Strange Creatures

31/12/2023

🎆 Happy New Year! 🎆

We may be several hours early, but we wish you all an incredible new year, and hope that 2024 holds great things for each and every pet and owner out there!

It has been an incredible year of laughs, intriguing cases, wonderful clients and an awesome team at Dr Amanda's side.

With no guarantee as to what strange creatures Dr Amanda may see in a day, we thoroughly look forward to 2024 and all of the pocket pets, exotic animals and wildlife that we will be able to care for.

Thank you for your ongoing support, we look forward to seeing you and your wonderful pets in the new year!

🎇 REMINDER 🎇

Kiama Downs Vets is closed for the public holiday tomorrow, meaning that Dr Amanda is unable to service you and your pets. If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, please contact the team at ARH in Fairy Meadow, or any alternate emergency vet hospital.

Additionally, please aim to protect your furry, feathered and scaled friends from the frightening noises produced by fireworks, as these noises can trigger a "fight or flight" response which can lead them to escape or injure themselves.

09/11/2023

🪶 Handsome Goober is here to remind everyone that feathered friends need worm treatment too! 🪶

Intestinal worms are a commonly seen parasite that burdens all animals, ranging from lizards to birds, from dogs to cats and even livestock! Worms can cause gut upset, nutritional deficiencies, diarrhoea, nausea, lethargy, depression and in extreme cases they can even cause death.

To prevent and treat for these potentially harmful parasites, birds should be wormed every 3 months using a treatment recommended by a veterinarian, as the treatment options differ depending on breed and whether their eggs are consumed by humans.

If you wish to discuss the options for worm treatment for your pet, please contact the team at Kiama Downs Vets on (02) 4237 8522 so that we can help you keep your strange creatures happy and healthy!

04/11/2023

🦇 Bat season is in full force 🦇

Bats, one of our wonderful native Australian animals, are incredibly important to the ecosystem.

At this time of year they are emerging with their babies attached to their bodies in search of food and shelter. If you see any bats that are injured, on the ground or stuck somewhere they're not meant to be, please phone WIRES on 1300 094 737 and DO NOT APPROACH.

Although these animals are wonderful to appreciate from afar, they do carry diseases that can be deadly to humans, and they are wild animals that will bite and scratch to defend themselves if they feel threatened.

Unfortunately this sweet baby bat has passed over the rainbow bridge, but it's life will stand as a reminder that bats are breeding and may need our educated assistance as they are a threatened species.

18/10/2023

⚠️ WARNING, images 2 & 3 are graphic and show open wounds on a red-bellied black snake ⚠️

With the weather warming up, snakes like Red-bellied black snakes, Golden crown snakes and Copperhead snakes are making their way into the sun to enjoy the warmth. ☀️

If you encounter a snake in your yard or in a public space, please do not approach it - instead contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 and one of their volunteers will be able to assist, otherwise please contact the Illawarra Snake Catcher on 0418 162 441 if WIRES is unavailable at the time. Typically when approached these snakes will attempt to escape, but if backed into a corner, like any other animal, they will display defensive behaviours and attempt to bite to envenomate their attacker. This is where most humans and animals are critically injured.

Please refrain from taking matters into your own hands, as approaching these snakes is highly dangerous and can result in personal injury. The action of intentionally injuring a native animal, be it a snake or any other Australian native, is illegal and can result in major fines.

This beautiful Red Belly was in our care after a run in with a member of public, where the snake came off second-best. The member of public chose to take matters into their own hands, using a shovel they attempted to "chop the snake's head off". Fortunately for the snake, they missed it's head by a mile, causing a repairable deep wound that Dr Amanda was able to fix.

This Red-bellied black snake is now in the care of a talented WIRES carer where it will be medicated, rehabilitated and released back into the wild just in time for Summers beautifully warm rays ☀️

13/10/2023

🎉 Happy Belated Vet Nurse Day 🎉

October 13th, 2023, marks the celebration of every Veterinary Nurse and the excellent care they offer to the pets and wildlife of the world!
The day got away from us yesterday, and although our incredible team of exotic vet nurses received love and praise in person, they still deserve to be adored by the masses.
Each of these people hold a special place in Dr Amanda's life, they are not only colleagues, they are also friends. They deserve to be known and appreciated, below are some of the things that help them stand out!

🦜 Nurse Ashlee - Bright and colourful, often described by Amanda as the "fairy floss nurse" because of her bright pink and blue hair. Ash powers through the day as a one man army and is incredibly dedicated to every pet or wild animal she works with, putting time and effort into ensuring their safety in the clinic. She is everything you could ask for in a nurse, plus some.

