Russell Vale Animal Clinic in Russell Vale | Veterinary surgeon

Russell Vale Animal Clinic

Locality: Russell Vale

Phone: +61 2 4284 5988

Address: 17 Bellambi Lane 2518 Russell Vale, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.animalclinic.com.au

Likes: 1148

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Medical and health
• Veterinary surgeon

25.01.2022 Today we had a gas leak at home, but our emergency phone list was not up to date. It caused undue stress and anxiety. We used to have a list by the phone, but it went by the wayside, simply because of our mobile phones. Complacency meant that we had not keep the emergency phone list current. ... Today, was a reminder that in the event of an emergency, we should have quick access to the emergency phone numbers of our gas, electricity, electrician, plumber etc providers. Gas line now fixed, and so is our emergency phone list for home, including our pets (I have a secondary vet for our home pets too).

25.01.2022 As we are starting to wear masks more often than not at the vets now, and as many more people out there are doing the same, it is important that we teach our pets the "new look" of the human race. Dogs have developed a special skill of reading our body language, and we are now removing part of our faces, and covering it. It is also a reminder that our pets an get covid19 from us too - whilst their illness may be mild (from what has been documented), they are also at risk.

25.01.2022 The splitting of Dr Liz.... and pet health alerts!

25.01.2022 COVID 19- UPDATE In the past few weeks, we have allowed pet owners to come in during consultations. We thank those who still continue to use the side window for pick up of medications, who have practiced social distancing, who have not brought their children in to consultations We also thank those who understand that we may not always be available for same day appointments. We are doing the best we can, by starting earlier and finishing later, we are doing the best we can... to respond to emails, sms and messages as quickly as we can. I am sorry to have to ask for your ongoing patience, as we endeavour to not slip up on our hygiene and social distancing requirements, but still be available to help you and your pet. As our schedule fills up INTRODUCING - DROP OFF DR LIZ -- drop off consultations available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Fill out the form on the website so we are aware of your booking and your concern or requirement. We will confirm your booking via sms and email. We all hope and pray that we all stay safe as we move into the weeks and months moving forward. https://www.animalclinic.com.au/drop-off-consult.pml

24.01.2022 There are no words that can express the sadness that we feel at the loss of a loved family member. As we (myself and my family) are all animal lovers, even if these pets are not our direct family members, it still hurts. It is still painful. To have them die under our care, or have known them for years, months, weeks, days, hours or even minutes - and then be the one to give the injection to allow them to transition from life to death.... well it hurts, its painful. ... We light a candle, we bow our heads, we spend a few minutes of quiet and calm, and honour the memory of the love and kindness of our animal friends that are no longer with us. Forever in our hearts.

24.01.2022 Dirk is showing off his handiwork with our outdoor reception counter. We will be investing in outdoor heating for the months moving forward, as well as a few other things. We are working through strategies to allow regular public access into the building, as at this time it is case dependant. ... We have QR codes by the window also for people to scan in documents, links etc.

24.01.2022 The NSW Companion Animal Database is now up and operational again - but there now some significant changes. Please when you can log in, and make any updates if needed. We will be working hard this afternoon to update the desexing status of all of the pets we have done in the past 3 weeks, and will contact you directly when this is done. ... Ordinarily, we scan and check the databases at all pet visits but we have not been able to do that. Obviously, logistically, it would be a mammoth task for us to go back through the scheduler and do so.

23.01.2022 In the past few weeks I have shared gorgeous photos of the munchkins I have seen. Now, for something a bit different - what we are seeing alot of (like yesterday, for example) - I saw alot of dogs with yeast (malassezia infections) ranging from a 10 week old puppy to a 6 year old dog - the photos in the first block are just from the pets this week alone - some from the skin and some from the ear. So, tis the season for Malassezia. ... So what is Malassezia, what causes it, and how do we prevent and treat it? Malassezia are yeasts, and are normal on the skin of people and animals. It becomes abnormal when we can actually see them on skin tape preparations or on ear swabs. The overgrowth can be due to local factors (excessive moisture or changes at the skin level eg in damp bedding, environments), parasite infections (such as demodex mites in puppies), but most commonly is associated with allergies. Overgrowth is prevented by identifying the causes of it - and this is where the investigation can be difficult. Treatment starts with anti-fungal treatments, but they can be unsuccessful if the initial cause is not identified and treated at the same time. For example, if it is due to allergies, then allergy treatment is also needed, or as a result of demodex mites, then anti-mite treatment is needed. Typical antifungal treatments starts with shampoos such as Dermcare Malaseb or Virbac Sebazole with 3% chlorhexidine conditioner (Pyohex or Resichlor). Antifungal rinses are available, such as Austrazole. Topical creams (miconazole, terbinafine) are useful In some cases, we need to use oral antifungal tablets. Anyway, yeasts are often given the nickname "peanuts" or "snowmen" because of their shape. It is also a reminder why "not to assume that all infections are the same", hence why bother testing? Some of the ear infections we are seeing are heavy bacterial ones (second photo). And then sometimes, you get the "Mixed Bag of Lollies" with everything going on!

