Belmont Veterinary Hospital

14/01/2025

🕷️Newcastle has just been identified as the home of BIG BOY (or more specifically; Atrax christenseni) a new and abnormally HUGE species of funnel web spider.

🕷️The “Newcastle funnel web” is thought to be restricted to a 25km zone around Newcastle. Aren’t we lucky…

🕷️This season, the largest funnel web ever found has been recorded at a whopping 9.2cm!

🕷️As we head into their peak season, the male spiders (which are 6 x more deadly than the females) are becoming more active - travelling further in search of a mate. This larger species

🕷️ Humans (and other primates) are uniquely sensitive to their venom, with fatalities in people recorded just 15 minutes after envenomation.

🕷️ On the plus side, most of our mammalian pets (including dogs, cats, birds) are relatively immune to funnel web venom and have been shown to survive envenomation with 100 times the human lethal dose.

🕷️ The Australian Reptile Park houses Australia’s one and only venom-milking facility. This facility is absolutely crucial to the production of antivenom and the saving of human lives. The park is in need of spiders so, if you see a funnel web and are feeling brave, check out: https://www.reptilepark.com.au/animals-at-the-australian-reptile-park/venom-program/spider-drop-off-points/ for instructions on how to catch it and where to drop it off for collection by the park rangers.

Read more at:
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-new-species-of-sydney-funnel-web-has-been-discovered-and-it-s-a-monster-20241211-p5kxmz.html

The world’s most dangerous spider just got deadlier. And they’re on the move, with a baby already bitten this season.

13/01/2025

🚨 Tick Season Alert: Protect Your Pets! 🚨

The recent heat and humidity have created the perfect conditions for paralysis ticks, leading to a rise in tick activity and an increase in patients presenting with tick paralysis.

We recently treated a Muscovy duck with severe paralysis caused by a tick attached to the top of his head. Despite our team’s best efforts, he could not be saved. This serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous these parasites can be.

To keep your beloved pets safe, we strongly recommend:
✅ Maintaining regular tick preventatives (appropriate for your pet). We recommend using either a monthly chew or tablet, or the annual injection.

✅ Performing daily tick searches, paying close attention to the head, neck, and hidden areas such as inside ears and between toes.

Early detection is key! If you notice any signs of tick paralysis, such as weakness, wobbliness, or difficulty breathing, contact us immediately.

Let’s work together to protect your pets during this high-risk season. 💚

13/01/2025

FOUND
I’m lost
Found in Belmont
Please call tomorrow if you know me 49459044

07/01/2025

What to watch for in my pet, in wet, humid weather?

🧫 Leptospirosis: this bacteria is found in infected rat urine. It loves wet soil and stagnant water which is why we see cases increase in areas of high rainfall and flooding. Leptospirosis is important to be aware of it because it is a potentially fatal disease for pets AND humans. A non-core vaccine which provides protection against a common strain of this disease is available at BVH now.

🍄 Mushrooms: these wet and warm conditions stimulate the growth of wild (non-edible) mushrooms which, if sneakily sampled can cause serious illness in our pets. With thousands of different types of mushrooms, all with varying degrees of toxicity, play it safe and seek treatment immediately if ingested by your pet.

🦠 Parvovirus: this fatal virus can survive for years in the ground. Wet weather flushes hidden disease particles to the surface. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and if you found yourselves a new puppy for Christmas, keep them inside till they’ve received their full vaccination course!

💦 Skin infections: these also increase in wet, humid weather. Long haired pets are particularly susceptible to developing hot spots and itchy rashes caused by wet skin and soupy humidity, perfect for bacterial overgrowth!

Belmont Veterinary Hospital

06/01/2025

I’m lost
Found in Swansea
Please call 49459044 if you know me

05/01/2025

I’m lost
Found in pelican
Please call 49459044 if you know me

05/01/2025

🐶 This is Eddie, a cheeky little pup who sneakily found his way into some chocolatey Christmas treats before what seemed like a little indulgence quickly turned into a serious health emergency.

Poor Eddie became very sick with vomiting and diarrhoea, and after a rushed trip to the vet, he was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

⁉️ What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis is a painful condition where the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation, becomes inflamed. This can happen when a dog eats something high in fat, like rich holiday foods or chocolate. The pancreas goes into overdrive, releasing digestive enzymes that can start to damage its own tissues. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

⁉️ How is Pancreatitis Treated?
Eddie needed immediate veterinary care. He was put on IV fluids to rehydrate him and support his organs. Medications were given to manage his pain, control vomiting, and help his pancreas recover. His diet has, and will continue to be carefully managed with bland, low-fat food to avoid a future flare up.

🍫 Eddie’s story is a reminder of how dangerous some human foods can be for our pets. Chocolate, fatty meats, and other holiday goodies may seem harmless, but they can cause serious health problems. If your dog ever shows signs of pancreatitis, seek veterinary care immediately—it can save their life.

Eddie’s family is so relieved he’s back to his happy, cheeky self. Give your pets an extra cuddle today, and keep those tempting treats out of reach!

Belmont Veterinary Hospital

03/01/2025

🎣 Meet Patch, a brave boy who recently gave his family quite a scare!

A family fishing adventure quickly went south after Patch sneakily gobbled the bait… hook, line, prawn and all!

His worried owners rushed him straight to us, and an x-ray revealed the hook was lodged in his stomach.

Given the barbed nature of fishing hooks, they can not be pulled out to be removed. This can actually cause severe organ damage, potentially puncture vital structures, and result in a peritonitis, severe haemorrhage or sepsis.

