Ferny Hills Vet Surgery

04/05/2024

The importance of pre procedure bloods!
What a cracking outcome for Jupiter thanks to her GP vet and BVSC The Animal Hospital team!

Early this year, Jupiter visited Toowong Family Vet for a simple dental procedure. On routine blood testing, some abnormalities were highlighted in her liver. An ultrasound was performed, which identified a large liver mass. She was subsequently referred to ARH and a CT showed a large, unresectable liver mass diagnosed as a hepatocellular carcinoma. The traditional treatment is surgery but because of the size and location of the tumour, this was not possible in Jupiter’s case.

Luckily for Jupiter, BVSC is now home to a TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, which has the capability of delivering radiation directly to high-risk areas such as liver tumours, while protecting the surrounding normal healthy tissue to minimise any associated side effects. Jupiter was seen by our radiation team, Dr Rod Straw and Dr Kate Bruce, and she underwent just 3 daily radiation treatments to treat her mass. Upon completion of her radiation course, Jupiter celebrated her 9th birthday and brought our team some delicious treats to share!
She recently presented for a check-up, and is doing great with no side effects. We expect a very good outcome. Gorgeous Jupiter is pictured here with our wonderful nurses, Dannielle and Amy!

04/05/2024

Sunday 5th May update - Bubbles has been located and returned to owner 🫶🏻

Lost baby Macaw, please keep a look out in the garden / yard.
Fingers and wings crossed for a speedy return

03/05/2024

As we are all aware , our puppies and kittens become seniors around the age of 7yrs.

This is Ace , Dr Stephen’s 13yr old Labrador.
As you can see, age brings a myriad of niggles and issues.
Ace has thickening of the elbows , arthritis and is starting to collect old boy warts and lumps.

So what can we do as pet owners to help out our furry family members as they age?
Here’s a Quick Look at how we manage Ace and his ailments !

1) orthopaedic bed so he can easily rise from his slumber and support his joints (Tuffmat is the brand ) also helps prevent pressure sores

2) change to a senior diet ! They contain special ingredients for the aging body and reduced fat.

3) supplements- Antinol / Green lipped muscle

4) supportive medication - Beransa for the dogs , Solencia for the cats! Cartrophen injections + or - non steroidal pain relief

5) gentle exercise to keep muscle mass and mobility - have a look into hydrotherapy!

6) 6 monthly check ups

Ace’s arthritis progressed quickly last year, luckily we started him on Beransa and it’s made a HUGE difference to his quality of life.

Call the clinic today and have a chat to our friendly staff, let’s see how we can help you to improve your senior pets quality of life too!

24/01/2024

Knowledge is power. A little share on our stunning Lorikeets and what we can do to assist with Lorikeet Paralysis syndrome.

‼️ Lorikeets 🦜‼️

This week a number of Lorikeets have been brought into the clinic suffering from Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS).

A mysterious toxin causing Lorikeets to be unable to walk, eat, blink and eventually unable to move at all, LPS is now considered one of Australia’s most significant wildlife diseases.

The Syndrome occurs mainly between October and June, with cases peaking between December and February.

The cause of LPS still remains unknown. However, researchers are exploring the possibility it is caused by the ingestion of a toxic plant in the southern Queensland and northern NSW region.

When found early, LPS is treatable, but weeks of intensive care is required with full rehabilitation taking upwards of several months.

If you find a lorikeet that is unable to fly, has varying degrees of paralysis, seems wobbly or is unable to blink or swallow, please take them into your nearest vet clinic or call the RSPCA 24/7 emergency hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).

Repost from RSPCA Australia

23/01/2024

A lot of us have these around the home and garden. Knowledge is power…..and saves furry lives 🫶🏻

Crassula ovata, more commonly known as the jade plant, lucky plant or money plant, is a popular succulent recognised by its unique coin-shaped leaves, clusters of small pink or white flowers and its association with bringing good fortune and prosperity. Commonly grown as both an indoor and outdoor house plant in Australia and New Zealand, the Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted after companion animals have ingested parts of this plant.

Animals that ingest small quantities of this plant can develop gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea and reduced appetite. Occasionally other effects, such as lethargy and weakness, have been reported to the Animal Poisons Helpline following ingestion of this plant.

Plants belonging to the Kalanchoe and Cotyledon genus closely resemble jade plants and contain toxic compounds known as cardiac glycosides. Ingestions of these plants have the potential to result in significant poisoning and therefore correct identification of the plant is extremely important. In cases of uncertainty, it is best to contact the Helpline for additional guidance.

Whilst it is not necessary to remove this plant from the home, owners should try to keep jade plants out of reach or inquisitive pets. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ).

23/01/2024

Meet Honey, a very affectionate 10 year old Fox Terrier Cross, all the way from Rotorua in New Zealand!

