VetPlus

15/08/2024

FINAL DAYS - take advantage of our senior specials! Promotion ends 31/08/2024.

Ensure your senior pets live their best lives with our Comprehensive Senior Health Check!
Our thorough, comprehensive & age-specific health checks are designed to keep your senior pets healthy and happy. We believe in providing the best care for your beloved fur babies, and here's what our health check includes:
✔️ Comprehensive Physical (Joints, Ears, Internal Organs)
✔️ Lumps and Bumps Check
✔️ Urinalysis (Urine Test)
✔️ Dental Examination
✔️ Weight Review & Nutrition Assessment
✔️ Vaccination Check
✔️ Blood Analysis
So if your cat is 9 or older, or your dog is 7 or older, then make sure to get them booked in!
📅 Available through June and July 2024
Book your appointment today and give your senior pets the care they deserve. 🐶🐱
📞 Call us at 0800 VETPLUS

08/08/2024

Lynmore School are learning all about mammals!
Kyle, one of our large animal vets went along to school this week with pet lamb 'Williams Weaver'. Williams was the perfect patient as student Evie listened for his heartbeat 🩺💓

05/07/2024

A Happy Story to start your day!

Meet Lloyd – a handsome Staffordshire, 10 years young.

Lloyd had been happily enjoying himself on the farm when within the space of an hour, things changed. He suddenly became lethargic, he was wobbly on his feet and his owners noticed very diligently that his gums weren’t as deep pink as usual.
Lloyds parents promptly bought him to us where we performed our physical exam and a detailed history, ruling out possible toxins and injury. Following on from our findings on physical examination and discussions, we decided an ultrasound was required.

Within minutes, Lloyd had an ultrasound performed and diagnosed a lot of blood within his abdomen. As we continued the scan to find the cause of this bleed, we unfortunately found an ugly looking growth on his spleen.

Lloyd’s owners were faced with an urgent, and stressful decision – an older dog, with a ruptured splenic mass, the odds of this being good long term were not in his favour. Unfortunately, 60-75% of splenic masses that also have blood in the abdomen (hemoabdomen) are Haemangiosarcomas, these are nasty malignant tumours and have often already spread to other organs by the time they are identified.

A decision on whether to euthanize, or to do a blood transfusion and surgery to remove the spleen (which also came with an uncertain, and if not statistically un-favorable long-term prognosis). Lloyd’s owners decided to do what they could for Lloyd and we went ahead with the plan – blood transfusion and splenectomy (removal of the spleen)

Cue in our Savior – a sweetheart of a Greyhound, Lentil.

Emma Simpson is one of our lovely clients that volunteers their dog as a blood donor. Greyhounds are hot property when it comes to blood as they have such high red blood cell volumes, they are the ideal blood donor.

Emma dropped Lentil off for blood donation within 20mins of the decision being made, and Lentil was once again an absolute star. He lay there like an angel while we collected his blood, no sedation, just pats and good chat! He was stoked to get a good meal afterwards, and off he trotted home, casually saving a life, all in an evening!

The transfusion of Lentil’s blood to Lloyd was then very slowly started, to check for any transfusion reactions, and conveniently while our staff replenished their energy levels with some ham buns for the evening surgery. The speed of the transfusion was then increased and continued throughout the surgery.

Lloyd’s abdomen was opened up and there was a lot of blood! We suctioned this off and identified the culprit – the mass on the spleen had ruptured and was continuing to bleed. With two of our vets scrubbed in and working together – they proceeded to tie off all the vessels to the spleen - and remove the spleen in its entirety.
The rest of the organs and intestines were inspected for any obvious visual nodules - given we were concerned about a cancerous spread, however all looked ok.

Whenever we take a mass out, or a diseased organ in this case, we always recommend histopathology – which tells us what exactly the growth, or in this case, the mass of the spleen is.
Lloyd finished his blood transfusion that night, and by the next evening, he was ready to go home!

