24 Hour Emergency Service ~ Ph: 4423 1688
We are available 24/7, including public holidays, for all emergencies. Please call us on 4423 1688 and an answering machine will provide you with the mobile phone number of the veterinarian on call. The Veterinarian on call will either provide you with advice over the phone or in most cases will arrange to meet you at our hospital.
Please note: when moving or transporting an injured or stressed animal all care should be taken to ensure the safety of the animal and yourself. Animals in shock can bite the very hand that feeds and cares for them. If you are unsure on how to move the animal please ask for advice from the veterinarian on duty about how to safely transport the animal to our hospital.
Here are some general directions for transporting injured animals:
Cats – wrapping in a blanket and placing in a secure box or carry cage will reduce the stress of the cat and will reduce the risk of further injury to itself and the people trying to help it.
Dogs – beware of them biting you when you are trying to move them, if in any doubt use a soft cord or long strips of gauze around their muzzle and tie behind their head. Place the dog in a large blanket and use as a stretcher to move the dog.
Wildlife – extreme care should be taken as most wild animals have had very little human contact. Putting them in a blanket or towel in a confined environment, cage or box, is the best way to ensure safe transportation. Only transport if you feel it is safe to do so, other wise contact the local WIRES or NANA groups to attend.
General Rules
- if the animal is suffering from a bleeding wound, apply a clean towel or gauze with steady pressure.
- If unconscious ensure the airways are clear and breathing is not blocked, use a clean towel to clear the mouth and protect you from any bites. Also move the animal as you would a human suspected of spinal injury, by placing the animal on a board to ensure the neck, head and spine are keep stiff and still.
- If there are obvious broken bones, stabilize the limb by splinting it with cardboard, newspaper and towels.
- Running cold water on minor burns will help to temporarily ease the pain.
- DO NOT give animals any human pain relief medication.
- When transporting the animal in the car ensure the animal is in a secure position in car, if possible keep their eyes covered as this can help to clam them. Keep aloud noises such as the radio and talking to a minimum.
Blood Bank & Transfusions
Here at North Nowra Veterinary Hospital we have developed a registry of cats and dogs that qualify to be blood donors. Blood transfusions are not common however some victims of car accidents, poisoning or chronic bleeding disorders may require this life saving treatment. If you have a healthy cat or dog (over 20kg) and would like to be on our blood donor registry please contact one of our nurses or vets to discuss the requirements.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer using specific chemical agents or drugs that are selectively destructive to malignant cells and tissues.
The most common cancer’s treated with chemotherapy are Lymphoma which is like leukaemia and Osteosarcoma which is bone cancer.
Intensive Care Facilities
Our intensive care equipment includes:
- ECG – Electrocardiogram
- Doppler – Blood Pressure Machine
- IV Fluid Pumps
- Pulse Oximeter
- Apalert
- Oxygen Therapy
- Heating Pads
- In House Idexx Laboratory
- Radiographs
- Ultrasound
- Blood Transfusions
Home Visits
To arrange for one of our veterinarians to visit you at home please contact us to make an appointment.
Ultrasound: Cardiac & Soft Tissue
Echocardiology is the study of the heart with ultrasound technology. We have the ability to do two-dimensional ultrasonography to monitor and obtain indications if the heart is decompensating from cardiac disease or has a congential problem. Some of the problems that can be detected are:
Cardiomyopathy – large floppy heart Mitral Valve Disease – leaking heart valves Ventricular/Atrial Septal Defects – hole in the heart Pulmic/Aortic Stenosis – the major blood vessels leaving the heart are narrowed. Ultrasounds can also be used for examination of the bladder, liver, spleen and kidneys. Below is an example of a heart seen using this technology.
ECG & Blood Pressure Monitoring
Radiology
Fibre Optic Examinations
Our 8mm endoscope is a big long 1-2m camera that can look down windpipes, into the stomach and the lower bowel. This technology can aid in the diagnosis of many problems and help avoid major surgery.
Surgical Procedures
The surgical procedures we perform are:
- Routine desexing (dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits)
- Orthapedics
- Lump removals
- Exploratory Laparotomy
Pet Accessories & Nutritional Needs
We have an array of different products from collars and leads to grooming combs and nail clippers to toys and cages. Through our Petaila shopping link you can research and buy online accessories or place your order through our express service to ensure the product you are seeking is ready for you when you come in. Petalia
We also have an extensive range of Hills Pet Food, we can recommend the best type of food to suit your pets individual needs. Hills Science Diet is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats at varying stages of their life cycles. Hills also have a range of products called Hills Prescription Diet which is formulated to support varying types of disorders and meet all nutritional needs.
Please enquire at reception with one of helpful nurses about any of our products.
Lost & Found Register
If you have lost or found an animal please contact us to place your details in our register or have one of our nurses check the register for your animals details. This way we can hopefully reunite lost pets with their owners quicker, thus reducing the stress of all involved.
Micro-chipping
Having your pet micro-chipped is essential. If they become lost, stolen or in an accident we are able to locate you through scanning you’re pet to retrieve the microchip number. We call a state company that store your details on there database and they call you to inform you where your pet is. Without these important device, a lot of pets would go missing with little hope of finding there owners.
This procedure is now compulsory when obtaining a new puppy or kitten, and requires you to register your animal’s details with your local council.
The procedure involves inserting a needle containing the microchip under the skin between the shoulder blades. You will need to fill out the necessary forms of which you will get a copy, a copy goes to the council and we also retain a copy. The microchip number will be placed on your pet’s patient file for future reference.
Pathology – in house laboratory
Using our in house laboratory machinery we are able to run blood tests on site and have the results within minutes.
The types of blood tests we are able to run are:
- Red Blood Cell Count
- White Blood Cell Count
- Liver Function
- Kidney Function
- Electrolytes
- Blood Glucose (aids to diagnose diabetes)
PENN HIP:
Penn Hip is the most accurate hip scoring method. Canine hip dyplasia is the most common inherited orthopedic disease. It leads to hip arthritis causing pain, stiffness and diminished quality of life. It has no medical or surgical cure.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, with the ball of the femur (femoral Head) fitting into the hip socket (acetabulum). Hip laxity refers to the “looseness” of the ball in the hip socket. Studies have shown that dogs with looser hips (excessive hip laxity) are at greater risk to develop hip dysplasia than dogs with tighter hips (minimal hip laxity).
PENNHIP has been proven to be the most accurate and precise method of measure hip laxity as early as 16 weeks of age.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. 3 radiographs are taken. These are then submitted to PennHip analysis Center for evaluation. A report with distraction Index is then forwarded to the veterinarian and the owner’s. This includes a median breed ranking if it is a breeding dog. Currently approx 16,000 Labradors have been ranked.
Any Further information please contact Quentin Brown, the PennHip certified veterinarian at the hospital. For more information on PennHip follow the following Link. www.pennhip.org
Nuclear Medicine - Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a hormone disease of older cats. Symptoms include ravenous appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhoea. This disease was previosly treated using
life-long medication or surgery. Radioactive iodine has a success rate of 95% and patients need no further treatment.
This is the same treatment that is used in humans. Our patients have to stay in a specially designed cage for 5-7 days to eliminate exposure to the environment and staff.