Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital

04/06/2026

We will be closed for the King's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday the 8th of June. If you require emergency veterinary care during our closed period, please contact the Coffs Combined Veterinary Emergency Service (CCVAS) on 66993356.
Make sure you have enough of your pet's medications to get you through the holidays and ensure your pet's microchip details and vaccinations are up to date. All pets should be wearing a collar for easy identification so that you can be reunited with them should they become lost.
Enjoy the long weekend!

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

We proudly stock the Australian made Delicate Care pet food range. Available in clinic today!

31/05/2026

SENIOR PETS: HEART AND LUNG DISEASE

WHAT IS HEART DIASEASE?
Heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. This causes changes in the body as it tries to support a faltering system. These changes include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and fluid retention.
When the heart is unable to function correctly, there is a build up of fluid pressure within the circulatory system. This can cause leakage of fluid into the chest or abdomen and is responsible for many of the clinical signs seen with heart disease.

Heart disease in pets can have many origins. It can be caused by changes in the heart’s muscular walls, defect of the valves that separate the chambers of the heart, or narrowing of the vessels leaving the heart.

TYPES OF HEART DISEASE:
The two most common types of heart disease are:

Mitral Valve Disease: results from a degenerative thickening of the mitral valve between the upper left heart chamber and the lower left heart chamber. Blood flow becomes turbulent as blood leaks backwards through the faulty valve, resulting in the sound of a heart murmur. As the valve leaks, the heart has to work harder to supply blood to the rest of the body. over time the heart can become stretched and enlarged from having to handle the extra blood flow and congestive heart failure can develop. This is most often diagnosed in small-breed dogs that are middle aged to older. Common breeds affected are Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles and Chihuahuas

Dilated cardiomyopathy: is a disease in which the heart muscle degenerates and becomes thin and weak. As a result, the heart is unable to properly contract and pump blood, often leading to congestive heart failure. This disease is more commonly seen in large breed dogs such as Dobermans, Portuguese Water dogs, Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Engorgement of veins
- Swollen abdomen
- Enlarged liver
- Weight loss
- Decreased exercise tolerance - tires easily
- Pale or blueish mucous membranes
- Cool extremities (toes, tips of ears etc.)
- Fluid swelling of lower limbs

DIAGNOSING HEART DISEASE
Depending on the murmur and the degree of clinical signs, further testing may be advised to determine the cause. The additional testing generally involves:
- X-rays - Chest x-rays show the size and shape of the heart, any blood vessel enlargment within the chest and any changes to the lungs
- an Electrocardiogram (ECG) - This device records the electrical impulses across the heart as nerves fire to stimulate the heart to beat. ECG’s are useful to determine any changes in the heart’s rhythm and can give an indication of changes of heart chamber size.
- Echocardiogram - Is an ultrasound of the heart and the technique is used to see the size of the heart chambers and the degree of contraction of the heart.
Other tests such as blood and urine tests can help determine changes caused by this

HOW IS HEART DISEASE TREATED?
The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the heart disease. Adult-onset heart disease is often treated with medications to support heart function and treat abnormal heart rhythms. It is essential that the instructions for your dog’s heart medication are followed closely.

Some commonly used medications for heart disease are Cardisure (Pimobendan), Vetmedin (Pimobendan) and Frusemide. It is important that the medication is not stopped suddenly as some can cause serious side effects.

Regular examinations will also need to be had so that the heart disease is being monitored for any changes as this can affect the amount of medication needed.

WHAT IS CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE?
Congestive heart failure refer's to the heart’s inability to pump adequate blood to the body.

The most common clinical sign of Congestive Heart Failure is persistent coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing. This is due mainly to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Many dogs with congestive heart failure will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina and do not engage in playing or walking as they used to.. Other signs can be coughing when resting or sleeping, increased resting respiratory rate or excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, pale or bluish gums.

Treatment depends on the underlying heart disease, along with the severity. There is usually no cure for Congestive heart failure but there are effective treatments to ensure a good quality of life.

WHAT IS CANINE CHRONIC BRONCHITIS?
Chronic bronchitis is a long term and irreversible condition that affects the lower airways in a dog’s lung and can lead to permanent lung damage.
Bronchitis causes the walls of the airways to become inflamed, swelling the walls and releasing mucus into the airways. This causes the airways to become narrowed and congested and air can no longer reach the alveoli effectively. As a result, coughing is triggered as a reflex to help clear the airways. This creates a vicious cough-irritation cycle.

Common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing or other abnormal lung sounds
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or retching
- Gagging
- Loss of consciousness

Chronic Bronchitis usually affects dogs 6 years and older, the underlying cause is unknown, there is no single cause for the condition.

If your dog is exhibiting excessive coughing or you suspect your dog may have bronchitis, a physical examination will need to be performed. Some other conditions that may have similar symptoms include:
- Canine Cough
- Respiratory infections
- Heartworm
- Heart disease

Treatment usually is a mix of different methods this includes medication and environmental modification.

28/05/2026

Got a puppy between 8-16 weeks of age? Bring them down for puppy preschool!
Secure your spot by calling us on 0266521577, or speak to one of our friendly staff when you are in clinic!