We all awaited anxiously the results over the next week.
Test result day, the best possible news – HAEMATOMA!

A hematoma is a benign mass – ie just a big bloody growth (no pun intended), but one that does not spread to other organs or cause ongoing problems once it is removed.

It’s always so fantastic giving clients this news and they were so thrilled to hear their boy has a great prognosis. Lloyd has continued to do well and may he do so for years to come - at least we won’t get any trouble from that spleen!

And big love to Lentil and his mum – the humble hero’s

27/06/2024

Last week Matt and Treena braved the elements to support the Bayleys Sheepdog Trials in Taupo. This is the second year this event has been held inside at the Taupo Equestrian Centre. This year’s focus was to raise funds to support the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.
240 entries, 900 (somewhat stubborn) sheep, and the odd distracted dog later, a whopping $28,500 (and counting!) was raised to support this cause. VetPlus is delighted add our support the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter who do such important and lifechanging work in our community with a further donation of $1,000. If you feel you’d like to support this amazing organisation, please visit https://give.rescue.org.nz/fundraisers/bayleystaupo/bayleys-sheep-dog-trials-2024

20/06/2024

VetPlus Proudly Supporting The Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials 2024.

This event is supporting the Taupo Greenlea Resue Helicopter!

We are down at the event for the next couple of days, so come in and say hi, we have some good deals on!

Dog Trials going all day, and some nice coffee as well.

13/06/2024

Ensure your senior pets live their best lives with our Comprehensive Senior Health Check!
Our thorough, comprehensive & age-specific health checks are designed to keep your senior pets healthy and happy. We believe in providing the best care for your beloved fur babies, and here's what our health check includes:

✔️ Comprehensive Physical (Joints, Ears, Internal Organs)
✔️ Lumps and Bumps Check
✔️ Urinalysis (Urine Test)
✔️ Dental Examination
✔️ Weight Review & Nutrition Assessment
✔️ Vaccination Check
✔️ Blood Analysis

So if your cat is 9 or older, or your dog is 7 or older, then make sure to get them booked in!

📅 Available through June and July 2024

Book your appointment today and give your senior pets the care they deserve. 🐶🐱
📞 Call us at 0800 VETPLUS

VetPlus | Domestic and Production animal veterinary services

10/05/2024

Please be aware, if you are out and about it is important to keep animals out of the water when walking near these affected areas. Keep your animals safe. If you have any concerns for your pet, please get in touch.

‼️ Health warnings remain in place for the following locations 👇

💧 All of Lake Rotorua including Reeme Street in Ngongotahā and Holdens Bay
💧 Ōhau Channel
💧 Ōkere Arm
💧 Upper reaches of the Kaituna River
💧 Lake Rotoehu

🧬 The levels of Cyanobacteria can change quickly so it is important to check health warnings, nearby signage and any visible signs of blue-green algae before coming into contact with the water

🐕 Animals can be particularly sensitive to Cyanobacteria toxins and can become quite ill, quickly. It is important to keep animals out of the water when walking near the affected areas

Toi Te Ora Public Health Bay of Plenty Regional Council Ngongotaha Sports & Community Association - Inc Rotoma Rotoehu Community Hall

29/04/2024

Position Available: RECEPTIONIST – ROTORUA (RURAL) (Part-time / Job-share)

We’re looking for a genuine all-rounder to join our customer service team at our Rural clinic in Rotorua.

• Do you have a real passion for customer service?
• Do you have loads of administration experience and an eye for detail?
• Are you an exceptional organizer, able to respond to dynamic changes?
• Do you have an understanding of farming in our area?
• Is your glass ½ full to overflowing?
• Are you flexible with a ‘can-do’ attitude?

An opportunity has arisen at our sparkling new Rotorua clinic to partner with the lovely Robyn as a Minister of First Impressions for our Rural clients! Rostered days on; fulltime Monday and Tuesday, and half day on Wednesday. The ability to work ‘fulltime’ to cover leave and during peak workflow times is essential.