🐍 Nurse Chloe - It's hard to really put things into words here, considering Chloe is helping create this post. To keep it short and sweet, Chlo is dedicated, joyful, hard-working and determined to make every day as happy as possible for the staff and clients of our clinic. She has worked hard to learn as much as possible about the exotic creatures she cares for and her care has improved tenfold as a result.

🐇 Nurse Lily - An amazingly bubbly nurse with no faults in sight, nurse Lily powers through the day giving love and affection to every pet that enters the clinic. Lil has experience in emergency nursing and knows exactly how to keep a cool head while under pressure - she is a calming presence for anyone in the clinic. She is wonderfully thoughtful, compassionate and friendly, without her the clinic would crumble.

🦇 Nurse Tanya - A dedicated nurse who always has her team's back, Tan has grown into her role with exotics. She puts 110% of herself into her work, and it pays off in the care that the pets receive, and the smiles on the owner's faces. Nothing compares to her might or love for her work and team, she is powerful in all aspects of life - the clinic would not be the same without her.

Thank you all so much, we love you!

06/10/2023

💧Fun Fact Friday 💧

Did you know that the platypus is one of the only mammals that lays eggs? They are also known as monotremes.

Also, the males of this species have venomous spurs on their hind limbs, while the females have milk-producing glands that secrete milk onto the skin of their bellies, rather than having t***s to feed their young.

They are another one of Australia's strange creatures, one which is widely adored by society, and especially the team that works with Dr Amanda.

**Images are not the property of Dr Amanda, her team or Strange Creatures Vet. All rights and credit goes to the original photographers.**

29/09/2023

Ramen is here to let everyone know that Dr Amanda will be unavailable for appointments on Monday the 2nd of October due to Kiama Downs Veterinary Hospital being closed over the long weekend.

If you are experiencing a genuine veterinary emergency please contact Kiama Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4232 1221 to get in touch with the on-duty vet or contact one of your local 24-hour emergency veterinary hospitals.

🌞 Otherwise follow Ramen's lead and enjoy the warm weather that's in store for the Illawarra this long weekend! Catch some rays, go for a swim (or lay in your water bowl, in Ramen's case) and enjoy an extra day of free time. 🌞

20/09/2023

🌞 As the weather warms up, we will be seeing many more snakes out and about, soaking up the rays! 🌞

Snakes, much like this gorgeous little Golden Crown Snake, will be moving out into the sun now that the weather is warming up. Although they typically prefer to be somewhere out of the way to avoid contact with humans or potential predators, many of them have been popping up in backyards and around footpaths. This is completely normal, and provided they are not in harm's way or in an area where their defensive behaviours can cause harm they should be left alone and they will go back to their homes once they have satisfied their daily need for vitamin D from the sun.

If you do encounter a snake of any shape and size, in an area where it could be harmed or cause harm to humans and pets, please contact WIRES via 1300 094 737 or The Illawarra Snake Catcher via 0418 162 441.

15/09/2023

🪶 FUN FACT FRIDAY 🪶

Did you know that magpies are highly intelligent creatures?

They have highly complex social structures and are capable of complex vocalisation (which includes complex mimicry of animals). They are able to mimic the calls of over 35 different species of bird, dogs, cats and even human voices and phrases if given the time to learn them.

☀️ SPRING HAS SPRUNG ☀️

With the weather warming up, our local birds will be producing young!
Young birds will be spreading their wings and learning to fly, many of which will be learning to take off from the floor.

If you find a feathered baby bird, much like the magpie in this post, and it is in a safe space with it's parents nearby, please leave it be as it is just learning. If a feathered young bird is in an unsafe environment or appears injured, take it to your local veterinary clinic or call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

07/09/2023

🦎 FUN FACT FRIDAY 🦎

Today's fun fact is about the Shingleback Lizard, an Australian native reptile that is the bulkiest member of the blue-tongue family. They are characterised by their thick rough scales, dark brown colouration and a stumpy wide tail that resembles their head.

☀️ Did you know that Shingleback Lizards mate for life?
They engage in lifelong monogamous relationships, meaning they remain with one partner for their lives. The Shingleback Lizard will live alone for the majority of the year, then they reunite with their partner during mating season to reproduce.

☀️ Did you also know that these wonderful reptiles give birth to live young? Rather than laying eggs, these lizards will give birth to live young that immediately venture away from their family to navigate the world without the assistance of their parents.

**Image credit goes to the original photographer, no credit is claimed by Strange Creatures Vet for the image**

06/09/2023

💙 Bright, colourful and full of sass! 💛

Bubbles came in to see Amanda for a standard health check, wing trim and nail clip. Although Bubbles was not pleased with needing a manicure or having his gorgeous wing feathers clipped, he behaved well and reviewed lots of bird treats as repayment for his patience with us!

