Bank Details
If you are wanting to make payment by direct credit our bank details are as follows:Account Name: Gilgandra Veterinary ClinicBSB: 082564Acct Number: 77 197 8808
Our Services
General Consultation
Consultations are seen on an appointment basis. Emergencies can be accommodated at any time; however it is best to contact the clinic (if possible) so that we can prepare for your arrival.We are experienced in dealing with all aspects of companion & large animal medicine and can assist you with any problem your pet may have. Your consultation will include a full health check of your pet and discussion with you about any health concerns you have about your pet. If you are unable to bring your pet into see us we also offer at home visits, when we are not too busy in the clinic.
Emergency Services
What Is An Emergency?If your pet exhibits any abnormal activity or behaviour, a veterinary consultation is a good idea. The following symptoms are definitely emergencies and require immediate medical attention.Emergencies can be accommodated at any time; however it is best to contact the clinic (if possible) so that we can prepare for your arrival.Emergency Symptoms:• Difficulty breathing, blue tongue or raspy breath sounds• Swollen or distended abdomen, with or without productive vomiting• Inability to urinate or defecate, especially if straining. (Cats may repeatedly go to the litter box, lick at the genital area, and/or vocalise)• Ingestion of toxin, including but not limited to: chocolate, rodenticides (mouse and rat bait), garden pest control products (snail baits), prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs, and household cleaners. PLEASE BRING THE CONTAINER WITH YOU.• Trauma such as being hit by a car, a fall from a height or blunt force, even if the animal is NOT showing any ill effects.• Collapse/inability to stand or walk• Loss of balance or consciousness, convulsions or seizure activity• Penetrating wound, such as bite wounds (dog or cat), gunshot or stab wounds.• Bleeding that does not stop. (Apply pressure with a clean cloth while on your way)• Vomiting or diarrhoea with blood• Heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness on a warm day• Exposure to snakes or ticks• Any eye injuries
Routine Desexing and Surgery
Here at the Gilgandra Vet Clinic we recommend desexing of cats and dogs at 5 to 6 months of age. Rabbits and Guinea pigs are at a younger age due to their earlier sexual maturity. The desexing helps your pet's long term health and behaviour training.All desexed patients are given a pain relief as a pre-operative sedative and a post-operative injection which gives great pain relief for the following 24 hours. Our De-Sexing patients go home on the same day as the surgery.
General AnaestheticsMost of our anaesthetics involve the use of Isoflurane vapourisers, the latest in veterinary anaesthetics and safety. Patients wake up very quickly, maximising safety, and most surgery patients go home the same day. Pain relieving injections are given to patients after surgery, and if necessary, follow up pain relieving or anti-inflammatory tablets can be sent home with the patient for added relief after surgery.Our anaesthetics are made safer by our detailed monitoring. Each pet has a dedicated nurse constantly monitoring the anaesthetic using respiratory, pulse and oxygen monitors. We routinely use pre-anaesthetic blood testing to minimise the risk to your pet undergoing a general anaesthetic.
