Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic

15/07/2025

❗️ We have had an increase in the number of Tetanus (‘lockjaw’) cases diagnosed in small and large animals around Gilgandra.
🦠 Tetanus is a severe bacterial disease that causes a rigid ascending paralysis. Animals will contract the bacteria when open wounds become contaminated with dirt. The bacteria will release a neurotoxin that results in muscle stiffness, protrusion of the third eyelids and/or erect ears and tail heads.
😢 This disease is SEVERE and often FATAL.
🐮 Cattle, sheep and horses can be routinely vaccinated against tetanus and is started as young animals.
🐶 Cats and dogs are not routinely vaccinated. Instead, open wounds should be cleaned thoroughly and protected from dirt and debris.
💉 If your animal has been cut by rusty metal or has had surgery where the site could become contaminated, a booster vaccine may be required.
☎️ If you are concerned about your animals’s vaccination status or are concerned about them, please call the clinic on 6847 1129.

10/07/2025

As cats age their dietary, exercise and healthcare needs change. Many of these changes happen between the ages of 7 and 10 years. Although many conditions can’t be ‘cured’ they can be effectively managed. The key to ensure your cat has the best quality of life is by detecting these changes early enough to delay their progression.
Diseases that are more commonly experienced in older cats include:
🦷 Dental disease
💧 Kidney disease
♥️ Heart disease
🦴 Arthritis
Many owners will assume their cat’s behavioural changes are JUST because they are aging. However, changes such as inappropriate toileting, aggression and inappetence should alert you to an underlying disease.
If you are concerned about your cat or think they need a check up, give Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic a call on 6847 1129.

07/07/2025

🐶 Are your pets due for vaccination? 🐜 Worried about their itchy skin?
🐴 Do your horses’ teeth need a check?
🐄 Or need some cattle checked over?

🚗 Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic have appointments available on their monthly town visits!
🐑 Give us a call to schedule an appointment so we can get your animals in ship-shape! 🐮

25/06/2025

After the recent wind and rain, there has been an increase in Parvo cases around Gilgandra. Parvovirus is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease that can impact dogs at all ages. Infected dogs require immediate attention and if left untreated Parvovirus can become FATAL.
Dogs can contract the disease from their environment and other infected dogs.
If your dog experiences:
🦠 Vomiting
🩸 Bloody diarrhoea
😴 Lethargy
🍗 Inappetence
Then Parvo maybe the culprit.
We encourage everyone to check their dog is UP TO DATE with their Parvovirus vaccinations 💉 .
If you are unsure of your animal’s vaccination status, give Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic a call ☎️ on 6847 1129

23/06/2025

Old horses need a lot of TLC to ensure they are kept comfortable as they age. In addition to arthritis and worn teeth, there are two endocrine disorders that can significantly impact your horse’s health.
👵 PITUITARY PARS INTERMEDIA (PPID) aka ‘Equine Cushing’s’ 🐴
PPID is a condition caused by dysfunction of the pituitary gland in the brain, resulting in abnormal hormone production. Old horses (>19yrs) will often present with
- changes in hair coat/ inability to shed winter coat
- chronic infections/ delayed wound healing
- pot bellied appearance
- hoof abscesses
- laminitis
A simple blood test can help to identify the condition which may allow for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In some cases, PPID can increase the risk of another condition called
🐎 EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME (EMS)🌱
EMS is the term used to describe insulin dis-regulation . This means horses are unable to regulate their blood glucose and insulin levels. It is often seen in middle aged horses, but is more common in pony breeds and American Quarter horses. These horses will initially present with:
- prolonged periods of laminitis
- excess fat deposition in the neck and around the base of the tail
A blood test can help identify elevated insulin levels, which again, can allow for a reliable diagnosis. Treatment primarily consists of dietary management and supplementation to prevent blood sugar spikes.
When was the last time your old mate had a check up?
Book an appointment today!
📞 Call Gilgandra Veterinary clinic on 6847 1129 ☎️
Looking for some supplements to help with their aging. Have a look at our partnership online store!!!
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02/06/2025