🌱 Remember, our feathered friends need regular checkups with a veterinary professional, much like a cat or a dog! The team that works alongside Dr Amanda suggests a checkup with an exotics specialising vet every 6 months, this way we can ensure they are happy and healthy. 🌱

If your bird is due for a health check, or if you feel like your bird is unwell or acting strangely, please call Kiama Downs Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4237 8522 to arrange a time to see Dr Amanda - We promise that your feathered friend will receive ample amounts of treats for their patience whilst visiting the clinic!

21/08/2023

This little bat came in to see Dr Amanda recently due to an injury on one of her toes.

A quick general anaesthetic, some cleaning and a bandage was all it took to send this bat over to the carers at WIRES to be rehabilitated and eventually released!

🦇 How spec-bat-ular! 🦇

As a veterinarian with a plethora of knowledge when it comes to wildlife, we work closely with WIRES day in and day out to ensure our native wildlife gets the best care it deserves.

If you come across a wild animal that is out of place or potentially injured, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 to get a hold of a voluntary member of the team who can come collect the native wild animal that you have found.

14/08/2023

☘️ Look at all of that hair! ☘️

Little Phoenix, a gorgeous (and very tolerant) guinea pig, came into Kiama Downs Veterinary Hospital for a health check and a mani-pedi.

Phoenix sat very still and barely made a peep while Dr Amanda checked them over from head to toe, then snipped away any sharp nail tips on all four feet.

💅 Our team of exotics nurses and Dr Amanda are all skilled at offering nail trims to strange creatures of all sizes. To book your pet in for a mani-pedi please contact Kiama Downs Vets on (02) 4237 8522. 💅

08/08/2023

Everybody say "hi" to Roo the handsome rooster! 🐓

Little Roo sat perfectly still while he was given his coccidia vaccine, then offered some model-like poses for the camera!

🐥 A reminder to all companion bird and poultry owners, both in large scale and small, that we offer the coccidia vaccine in clinic. Coccidia is a parasitic infection that can be life-threatening in extreme cases. A one off dose of a coccidia vaccine will protect your feathered friend from coccidia for life! Contact Kiama Downs Vets on (02) 4237 8522 to organise a booking with Dr Amanda. 🐥

02/08/2023

🌱 CUTENESS OVERLOAD 🌱

This incredibly adorable little man is currently in the care of WIRES and was an absolute dream on his visit to the clinic.

🌿 WOMBAT FUN FACTS 🌿
• Did you know that a group a wombats is called a "wisdom"?
• Juvenile wombats experience small bursts of energy which result in incredibly cute "zoomies".
• Despite their stature, wombats are very good jumpers and can run at a similar pace to a human, averaging a speed of 40 kilometres per hour.

27/07/2023

Meet Hades, a bearded dragon with the sassiest side eye, and Biscuit, his feathered sibling who always has a lot to say! 🦜🦎

Both Hades and Biscuit were given wormers, nail trims and a necessary physical exam. Of course their consultations were filled with plenty of cuddles and pats. They were very well behaved for the duration of their visit.

✨ It is recommended that all exotic pets come in for 6 monthly or annual health checks with Amanda, and that your pets receive worming treatment on a three monthly basis. If your pet is due for a check up, please call Kiama Downs Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4237 8522 to organise a booking! ✨

25/07/2023

Dr Amanda and her exotics nurse, Tanya, had a very busy day recently!

With multiple surgeries and a jam-packed day of consultations, they were run off their feet with weird and wonderful critters. 🐍

Even when things are busy, each and every patient gets the gold-standard care they deserve. ⭐

These patients were certainly very happy with their care, they even posed for some pictures 📸

18/07/2023

This little guinea pig came in to see Dr Amanda for desexing recently.

Asides from the surgery, the little man received lots of cuddles, attention and healthy snacks from the team.

He was a stellar patient and is healing remarkably well!

11/07/2023

💜 REUNITED, BACK HOME WITH HER HUMANS 💜

‼️ATTENTION: LOST MOUSTACHE PARROT‼️

Name: Peaches
Other details: Female, 8 years old
Area: Missing from Jindabye street, Flinders as of yesterday afternoon.

Peaches is incredibly friendly, even with strangers, she is chatty, active and likely to approach strangers.
She has full flight feathers, so keep an eye out in the trees and on your roofs.
Very loved family pet, please contact us if you find her!
If you do have her, please get extra details from anyone coming forward as her "owner", just to make sure she goes home with her real owner.

01/07/2023

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Follow Mildred's lead, get out and enjoy the sun ☀️

27/06/2023

Say "hi" to Bonnie, a gorgeous little flying fox who is currently in care with Bats - Bomaderry and Beyond. She presented for wing membrane damage and they have been doing an incredible job caring for her.

Bonnie came in for a check up on her wing membrane with Dr Amanda. Thanks to the amazing carers who are giving her gold-standard care, her wing membrane is healing up beautifully and she is likely to obtain optimal flight in the near future.

