Port Road Vet Clinic

25/08/2024

🐕🐩🐕‍🦺Today is National Dog Day!!!!🐕‍🦺🐩🐕

Lets celebrate our dogs today by posting your favourite photo of them below with their names.

Photos maybe used across Port Road Vet social media channels, and in our newsletters at a later date.

23/08/2024

If your dog or cat hasn’t had their teeth cleaned within the last 6-12 months, odds are they have dental disease. In fact, dental disease affects 80% of pets over the age of three.

The most common type of tooth problem in dogs and cats is called periodontal disease, or disease around the gum margin. Periodontal disease occurs when food and saliva accumulate around the base of the tooth, allowing bacteria to flourish. We get rid of this stuff on our own teeth with a toothbrush twice a day; for our pets, it’s not that simple.

Although dental disease is entirely preventable, if it isn’t treated it can become a life-shortening disease that can cause a number of serious health problems in our pets.

1. Dental disease is a chronic bacterial infection
A simplified way of thinking about dental disease is that it is an infection. The infection might be a mild one with a little bit of that brown stuff (plaque) around the base of the tooth or a severe infection with red, angry gums and pockets of bacteria next to the teeth. This infection is there all the time, so your pet’s immune system is constantly having to fight that battle.

2. Dental disease is painful
Pets can have awful teeth, but they have absolutely no way to communicate with you that they are uncomfortable. They will continue to eat despite what is going on inside that mouth.

3. Dental disease causes loss of teeth
Infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth causes inflammation of the gums and ligaments that anchor the teeth to the surrounding bone. If dental disease goes untreated, teeth can be lost due to the loss of their supporting tissues.

4. Dental disease can hurt the liver
The liver is incredibly important for detoxifying the blood. When pets have bacteria around their teeth, this ends up in the bloodstream and the liver often takes the brunt of this.

5. Dental disease can lead to kidney disease
The connection between dental disease and kidney problems has been well established in humans. Similar to the liver, the kidneys filter the blood and if there is bacteria in the blood stream from dental disease, it can lodge in the kidneys and cause a kidney infection or damage to those delicate kidney cells.

6. Increased risk of heart disease
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, periodontal disease is linked to heart diseases like endocarditis (a potentially fatal infection of the heart’s inner lining). The risk of endocarditis can be up to six times higher in dogs with advanced gum disease as opposed to those without.

7. Unhygienic factor
A high bacterial load in your pet’s mouth poses a high risk of contamination and spread to the family, especially children or the immunocompromised.

Luckily, there is some good news too… Dental disease is easy to treat and even pets with significant problems will have a new lease on life once their mouth is healthy again. That smelly breath will also improve!

21/08/2024

🎉🐱Happy National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! 🐱🎉

Cats age much more rapidly than humans. Finding potential health issues early results in a happier life for your cat. Here are five reason to schedule a yearly health check up.

1. Cats age more rapidly than humans
2. Cats are masters at hiding pain
3. Subtle charges = big problems
4. Weight issues, big and small
5. Preventive care is ideal.

Take your cat to the vet, because they can’t take themselves.

Contact us today to schedule your cat’s annual health check up.

21/08/2024

From toothpastes and toothbrushes to chews and toys, there are a range of at-home dental products for dogs. But what actually works to help prevent dental disease in your dog?

21/08/2024

Dental Month: Resorptive Lesions

Resorptive lesions are when the tooth starts to break down from the inside out. As you can see in the pictures attached the teeth look like they are fine with some swelling/redness of the gums but when they are radiographed we can see the tooth is almost gone.
Resorptive lesions are painful... imagine having a tooth rot from the inside out!

All cats have dental radiographs done when having a dental at Port Road to make sure we aren't missing any painful teeth that look healthy to the naked eye.