For more details please visit our website https://vetplus.co.nz/careers/

27/04/2024

Veterinary Receptionist Week!
Veterinary receptionists are often a first and last point of contact during a pet care visit. Those that provide client service in animal hospitals are an essential part of the team.
We appreciate all our receptionists for their care and dedication.
Here's our Rotorua Pets crew - Paula, Alana, Julie and Jasmine who were lucky enough to get a beautifully baked cake from vet nurse Mel for morning tea!

26/04/2024

🌿✨ Team VetPlus Takes on Xterra! ✨🌿

A few weeks ago , our amazing team swapped stethoscopes and overalls for sneakers, wet suits and mountain bikes, as we took part in the thrilling Xterra 2024 in Rotorua! 🏃‍♀️🏞️ It was a day filled with mud, laughs, and a whole lot of team spirit.
As a clinic that deeply cares about both pet health and our community, participating in local events like this not only strengthens our team but also connects us more with the wonderful people and places around us. We believe in living the values we uphold in our work — care, dedication, and a zest for life!
Thank you to everyone who cheered us on! We’re proud to represent a community that supports each other, both in and out of the clinic. Here’s to more adventures! 🐾


Xterra 2024

24/04/2024

🌺 ANZAC DAY🌺

We are closed for ANZAC Day, the 25th of April 2024
Normal Clinic Hours, Friday 26th April 2024

Although our clinics will be closed, our local emergency after hours service will be available. If you have an emergency please ring us on 0800 VETPLUS (0800 8387587)

Lest We Forget

19/04/2024

DENTAL PROMO WINNERS!!!
Congratulations to our lucky winners, Sasha Jassar and Karen Cookson. They both booked dental checks for their fur babies with our nurses during our recent dental campaign. They win a dental package for themselves so they too can take care of their teeth!

26/03/2024

Congratulations to the team at Pāmu Dairy Unit Renown, who have become finalists for the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards - Waikato Region!

With the awards night coming up we wish you all the best for the night, good luck team!

https://nzfetrust.org.nz/stories/damien-watson-chris-tidey-and-robin-gerding-of-renown-pamu-wairakei-pastoral/?fbclid=IwAR2mWy_h194iUs656KdDR8pobw1xJB_R0GahJvgFbUHYhR2ftI0h9bgQA1c

Introducing Damien Watson, Chris Tidey and Robin Gerding of Renown Pamu, Wairakei Pastoral.

Renown has gone from pine trees to lush pastures in 17 years, thanks to excellent planning, perseverance and a strong collaboration between owner and management.

Today’s profitable Reporoa dairy farm is the result of a joint venture between PAMU and Wairekei Estate - the first of their forest-to-farm conversions. Renown has been operational since 2006, with its effective area growing from 180ha to 646ha since then.

Read more about Damien, Chris and Robin’s story here: https://bit.ly/WAI_Wairakei

Don’t miss out on tickets to this year's BFEA event at Karapiro!
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/2024-wai-bfea

26/03/2024

🐣 Easter Weekend Opening Hours 🐰

GOOD FRIDAY (29th Mar): CLOSED
SAT (30th Mar): OPEN - NORMAL SATURDAY HOURS
EASTER SUNDAY (31st Mar): CLOSED
EASTER MONDAY (1st April): CLOSED

We are here if your animals need us, our local emergency after hours service will be running throughout this entire weekend.
If you have an emergency please ring us on 0800 VETPLUS (0800 8387587)

18/03/2024

Congratulations to our clients Paul & Sarah Koopal for taking out the Share Farmer of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards - Central Plateau, it was a great night with Scott Kupa from Pāmu Earnslaw coming runner up in Manager of the Year and Jessie Pope winning the Trainee of the Year!

Congratulations to everyone that took the time to enter, VetPlus was very proud watching so many of our clients on stage.

Good luck for Nationals!

Congratulations Winners 2024 Central Plateau Share Farmers of the Year – Paul and Sarah Koopal

12/03/2024

How to brush your pets teeth?

