to partial loss of sciatic nerve function.
Treatment: Cats will need to be seen by a vet and hospitalised so the bladder can be manually emptied and receive treatment to attempt to heal the nerves controlling the urination and defecation. The tail may need to be amputated.
All spinal cord injuries require immediate veterinary attention. Protect the cat’s spine and use a blanket or towel to lift the cat onto a flat surface like a board before transporting to the vet.
Rufus is currently receiving critical care at our EssendonPet Emergency Centre, the staff at AAE wish Rufus a speedy recovery.
Pictured above: Rufus enjoying a neck rub from Dr Nicole Trigg after his morning examination.
Toxicities are one of the more common presenting problems we see in the emergency room at Animal Accident and Emergency (AAE). Although it can be embarrassing for owners to admit, this includes accidental ingestion of illicit drugs.
There are some common symptoms that can be associated with different drug exposures; however, it is always reassuring to have a quantitative answer. There are many time where owners have no idea that their pet has found something they shouldn’t have.
Earlier this week, our emergency team were presented with a pet who was mentally altered and starting to have fits or seizures. There was no long term medical problems and the signs had developed rapidly. Given the type of signs, we asked the clients regarding access to some recreational drugs. While they were sure that their pet could not have been exposed, we ran a DIPSCAN test to be sure. The DIPSCAN was positive for a number of drugs. One being Diazepam which was given by the emergency team during stabilisation of the seizures. In this case, exposure was linked to a party held a week before hand.
Other times where the test has helped us out is when pets scavenge stuff from parks or laneways around houses. Again, owners are often unaware of what their pet has ingested. Identification is important as it can change the way we treat your pet in an emergency. Knowing what drugs your pet has ingested, can be save its life.
DIPSCAN is an in-house, diagnostic tool commonly utilised at AAE when there has been a suspected exposure to illicit drugs. By processing a urine sample we are able to identify trace amounts of illicit drugs such as: marijuana, opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine), cocaine, amphetamines, methyl-amphetamines and benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam). Attached is a photo of a DIPSCAN test. To read the test, you look to see the windows where there is only one line.
This test can be extremely valuable when trying to structure treatment plans, anticipate future treatment requirements and reinforce prognosis.
Knowing that there is always a Vet Open in Melbourne when your pet is ill is important. Our team 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.
Tank a nervous but brave 4 year old Chihuahua just come in to our 24hr Animal Hospital in Essendon. Tank had been stung by Bee in his right hind paw.
Tank was very brave as Dr Yenny Indrawirawan our Resident Emergency Vet removed the sting from his paw then gave him a Histamil and Dexamethasone injection.
Wasps & Bee stings can cause a mild or severe allergic reaction, although most dogs and cats (like most humans) are not allergic to bees or wasps.
If the reaction to the sting is severe it can cause the airways to close causing your pet to asphyxiate, the sting doesn’t have to be near the face to cause this to happen. If your pet collapses or if there is any swelling around the face or throat, trouble breathing, pale gums or pain, try and have your pet taken to your veterinary clinic immediately.
One of the most common problems people face when travelling with pets is the Paralysis Tick. The paralysis tick is a small creature that grows to the size of a pea. In Australia we have some very dangerous species that can cause paralysis and death in our pets. They are most common where there is humidity. The Eastern coast of Australia is a common place to find theses ticks. As well as East Gippland in Victoria.
The ticks live on grass and then attach themselves when pets brush by. Signs can start within hours. Some dogs are resistant to the ticks but most dogs will start to show the following signs within 1-2 days:
• Trouble walking
• Panting or trouble breathing
• Vomiting
• Altered bark / voice
• Eventual paralysis and death Paralysis tick from Wikipedia
The biggest cause of death is due to either paralysis of the chest muscles or from chocking on vomit (aspiration).
There is treatment: We stock an anti-tick toxin that helps to neutralise the tick venom. They do require 24 Hr Hospital careand some will require Intensive Care or Life Support.
There are several products that can help prevent ticks paralysis. If you are travelling then start these products well before you go or check with vets in the local area to find out what they recommend works best.
If your pet is unwell and you have been to a tick area, then you need to be seen. Our 24Hr Emergency Centresare one of few places in Melbourne that stock the lifesaving anti-tick toxin.
24hr help always available. Our Emergency Centresare open everyday. Let us Care for your pet it deserves the best.
Vomiting is the forceful ejection of stomach contents from the mouth. Acute vomiting is defined as vomiting of short duration (less than 5-7 days) whilst chronic vomiting has been present for longer. There can be many causes for vomiting and some are less serious than others. Recovery from non-serious causes, such as eating a different diet, is usually fast and requires little treatment. The presence of blood in the vomit, continued vomiting in a pet that is becoming quieter than usual or is unable to keep any food or water down will require examination and assessment. Very young animals can become dehydrated very quickly and they should be examined and treated early to prevent the dehydration from becoming severe.
If you are unsure whether your pet needs to be seen today, telephone our staff for advice. Whatever thetime of day, our 24 hour emergency clinics are able to examine your pet and make recommendations for treatment. In some cases, investigation will also be recommended and this may be by means of blood and urine tests, x-rays and/or ultrasound examination of the abdomen. These can all be performed in our clinics and depending on the test results, we will either prescribe appropriate medical therapy, recommend examination and management by our internal medicine specialist or advise surgical treatment.
When vomiting is non-responsive to medical treatment or has been intermittent but chronic, the emergency veterinarian or your local general practice will recommend investigation into the underlying cause by the internal medicine specialist. Again this is likely to involve blood and urine tests, x-rays or ultrasound examination of the abdomen, endoscopy and biopsy of the stomach and intestines. In some cases, surgery will either be recommended to complete the diagnostic testing or to treat the cause of the vomiting (for example removal of a foreign object, such as a sock, from the intestines).
Treatment recommendations will be made on the basis of the test results. This may involve intravenous fluids if the patient is dehydrated, dietary changes and administration of medications (tablets or liquids to be given by mouth) or surgery.
Animal Accident & Emergency 