Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital

02/11/2024

30/10/2024

This little Cowgirl and the rest of the team at TVH would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween 👻

Remember to watch out for sneaky pets getting into Halloween treats! Reach out to your closest vet if you’re concerned your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t have.

30/10/2024

31 more sleeps....

29/10/2024

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬?

Paralysis ticks are small arachnid (8-legged) creatures who burrow their heads into the skin of and then feed on unsuspecting victims. They are pale grey/blue in colour and change in size depending on age and how much they have fed. Paralysis ticks inject a toxin called holocyclotoxin into the bloodstream as they feed.

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘴?

Paralysis ticks predominately live along the east and south coast of Australia. They are found as high up as far north Queensland all the way down to Victoria’s south coast.
Many pets from Canberra and the surrounding areas have been affected by paralysis ticks while on holidays down the coast. It is also possible for ticks to hitch a ride back to Canberra on camping gear, clothing, people, plants etc.

𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴?

Paralysis ticks inject venom into the bloodstream as they feed. This venom causes progressive paralysis of the body's muscles. This paralysis can progress to the diaphragm, preventing the pet from being able to breathe on their own. It can also take away the pet's gag and their ability to swallow meaning they are unable to protect their airways. This almost always results in the pet developing aspiration pneumonia which puts another strain on their already struggling respiratory system. It can take days for pets to recover from paralysis tick envenomation.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?

Treating tick paralysis can be a very lengthy and costly process. Mildly affected pets will require tick antiserum (TAS) and monitoring for worsening symptoms. Severely affected pets will require antiserum and often require antibiotics to manage aspiration pneumonia, medication to help prevent regurgitation, oxygen support and sometimes even mechanical ventilation. Long-haired pets are shaved so any hidden ticks can be found and removed. If tick prevention hasn’t been given, one will be administered to kill any remaining ticks.
Severe cases of tick paralysis can be fatal, so the earlier treatment is started, the more chance your pet has of a full recovery.
Mild cases could cost upwards of $1,500 whereas severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation could cost in excess of $15,000 and up.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?

An affected pet will display several symptoms. These symptoms could include:
-Ataxic or “drunk” walking
-Difficulty with or unwillingness to stand
-Changed bark or voice
-Grunting
-Retching
-Difficulty swallowing
-Increased respiratory effort or difficulty breathing
Seek vet assistance as soon as possible if your pet displays any of the above symptoms and you suspect a tick may be the cause.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘴?

There are many tick and flea/parasite products on the market these days. If you have plans to take your pet somewhere paralysis ticks are found, ensure you provide them appropriate prevention. Check your pet over for ticks regularly ensuring you check inside ears and in-between toes as well as the rest of the body and head. If you are planning on using a tick repellent collar, ensure your dog (or cat) does not go swimming as the water will wash away repellant from their coat. Repellant collars and oral preventions can be used together.
Spot on and oral preventions may not necessarily prevent your pet from getting a tick, but they will prevent the tick from injecting toxin as the prevention in your pet's bloodstream will cause the tick to die. Any ticks you find on your pet should be dead and easily removed with a tick remover. Tick repellent collars will not kill the tick if they bite but they will help prevent the tick from attaching in the first place.

28/10/2024

Guess who's coming to town.....

Save the date for Saturday the 30th of November as Santa will be coming to TVH for our Pet Santa photos. We will have stalls to browse for pet lovers and fun to be had.
More details to come. 🎅 🐾

27/10/2024

Parvovirus warning!

Unfortunately you may have recently heard that there have been multiple cases of canine Parvovirus in Canberra and it’s surrounds.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that causes extreme vomiting and diarrhoea leading to dehydration, lethargy, septicemia and even death in severe cases.

This virus can be spread directly through contact with an infected dog or through faeces or indirectly through items like water bowls, collars and leashes or the hands or clothing of people that have touched an infected dog.

Dogs less than 1 year of age are most at risk however older un-vaccinated dogs can also contract the disease.

Please make sure that your dog is up to date with vaccinations and if you have a new puppy don't take unnecessary risks by taking your puppy out before it is fully vaccinationed.

20/10/2024

Summer dangers!

Snakes and Ticks are officially causing havoc with Veterinary clinics all over canberra, especially the emergency hospitals seeing numerous cases.
If you are headed to the coast it is ESSENTIAL that you use tick prevention for your pet otherwise the outcome is devastating.
Keeping your grass short and rubbish cleared in your yard will also help keep the snakes away.
Walking your pet on their lead is also more important than ever.
If you are taking your dog swimming please stop them running into long grass near the water as snakes love these spots.
If you think your pet may have been bitten by a snake or have a paralysis tick call your closest vet hospital, stay calm and present asap.

10/10/2024

Today we celebrate and thank our nursing, admin and reception team for all their dedication, kindness and hard work.
It is easy to go to work when you love what you do. 💕

09/10/2024

Celebrating our Veterinary Nurses and Receptionists 🤩

08/10/2024

Celebrating our team continued...🤩

08/10/2024

Celebrating our Veterinary Nurses and Receptionists 🥰

This year's Veterinary Nurse week theme = Celebrating all the ways we make a difference which aims to celebrate the diverse roles and talents that veterinary nurses, technologists and Receptionists possess that make a difference to their patients, clients, colleagues and the community.
This week we will be sharing different photos of our wonderful team of nurses and receptionists to celebrate how amazing they all are.

20/09/2024

Happy Friday everyone

We hope you have a great weekend, if you are going coastal please remember tick prevention, if you are home please be snake aware- walk your dog on a lead and make sure your garden is clean. Summer is here early.
If you have an emergency contact us, we are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, Saturday 8am to 3pm. For after hours emergencies contact ARH at Pialago or CVES in Gungahlin.

12/09/2024

Today we reflect on RUOK day and acknowledge the great work being done at the practice. Athough today is dedicated to RUOK, it is check in for well being every day for our team and patients. Thank you to our community for your support, we are most grateful to partner with generous and warm clients, you make such a difference to our day.

08/09/2024

Snake warning

The emergency Vet clinics have seen multiple pets bitten by a snake this weekend so a timely reminder to be vigilant, walk your dog on a lead and clean up your yard. If you suspect that your pet has encountered a snake call a vet immediately.

07/09/2024

Tharwa Bush Fair on tomorrow Sunday 8th September from 10am to 2pm. Entry Gold coin donation. Funds raised for the local preschool.

GOLD SPONSOR ANNOUNCEMENT
⭐️ Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital ⭐️
For the 2nd year in a row our local vet is generously sponsoring the Tharwa Fair!
But it's been over 30 years that Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital has been caring for our furry friends and wildlife ❤️
From all the families at Tharwa Preschool, thank you for your ongoing support of our fair.
If you have a puppy, kitten, dog or cat in your family, get in touch with the caring team at Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital here: https://tuggeranongvet.com.au/
🎉 The Tharwa Bush Fair is on Sunday 8 September 10am - 2pm.

06/09/2024

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears

27/08/2024

Ditto 😘

Beautiful boy Ditto had a dental procedure today and in recovery he decided that he was best recovering on the nurses lap instead of on his bed. Such a sweet gorgeous boy. 💙