Animal Emergency Service Tanawha

15/08/2024

We’ll be there. Come and say hi and grab some info about our Open Hospital and common pet emergencies. Our extraordinary vet nurse Melissa will be talking on centre stage and we are offering pet first aid on the day. Can’t wait.

Join us in Dogtopia for the tail-waggiest day of the year.. A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo!

🗓️ Saturday 31st August
⏰ 9.00am - 3.00pm
📍 Tewantin Noosa Lion’s Park, Gympie Terrace

😍With Educational Talks, Pet First-Aid, Grooming & Trick Demos, Competitions, 50+ doggy related stalls (plus food trucks for the humans!) and plenty of family-fun activities, we have everything you need to keep your furbabies happy and healthy!

🐶This event will help raise much needed funds for Hear No Evil: Australian Deaf Dog Rescue, a charity which rescues and rehomes deaf dogs so come enjoy a day of fur-baby and family-friendly fun, whilst supporting an excellent cause!

🎟️Checkout the link in our bio for tickets!
https://events.humanitix.com/a-dog-s-life-pet-expo-2024

09/08/2024

Endoscopy Success!

Our team recently performed an endoscopy on a pooch who chewed on goggles. We carefully removed the small fragments one piece at a time, and our brave pooch is now feeling much better. Well done to our awesome team for their precision and care! 🐾

06/08/2024

Come and visit our stall at Dog’s Life Pet Expo. We will be offering pet first aid if your pooch is in need of care and have lots of educational giveaways. We are excited to share information about our unique Open Hospital ensuring we keep families with their pets whilst in our care. See you there.

02/08/2024

Meet Portia, Nurse Lorena’s beloved cat. Portia is a 13-year-old DMH (domestic medium hair) beauty. Recently, Portia faced a life-threatening complication of diabetes known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a medical emergency where the body can't effectively use glucose, causing dangerously high blood sugar levels and leading to the production of ketone bodies from fat as an alternative fuel source. This results in acidosis, disrupted electrolyte balance, and can be fatal if untreated.

Portia's journey began when Lorena noticed her losing weight, vomiting a few times, and becoming very lethargic. Acting quickly, Lorena brought Portia to work, where she was admitted for a thorough examination. Blood tests, an ultrasound, and immediate fluid therapy revealed the DKA diagnosis.

The team rallied around Portia, providing round-the-clock care. This included 2-hourly blood glucose checks, blood gas measurements every 4 hours, and continuous insulin infusions alongside fluids. Through dedicated care and teamwork, Portia improved steadily over a few days.

Once stable, Portia went home with a morning and night insulin regimen, and continuous glucose monitoring using a Freestyle Libre device, which allows her blood glucose to be scanned easily.

Today, we're thrilled to report that Portia is doing amazing! Her resilience and the care from our team, and particularly, Nurse Lorena, made this recovery possible.

01/08/2024

🚨🐾 Attention Sunshine Coast Dog Owners! 🐾🚨

Dog attacks are on the rise, with a 10% increase on last year. Let’s keep everyone safe by following these essential tips:

1. Lock Up: Secure gates and fences.
2. Leash Up: Walk dogs on a lead unless in an off-leash area.
3. Respect Shared Spaces: Keep dogs close and on-leash.
4. Supervise at All Times: Always watch kids and pets.
5. Protect Wildlife: Keep dogs away from native animals.

New laws with stricter penalties for dog attacks come into effect on July 31. Stay informed and act responsibly.

In case of a dog attack report the incident to Sunshine Coast Council ASAP, provide detailed descriptions for investigation, seek veterinary treatment, document it and take photos of injuries and write down the incident details.

31/07/2024

🐾 Guess What the Dog Ate? If You Guessed Corn on the Cob, You're Correct! 🌽🐕

"You shall not pass!"... Corn cobs, the Gandalf of the stomach. One of the most common and dangerous foods our pups can swallow. These stubborn cobs don’t break down in a dog's gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they block the path of regular food and cause all sorts of intestinal mayhem.