02/08/2024

🎉🦷🪥HAPPY PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH 🪥🦷🎉

Signs of dental disease include:
🦷 Bad breath
🦷 Sensitive around the mouth
🦷 Dropping food leading to weight loss
🦷 Discoloured
🦷 Loose teeth
🦷 Hard plaque
🦷 Tartar deposits
🦷 Bleeding or ulcerations of the mouth
🦷 Loss of appetite
🦷 Drooling
🦷 Tooth root abscess

If your cat or dog are showing any of the above signs of dental disease, give us a call to make a dental health appointment.

Port Road Vet has a range of dental preventative products such as tooth brushing, diet additives, dental diets and chew toys.

09/07/2024

🐈🐈Happy National Kitten Day 🐈🐈

Kittens separated early from their mothers will experience more behavioral problems than other cats. They benefit from this time with their mother and siblings and learn many crucial social and mental skills. Breeders generally wait at least 8 weeks to ensure they’re well-socialized, well-behaved, and healthy. The crucial socialization period ends at 9 weeks, so by this time the kitten should have been introduced (in a very positive way) to all kinds of life experiences such as new people, car rides, grooming, and veterinary examinations.

03/07/2024

10 Tips to help Relieve Stress in your cat.

01/07/2024

We welcome back Danni from her maternity leave from having her son Finn. Danni has worked at Port Road Vet for 3 years, and is a Registered Vet Nurse with over eight years of experience. She is passionate about medical cases and hospital care of your fur babies.

At home Danni’s fur family consists of a 6 year old blue heeler called Wayne, and Kelly a 3 year old adopted Kelpie x Labrador.

28/06/2024

28/06/2024

A wellness visit is more than just a checkup. It's a chance to talk with us about your pet’s lifestyle, to understand potential risk factors that might develop as they age, and to establish a diagnostic baseline while your pet is healthy. Research shows that including diagnostic testing in a wellness visit can uncover potential issues in up to 40% of dogs and 60% of cats. By identifying issues early, we can help your pet live a happier, healthier life and avoid potential additional costs associated with treatments if disease goes undetected.

A typical wellness visit might include these:
• A physical exam
We look for changes in your pet's oral health, weight, joints, skin, and ears. These changes may be signs of illness.

• Diagnostic screening tests
We check your pet's internal health via diagnostic screening tests including blood, stool, and urine tests. These results help us manage and track your pet's overall health.

• A review of results
We look for changes in results from year to year. Changes can act as early warning signs of health problems.

Diagnostic screening tests let us evaluate your pet's internal health. By screening your pet's blood, urine, and stool samples, we can get a comprehensive assessment of your pet's overall health. This can help us detect disease early, sometimes before symptoms arise.

• Blood cell health
Evaluating blood cells provides insight into the immune system, risks of bleeding, and the ability to distribute oxygen to the body.

• Organ function
Blood testing can help us evaluate liver function and kidney function, as well as determine levels of important proteins, electrolytes, and thyroid hormones. Urine testing provides additional information on hydration and bladder health as well as deeper insights on organ function.

• Infectious disease
Pets may harbour intestinal parasites without any outward signs; some of these parasites are transmissible to humans. Faecal testing for pets detects intestinal parasites to help reduce infections in pets and protect humans.
Pets of all ages can have underlying issues.

Regular checkups that include routine testing can help identify issues early.

13/06/2024

Did you know that kidney disease is only visible after 75% of kidney function is lost?

6 Signs of advanced kidney disease can include:
- drinking more
- urinating more
- poor appetite
- weight loss
- lack of energy

Ongoing health monitoring in senior pets helps pick up invisible changes before they are a problem. Together, with the right management and tailored nutrition, you your veterinarian can help maintain your pet's quality of life.

Early introduction of nutritional management is key for helping pets with declining renal function. ROYAL CANIN® RENAL diets help support your pets kidneys.

Book a health check up today by calling us on 8340 0388, or book online at www.portroadvet.com.au

03/06/2024

Pets can't talk to us. In a way, preventive care testing gives your pet a voice. This means running regular diagnostic testing, so we can compare results from year to year to better understand the status of your pet's health.

28/05/2024

Friendly reminder today, Wednesday 29th of May, our clinic will be closed for the day. We are having a staff training and development day to help make us a better team to care for you and your pets.

