New Plymouth Vet Group

26/02/2025

Pet One’s Cooling Towel is a fast and effective cooling solution that will keep your pet comfortable in warmer weather.

Made from a safe and eco-friendly material, the Cooling Towel is up to 20°C cooler than a traditional towel.

Features & Benefits:

🐶Assists in preventing dogs from overheating in warmer weather
🐶Provides instant cooling relief for your pet
🐶Simply wet with cold water, wring excess and place over your pet to cool down
🐶Compact design, perfect for home or travel
🐶Made from a safe and eco-friendly material
🐶Biodegradable
🐶Easy to clean

Specification: 66 X 43CM

Available at the clinic and retail for $8.40 each.

24/02/2025

Just a reminder: if you're visiting our clinic this week, please be aware of potential traffic delays due to the number of people expected to visit New Plymouth. We recommend planning your trip and allowing extra time.

21/02/2025

🚘 Saturday Americarna road closures 🚗
** The clinic is open as normal from 9am to midday today **
* Please access Devon Street East via Elliot Street
* Speak to a traffic warden and let them know you are coming to the clinic and they will let you through
* Alternatively you can park at Vospers next door and walk down to the clinic
* Retail/reception still open as normal for purchases and prescription pick up
* If you are coming to the clinic for an after hours emergency please follow the directions given by the on-call vet on where to meet them and how to get there
* Please phone the clinic if you have any concerns 067584006

20/02/2025

❗️Americarna road closures 🚗
* Please be aware that from 4pm Friday 21st Feb you will not be able to access Devon Street East due to Americarna.
* If you are coming to the clinic for an appointment or to collect a pet please turn in to Vospers Funeral Home off Elliot Street and drive through their carpark to Devon Street to access the clinic. (As marked in photo)
* Retail/reception still open as normal for purchases and prescription pick up
* After 6pm Devon Street is not accessible at all until after the night cruise is done at around 9.30pm
* If you are coming to the clinic for an after hours emergency please follow the directions given by the on-call vet on where to meet them and how to get there
* Please phone the clinic if you have any concerns 067584006

18/02/2025

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗥𝗲𝘂𝗯𝘆𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗨𝗽 🐾

As cats age, regular health check-ups become essential to ensure they stay in their best health. Yesterday, we welcomed Reubyn, a charming 13½-year-old Burmese, for his annual senior wellness exam. (In human years, he’d be around 70!)

During his visit, he received a full check-over, and we performed blood sampling to assess his overall health, with a special focus on his kidney function. Burmese cats can be prone to renal issues, so regular blood tests help us catch any early signs of concern.

💙 Why is routine bloodwork so important? As pets age, tracking their bloodwork over time allows us to catch subtle changes early. We know running blood tests can feel like an extra cost, but the peace of mind from knowing your pet is maintaining their wellbeing is priceless.

For Reubyn, we conducted a full blood profile, which included:
✅ T4 – Checking thyroid function
✅ SDMA – An early indicator of kidney disease
✅ Electrolytes – Important for hydration and organ function
✅ CBC (Complete Blood Count) – Monitoring overall health

Great news! All of Reubyn’s results came back within normal ranges—pawsome news for this senior superstar!

We did notice he has lost a wee bit of weight, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on that in the months ahead.

🐾 Senior Spotlight Takeaway: Regular check-ups, like Reubyn’s, are vital for catching potential issues early and helping our pets live long, happy lives. Reubyn will be back in 6 months for a vitals check, and we’ll repeat his bloodwork in 12 months—unless any concerns arise before then.

📅 Has your senior pet had their yearly wellness check? Senior exams are a proactive way to keep your furry friend feeling their best—and they can help put your mind at ease. 💙

18/02/2025

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
We've recently seen several cases of dogs becoming unwell after swimming in local rivers and requiring veterinary care. Many of our rivers are currently unsafe for both pets, children and swimming.

👉Before you take your dog for a swim, please visit the NPDC website's "𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺" page for updated safety information. Your pet's health is our priority, so please stay informed and make safe choices!

Link here: https://www.npdc.govt.nz/leisure-and-culture/can-i-swim/

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀:
❌Waiwhakaiho River - Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
❌Waiwhakaiho River - Meeting of the Waters
❌Audrey Gale Reserve - Merrilands
❌Te Henui Swimming Hole (no swimming)
❌Everett Park - Inglewood

16/02/2025

13/02/2025

Urgently seeking the owners of a silver tabby kitten, no microchip, roughly 6 weeks old found SH3 Egmont Village.

If you know who we belong to please call the clinic on 067584006

11/02/2025

🐾 Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight? Let’s Talk Body Condition Score!

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight isn’t just about looks—it’s about long-term health and quality of life! Overweight pets are at higher risk for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, while underweight pets may suffer from malnutrition or underlying health issues.

🔎 What is Body Condition Score (BCS)?
BCS is a veterinary tool used to assess a pet’s weight and overall body fat. It’s measured on a scale from 1 to 9 (or 1 to 5), with specific criteria to evaluate body shape and fat distribution.

