Comfort Vet

20/07/2026

📢 Practice Update

Please note that Dr Andie will be away attending the Veterinary Science Week Conference on the Gold Coast from today until Monday 27 July. She’ll be spending the week learning the latest in veterinary rehabilitation, pain management, and sports medicine alongside some of the bestest colleagues in the field ❤️🤩

During this time, there may be a slight delay in responding to messages and enquiries. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please remember that Comfort Vet is not an emergency service. If your pet requires urgent veterinary attention, please contact your regular veterinary clinic or Emergency Vets 24/7 on (07) 4015 3459.

We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to helping you again when Dr Andie returns.

01/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E8AdKMrc2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

One of the most common signs associated with Tethered Cord Syndrome is the postural changes that we see.

Tethered Cord Syndrome occurs when the end of the spinal cord becomes tethered or adhered within the lumbar spine. This results in reduced movement of the spinal cord within the vertebral canal as the spine flexes and extends during normal activity.

As a result, dogs with TCS may have difficulty adopting comfortable postures in positions like sit or down, because these positions require flexion of the lumbar spine and pelvis, hindlimb flexion, leading to movement of the lumbar nerve roots within the vertebral canal.

For this reason, one of the more common signs of TCS in dogs are signs suggestive of transient paresthesia, such as:

🐾 Suddenly looking at their hindquarters
🐾 Sitting urgently during a walk
🐾 Biting or chewing at their feet, tail, or hindlimbs
🐾 Suddenly stopping during activity
🐾 Acting as if they have suddenly been stung

While there are many signs that could point towards TCS, these postural and behavioural changes are often some of the more common things owners notice first.

📷 This is Sky, a Dachshund owned by Sarah Coeckelberghs, who lives with TCS...

To read more about Sky, the literature surrounding TCS, and the experiences of Vetrehabbers working with these patients, read our blog on Tethered Cord Syndrome.

Comment TCS1 and we will send you the link 💚

09/06/2026

Charlie 13 yrs old young enjoying is monthly maintenance treatment for GOLPP and arthritis

GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy) is a progressive condition seen most commonly in older, large-breed dogs. The nerves that control the larynx (voice box) and other parts of the body (sciatic nerve) gradually stop working properly, leading to noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, weakness, and difficulty coping with heat. Early recognition and appropriate management can significantly improve a dog's comfort and quality of life.

Charlie was diagnosed locally in Mareeba by examining the movement of the larynx under light anaesthesia. Other tests were done to eliminate under conditions using blood testing and radiographs

Acupuncture cannot cure GOLPP, but it may help support affected dogs by improving comfort, mobility, muscle function, and quality of life. As part of a multimodal treatment plan, acupuncture may help some dogs remain active and comfortable for longer, although there is currently limited evidence that it can slow the progression of the underlying nerve disease.

I hope your day is as good as Charlie’s day!

02/03/2026

Saying goodbye to your beloved companion is one of life’s most heartbreaking moments 💔. For many pet parents, home euthanasia provides a peaceful, dignified, and comforting alternative, allowing your best friend to remain in the warmth and familiarity of home.

"I didn't realise how much it would matter to say goodbye at home....until I did"

Dr Andreane (Dr Andie, Comfort Vet) is devoted to offering a gentle, compassionate approach, ensuring that every moment is calm, loving, and as stress-free as possible for both your companion and you.

Contact us today for appointment information and support during this tender time.

Serving Port Douglas, Mossman, Julatten, Mount Molloy, and surrounding areas.

13/02/2026

This message is a reminder that I do not provide services for acutely unwell patients or after-hours emergencies. This has been a long-standing professional boundary for a few reasons.

Firstly, for the welfare and best standard of care of the patient. As a mobile veterinarian I am not equipped for advanced diagnostics or intensive monitoring. Animals that are unwell require prompt assessment in a clinic environment where appropriate facilities, equipment and staff are available to provide the level of care they deserve.

Secondly, for professional wellbeing: emergency and critically ill cases require a supported clinical environment. Managing these situations alone, without nurses, monitoring equipment, or immediate backup, places significant emotional and psychological strain on a veterinarian and increases the risk of poor outcomes for both the patient and clinician. Maintaining clear boundaries is essential to prevent fatigue, compassion fatigue, and burnout, and allows me to continue providing a high standard of care to all patients in a sustainable way.

I would also like to remind pet owners that, under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, you have a duty of care to seek veterinary treatment when it is needed. This means arranging timely assessment rather than waiting several days when a pet is not eating, vomiting, or otherwise unwell.

Furthermore, euthanasia decisions are based on veterinary assessment and animal welfare. In many older pets, a specific diagnosis may not always be necessary if there is clear evidence of irreversible decline and poor quality of life. However, euthanasia cannot be performed purely for convenience or without an appropriate clinical evaluation to determine that it is in the animal’s best interests.

Please ensure your pet is taken to a veterinary clinic or emergency hospital promptly when they are sick. Early care gives them the best chance of recovery and is an important part of responsible ownership. These guys are part of the family and they should be treated with the love and care they deserve.

Thank you

10/02/2026

What a beautiful way to immortalise the precious memories of our best companions ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HQU6UUdAb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Splashy & abstract… my favourite way to paint!! And what a wonderful model 🐕

30/12/2025

Wishing everyone a 2026 full of love, compassion, kindness and health. We need it more than ever. A special thought to everyone who lost pieces of their heart (human or fur family). Grieving is a continuous process that we re-experienced in small ways every day. I hope that when reading this, the love and memories you have can fill your heart in ways you didn’t know possible. Recently, someone told me something so simple but so true “aren’t we lucky that we loved someone so much that we miss them so much”. To LOVE ❤️