Darling Downs Vets

20/12/2024

Merry Christmas from Darling Downs Vets! We had an amazing time on the weekend at the Axe N Dagger throwing some axes for our end of year party. Who do you think had the best throw? Thanks to Tina and the team for having us.

We will be closed 25th-27th December and 1st January for routine appointments but will still be available 24/7 for large animal emergencies as usual. Call 0746919000 to get through to the after hours vet.

18/12/2024

It’s getting festive here at Darling Downs Vets, Dr Bronte and Freya are rocking their matching Christmas looks 🎄

21/11/2024

Dr Jess visited little Buttons as she had been found unable to stand. A paralysis tick was found under her neck!
Tick antiserum and IV fluids were administered as pictured.
We are happy to say she made a full recovery.
Go Buttons!

19/11/2024

Join our team!
Full Time Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Nurse
Location: Oakey, QLD
About Us:
We are a leading veterinary clinic dedicated to providing exceptional care to small animals in our community. Our team is comprised of passionate professionals who prioritise the health and well-being of our furry friends and strive for excellence in veterinary medicine.
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Nurse with a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing to join our dynamic team and will be based solely at our small animal clinic. As a key member of our veterinary team, you will play a crucial role in assisting veterinarians, educating pet owners, and ensuring the smooth operation of our clinic. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and skilled professional who provides high quality care to our patients and can work independently - this will be important as our small animal clinic is usually a one vet one nurse clinic with reception staff. As a key member of our veterinary team, you will play a crucial role in assisting veterinarians, educating pet owners, and ensuring the smooth operation of our clinic.
Responsibilities:
• Work independently as the sole small animal veterinary nurse.
• Work as a team by assisting veterinarians in providing medical care and treatment to small animals.
• Perform nursing duties such as administering medications, taking vital signs, and providing post-operative care.
• Monitor patients during surgical procedures and recovery.
• Perform laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
• Educate pet owners on proper animal care, medication administration, and treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate medical records and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Administration duties such as phone communication, invoicing and ordering stock.
• Collaborate with other team members to provide excellent patient care and client service.
Requirements for the role:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a small animal veterinary nurse.
• Proficiency in nursing procedures, anaesthesia monitoring, and patient care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Opportunity to work on call evenings, weekends, and public holidays in our equine hospital.
Benefits:
• Competitive salary
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Discounted veterinary services for employees’ pets.
How to apply:
If you are a dedicated veterinary nurse with a passion for small animal care, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email protected]

12/11/2024

When was the last time you had a faecal egg count done? This mare presented to us for weight loss and a dull wiry coat. A dental examination was performed and some sharp points were observed but still not the reason for all the weight loss. The vet decided it would be best to send off a faecal egg count which came back very high for strongyles. A wormer was then given with another faecal egg count done two weeks later to make sure the worm burden had been fixed and she is feeling much better.
These days we are moving away from the regimented seasonal worming due to issues with worms becoming resistant to available dewormers. It is now recommended to regularly perform a faecal egg count on your herd and administer to individuals depending on their results. Please contact us if you would like to arrange for testing.

10/10/2024

Happy international Vet Nurse day! Without this amazing team of people our practices simply would not run. Their absolute dedication to your animals is second to none, they go above and beyond every single day and we are so grateful for them. Thank you for all that you do 💙 🩺

27/09/2024

The gorgeous Mo getting his annual dental done by Dr Emily. Mo is a retired horse but did you know he still needs to get his dentals done annually? Every 12 months is the recommendation but some of our more geriatric patients may need them done every 6 months as they get older. Give us a call at the equine unit today to book your golden oldie in for their annual health needs on 0408 452 846

25/09/2024

A goat a day keeps the sadness away! The team at Oakey had a great time KIDding around with Morphious yesterday. Thanks for coming to see us.

07/09/2024

Slobber and cuddles on tap on Friday at our Oakey clinic 🐶

28/08/2024

Equine Reproduction:
Did you know that we have a purpose built equine reproduction wing to our hospital? Give us a call today to discuss our breeding packages or to make a plan, to help get your mare in foal this breeding season!

25/08/2024

🐾 Happy international dog day! A day to celebrate the love of our furry best friends! 🐾

26/07/2024

Equine Vaccinations:

We all want the very best care for our equine friends and vaccination is vital in equine health management. They allow us to protect our horses against many infectious and potentially deadly diseases. Below is some of the more common recommended diseases that you can protect your horses from:

- HENDRA:
Hendra virus (HeV) is a deadly viral disease that is transmitted from fruit bats to horses via ingestion of contaminated fruit bat urine, faeces or body fluids. Hendra virus (HeV) is still a very real threat. It causes a potentially deadly viral disease that can spread from horses to humans. There are no known treatments for Hendra virus, but there is a vaccine available through your veterinarian that helps to prevent it.

If your horse is unvaccinated and becomes unwell the available immediate treatment options for your horse are limited, due to needing to get a Hendra exclusion test performed to rule out that your horse does not have hendra virus. This test is done through the DPI and only performed once daily (Monday to Friday only) at their testing centre, which is located in Brisbane. Delays due to couriers getting the samples to Brisbane may also occur and therefore create further delays in the samples not being tested for subsequent days. Timely delays in treatment or surgery for your horse can be life threatening to them.

The initial vaccination course is 2 vaccinations 21-42 days apart, followed by a booster 6 months after the second Hendra virus vaccination. Subsequent boosters are required at 12 monthly intervals.

- TETANUS:
Tetanus is an extremely serious bacterial disease that can affect the nervous system. The bacteria enters the body through wounds, particularly puncture wounds. This bacteria produces a powerful nerve toxin, causing distressing symptoms and death in about 80% of cases.

Vaccination requires the initial course of 2 vaccinations 4 weeks apart, then annually after this. Vaccination is highly recommended for all horses.

- STRANGLES:
Strangles is a highly contagious disease and is rapidly spread from horse to horse. Strangles is spread via the pus or discharge from infected horses’ noses, draining lymph nodes, or by coughing.

Prevention requires 3 initial vaccinations 2 weeks apart followed by booster vaccinations every 6-12 months. Vaccination is highly recommended for all horses who come into contact with other horses (e.g. shows, pony club, competition horses, horses on agistment or horses sent to stud). Tetanus and strangles vaccine come as a combined product referred to as ‘2 in 1’ vaccine which is convenient for booster vaccinations.

- HERPES:
The herpes viruses are a family of viruses found in many animals. In horses a vaccine is available against EHV 1 and 4. These strains are most commonly associated with upper respiratory tract infections (colds) however they are also on occasion associated with abortion in broodmares and paralysis in horses.

The vaccination protocol varies with the use of the horse. It is strongly recommended in pregnant mares going away to studs or agistment properties, as well as for some competition horses or horses being sent away to multi horse facilities.

17/07/2024

20% off cat and dog desexing! Give us a call to book your furry friend in!

June 1st - August 31st 2024

12/07/2024

Tony Fookes will be at our equine unit Monday 29th July - Wednesday 31st July. If you would like to make an appointment please call the equine unit on 0408 452 846.

09/07/2024

Sometimes Mum’s just need a little helping hand. Thanks to Dr Emily this gorgeous little calf was delivered safe and sound last week!

04/07/2024

27/06/2024

Wishing our fabulous nurse Asha, all the best for the exciting times ahead as she starts her maternity leave. We can’t wait to meet your little bub!