Lorn Veterinary Hospital

26/10/2026

Modern veterinary anaesthesia is generally very safe, although no anaesthetic is completely risk-free. 🩺 Risk is reduced through pre-anaesthetic health checks, tailored drug protocols, and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. Age, breed, and existing health conditions may increase the risk, which is why we often recommend pre-anaesthetic blood tests. 🩸

Worried about your pet’s upcoming procedure? Chat with us beforehand about their individual risk. 🐾

21/10/2026

Meet Nurse Anita 🐾

Anita’s love for animals and the Veterinary industry started from a very young age having multiple pets throughout her childhood which continued through her schooling years and led her to graduating from UNE in 2018 with a Bachelor of Animal Science. Then after Anita stayed in Armidale and completed her Veterinary Nursing certificate (2020) at a beautiful rural mixed animal practice which she gained excellent hands-on experience in a variety of nursing roles. Alongside of this Anita was a part of an Animal Ethics Committee with the University of New England giving her a wide array of knowledge, compassion and understanding of this amazing industry.
Anita joined the Lorn team in 2024 just after her first son was born. She brings a unique background with her as do all our staff making for an experienced, family oriented and genuinely caring team.
Anita has a particular interest in working dogs and currently spends her spare time raising her son Banjo and her kelpie Wally.

21/10/2026

Sudden lameness can stem from a minor sprain, a grass seed or thorn, a torn nail, or something more serious like a fracture or cruciate ligament injury. 🐕

If your dog is holding the leg up completely, crying in pain, has swelling or heat, or the leg is in an obviously abnormal position, seek veterinary care promptly. ⚠️

If mild lameness hasn’t improved after a day of rest, it’s also time for a vet visit. Early assessment helps us treat the cause and keep your dog comfortable. 🩺

19/10/2026

Meet Dr Marena 🐾

Dr Marena grew up on a cattle and game farm in South Africa before immigrating to Australia in 2008. Surrounded by animals from an early age, she developed a lifelong love of caring for creatures both big and small.
After graduating from James Cook University in 2020, Marena began her career in a mixed animal practice in Tamworth, where she gained valuable experience treating both large and small animals. She later relocated to the Central Coast to be closer to her husband and family, continuing her career in small animal practice. During this time, she developed a strong passion for surgery and internal medicine.
Marena is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate veterinary care and believes every pet deserves access to the treatment they need. Having worked alongside a range of charities and pet owners, she enjoys partnering with families to find practical solutions that achieve the best possible outcomes for their pets.
She has a particular interest in small animal surgery and is currently undertaking further study towards her surgical memberships. Marena has also completed her PennHIP certification, allowing her to perform PennHIP assessments to evaluate hip health and screen dogs for their risk of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find Marena helping on the family farm with their Angus stud, gardening, cooking and baking, playing sport, or spending time with her husband, their beautiful Great Dane, Olive, and their flock of chickens.

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

For mild, short-lived tummy upsets, a bland diet may help some dogs and cats. 🐶🐱 Boiled, skinless chicken breast or lean white fish with plain boiled rice or pumpkin are easy, gentle options. Feed small, frequent meals rather than one large serve, and gradually reintroduce your pet’s normal food over a few days once symptoms settle.

These home-prepared diets aren’t complete and balanced, so they should only be used short term and ideally under veterinary guidance. 🥣

If vomiting is repeated, diarrhoea is severe, appetite is poor, or your pet seems unwell, please book a vet check promptly. 🩺

14/10/2026

Probiotics may support gut health, particularly after antibiotic use, during stressful periods, or for pets with sensitive tummies. 🦠 Not every pet needs one, though, and quality varies widely between products.

Look for a veterinary-specific probiotic with documented strains and an adequate viable colony count, rather than a human product. 🐾 If your pet has ongoing digestive issues, a probiotic isn’t a substitute for investigating the underlying cause.

Ask us for more information. 🩺

12/10/2026

Supermarket ‘pet meat’ is often labelled ‘not fit for human consumption’ and isn’t produced to the same food-safety standards as meat sold for people. 🥩 It can carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination and, in some cases, contain sulphite preservatives that can cause serious thiamine deficiency in cats and dogs. ⚠️

If feeding raw meat, choose human-grade options, and store and handle them carefully.

Ask us about safe ways to include meat in your pet’s diet. 🐾

08/10/2026

💙💛 HAPPY VETERINARY NURSE DAY! 💛💙🐾

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible vet nurses who make such a difference to our patients, their families and our team.

Being a vet nurse is so much more than a job. It’s the comforting cuddles, gentle touches, messy moments, happy reunions and the endless love given to every patient, big or small. 🐶🐱

To our wonderful team at Lorn Veterinary Hospital, thank you for your compassion, dedication and all the little things you do every single day. We are so lucky to have you, and the difference you make never goes unnoticed. ❤️

To all veterinary nurses everywhere, thank you for being the voice for those who cannot speak and the comfort they need when it matters most.

You are valued, appreciated and truly amazing! 💙💛

07/10/2026

🐾 Meet Nurse Meg

With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary nursing, Meg combines extensive clinical expertise with a genuinely compassionate approach, helping pets and their people feel supported, understood, and cared for every step of the way.
Meg completed her veterinary nursing studies in 2005 and has spent the past two decades caring for animals and supporting the people who love them.
Originally from the Blue Mountains, Meg’s career has taken her through a diverse range of veterinary settings, from local general practice to the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Along the way, she has developed experience in canine fertility and reproduction, as well as emergency and critical care, working with respected referral hospitals including ARH and AREC.
One of Meg’s greatest passions is helping families care for their senior pets. She understands the unique needs of ageing animals and finds great fulfilment in helping them enjoy comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life throughout their golden years.
Outside of work, Meg is an active member of the local community and enjoys life with her husband and two children. Their home is also shared with three much-loved rescue dogs and a rescue cat, reflecting her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll often find her tending to her expansive gardens or enjoying her own little Beatrix Potter moment as her flock of ducks happily wander amongst the greenery as she gardens.