Russell Vale Animal Clinic

06/09/2024

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1HKPeyaFGoiCfrUq8

33 new items added to shared album

06/09/2024

Happy Birthday to Pandora -

Pandora (the boss) - she is the black cat that you may often see - she loves to taunt the big dogs.

Whilst we do not know her exact birthdate, when she arrived at our vet hospital as a kitten, found in the gutter at Woonona - brought in by a good Samaritan - we estimated her at 3 to 4 weeks at that time.

Well, according to that estimation, she turns 18 on Saturday. (this would, by traditional methods, make her 126 years old).

We did celebrate her "40th" with an open day many years ago - you will see that beautiful cake (Thank you Delaneys cakes) from then. Many of you would also have enjoyed our open day at that time.

She has survived a sacroiliac luxation, several dog attacks (down side of being a vet clinic cat - not that it has made her less fearful - ask any dog that visits -), flea allergy (you know when we are a few minutes late on her flea control), hyperthyroidism, and being locked in the garage for 1 to 2 days because she likes to go in there on a weekend, when Dirk comes to do work at the vets on a weekend. She has also been known to visit neighbours, and pretend to be their cat for a while. (thank you neighbours for your kindness to our animals).

She has been confused for the Bulli Black Panther - after all - when there is a sighting of that, we do not see Pandora - (curious, me thinks).

Happy Birthday, Pandora. Thank you for all that you have done, and do.

Q and A with Pandora, the boss.

Q: How did you get your name?
A: Well, I always waited until the waiting room was packed, the phones were ringing off constantly, and then I would walk over the keyboard and touch the "shut down" button on the keyboard. I could then see Dr Liz getting into a tizzy, as at that time, our software did not like one of the remote computers shutting down before the server. If I did the same thing now, she would go "So what", and I would have completely different name. Back then, though, I would only do it when it was so busy, that shutting everything down caused chaos. As Pandora is the poster child for trouble (with joy), Dr Liz called me Pandora.

Q: What is your favourite activity?
A: Standing at the front door of the vets on Bellambi Lane, waiting patiently for the front door to open - just so I can sit and ponder whether I do want to walk in or not. I know that many people driving past are also amused, and I do like to be the centre of attention.

I even love it more when the door opens, and I just run away. Awesome fun!

Q: Next favourite activity?
A: Sitting on Nurse Dirk, whether on his chest, lap or anything - and if he moves, then I am very unhappy. He knows this, so does not move. After all, I am a cat with amazing claws - I know just how much to put them in to keep him still.

Q: What is your secret to your youth and vitality?
A: Be true to yourself, find your soul mate, live at a vet hospital (seriously they have the best food and health care packages).

Happy Birthday, Pandora.

Do you have any questions for Pandora? Just ask, and I will see if she will answer for you. We will also share your birthday wishes for her, and we will make sure she is pampered (as if she can be any more pampered), on her special day.

06/09/2024

Oops - I will try to get the photo video happening.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1HKPeyaFGoiCfrUq8

Happy Birthday to Pandora -

Pandora (the boss) - she is the black cat that you may often see - she loves to taunt the big dogs.

Whilst we do not know her exact birthdate, when she arrived at our vet hospital as a kitten, found in the gutter at Woonona - brought in by a good Samaritan - we estimated her at 3 to 4 weeks at that time.

Well, according to that estimation, she turns 18 on Saturday. (this would, by traditional methods, make her 126 years old).

We did celebrate her "40th" with an open day many years ago - you will see that beautiful cake (Thank you Delaneys cakes) from then. Many of you would also have enjoyed our open day at that time.

She has survived a sacroiliac luxation, several dog attacks (down side of being a vet clinic cat - not that it has made her less fearful - ask any dog that visits -), flea allergy (you know when we are a few minutes late on her flea control), hyperthyroidism, and being locked in the garage for 1 to 2 days because she likes to go in there on a weekend, when Dirk comes to do work at the vets on a weekend. She has also been known to visit neighbours, and pretend to be their cat for a while. (thank you neighbours for your kindness to our animals).

She has been confused for the Bulli Black Panther - after all - when there is a sighting of that, we do not see Pandora - (curious, me thinks).

Happy Birthday, Pandora. Thank you for all that you have done, and do.

Q and A with Pandora, the boss.