Last July, Honey was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma. This is one of the more common cancers that we see in dogs, which usually results in enlargement of all the lymph nodes in the body. Without treatment this cancer is quite rapidly fatal. The good news is that it can be treated with chemotherapy and remission is common.

Maintaining long-term remission can be difficult treating using chemotherapy only. BVSC offers a very promising new treatment called 'half body radiation' which when combined with conventional chemotherapy, can result in a much better chance of long-term remission. Currently, this treatment is available in Australia at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre (using a Varian True Beam Linear Accelerator for radiation) and not at all in New Zealand.

Honey's Mum was determined to seek out the best treatment options for Honey and worked together with Dr Nick Sygrove from Omokoroa Pet Vets in New Zealand to arrange a referral to Darren Fry at BVSC for this treatment.

Such was Honey’s Mum’s dedication that she temporarily moved to Brisbane so that she could be with Honey for the duration of the treatment, which extended until the end of November!

Honey coped with her treatments very well. Pictured with Dr Darren, Honey just had her final BVSC check and is in remission. She will be heading back to New Zealand at the end of January for further monitoring there.

We wish Honey and her Mum, all the very best for a healthy and happy future.

15/07/2023

Pretty big team effort required……it keeps us awake 😳😆

31/03/2023

Please be aware that the clinic will be closed over Easter. Time to make sure you have everything you need for your pet while our staff take a well deserved break.

01/11/2022

This is a real issue we are facing in the industry right now! PLEASE put tick prevention on your pets and keep it up to date!!!

⚠️LOW TO NO tick antiserum Australia wide

This means if your furry family member gets a tick and isn’t on a preventive it will now be even more difficult for your vet to currently treat.

The best thing we can do for our pets to avoid even needing to see a vet for treatment due to tick envenomation is to make sure they are on a well-rounded preventative and to triple check your current preventive NOW to make sure it also covers paralysis ticks!

Steps to follow to keep your loved fur-members safer and to avoid seeing a vet due to tick envenomation include:

• Providing your pet with a preventative
• Ensuring preventatives are taken as frequently as the box recommends
• Set a calendar reminder for when preventatives are due
• Checking your pet DAILY for ticks
• Keeping your grass short

Unfortunately, we are seeing high numbers of tick cases this year, but the good news is there are easy at home steps you can take to keep your pets from experiencing life-threating tick envenomation. We are so lucky to have tick prevention products available for our pets so it’s important we are giving this to them.

Even with the treatment shortages, there are still ways we can help your pets. If you find a tick on your fur-member the safest thing to do is contact your vet. If they are on a preventative and you are worried please still call your vet 🐾💜🩺

Our emergency team are available 24/7. If you need us for an animal emergency call
07 5460 1788 ☎

30/08/2022

Spring has sprung and so have the seasonal beasties!
15% off Tick and Flea products for the months of September and October to help you get cracking on the control!

For professional advice feel free to call and chat with one of our staff!

14/06/2022

Evening folks
A gentle reminder that the clinic is closed until Saturday and there will be reduced vet availability on that day due to Dr Stephen heading off for his own surgery this week.

We wish him well, packed him off with liver treats, a cone of shame and a muzzle in case he plays up on anaesthesia induction or Stitches out 😆👍🏻💜

12/05/2022

Our very own Dr Stephen has to undergo surgery during June so we have had to make the difficult decision to close the clinic while he has his procedure.

The clinic will be closed Thursday 16th of June to Friday 17th June.
We will be open as per usual on Saturday 18th.

The clinic remains closed every Wednesday until further notice.
We thank our valued clients for their patience during these changes.

I’m sure we can find him a suitably sized “cone of shame” for his post op recovery !

19/04/2022

Just a reminder that as of Wednesday 27th of April we will be CLOSED on Wednesdays. Please ensure that you have enough supply of your pets medications and food to factor this in, there will be no one at the clinic. Thanks for your understanding.

08/04/2022

EASTER TRADING HOURS
Fri 15th April - CLOSED
Sat 16th April - CLOSED
Mon 18th April - CLOSED

As you are aware, we will also be closed on Wednesdays from the 27th. With the public holidays and Wednesday closures we ask that you ensure you check your pets essential medications and food. There will be limited deliveries from our suppliers as well. To avoid any issues please check well in advance and contact our nurses who can help arrange requests.

