Melbourne Animal Referral Services

Melbourne Animal Referral Services Open: M-F 8am-6pm, S-S Emergency Surgery We believe that close communication between us and your local vet is essential in achieving the best care.

Leading Veterinary Specialist in Melbourne & Surrounds

•Surgery •Medicine •Imaging •Oncology

We believe that our close communication with your local vet is essential in achieving the best care. We offer advanced surgeries, 24-hour vet care, and mobile support across Melb, Geelong & regional Vic, regularly visiting clinics in your area.

02/02/2026

Today we’re celebrating Golden Retriever Day, a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence and gentle nature.

Golden Retrievers are also predisposed to several conditions that benefit from early veterinary assessment, including:

• Orthopaedic disease such as cruciate injury and hip dysplasia
• Neurological conditions affecting mobility
• Internal disease, including a higher cancer risk later in life

Early investigation, appropriate imaging and timely referral can make a meaningful difference to comfort, treatment options and long-term outcomes.

If you have concerns about your Golden Retriever’s health or mobility, contact your GP vet for a referral to MARS specialists for further assessment.

Dental disease is one of the most common and most underestimated sources of chronic pain in pets.Many animals don’t show...
02/02/2026

Dental disease is one of the most common and most underestimated sources of chronic pain in pets.

Many animals don’t show obvious signs. Changes such as slower eating, head tilting, pawing at the mouth, or subtle behavioural shifts can indicate discomfort long before severe disease is visible.

In many cases, pathology sits below the gum-line, where it can’t be assessed without diagnostic imaging. Early investigation allows hidden disease to be identified and managed before it progresses, improving comfort and long-term health.

If you’re concerned, your GP vet can guide the next steps or refer for further assessment where appropriate.

We’re proud to work alongside such a dedicated veterinary community of referring vets, nurses and clinic teams, and we a...
26/01/2026

We’re proud to work alongside such a dedicated veterinary community of referring vets, nurses and clinic teams, and we appreciate the trust you place in our specialists and mobile services.

January & February often bring a mix of post-holiday presentations, heat-related cases, and emergency cases, so please reach out early if you need specialist input.

Our team is here to support you with clear communication, rapid referrals and advanced care whenever needed.

Thank you for your ongoing collaboration; we look forward to another year of working together to deliver the best outcomes for your patients.

Summer UV exposure can significantly increase the risk of skin cancers in dogs, especially those with fair skin, thin co...
25/01/2026

Summer UV exposure can significantly increase the risk of skin cancers in dogs, especially those with fair skin, thin coats or high outdoor exposure.

Many owners overlook gradual skin changes or assume lesions are minor until they progress. We encourage clinics to emphasise sun protection, routine skin checks and early veterinary assessment.

Identifying abnormalities sooner improves treatment success, reduces surgical complexity and supports faster recovery.

If you need specialist input for complex or advanced dermatological cases, our team is here to assist with diagnostics, treatment planning and follow-up care.

Learn more about our services: www.marsvets.com.au/services/hospital-services/

With Australia Day approaching, we want to provide clarity around our adjusted operating hours so clinics can plan refer...
21/01/2026

With Australia Day approaching, we want to provide clarity around our adjusted operating hours so clinics can plan referrals and cases effectively.

Public holidays often lead to sudden surges in emergency presentations, and we aim to minimise any barriers to care by keeping communication clear.

Our team will be on call and accepting urgent specialist cases, just dial 03 9050 0671 to speak with our vet on call.

If your clinic anticipates complex cases, hospital transfers or specialist involvement during this period, please reach out ahead of time.

Planning early ensures continuity of care and reduces stress for both owners and veterinary teams.

Meet Whisky, a delightful little Dachshund who presented to MARS with a firm lump on his head — giving him a rather dash...
19/01/2026

Meet Whisky, a delightful little Dachshund who presented to MARS with a firm lump on his head — giving him a rather dashing dinosaur-like appearance 🦖.

What looked small on the surface turned out to be much more, with a CT scan revealing a skull bone tumour that extended well beyond what was externally visible.