For Advice on how to prepare your pet for surgery please follow this link:Preparing Your Pet For Surgery For advice on aftercare for your pet following de-sexing surgery please follow these links:How to care for your Female pet following surgeryHow to care for your Male pet following surgery
Things to know about surgery and dentistry for your pet No one likes the thought of their pet under going surgery but there are certain problems and routine procedures which require surgical intervention. Do not be overly concerned. There have been many recent advances in veterinary medicine and surgery. Diagnostics, anaesthesia, monitoring and surgical techniques have been developed to help ensure your pets recovery. Presurgical testingPre-operative testing is often recommended to help us uncover any problems not readily apparent. These tests may include blood tests (blood cell counts and blood chemistry), urinalysis or X-rays . Any abnormalities detected may need to be corrected prior to surgery or may merely indicate a change in the choice of anaesthetic or pre-surgical treatment. In this way we can minimise surgical and anaesthetic risk. Your veterinarian will advise what testing may be appropriate for your pet. Standards of qualityWe use many of the same anaesthetic agents that are used in human surgery. Surgery is performed with the highest standards of sterility and your pet’s heart, lungs and other vital functions are closely monitored. We may recommend fluid therapy for some patients. A decision is made for each individual patient usually after the results of any pre-anaesthetic blood tests are available. These represent our normal protocols. We seek to provide high standards of quality veterinary care and will not lower them for any reason. Pre surgery instructions• Please give no food after 8pm the evening before surgery and take water away one-hour before admission. No treats and no cheating! An empty stomach is critical for safe anaesthesia. Please DO NOT however, restrict food or fluids for rabbits and other small mammals.• If your pet is taking medication, give the normal dosage at the usual time unless otherwise directed. If your pet is diabetic, please ask the veterinarian for special instructions.• Surgical patients are admitted to the practice between 8:30am and 9:00am on the day of surgery.• Allow your pet exercise and time to empty bowel and bladder before being admitted unless otherwise instructedOther considerationsWhen your pet is undergoing anaesthesia for one procedure it is worth considering whether the opportunity should be taken to carry out any other procedure. If there is any degree of dental disease and if circumstances permit, the veterinary surgeon might advise that the appropriate dental treatment should be attended to at the same time. When large breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia are neutered we may advise survey X-rays of the hips.This may also be an ideal time to have your pet permanently identified by the implantation of a microchip to allow identification if he or she is ever lost or stolen. FinallyBe prepared to spend a few minutes with the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse on the morning of admission. A pre-surgical examination will be performed, pre-anaesthetic laboratory work will be discussed and there will be an opportunity for any last minute instructions to be communicated to the surgeon. A pre-anaesthetic sedation is normally given shortly after admission.We really do want you to understand what we are doing and why. If you have any questions about our procedures or your pet’s condition, please don’t hesitate to ask. Last but not least, try not to worry!! Your special pet is in good hands.
General AnaestheticsMost of our anaesthetics involve the use of Isoflurane vapourisers, the latest in veterinary anaesthetics and safety. Patients wake up very quickly, maximising safety, and most surgery patients go home the same day. Pain relieving injections are given to patients after surgery, and if necessary, follow up pain relieving or anti-inflammatory tablets can be sent home with the patient for added relief after surgery.Our anaesthetics are made safer by our detailed monitoring. Each pet has a dedicated nurse constantly monitoring the anaesthetic using respiratory, pulse and oxygen monitors. We routinely use pre-anaesthetic blood testing to minimise the risk to your pet undergoing a general anaesthetic.
For Advice on how to prepare your pet for surgery please follow this link:Preparing Your Pet For Surgery For advice on aftercare for your pet following de-sexing surgery please follow these links:How to care for your Female pet following surgeryHow to care for your Male pet following surgery
Things to know about surgery and dentistry for your pet No one likes the thought of their pet under going surgery but there are certain problems and routine procedures which require surgical intervention. Do not be overly concerned. There have been many recent advances in veterinary medicine and surgery. Diagnostics, anaesthesia, monitoring and surgical techniques have been developed to help ensure your pets recovery. Presurgical testingPre-operative testing is often recommended to help us uncover any problems not readily apparent. These tests may include blood tests (blood cell counts and blood chemistry), urinalysis or X-rays . Any abnormalities detected may need to be corrected prior to surgery or may merely indicate a change in the choice of anaesthetic or pre-surgical treatment. In this way we can minimise surgical and anaesthetic risk. Your veterinarian will advise what testing may be appropriate for your pet. Standards of qualityWe use many of the same anaesthetic agents that are used in human surgery. Surgery is performed with the highest standards of sterility and your pet’s heart, lungs and other vital functions are closely monitored. We may recommend fluid therapy for some patients. A decision is made for each individual patient usually after the results of any pre-anaesthetic blood tests are available. These represent our normal protocols. We seek to provide high standards of quality veterinary care and will not lower them for any reason. Pre surgery instructions• Please give no food after 8pm the evening before surgery and take water away one-hour before admission. No treats and no cheating! An empty stomach is critical for safe anaesthesia. Please DO NOT however, restrict food or fluids for rabbits and other small mammals.• If your pet is taking medication, give the normal dosage at the usual time unless otherwise directed. If your pet is diabetic, please ask the veterinarian for special instructions.• Surgical patients are admitted to the practice between 8:30am and 9:00am on the day of surgery.• Allow your pet exercise and time to empty bowel and bladder before being admitted unless otherwise instructedOther considerationsWhen your pet is undergoing anaesthesia for one procedure it is worth considering whether the opportunity should be taken to carry out any other procedure. If there is any degree of dental disease and if circumstances permit, the veterinary surgeon might advise that the appropriate dental treatment should be attended to at the same time. When large breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia are neutered we may advise survey X-rays of the hips.This may also be an ideal time to have your pet permanently identified by the implantation of a microchip to allow identification if he or she is ever lost or stolen. FinallyBe prepared to spend a few minutes with the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse on the morning of admission. A pre-surgical examination will be performed, pre-anaesthetic laboratory work will be discussed and there will be an opportunity for any last minute instructions to be communicated to the surgeon. A pre-anaesthetic sedation is normally given shortly after admission.We really do want you to understand what we are doing and why. If you have any questions about our procedures or your pet’s condition, please don’t hesitate to ask. Last but not least, try not to worry!! Your special pet is in good hands.