23.01.2022 I have to thank all of you for allowing us to have some time away - Manyana is such a beautiful friendly place, with everyone we came across would give us a friendly wave or smile. The photos I share is the devastation of the area with nature doing its best to regenerate. Seeing the burnt shells of homes was heartbreaking. Driving through streets and only seeing burnt trees equally sickening to know how it must’ve been last summer. To see burnt sticks with fresh life sprout...ing is inspirational. Typical Aussie spirit - never gives up! Just like all of us. We will be back on deck Monday morning, but if any concerns or worries let me know.

23.01.2022 Its amazing at the technology that is now available to help our animals - keyhole surgery currently only available at specialists due to the equipment and skill needed - is the way of the future. This is an amazing series of photos on a dog having keyhole surgery to remove bladder stones. Look at all of those stones! (This is shared from Veterinary Specialists of Sydney - Advanced Treatment Centre) in Miranda.)

22.01.2022 Photos do not do justice to this real sweetie who was found injured a few weeks ago. She is an intelligent inquisitive kind kitty. No microchip and undesexed she arrived with her six kittens found dumped in Bellambi. Whilst we were able to get her kittens into rescue foster, as a mature mummy, she is harder.... She deserves a forever home - she is now desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea control given. She has a wound on her leg which is still under active treatment but which will not cause any issues long term. If you think you can give this one a forever home, applications are being taken. Please message us your interest. Your only fee will be her purchase price and council registration. ( and obviously the ongoing costs of a new family member)

21.01.2022 For those of you who have pets who are scared of thunderstorms, now is the time to prepare them and you with the prediction of really bad weather coming up.

21.01.2022 In anticipation of the wet weather coming up, get your pets wet weather plan up and running.

20.01.2022 As the christmas chocolates are out and about, a handy reminder that chocolate is toxic to our pets. Here is a simple infographic on this serious issue. Do not forget that there is now an animal poisons advisory available in Australia.

20.01.2022 We have updated and improved our COVIDsafe plan, to ensure we maintain a safe environment for us as well as for you. We fully support those businesses who are also COVIDsafe businesses. For 95% of our visitors, we have records of who you are, but there is a small number who turn up without an appointment or who purchase over counter supplies but are not regular clients of ours. The information we collect is kept in accordance with privacy laws, and will only be used for con...tact tracing only, The recent cases we have seen highlight the importance of this - I have seen posts on forums who feel it is the businesses responsibility to collect the information. Whilst it is, it is equally your responsibility to look for the QR code or website link in which to put in your details. We are now requiring EVERYONE to spend 1 minute to record their visit, with the information only being used in the event of a positive case which involves us. We have two outdoor waiting rooms to ensure social distancing whilst you wait for your visit. The alcove is nice and cosy, and our outdoor pergola area is "breezy" but very nice during the day when the sun is shining. We thank you for your understanding, your ongoing respect of our social distancing rules, use of our hand washing station/sanitiser, and general good humour.

18.01.2022 What gorgeous munchkins have visited us in the past few weeks. Thank you all for your understanding for the times we can be there for you, and on the days we cant. As the governments are working through the easing of restrictions, we are too. It will be a long time before we can go back to the way it was before, but in saying that, there are a few things that we have adopted that we intend to keep also. ... Online booking is available for you 24/7 - to remind you. If you want to see me, the Real Dr Liz, select Real Dr Liz (or if its for a vaccination then you can choose that). If a virtual (phone call) consultation will be sufficient, you can select Virtual Dr Liz. If it is an email consultation, then select Email Dr Liz. If it is just a general enquiry or for basic information, then you can email me directly. Order of medications and food is available, with pick up available on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and home delivery on other days or when possible.

18.01.2022 What an amazing quote to recognise that we can only do the best we can each and everyday. It reminds me of something Dr Fiona Wood, the amazing burns specialist from WA, who said something similar at a vet conference I was at a few years ago. Each day, we aim to do the best we can - some days it will feel like it was never enough, whether its from an internal voice, or from those externally. You learn from the mistakes and your successes, and you strive to do the best you can the next day. Each day... repeat.