Q: How did you get your name?
A: Well, I always waited until the waiting room was packed, the phones were ringing off constantly, and then I would walk over the keyboard and touch the "shut down" button on the keyboard. I could then see Dr Liz getting into a tizzy, as at that time, our software did not like one of the remote computers shutting down before the server. If I did the same thing now, she would go "So what", and I would have completely different name. Back then, though, I would only do it when it was so busy, that shutting everything down caused chaos. As Pandora is the poster child for trouble (with joy), Dr Liz called me Pandora.

Q: What is your favourite activity?
A: Standing at the front door of the vets on Bellambi Lane, waiting patiently for the front door to open - just so I can sit and ponder whether I do want to walk in or not. I know that many people driving past are also amused, and I do like to be the centre of attention.

I even love it more when the door opens, and I just run away. Awesome fun!

Q: Next favourite activity?
A: Sitting on Nurse Dirk, whether on his chest, lap or anything - and if he moves, then I am very unhappy. He knows this, so does not move. After all, I am a cat with amazing claws - I know just how much to put them in to keep him still.

Q: What is your secret to your youth and vitality?
A: Be true to yourself, find your soul mate, live at a vet hospital (seriously they have the best food and health care packages).

Happy Birthday, Pandora.

Do you have any questions for Pandora? Just ask, and I will see if she will answer for you. We will also share your birthday wishes for her, and we will make sure she is pampered (as if she can be any more pampered), on her special day.

05/09/2024

With the weather warming up, grass is growing again! And that unfortunately means grass seeds.

If your dog is limping or licking their paws after a walk, they might have a grass seed suck in their foot.

Watch for signs such as redness, swelling or excessive licking. If you suspect a grass seed or your dog suddenly starts limping or chewing their feet, bring them in for a check up with one of our vets. 🌾🐾

04/09/2024

"I was very pleased with the treatment my dog got from Dr Liz at Russell Vale Vets, she is very thorough after medication for one problem he was a lot better and the ear problem also a lot better but she is making sure all is cleared up by seeing him again in a few weeks. Dr Liz will now definitely be my regular vet. Janet Gervaise ." says Janet on Google

★★★★★ I was very pleased with the treatment my dog got from Dr Liz at Russell Vale Vets, she is very thorough after medication for one problem he was a lot better and the ear problem also a lot better but she is making sure all is cleared up by seeing him again in a few weeks. Dr Liz will ...

03/09/2024

Is it time for a nail trim? Overgrown nails can cause pain and discomfort for our dogs. Short nails help prevent slipping and injuries.

Want to give it a go yourself? Use a dog-specific nail clipper and be careful not to cut the quick. If you're unsure, our team can show you how.

Share your pup's paw-some nail trim pics with us below! 🐾✂️

28/08/2024

"Liz and Dirk are the absolute best in every way. They have been my vet since I got my little French Bulldog, Fleur four years ago. Always helpful. So full of support. Very caring and understanding about this mumma’s stress. They have educated me in all aspects of dog ownership and care. Could not be happier of care I have received from Russell Vale Vet. ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍" says Narrell on Google

★★★★★ Liz and Dirk are the absolute best in every way. They have been my vet since I got my little French Bulldog, Fleur four years ago. Always helpful. So full of support. Very caring and understanding about this mumma’s stress. They have educated me in all aspects of dog ownership and ...

27/08/2024

Some people think their cats don’t require parasite control over winter. 🐱 However, given many people let their cats have access to the outdoors and live in relatively warm houses, fleas can still infest our pets, even over winter.

Additionally, paralysis ticks can still be active over winter, particularly in late winter, with deadly effects if left untreated. 🐾 As a result, we recommend year-round parasite control for all cats. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with your cat’s parasite control in winter. 🩺

22/08/2024

Over winter, wildlife can struggle. Food, water and shelter can be at a premium for our wild animals in the cooler months, so consider taking steps to make life easier for them. 🐦

Drive slowly at dawn and dusk, as many animals graze closer to the road in winter. Consider installing nest boxes in mature trees to act as cosy shelter. 🏠 And if you come across wildlife needing help, give your local wildlife group a call for advice. 📞

21/08/2024

"Liz and staff have been wonderful with our 2 dogs. One of our dogs will not allow any vet to touch him, yet he can’t get in to see Liz fast enough when he visits. Thank you" says Vicky on Google

★★★★★ Liz and staff have been wonderful with our 2 dogs. One of our dogs will not allow any vet to touch him, yet he can’t get in to see Liz fast enough when he visits. Thank you

20/08/2024

What do we mean when we say ‘kennel cough’? Well, it’s sort of like saying you have a ‘cold’, it describes the syndrome but not the cause.