Patch was given some medication to keep him calm and comfortable while our team quickly prepared for surgery.

We’re happy to share that the large hook was successfully removed (there was no sign of the prawn however 😂) and Patch is now back home, resting and recovering with his loving family.

A big thanks to his owners for acting so quickly – and a good reminder to watch out for fishing hooks and fishing line when walking your pets near the water.

Belmont Veterinary Hospital

01/01/2025

🥳 We hope you’ve all enjoyed a wonderful break with a safe Christmas and New Year holiday.

We are back open today from 9am. We are expecting the clinic to be busier than usual after the break so please bring your patience and understanding. Also, we ask that you call ahead if you are unable to make your appointment so we may make room to see someone else’s pet.

Thank you and Happy 2025!

Belmont Veterinary Hospital

30/12/2024

🧨 Animals, with their heightened sensory function, are more affected by loud noises, bright lights and strong smells than we are. So for our pets - fireworks are about as terrifying as it gets!

Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe over NYE.

1. Make sure your pet has had a bit of exercise and a good meal before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. A slightly fatigued and well fed animal will be less jittery and anxious.

2. As the evening approaches, bring your pets inside. Close all doors, cat/dog flaps, windows and blinds. Ensure they have a familiar “safe place” such as a covered crate or cat cave nearby. Play some calming music as white noise and help muffle the sound of the fireworks. Pet ear muffs are also available to protect pet’s ears - check these out at https://k9pro.com.au/mutt-muffs/

3. Use pheromone diffusers such as Feliway and Adaptil, calming supplements such as Zylkene, and compression clothes such as a thunder shirt to help keep them calm.

4. Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip details are correct. Pets get frightened by the loud noises and despite our best attempts, many go missing over the NYE festivities. Pets that can not be traced back to their owners will be taken to the nearest animal shelter. Don’t let this happen o your pet! Update their chip details online
(it’s easy!) at NSW Pet Registry. See how athttps://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/update-your-detail-c3c.pdf

5. If your pet is particularly anxious, it would be worthwhile having a chat with your vet about how to help them manage their fear before next year’s fireworks begin. Behavioural medications used with training tactics works wonders for animals with noise aversions and phobias.

Wishing you all a safe and happy new years. We’ll see you in 2025!

20/12/2024

We’ve been having some fun getting the clinic into the Christmas Spirit with our (very obliging) little patients (thanks Charlie for playing along!).

Don’t forget our holiday hours which are posted below. For all emergencies over this period, please contact the wonderful teams working over the holiday period at either SASH - Small Animal Specialist Hospital Tuggerah or Animal Referral & Emergency Centre Broadmeadow.

Please make sure you have enough prescription medications, food and flea and tick preventatives to get you through.

🎄4 MORE SLEEPS TILL CHRISTMAS 🎄

Belmont Veterinary Hospital

20/12/2024

Friday Feels 🥰

Thank you for the lovely feedback and recognition Hunter Animal Rescue. It has been our absolute pleasure to work alongside you and help with the wonderful work you do.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎄

💜💜THANK YOU!💜💜

In recognition of the amazing team at Belmont Veterinary Hospital, who consistently go above and beyond to care for and treat our animals, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Their expert care, compassion, and unwavering commitment to animal welfare have been vital to the success of Hunter Animal Rescue. We are truly grateful for this partnership, which has played an essential role in saving lives.

As we celebrate our 20 year milestone, we acknowledge the incredible impact our veterinary partners have had, not only on our organisation, but also on the countless animals whose lives they have touched.

We cannot do what we do without you!

⚡️If you would like to visit the amazing team at Belmont Vets with your furbabies, you can check out their website below👇
https://www.belmontvet.com.au/

17/12/2024

I’m lost
Found at marks point bowling club.
Please call 49459044 if I’m yours.

12/12/2024

Kat (the Vet Nurse) with Opal (the Cat) look like they’re having fun on desk duty but is it Kat or Cat answering the phones 😂?

Beautiful Opal came to us when her owner saw her vomit three times in a row, before spotting that a hidden Lily stem had just started to blossom from a bouquet of mixed flowers she had been gifted.

Did you know that Lilies can be LETHAL to cats and cause fatal kidney failure in as little as 24hours? The entire plant is toxic, including the pollen and the vase water!

Clinical signs of toxicity include vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, increased thirst and increased urination.

Urgent veterinary attention is crucial if you think your cat may have come into contact with a Lily.

Luckily for Opal, her owner realised and quickly removed the toxic Lily before rushing her in to the clinic for treatment. We ran some blood tests and were able to confirm that Opal had no early signs of kidney damage. We gave her some fluids and started her on some medication to help rehydrate her and protect her gastrointestinal tract.

She is back home now and doing well, no doubt putting together her CV 😂…

08/12/2024

🗓️ A bit of a planning post this morning, as we speed toward Christmas and the end of the year!

⏰ This year, the clinic will be closed from Dec 25th to Jan 1st.

A few things for you to check at home:

🎄Please make sure you have enough prescription medication and food to get you safely through to the New Year.

🎄Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date if you intend on boarding them these holidays. We are happy to help confirm your pet’s vaccination details if you are unsure.

🎄 Double check your fence and gate security and ensure your pet’s microchip details are correct! Summer is the season for thunderstorms and fireworks, where more pet’s are likely to go missing.

🎄TICK SEASON is running rampant. With SASH treating a whooping 300 cases of tick paralysis so far this year, make sure to protect YOUR pet. Make sure you have enough of their regular tick prevention to get you through the holidays .

🎄For any questions, give us a call on 4945-9044. Our reception staff are happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Be ready this holiday season!