We will be open as usual for the rest of the week. Thanks for your understanding.

Appointments for Thursday can be made online via www.portroadvet.com.au

26/05/2024

Please be advised, Wednesday 29th of May, our clinic will be closed for the day. We are having a staff training and development day to help make us a better team to care for you and your pets.

We will be open as usual for the rest of the week. Thanks for your understanding

24/05/2024

Our online booking system is open 24/7! This means you can make appointments on our website even when we are closed.

www.portroadvet.com.au

24/05/2024

Five fun facts about catnip.

🐈The chemical compound in catnip is called Nepetalactone which causes cats to get “high” (like ma*****na) for about 10-20 minutes when inhaled or ingested. The effects cannot be repeated until about 30 minutes to an hour after it has worn off.

🐈Catnip is 100% safe and non-addictive.

🐈Not all cats are affected by catnip; only about 70% of cats will feel the effects of it.

🐈Male cats are more susceptible than female cats, and it seems to be an inherited trait.

🐈Kittens under the age of 6 months and senior cats are not affected by catnip.

23/05/2024

Have you heard that we offer GapOnly!

If your pet has a policy with a GapOnly pet insurance partner, for eligible expenses you can access your pet insurance benefit on the spot.

Your claim will be assessed in around 10 minutes while you’re in the clinic, and once approved, you simply pay the gap (which is the difference between the invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your pet insurance policy).

So that means rather than paying us the full invoice upfront, you only pay the amount not covered by your policy - or the gap! How awesome is this!

Please give us a call on 8340 0388 if you have any questions or visit their website at www.gaponly.com.au

22/05/2024

Introducing our new Pet Health Passport app – your pet's healthcare companion!

🌟 Say goodbye to the hassle of juggling paper records and welcome a world of convenience and care at your fingertips.

🚀 Boost Your Pet's Wellbeing: Easily capture and store essential preventative healthcare records. Never miss a beat with your pet's health – our app makes it a breeze to stay on top of recommended schedules, ensuring your furry friend receives the best care possible.

🌍 Ready for Any Adventure: Whether you're exploring new places or simply on the go, your pet's vaccination records are always with you. No more worrying about lost documents during travels – the Pet Health Passport app has you covered!

📱 Replace Paper Records: Embrace the digital era and simplify your life. Ditch the stacks of papers and welcome a clutter-free solution. Your pet's health history is neatly organized on your smartphone, ready to be accessed whenever you need it.

🤗 User-Friendly and Intuitive: Navigating your pet's health has never been this easy! Our app boasts a user-friendly interface, making it a joy to use for pet owners of all tech levels. Say hello to simplicity and peace of mind.

🔔 Stay in the Know: Receive timely reminders for upcoming appointments and vaccinations. Never worry about missing a crucial healthcare date – our app keeps you informed and your pet in tip-top shape.

🔒 Secure and Safe: We understand the importance of your pet's privacy. Rest assured, our app employs top-notch security measures to protect your furry friend's healthcare data.

Ready to transform your pet's healthcare experience? Click the download link now and be prepared for your next appointment. The Pet Health Passport app – where care meets convenience. 🐶🐱✨"

The Pet Health Passport lets you take control of all your pets’ healthcare records in one handy app, from puppy or kitten right through to their senior years.

21/05/2024

Senior health checks are important as pets age equivalently seven times faster than humans and so checking twice a year equals one doctors visit for yourself every 3.5 years. By blood and urine screening our patients twice yearly, we can pick up early diseases which can be managed or treated in 40% of cases.

Older pets are more susceptible to diseases like:
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Arthritis
Thyroid function issues
Urinary tract issues
Dental disease.

To book a senior health check for your loved senior pet visit www.portroadvet.com.au to book online or call us on 8340 0388.

20/05/2024

🎉We welcome to our team🎉

Dr. Bec Young,
Veterinarian BVSc. (Hons)
A proud South Australian, Dr Bec grew up in the picturesque town of Clare Valley. After completing her veterinary studies at the University of Queensland, she moved back to her home state to be closer to family. As a new graduate, she took on a position at a busy small animal clinic in the rural coastal area of Yorke Peninsula. It was here she spent three years developing her skills in small animal medicine, surgery, and preventative care.