🐶 In dogs, kennel cough can be caused by a number of viruses and bacteria. We vaccinate against some of the more common causes, however there aren’t vaccines available for all of them. This means even vaccinated dogs can get kennel cough. 🐾

If you think your dog might have kennel cough, call us before coming down. 📞

15/08/2024

We know dental procedures can become pricey, particularly if they involve removing large numbers of teeth, given the time and effort these procedures require. 🦷

However, the good news is, regular dental cleaning (or scale and polish) not only prevents worse dental disease, but is considerably cheaper than waiting until your pet requires extractions. 🐕

We strongly recommend regular, routine dental scale and polishes to avoid more severe disease. Chat to our staff to learn more about the benefits of regular teeth cleaning.🩺

14/08/2024

"Dr Liz Chmurycz is a fantastic and knowledgeable person, she is easy to get along with and talk to. Highly recommend Russell Vale animal clinic" says Daniel on Google

★★★★★ Dr Liz Chmurycz is a fantastic and knowledgeable person, she is easy to get along with and talk to. Highly recommend Russell Vale animal clinic

13/08/2024

As the weather cools, it can be hard to maintain motivation to exercise. We know our dogs benefit from regular exercise, however that doesn’t mean you have to enrol them in agility or take them on long runs. 🐶 Even a daily 30-minute walk, at a pace suited to the age and health of your pet, can do wonders for their (and your) health. 🐾 Rug up to stay as comfortable as possible, including a jacket for your dog if it’s really cool, and get out there with your pooches! 🧥

08/08/2024

Oral hygiene is vital for maintaining good overall health. It’s vital dogs have a dental care routine in place to avoid disease and tooth loss. 🐕

Preventative dental care is the key to good oral hygiene. As a general rule, the gold standard for teeth cleaning is daily (or twice daily) brushing with a soft human toothbrush and regular dental scale and polishes. 🦷

Contact our clinic to make a time with one of our nurses to develop a personalised dental care plan for your pet, to ensure their teeth stay clean and healthy for life. 📞

07/08/2024

"Friendly. Approachable. Advise me about free 6 months dental checks - - this is great service being offered . I was impressed how Billy's little skin lesion was being monitored on the computer" says Julie

★★★★★ Friendly. Approachable. Advise me about free 6 months dental checks - - this is great service being offered . I was impressed how Billy's little skin lesion was being monitored on the computer

06/08/2024

One of the only things cats like less than having their belly rubbed, is having their teeth checked. 🐾 It can be hard to know the state of your cat’s teeth, as apart from yawns, they very rarely ‘bare’ their teeth. One way to check, is to gently push their lip up on one side with your thumb when they are relaxed. This will give you a glimpse of the outside surface of the teeth and gums. 🦷

If you aren’t sure, one of our friendly nurses would be happy to show you how. 🩺

01/08/2024

Dental issues are incredibly common in dogs. It’s estimated that more than 80% of dogs over the age of three have dental disease. 🦷

One sign of dental disease is rubbing or pawing at the mouth. This can be a sign of discomfort or pain, and should always be investigated by a veterinarian. Another sign to look out for is reluctance to chew or crunch food, particularly hard kibble. 🐕

If you suspect your dog might have dental disease, give the clinic a call today. 📞

31/07/2024

"Dr Liz researched the issue with our 6yr old dog and came up with the best solution. Nulla is bouncing around like a puppy again. Thank you very much." says Ash

★★★★★ Dr Liz researched the issue with our 6yr old dog and came up with the best solution. Nulla is bouncing around like a puppy again. Thank you very much.

25/07/2024

If your cat is ten years of age or above, their dietary needs may be a-changing! 🐱🍽️

Older cats can start to become more sedentary, so they may require a switch to a weight maintenance diet to prevent unhealthy weight gain.

If your cat is developing chronic kidney disease (which occurs in 30-40% of cats over 10 years of age), we may also recommend a senior diet or prescription kidney support diet, which have reduced levels of protein and salt and added omega-3 fatty acids for organ, brain, and joint support.