18.01.2022 Boredom buster ideas - ditch your pets food bowl and use treat dispensers, hiding food in snuffler mats or Kong wobblers. Make your pet work for their food - they will love you for it.

17.01.2022 Those of you who have visited us recently will have noted that things are a bit different. Dirk and I miss having you there during our examinations with your pet. As you know, I tend to talk alot during the pet check about what I find and what to do about it. As you are not there, I cant do that, so we have tried to do the next best thing - we are recording our finding, discussing them with you afterwards, and then emailing them to you. Here is one I have done of Dirks ...check up this week (the photo is an old one.... I am sure he won;t mind! ) For those of you who have visited us recently and have a pet report for your pet, we are keen to get your feed back (message me privately please - good and bad) as we would like to improve. Here is some of Dirks check up at the vets today - he was a bit wriggly, with not even a bit of cheese keeping him still. A good coffee was his high value treat! Obviously, there were some aspects of the examination I cant share - I will say this though, I am very happy I now have an infrared thermometer instead of the old rectal one!

15.01.2022 I am sharing this interesting tidbit of information about the use of deslorin (suprelorin ) in ferrets as an alternative to desexing. Whilst we do not see Ferrets at our practice, we do know some of you may own a ferret or know someone who does.

15.01.2022 I never knew of an anti-boredom month.... so wow! So we will be sharing tips this month on little strategies. Let us start with how do you feed your pet? Out of a normal food bowl? ... Ditch the food bowl, and use treat dispensers (Kong Wobblers are great) , snuffle mats, scatter feed.

12.01.2022 WE all remember what last Christmas was like, and this year is not one we are going to forget too easily. What great news that this year that there are no active fires, and the only thing we have to contend with is COVID ( that is a biggie also, but the outcome is within our control). As we live in the Wollongong LGA area, we are keeping a low profile, but we hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. ... For those of you who are working this Christmas period - a big THANK YOU! -

12.01.2022 For those who are not aware, the companion animal act has changed in NSW, with all cats to be desexed by 4 months or there is an annual registration fee that will be due.

12.01.2022 For quick sale - five rolls only of short dated Kangaroo and Pumpkin with expiry 8 July 2020. Reduced to $ 10.50 ( usual price 15$)

11.01.2022 Oh my stars! How did I miss this day coming up? Pandora the boss and Pumpkin at the vets are not big huggers (they like a cuddle on their terms only). But at home, Stone, my grey and white "big boy" loves to put his paws on either side of my face and give me a big "hug" whilst he is purring so loud it sounds like a 747 landing right in my ear. ... Dash, our elderly kitty, just sits on my laptop keyboard, and makes chirruping noises as if it to say "I am more important than your keyboard" (and she is not wrong either). But please.... do not hug your cat unless they feel comfortable. It is always going to be how they feel, not about us.

11.01.2022 We know that all of you know our vet nurse Tegan. I am pleased to share some exciting news. As Tegan was put onto leave due to COVID-19 back in march/april alot of you would not have realised that she was pregnant. And a few weeks ago (a month to be exact), she had a baby boy. ... Welcome Jacob Robert. Grant and Tegan are ecstatic at the new arrival, as are we. He is a real cutie, as you can see. We all wish Tegan, Grant and Jacob the best.

09.01.2022 COVIDSAFE UPDATE - JAN 4TH 2020 We have noticed last year when we were wearing masks, some of our pets did not like it, hence we took them off if we noted that. We know it is always going to be a balance between trying to keep us and you safe, and not scaring our animals when they come in. ... We ask for those who visit us to be wearing masks, as we will be wearing masks and/or face shields starting on Mond 4th. In the past, signing in using the Service NSW app was not compulsory for consultations, as we also had a copy via our veterinary software, but from Monday, we are requiring every visitor to sign in. We also request only one adult per pet as our building is small.