24/05/2026

SENIOR PETS: KIDNEY DISEASE
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats. It occurs when there are long standing, irreversible changes to the kidneys that impair their ability to filter and remove waste products from the blood.

Chronic kidney disease can occur in cats of any age, but is most commonly seen in middle to older cats.

WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
In most cases of chronic kidney disease, the exact cause is unknown. There are, however, some well recognised causes of chronic kidney disease, including:
- Idiopathic/age related - most kidney disease is considered age appropriate in senior cats, this is very normal in most cats 12 years and older.
- Kidney stones (uroliths) - Stones can form in the kidney and move into the ureter (connection between the kidney and bladder), resulting in obstruction of urine flow and acute kidney compromise. Left untreated , this can result in chronic loss of kidney function.
- Polycystic kidney disease - an inherited condition seen mainly in Persians and related breeds, where normal kidney tissue is replaced by multiple fluid filled cysts that develop within the kidneys.
Kidney infections - infection of the kidney may occur as an extension of bladder infections and can lead to damage to kidneys
- Toxins - such as Lilies (all parts of the plant including pollen) and certain drugs (anti inflammatories), can cause damage to the kidneys
- Kidney tumours - for example Lymphoma, can affect the kidneys and cause renal failure.

Kidney disease may also develop secondary to other diseases, such as cardiac disease, dental disease and high blood pressure.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
Cats usually show no signs of disease until 75% of their kidney function is gone. This means that when your cat shows obvious signs of the disease, it could already be in the advanced stages. Excessive thirst and increased urination are the main signs, however, there are other diseases that share these same symptoms. Other signs include:
- Increased thirst and/or urination
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Poor hair coat
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Lethargy or weakness

Other signs may include vomiting, bad smelling breath and ulceration in the mouth.

MONITORING AND PROGNOSIS
Most cats require regular monitoring to monitor progression and assist in management of their kidney disease. This may involve repeat blood and urine tests every 3 -6 months, depending on the severity and rate of progression of kidney disease.

Kidney cells that have been damaged cannot be repaired. However, progression can be slowed down with appropriate treatment. This can improve the cat’s well being and significantly extend their lifespan.

CAN RENAL FAILURE BE PREVENTED?
The risks associated with chronic renal failure can be minimised by maintaining good hydration and a high quality diet. While maintaining good hydration, it is important not to force your pet to drink excessively. Many good filtering and flowing water bowls are available that can help encourage good hydration. Once kidney disease is diagnosed, specific diets can help support the kidneys in maintaining good function. The key is early diagnosis, so make sure your pet has regular screening tests. It is important to become familiar with what is and isn’t normal for your cat.

HOW IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE MANAGED?
Some cats may require initial hospitalisation and fluid therapy to correct dehydration and improve their appetite. Once stable, treatment iss aimed at supporting kidney function and minimising the complications of kidney disease.

Diet - the kidneys filter waste products from the blood, and most of these waste products come from the food your cat eats. Therefore, the workload of the kidneys can be significantly reduced by the type of food you feed your cat. Special prescription diets are low in phosphorus and protein and high in potassium to make feeding your cat easier. They are available in dry or wet forms. these food should be fed exclusively, with no extras given.

Antibiotics - it is relatively common for cats with renal failure to get urinary tract infections as their urine is less concentrated and mor habitable to bacteria.

Fluid Therapy - the patient should be encouraged to take in as much water as possible through wet food, and water fountains. If this is not sufficient, intravenous fluids can be used

22/05/2026

Signs and Symptoms of Tick Paralysis.
There are many different ways that tick paralysis can show in your pet. These can include:
- wobbliness (especially back legs)
- weakness
- collapsing
- vomiting or retching
- Change in bark or meow
- Difficulty breathing
- completely paralysed
- Unable to blink (if near eyes)
- excessive drooling
- reluctant to move

If you notice any of these symptoms occurring in your pet, please call us immediately at 0266521577 as tick paralysis is an emergency and can be life threatening for your pet.

10 POINT TICK PARALYSIS PROTECTION PLAN

1. DAILY TICK SEARCHES
• Learn how to do this PROPERLY - we can show you how!
• Feel with your fingertips, DON'T just look
• Make it a part of your daily routine
• Search the ENTIRE pet from nose to tail

2. USE TICK PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS
• Remember nothing will provide 100% protection
• Cats are not small dogs ( many products are toxic or do not protect them)
• MUST be used as directed on the label (NB: frequency, method of application, dose rate, precautions)
• Not all tick products protect against 'Paralysis Ticks'

3. REMOVE ALL TICKS FOUND
• Use a tick twister or fine pointed forceps
• Don't ignore larval or nymph ticks (they can be venomous too)
• Don't worry if you leave a part of the tick behind (it will die without its body)

4. KNOW YOUR TICKS
• Paralysis Ticks are most common in our area
• Grass and Bush ticks are non-venomous
• We can teach you how to identify ticks
• Do not rely on colour or shape

5. STAY AWAY FROM BUSHY AREAS
• Ticks are more common in scrubby areas or long grass
• Beach (not including dunes) is usually safe