Non-Routine, Emergency and Orthopaedic Surgery
What is non-routine & emergency surgery?Non-Routine surgery is the surgical correction of a non life threatening illness.Where Emergency surgery is the correction of an illness that is directly threatening the life of an animal.Not all visits to the vet are for routine treatments like vaccinations, health checks or procedures. Often we are faced with unexpected illness or conditions. We are fully equipped to handle most medical and surgical conditions within our clinic. Non-Routine surgeries include Cruciate ligament repair, tumour removal, foreign body removal, and orthopaedic surgery amongst others.Emergency surgery includes; caesarian sections & difficult births, bloat, trauma associated with car accidents and intestinal obstructions just to name a few.
What is orthopaedic surgery? Orthopaedic surgery is the surgical correction of any form of bone defect.Here at the Gilgandra Vet clinic we see our fair share of orthopaedic surgeries as dogs and cats frequently suffer bone fractures and cruciate ligament tears as a result of traumatic events. We treat a vast array of injuries, and when our advanced imaging equipment, including digital radiography is combined with the experience of our surgeons, we are able to tailor an individual treatment plan that will optimise your pet’s outcome and allow a speedy recovery.
What is orthopaedic surgery? Orthopaedic surgery is the surgical correction of any form of bone defect.Here at the Gilgandra Vet clinic we see our fair share of orthopaedic surgeries as dogs and cats frequently suffer bone fractures and cruciate ligament tears as a result of traumatic events. We treat a vast array of injuries, and when our advanced imaging equipment, including digital radiography is combined with the experience of our surgeons, we are able to tailor an individual treatment plan that will optimise your pet’s outcome and allow a speedy recovery.
Obstetrical Services
Mares• Breeding Soundness Exam• Sub-fertility assessment• Twin pregnancy reduction - up to day 150 • Trans-rectal twin reduction to day 35• Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis• Mare monitoring• Artificial insemination • Difficult foaling Cows• Pregnancy diagnosis• Abnormal presentations• Difficult calving including caesarean's Dogs• Hormone blood level testing• Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis• X-ray pregnancy diagnosis• Emergency caesarean surgery• Neonatal care, husbandry and advice Cats• Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis• X-ray pregnancy diagnosis• Emergency caesarean surgery• Neonatal care, husbandry and advice
Ultrasound and X-ray
Our clinic is equipped with both x-ray and ultrasound to be able to assist with accurate diagnosis of your pet or farm animals health issues. Radiology is performed here on site and we able to produce instant images that can be assessed here in clinic or forwarded onto specialists if needed. Occasionally animals will require sedation to allow us to obtain useful views and to reduce the number of exposures we need to take.Our ultrasound machine is portable and so can be used here in clinic for small animal procedures or on farm for large animal diagnostics. It is always good to discuss the health issues you are experiencing on farm so we can decide if it would be useful to bring our ultrasound machine along.