09.01.2022 SBS Insight is focusing on veterinarians tonight, and the stresses that we (as a profession) go through. Many pet owners think it is about euthenasia (that is stressful, but it is the reasons why we have to euthenase is the hardest of all). What affects me the most is the abuse. ... We have had clients abuse us, face to face, via email, letter, social media. It is bullying - it is often emotional blackmail (if you cared for animals you would do it for free aka youre only in it for the money), or asking us to do things that would jeopardise my veterinary licence, for example supply prescription medications for pets that I have not examined or for clients I have not seen for 4 years (again with the "it is because of you my pet is suffering and in pain"). This side of the job is never shown on the "warm and fuzzy vet shows, or in the rare instance it is, the show has never lasted more than a season. I am not sure if I am going to be able to watch this episode, but I hope it is real, rather than pursuing a journalists "angle" (which was my perception when they were asking for vets to be part of the program). How do I cope with it? It is about understanding what is behind the abuse, recognising that it will either be irrational, emotional, genuine reasons, bullying, mistrust, misunderstanding, unrealistic expectations. Anyway, on a positive note - on the shelf above my desk is a whole lot of "Thank You " cards, with photos of the flowers and gifts we have received over the years. I call it my "You do not suck" source of positive energy. If I ever feel down, I do not listen to the voices in my head, but the beautiful words within the cards I receive. So Thank you for the energy to keep on going even after 30 years as a vet, wtih more than 15 of them as a solo vet (the hardest gig as my average working week is 70 hrs plus even in this covid19 time.)

08.01.2022 Dirk and I had a sneak peak of Dr Andrew Levien and Dr Karina Graham from VSOS (both have visited us in the past, and we were lucky to have met one of their surgeons Dr Nina Lorenz last week also ) new vet hospital at Miranda this morning. This is. 24/7 facility equipped with ct mri fluoroscopy ( great for the coughing dogs and more). Easy to find, easy drive. Opposite IGA, and next to a childrens play centre. The cages and hospital may be empty today but I am sure the...y wont be for long. They open officially tomorrow. It is a no expense spared type of place, but I can also see it is a place with heart and kindness also. Why did we go? For us, it is important that if we are going to refer a pet somewhere, that we know that you would be looked after, and the facilities are what we would expect when we send you to a specialist centre.

08.01.2022 Amazing news - and thanks to all of you, as it is based on your votes! Thank You ALL! We received notification last week that we are one of the lucky Finalists for the Local Business Awards for 2020. ... I am unsure who the other Finalists are, but we know that we are in an amazing group of dedicated pet lovers and carers.

08.01.2022 This has come through my email as we are subscribed to Lot Pet Finders. Blue budgie lost in Corrimal - keep an eye out everyone!

07.01.2022 EDITED: Picture now attached. As a Covidsafe registered business, we have had QR codes for a while. The NSW government has released their own QR code system for recording visitors, which we have adopted. Our veterinary software also keeps tabs on who is here for those who "forget" to scan in. Keep an eye out for these signs for all of the businesses you may visit. It is really quick assuming you have the Service NSW app on your phone. ... What you will need Service NSW app on your phone Have the camera activated to facilitate scanning in of the QR code. I am sharing a copy of what the signs look like - other businesses will have their own unique QR code - so each time you visit a covidsafe registered business you should scan yourself. One of the benefits is that it keeps a tab of where you have been.

06.01.2022 A timely reminder that it does not take much to burn our pets paws in this heat.

06.01.2022 We are so excited about the opening of a new 24 hour specialist centre in southern sydney ( Miranda) It will be the closest one to Wollongong which will also offer 24/7 care. Dirk and I will be going to their Open Day tour on Sunday, so I promise to share photos with you all.

05.01.2022 I know we have been quiet on the newsletter and FB front, but there have been alot of changes happening at our vets in the past few months. Tegan is now back at work and is bringing her beautiful bub, Jacob along (he is enjoying the supervisory role). One of the biggest changes is to our software which also now has a pet portal which allows online booking, access to your pet's information as well as when your appointments are and have been. You will also have access to your... past invoices and much much more. As it is your first time, log in as a first time user, and the system will try to link you with what we have on file. If there are issues, let me know and we will issue you with a username (usually your email) and password. https://rvac.apse2.ezyvet.com/external/portal/main/login

04.01.2022 I love "Action for Happiness" as every day they send me a message. The message is not always a happy message, sometimes it acknowledges that each of us have moments of sadness, sorrow, disappointment, anger, frustration - that these are normal and OK. It is how we move through these emotions and feelings, is how we move forward. July is all about resilience - look at the calendar, and let us all practice resilience, especially during Dry July!

