Highlands Veterinary Hospital

Highlands Veterinary Hospital Southern Highland’s Top Rated Veterinary Clinic

03/09/2026

Veterinarian Dr Diederik Gelderman covers how to recognise pet obesity, understand the health risks of excess weight, and learn practical strategies to help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight

A heartbreaking reminder: Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)Sadly, this beautiful cockatoo had to be euthanised ...
02/09/2026

A heartbreaking reminder: Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

Sadly, this beautiful cockatoo had to be euthanised after suffering from advanced Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD).

The severe overgrowth and deformity of its beak made it incredibly difficult to eat and survive in the wild.

PBFD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets and other native birds. It attacks the cells responsible for growing healthy feathers and beaks, and in many cases also weakens the immune system.

Signs of PBFD include:
Overgrown, cracked or misshapen beaks
Abnormal or missing feathers
Feather loss that doesn't improve after moulting
Difficulty eating
Weight loss and weakness

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PBFD. While some birds can survive with supportive care in captivity, advanced cases often have a poor prognosis, and humane euthanasia is sometimes the kindest option to prevent further suffering.

How you can help?
Keep pet birds away from wild parrots and cockatoos.
If you find a bird with an abnormal beak or feather loss, contact your local wildlife rescue organisation or veterinarian for advice.

This little cockatoo's story is a sad one, but by raising awareness we hope more people can recognise the signs and help protect Australia's incredible native birds. 💛🦜

When you order a puppy and accidentally receive a small bear. 🐻 11-week-old Akita. A casual 13kg. 😅
31/08/2026

When you order a puppy and accidentally receive a small bear. 🐻 11-week-old Akita. A casual 13kg. 😅

BREAKING: Vet Nurse Anna has been officially been temporarily adopted by this Golden Retriever puppy who was in for vacc...
28/08/2026

BREAKING: Vet Nurse Anna has been officially been temporarily adopted by this Golden Retriever puppy who was in for vaccination last week. Puppy cuddles are the best part of our job 🤷‍♀️🐶

We're still trying to work out who's holding who... 💛

🐶 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾❤️Today we're celebrating the dogs who make our lives brighter—whether they're the bigge...
25/08/2026

🐶 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾❤️

Today we're celebrating the dogs who make our lives brighter—whether they're the biggest cuddle bugs, the goofiest zoomie champions, or the most loyal best friends.

We'd love to meet your furry family members!

📸 Pop a photo of your dog in the comments and tell us one (or two!) things you love most about them. Is it their wagging tail, their funny personality, their unconditional love, or the way they always know when you need a cuddle?

We can't wait to see your gorgeous pups and read what makes each one so special. 🐕💛

**Picture is of Ava who is here at the clinic everyday greeting patients (and owners) and barking at couriers ;-)

25/08/2026

In 47 years as a vet, Dr Diederik has never seen anything like this! 😲

This gorgeous 5 month old kitten ‘Weetbix’ came to us struggling to breathe and not putting on weight. During his examination today we found the cause… a polyp the size of a grape in his throat.

Watch the video
Little Beans Cat & Kitten Rescue

There’s no denying that French Bulldogs, Pugs and other flat-faced breeds are incredibly cute. ❤️ But behind those adora...
11/08/2026

There’s no denying that French Bulldogs, Pugs and other flat-faced breeds are incredibly cute. ❤️ But behind those adorable squishy faces can be some significant health challenges that every prospective owner should understand before bringing one home.

What does “brachycephalic” mean?

Brachycephalic simply means “shortened head.” These breeds have a shortened skull, giving them their characteristic flat faces. Unfortunately, the soft tissues inside the head haven’t always shortened along with the bones, which can result in restricted airways and difficulty breathing.

Common brachycephalic breeds include:
🐶 French Bulldogs
🐶 English Bulldogs
🐶 Pugs
🐶 Boston Terriers
🐶 Shih Tzus
🐶 Pekingese
🐶 Boxers
🐶 Bullmastiffs

🫁 What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)?

Because of their shortened skull structure, many brachycephalic dogs can develop:

• Narrow nostrils (stenotic nares)
• An elongated soft palate
• A narrowed windpipe
• Increased airway resistance
• Progressive airway changes over time

Snoring, snorting, gagging, struggling to exercise or having difficulty coping with warm weather isn't necessarily “just part of the breed”. These can be signs that your dog is struggling to breathe.