Our dogs love to devour this delicious, juicy yellow treat... often whole... never mind that solid lump in the middle. Down the hatch! And there they get stuck, shortly after, in the stomach or intestines. This is where we come in, performing exploratory laparotomy, one of our most common emergency surgeries.

Minimise Risk 🚫🌽

Small and medium-sized dogs are at a higher risk for intestinal obstruction with corn cobs. However, they should be kept away from all types of dogs. Educate your family to ensure they get placed in a secure bin when being thrown out, and raw cobs stored away securely. As we know, our dogs aren’t fussy with cooking! Keep an eye out for sneaky opportunists when barbecuing or preparing food on a low bench. Acquiring extra snacks is a magic skill these furry wizards possess well!

And if you just cannot resist those sad pleading eyes, cut some kernels off the cob and put them into your dog’s bowl. A small amount of corn is fine for canines and this will also help train them not to eat off the table... we hope!

30/07/2024

Guess What the Dog Ate! 🐾

We had an interesting case recently and we need your help! Take a look at this X-ray and tell us what you think this curious pup managed to swallow! 🤔

Drop your guesses in the comments below! 👇 The answer will be revealed tomorrow, so stay tuned to find out if you guessed right!

26/07/2024

🐾 Meet Adorable Arthur! 🐾

Arthur's family thought they were helping his teeth by giving him a bone to chew on. But naughty little Arthur had other ideas - he swallowed the ENTIRE BEEF RIB whole without chewing! 😱

When his family realized what happened, they brought him to us immediately. X-rays revealed a very large bone in his stomach, especially given Arthur's small size. Fortunately, we were able to remove the bone via endoscopy. This procedure uses a camera and tools passed through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. The bone was secured and removed without causing any damage. The best part? No surgery was needed, so there was no healing time required!

Arthur was sent home shortly after and is doing well.

This is a good reminder that puppies love to do their own thing and can get into all sorts of trouble! Stay vigilant, fur parents! 🐾❤️

26/07/2024

We had the pleasure of attending Xmas in July at Bellflower Retirement Resort Sippy Downs to provide the residents with some pet first aid training and to judge their gorgeous pets for Best Dressed, Cutest Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Best Trick and Happiest Pet. Thank you to the lovely residents for the invitation. We had a wonderful time.

24/07/2024

This is Lulu, a true fighter! Recently, Lulu was referred to us by her wonderful regular vet due to abdominal pain and weakness. Upon examination, Lulu's abdomen was very painful. Blood tests revealed she was anaemic, and an ultrasound showed internal bleeding with tumours on her spleen.

To stabilize her, Lulu received intravenous fluid therapy and pain relief. She then underwent a splenectomy and liver lobectomy to stop the bleeding, which was caused by a ruptured tumour. Lulu also received a blood transfusion and thankfully she recovered well from the procedure.

Lulu will continue her journey with her regular vet, who will oversee her chemotherapy treatment to slow the spread of the cancer. We're so proud of Lulu's strength and resilience, and we're cheering her on every step of the way!

22/07/2024

Milo is a brave and beautiful dog who recently visited our Animal Emergency Service with a wound on his side. While we're unsure exactly how Milo got hurt, injuries like his often result from sharp objects around the home, such as fences or loose wires.

To keep our furry friends safe, please check your property for potential hazards:

🔍 Inspect fences and gates regularly for any sharp edges or loose wires.
🔍 Ensure all tools and garden equipment are safely stored away.
🔍 Clear any debris or dangerous objects from your yard.

Let's create a safe environment for all our pets. Sending Milo lots of love and wishing him a speedy recovery!

14/07/2024

Thank you to everyone who dropped by the AES stand yesterday at 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc Santa Paws in the Park. Thankfully the showers moved on, and the sun was shining. It was great to see so many of your fur babies out enjoying themselves and lapping up the attention. The AES team enjoyed sharing our open hospital story and a huge thanks to Dr Rebekah for providing care for the little pooches with ant bites and speaking on centre stage about pet first aid.