In House Pathology
Here at Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic we offer many economical in house tests for most species. Most external laboratories are located in major cities and getting samples to the lab and getting results back can take days to weeks depending on the test and freight companies. Our in house testing can give us quick results and help direct well-timed treatment. We offer the following tests and estimated turnaround time:Cytology (5-30 min) - using the microscope to view bacteria in ear, skin, and urinary tract infections, searching for mites in skin samples, looking for cancer in skin lumps and searching for urinary crystals.Parvovirus faecal test (15 min)- can detect parvovirus in dogs during the early stages of disease, once there is large amounts of blood in the diarrhoea, it becomes harder for the test to detect the virusHeartworm blood test (30 min)- can detect heartworm in dogs before starting heartworm prevention as some prevention methods can have fatal side effects if given to a dog with heartwormPancreatitis blood test (30 min)- can detect the very painful and life-threatening abdominal disease in dogsFIV/FeLV (30 min)- can detect both Feline AIDs and Feline Leukaemia virus, two immune suppressing diseases in catsActivated Clotting time (5 mins)- can assist in snake bite diagnosisPestivirus PI tests (30min-2hr)- can detect a Pestivirus PI calf and whether treatment is economicalUrine analysis ( <5min)- can help diagnose urine and kidney problems in all speciesFull blood tests (30 min)- used in sick horses, cattle, dogs and cats to gather information on blood cells, inflammation, kidneys, liver and hydration status which often gives a good overview of the animals healthElectrolytes (15 min)- often used in emergency situations where quick results can be the difference between life and deathPre anaesthetic blood tests (30 min)- used in older animals before they undergo surgery to minimise risk and make sure they are healthy enough for a safe anaestheticThese tests assist the vets to quickly diagnose if problems are evident, help direct appropriate treatments and in turn reduce anxious waiting time for the owners.
Preventative Health Care and Advice
Preventative medicine refers to the measures taken in order to prevent diseases or injuries rather than treating their symptoms. Ideally, preventative health care is undertaken by pet owners in order to prevent or catch the problem before it has a chance to become serious. Senior Health CareOur pets age at a much faster rate than us humans and this means that regular check ups are key to longevity and good health. We we recommend our senior pets (those over the age of seven years) receive yearly check ups. Weight Control ProgramsOur qualified team can help you keep your pet within a healthy weight range for their breed. Here at The Gilgandra Veterinary clinic, we are also able to tailor a custom dietary management plan, exercise program and regular weight checks to ensure your pet remains at a healthy weight. There are plenty of simple activities that you can include in your everyday schedule such as regular walks or trips to the park, to ensure your pet gets the exercise they need, and they will thank you for it! Parasite ControlA very important part of preventative health care for your pet is to protect him or her against parasites. Heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks are much more than just pests; they can cause life-threatening conditions in your pet and cause severe, potentially fatal, health problems for you and your family. There are many available treatments on the market for parasite control, some being more effective than others. We only sell the safest and most effective products. Which one you choose to use is often a personal preference, but we can give you some guidelines to help you make the best decision for your situation. WormingHookworm, Whipworm, Tapeworm and Roundworm are the four types of intestinal worms your pet can contract. These are easily contracted from the environment and may in some circumstances be passed onto us humans. Regular intestinal worming is vital and we recommend the following worm protocol:• Puppies and kittens 2 – 12 weeks of age : worm every 2 weeks• Pets 12 weeks – 6 months of age: worm every 4 weeks• Pets over 6 months of age: worm every 3 months for life.Please feel free to ask us for advice on worming products.
