Vetcare Limited

02/07/2025

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD):
What You Need to Know

What is FLUTD?
FLUTD is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect your cat’s bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It’s relatively common and can be very uncomfortable or even dangerous for your cat.

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Common Symptoms to Watch For:
• Straining to urinate
• Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine passed
• Blood in the urine
• Crying or vocalising when urinating
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Licking around the urinary opening
• Lethargy or hiding
• Loss of appetite

⚠️ In male cats, a urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency. If your male cat is unable to pass urine, seek immediate Vetcare veterinary help.

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Causes of FLUTD may include:
• Stress (big trigger!)
• Crystals or stones in the bladder
• Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis)
• Urinary tract infection (less common in younger cats)
• Urethral blockage (especially in neutered male cats)

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Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories
• Encouraging hydration – wet food, water fountains
• Urinary prescription diets to dissolve crystals or prevent recurrence
• Antibiotics (if infection is confirmed)
• Reducing stress – calming sprays, safe hiding spots, stable routine
• In some cases, hospitalisation or catheterisation may be required

How to Help at Home:
• Offer clean, fresh water at all times
• Feed wet food or add water to dry food
• Keep litter trays clean and accessible
• Provide a low-stress environment
• Use feline pheromone diffusers (e.g. Feliway)
• Monitor urination daily

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When to Call the Vet:
If your cat is straining, vocalising in pain, not passing urine, or showing signs of distress — don’t wait.

FLUTD can worsen rapidly, especially in males.

If your cat has bladder issues then we can recommend
some ProHealth tips to help him.

27/06/2025

🌿 We’re Hiring: Veterinary Nurse/Technician – Greytown Clinic 🐾

Are you an experienced and qualified vet nurse or tech with a warm heart and a holistic approach to pet care?

Vetcare Greytown is on the lookout for a mature, confident, and friendly veterinary nurse/technician to join our close-knit team.
We offer a supportive, progressive environment where your skills are valued and your wellbeing matters too.

✨ What we’re looking for:
– A qualified vet nurse/tech with at least 2+ years’ experience
– Someone who blends clinical excellence with genuine compassion
– Confident handling animals of all sizes and temperaments
– Skilled in surgical, anaesthesia and hospital nursing
– Great communication with clients – you explain, empower and support
– A holistic mindset – you understand that true wellness is more than just medicine
– A team player with a good sense of humour and calm under pressure

We value diversity and a balanced workforce – and encourage men and women to apply.

🐶🐱 From nutrition to behaviour, natural remedies to surgical care, you’ll be part of a team that believes in treating the whole animal – body, mind, and spirit.

📍Based in beautiful Greytown, you’ll enjoy a welcoming community, vibrant clients, and a clinic culture that feels like family.

Our hours are 9 am-5pm but we would welcome a family friendly 2:30 pm finish.

📩 To apply, send your CV and a cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit to: [email protected]
🔗 Or tag someone you think would love this role!

Let’s do great things for animals – together. 🐾

17/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16jSSwRJW8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Your pets are as important to us, as they are to you. Caring for your fur companion after life, with dignity, professionalism, individual care, supporting their humans in a time of grief is our specialty.
Call Jo now, on 027 231 9401 to ask, how we can help you. Or visit 27 Queen Street, Masterton.

13/06/2025

🐾✨ First Vet Visit Vibes ✨🐾

Welcome Kobe the Cavoodle puppy! 💙 This little heart-stealer came in for his very first check-up at Vetcare and absolutely charmed the whole team.

Cavoodles are one of our favourite breeds — a clever mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. 🐶 They’re known for their loving nature, low-shedding coats, and easy-going temperament, making them ideal family pets and fantastic companions for kids!

We started Kobe’s social journey early by introducing him gently to our grooming salon — a crucial step in helping puppies build positive associations with handling, clippers, and dryers. 🛁✂️
Regular visits like this help pups grow into confident, calm adults.

Kobe, you’re already a superstar 🌟 — we can’t wait to watch you grow!

09/06/2025

🌀🐾 Cold Weather Alert from Dr Heidi
@ Vetcare Vets 🐾🌀

A winter blast is on its way — icy winds, frosts and plummeting temps are predicted across the region. Let’s plan ahead to keep our pets safe, warm and well-fed through the cold snap.

❄️ Top Tips to Prepare:
✅ Invest in a snug dog coat or pet jersey — especially for short-haired, elderly or tiny breeds. We have a hundred different options in store at Vetcare Greytown.
✅ Consider a plug-in pet heat pad or heated bed for extra warmth overnight
✅ Make sure kennels, hutches and outdoor shelters are dry, insulated and draught-free
✅ Stock up on food and pet supplies in case of disruptions or heavy frost and snow.
✅ Keep fresh water available — check it’s not frozen over in the morning!
✅ Older pets or those with arthritis may need extra support — book in for a winter wellness check.
Pain relief injections for arthritis can keep your pet much more comfortable.

