Russell Vale Animal Clinic

28/08/2026

We’re working in collaboration with other jurisdictions and the Australian Government on the bird flu response, but you can also do your bit.

If you see sick or dead wild birds, please:
🚫 AVOID contact – do not touch
📷 RECORD by taking photos or video and note the location
📲 REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888

For more information, go to: bit.ly/AvianInfluenza-NSW

27/08/2026

Weird symptom spotlight: nystagmus 👀

Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic flicking eye motion which can occur in pets with issues affecting their internal balance systems. 🧠

Common acquired causes include:

• Middle or inner ear infections
• Idiopathic vestibular disease: a condition that can occur suddenly in senior pets
• Brain conditions such as strokes, infections, inflammation or masses
• Head trauma

However, breeds such as Siamese and Himalayan cats can be born with long-term pendular nystagmus, a benign condition which doesn’t generally affect their vision or general health.

If your pet ever shows any sudden eye changes, it’s always safest to have our vets promptly take a look! ⚠️

25/08/2026

"Dr Liz and you’re team you’re clinic is one of a kind today Monday 24.08.2026 Belle has Had two teeth extracted and clean brilliantly she’s so happy couldn’t get enough food because she didn’t eat since the night after dinner alfor her surgery but will never go anywhere else great price and especially when you care so much for peoples pets that they trust to leave pets with you and going to you..🩷🩷 my four beautiful.." says Pamela on Google

★★★★★ Dr Liz and you’re team you’re clinic is one of a kind today Monday 24.08.2026 Belle has Had two teeth extracted and clean brilliantly she’s so happy couldn’t get enough food because she didn’t eat since the night after dinner alfor her surgery but will never go anywhere els...

25/08/2026

“Can’t I just leave my pet’s diseased teeth to fall out on their own?”

We recommend against this for the following reasons:

⚠️ Pain – periodontal disease can be very painful, and it can take months to years before an affected tooth becomes loose enough to fall out

⚠️ Infection – periodontal disease involves infection, which can affect the health of your pet’s other vital organs and can also lead to painful tooth root abscesses necessitating emergency treatment

⚠️ The Yuck Factor – having a pet with super stinky breath is unpleasant for human family members, and can pose a significant health risk for immunocompromised owners too

For an assessment of your pet’s dental health, book a consultation with one of our vigilant vets.

20/08/2026

Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t worry about your pet if they require dental extractions:

🦷 We use various forms of pain relief prior to, during, and after the dental procedure to ensure minimal discomfort is felt by your pet

🦷 We only remove teeth if we think they are too diseased to save – so in general, pets will actually be more comfortable when these problematic teeth are out!

🦷 Your pet will still be able to eat a standard canine or feline diet, even with multiple teeth removed

For more reassurance about pet dental procedures, consult our kind and compassionate team.

18/08/2026

While minimally processed foods can certainly have health benefits, raw chicken is one unprocessed food that can hold more risks than advantages.

Unfortunately, raw chicken:

⚠️ Is frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can pose health risks to both pets and people (particularly those who are pregnant or immunocompromised)

⚠️ Is a significant risk factor for a rapid-onset paralysis condition in dogs known as Acute Polyradiculoneuritis or Coonhound paralysis (which can look similar to tick paralysis)

For more pet nutritional safety advice, consult our knowledgeable vets. 🩺

13/08/2026

Do you know how to quickly check your dog’s dental health?

Flip the lip!

Rating this dog’s dental health:

🦷 Uniformly salmon-pink gums along the gum-tooth margin, with no redness, swelling or recession of the edges (only some normal black speckly pigmentation) = great!

🦷 A comfortable mouth, with no significant unpleasant odour (you’ll have to trust us on this one!) = great!

🦷 Early calculus accumulation in the green circled areas = dental cleaning is ideally recommended to reverse this early disease and restore the mouth to perfect health!

Contact our clinic for personalised advice.

11/08/2026

“Oof, your breath stinks!” 😮‍💨

If you have thought this about your pet on more than one occasion, it’s definitely time to book them in for a dental health check with one of our kind and gentle vets! 🦷

Bad breath is sometimes the only symptom of dental disease that owners will notice in their pet, as many dogs and cats will continue to eat relatively normally, even if their mouth is sore.

The earlier that your pet’s dental disease is treated, the more likely it is that their issues can be managed without the requirement for extractions. The result: better comfort, health and breath for your pet, and lower treatment costs for you. Wins all round! ✨

10/08/2026

"Very pleased with the outcome of the surgery my dog had. She recovered nicely after the surgery with her post-operative check confirming the situation, and then the follow up with her suture removal. I would highly recommend the care, information given and follow up she received." says Cheryl

★★★★★ Very pleased with the outcome of the surgery my dog had. She recovered nicely after the surgery with her post-operative check confirming the situation, and then the follow up with her suture removal. I would highly recommend the care, information given and follow up she received.

06/08/2026

Have you heard of seaweed supplements for dogs and cats? 🌿

Studies indicate that adding a measured quantity of powdered Ascophyllum nodosum (a type of seaweed) to your adult pet’s food can be an easy means of supporting their dental health! 🦷

It is thought that a daily dose of A. nodosum changes the composition of the pet’s saliva to help reduce plaque and calculus formation. This supplement can therefore be a great addition to other “mechanical” dental hygiene techniques, such as daily brushing or chews. 🪥

For personalised advice on safely supporting your pet’s best oral health, consult our team.