Dr Gerardo Poli

Home
Australia
Jindalee, QLD
Dr Gerardo Poli

Dr Gerardo Poli Gerardo completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2008.
(1)

Dr Poli is a Veterinary Surgeon at Animal Emergency Service in Brisbane & Author of The MiniVet Guide to Companion Animal Medicine, a small portable full reference guide for Veterinarians. He graduated with first class honors and was awarded valedictorian of his year. After graduation he spent almost 3 years in a busy bay side small animal practice. In 2010 he changed direction and started working

with Animal Emergency Service in Underwood where he is now a senior veterinarian. He achieved Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the field of Emergency and Critical Care in 2012 and is currently the head examiner for future Membership candidates. In 2014 he completed his Masters of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice through Murdoch University which focuses on the more advanced aspects of small animal medicine. Dr Poli has a strong interest in the stabilisation and management of critically ill patients, small animal ultrasound and radiology and emergency surgery. He is currently the coordinator of the internship program and the continuing education program for the emergency clinicians at three Animal Emergency Service practices. He is Director of AES Underwood and AES Jindalee (opening June) in Brisbane, QLD.

10/12/2024

🎄 Treat Someone Special With Our CPD Gift Card 🎄

I’ve always believed that learning is the best gift you can give yourself—or someone else! This Christmas, Vet Success Academy is making it easier than ever to invest in your future with their Christmas Sale:

🎁 15% Off Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime Memberships
🎁 Access over 110+ Clinical and Performance courses
🎁 Save big while upgrading your skills

Whether you’re tackling complex cases or mastering time management, this sale is the perfect opportunity to grow your confidence and career.

⏳ Don’t miss out—sale ends soon! Tag your friends and colleagues!!

🎉 Visit https://www.vetsuccessacademy.com/gift to give the gift of CPD

03/12/2024

FREE ABDOMINAL FLUID … SHOULD I BE CONCERNED? 🤔⁣
⁣
With focused abdominal scanning playing a larger role in the triage and stabilisation of critically ill patients there are a couple key points that I find are useful to know…⁣
⁣
- 75% of critically ill patients will have free abdominal fluid (KEY POINT)⁣
- Healthy adult dogs and cats should not have free abdominal fluid (in my mind)⁣
- It is normal for healthy puppies and pregnant bitches/queens to have a some free abdominal fluid⁣
You should always sample the free abdominal fluid in a sick patient⁣
⁣
I find the first point super helpful to remember as the presence of free abdominal fluid alarms me that something is going down and I need to find out what it is. This patient jumps right up to the critical list.⁣
⁣
Free abdominal fluid even if it is only a small amount and only in one area of the abdomen is a significant finding and needs further investigation.⁣
⁣
For me I often find that free fluid is the hall mark of disease and the secret lies in the fluid itself.

01/12/2024

🚨 We Hacked Gerardo’s Account! 🚨

Hey, it’s NOT Gerardo here… 😏 The Vet Success Academy marketing team has taken over to share something he may or may not fully approve of… 👀

We’re giving away a Lifetime All-In Membership! 🎉 That’s 110+ Clinical & Performance courses, forever.

Already got a membership? If you win, we’ll refund your order or upgrade you to All-In! 💸

How To Enter:
1️⃣ Save the image from this post.
2️⃣ Share it to your story or feed and tag your top 3 courses.
3️⃣ Tag and follow us!

⏳ Deadline: Dec 3 at midnight AEST. Winner announced Dec 4.

Sorry, Gerardo… it’s for the greater good of CPD. 😉

https://www.vetsuccessacademy.com/black-friday

29/11/2024

Despite the fact that I know that my neatly laid out instruments are not going to stay that way, I still plan for and visualise a good positive outcome. 😎⁣
⁣
Numerous studies have demonstrated the power of visualisation. They found that imagining the movements and actions almost trains the muscles as much as the actual movement itself.⁣
⁣
Visualisation has been used in human healthcare professionals to reduce stress. They found that novice surgeons who received imagery training and visualise what they are going to do demonstrated reduced self-reported stress and decreased objective stress.⁣
⁣
Planning and visualising what you are going to do is a powerful tool that you can use when you have seen something before, or understand how to do things and can imagine how you would do it despite not having done it before. This is not to say that you can take huge leaps and do brain surgery but you can use this technique to jump up to the next step or level and feel more prepared to step out of your comfort zone.⁣
⁣
Also like all well laid out plans and visualised successes … it does not mean that everything will go as you planned or visualised it will however help you feel more prepared, more confident and less nervous tackling something you have never done before.⁣
⁣
As I am scrubbing I visualise the surgery, from draping, cutting, exploring, exteriorising, isolating, removing, closing, lavaging and then to closing the abdomen. Sometimes if I am concerned I visualise what I am going to do if something goes wrong. Like a large contamination of the abdomen with gastrointestinal contents, like dropping a ovarian pedicle or a large bleed while removing a spleen. Either way I use it to visualise the process to success and sometime visualise what I would do if something goes wrong.⁣
⁣
There is only so much training and learning that you can do, there is only so much mentoring and support your can have before you need to take action and give it a go yourself. One the biggest advantages of visualisation is that you can literally do it everywhere – on the train, at home, at work.

