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Think we can all agree this is definitely true 😽😽 Happy Friday!!!!

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What are the symptoms of heartworm? This parasite affects the heart and lungs, and the symptoms of clinical disease reflect this. Breathing issues, coughing, exercise intolerance, tiredness and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) are all possible symptoms. How is it diagnosed? Testing exists for both dogs and cats, but cannot detect disease until the worms have developed into adults, which might not be till 6 months after infection. Clinical signs a often not seen until the disease process is advanced, and it may be too late for treatment. Can it be treated? It is possible to treat dogs for heartworm infection, but it is a risky process and ca be fatal. Sometimes the secondary damage done to the vital organs, especially the heart and lungs, is too great and cannot be treated effectively. Heartworm cannot be treated in cats. So how do we prevent it? There are a range of options, from monthly spot ons and chewables, to an annual injection that can be administered to dogs at the same time as their annual vaccination. Some common ways owners get caught is to buy an 'all wormer' from the supermarket or pet store, mistakenly believing that they are treating their pet for heartworm. Most all wormer products are referring to intestinal/gut worms, so make sure you check that you are covering for heartworm as well. There are some great monthly products that do both intestinal and heart worms. The other common mistake owners make is to not give the monthly chewable or spot on regularly. The product must be given every month, on time, without fail, to be effective against heartworm. This means that even if you are 3 or 4 days late, your pet may be at risk. What about the yearly injection? This is where the annual injection comes in handy. This is a slow release product that gives your dog guaranteed protection against heartworm for 12 months at a time. It is a safe, economical and effective product and our choice of heartworm protection. It is safe for use in puppies from 12 weeks of age, and can be administered at the same time as an annual vaccination meaning just one yearly trip to the vet. Unfortunately this product is not available for cats, the safest products for which are spot on treatments like Revolution or Advocate. Heartworm is a fatal yet entirely preventable condition. Just one bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes, and we all know how bad the mossies have been in our area already!! There have been an alarming increase in the number of cases seen recently in SE QLD, and the threat of infection is very real. With so many great options for prevention available, don't take any chances and ensure your furry friend is protected for life!

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We LOVE seeing our own animals go nuts for quality products that not only taste great but also do something for our fur babies health!!!! Dr Kat's beloved Doulton pictured here doing his best to score some more of his Greenies treats, special cat treats designed for dental health. Also known as 'kitty krack' we have yet to meet a feline friend who isn't nuts for these healthy and delish treats!!!

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The Vaccination Debate

As vets, there are few reasons we can find that adequately justify a decision not to vaccinate a pet. Anyone who has ever seen a parvo puppy or dealt with an outbreak of cat flu can attest to how horrific these conditions can be, and how frustrating it is to know that it could have been prevented by a simple injection. In recent weeks, there has been a huge spike in the number of cases of parvo virus being seen, and not just in puppies or shelter facilities. Kennel cough is rife in the area, and adult dogs not up to date with booster vaccinations are at risk. Whilst it is every owners own decision to vaccinate, most clinics, kennels, day care facilities and catteries will insist on vaccinations being up to date before they can accept a booking. Some facts about vaccines: Young pets need a course of vaccinations against the 'core' diseases to stimulate the immune system as the protection they received from their mothers wanes Puppies and kittens who have not had a full course of vaccinations should not be exposed to unvaccinated animals, or taken to areas where unvaccinated animals may congregate ie the dog park or beach Every year in a dog's life is the equivalent of 7 years, which is a long time between check ups and booster needles Many of the diseases we vaccinate against are airborne (such as kennel cough) or can be brought into the home on your shoes (e.g. parvovirus). Your dog therefore does not need to come into direct contact with another dog to become infected. Dogs and cats are not the only species that can be vaccinated. Effective and safe vaccinations are available for chickens, pigs, pocket pets, cows, horses and more Animal vaccines have been used safely in Australia for over 50 years. There is very little scientific evidence linking vaccination to serious health issues, despite what you might hear. Some pets have do have immune conditions which means they cannot safely be vaccinated and it is important to discuss any concerns you may have with your vet. Be well informed and discuss the issue with qualified professionals before making the decision about vaccination for your pet.

