Russell Vale Animal Clinic

04/06/2026

Did you know that cats affected by arthritis usually won’t limp? 🐈

Instead, these creaky kitties will often show more subtle symptoms, such as:
🦴 A reduced ability to self-groom, which may lead to changes in their coat condition or cleanliness
🦴 Difficulty squatting for toileting, which may lead to occasional misfires out of the litter tray
🦴 Hesitancy prior to jumping down or up

If you notice any of these signs in your mature feline friend, have a chat with us regarding easy options for supporting joint health and comfort.

02/06/2026

Did you know that the prominence of your pet’s eyes can change due to certain conditions? 👀

A dog’s or cat’s eyes may become more sunken or deeper set:
✅ As they age and lose some of the fatty tissue behind their eyeballs
✅ If they become very dehydrated
✅ If they have a painful eye condition that causes reflex retraction of the eyeball
✅ If they develop a nerve condition called Horner’s syndrome

If you spot any changes in your pet’s eyes, it’s always best to have our eye-sperienced vets take a look!

01/06/2026

"Extremely dedicated staff. Very caring to all pets. They explained everything to us. Their fees very reasonable. I highly recommend this clinic" says Sandy on Google

★★★★★ Extremely dedicated staff. Very caring to all pets. They explained everything to us. Their fees very reasonable. I highly recommend this clinic

28/05/2026

A single vomit in an otherwise bright dog isn't always alarming. 🐾 However, multiple vomits, or vomiting accompanied by other symptoms, are a cause for concern.

If you observe multiple vomits, lethargy, blood or abdominal pain, contact the clinic for advice. Vomiting can be caused by an infection, toxins, foreign objects or underlying disease, and shouldn’t be ignored. 📅 Arrange a consultation with our vets if you're concerned.

26/05/2026

If your dog has eaten something toxic, stay calm and act quickly. ⚠️ Identify what they ate, how much, and when, as this is critical information for your vet. Do not induce vomiting at home unless directed by a vet.

Common toxins include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, xylitol, certain plants and human medications.

Call the clinic immediately, or the Animal Poisons Helpline after hours. 🚨

21/05/2026

Cats are really good at hiding illness, including dehydration. 🐱 At the clinic, we assess hydration by looking for skin tenting (how quickly tented skin springs back) and gum dryness. Blood and urine tests give a more accurate picture.

At home, watch for reduced water intake, decreased urination, lethargy or dry gums, and call us if concerned. Chronic dehydration in cats can affect kidney health over time. 💧 Contact our clinic if you're worried your cat may be dehydrated.

19/05/2026

PCV (Packed Cell Volume) measures the proportion of red blood cells in your pet's blood. TP (Total Protein) helps assess hydration, nutrition and organ function. 🩺 Together, these values give us a rapid snapshot of your pet's health. For example, a low PCV may indicate anaemia, while a high PCV can suggest dehydration.

Best of all, we can run these tests in-house within minutes, making them invaluable in sick or emergency patients. 📋 Contact our clinic if your pet needs to be assessed.

17/05/2026

"Liz and Dirk are always welcoming and obviously love animals. Liz is very knowledgeable and thorough, always finds the best solution for whatever the problem is with our dog. Both Liz and Dirk always give great advice and insight., and are kind and gentle to our dog Max." says John

★★★★★ Liz and Dirk are always welcoming and obviously love animals. Liz is very knowledgeable and thorough, always finds the best solution for whatever the problem is with our dog. Both Liz and Dirk always give great advice and insight., and are kind and gentle to our dog Max.

14/05/2026

Constipation is common in cats. 🐱 Signs include straining in the litter tray, infrequent bowel movements, hard, dry stools, lethargy and reduced appetite. Contributing factors include dehydration, hairballs, obesity and stress.

In severe cases it can become obstipation, requiring urgent treatment.

If your cat hasn't passed a stool in more than 48 hours or seems uncomfortable, book in with one of our vets. 📞

12/05/2026

Bite wounds, whether from another dog or animal, should always be taken seriously. ⚠️

Even small puncture wounds can be deceptive; damage beneath the skin can be significant. Bite wounds carry a high infection risk and can involve deeper structures like muscles or body cavities like the chest and lungs.

Always seek veterinary attention after a bite, even if it looks minor. Early treatment can prevent serious complications. 🐶 Contact our clinic promptly if your dog has been bitten.