27/11/2024

What is the difference between heart disease and heart failure? 🤔⁣
⁣
Heart disease is the presence of a disease that is affecting the heart. In small dogs the disease affects the mitral valve (degenerative mitral valve disease), in larger dogs, it is a myocardial disease that results in weakening and dilation (dilated cardiomyopathy) and in cats, it is a myocardial disease that leads to thickening (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).⁣
⁣
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart disease has progressed to the point where there is accumulation and retention of fluid resulting in signs of congestion. This occurs because the heart progresses to a point that it is unable to pump blood out effectively, activation of compensatory mechanisms occur to retain fluid and maintain blood flow and the common clinical outcome is congestion and pulmonary oedema if it is failure of the left side of the heart.⁣
⁣
So heart disease is the presence of a disease in the heart but it does not mean that the heart is in congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a clinical syndrome that results when abnormal cardiac function results in retention of fluid and resultant oedema⁣
Not all patients with heart disease (eg. a small dog with a heart murmur) will develop congestive heart failure. Only 30% of dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease will progress to requiring heart failure therapy.

25/11/2024

Have you ever thought to yourself, “If only I just had the guts to do that” Ever looked back and wished you’d been braver or more bold and taking something on that you were afraid of?⁣
⁣Have you ever ..
- Had a great idea but didn’t pursue it?⁣
- Started an exciting project but never completed it?⁣
- Felt strongly about something but never spoke up about it?⁣
- Procrastinated or talked yourself out of a dream you had?⁣
- Met someone special but did not take the time to allow a relationship to grow?⁣
- Became overwhelmed with choices in your life and ended up not doing any of them?⁣
- Had something to say but didn't raise your hand?⁣
⁣
We all need to be brave at times. But let’s face it, acting bravely or stepping into the unknown is easier said than done. It requires rising above our evolutionary response to protect ourselves from pain and avoiding the risk of losing something we value—like our pride, our status in our job or the approval of our friends or our colleagues.⁣
⁣
So in order to stretch out of your comfort zone and commit acts of courage, you need to make the powerful shift toward from “what you need to do” to “who you need to become”⁣
⁣
Think for a second …. Who do you need to become in order to achieve your goals in 2025? What would a courageous version of you look like and what 3 traits or qualities would you have? Eg. more focused, more strategic, more energised, more decisive, more available, more knowledgeable??⁣
⁣
Changing into the person you need to become to start to develop and growth the courage you need to take bold and confident action will only help you achieve your goals quicker.⁣

21/11/2024

The look of love 😍

19/11/2024

🚀 Exciting Changes Are Here! 🎉 Save $$ on ALL our Clinical and Performance Courses! Get INSTANT ACCESS To The ENTIRE LIBRARY From THE PAST 3 YEARS!!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve upgraded Vet Success Academy memberships to offer you more value, flexibility, and learning opportunities than ever before. 🌟 Plus no waiting to see what topics are coming up, you get everything straight away!

✅ Access Everything Instantly: Our full course libraries—over 65 Clinical courses, 40+ Performance courses, or a combined 110+ courses in the All-In membership—are now available at your fingertips.
✅ Flexible Payment Options: Choose Monthly, Yearly, or Lifetime plans that suit your needs.
✅ Exclusive Black Friday Deals (ENDS 30 NOV):
⭐ 30 days FREE + 50% off for 3 months (Monthly).
⭐ 50% off your first year (Yearly).
⭐ 30% off Lifetime + 3 BONUS courses.

What You Need to Do:
Click the link in our bio or below to choose your new membership, follow the steps to sign up, and unlock instant access to everything Vet Success Academy has to offer.

