Geelong Animal Referral Services

Geelong Animal Referral Services We believe close communication with your local vet is key to the best care.

Leading specialists | Compassionate care | Clinical excellence

A center of clinical excellence committed to achieving the best outcomes for every pet and pet owner.

Not your average patient! Buddy the Bearded Dragon made a special visit to our hospital for an ultrasound of his heart. ...
12/02/2025

Not your average patient! Buddy the Bearded Dragon made a special visit to our hospital for an ultrasound of his heart. Even the most unexpected creatures need referrals.

Addressing your Geelong Animal Referral Services travel FAQ. Have more questions? Drop them in the comments, and we'll b...
10/02/2025

Addressing your Geelong Animal Referral Services travel FAQ.

Have more questions? Drop them in the comments, and we'll be happy to cover them in a future post.

Take a look inside our sister hospital, Melbourne Animal Referral Services (MARS)! Whether you're in the heart of Melbou...
07/02/2025

Take a look inside our sister hospital, Melbourne Animal Referral Services (MARS)!

Whether you're in the heart of Melbourne, the surrounding suburbs, or regional Victoria, we’ve still got you covered with top-tier care.

The state of the art MARS hospital is located in Hawthorn East (just off the M1). Make sure you check out our new facilities, including the most advanced cancer care in the state. Our team of surgeons, medics, oncologists work hand in hand together to deliver the very best in veterinary referral care.

03/02/2025

What is THAT?!

Hyalohyphomycosis is a very rare fungal infection caused by non-pigmented (hyaline) moulds, which are found in the environment, particularly in soil and decaying organic matter. These moulds can enter the body of animals through inhalation, ingestion, or open wounds, and can affect various organs such as the skin, lungs, eyes, and internal organs.

The infection can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin lesions, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and in more severe cases, systemic infections that affect multiple organs. Hyalohyphomycosis is most commonly seen in pets with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, or animals with underlying health conditions.

Due to its ability to mimic other diseases, early diagnosis is essential. Tests like fungal cultures, biopsy samples, and advanced imaging may be needed to confirm the infection. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, but the success of treatment depends on early intervention and the specific health status of the animal.

If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your pet, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. For cases requiring further diagnosis and treatment of infections like hyalohyphomycosis, our specialised medicine department is available to provide the expert care your pet needs to recover.

03/02/2025

Happy World Golden Retriever Day! Today, we’re sending love to all the wonderful Goldens we’ve met at GARS and to every Golden Retriever lover out there.

We know this day can be bittersweet for those who’ve said goodbye to their beloved Goldens, and we’re thinking of you too.

Let’s celebrate the joy and love these amazing dogs bring to our lives, whether they’re with us today or forever in our hearts.

How are you honouring your Golden today?

A big thank you to Fiona for sharing Phoenix's journey with us! We're so happy to hear that you felt confident in our ca...
02/02/2025

A big thank you to Fiona for sharing Phoenix's journey with us! We're so happy to hear that you felt confident in our care and that Phoenix is doing well after his BOAS surgery. We appreciate your trust and recommendation and look forward to supporting you and your pets in the future.

Did you know that rehabilitation and hydrotherapy can significantly improve your pet's recovery, mobility, and overall w...
30/01/2025

Did you know that rehabilitation and hydrotherapy can significantly improve your pet's recovery, mobility, and overall well-being? Whether it's following surgery, an injury, or a chronic condition, rehab and hydrotherapy can be incredibly beneficial.

Here’s why:

1. Pain Management
Hydrotherapy uses water resistance to gently exercise your pet, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. The buoyancy of water supports their body, making movement less painful while still providing a good workout.

2. Improved Mobility & Strength
Hydrotherapy promotes joint movement and strengthens muscles without putting strain on bones or joints. It’s especially helpful for older pets or those with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other mobility issues.

3. Faster Recovery After Surgery
Pets who undergo procedures such as CrCL (cranial cruciate ligament) repair, fracture repairs, spinal decompressive surgery or hip replacements often benefit from rehab therapy to speed up recovery and improve the overall outcome. Hydrotherapy helps reduce swelling, promotes circulation, and can help to speed up the healing process.

4. Weight Management
Hydrotherapy can be an excellent way for overweight pets to exercise without the stress on their joints. By gently increasing their fitness levels, hydrotherapy can support weight loss and improve their overall health.

5. Enhanced Circulation & Muscle Tone
The water's resistance improves circulation and helps maintain muscle tone, which is vital for long-term joint health and general well-being.

6. Mental Health Benefits
Exercise in a calm, water-based environment helps reduce stress, anxiety, and behavioural problems. Rehab sessions can provide pets with a positive, structured outlet for their energy.