08/04/2022

As of the 27th April Ferny Hills Vet Surgery will be CLOSED on Wednesdays. We are unsure how long this change will be in effect but will keep our loyal clients updated. This is a tough decision due to the inability to hire new staff. The Veterinary Industry is experiencing unprecedented staff shortages with both Vets and Nurses. We ask for your patience during this time and please allow for this closure when looking to order your pets food and essential medications.
The Ferny Hills Vet Team

03/03/2022

With the current weather warnings and road closures, Ferny Hills Vet has made the decision to close early today. This decision is to ensure out staff who live all over Brisbane can get home safely.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
If you have an emergency please contact BVECCS on 32649400

24/02/2022

Just another reminder of the pressures faced by the Veterinary Industry here in Australia and to please be kind and patient with all of our staff when you visit the clinic.
https://www.ava.com.au/member-updates/Newsletter/ava-vets-highlight-pressures-the-project/

"We want to be kind to the pets, and we want the owners to be kind to us equally." The Project spoke with AVA veterinarians about the effect on veterinarian wellbeing from the recent surge in demand for veterinary services.

10/02/2022

It is not everyday that the staff at Ferny Hills Vet are visited by a celebrity...but yesterday was in the house! Trainee Nurse Jodie was lucky enough to be in his presence and he was an absolute star for his check up. We hope he is feeling better today 👌

03/02/2022

Well February is here which means our dog treats are on special in preparation for Dental Month! 10% off all treaties your doggo or feline friend can chew!

24/01/2022

Just a reminder that we are closed this Wednesday for the Australia Day Public Holiday. If you have an emergency please head to BVECCS or Pet ER.

13/01/2022

Unfortunately our shelves are missing some Hills Prescription Science Diet food. This is a long term back order due to logistics getting the food from America where it is made. Stock is not likely until March at the very earliest so if your pet is on a prescription food it is best to try your best at calling around or calling the clinic for an alternative and we can offer some advice.
Thanks!

07/01/2022

If you have been wondering why in the last year or two it has been harder to get an appointment with us.... this article highlights many problems faced by the Veterinary Industry which the COVID-19 Pandemic has made even more challenging.

https://www.vetvoice.com.au/articles/why-is-my-vet-so-busy/

Many veterinary clinics have experienced a significant increase in workload during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combined with requirements to meet health & safety guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and staff shortages, many clinics have struggled to keep up with the demand for services.

06/01/2022

As the COVID 19 situation continues to develop and more people within our community test positive, the clinic has made the decision to do contact free consults. When you arrive we will ask you to wait outside and your pet will be taken through by one of our nurses. The vet will have a quick chat outside the clinic and treatment will be done without owners in the consult room. This has been common practice throughout the veterinary industry since the pandemic begun and is done to limit our staffs exposure to COVID-19.

23/12/2021

Just a reminder
Below are our XMAS hours for this year. For the first time ever we are closing so our team can have a much needed rest!

24th Dec 8am - 1pm
25th Dec CLOSED
26th Dec CLOSED
27th Dec CLOSED
28th Dec CLOSED
29th Dec CLOSED
30th Dec CLOSED
31st Dec CLOSED
1st Jan CLOSED
2nd Jan CLOSED
3rd Jan CLOSED
4th Jan open as usual

If you have an emergency during this time please head straight to BVECCS or Pet ER who are open during this time.

Have a Safe and Merry Xmas 🎄

16/12/2021

As per the announcement this morning, masks will need to be worn from tomorrow when entering the clinic. As the consult room is a small area and you must restrain your pet, it is hard to social distance. If you have an exemption you must present this to a member of staff when you check in.
If you do not comply you will be asked to leave.
Thanks

16/12/2021

From today, Ferny Hills Vet Surgery staff need to visualise your check in and vaccination Certificate/Exemption when attending the clinic. Please wait outside and do not enter the clinic until a staff member has checked and asked you to wait inside for the vet. Rude behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
Thank you

15/12/2021

From Dec 17th 2021, business operators must collect contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication from all staff, guests and patrons when entering an establishment by using the Check In Qld app.

Please bring with your COVID-19 vacc Cert/Exemption. If you are unvaccinated please request a low-contact/mask required appointment when booking.

Rude behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.

30/11/2021

December is pretty much here which means two things! Santa is coming and..Hills food is on SALE!
10% off Prescription Diets
15% off Maintenance Diets

👏👏

23/11/2021

We hope all of Santa's Elves are getting ready for Christmas just like Maya here! Below are our XMAS hours for this year. For the first time ever we are closing so our team can have a much needed rest!

24th Dec 8am - 1pm
25th Dec CLOSED
26th Dec CLOSED
27th Dec CLOSED
28th Dec CLOSED
29th Dec CLOSED
30th Dec CLOSED
31st Dec CLOSED
1st Jan CLOSED
2nd Jan CLOSED
3rd Jan CLOSED
4th Jan open as usual

Please call ahead and arrange any medications you need to ensure you don't run out whilst we are closed.

10/11/2021

November is here and it will be Christmas before we know it! This month we focus on Allergy Awareness.
10% of Skin Diets including Z/D, Skin Support, R/C Hypoallergenic.
15% off Shampoos and ear cleaners