Let’s get ahead of the chill and keep tails wagging and whiskers warm this winter ❄️🐶🐱

Stay safe, stay cosy — Dr Heidi and the Vetcare team 💙

29/05/2025

🐾✨ VETCARE BURMILLA X KITTENS – NEARLY READY FOR ADOPTION! ✨🐾

We’re so excited to announce that our beautiful Vetcare Burmilla X kittens are nearly ready to find their forever homes! 🏡💕

These little darlings have been raised in a family home with love, and they’re the perfect mix of playful energy, gentle nature, and stunning good looks — true to their Burmilla heritage.

🌟 What makes Burmillas so special?
Burmillas are known for their:
💗 Sweet, affectionate personalities
😺 Playful, curious natures
🧠 Intelligent and easy-going temperaments
💎 Silky silver-toned coats and sparkling eyes

These kittens are:
✅ Vet checked
💉 Vaccinated
🚽 Litter box trained
… and full of purrs, cuddles, and mischief!

Light silver tabby female
Dark silver tabby female
Light tabby female
Black fluffy male - Panther

They’ve grown up surrounded by loving hands, and we’re looking for homes that will treasure them as much as we do. 🐾

💌 call Vetcare to express your interest — these little beauties won’t be waiting long!

29/05/2025

https://theplatform.kiwi/podcasts/episode/heidi-ward-mcgrath-on-sleeping-with-pets

A fun interview this morning LIVE on The Platform with Micheal Laws.

I always enjoy his show as he asks interesting questions.

I hope you enjoy the content.

Dr Heidi

29/05/2025

Success as our spinal patient walks again!

At Vetcare Vets, we are over the moon to share the incredible recovery of one of our beloved spinal patients — who is now walking again! 💪🐶💕

This is not just a win for one dog — it’s a testament to the power of holistic veterinary medicine.
When you trust us with your pet’s health, we look at the whole picture.
Spinal injuries and complex diseases often affect — and are affected by — the entire body.
That’s why we go beyond symptom management to address root causes and restore true wellness.

🌿 Our holistic approach includes:
🔸 Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and support tissue healing
🔸 Acupuncture to stimulate nerve regeneration and manage pain
🔸 Herbal medicine for targeted support of organ systems
🔸 Doggy Daily + clinical nutrition to nourish from the inside out
🔸 Deworming, detox, and antioxidant flushes to clear the body of hidden burdens

🩺 And we never overlook the basics — comprehensive bloodwork and full dentistry are essential.
Many chronic infections and inflammatory conditions start silently in the mouth or gut and ripple through the body, even impacting the spine.

Holistic care isn’t alternative — it’s integrated, informed, and life-changing. 🐕💚

If your pet is facing a tough diagnosis, don’t give up hope.
Seek holistic, experienced spinal care that treats your pet as a whole being — body, mind, and spirit.

📞 Call Vetcare today. Let’s work together to change the outcome — because your pet deserves the very best, naturally 🍃 .

27/05/2025

🎉 Success Story: Well Done Smokey Joe! 🐾

We’re celebrating a huge win for one of our special feline friends—Smokey Joe has just had successful thyroid tumour removal surgery… and he’s thriving! 💙🐱

Hyperthyroidism is all too common in our older cats, and while daily pills or prescription diets can help, surgical removal of the thyroid tumour offers a long-term, often permanent solution.

✨ Here’s why surgery is such a game-changer:
✅ Blood thyroid levels return to normal naturally
✅ No more daily medication
✅ No more frequent blood tests
✅ No more dangerous hormone fluctuations

What many people don’t know is that untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications—including sudden blindness from popped blood vessels in the eyes due to high blood pressure. 😿

By removing the tumour, we’ve not only freed Smokey Joe from constant meds and monitoring—we’ve safeguarded his future. His energy is up, his appetite is healthy, and he’s back to ruling his household like a true king. 👑🐾

A big high five to Smokey Joe and his devoted humans for choosing proactive care. 💪👏

If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, talk to us about whether surgery might be the right path. We’re here to help them live their very best 9 lives. 💛🐾

25/05/2025

🐾 Persian Cross Kittens Ready for Adoption at Vetcare! 🐾

Looking for a bundle of fluff to brighten your days?

Our gorgeous Persian cross kittens are ready to find their forever homes! These little ones are the perfect mix of beauty and charm — gentle, friendly, and oh-so-soft! 😻

✨ What’s included:
✅ Desexing
✅ Vet checked
✅ Vaccinated
✅ Advocate treated
✅ Litter box trained
✅ Raised with love and handled daily

With their super soft coats, soft paws, and sweet natures, they’ll melt your heart in seconds.
Ideal for families, companions for singles, or anyone who’s ready to be adored by a feline friend.

Don’t wait — these fluffballs won’t stay available for long!

📍 Available now at Vetcare Greytown for a special 50% adoption discount.
📞 Call 06 304-8037 Mon - Sat 9 am - 5 pm to meet them today!