If your pet is recovering from a surgical procedure or lives with a chronic condition, hydrotherapy might be a suitable complementary treatment option. If you have questions, contact GARS today!

The GARS garden has recently had a major makeover, and the place has never looked so good! The green space now blends s...
29/01/2025

The GARS garden has recently had a major makeover, and the place has never looked so good!

The green space now blends seamlessly into our beautiful surroundings and is a perfect place for our patients to soak up some sunshine, breathe in the fresh air and have a little toilet break.

Meet the dedicated team of veterinary residents, currently undertaking their residency programs at GARS! A veterinary re...
23/01/2025

Meet the dedicated team of veterinary residents, currently undertaking their residency programs at GARS! A veterinary resident is a veterinarian who has chosen to pursue advanced training to become a board-certified specialist in their chosen field. Each resident has obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and completed at least one year-long internship before being eligible for a residency program.

Working closely with our team of experienced veterinary specialists, they are well on their way to achieving their career goals in their chosen discipline.

Dr Kate & Dr Anupama in Emergency & Critical Care, Dr Sophie and Dr James in Surgery, Dr Brody in Internal Medicine & Dr Bree in Radiology.

We are very fortunate to have these hardworking, compassionate and dedicated vets on our team and have no doubt they’ll make fantastic specialists in their respective fields!

Get to know more of our team on the website www.garsvets.com.au/about-us/meet-the-team/

Rocky presented to GARS in October following an episode of acute collapse. With no prior history of lameness, ataxia or ...
21/01/2025

Rocky presented to GARS in October following an episode of acute collapse.
With no prior history of lameness, ataxia or reduced mobility, the acute change was a major concern to Rocky’s owners & the GARS specialist team.

CT & MRI reports confirmed a diagnosis of FCE (Fibrocartilagenous
Embolism), a condition that can result in a range of neurological disorders. FCE occurs when a small piece of cartilage enters the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord & creates a blockage.

Blood cannot reach an area of the spinal cord & therefore cannot deliver oxygen to the nervous tissue, resulting in the nerves no longer being able to transmit messages effectively from the brain to the rest of the body. The location of the embolism determines the neurological signs observed.

In Rocky’s case, the FCE had occurred in his cervical spine (neck), so the signs of weakness & absence of motor function were present in all 4 limbs.
Recovery from an FCE is a long process which can take many weeks.

Rocky remained in hospital for a number of weeks for ongoing physiotherapy & supportive care, which included bladder expression (until he could urinate voluntarily), frequent turning to avoid pressure sores, monitoring his fluid intake & regularly changing his bedding. He showed significant improvement during his stay & could even get himself up from laying down!

Our team fell in love with Rocky & took him to the Barwon River in the hospital buggy for fresh air & a change of scenery. He was picked up from GARS for weekly rehabilitation & hydrotherapy sessions at Geelong Canine Fitness, which played an enormous role in his recovery.

Gradually Rocky showed improvement & he continues to gain more & more strength!
There is still a little way to go for Rocky, but his dedicated family is cheering him on along with the GARS hospital team and !

We are all so proud of you, Rocky!

We’re thrilled to welcome all the vets who have recently joined the GARS online community! When you sign up as a referri...
16/01/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome all the vets who have recently joined the GARS online community!

When you sign up as a referring vet with GARS, you’re connecting your patients to top-tier care and a range of advanced services designed for complex cases. From specialised oncology to breed-specific surgeries, our team provides expert support to your practice.

Plus, as a referring vet, you'll receive priority access to updates, seamless case management, and a direct line to our specialists.

🔗 Learn more about becoming a GARS referring vet on our website—www.garsvets.com.au/resources/new-vet-registration/

Dr Ricky and surgical nurses Cassie and Laura are very pleased with how everything went during the complex total hip rep...
14/01/2025

Dr Ricky and surgical nurses Cassie and Laura are very pleased with how everything went during the complex total hip replacement surgery!

There are smiles all round beneath those masks!

Thank you so much for your kind words and trust in Dr. Adrian Wallace. We’re thrilled that he could find the solution to...
11/01/2025

Thank you so much for your kind words and trust in Dr. Adrian Wallace. We’re thrilled that he could find the solution to improve your bulldog’s health and quality of life.

GARS takes pride in making a difference for pets and their families, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to help your beloved dog breathe easier and feel better.

Happy National Labrador Retriever Day! The team at GARS is celebrating the friendly, loyal, and adventurous Labrador Ret...
08/01/2025

Happy National Labrador Retriever Day!

The team at GARS is celebrating the friendly, loyal, and adventurous Labrador Retrievers!

Labs bring so much joy with their playful spirit and love for life. Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to all the wonderful Labradors we care for and the families who love them. From routine care to specialist treatments, we’re here to support these amazing pets at every stage of life.

