Balmain Village Veterinary Clinic

09/05/2026

30/04/2026

Sniffed Out the Wrong Snack🎣

Bella Hadid the terrier found what she thought was a tasty treat down by the water and swallowed it before Dad even had a chance to notice. Unfortunately, it appears there may have been a fish hook attached to the line.

Bella was brought straight to us as an emergency, where we quickly performed X-rays and confirmed the hook was there. Thankfully, it had become lodged at the base of her tongue rather than travelling further down.

Bella was promptly placed under a general anaesthetic, and our team safely removed the hook. She was a very brave girl throughout it all and is now on the road to recovery 💛

A reminder to always keep a close eye on curious pups near fishing spots, discarded bait, hooks and lines can become a dangerous snack in seconds.

25/04/2026

Lest we forget 🌺

On ANZAC Day, we remember not only the soldiers who served, but also the countless animals who stood beside them.

From horses carrying troops across harsh terrain, to dogs delivering messages and detecting danger, and even pigeons saving lives with vital communications — these animals showed extraordinary courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of war.

They did not choose to serve, yet they gave everything. Today, we honour their bravery and remember their role in history alongside the ANZACs.

23/04/2026

⚠️ Pet Safety Alert: What Happened to Buggie🐞

Meet Buggie, a 3-year-old Kelpie cross who’s usually happy, healthy, and full of energy at the park 🐾

While visiting Punch Park in Balmain, Buggie (who is normally quite picky with water) drank a large amount from a public dog water bowl.

Within 2–3 hours, he began walking abnormally and seemed wobbly. This quickly progressed into constant tremors, by this stage Buggies parents brought him into us and he then had a grand mal seizure.

We admitted Buggie as an emergency case, where he was promptly assessed and treated. He received medications to stabilise his condition (stop his seizure) along with intravenous fluids for support and hydration. Once we were okay with his condition Buggie was transferred to an emergency clinic for over night care (medipaws).

It was suspected he may have been exposed to xylitol or antifreeze — both extremely dangerous for dogs. While the exact source of exposure can’t be confirmed, it may have been from the water bowl or something else in the park environment. Situations like this can be difficult to pinpoint, but highlight how quickly accidental toxin exposure can occur.

The good news: after follow-up blood tests focusing on his kidneys, liver, and clotting, Buggie is now back to his happy self 💙

Why are these toxins so dangerous?
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free products) can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and severe liver damage
• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic and can lead to kidney failure
• Both substances act quickly and can be life-threatening even in small amounts
• Early symptoms can be subtle before rapidly worsening

Buggie is now doing very well, back to his happy self and being closely monitored — a great outcome from a very scary situation 🙏

Takeaway:
Be cautious with public water bowls and suspicious activity, treats and random foods. If your pet suddenly acts “off,” seek veterinary care immediately — acting fast can save their life

09/04/2026

Kendall the Pomeranian soaking up all the cuddles after her dental 🐾💕

Dentals can be a big day, but a little love (and a lot of fluff) makes everything better! Keeping those pearly whites clean is so important for your pet’s health and happiness 🦷✨