If your pet is aged eight or older and seems generally healthy, do they need annual blood and urine tests and blood pressure checks? Yes, here are three reasons why performing these tests routinely in older pets is a good idea: 1. Blood and urine tests can lead to the...
Did you know that our vets love it when things get physical? We're referring, of course, to the importance of a good physical examination for assessing your older pet's general health, comfort and condition! Whilst every pet gets a nose-to-tail assessment, here are...
One of the more common emergencies we see in older dogs is the sudden onset of generalised wobbliness due to a condition called idiopathic vestibular disease (IVD). Here’s what to watch out for in your more senior pets: What is IVD? Idiopathic vestibular disease...
Slinky the 14-year-old domestic short-hair cat,, had always sported a sleek, shiny coat. However, her owner Audrey noticed that Slinky's fur had started looking a little unkempt and dull over the last few months. The cat also appeared to have gradually lost weight,...
As well as attending 6-12 monthly veterinary check-ups (so we can manage any developing health issues), you can help support the health of pets aged eight years and older on a day-to-basis too! Our senior-savvy team have compiled a list of five simple aids to keep...
We’d love to raise a cheer to all the amazing veterinary nurses out there, but especially to our fabulous crew! Here are just some of the ways veterinary nurses help to ensure the best care for our furry patients: 1. Technical know-how: In supporting our...
Among the many things we love about being in the veterinary profession is the variety and quality of medical and surgical assistance that we’re able to offer to our patients and clients. Here are just a few of the awesome skills and services that we can offer, all...
Our team does our very best to stay on schedule, but unfortunately, we may run late on occasion due to the inherent unpredictability of veterinary work. Here are three reasons why we might not always be on time for your appointment: Emergencies Common emergencies...
With 80-90% of dogs, and over 90% of cats being routinely desexed in Australia, the majority of female pets will undergo a spey (female desexing procedure) at some point in their life. Let’s shed some light on the technical details of this intricate surgical procedure...
Did you know that up to 40% of human medical patients don’t take their own medication correctly as prescribed? Unfortunately, this incorrect dosing may cause the medication to be less effective, or even harmful. Whether your pet is taking a short course of...
One of our lovely clients Doug edited a book some years ago about polar explorers which is called "Antarctica - First Impressions 1773-1930". He has recently drawn our attention to a chapter in this book about a polar dog called Stareek. Stareek means 'Old Man' and...
Did you know that about one in four cats is likely to be overweight or obese? Here’s how to recognise whether your cat is overweight and how you can help them attain a healthy body condition score. Assessing your pet’s body condition score Given the large variety in...
In conjunction with Hill's Prescription Diets, Mira Mar Vets offer any of our more 'portly' patients the opportunity to join our FREE Weight Watchers Club. Members of our Weight Watchers Club get FREE regular monthly checks with our nurses to weigh your pets and talk...
Arthritis, otherwise known as DJD (degenerative joint disease), is an irreversible, degenerative condition affecting the joints of many middle-aged to senior pets. It can develop naturally with aging or occur due to factors such as previous joint injuries or...
When we think about cruciate ligament injuries, we tend to think about athletes suddenly limping off the field with severe knee pain. This can be the case with dogs too, as high-impact exercise has the potential to trigger sudden knee problems. However, cruciate...
Poppy the Border Collie was excitedly running around the off-leash park with her ball when she suddenly yelped and held up her front left paw. Her owner Andy tried to have a look, but Poppy was too sore to be cooperative. Agitated, Poppy continued to limp and...
Hip dysplasia is a joint condition commonly seen in dogs (but also sometimes in cats), and is thought to occur due to a number of genetic and environmental factors. Here’s what you need to know about hip dysplasia, and how we can help to ensure that your pet’s hips...
We’re guessing that you probably don’t think much about your cat’s claws unless they’re scratching at your furniture! But here are three important things to remember about your cats’ claws: 1. Scratching is natural Scratching is a natural feline behaviour, and serves...
Did you know that our domesticated feline friends may need a little extra help to stay healthily hydrated? Why are some cats at risk of dehydration? Some cats may not drink enough water on a regular basis, as: Cats can be naturally sensitive to water tastes and may...
“Is my puppy a healthy weight?” We field this question pretty commonly from new pet owners. It can be hard to tell if your new furry family member is in healthy body condition or not, particularly with some puppies being very fluffy and/or sporting loose skin rolls or...
What should you do if your pet is showing signs of an upset tummy? Do they need an immediate vet visit? Read on for practical tips on what to do when all is not well with your pet’s tummy. What are the signs of gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats? Pets with upset...
Does my pet really need to go on a “special” diet when they reach a certain age? In this article, we answer this and other commonly asked questions about senior pets and their nutritional requirements. Q: When is my pet considered to be old? A: In general, cats and...
Did you know that breeds such as dachshunds, corgis and basset hounds get their characteristic ‘sausage’ body shape from a developmental condition called chondrodystrophy? Their silhouette may be iconic, but unfortunately, these dogs have a much higher risk of spinal...
If we say “german shepherd”, do you picture a focused and courageous working dog? Or a loyal and calm family companion? Unfortunately, without the proper socialisation, training and healthcare, this special breed can actually be prone to significant health and...