Geelong Animal Referral Services

Geelong Animal Referral Services Staffed & Accepting Referrals 24/7

Leading Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre

•Surgery •Medicine •Imaging •Anaesthesia •Oncology •Mobile Vet

We believe that our close communication with your local vet is essential in achieving the best care.

Going away for the Kings Birthday long weekend? If you have an animal emergency, contact GARS reception for assistance! ...
05/06/2026

Going away for the Kings Birthday long weekend?

If you have an animal emergency, contact GARS reception for assistance!

We are OPEN 24/7 this weekend, including the Kings Birthday Public Holiday.

Walk ins are welcome, however a quick call beforehand will help our team prepare for your pet's needs before their arrival, and for us to advise you of any measures you might need to take as you make your way to GARS.

📍Units 9/10 7-21 Newcastle Street, Newtown, Geelong.​
☎ (03) 4219- 2169

05/06/2026

Dr Ricky Cashmore and the GARS Surgical Team performing Benjamin's Total Hip Replacement surgery.

GARS is a national and international leader in advanced orthopaedics. We remain the only hospital in the country to offer and perform total and/or partial joint replacements of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

For referrals or to learn more:
🌐 www.garsvets.com.au
☎ 03 4219 2169

Treatment for hip dysplasia varies depending on a dog's age, the severity of disease, and their overall health. Mild cas...
04/06/2026

Treatment for hip dysplasia varies depending on a dog's age, the severity of disease, and their overall health. Mild cases may be managed with weight control, physiotherapy, joint supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications. For more advanced cases, surgical options may include juvenile p***c symphysiodesis (JPS), double pelvic osteotomy (DPO), femoral head ostectomy (FHO), or total hip replacement (THR).

For Benjamin, a 2-year-old West Highland White Terrier, a Total Hip Replacement (THR) was considered the most effective treatment option for addressing the significant pain and lameness associated with severe disease affecting his left hip. Following advanced imaging and surgical planning, Dr Ricky Cashmore replaced the damaged ball and socket joint with specialised, custom sized implants.

Benjamin has now begun his recovery and rehabilitation journey. With careful post-operative management, most dogs undergoing Total Hip Replacement return to an active, comfortable quality of life.

If your dog is showing any of the following signs:

• Difficulty rising, lying down, or climbing stairs
• Reluctance to run, play, or jump
• Limping, stiffness, a swaying gait, or bunny hopping
• Audible clicking or popping from the hips
• Muscle loss in the hindquarters

Speak with your local veterinarian about a surgical referral or contact GARS directly to learn more about your pet's treatment options.

☎ (03) 4219 2169
🌐 www.garsvets.com.au

Winter has officially arrived, and what better way to welcome it than with a long weekend?GARS is OPEN 24/7 this weekend...
02/06/2026

Winter has officially arrived, and what better way to welcome it than with a long weekend?

GARS is OPEN 24/7 this weekend, including the Kings Birthday Public Holiday!

If you have an animal emergency this weekend, contact reception for assistance.

Walk ins are welcome, however a quick call beforehand will help our team prepare for your pet's needs before their arrival, and for us to advise you on any measures you might need to take as you make your way to GARS.

📍Units 9/10 7-21 Newcastle Street, Newtown, Geelong.​
☎ 03 4219- 2169

⁉ Joint Replacement FAQ ⁉Do I need to take time off work?· Typically, not required.· Pets stay in hospital for 1 night o...
30/05/2026

⁉ Joint Replacement FAQ ⁉

Do I need to take time off work?
· Typically, not required.
· Pets stay in hospital for 1 night or up to 2nights (elbow replacements)
What sort of confinement is recommended at home?
· Confinement (crate or small room with non-slip surfaces and nothing to jump on) is critical.

What if two joints need replacing? How long between surgeries?
· It is very common for pets to have both hips, or both elbows or ankles replaced. These are typically done 6+weeks apart (average is 6months following the first)

How do I book in for joint replacement surgery?
· You (pet owner) may request directly (email or phone).
· Your veterinarian may refer you.
· A specialist hospital may refer you (complex cases and revision cases)

📧 [email protected]
☎ 03 4219 2169

How long will my pet be in hospital?· Partial joint replacements, Total Hip Replacements and Total Ankle Replacements = ...
29/05/2026

How long will my pet be in hospital?
· Partial joint replacements, Total Hip Replacements and Total Ankle Replacements = 1 night
· Total Elbow Replacements = 1- 2 nights
· Interstate Joint Replacements. *We regularly have joint replacements come from South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales with occasionally some from the other states/territories. For these cases (and any others that request it) we do offer longer hospitalisation for peace of mind and to help facilitate travel.


28/05/2026

Maggie update!

Since Maggie’s TER surgery, she has since returned to GARS for her two week and eight-week post operative rechecks, where she is progressing well and gradually increasing her exercise as she works towards a return to normal activity.
 
What does post operative exercise look like?
All patients must be walked on leash for 6 to 8 weeks following surgery. There should be strictly no off-leash activity during the first 6 weeks.

For hip, knee, shoulder and ankle procedures, patients begin with 5-minute walks twice daily.
The duration is then increased by 5 minutes each week until reaching 30-minute walks twice daily.
For elbow procedures, patients start with 5-minute walks three times daily for the first 3 weeks. After this period, walk duration is increased by 5 minutes each week.
 
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy:
These therapies can be highly beneficial following joint replacement or resurfacing and can commence from week 3 post surgery.

We strongly recommend physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for all Total Elbow Replacements and consider it an essential component of recovery for this particular joint. For other joint replacements or resurfacing procedures, it may not be required, however we fully support its use where appropriate.

For more information on joint replacements at GARS, feel free to contact us.

📧 [email protected]
📞 03 4219 2169

27/05/2026

Meet Maggie 👋

Maggie presented to Geelong Animal Referral Services with progressive left forelimb lameness, consistent with end stage elbow osteoarthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia. Following an excellent outcome after right elbow partial replacement CUE surgery with Dr Ricky Cashmore two years ago, her left elbow had gradually deteriorated over four years, with significant worsening in recent months including intermittent non weight bearing.

Maggie’s left elbow was much worse than her left so she underwent a left total elbow replacement with Dr Ricky Cashmore at GARS. Surgery was successful and she was discharged the following day to continue her recovery at home.

What are the youngest and oldest pets that have undergone joint replacement with GARS-MARS surgeons?Youngest = 5.5months...
25/05/2026

What are the youngest and oldest pets that have undergone joint replacement with GARS-MARS surgeons?

Youngest = 5.5months
Oldest = 13years of age

What patient size are GARS-MARS able to perform joint replacement surgery on?

We are one of the few centres in the country that perform joint replacements on all size patients, including cats, Chihuahuas up to Great Danes.


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Units 9/10 7-21 Newcastle Street
Newtown, VIC
3220

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