Dogs: We routinely recommend vaccination of adult dogs with a ‘C7’. This will protect against Parvovirus, Distemper, Kennel Cough and Leptospirosis. The Macarthur district is a relatively high risk area for the often deadly Parvovirus Disease, and effective vaccination needs to be started from 6 weeks of age, and maintained throughout life.
Puppies will receive a course of three primary vaccinations, at 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age. We believe this is the ideal regime for affording optimal protection. The 6 week vaccine is a C3, at 9 weeks they receive a C7 and at 12 weeks a C5, along with their first heartworm injection.
Cats: Given the high number of Feline AIDS cases seen at this practice, we routinely recommend that cats are protected with a “F3+FIV” vaccine. This includes protection against Feline Flu, Feline enteritis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). If the cat is an adult and not currently protected against FIV, then it is necessary for us to conduct a quick in-house blood test, to first check that they do not already carry the virus. Then an extra two FIV vaccinations are required at one month intervals, following the initial F3+FIV vaccine. We do not charge consultation fees on the follow-up FIV vaccinations, to encourage owners to have their cats protected against FIV.
Kittens are usually given a primary course of three or sometimes four vaccines, depending on when they started their shots, and what they had been protected against.
Heartworm disease has traditionally been a problem in the Macarthur region. This nasty disease, mainly affecting dogs, is spread by mosquitoes. Areas close to rivers, such as Camden and Macquarie Fields are considered to be an even higher risk.
The advent of effective preventative products, in particular the heartworm injection (SR-12), has brought about a steady decline in the number of clinical cases of heartworm disease. This is obviously a good thing. However, it is strongly recommended that dogs are given the annual heartworm injection, which we can start as young as 3 months of age. Other products are also available, such as monthly preventatives like Nexgard Spectra or Simparica Trio.
Prevention is better than cure! This old saying applies to pets as much as it does to people. It certainly applies to dental care. Daily brushing of the teeth is the “gold standard” when it comes to preventative dental care. A dog or cat’s tooth isn’t that much different to our own, so if you think of it that way then daily brushing makes sense.
There are other options to assist with plaque prevention, including but not limited to; Prescription dental diets (we recommend Hill’s t/d), Plaque Off additive and raw bones.
The feeding of raw bones is often the source of controversy, and it perhaps isn’t for everyone. However, feeding raw bones in the correct manner is a safe and healthy way to assist with dental hygiene. If you choose to feed raw chicken bones, it is always best to freeze them first which destroys most of the bacteria.
It is important to realise that dental disease, if left unchecked, will ultimately cause damage to the heart and kidneys, not to mention the horrible smell and loose teeth!
We have the ability to treat dental disease, when it does occur. We have a state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaling machine, as well as a polishing apparatus. We also possess pneumatic dental drilling equipment and dental X-ray for use where needed.
Animals undergoing any dental procedures will require a general anaesthetic.
Along with dental disease, obesity is probably the biggest preventable problem we see in this practice. If your dog or cat is overweight, you can expect to be spending a lot more money at the Vets!
Along with regular raw bones, we generally recommend a good brand of commercial dry food be given on a daily basis. You get what you pay for, and this certainly applies to pet food.
Don’t expect to buy a 20kg bag of dog food for $20 at the service station and have a healthy dog!
We stock and recommend either Hill’s or Royal Canin ranges of premium and prescription dog and cat foods.
If your pet is overweight, start by eliminating the feeding of table scraps. Table scraps are often fatty. Stick to a set amount of a good brand of dry food on a daily basis, and don’t forget the raw bones for dental health. We can arrange a prescription diet for obese animals and conduct follow up weight checks.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem in dogs and probably more common in cats than people realise.
Obesity, genetics, age and even weather are factors.
Depending on the particular situation we will consider a multi-faceted approach to the problem. Anti-inflammatory drugs are certainly very effective, and usually form part of the treatment. Weight loss is important. Nutriceutical medications such as GLYDE CHEWS may also form an effective part of the management of osteoarthritis. We also have a course of injections available, which help to regenerate and repair damaged cartilage, and these injections are more often than not very helpful.
Fleas are a major problem for most of the year, even during winter. Effective control essentially involves regular hot washing of any bedding and an effective topical flea product. We normally recommend Bravecto, as our experience is that it achieves the best results. Don’t even bother with the cheap supermarket brands; including rinses, shampoos and spot-ons as they are only effective for a few days at best.
Ingleburn is not a paralysis tick area, although we have seen them appear on dogs very occasionally in areas near the river, especially Douglas Park. We do not routinely recommend tick prevention unless the dogs or owners visit coastal areas. BRAVECTO is probably the pick of the available tick products. Advantix top-spot can also be used for prevention of tick infestation.
We now have Bravecto Quantum, a yearly flea and tick injection for dogs over 12 months.
Vet Stars has its own on-site X-ray facilities. If your pet needs imaging — for anything from a suspected fracture to swallowed objects — we can do it there and then, so you’re not left waiting on a referral or wondering what’s going on.
Stray dogs and cats must be taken to the local pound. Whilst we are happy to scan microchips and assist with locating the owners, we are unable to hold stray animals. This is in accordance with the Companion Animals Act. Injured wildlife will be attended to, providing the person presenting the animal surrenders it to us.
What is laser?
Laser is a “purified” source of light energy produced by a special machine.
What does laser do?
Laser has many uses, anywhere from the humble DVD player to high grade military weapons.
It has also been extensively used in human and veterinary medicine for many years. The “purified” light energy in a laser has the unique ability to reduce inflammation by modifying the health and behaviour of cells in the body.
What things do you treat with laser?
Anything that has an inflammatory basis. This includes but is not limited to: Osteoarthritic (joint) pain, skin conditions and wound healing. Laser has also been shown to help regenerate nerves.
How does it work?
Most treatments will take less than five minutes and are painless. Owners may be present for the treatment if they wish. All people and animals in the laser room will be required to wear special glasses for safety.
Initially, we will need approximately six treatments about 2-3 days apart. Then depending on the response, we may recommend some maintenance treatments 1-2 times weekly.
Pricing depends on the number and type of treatments and our friendly staff can discuss this with you at the time of consultation.