1-3 (Too Thin): Visible ribs, spine, and hip bones with little to no fat.
4-5 (Ideal Weight): Ribs can be felt but not seen, with a visible waist and slight abdominal tuck.
6-9 (Overweight to Obese): Ribs are difficult to feel, with little to no waist and excess fat deposits.

💡 Why Does BCS Matter?
A healthy weight means a longer, happier life for your pet! It can improve mobility, reduce the risk of diseases, and even add extra years to their life.

🍽️ Need Help with Weight Management?
We offer a range of prescription diets designed to support healthy weight loss, including Royal Canin Satiety and Hills Metabolic. These diets are scientifically formulated to help your pet shed excess weight safely while keeping them feeling full and satisfied.

🐶🐱 Not sure about your pet’s weight? Ask your vet for a BCS check at your next visit! Together, we can help your furry friend stay fit and healthy.

www.npvet.co.nz

04/02/2025

A reminder the clinic will be closed tomorrow for Waitangi Day.

💙We offer an Emergency Care Service for our clients of both clinics - Vet Group and St Aubyn Vets.

🩺𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 - 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟳𝟱𝟴𝟰𝟬𝟬𝟲, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹.

✋We do ask before you call our emergency service, that you take a moment to pause and think whether your pet requires emergency care or could be seen by a vet during normal business hours. In that case, we encourage you to wait and contact the clinic when we are open again.

www.npvet.co.nz

04/02/2025

💙We are seeking a Customer Care / Receptionist to join our team.

Find all the details here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/healthcare/veterinary/taranaki/new-plymouth/full-time/listing/5154108143?bof=9BcLXanh

Please submit your cover letter and up to date CV to [email protected]

For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact Nic Tooley on 027 327 6699 for more information.

Applications close on Wednesday 12th February 2025

29/01/2025

🐾 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸: 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 🐾

Is your cat struggling with hairballs and a sensitive stomach? Our team loves Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Hairball, a vet-recommended diet that supports digestive health while reducing hairballs!

✨ Why We Love It:
✔ Supports digestion – Gentle on sensitive stomachs
✔ Reduces hairballs – Special fiber blend helps move hair through the digestive tract
✔ Promotes gut health – Packed with prebiotics for a balanced microbiome
✔ High-energy formula – Great for cats needing extra nourishment
✔ Hydration boost – Available in both dry & wet food options!

If your cat suffers from frequent vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive hairballs, this could be a game-changer! 💙

📍 Visit us at 235 Devon Street East, and give this diet a try!

🐱A reminder Royal Canin offer a money-back palatability guarantee – If your pet doesn’t like the food, you can return it for a full refund or exchange. Terms & Conditions apply.

27/01/2025

🌱 Attention Farmers & Lifestyle Block Owners:

Facial Eczema Spore Count - New Plymouth Area
We have started testing for Facial Eczema (FE)—here are the results from last week.

What is Facial Eczema?
Facial eczema (FE) is a disease affecting grazing ruminants and camelids. It is caused by liver damage due to a toxin produced by fungal spores that grow in the dead "litter" at the base of pastures.

The ideal conditions for fungal growth are warm, damp environments with high humidity, often following a dry spell. If you see mushrooms growing, conditions are ideal for FE development.

The toxin damages the liver, preventing it from metabolising correctly. This leads to a buildup of chlorophyll (the green pigment in grass) in the blood. When exposed to sunlight, this chlorophyll reaction causes deep-seated sunburn, resulting in the characteristic eczema symptoms.

Signs to Look For:
🐮 A drop in milk production
🐮 Restlessness, seeking shade, and excessive udder licking
🐮 Exposed, unpigmented, or thin skin that reddens, thickens, and peels

Not all animals with facial eczema show visible signs (clinical FE), but subclinical FE—where liver damage occurs without obvious symptoms—is common. It is estimated that for every clinical case, 10 cows may have subclinical facial eczema.

Prevention
There is no cure for facial eczema, so prevention is key. To be effective, preventative measures must be in place before eczema spores are detected.

Recommended prevention strategies include:
✅ Monitoring pasture spore counts regularly
✅ Dosing animals with zinc to protect their livers
✅ Spraying pastures with fungicide to reduce spore levels

Disclaimer:
These spore counts provide an indication of the relative risk (based on pastures tested throughout the week). Spore counts can vary significantly from paddock to paddock. When pasture spore counts exceed 20,000/g and weather conditions favor FE development, it is recommended to monitor your own pasture and implement control and prevention strategies accordingly.

www.npvet.co.nz/farm-animals/check-spore-counts

21/01/2025

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. Unvaccinated puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months are most at risk of catching parvo.

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗩𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Currently, we have been treating numerous cases of Parvovirus. This is a very serious viral infection that can lead to severe dehydration and death. Vaccinating your dog is the best way to help prevent canine parvovirus infection.

🐶𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗣𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗬 (under 12 months of age)? Have they completed their 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 vaccination course to cover them for Parvo? This means you have followed the vaccination protocol as advised by your vet and had all required booster vaccinations.