From here, Dr Bec moved on to a more metropolitan area in Adelaide. She spent the next couple of years working at a high-paced small animal general practice and emergency clinic, and continued to advance her skills in internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and emergency care.
Dr Bec spends her spare time with her friends and young daughter, exploring wine regions, drawing, and painting.


Mel,
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Mel joins our team with over twenty two years of experience, and is a wealth of knowledge in many areas from puppy training to palliative care, and everything in between. Mel is passionate about client service, pet nutrition, preventative dental care and treating every pet like her own.

Mel lives on a hobby farm with her husband, two daughters, Destiny her cat, Angel her little Maltese cross, a flock of chickens, a duck, and her horse. When Mel isn’t working, she loves spending time doing one of her many hobbies from horse riding, working in her garden, sewing, cooking or competition target shooting.

17/05/2024

As the weather begins to cool, we may to see our senior pets slow down a little. Perhaps they sleep for more of the day or are less excited for their morning walk. Sometimes they will become less playful or even be irritated by others.

This is often due to osteoarthritis, a chronic, progressive disease where the cartilage that lines the joints becomes eroded, exposing the bone ends and leading to painful bone spur formation. The joint lining also becomes inflamed and thickened. This leads to stiffness and pain which are the main signs associated with osteoarthritis.

We often see pets first show symptoms of arthritis during the colder months. Signs of arthritis can include:
• Reluctance to go for walks or play
• Stiffness when getting up/slow to get up
• Limping/Lame on affected legs
• Unable to or hesitation to jump into the car or onto furniture
• Behavioural changes – aggression, reluctance to socialise or irritability.

While arthritis is progressive, there are many ways we can help our pets feel more comfortable as they age:
• Keep elderly pets warm in winter, especially at night.
• Provide soft, supportive bedding.
• Joint supplements like 4cyte can aid in keeping joints healthy, and delay progression if arthritis.
• Prevent situations where elderly pets can injure themselves- ramps to get on/off furniture, lifting up into car etc.
• Maintain your pet at a healthy lean weight to reduce excess strain on joints.
• Medication can be given by our vets to help old joints move better, and greatly reduce the pain our old pets are feeling.

If you think your dog or cat may be developing signs of arthritis, please book in with one of our vets for an assessment so we can provide them some well-deserved comfort before the cold months arrive.

16/05/2024

Meet Charlie, he is a 12 week old German Shepherd who recently visited us at Port Road Vet for his puppy health check & vaccinations.

He waited very patiently for his appointment and is such a cuteness overload!!

12/05/2024

Happy Mothers’ Day to all the Mothers’ out there, to the Mums of fur babies, to the Mums to be, to the Aunties, Grandmas, and to those who are no longer with us.

10/05/2024

⚠️⚠️⚠️Warning this post contains super cutie puppies⚠️⚠️⚠️

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶Puppy spam🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

We recently had this litter of five Pomeranians in for their health checks, vaccinations and microchips. Each puppy also got some positive socialisation with our team of nurses.

If you have a litter of puppies needing their first vaccinations, health checks and microchipping, give us a call to book them in.

09/05/2024

Sunny the super cute Jack Russell puppy recently visited the team for his puppy vaccinations and health checkup.

01/05/2024

Billie ate rat bait recently resulting in an emergency visit to us to induce vomiting. Rat bait is extremely toxic to our pets, but lucky for Billie his owner realised immediately what he had done and rushed him into the clinic.

If you see that your pet has eaten rat bait, or suspect that they have had access to it, contact the clinic immediately. Rat bait is extremely poisonous and your pet requires immediate care.

27/04/2024

Happy World Veterinary Day

Today, we celebrate and recognise the hard work and dedication of all the amazing individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of animals here at Port Road Vets and around the world.

Their efforts and unwavering commitment to animal welfare are truly remarkable.