Following careful planning, Whisky underwent surgical excision of the affected portion of his skull, with reconstruction using a malleable titanium mesh. Thanks to a collaborative approach between the MARS Oncology and Surgery departments, we hope you can agree that this dachsing dino Whisky is looking extra handsome indeed 💙.

This case highlights the value of early referral, thorough diagnostic workup, and strong communication between primary care teams and specialists. Clear escalation and collaboration can make a significant difference to outcomes, especially during high-demand periods.

We’re grateful for the professionalism of the clinics we work with and are always happy to share case studies like this for educational use.

French Bulldogs are one of Australia’s most popular breeds, but also one of the most physiologically vulnerable, especia...
12/01/2026

French Bulldogs are one of Australia’s most popular breeds, but also one of the most physiologically vulnerable, especially in summer.

National French Bulldog Day is the perfect time to highlight the importance of heat management, airway awareness and early intervention when respiratory signs appear.

Education is essential to reduce emergency presentations, as many owners are unaware of the subtle early indicators of airway compromise. Encouraging proactive management, safe exercise habits and environmental control can significantly reduce risk.

If your clinic needs referral support for brachy-specific cases, our team is here to assist.

Recovery is one of the most important stages of patient care, and our nursing team manages it with exceptional attention...
12/01/2026

Recovery is one of the most important stages of patient care, and our nursing team manages it with exceptional attention and compassion.

From monitoring vitals to providing comfort and managing pain protocols, every step is handled with intention. These quiet moments often reflect the strongest teamwork between nurses, specialists and support staff.

We’re proud of the high standards maintained in our recovery area, and grateful for the trust referring vets place in us. Patients feel the difference.

With clinics settling back in after the holidays, it’s a great time to refresh your team on MARS referral pathways for 2...
08/01/2026

With clinics settling back in after the holidays, it’s a great time to refresh your team on MARS referral pathways for 2026.

Here’s what we’ve outlined to help keep cases moving smoothly:
▪ Key contact points for urgent referrals & case discussions
▪ When to escalate complex or surgical cases
▪ Available specialist services across surgery, neurology & imaging
▪ How to coordinate mobile surgery or advanced imaging
▪ Essentials to include with every referral to support accurate triage

Keeping teams aligned with these steps helps reduce delays & supports better outcomes for patients needing advanced care.

If your clinic would like updated resources or a referral refresher, our team is here to help.

New vet registrations are welcome; sign up online today - www.marsvets.com.au/referring-vets/new-vet-registration/

January & February high temperatures pose a serious risk for brachycephalic breeds, who are especially vulnerable to hea...
07/01/2026

January & February high temperatures pose a serious risk for brachycephalic breeds, who are especially vulnerable to heat stress and respiratory collapse.

Many owners underestimate how quickly these dogs can deteriorate — even with minimal exertion or short periods outdoors.

We encourage clinics to proactively educate clients on warning signs, environmental risk factors and the importance of early presentation. Prompt intervention can drastically improve outcomes and prevent severe complications such as airway obstruction, hyperthermia or organ dysfunction.

Please share reminders with your community to help reduce avoidable emergencies this season.

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve are one of the biggest triggers of anxiety, panic & escape behaviours in pets. 🎆Clinics see...
29/12/2025

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve are one of the biggest triggers of anxiety, panic & escape behaviours in pets. 🎆

Clinics see a surge in fear-related injuries & lost pets every year — but early preparation can make a huge difference.

We’ve shared a few expert tips you can pass on:
✔️ Keep pets safely indoors in a quiet, secure room
✔️ Close windows, draw curtains & use white noise or music
✔️ Double-check fences, gates, screens & microchip details
✔️ Speak to your vet early about anxiety medication or calming aids
✔️ Set up crates, safe zones & enrichment ahead of time
❌ Avoid leaving pets alone during peak fireworks times

A little planning helps prevent avoidable emergencies & keeps pets safe as we head into the New Year.

Address

395 Tooronga Road
Hawthorn East, VIC
3213

Telephone

+61390500671

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