11/07/2024

The AES will be holding a stall at Santa Paws in the Park, Double Bay Park, Kawana Island on Saturday 13th July from 10am to 1pm. If your pooch needs first aid on the day, come and see our team for help. Dr Rebekah will also be speaking on centre stage at 12:30pm about Xmas dangers and animal first aid. We look forward to seeing you all there!

08/07/2024

We had an amazing time providing CPR training to the wonderful team at Coolum Vet Surgery. It was an honor to share our skills with such dedicated professionals. Together, we are committed to ensuring the best care for our furry friends on the Sunshine Coast.

Thank you, Coolum Vet Surgery, for your dedication and enthusiasm in learning these vital skills. Your commitment to the well-being of animals is absolutely commendable !

06/07/2024

Thanks to everyone who braved the wet weather to come and say hello to us this morning at Alex Heads. Hopefully the conditions will be better tomorrow morning at Tickle Park Coolum.

02/07/2024

At Animal Emergency Service, we're all about caring for our furry friends, and sometimes that means our own pets too! A few months back, our amazing Vet Nurse Lorena noticed one of her pets was having some toileting issues at home. With a house full of animals, it took a bit of investigating, but she finally figured out it was her 11-year-old dachshund cross, Cino.

Assuming it was a UTI, Lorena brought Cino in for a check-up. But during the ultrasound, we discovered a large bladder stone! 😲 Bladder stones can form due to an overly alkaline pH or concentrated urine, often caused by a UTI or diet issues. Cino did have a UTI, so we started her on antibiotics, pain relief, and a special diet to help her out.

A few days later, Dr. Harrison and Vet Nurse Lorena performed a cystotomy to remove the big stone and found a few smaller ones too. Cino was an absolute champ and has made a full recovery and enjoying time back at the beach with brother Watson.

She is now on a prescription diet and gets regular urine checks to keep those pesky stones away.

01/07/2024

This week is Dog Safety Week and Sunshine Coast Council will have pop up booths at different locations throughout the week so you can learn more about owning a pet on the Sunshine Coast.

On Saturday 6th July and Sunday 7th July, the AES will attend alongside the Council pop up booth in support of Dog Safety Week messages. Come along and say hi and chat with our awesome team about what to do in the event of an emergency!

Wilkes Park, Alexandra Headland: Saturday July 6, 8–10am
Tickle Park, David Low Way, Coolum Beach: Sunday July 7, 8–10am

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dog Safety Week is a chance for all pet owners, non-pet owners, families and children to learn more about creating a safe and harmonious co-existence between people, pets and places.

26/06/2024

Just like us, our pooches have blood types too. In fact, dogs have over a dozen known blood types!

Known as Dog Erythrocyte Antigen or DEA, the most common canine blood type is DEA 1.1.

We are looking for more superhero pooches to join our family of amazing blood donors so we can continue to provide this service for our patients. Could your pooch have what it takes to be a blood donor?

Blood donor heroes are:
🐾 Healthy
🐾 Weigh at least 25kg
🐾 Between 1-8 years of age
🐾 Up-to-date with vaccinations, worming, and other preventatives
🐾 Has not had a blood transfusion previously
🐾 Has a calm, trusting temperament
🐾 Be capable of lying calmly for 5-10 minutes

25/06/2024

Next week is Dog Safety Week and Sunshine Coast Council will have pop up booths at different locations throughout the week so you can learn more about owning a pet on the Sunshine Coast.

On Saturday 6th July and Sunday 7th July, the AES will attend alongside the Council pop up booth in support of Dog Safety Week messages. Come along and say hi and chat with our awesome team about what to do in the event of an emergency!

Dog Safety Week is a chance for all pet owners, non-pet owners, families and children to learn more about creating a safe and harmonious co-existence between people, pets and places.

23/06/2024

It's !

Show us a pic of your doggo hard at work with you.

Whether you need a helping hand guarding the filing cabinet, licking envelopes, fetching the hammer, or just warming your lap… most would agree every workplace could use some doggy delight. This idea may sound barking mad, but studies show pets lower stress and anxiety, and bond teams. So having your excited furry companion along to ease the busy workday is a win-win for all!