Vaccinations
Protecting your best friendOne of the most important things you can do to give your pet’s long and healthy lives is to ensure that he or she is vaccinated against common canine diseases. Your pet’s mother gave her babies immunity from disease for the first few weeks of life by providing disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period it’s up to you, with the help and advice of one of our skilled veterinarian’s to provide that protection.How Do Vaccines work?Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “Killed” viruses, bacteria or other disease causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your pets’s immune system to produce disease fighting antibodies to protect against disease. Dogs:When should my dog be vaccinated?The immunity that a puppy gains from its mothers milk begins to diminish sometime after 6 weeks of age, it’s then usually time to begin the initial vaccinations usually a course of 2 or 3 injections given 4 weeks apart. Thereafter, your dog will require repeat vaccination at regular intervals for the rest of their life. As vaccines vary in the duration of immunity they provide, above all, follow the vaccination schedule recommended by one of our veterinary team.What diseases do I need to vaccinate my dog for?Our skilled Vet’s believe that your pet should be protected against those diseases which are most common, highly contagious & which can cause serious illness. Such diseases include Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), Distemper, hepatitis & Canine Cough. Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on our veterinarian’s evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your dog’s particular environment & lifestyle. Cats:When should my cat be vaccinated?Generally the immunity that a kitten gains from its mother milk begins to diminish after 8 weeks. It is then time to begin the initial vaccinations, usually a course of 2 or 3 injections given 4 weeks apart. Thereafter, your cat will require vaccination boosters every year for their lifetime.What diseases do I need to vaccinate my cat for?Again our skilled Vet’s believe that your cat should be protected against those diseases which are most common, highly contagious & which can cause serious illness. Such diseases include Feline Panleucopenia (enteritis), Viral rhinotracheitis (Cat Flu) & calicivirus (Cat Flu). Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on our veterinarian’s evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your cat’s particular environment & lifestyle. Horses: Having a suitable vaccination and drenching protocol in place will greatly reduce the risk of preventable diseases in your new foal. Below is a table of recommended vaccinations for foals in this district.Vaccine Starting age Foal doses BoostersTetanus 3 months 2 doses 1 month apart 12 monthsStrangles 3 months 3 doses 2 weeks apart 6 monthsHerpes 5 months 2 doses 1 month apart 6 monthsHendra 4 months 2 doses 3-6 weeks apart 6 months Vaccines are also available for Rotavirus and Salmonella when the situation arises. Pregnant mares that haven’t received vaccination require the same doses as foals with the last dose falling at least 6 weeks before they are due. If they have been previously vaccinated then they require just 1 booster 6 weeks before they are due.Foals should be drenched for worms at 6 weeks of age and then every month until 6 months of age.Please Contact us for any further information
Cremation
In the sad event of a pet’s death, we are able to organise cremation and return of the ashes. We use a locally owned business called Pets at Peace Central West situated in Orange NSW. Owners have a selection of options for return of their pet's ashes. Please feel free to call in and chat to us for more details on this service.
Dentistry
How much do you know about your pet's teeth? Sadly, many pet owners don't think about their pet's teeth often enough with the result that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from dental disease by the age of 3 years old.The most obvious sign to a pet owner is bad breath. Other clinical signs include plaque and tartar build up, reddened gums or gingivitis, excessive salivation, chattering teeth and difficulty chewing food. Dental disease has been associated with heart, liver and kidney disease and it is well documented that adequate dental care can add up to 4 years to your pet’s life. We provide the highest quality dental care available, utilising dental equipment similar to what you would find at a human dentist. Under a general anaesthetic, your pet’s teeth, gums and mouth are thoroughly examined, the plaque and tartar is removed & the teeth polished.
Eye Examinations
Eye health care for pets is frequently a health concern that is overlooked until it is too late. Your pet is vulnerable to many of the same eye problems that affect humans, such as cataracts, glaucoma, damage to the cornea, tumours, retinal degeneration, and dry eye.Frequently, pet owners are unaware of the symptoms associated with potential problems related to their pet's eye health. Knowing what to look for is important. Some symptoms that may indicate it's time to see us include:• Pawing at the eyes and eye area• Watery eyes• Squinting• Discharge• Sensitivity to light• Watery eyes or excessive blinking or tearing• RednessSo you may ask, what is an eye exam?An eye exam includes a thorough evaluation of the outer eye structures, including the tissues around the eyes, the eyelids, the duct where the tears drain from the eyes, and the nerves that affect the eyes. At the same time, one of our veterinarian’s will check the eye for inflammation and infection as well as for foreign bodies and unusual growths. The lens of the eye will also be examined for signs of cataracts. During an eye exam, one of our veterinarian’s may perform a number of tests. These tests can help identify any problems with the eyes or underlying diseases that may affect the eyes. The exam is generally non-invasive and painless for your pet, the kind of tests performed depend on the nature of the pet’s eye problem.
