Balmain Village Veterinary Clinic

25/06/2025

Meet miss Minnie! 🌸 Not so little Minnie is a Bull Mastiff, weighing in at 78kg but most definitely a very beautiful gentle giant. A year ago, she was diagnosed with bone cancer via x-rays; but with quick intervention of holistic care, homeopathy, mushroom therapy, and close pain management, Minnie is still living her best life — soaking up cuddles, sunshine, and so much love from her devoted family.

25/06/2025

Did you know dogs can develop cognitive decline similar to dementia in humans? 🧠 Signs include disorientation, changed sleep patterns, forgetting training, or altered interactions with family.

Supporting brain health involves mental stimulation, medication and consistent routines. Special diets containing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also benefit brain function.

If you notice cognitive changes in your senior dog, talk to us about management options. 🐶

23/06/2025

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. 🍽️

Senior dogs typically need fewer calories but higher quality protein to maintain muscle mass. They may benefit from added joint supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. 🐾 Dogs with specific health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes often require specific diets.

Not sure what to feed your senior dog? Our team can provide tailored dietary recommendations based on their specific health needs. 🥩

18/06/2025

Finding unexpected puddles from your previously house-trained senior dog? 🚽 This isn't naughtiness - it could signal health issues like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, or cognitive decline.

Some medications can also increase urination or decrease bladder control. Physical issues like arthritis might make it difficult for them to get outside in time.

If your older dog starts having accidents, book a check-up so we can identify and address the underlying cause.

16/06/2025

Just like humans, pets benefit from staying active as they age! Gentle, regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass, joint mobility and mental wellbeing. 🐕

For older dogs, shorter but more frequent walks are ideal. For cats, interactive toys encourage movement without overexertion. Swimming is excellent for arthritic pets as it's low-impact on joints. Always tailor exercise to your pet's ability and stop if they show signs of discomfort or fatigue.

🎾 What’s your pet’s favourite way to stay active? Let us know in the comments!

13/06/2025

11/06/2025

Occasional hairballs are normal for cats, but frequent vomiting in older cats needs attention. 🐈

Common causes include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes – all treatable conditions if caught early. Other causes can include food allergies, pancreatitis or even intestinal cancers.

If your senior cat is vomiting more than once a week, losing weight, or showing changes in appetite, make an appointment today! 🩺

09/06/2025

Finding a lump on your senior cat can be worrying. 🐱 Common lumps include lipomas (fatty tumours), sebaceous cysts, and unfortunately, cancer.

While many are benign, some require prompt treatment. Never assume a lump is harmless based on appearance alone! 🔍 Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of cancerous lumps.

If you notice any new lumps, bumps or swellings on your cat, book an appointment now with our vets to get it checked out. 📞

04/06/2025

Is your dog slowing down? 🐶💤Arthritis affects up to 80% of older dogs, causing stiffness, limping, or reluctance to exercise.

Watch for difficulty getting up, hesitation when climbing stairs, or irritability when touched in certain areas. Many dogs with arthritis show subtle signs like licking joints, changes in posture, or sleeping more.

The good news is there are many effective treatments available to improve their quality of life. 🦴Speak with us about arthritis treatments that can help your dog stay active!

02/06/2025

Did you know that feline arthritis affects up to 90% of cats over 12 years of age? 🐈 This painful joint condition often goes undiagnosed, as cats are masters at hiding discomfort.

Signs include reduced jumping, difficulty using the litter box, or decreased grooming. Many owners mistake these changes for ‘just getting old’ rather than a treatable condition.

📅 If your senior cat shows mobility changes, book a check-up so we can help them.

28/05/2025

Uh oh, your cat has come home from an outdoor adventure walking abnormally – what could be the cause?

Outdoor cats commonly develop sudden walking difficulties due to:
✅ Cat fight injuries
✅ Joint injuries from awkward landings
✅ Pelvic, spinal, or leg bone damage from a road traffic accident
✅ Tick paralysis
✅ Paw pad cuts

If your cat isn’t walking normally, we’d recommend a prompt check-up with one of our vets. After examining your pet, we may be able to send your cat home with pain relief and rest, or recommend further investigation like X-rays. 🐾

Either way, we’ll take your cat’s care in our stride!