Thanks to the Bats - Bomaderry and Beyond team, many bats are able to recover and be released. You guys are incredible! 🦇

17/06/2023

This gorgeous juvenile yellow-tailed black cockatoo came in for a visit to Dr Amanda on Friday, we were very excited to see it - even if it was not happy to see us!

WIRES brought this little munchkin in for an assessment after it was found on the ground, unable to fly, with it's parents frantically flying overhead. After a physical examination and a few x-rays the black cockatoo was deemed healthy enough for a brief rehabilitation and subsequent release back to it's parents.

We don't get to see many of these gorgeous birds in the clinic, being an Australian native with rapidly decreasing numbers it is both a special and daunting moment to assess it's viability for release. Luckily, this juvenile was unscathed and will be able to be released to live a long and healthy life!

There are not many sources of food for these magnificent birds. They have a primary diet of seeds from native plants, namely Casuarinas, Banksias, Hakeas and some introduced pine species. As well as native seeds, they eat wood-boring insects.
Unfortunately, due to their diet, habitat and nesting-areas Black Cockatoos are at risk of eventual extinction due to clearance of native trees.

So let's love and appreciate them, they are truly magnificent native Australian birds!

03/06/2023

Miss Mildred is here to remind everyone that there is a coccidia vaccine promotion running until the 15th of June, 2023!

The promotion includes the one-off coccidia vaccine and a faecal floatation to check for pre-existing infection for a reduced price of $45.

If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please contact Kiama Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4232 1221 or Kiama Downs Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4237 8522 to book a quick visit with Dr Amanda.

**Extra reduced prices may be applicable for clients with larger flocks, please contact either clinic to discuss these alternate prices**

29/05/2023

Some more batty cuteness to start your week off right!

Happy Monday everyone 🦇

23/05/2023

We went absolutely batty for this little flying fox! 🦇

This adorable little flying fox came in to see Dr Amanda after a stressful week tangled up in wires in someone's backyard. WIRES was called and volunteers collected this little sweetheart.

After some radiographs to rule out infection of the bone, Dr Amanda was able to debride, flush and stitch the flying fox's wing!

Thanks to our wonderful exotics vet, strange creatures - much like this little flying fox friend - are able to be healed, rehabilitated and released with the help and care of WIRES volunteers.

17/05/2023

CALLING ALL BIRD OWNERS
🪿🦆🦢🐓🦜🕊️

Our Kiama Downs Veterinary clinic is running a promotion for a coccidia vaccine.
Coccidia is a preventable parasitic infection that causes diarrhoea, loss of body condition, depression, inappetence and in severe cases, death. The second picture shows what coccidia oocytes look like in a faecal sample.
We have access to a vaccine that your feathered friend only needs a single dose of to cover them from this potentially fatal disease FOR LIFE!

From now until the 15th of June, Kiama Downs Veterinary Clinic is offering a no-charge-consultation, faecal float to check for pre-existing infection and the vaccination for a discounted promotional price of $45!

The discounted price is $85 less than our typical price.

If you're a poultry farmer or aviary keeper with a large flock, further discounts may apply on the vaccine itself!

If you want to prevent coccidia, this vaccination is the easiest option and it sets your feathered friend up for a happy and healthy life, free of coccidia.

Contact Kiama Downs Veterinary Clinic on (02) 4237 8522 or Kiama Veterinary Hospital on (02) 4232 1221 to book in with Dr Amanda Brett and take advantage of this amazing promotion!

15/05/2023

Someone has a bit of Mondayitis 🤭😜

10/05/2023

Meet little miss Olive. Don't let her size fool you, she has a whole lot of personality in her tiny body!

Olive came in to see Dr Amanda after having her tail bitten by her bearded dragon sister. Unfortunately the tail was not salvageable and the tip of Olive's tail had to be surgically amputated.

It has officially been one month since Olive's surgery, her tail has healed and her sutures were removed from the top of her tail yesterday.

Olive is now happily set for a wonderful life (less a little bit of her tail) and will undoubtedly entertain her family with her incredible personality.

Fun fact of the day: Did you know that bearded dragons show their emotions on their body? When angered, irritated or upset their chins will go black as a physical display of their emotions. Little Olive did this when we first handled her to sedate her in preparation for her tail tip amputation, she was not happy!

05/05/2023

We hope everyone is having a fun Friday!

To celebrate the end of the week, please enjoy this chicken song video that Dr Amanda Brett has picked out for your enjoyment!

Hopefully it will leave you laughing (and grooving) all the way into the weekend - Happy Friday everyone!

😂🐓😂

Want to see a chicken song made with Artificial Intelligence?https://youtu.be/VyDKmvRzVBAOr you prefer an amazing chicken animated story?https://youtu.be/Tc2...