Here’s to Labs everywhere!

As the temperature rises, remember that pets are just as vulnerable to heat stroke as we are. Unlike humans, pets can’t ...
07/01/2025

As the temperature rises, remember that pets are just as vulnerable to heat stroke as we are. Unlike humans, pets can’t sweat to cool down, making them more susceptible to overheating in hot weather.

Heat stroke happens when body temperatures rise too high, causing organs & systems to overheat. Without prompt treatment, it can be life-threatening.

Keep an eye out for the following signs of heat stroke:
▪ Excessive panting or drooling
▪ Vomiting
▪ Lethargy
▪ Bright red or blue gums

What to do if you notice these symptoms:
1. Move your pet to a cooler area.
2. Offer water and cool them down gradually.
3. Seek immediate veterinary care

Some breeds are at a higher risk of heatstroke/overheating including flat-faced breeds such as Aussie, British or French bulldogs, and Pugs, and other purebred dogs including Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows, and Akitas to name a few.

Prevention is key: Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, provide constant access to cold, clean water, and never leave pets in parked cars.

If you're concerned about your pet or need advice on keeping them cool, our expert team is always ready to help. Stay safe and keep your pets cool this summer!

Happy Mew Year’s day for Cats! It's time to pamper our feline friends and celebrate the start of a new year! Whether it'...
01/01/2025

Happy Mew Year’s day for Cats!

It's time to pamper our feline friends and celebrate the start of a new year! Whether it's extra cuddles, a spa day with a paw massage, or some fun playtime, today is all about making your cat feel special. Let's not forget about the many cats in shelters looking for their forever homes—consider spreading the love and helping them get a fresh start this year.

Here’s to a pawsome 2025 with lots of purrs, naps, and whisker wiggles!

Happy New Year from the GARS Team! As we welcome a new year, we’re excited to continue providing expert care for your pa...
31/12/2024

Happy New Year from the GARS Team!

As we welcome a new year, we’re excited to continue providing expert care for your patients.

If you’re a referring vet, we’d love to work together in 2025 to give your clients access to our specialist services, from surgery and emergency care to internal medicine and oncology. Our team is ready to support your practice and provide the best care for pets in need.

Why Refer to GARS?
✔️ Experienced Specialists
✔️ Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
✔️ Comprehensive Care

We’re here to support your practice & patients with seamless referrals, expert consultations, and specialised treatments. For more information or to refer a patient, visit our website or contact our team www.garsvets.com.au.

Celebrating the end of the year in style with this little cutie, Helmit! After completing chemo, she’s ready to ring in ...
31/12/2024

Celebrating the end of the year in style with this little cutie, Helmit!

After completing chemo, she’s ready to ring in the new year with all the love and joy she deserves—and a party hat to top it off!

Here's to the strength of all our furry friends, and to a fresh start for them and us in 2025.

Address

Units 9/10 7-21 Newcastle Street
Newtown, VIC
3220

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Geelong Animal Referral Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Geelong Animal Referral Services:

Videos

Roses are red, violets are blue, my valentines date is cuter than you… Happy Valentine’s Day to our GARS followers! Today is all about pampering our furry friends with the perfect doggy date night! What will you do today to show your pets a little extra love? #valentinesday2025 #garsvets #geelongvets #veterinaryhospital #vetsurgeon #vetsofgeelong #emergencyvet #emergencyvet #petsofgeelong #emergencyvet #vetreferrals #vetmedicine

What is THAT?! Hyalohyphomycosis is a very rare fungal infection caused by non-pigmented (hyaline) moulds, which are found in the environment, particularly in soil and decaying organic matter. These moulds can enter the body of animals through inhalation, ingestion, or open wounds, and can affect various organs such as the skin, lungs, eyes, and internal organs. The infection can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin lesions, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and in more severe cases, systemic infections that affect multiple organs. Hyalohyphomycosis is most commonly seen in pets with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, or animals with underlying health conditions. Due to its ability to mimic other diseases, early diagnosis is essential. Tests like fungal cultures, biopsy samples, and advanced imaging may be needed to confirm the infection. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, but the success of treatment depends on early intervention and the specific health status of the animal. If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your pet, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. For cases requiring further diagnosis and treatment of infections like hyalohyphomycosis, our specialised medicine department is available to provide the expert care your pet needs to recover.

Happy World Golden Retriever Day! Today, we’re sending love to all the wonderful Goldens we’ve met at GARS and to every Golden Retriever lover out there. We know this day can be bittersweet for those who’ve said goodbye to their beloved Goldens, and we’re thinking of you too. Let’s celebrate the joy and love these amazing dogs bring to our lives, whether they’re with us today or forever in our hearts. How are you honouring your Golden today?

Shortcuts

Share

Category