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We think senior pets are pretty amazing. They have given us a lifetime of unconditional love, and it is up to us to be their advocates so they can enjoy their golden years in comfort and good health! There are SO many affordable and effective measures you can take to help your golden oldie. As with humans, regular health checks are incredibly important in the management of your older dog or cat. Even 6 months between health checks is a significant amount of time for your four legged friend. Surveillance blood testing is becoming more and more common in veterinary medicine. Blood testing frequently allows us to detect illness in our patients before we see any actual outward signs of disease. Early detection dramatically improves prognosis; with the advances occurring in veterinary medicine, previously unmanageable or untreatable conditions can be effectively treated, particularly if picked up early. Surveillance or Wellness screens start from as little as $125 and could end up extending or even saving your pet's life Want more information? Speak to one of our friendly vets on 0732077325 or email info@redlandsvetclinic.com.au

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Busy day in the hospital yesterday, here is our beautiful girl Miss Trixie donating blood for one of our patients who desperately needed a transfusion!!! Such a good girl ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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War Animals: A reflection on diggers less remembered

As we were gearing up for emergencies on ANZAC day, I started thinking about the animals who played such an important role in the war.   ANZAC Day has always been significant to our family, in remembrance of and gratitude to our Grandfathers who fought in the war along with thousands of others. It is an excellent opportunity reflect upon the reasons why Australia is considered the lucky country - a proud day to be an Aussie. But then I started thinking, I wonder what role animals played in the war? Here are just some of the facts my research has uncovered: Over 16 million animals served in the First World War Over 136000 Australian horses were sent to World War 1, to help carry supplies and ammunition packs. Only 1, Sandy, returned and he remains immortalised and forever remembered in the Australian War museum Carrier pigeons and dogs were used to messenger letters, often over great distances Camels, mules and donkeys were used to transport soldiers and equipment Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats and in the trenches. Cats, dogs, foxes and even koalas were used as mascots and to boost morale of the fighting soldiers Every day in practice I am lucky enough to witness the incredible bond people form with their pets, and the comfort and solace that these animals offer their owners.  I can’t imagine the nature of the bond formed between soldiers and the animals who were helping to save their lives and infiltrate enemy camps.  Even today animals play a role. Just last week I was watching a television documentary that featured a program where canine companions are adopted by soldiers suffering post traumatic stress syndrome.  The difference these dogs have made to these soldiers and families was inspiring, and reminded me again how privileged I am to work every day with such amazing creatures. So as you reflect on the meaning of ANZAC today, also take a moment to reflect upon the thousands of animals who also helped ensure we would be here today to remember the ANZAC legacy. And never for a moment take for granted how incredibly lucky we all are. Lest We Forget

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Kat’s Korner

My name is Dr Kat and I will be your blog host.  To give you some background, you could say that ‘destiny dictated’ that I was to become a vet.  Having grown up here at Redlands Veterinary Clinic, in our family practice, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to almost all aspects of the veterinary and pet care industries. With two parents as vets, there was no question as to what I would do and where I would like to do it! After graduation, I was fortunate enough to be offered a much sought after position in elite racing practice at Flemington in Melbourne.  It was a baptism of fire but an absolutely incredible experience, having the opportunity to work with some of the best racehorses in the world, and experiencing first hand the level of care they are afforded.  In 2013 my fiance, Warwick, and I made the decision to move back to Queensland to become involved in the family practice. Warwick is an engineer by trade but has also studied business, and as such has taken on the role of Practice Manager. My interest has always been in internal and emergency medicine.  Whilst my love afair with all things equine means that horses will always be one of  my favourite animals, I firmly believe that as vets we are very lucky to be able to treat so many different species, and as such our motto at RVC is ‘All creatures great and small’.  I am very lucky to work with such a great and experienced team of vets, nurses and support staff, and know that all of our patients are receiving the best care we can give.  The hours are long, some cases absolutely break your heart, but I wouldn’t trade what we do for anything.  As they say, every day is a holiday if you love what you do! Since moving back to RVC we have met some amazing people and their pets, and formed lifelong friendships and strong bonds with our clients and patients alike.  We are so excited about what the next 20 years will bring for Redlands Vets, and I look forward to sharing some of our adventures with you along the way.

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Saving one animal won't change the world, but it will surely change the world for that one animal"

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Good morning and welcome to our new clinic blog!!!!  Lots of things are happening here at RVC and we are excited to be able to share it with all of you!  Redlands Veterinary Clinic has been caring for local pets for over 30 years.  The practice has a large, fully equipped referral horse hospital and a thriving small and mixed animal practice on which we have recently started extensive renovations with the aim of building a state of the art small animal hospital. Our commitment at Redlands Veterinary Clinic is that we will do everything possible to arrive at an accurate, precise and confirmed diagnosis so that owners can make informed decisions that maximise the wellbeing, welfare and functionality of their pet.  We believe in gold standard veterinary care and have a dedicated team of experienced veterinarians, nurses and support to staff to look after our patients and their pet parents. Our team is also passionate about the promotion of responsible pet ownership and actively participate in rescue programs, fundraising initiatives for animal welfare organisations and support several local rescue groups.  Every year we hold a number of family fun days at the practice in aid of these organisations and they are always a fun day out for everyone. We look forward to sharing some of our experiences, thoughts and activities with you all as we treat ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL here at RVC!

Welcome to RVC!!

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