For personalised advice on the best dietary options for your senior cat, consult our feline-friendly veterinary team. 🐾💡

24/07/2024

"Dr Liz and the team are amazing - always friendly, professional and willing to help no matter the situation. We have been attending Russell Vale for over 6 years with our 2 dogs who are now getting on in age and require more attention and Dr Liz always makes time for them and looks after them to a very high standard." says Rebecca on Google

★★★★★ Dr Liz and the team are amazing - always friendly, professional and willing to help no matter the situation. We have been attending Russell Vale for over 6 years with our 2 dogs who are now getting on in age and require more attention and Dr Liz always makes time for them and looks a...

23/07/2024

If your pet has reached senior years at eight years of age and above, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any symptoms of cognitive (mental) decline.

Symptoms of cognitive decline in pets can include changes in sleeping and waking patterns, the loss of learned behaviours (such as toilet training) or appearing vague or confused. 🐶🐱

If you notice any obvious behavioural changes in your pet, it’s a good idea to book them for prompt general health check-up with our veterinary team. Additionally, we can also make smart recommendations on proactive brain support measures for any senior pet. 💪

18/07/2024

Baby, It’s Cold Outside, but hopefully, you and your canine or feline family members are staying toasty warm! 🐱🐶❄️

This July, our team is calling for your most adorable photos of your pet staying warm this winter. We’d love to see pictures of pets tucked into cosy spots or wearing their snuggest winter woollies. We’d also welcome photos of true Arctic breeds (such as huskies) in their element, enjoying the cold conditions.

Please post your favourite winter pet photo below! 🐾📸

16/07/2024

"Every visit is 5 Star! Liz and the team are the best. Over the years they have cared for our fur kids, all rescues with their own peculiarities. Our little oddballs have received the best of care. Professional, kind, caring and understanding, I can’t recommend highly enough." says Robyn

★★★★★ Every visit is 5 Star! Liz and the team are the best. Over the years they have cared for our fur kids, all rescues with their own peculiarities. Our little oddballs have received the best of care. Professional, kind, caring and understanding, I can’t recommend highly enough.

16/07/2024

Hip pain can occur in dogs of almost any age due to injuries, developmental joint issues such as hip dysplasia, or the development of osteoarthritis.

Whilst some pets with hip pain may show an obvious hindlimb lameness, others will show more subtle symptoms of discomfort, such as a bunny-hopping run, stiffness after rest, a loss of gluteal or thigh muscle size, or an unwillingness to be handled around their back legs. 🐶💪

If your dog is demonstrating any of these symptoms, or if it is eight years of age or older, we recommend a joint health check-up with one of our knowledgeable vets. 🩺

12/07/2024

Hey family - can you believe that it has been four years since Junior Nurse Jacob joined the RVAC family (well birthed into it via Nurse Tegan).

Jacob is now turning four, and both Dirk and I will be attending his birthday party on Sat 13th July - as a result, our vet hospital will be closed - we will be contactable via email and phone, as much as we can be, but we do appreciate your understanding.

For all emergencies, we do advise visiting ARH Wollongong, but if it is not urgent, just send me a quick message or email.

11/07/2024

"Dr Liz and all her staff are amazing!" says Emina on Google

★★★★★ Dr Liz and all her staff are amazing!

11/07/2024

This winter, all cats will appreciate the provision of a warm, sheltered sleeping nook, whether in a snug igloo bed indoors, a spot by the heater, or even being tucked up in bed with you! 🐱❄️

If your cat is sparsely furred (e.g., a rex or sphynx cat), it will also benefit from either a well-fitted feline jumper or a thick blanket to snuggle under. Ensure any clothing or bedding provided for your pet is only washed using low-irritant, pet-safe laundry liquid without added dyes, SLS, or synthetic fragrances.

For more advice on keeping your pet comfortable and healthy this winter, consult our snug-savvy team! 🐾🛏️

10/07/2024

Dirk and I visited the Open session for Sydney Pet Dentistry tonight.

Amazing facility for the best oral health care for our pets.

Ct scan, advanced techniques, access to specialist anaesthetists - they have the lot.

Even saw the skull of a sabre tooth tiger. Amazing.

09/07/2024

If you’ve ever had back, neck, hip, or knee pain, you’ll understand that unmanaged arthritis pain in senior pets can be a real quality of life issue.

Fortunately, there are many options we can offer for relief of osteoarthritis discomfort in pets, including omega-3 fatty acid supplements, joint mobility support injections, anti-inflammatory pain relief medications, and newer monoclonal antibody injections that can reduce chronic joint pain.

For recommendations on the most suitable joint health support options for your senior pet, consult our veterinary team – we’re mad about good mobility! 🐶🩺