Let’s move forward together! Join HERE: https://www.vetsuccessacademy.com/black-friday

*If you have an existing membership this will retire automatically on December 19, 2024*

19/11/2024

How to perform the tracheostomy.⁣
-Pre-oxygenate the patient via mask oxygen for 5 mins
-Once an IV catheter has been placed administer pain relief and intravenous anaesthesia.⁣
-Patients are anaesthetised and intubated and placed in dorsal recumbency.⁣
-If unable to in-tube a large bore catheter eg. 14 gauge can be passed in between two tracheal rings and oxygen delivered through the catheter⁣
-Next clip and aseptically prepare a large area centralising around the caudal larynx.⁣
-Make a ventral midline incision slightly caudal to the cricoid cartilage (caudally to the larynx) extending about 5cm caudally.⁣
-Keeping the incision midline is important. (Figure 1)⁣
-Sharp and blunt dissect down to the muscle overlying the trachea.⁣
-Then blunt dissect between the muscle bellies in the midline down to the tracheal rings.⁣
-Identify the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tracheal rings (Figure 2)⁣
-Using a #11 scalpel blade make your incision into the trachea⁣
-The simplest method is to make a transverse incision in annular ligament between two rings (either 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th) (Figure 3)⁣
-Other methods are discussed in more detail in VSA Clinical Tracheostomy⁣
-Do not cut the annular ligament wider than 50% of the circumference of the trachea to avoid blood vessels and nerves that run down the lateral aspects of the trachea⁣
-Establish an airway by placing your tracheostomy tube into the trachea and connect it to the anaesthetic circuit.⁣
-Place a loop of 2/0 non-absorbable suture or long-lasting absorbable suture like PDS around the tracheal rings above and below the stoma⁣
-Leave the loops long to allow manipulation and access to the site during tube maintenance and easy removal after. (Figure 4)⁣
-After the tracheostomy tube is placed ET tube ties are then attached through the holes at the ends of the two tails of the tube and then tied around the neck⁣
-You may need to partially close down your skin incision if it is too long but be sure to leave it long enough to easily access the stoma⁣
⁣
TIP: Label your loops of suture either cranial/caudal or left/right so that you know which direction to apply traction to open up the stoma you created.

16/11/2024

Tracheostomies are generally surgeries that are needed to be performed in emergency situations like upper airway obstructions from a foreign body or upper airway occlusion from a mass lesion. Unfortunately, this may mean that you need to do it without having a specifically made tracheostomy tube.⁣
⁣
What I am going to go through with you now is how to fashion your own tracheostomy tube from a normal endotracheal tube.⁣
⁣
First, a sterile endotracheal tube should be used and you can modify it during surgery when you and your equipment are sterile. A cuffed tube needs to be used, especially if you are wanting to perform mechanical or manual ventilation or if the patient has a risk of regurgitation or vomiting (e.g megaesophagus)⁣
⁣
Second, select the appropriate size endotracheal tube. This can be based on your experience and the patient size, however what is more ideal is to measure the trachea diameter from a lateral cervical radiograph and select an endotracheal tube cased off that measurement. The tube should not be too tight as it may remain in place for an extended period of time and may lead to pressure necrosis.⁣
⁣
Third, remove the connector.⁣
⁣
Fourth, using scissors cut down the length of the tube on either side ie. spatulate it, creating two long tails. You should end up with a section of intact tube and two tails like the letter “Y”. Leave enough intact tube to pass down 6 or 7 tracheal rings and then come out of the stoma you created plus a couple centermeters for adjustment after and for tube connector to be placed back in.⁣
⁣
Fifth, using a sharp instrument like a pointed scissor blade burr a hole into the ends of the tails. This is for endotracheal tube tie to be passed through to secure it around the patients neck.⁣
⁣
If you want you can make several of these and have them gas sterilised for future use.

14/11/2024

What is a tracheostomy?⁣
It is a surgically created hole (stoma) in the trachea. Through which a tracheostomy tube is placed directly into the trachea to establish an airway.⁣
⁣
Why would you need to perform a tracheostomy?⁣
Tracheostomies are generally performed as a lifesaving intervention for patients where pathology in the upper airway is either compromising airflow or where a procedure that impacts the upper airway may need to be performed.⁣
⁣
Examples of such conditions include - airway obstructions from foreign bodies, trauma, neoplasia or when surgical conditions need to be performed in the oral cavity such for neoplasia or fractures repairs and complete access is required without an endotracheal tube present.⁣
⁣
If you work in emergency or referral practice then this is a relatively common procedure, most often performed for upper airway obstructions.