⚠️ What problems can occur?

Brachycephalic dogs are at increased risk of:

• Breathing difficulties
• Exercise intolerance
• Overheating and heat stroke
• Collapse, particularly during stress or excitement
• Gagging and reflux
• Gastrointestinal problems

In more severe cases, ongoing airway obstruction can cause changes that make breathing progressively more difficult.

❤️ Can BOAS be treated?

The good news is that there are ways to help!

Milder cases may benefit from:

✔️ Maintaining a healthy body weight
✔️ Avoiding excessive heat and humidity
✔️ Managing exercise carefully
✔️ Using a harness rather than a collar
✔️ Monitoring breathing and exercise tolerance

For dogs with significant airway obstruction, surgical correction may be recommended to improve airflow and quality of life. Depending on the individual dog, this can include widening narrowed nostrils and shortening an elongated soft palate.

Early assessment and treatment can help prevent airway problems from becoming more severe.

🏡 Thinking about getting a brachycephalic dog?

Before bringing one home, it's important to understand the potential health implications and ongoing care these breeds may require.

We recommend:

✔️ Having your new pet examined by us
✔️ Understanding the signs of breathing difficulty
✔️ Being prepared for their increased sensitivity to heat
✔️ Maintaining a healthy body weight
✔️ Considering the potential cost of ongoing management or surgery

Brachycephalic dogs can absolutely live happy, fulfilling lives — but informed ownership is essential. ❤️

If you already have a flat-faced dog and are concerned about their breathing, or you're considering adding one to your family, the team at Highlands Veterinary Hospital are always happy to discuss their health and individual needs.

📞 Give us a call on (02) 4872 1144 to make an appointment

*** SAVE $100 off your pets next dental procedure ***Dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and serious health probl...
07/08/2026

*** SAVE $100 off your pets next dental procedure ***

Dental issues can lead to pain, infection, and serious health problems if left untreated.

Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant—it could be a sign of dental disease! Left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even organ damage. Regular dental care is essential for your pet’s long-term health.
​
We understand that times are financially hard for most people at the moment so we would like to offer you a limited-time offer to keep your pet’s teeth healthy:

*FREE Dental Check* – Assess your pet’s dental health and catch issues early.
$100 OFF Recommended Dental Procedure - Applied if a procedure is needed after the dental check.
Bookings must be made in August 2026 and you need to mention this offer.
​
Book online or call us on 4872 1144

🦝 A Lucky Escape for This Little Ringtail 🧡This adorable baby ringtail possum was brought into Highlands Veterinary Hosp...
06/08/2026

🦝 A Lucky Escape for This Little Ringtail 🧡

This adorable baby ringtail possum was brought into Highlands Veterinary Hospital after being attacked by a cat. Thankfully, after a thorough examination, we found only a small puncture wound on the inside of one of its legs. Apart from that, this little one was bright, alert and in good health.

After receiving treatment and a full health check, it has now been transferred into the care of an experienced wildlife carer, where he will recover and grow stronger before being released back into the wild where he belongs. 💚

This is a timely reminder that even well-fed, much-loved pet cats and dogs have natural hunting instincts. Australia's native wildlife is incredibly vulnerable, especially young animals like this little ringtail.

🐾 How you can help protect our wildlife:

Keep cats indoors, particularly from dusk until dawn when many native animals are most active.
Supervise dogs when they're outside, especially in areas where wildlife is common.
If you find injured wildlife, keep it warm, quiet and contained, and contact your local vet or WIRES as soon as possible.

Every small action can make a big difference for our native animals. Wishing this little guy a speedy recovery and a safe return to the wild! 🌿💕

06/08/2026

*** UPDATE - Owner has been found. Thank you to everyone who shared this post.***

Highlands Veterinary Hospital have had a deceased dog brought in to us this morning (hit by car). Looks like a Cattle Dog cross Mastiff - entire male - white with brown brindle spots. No collar and microchip is not registered. Has also recently had surgery on right hind leg.

Found on Rememberance Drive between Bargo and Tahmoor.
We would really love to find his owner - if you know of anyone who owns a dog matching this description please show them this post and contact us on 4872 1144

Address

66 Old Hume Highway
Braemar, NSW
2575

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 5pm
Thursday 8:15am - 5pm
Friday 8:15am - 5pm
Saturday 8:15am - 12pm

Telephone

+61248721144

Website

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