6. SHAVE LONG HAIRED ANIMALS
• Vanity should come second to survival
• Long OR thick fur is IMPOSSIBLE to thoroughly tick search
• It is a myth that ticks cannot get through long, thick fur

7. DOUBLE UP PREVENTION IN HIGH RISK AREAS
• If your pet is frequenting bushy areas, two preventative medications may be used together
• Take care with toxicity of similar products
• We can advise which products are safe to use in conjunction

8. KEEP WILDLIFE AWAY
• Native wildlife may be nice to have around but bring ticks to your yard
• Bandicoots, lizards and possums are the main culprits

9. KNOW THE SIGNS OF TICK PARALYSIS
• Early signs may be subtle
• Watch for wobbliness, voice changes, inability to jump up, panting, heavy/noisy breathing, coughing, vomiting, retching/gagging, weakness of legs
• if you remove a tick and your pet seems normal, keep him or her rested and watch for signs

10. EARLY TREATMENT OF EFFECTED PETS
• Don't wait to see whether they will get over it on their own
• Tick Paralysis is an EMERGENCY - get to us immediately
• With early treatment most pets recover rapidly
• Delayed treatment increases the chance of your pet dying a horrible death (like slow drowning)
• Delaying treatment also means lengthy hospital stays and higher vet bills

18/05/2026

Our pets age more rapidly than we do and their risk of developing disease or illness increases as does the possibility that the illness or disease will rapidly progress. So what should you look for in your senior friend?

EYES - Pets can develop diseases of the eyes such as glaucoma, cataracts or dry eye.
Glaucoma - is an increased eye pressure leading to blindness due to the death of the optic nerve. In the early stages very red, painful eyes develop but is treatable if detected very early on with a thorough vision assessment and eye examination.
Cataracts - Cataracts are due to lens changes in the eyes and are common in ageing dogs or those with diabetes. The most common sign is a blue/grey look to the centre of the eye which will lead to blindness. With early detection and regular vision assessments your vet and yourself can monitor if and when surgery is required.
Dry Eye - Dry eye is an autoimmune condition in certain breeds where decreased tear production reduces lubrication on the surface of the eye. This causes a thick sticky discharge to build up around the eye and surface of the eyhe to ‘scaar’ affecting vision and possibly ulceration.

HEART AND LUNGS - Pets can develop conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and cardic disease
Cardiac disease - With an ageing heart the valves and chambers become less functional causing murmurs or a swollen heart. This means the heart works less efficiently causing breathlessness, coughing, bloated belly or decreased exercise tolerance. Regular checks of your pets heart will give your vet an early warning of any disease
bronchitis, Pneumonia and Emphysema - As the lungs age, the tissue that makes the lungs becomes less pliable (“stretchy”) meaning the lungs can’t expand correctly or the tubes (trachea or bronchi) lose their shape. This causes a cough, breathlessness or lack of energy. Regular checks or x-rays can give an early warning of respiratory diseases.
OINTS - Senior pets can develop conditions such as arthritis or previously undiagnosed conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia could become apparent.
Arthritis - Most large breed dogs over seven years will develop this with painful, swollen joints and an unwillingness to move or sit being the most common symptoms. Smaller breed dogs and cats can also develop this painful condition, Regular checks will indicate of or when treatment will be required for arthritis.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia - These are conditions which develop when your dog is young but may not become apparent until the joint cartilage starts to ‘wear out’. Again painful swollen elbows or an unwillingness to sit or lay down are the most common symptoms for these conditions.. Regular monitoring and examinations will give your vet early indication if these conditions are progressing.

ORGANS - Seniors cats should be regularly monitored for kidney failure and diabetes. Seniors dogs should have regular checks to ensure their liver, kidneys and adrenal glands are working effectively.
Kidney failure: Increased thirst and weight loss are the first symptoms of kidney failure along with smelly breath, mouth ulcers and nausea as the disease progresses. Regular urine and blood testing together with routine examinations will give an early indication to this disease. Early intervention greatly improves quality of life.
Diabetes - Increased thirst and weight loss again are early indicators along with recurrent urinary tract infections and increased appetite. Regular urine and blood tests with routine exams will give an early indication to this disease. Early intervention greatly increases prognostic indicators with higher rates of remission especially in cats
Liver disease - The liver stops processing certain watse products which can cause nausea, lack of appetite and possibly seizures. Routine blood tests can give an early indication of decreased liver function.
Adrenal disease - The adrenal gland produces certain substances which help regulate metabolic processes. If it produces too much or too little the liver, heart, skin, hair coat and muscles can be affected leading to immature ageing processes, diabetes and liver failure.
LUMPS - Pets can develop lumps on or under the skin which can become cancerous and spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs

THYROID - Senior cats are at risk of developing an overactive thyroid gland which can lead to vomiting, weight loss and heart problems. Regular palpation of the neck area and blood tests can lead to early detection of this condition.

As our pets age it is imperative for them to have regular visits with their vet who will make a plan for periodic examinations and monitoring with blood and urine tests. This will allow for our well loved pets to grow old gracefully.