21/06/2024

Sweet River is a 3 year old Labrador Cross

River presented to our hospital for vomiting multiple times, and refusing breakfast - which is very out of character for him. He was uncomfortable on palpation of his belly. River had pain relief and his owners stayed whilst we did an abdominal ultrasound. Unfortunately, the ultrasound was very suspicious of something stuck in his intestines and causing an obstruction. We decided to try supportive care with pain relief and IV fluids to see if the 'thing' would move. A repeat ultrasound later that day showed no improvement, and after a discussion with his family, the decision was made to go ahead to surgery.
At surgery the 'thing' was located in his small intestine and removed without incident, and River recovered well. We had to wash the foreign body a few times to work out what it was - and it ended up being a cat toy from River's kitten siblings!
River is back home with his family, and his kitty friends have only River-proof toys to play with now.

20/06/2024

🐶 It's , pet parents! 📸

Share a snapshot of the day you welcomed your furry friend into your home for the first time. From those nervous tail wags to the endless cuddles, let's relive those precious moments together. Don't forget to tag us and spread the love!

20/06/2024

Holidays welcome thousands of visitors with their furry friends to the Sunshine Coast. Animal Emergency Service (AES) urges pet owners to embark on their vacations with safety in mind, to ensure a stress-free getaway for both you and your pets. School holidays is a time when the AES hospital witnesses increased cases due to more dogs being out and about enjoying life with their families.

AES wishes you a safe winter school holiday break. We are open 24/7 and no appointment is required. Our open hospital policy aims to keep you with your pet as much as possible throughout their treatment journey.

19/06/2024

Dear Malibu, is a 4 month old Springer Spaniel Cross

As a typical naughty 4 month old puppy, Malibu came to our hospital because she chewed on something she shouldn't have.

One night Malibu's owners noticed the TV suddenly flickered and Malibu started screaming. She was found to have chewed on a power cord and electrocuted herself!
Her family rushed her into our hospital where she was found to have electric burns in her mouth. Malibu was treated in hospital overnight with pain relief and fluids, and monitored closely by her owner and our team.

In cases of electrocution, there is a risk of pulmonary oedema developing - this is where fluid shifts into the lungs and can cause major difficulties with breathing (essentially causing drowning). Fortunately, Malibu didn't show any signs of pulmonary oedema, and was able to go home in the morning with pain relief.

As we are an open hospital, Malibu's mum was able to stay with her all night and be a part of her treatment - making the experience less stressful for both mum and pup.

This is an excellent reminder of just how cheeky puppies are, and the trouble they can get into.

18/06/2024

Our emergency veterinarians, vet nurses, and client care heroes rush to the rescue in the darkest hours of the night, providing lifesaving care and comfort to pets in their time of need. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise make all the difference in those critical moments.

It’s … Join us in showing love for all our incredible vets, vet nurses, and client care team 😻🐶❤️

16/06/2024

Thank you to everyone who came to say hello to us today at the Buderim War Memorial Community Association BWMCA Dogs Day Out in Buderim. What an incredible event!

14/06/2024

🐾 Did you know your pet can be a hero too? 🦸‍♂️ Join our Blood Donor Program and help other furry friends in need of lifesaving transfusions. It's simple: register your pet, donate blood, and give plenty of cuddles afterward. Your pet's kindness can make all the difference for pets facing medical emergencies.

Register your pet now: https://loom.ly/PDJrIYE

12/06/2024

Eloise, our wonderful Client Care Representative, absolutely loved having Rupert with her in reception yesterday. At the AES we strive to make every visit as comforting and stress-free as possible because here, every paw and purr matters!

11/06/2024

Check out the article in current Edition 105 of Matters Magazine Sunshine Coast about our Open Hospital.

Have you ever experienced the worry and concern that accompanies handing your sick or injured pet over to the veterinary nurse, only to watch them disappear through the doors to the unknown “back” of the hospital? Or perhaps you've felt that unsettling separation anxiety, not knowing what happens next as your beloved companion embarks on their journey to wellness? In the world of veterinary care, Animal Emergency Service in Tanawha, led by co-directors Alison Stewart and veterinarian Dr. Danielle Huston, understands these emotions all too well.