As the weather is getting cooler, it’s important to check in on our older four-legged friends.
Dogs are considered ‘senior’ over the age of 8. At this time, a range of ailments tend to appear including arthritis, incontinence, deafness and blindness. So what can you do to look after your animals in their golden years?
1. KEEP UP TO DATE ⏰: ensure your animals are up to date with vaccinations, worm and flea treatments. Older animals have a weaker immune system, so are more susceptible to disease.
2. LOOK AFTER THEIR JOINTS 🦴: Older animals are often slower to rise and move around. Ensure to keep their joints warm with soft, deep bedding and jackets in cooler months. Ask us about what we can do to help keep your pet comfortable.
3. GET THEM CHECKED ✔️: Annual or bi-annual check-ups with Gilgandra Vet Clinic can help to pick-up on any unusual behaviours, lumps or age-related changes. If your pet has pre-existing conditions (heart or endocrine diseases etc.), ask your vet how often they should have a check-up.
There are lots of factors to consider when trying to keep your pet comfortable in their later years. Book an appointment at Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic to see how we can give your pets the best lease on life!
📞 Call us on 6847 1129!

21/05/2025

Do you know of a few horses that need their teeth checked? Not performing as you’d hoped? Dropping all that costly feed on the ground?
Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic is putting out an expression of interest for an *Equine Dental Day*. Organise a group of 4-5 horses (whether it’s by yourself or with friends) and book an appointment for one of our team (crush and dental equipment in tow) to give your horse a thorough and complete oral exam!
We are happy to travel out to your property on a day that suits best so that everyone wins! Alternatively, schedule an appointment during our monthly visit to your area.
Be quick! Spaces are limited.
Make an appointment by phoning the clinic on 6847 1129.
You’ll be amazed at some of the things horses will hide in their mouths!

15/05/2025

You can tell a lot about a horse through the condition of their mouth. Up until the age of 5 years, a horse will lose up to 44 teeth!
Although their adult teeth will erupt for most of their life, changes in feed and the introduction of a bit can cause abnormal tooth development and wear. Retained caps, wolf teeth and sharp enamel points are all common findings in horses as young as 2 years old! With a thorough veterinary dental exam, such pathology can be identified and resolved promptly, reducing the risk of oral ulceration and performance complications. Fortunately, Gilgandra Vets are equipped with the skills and tools to remove unwanted caps and wolf teeth to get your horse pain-free and at peak performance!
It is recommended that young horses have dental exams conducted every 6 months.
If you think your horse is overdue for an appointment, give us a call!

02/05/2025

🙏😀😁Wanting to support local businesses but still get the online pricing? Well.... NOW YOU CAN!!!
At GilVets, we are committed to helping you do the best by your pets - even in tough economic times. By shopping at our partner online store PetPA, and noting Gilgandra Vets as your "local" you can tick both boxes now.
Access the website below and it will link your purchases to us.
They even provide free delivery and can send out regular orders so you can always remember when it is worming time. 🎉🙌🐛
Rest assured we will still be stocking a range for those immediate need cases but we are very aware of how easy the online purchase option is.
Feel free to contact us at the clinic, 0268471129, with any questions.
🐾🐩😻🐈🐷✅🐑🐮🐁🐏🐎❤😍

Pet PA is committed to providing the best pet care in Australia by offering pet pharmacy, pet products, wellness plans and pet education. Find out more!

30/04/2025

‼️🔔 Pig Hunters Be Aware 🔔‼️
A recent spike in dogs testing positive to Brucella Suis in the Central West has brought about some concern for dog owners and clinic staff alike.
Brucella suis, or “Brucellosis”, is a bacterial infection carried by pigs that has the ability to infect dogs and people.
* If you notice ANY health abnormalities in the feral pigs whilst hunting or your pig hunting dog is unwell Brucellosis should be considered likely.
* Avoid opening the carcass and do not feed any raw feral pigs meat to your dog.

Whilst this disease is not new, the current number of cases is alarming. Its risk of spread to humans is real and has the potential to cause protracted illness in both animals and humans alike.
If you have concerns, please contact your GP for human health advice or the veterinary clinic for animal advice.

See below for further info on what to look out for.

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01/04/2025

Next Wednesday we are heading out to Mendooran!
Give us a call on 6847 1129 if you’d like to make an appointment.