🐶𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗚 𝗨𝗣-𝗧𝗢-𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗩𝗢 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡? This means you have followed the vaccination protocol as advised by your vet?

New Plymouth Vet Group’s advice, with the vaccine we currently use, is for puppies to receive at a minimum their final puppy vaccination at 12 weeks of age. 𝗔 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱. Following this puppy course, a booster vaccination is due in 12 months.

👉𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 – 𝟭𝟬 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸, 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.

The cost to treat a dog who contracts parvovirus can cost up to $2000 so ensuring your dog is up to date with their vaccination regime is your best prevention method.

Please call us to discuss if you are unsure or if you have any questions (06) 7584006.

20/01/2025

🐟 Going Fishing? Keep Hooks Away from Pets!

As the weather warms up, our vets see an increase in fish hook injuries in both dogs and cats. Curious pets, especially dogs, are often drawn to shiny lures and bait, which can lead to hooks becoming embedded in their mouths, esophagus, or stomach.

Fish hooks can also cause painful paw injuries if stepped on.

If you suspect your pet has swallowed or been injured by a fish hook, contact your vet immediately.

Next time you head out fishing, keep your gear safely stored and out of reach to protect your furry friends! 🎣🐾

20/01/2025

FLYSTRIKE - Have you treated your sheep? If the answer is no, then make sure you add it to the TOP of your to-do list!

🐑Flystrike season usually runs from December to March but in warm, humid weather can go right through to June. Prevention is the key!

Here are some tips to help with your management:
👉𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: This will prevent flystrike for a few weeks. Shearing during the start of the flystrike season in November/December will help ensure their wool is short coming into the risk period. By keeping their wool short especially around the back end, this helps to ensure they do not attract unnecessary flies.

👉𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚: Treating internal parasites helps to prevent scours.

👉𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Chemical prevention can then be used 4-6 weeks later after shearing, so the wool is long enough to hold the insecticide.

And keep an eye out for any ‘dirty’ looking patches of wool on your sheep. That could indicate the flies have already been at work. If you notice flystrike in your flock, please call us for advice.

Want to order some treatment? Contact us on 7584006 so we can have your order prepared for collection.

17/01/2025

Take extra ⚠️ caution if you are taking your dogs to swim in our local rivers. We have had some reports of owners having to seek veterinary treatment for their pets after swimming in the rivers in South Taranaki.

🚨Large amounts of potentially toxic cyanobacteria have been found in the Kaūpokonui River at the beach domain and in the Waingongoro River at Ōhawe.🚨
Cyanobacteria can cause serious illness in humans and animals. Children are at greater risk because their smaller body size means they need to ingest less toxin to become seriously ill, while dogs may be attracted to the musty smell.
Cyanobacteria is naturally occurring, often appearing as dark green or brown mats attached to rocks in rivers and streams. We have seen that these mats are beginning to detach from rocks and are now floating on the water’s surface and and gathering along the water’s edge.
To stay safe, we advise that you avoid swimming or letting your children and pets enter the water.
Skin contact with cyanobacteria may cause rashes and skin irritation.
Ingesting cyanobacteria may cause:
• nausea
• tummy upset
• tingling or numbness
Signs of poisoning in animals include:
• excessive drooling
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• lethargy or weakness
• difficulty breathing
• convulsion
If you or your pets experience symptoms after contact with the water, or your pets have eaten toxic algae, visit your doctor and/or vet immediately.
Further monitoring for cyanobacteria will be carried out next week.
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
South Taranaki District Council

Cawthron Institute scientist Dr Susie Wood is a world expert in cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green or toxic algae). Some of the algae which grows in our rivers…

15/01/2025

🐾𝗧𝗼𝗺'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 - 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲

This is Tom, and he knew exactly what he was doing when he wandered into a hotel room a little over a year ago!

Tom's soon-to-be new owners were in town for the Tattoo Festival when a stray cat unexpectedly made his way into their hotel room. He was a bit smelly, so they gave him a bath and allowed him to stay overnight while they posted on social media to find his owners. They left a window open so he could come and go as he pleased, and he chose to leave the next morning. Unfortunately, they had no luck finding anyone who claimed him, and they were disappointed he hadn’t hung around.

A few weeks later, Tom was found injured on someone's deck in Glen Avon, likely after being hit by a car. He was brought to the clinic, and we recognised him from the earlier social media posts. Sadly, he wasn’t microchipped.

We got in touch with Natalie and Daniel, the first people to find Tom, to see if they'd had anyone come forward to claim him. No one had, so we tried posting him on social media pages again.

We still had no luck but fortunately for Tom, Natalie and Daniel had fallen in love with him and were prepared to travel up from Wellington to collect him if we still couldn't find any owners.

He is a very charming and affectionate boy and his injuries weren't too severe so we neutered, microchipped and vaccinated him, repaired a damaged ligament in his back leg and after an extended stay at the clinic (where we all got a little attached to Tom) he was ready to go to his new home.

💙Now, Tom has settled in beautifully. He gets along well with their other cats and is living the luxurious life he truly deserves - thanks to Natalie and Daniel.