This is a pioneering shift towards an open hospital concept where clients can now accompany their furry family members during their veterinary visits. This transformative approach addresses these fears head-on while offering a multitude of benefits, all amidst the backdrop of challenges that come with this bold change in the way we care for our pets in times of need.

Some benefits of an open hospital include:

- Enhanced client education and understanding of their pet's care, time and associated costs,
- Improved trust and confidence through direct observation of the clinical team's skill, expertise and compassion, and
- Reduced stress for both pets and their owners.

However, this progressive move is not without its challenges, which may include:

- witnessing unexpected and potentially distressing cases,
- safety considerations within a functioning hospital, and
- the pressure it places on the veterinary team as they perform their duties under the watchful eyes of clients.

As Animal Emergency Service embarks on this transformative journey, they navigate the delicate balance between these advantages and challenges to provide optimal care for both pets and their devoted owners.

11/06/2024

Today is World Pet Memorial Day, a day to remember, honour and celebrate the lives of pets who are no longer with us. May they forever live in our hearts.

Please share photos or stories of pets you want to remember.

10/06/2024

We have quite the story from the clinic that’s both a reminder and a bit of a laugh.

Last week, one of our amazing vets, brought in her adorable pup, Nala. But this visit wasn't a routine check-up – Nala had eaten something she definitely shouldn’t have: tampons!

Nala has a bit of a history with munching on things she shouldn't, so she was brought straight in, and we got to work. To help Nala, we performed an emesis to make her vomit. and behold, Nala brought up 7 tampons!

It's a good reminder for all of us to keep personal items out of reach from our curious fur babies. What seems like an odd snack to us can be irresistible to them – and potentially dangerous.

06/06/2024

Time to celebrate our cat blood donors!

Meet Tubby Custard, a brave and sweet 6-year-old cat who recently saved a fellow feline friend's life with a life-saving blood donation!

Tubby is one of a few cat heroes in our community. His donation provided critical help to another cat in need, showcasing the power of feline blood donors.

At our emergency vet clinic, we rely on a few generous feline donors like Tubby to help save lives. Unfortunately, cat blood cannot be stored in the same way that human and dog blood can, so ‘blood banks’ do not work for our feline friends.

This means that we have a special list of cat parents who are ready to jump into action when the call is made for a donor.

Thank you, Tubby, for being a true local hero!

06/06/2024

🌟 Let's take a moment to celebrate one of our incredible senior nurses at our Animal Emergency Service Tanawha Hospital, Amanda! 🌟

With an impressive 25 years in the veterinary industry, Amanda has been a cornerstone of our team for 16 years now🐾 Her journey started on a farm, nurturing a deep love for animals, and she's never looked back since landing her first job as a kennel hand. From mixed practice to emergency care, Amanda's dedication knows no bounds, even juggling two jobs to support her passion for saving lives. 🦸‍♀️

Outside of work, Amanda is the ultimate crazy cat lady, with six rescue cats and a menagerie of other beloved pets! 🐱🐦🐤
Amanda's favourite part of the job? Everything! From handling emergencies to reuniting sick patients with their owners, she finds joy in every moment. 🌈 And let's not forget her special interest in mentoring new staff, shaping the future of veterinary nursing!

Amanda is incredible and renown for her unwavering dedication and passion for animals! Say hello when you visit us. 🎉

04/06/2024

It’s International Hug Your Cat Day! So, go on and give your furry cuddle buddy a hug.

Show us your cuddle buddy hugs!

03/06/2024

It’s not just members of the public whose pets get treated in emergency. When you work in emergency and your own pet is sick, they get brought in as well.

Nurse Jo has Maple a 7yo female Speyed cattle dog that she rescued as a 6 month old puppy when she was surrendered at the local vet Jo was working at.