04.01.2022 It is getting hard to remember how things were before COVID-19. In those days, we were able to do consultations in the morning and afternoon, surgical procedures in the middle of the day, doing this on each week day. Each Saturday would be consultations( with emergency surgeries if needed). We had a smile on our faces most days, we were tired, but mostly felt good because we knew we were doing good. How things have changed due to the essential need of social distancing, d...isinfection, and reducing contact time with people. As a solo vet, it has been hard. I have no back up, its me or nothing. Pre-covid, it was not a worry, as I am rarely ill. And if I had a sniffle, I would work through it. Now with covid-19, I am in a high risk category. From my asthma, age, weight, other things. Those who are in a similar category will understand my fear. I want to be there to help my pets, but..... We have done the best we can, but that does not mean we have done the best. In the past few months, Mondays was our procedures day, with contactless consultations on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We extended our Saturdays to 2 pm (or later if needed). Wednesday and thursdays were our "virtual days", but we still did consultations on those days too if needed. We had no "downtime", no break, definitely not making sourdough or taking up knitting. As we transition into a "new normal", this will take various forms in the months to come. We are pleased to say that Virtual Dr Liz is willing to give up her thursday to hand this over to the Real Dr Liz. Wednesdays will still remain closed for cleaning, disinfection and the Virtual Dr Liz.

04.01.2022 One big gust of wind and the pergola decided to fly away. We obviously need to come up with a more sturdy outdoor option ! Dirk managed to retrieve it before it flew down Kirton Road! ... Funny times at the vets!

03.01.2022 Russell Vale Animal Clinic - New online Pet Portal and booking system

03.01.2022 Russell Vale Animal Clinic - New online Pet Portal, and Dr Liz on Holidays

03.01.2022 It is a kind of some synchronised sleeping that Piper and Dash seem to have perfected... always on my side of a queen size bed. What does this mean? It means that I am thankful that I am short or dont mind my legs hanging outside of the bed so as not to disturb their sleep. Many of you will understand my situation ( of my own creation).

03.01.2022 It's amazing at the technology that is now available to help our animals - keyhole surgery currently only available at specialists due to the equipment and skill needed - is the way of the future. This is an amazing series of photos on a dog having keyhole surgery to remove bladder stones. Look at all of those stones! (This is shared from Veterinary Specialists of Sydney - Advanced Treatment Centre) in Miranda.)

03.01.2022 We have updated our COVIDsafe plan, and we thank those who have understood why we had to restrict the public from our building. We are now allowing public access to our waiting room, but with strict conditions. If you still feel comfortable staying outside, that is fine also. We have placed a barrier to the front door, and we will be escorting people into and out of the building now My lounge is still missing, and we have two lonely chairs to allow social distancing. To... satisfy the 1 per 4 sq m rule, the alcove area and waiting room will allow 2 people and the consultation room 1 person (not including Dirk or I). We will make exceptions on compassionate grounds. There is now a hand washing station (use the foot pump for water) just as you enter, and you have the option of handwashing with soap, or using a hand sanitiser or both. Masks are available if you wish to wear one, and we will wear one if you feel more comfortable that we do. Sneeze guards are in place for the counter. We do ask that if you do not need to enter the building to still use the side window/counter. Our alcove area has been improved - it now has bistro blinds to protect you from the elements, as well as heating for the cold days in case one appointment runs longer than expected. Our outdoor area has been improved also with an outdoor gas heater, which we will turn on as needed (for those who feel more comfortable waiting outside). In accordance with our COVIDsafe plan, we have a Conditions of Entry with all of it being common sense. This is posted on the window near the barrier tape. It may surprise people to know the number of people that Dirk and I come into contact with in any given today, so our goal is to keep ourselves safe, as well as everyone that we come into contact with. We are still taking the situation seriously, knowing how easily a single case can escalate into a major catastrophe. It seems strange, as a business, to be taking active steps to keep people out, as we generally want the "doors to swing". Stay safe, Be Kind. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

02.01.2022 The trust bank... the one which when deposits are made regularly, the interest rate increases. Many of you would have heard me talk about this, as well as happy visits. I usually refer to this in dealing with pets, especially those that may be unsure of what is happening or does not have good coping skills. We want pets and their owner happy to visit us, knowing that visiting your vet can often feel unpleasant because of your worry about your pets Illness. ... All of us may say or do things due to stress, but developing trust between all parties, reduces the anxiety. Any misunderstandings are easily solved over a yummy piece of cheese or yummy tuna ( for the pets of course).

01.01.2022 URGENT NOTICE: I received an email notification this afternoon about the latest case of leptospirosis. A reminder that this is a bacteria that is spread through the urine of infected mice and rats, infecting drinking water and feed. There is a vaccine against one of the 8 serovars of lepto. The cases in the past were of the serovar in which a vaccine is available. ... What do you need to do? Most of the puppies and young dogs under our care have already had a lepto vaccination - (it is called C2i and it is a brown sticker on your vaccination certificate). Many older dogs who updated their C2i status after the previous outbreak would still be current. If your pet has not had a C2i in the past, and you would like to get it done, it requires two injections at two week intervals then annual booster. If you are not sure what the right thing to do for your pet, then private message me here, or email me at [email protected]