Grooming
The benefits of dog grooming extend beyond just making your dog look pretty. Grooming improves your dog’s mental state, behaviour and is important for their health.The warmer months are a busy time in our grooming parlour; we see many dogs for their first haircuts after winter to help keep them cool throughout summer. Patients are sometimes dirty, greasy, with matted hair, and may not be able to walk properly because their nails are too long. When hair becomes tangled, it begins to pull on the skin, the skin becomes inflamed and painful and excessive fur around the eyes can hinder vision.Our fully qualified veterinary nurses are familiar with dog anatomy and will notice abnormalities such as lumps, skin discolouration, rashes, skin lesions, sore paws, bald patches, gum discolouration or bleeding. They will take the time to check your pet's skin, and can tell if the skin is too dry or oily and will be able to make suitable recommendations for your dog's well-being.Our Nurses will be able to tell you if your dog has parasites. We check for fleas, ear mites and other parasites and help you get them under control.We also take the opportunity to express anal glands. The anal glands are two small sacs just inside your pets' rectum that are filled with a foul smelling "scent fingerprint" that animals use to identify each other in the wild. Routine emptying of these sacs can help to prevent unwanted smells, as well as potential side effects from impacted or ruptured anal glands that go unnoticed.Many owners find their dog benefits from a light sedative while grooming to reduce anxiety, stress and excessive movement in wriggly dogs. Our nurse’s will discuss options with you when your dog comes in.If you try grooming your dog at home you might end up accidentally hurting your dog with cuts, scratches or skin irritations. We know how to make your dog look great without causing any distress or injuries.Dogs that are groomed regularly will be more comfortable and won’t expose your family to bacteria, parasites, dirt and debris, not to mention the odour.
Equine Dentistry
What is involved in a “Horse Dental”?Unsure what it means to “have a dental” done on your horse?When you arrive with your equine friend we will perform a clinical exam to see if there is any health issues evident that may be linked to dental disease. We will then check how your horse’s teeth work currently by moving the jaws to assess grinding function and look for abnormal movement of the jaws.We will sedate your horse and examine them in the safety of our horse crush so they can relax without the worry of hurting themselves. By sedating your horse we are able to better examine the individual teeth and pick up on potentially subtle problems before they become a larger issue. We use an instrument called a speculum or mouth gag to hold their mouth open to examine the oral cavity by eye, smell and feel.Once we have assessed your horse’s mouth and recorded the changes present we will continue with the actual filing procedure – which is known as “floating”. We use a specially designed file to abrade the sharp points or high sections of tooth. When performed correctly this is a non-painful procedure as horses teeth are designed to wear away.Occasionally we may recommend that your horse has a tooth removed. This procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic.Your horse will go through several cycles of floating and rinsing until we are happy that the teeth are in the best state they can be.We also recommend horse have their tetanus vaccinations updated and, depending on the depth of the procedure may sometimes recommend the use of antibiotics and pain relief medications. At the end of the dental procedure we will recheck that your horse will be able to grind their food properly and will discuss any findings and re-treatment intervals. How do your teeth grow Mr Ed?The equine dental formula is as follows: 2 x {I 3/3; C 1/1; PM 3 (or4)/3 (or4); M3/3} which equates to 40 – 44 teeth in an adult horse. The variation related to the presence or absence of the “wolf” teeth. In addition most mares will not have erupted canine teeth.The way the equine tooth itself is formed is quite amazing. The teeth are designed to erupt slowly over the lifetime of the horse and to wear down to accommodate this newly erupted tooth by the action of grinding against the opposite tooth. As the tooth erupts the pulp cavity (where the blood vessels and nerves are located) retracts meaning this process is not painful for the horse. Eventually this reserve tooth will run out and there will be no new tooth to fill the gap.It is this feature that allows us to age horses based on their dentition.It is also as a result of this perpetual wearing process that small changes can result in quite interesting and potentially detrimental alteration to the dental arcades. A tall tooth can catch and lead to the development of more hooks and points as the normal grinding is reduced. We see wave patterns, hooks, ramps, excessive ridges across the wearing surface amongst some of the dental pathology.Some of this pathology can be corrected by regular dentistry, some cannot so for the health of your horse it is important to have regular dental examinations to maintain optimum oral health and prevent irreversible change.For more information or to book your equine friend in for a dental please contact us