Why? The best way to manage dental issues is to prevent them. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth can help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

How Often? 3 times a week, would be the minimum to help with your animals dental health.

Here is Vet Holly Rabone, to explain how to brush your pets teeth, with the help of the wonderful Stella.

Dental care is hugely important to keep your pet healthy and smelling fresh. Here is Vet Holly Rabone to explain how to brush your pets teeth.

05/03/2024

Puppy Preschool!

Our very own talented Kirstina Broadley & Jo Rogers, with the help of Sarah & Nikita, run well organised and efficient puppy preschool classes.
Where the basics are taught to both new owners and their puppies. These classes run in both Taupo and Rotorua, but get in quick as they are very popular!

Here are some recent graduates!

29/02/2024

LAKE DAY!

Here at VetPlus we are blessed with an amazing team, recently our Wellbeing Committee organised a Lake Day! Physical activity and social connection are great ways to improve wellbeing. We enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Lake Rerewhakaaitu with family and friends, how lucky are we!

20/02/2024

DENTAL TIME!

*Limited time, February & March 2024

07/02/2024

VETPLUS FREE DENTAL CHECK!

Does your pet have bad breath? Is it time for a dental check?
Book your FREE dental check today!

Starting today you are able to book a FREE dental check with one of our amazing nurses.
UPDATE: This will be running for the month of February & March 2024!

See Vet Holly below to explain about our dental checks!

Give us a call on 0800 VETPLUS (0800 838 7587)

02/02/2024

POSITION AVAILABLE: VETERINARY NURSE - ROTORUA

We are looking for a Vet Nurse to join our team, the person will be Diploma qualified and/or have considerable experience as a surgical and hospital nurse and be keen to deliver a high level of technical nursing and client education.

We would be happy to discuss working arrangements that suit us both, from part-time, job-sharing, right through to full-time. On-call duty is shared across the nursing team on typically a one weekend in four basis, plus one weeknight each week.

Our team of nurses enjoy a variety of tasks working on roster system which includes time as a surgical nurse, hospital nurse and as the consulting/wellness nurse.

We provide a warm and friendly working environment, with modern facilities in a purpose built, well equipped clinic and hospital. Our experienced team enjoy great camaraderie as we work together to provide our clients with the ‘next level’ experience that we pride ourselves on.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply in confidence to:

Jenni Hill
General Manager
VetPlus
[email protected]

Or visit our website to apply:

We’re always keen to hear from qualified and experienced veterinary professionals who share our passion for delivering a client experience that is ‘Beyond Expectation’. If you’re interested in being part of our tight-knit, fun loving and caring team and would enjoy working and playing in the...

21/01/2024

💦🫧💦 VETPLUS DOG WASH! 💦🫧💦
Our 24HR SELF SERVICE DOG WASH is available at VetPlus Taupo and Rotorua!

Have you tried it out yet? Complete with shampoo, flea shampoo, conditioner, a rinse and a blow dry!

Loyalty cards are available, BUY 9 AND GET 1 FREE!!
Come and try it out today!

45 Nukuhau St, Taupo & 37 Old Taupo Rd, Rotorua

19/01/2024

🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♀️ New Year, New Me 🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♀️

Have you thought about your pets weight?

Obesity is the most common medical problem in cats and dogs, every extra 1kg your pet carries is the equivalent to 8kgs for a human!

Call in to get your pets weight checked today!

VetPlus | Domestic and Production animal veterinary services

11/01/2024

🔥☀️🌤HEATSTROKE!! ☀️☀️🤒

Most pet parents love their fur babies and would never do anything to harm them, but many don’t understand how quickly a parked car can heat up to temperatures that could endanger their pets.

On a 21°C day, the inside temperature of your car can reach 32°C after 10 minutes and 40°C after 30 minutes.

For any pet emergencies give us a call 0800 838 7587, for our
local 24/7 emergency after hours service.