03/09/2024

When a dog's intestines start dying, we've got to move fast. Necrosis has many causes, but these are frequent offenders I see in the ER:⁣
⁣
Intestinal Torsion/Volvulus - The intestines twist around themselves, cutting off blood flow. Large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes are prone.⁣
⁣
Intestinal Obstruction - Foreign objects, tumors, etc. can block the intestines. Vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain follow.⁣
⁣
Intussusception - One section of intestine telescopes into another, creating an obstruction. More common in puppies.⁣
⁣
Infections - Parvo, coronavirus, and parasitic infections can damage the intestinal lining and lead to necrosis.⁣
⁣
Toxins/Drugs - NSAIDs, insecticides, etc. can initiate intestinal injury. Bacterial toxins from clostridium perfringens are also culprits.⁣
⁣
Diagnosing the underlying cause guides treatment. Surgery ASAP is key to resect dead tissue and restore blood supply before sepsis sets in. IV fluids, pain control, and antibiotics support recovery. Don't hesitate to get emergent care if intestinal necrosis is suspected. Faster intervention = better prognosis.

30/08/2024

Rodenticide toxicity is a veterinary emergency we see too often. These poisons inhibit coagulation, leading to potentially fatal hemorrhages. Here are some key skin signs:⁣
⁣
- Bruising - Hemorrhage into skin causes purplish blotchy patches under mucocutaneous junctions and pressure points. ⁣
⁣
- Petechiae - Pinpoint red dots from capillary leakage. Seen on belly, groin, axilla.⁣
⁣
- Ecchymoses - Larger extravascular blood accumulation under skin. Legs and head commonly affected. ⁣
⁣
- Hematomas - Swellings from hemorrhage into tissues like ears and v***a. Risk of necrosis if severe.⁣
⁣
- Melena - Dark black-red blood passed rectally from GI bleeding. Stains hair around anus.⁣
⁣
- Pale mucous membranes - Anemia from blood loss reduces oxyhemoglobin making gums/conjunctiva pale.⁣
⁣
Prompt blood-work to assess clotting times is key. Vitamin K and blood transfusions can be lifesaving while the liver metabolises the poison. Prevention through rodent bait avoidance and containment is so important.

27/08/2024

After years performing lingual surgery on cats like Whiskers, I've learned a few helpful techniques to share with new vets attempting tongue laceration repairs:⁣
⁣
First, having the right instruments is key. Use small, fine needle drivers and forceps for delicate handling of the tongue tissue. Absorbable sutures like 4-0 or 5-0 Vicryl work well to avoid the need for stitch removal.⁣
⁣
Second, maintain a calm, patient approach throughout the procedure. The tongue has an extensive blood supply and bleeds readily, which can be stressful. Work slowly and with care to tie off any bleeders before closing the laceration.⁣
⁣
Use loupe magnification to visualize the small structures. Proper lighting and tissue handling is imperative for a smooth repair. I prefer simple interrupted sutures for good knot security.⁣
⁣
Finally, allow adequate post-op healing time. Feed the patient a soft recovery diet to avoid stress on the repair. Apply Elizabethan collars to prevent self-trauma. Monitor swelling, bleeding and suture reactions closely.⁣
⁣
With proper technique and practice, new vets can become adept at these sensitive surgeries. It's incredibly rewarding to see positive outcomes like Whiskers' and know we've made a difference in that pet's quality of life. Tag anyone who would find these tips helpful!

23/08/2024

Whiskers arrived with a traumatic and extensive laceration to the tongue, resulting in a bifurcation of the organ. This severe injury had compromised her ability to ingest nourishment and caused considerable discomfort.⁣
⁣
Upon examination, it was evident that immediate surgical intervention was necessary. The complexity of the surgery was not underestimated, given the intricate nature of the tongue with its muscular, nervous, and vascular components.⁣
⁣
In a systematic approach, the repair involved meticulous suturing techniques to coapt the edges, ensuring the preservation of function and promoting optimal healing. Throughout the surgery, the team remained focused on minimising tissue trauma and maintaining vascular supply to enhance recovery prospects.⁣
⁣
This case underscores the importance of swift and precise surgical action in trauma cases involving delicate oral structures. We advocate for a thorough assessment and prompt, skilful treatment to ensure the best possible outcome for our feline patients. Check out my next post for a post op photo and some tips.

