Gippsland Veterinary Hospital

28/07/2025

🐱 Cat Spey – What’s actually involved?

A cat spey (ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia where both the ovaries and uterus are removed through a small incision in the abdomen.

🔬 Why it's done:

Prevents unwanted pregnancies
Stops heat cycles (and the behaviours that come with them)
Reduces the risk of reproductive cancers and uterine infections (like pyometra)

🩺 On the day:

Your cat is admitted in the morning after fasting
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia
Most cats go home the same day
Pain relief and aftercare instructions are provided

⏱️ Recovery:

Keep your cat quiet and indoors for 7–10 days
Monitor the incision site daily
Attend your post-op check-up for a smooth recovery
Every cat is unique — if you’re unsure when to desex, have a chat with your vet. We’re here to help you make an informed choice 💛

25/07/2025

📣 Medication Request Reminder 🐾💊

We kindly ask all our clients to get in touch before your pet’s medication runs out. Some prescriptions can take 1–2 days to prepare, especially if stock needs to be ordered or a vet needs to review the request.

Our team works hard to stay on top of all medication requests, but we appreciate your patience during busy times — we always prioritise your pet’s wellbeing.

🐶🐱 Please remember:

Most ongoing medications require a 6-month check-up with the vet to ensure they are still safe and effective for your pet.
If your pet hasn’t been seen recently, we may need to book a consult before we can refill.
For urgent or same-day requests, give us a call and we’ll do our best to help — though this isn’t always possible.
📅 Planning ahead helps us help you, and ensures your furry friend never misses a dose.

Thanks for being a part of the Gippsland Veterinary Hospital family 💚

23/07/2025

Keep your pet protected all year round and save while you do it!
We’re currently offering 25% off our 12-month flea and tick prevention treatment.
Pop in or give us a call to book — offer available for a limited time! 🐶

22/07/2025

22/07/2025

🐾 Did you know desexing your pet could cost you $0?
Join our Best Mates wellness program and receive FREE desexing — it’s just one of the many benefits included!

It’s more than just a desexing — it’s a full year of wellness care:
🩺 Free vet and nurse consults
💉 Annual vaccination
🧪 Free blood test
💸 Discounts on services and retail all year round

It’s the smart, stress-free way to look after your best mate.
📞 Chat to us today to find out more!

21/07/2025

What actually happens during a male dog castration? 🐾

Castration (or neutering) involves removing both testicles under general anaesthesia. It’s a routine procedure with long-term health and behavioural benefits for many male dogs.

🔬 What’s removed?

Both testicles (through a small incision just in front of the sc***um)
The sc***um is left intact in most cases
This stops the production of testosterone, which helps reduce unwanted behaviours like roaming, aggression, marking, and can lower the risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer.

🛏️ On the day:

Your dog will fast the night before
Surgery is done under general anaesthesia
Most dogs go home the same day
Recovery is quick — around 10 days with rest
Not every dog needs to be castrated at the same age. Breed, size, and behaviour all play a role — have a chat with us if you're unsure.

14/07/2025

🐱 Cat Castrate – What’s actually involved?
Castration (neutering) in male cats involves the removal of both testicles through small incisions in the sc***um under an IV anaesthesia. It’s a quick, routine procedure with a fast recovery time.

🔬 Why it’s done:

Prevents unwanted litters
Reduces roaming, spraying, and aggressive behaviour
Lowers the risk of certain cancers and injuries from fighting

🩺 On the day:

Your cat is fasted overnight
Surgery takes only a short time under anaesthetic
Most cats go home the same day
No sutures are usually needed

⏱️ Recovery:

Keep your boy indoors and quiet for a few days
Monitor for swelling or licking
He should be back to his normal self quickly!

💬 Not sure if or when to desex your male cat? Chat with our team — we’re happy to guide you through your options.

09/07/2025

🚨 KENNEL COUGH ALERT 🚨

We’re seeing a rise in kennel cough cases at the clinic lately.

Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads quickly between dogs — especially in places like kennels, dog parks, groomers, and daycare.

🤧 Common signs include:

• A dry, hacking cough
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Lethargy or mild fever

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, please keep them home from public spaces and call us for advice.

📞 Prompt care = faster recovery

🛑 Prevention = vaccination + avoiding high- risk areas when outbreaks are happening

Let’s help keep our furry friends safe and healthy!

06/07/2025

What actually happens during a dog spey? 🐾

A dog spey, or ovariohysterectomy, is a common surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Here’s what it really involves:

🔬 What’s removed?

Both ovaries
The uterus (both uterine horns and uterine body) often up to the level of the cervix
By removing the ovaries, we eliminate the hormonal cycle that triggers heat and reproductive behaviours. Removing the uterus prevents pregnancy and conditions like pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection).

🛏️ What to expect on the day:

Your pet will be admitted in the morning after fasting
A full general anaesthetic is administered
Surgery is performed through a small incision in the abdomen
Your pet will recover in our clinic before heading home the same day

⏱️ Recovery:

Rest and no running/jumping for 10–14 days
A post-op check will be booked to monitor healing
Pain relief and care instructions are provided
🐶 Every pet is different — and so is the timing and approach to desexing. If you're unsure whether or when it's right for your dog, we're always happy to chat.

02/07/2025

Desexing has lifelong health benefits for many pets 🐾
For some, it can help prevent serious conditions like reproductive cancers and infections — giving them the best shot at a long, healthy life.

But every pet is different. Timing (or whether to do it at all) can depend on breed, lifestyle, and individual needs.

💬 If you’re unsure what’s right for your pet, have a chat with your vet — we’re here to guide you through all the options.

18/06/2025

We are having phone issues, some calls are being disrupted with periods where we can't hear you, and you can't hear us. Unfortunately this is company wide, and seems to be caused by our carrier. Our awesome IT team are working on rectifying this asap. Please don't hesitate to call, but just be aware there may be some calls that may be impacted. Thank you

03/06/2025

🐾 Dachshund Puppy Alert! 🐾

We had a very special visit today from these two adorable 10 week old dachshund pups — one boy and one girl, who came in for their 2nd vaccinations 💉🐶

Both are happy, healthy, and still on the lookout for their forever homes 💛

☎️ 5147 1177