31/12/2023

Happy New Year, from the team here at VetPlus!
Thank you all for your support this year!

We all look forward to seeing you in the new year, stay safe!

Opening Hours over the New Year!
Monday 1st - CLOSED
Tuesday 2nd - CLOSED
Wednesday 3rd to 5th - Open normal hours

Our local 24hr emergency service will be available over this period.
0800 VETPLUS

22/12/2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our hours over the Christmas period:

Saturday 23rd - Normal weekend hours for Taupo & Rotorua
Sunday 24th - CLOSED
Monday 25th - CLOSED
Tuesday 26th - CLOSED
Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th - Open normal hours
Saturday 30th - Normal weekend hours for Taupo & Rotorua
Sunday 31st - CLOSED
Monday 1st - CLOSED
Tuesday 2nd - CLOSED
Wednesday 3rd to 5th - Open normal hours

Our local 24hr emergency service will be available over this period.
0800 VETPLUS

Thank you everyone for all your support over 2023, we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

Here are some photos for your entertainment from our recent Christmas dinner.

18/12/2023

As the holidays approach, here are quick tips for a pet-friendly season:

💊Make sure you have enough prescription medication for you pet over the holidays
🦴 Plan to have enough food for your furry friends!
🏠 Pet-proof your home: Keep decorations and holiday foods out of reach.
🚗 Travel safely: Secure pets in the car and take frequent breaks.
🎆 Create a calm space for noisy fireworks.

Keep your furry pals safe and cozy this holiday season!

15/12/2023

POSITION AVAILABLE: CUSTOMER SERVICE / RECEPTIONIST - ROTORUA

We are looking for a ‘Minister of First Impressions’ to join our fabulous reception team in our small animal clinic in Rotorua. We’re looking for someone who thrives on finding solutions and ‘wowing’ our clients.

If this sounds like you, then visit our website for more details.

Please apply in confidence to:

Jenni Hill
General Manager
VetPlus
[email protected]
www.vetplus.co.nz/careers/

07/12/2023

After an extremely ‘hairy’ month team VetPlus Mo’s are mostly looking respectable again!

Our team took on the challenge of Movember, some grew facial hair (or at least tried to) and others chose to ‘move’ for Movember. We were also joined by some of our awesome farming clients.

Movember is an annual event to raise awareness of men's health issues such as, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's su***de.

Our team raised just over $6000 which is a great amount for a great cause!

Below are a few snap shots of our end of month shave off, with the help of some animal clippers and the very talented Sarah. Some of the team were very disappointed they had to get rid of the mo's.

24/11/2023

Well, it is that time of year again, where sand ends up in places you don’t want…and seeds end up in places we don’t want in our pets!

This is Skipper, with the most dramatic seed find we have had in a while!

Skipper was seen nearly 2 weeks prior to this find, after making a gagging/coughing noise and just not his normal self. The vet performed a thorough inspection under anaesthetic, down his nose, at the back of his throat and behind the soft palate as far as we could see with our instruments, with nothing to be seen.

Now 2 weeks on and after a vigorous sneezing fit, Skipper came back with a little something something sticking out of his nose, the vet pulled out this chain of seeds!

Very brave Skipper, we bet that was a relief!

This goes to show how these little (or big) nasty's can migrate through the body over time and be very tricky to pin point or identify (as grass seeds aren’t visible on x-rays).

Common places include in between the toes, down ear canals, in the arm pints, in the v***a and groin.

We can assist with those breeds at risk, (Miniature Schnauzers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Doodles and Spaniels being the most common) by performing a “poodle” clip of their feet/armpits – a close shave to help minimise seeds getting trapped and working their way in. It also helps with daily inspection of these areas.
We do often need to sedate as its quite a fiddly procedure and ticklish, but can be a helpful procedure over summer.

Trying to avoid your pets going through long/seed head laden grasses and a good inspection of these high risk areas each night can make a big difference.

Thank you to Skippers family for sharing their story.