25/05/2025

Eosinophilic Plaques in Cats – Causes & Holistic Treatment Approaches

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🐾 What Are Eosinophilic Plaques?

Eosinophilic plaques are raised, moist, red, and itchy lesions typically found on a cat’s abdomen, thighs, or neck. They are part of the feline eosinophilic granuloma complex—an inflammatory skin condition driven by an overreaction of the immune system, particularly involving eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

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🧬 Causes & Triggers
1. Allergies
• Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common cause—even a single bite can trigger an intense response.
• Food allergies, particularly to common proteins like beef, chicken, or fish.
• Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, molds, or cleaning chemicals.
2. Insect Bites or Stings
• Reactions to mosquitoes or other biting insects.
3. Contact Dermatitis
• Reactions to topical substances like detergents, perfumes, plastics, or certain bedding materials.
4. Immune Dysregulation
• Some cats have an over-reactive immune response due to genetic predisposition or long-standing immune stress.
5. Stress and Emotional Triggers
• Emotional stress, boredom, or changes in environment can exacerbate inflammation and itchiness, especially in sensitive cats.

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🌿 Holistic Vetcare Veterinary Approaches to Treatment

As holistic vets we seek to identify and remove the root cause, not just suppress symptoms. Here’s a multi-modal, whole-body strategy:

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1. Allergy Elimination & Gut Health
• Hypoallergenic or novel protein diets (e.g., duck, venison, rabbit) or a home-cooked elimination diet.
• Probiotics ( Moggy daily and love nuggets )& digestive enzymes to restore gut balance and reduce systemic inflammation.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil try our Omega oil) to support skin health and reduce allergic response.

2. Herbal & Natural Anti-Inflammatories
• Topical skin spray : A natural bioflavonoid with antihistamine properties
. Pet Putty (topical, pure): Soothing for inflamed skin ,pet-safe formulations
• Eco spray: anti-inflammatory and soothing
Scratch free: Natural steroid-like properties without the harsh effects of prednisone.

3. Flea Control – Natural & Non-Toxic
• Consistent and gentle flea prevention is critical. Holistic options include:
• Diatomaceous earth (environmental use)
• Cedarwood or neem-based natural sprays (pet-safe formulations only)
• Flea free drops, flea combing daily to monitor presence.

4. Immune Modulation & Detoxification
• Pet minerals
• TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) or acupuncture to calm the immune system and reduce heat/inflammation.
• Milk thistle: Supports liver detoxification, especially if there’s a history of medication or toxin exposure.
Detoxic- add 1 teaspoon to each mince meal.

5. Environmental Management
• Use unscented, hypoallergenic cleaning products and litter.
• Reduce exposure to plastic food bowls and synthetic bedding.
• Encourage emotional well-being with enrichment, stability, and calming tools like pheromone diffusers or flower essences (e.g., Bach Rescue Remedy).

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⚠️ Conventional Support When Necessary

While holistic care can greatly help, severe or infected plaques may still require:
• Short-term steroids or antibiotics
• Laser therapy
Holistic care can be integrated to reduce dependency on these medications over time.

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🐱 Summary

Eosinophilic plaques are a sign of immune imbalance often rooted in allergies, environmental stress, or gut health issues. A holistic vet will work to nourish from the inside out, reduce inflammation naturally, and bring the cat’s system back into balance—with the ultimate goal of healing, not just managing.

At Vetcare we give you to tools and understanding to solve these pesky dermatology mysteries.
Let’s chat about your itchy cat.

Dr Heidi
Holistically focused derm interested vet 🐱
Call us on 06 377-7955 to fix the itch

16/05/2025

With hands that heal and a heart that lifts.

I am deeply humbled to represent the Wakaminenga Māori Government, Aotearoa Tu Tireni as I journey toward the NZ Masters, the Masters League in Australia and aim for the world CrossFit Adaptive Games 2025.

As a veterinary surgeon of 25 years, it has been my life’s calling to care for animals with skill, compassion, and integrity. In recent years, I have also embraced the healing power of rongoā Māori, honouring the wisdom of indigenous knowledge in my veterinary practice.

It is with great pride and gratitude that I have been gifted the name “Mareikura”—a sacred title recognising my contribution to both animal health and adaptive athleticism.

I stand grounded in the values of tika, pono, and aroha—to act with what is right, to live with honour, and to serve with compassion.

Waiho rā kia tū takitaki
ana ngā whetū o te rangi
Let the stars each stand in their place—steadfast, strong, and guiding.

With every patient I care for, and every weight I lift, I carry the strength of my ancestors and the vision of healing that transcends the clinic, the field, and the gym.
We share the same vision, passion and dedication daily with our clients. We practice what we personally truely believe and we share what we have learned.
We lead by example.

Gifted by Arikinui Ripekatangi
Pou Arahi Upoko | Prime Minister
Wakaminenga Māori Government | Aotearoa NZ