Recently, Jo noticed a lump came up on Maple's nose that came up quickly. Maple has previously had cancerous lumps removed so Jo brought her straight in to have a fine needle aspirate done. This is where the vet passes a needle into the lump to retrieve some cells to look at under the microscope. Unfortunately for Maple and Jo, the results of the fine needle aspiration came back as a mast cell tumour (MCT).

What is a mast cell tumour and why does it need to be removed?
Mast cell tumors represent a cancer of a type of blood cell normally involved in the body’s
response to allergens and inflammation. MCT is the most common skin tumor in dogs; it can also affect other areas of the body, including the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow. Certain dogs are predisposed to MCT, including brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs, as well as retriever breeds, though any breed of dog can develop MCT. Identifying a potential mast cell tumour by having them checked early is paramount in trying to prevent the spread.

Due to the location of the lump on maple and the requirement to get good surgical margins around the tumour to prevent spreading, it would be a very difficult area to work on. As there would not be enough skin to close the area, this meant a skin flap was required to remove the tumour and close the area. Dr Harrison removed the tumour by excisional biopsy with a skin flap taken from the neck. Staples were used to close the wound to minimise the chance of wound break down and tissue damage.

Maple is now fully recovered and cancer free! We think she looks cute with her extra furry patch on her nose - the hair here grows longer because the skin was from her neck.

01/06/2024

It’s the first week of winter! 🌨️ Even our furry friends feel the chill. Don't let your pup shiver; wrap them up in a warm coat, especially breeds like chihuahuas and greyhounds. For older pals or those with arthritis, consider a heated bed to soothe their joints.

Stay warm and fetch our full list of tips to keep your pet cozy this season at https://loom.ly/zEHp9-A ! 🐾

30/05/2024

Here's a little challenge for you! Can you explain your pet's name without saying it? 🤔

Here's a few examples to get you started:
🐾 A popular black and white cookie (Oreo)
🐾 The main character in a movie franchise about boxing (Rocky)
🐾 Another name for the moon (Luna)

Let's see how many people can guess it!

27/05/2024

🚨 Did You Know Dogs Can Get Tetanus? 🚨
It's true! Dogs can contract tetanus, and it's crucial to act quickly. If you notice unusual body stiffness or seizures in your dog, seek veterinary help immediately. Prevention is simple: regular check-ups and clean environments. Let's keep our best friends safe! 🐶💉 Learn more, https://loom.ly/9qJQ6UE

24/05/2024

🚨 Did you know? A whopping 92% of pets will need emergency care during their lifetime! 🐾 It's crucial to always be prepared. Make sure you know where your closest emergency vet hospital is located and have their contact info handy. Have you done a dry run to the hospital yet? Knowing the route could save precious time in an emergency, https://loom.ly/ngpEigc

📍Our Locations: https://loom.ly/xLRMUz0

21/05/2024

🌟 Meet Dr. Danielle Huston, our extraordinary Clinical Director at our Animal Emergency Service Tanawha hospital!

With an impressive 15.5 years in the industry, Danielle's passion for veterinary care began at the tender age of 5, fuelled by a dancing dream crushed by her mum's playful comparison to an "elephant trumpeting across the stage." 🐘 Despite this, her love for animals persisted, leading her to become the incredible leader she is today.

At home, Danielle's furry and feathery family includes cats Delilah, Theodore, and Zachary, dogs Penelope, Tallulah, and Rupert, and a charming flock of chickens named Jacqueline-Elizabeth, Clarice, Beatrice, Winifred, Edna, and Dorothy. 🐱🐶🐔

Danielle's favourite part of her job? Making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and people on the Sunshine Coast. 🌞 The variety of cases keeps her learning every day, and she relishes the opportunity to nurture her team's growth and development, just as she nurtures her patients. 🌱 Her deep love for her team is evident in the way she listens to the nurses' interactions with patients, marveling at the care and compassion they demonstrate.
Beyond her dedication to veterinary care, Danielle harbors a secret passion for dinosaurs 🐉 — a delightful fun fact that adds an extra layer of charm to her already extraordinary persona!

Thank you, Danielle, for your commitment to the welfare of animals and for being an inspiring leader in our community! 💖