16/08/2024

During a lengthy procedure or surgery, here are some tips for ensuring you remain focused, comfortable and alert.⁣
⁣
Minimised Distractions:⁣
- Environment Control: Ensure the operating room is set with optimal lighting and temperature for comfort and focus.⁣
- Quiet Zone: Limit unnecessary chatter and noise in the operating area. Effective, concise communication is key during the procedure.⁣
Scheduled Short Breaks:⁣
- Strategic Timing: Plan for short, mindful breaks, especially during lengthy procedures. Use this time to stretch, adjust your posture, hydrate, or simply close your eyes briefly to rest.⁣
- Delegate: Whilst you take a break, have a trusted colleague or assistant keep an eye on the patient, ensuring continuous monitoring.⁣
Effective Delegation and Teamwork:⁣
- Team Coordination: Work seamlessly with your surgical team. Know each member's role and responsibilities, fostering a collaborative environment.⁣
- Trust and Delegate: Empower team members by entrusting them with tasks they are qualified to handle, thereby reducing your mental load.⁣
Mental Techniques for Focus:⁣
- Breathing Techniques: Practise deep, controlled breathing to maintain calm and focus. This helps in reducing anxiety and keeping your hands steady.⁣
- Mindful Practices: Engage in moment-to-moment awareness, staying present and attentive to each surgical step without being overwhelmed.⁣
Equipment Familiarity:⁣
- Know Your Tools: Being well-acquainted with each instrument and device minimises confusion and promotes efficiency during surgery.⁣
- Organised Workspace: An orderly, logical arrangement of surgical tools and equipment contributes to a smoother workflow and lessens stress.⁣
Continuous Monitoring:⁣
- Patient Status: Keep a vigilant eye on the patient’s vital signs and overall status. Quick recognition and response to changes are imperative.⁣
- Self-Check: Regularly assess your own physical and mental state. Acknowledge signs of fatigue or stress and address them promptly.⁣
⁣
Each surgeon might develop their personalised set of practices over time, so it's essential to be reflective and adaptive in this continuous learning process.

13/08/2024

Engaging in long surgeries can be mentally and physically taxing. One of the longest I have performed was 8 hours. Although you may not think it, surgery actually starts well before we enter the operating theatre. Below are some preparation tips to help you stay focused and alert during lengthy procedures:⁣
⁣
Physical Preparation:⁣
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure adequate sleep.⁣
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration.⁣
- Comfortable Attire: Wear supportive and comfortable shoes, and consider compression stockings to promote blood circulation.⁣
Mental Preparation:⁣
- Develop a Pre-Surgery Routine: Establish rituals that help you relax and focus, like deep breathing or meditation.⁣
- Visualisation: Visualise the surgery steps and anticipate potential challenges.⁣
- Think of the procedures you have performed before that have similar aspects, so you can draw from those experiences. ⁣
- Positive Affirmations: Repeat positive thoughts or mantras to build confidence and calmness.⁣
⁣
Next post I will share some tips for keeping alert during a long surgery.

02/08/2024

What looks like hypovolemic shock but is not?

What delays perfusion parameters but doesn't need volume resuscitation? In fact, fluids are the one thing that these patients DON'T need...

Cardiogenic Shock! 😱

Cardiogenic shock results from inadequate cellular metabolism caused by cardiac dysfunction... The most common cause of systolic dysfunction is Dilated Cardiomyopathy but can also be severe MMVD or hypertrophic obstructive myopathy. The most common cause of diastolic dysfunction can be due to pericardial effusion & cardiac tamponade, HCM or tachyarrhythmias.

This little patient presented in severe cardiogenic shock and respiratory distress due to severe enlargement of his left and right atria due to HeartWorm disease!

He responded brilliantly to supplementary oxygen therapy, frusemide and pimobendan... he was discharged home 24 hours later to represent to his primary care vet for immiticide treatment.

As well as creating helpful fluid plans, MVGC App helps is one step ahead and leads you through the contraindications of when NOT TO give fluids... saving you time and improving patient outcomes!

Address

34 Goggs Road
Jindalee, QLD
4074

Website

http://www.minivetguide.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr Gerardo Poli posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Dr Gerardo Poli:

Dr Gerardo Poli

10/12/2024

03/12/2024

01/12/2024

29/11/2024

27/11/2024

25/11/2024

21/11/2024

19/11/2024

19/11/2024

16/11/2024

14/11/2024

03/09/2024

30/08/2024

27/08/2024

23/08/2024

16/08/2024

13/08/2024

02/08/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category