Routine consultations, vaccinations and health checks
Surgery
We are equipped to carry out general and orthopaedic surgery.
Intensive Care
Equipment and procedures such as fluid pumps, oxygen administration equipment, IV fluid therapy, blood transfusions, ventilation and pathology allow us to perform medicine, surgery and hospital monitoring at a very high level, and as mentioned below, these services continue on after hours via our liason with the Newcastle Animal Emergency Centre (NAEC).
General Anaesthetics
Most of our anaesthetics involve the use of Isotec flourothane vapourisers, the latest in veterinary anaesthetics and safety. Patients wake up very quickly, maximising safety, and most surgery patients go home the same day. Pain killing injections, and if necessary, follow up analgesic tablets, are given to most patients after surgery.
Anaesthetics are monitored with respiratory, pulse and oxygen monitors.
Dentistry
We have brand new state of the art dental scalers and high speed drills similar to those used by human dentists.
The dental drills allow non-traumatic extraction of diseased teeth reducing post operative pain and allowing faster recovery from major dental work. The teeth are polished after scaling to reduce the chance of plaque sticking to the teeth and to extend the life of the scale. At every opportunity our nurses and vets also offer advice on preventative dental care.
Radiography
Both Charlestown and Belmont have excellent X-ray facilities, and an ultra modern new digital X-ray suite was installed at Belmont in 2008.
Fibreoptiscopes
These are prized pieces of equipment often proving invaluable to us in making some diagnoses which would have been impossible or difficult without it. They often allow us to avoid invasive surgery.
Desexing
We recommend desexing of cats and dogs, both male and female, at 5 to 6 months of age. We do not do heavily discounted speys as we believe that we cannot attain the high standard of care, especially using modern safe anaesthetics at heavily discounted prices.
All desexed patients are given an analgesic (pain killer) as a pre-operative sedative and a post-operative analgesic injection which gives good pain relief for the following 24 hours. Patients go home on the afternoon of surgery.
Oncology
Oncology has become a very important part of our practice with many patients receiving chemotherapy, usually after surgical resection of tumours. We frequently utilise the services of specialist veterinary oncologists via email and telephone consultations, to help us tailor the chemotherapy protocols. Additionally, Dr Vicki Wills has completed a distance education course in Oncology which has bought new levels of expertise to the practice.
Microchipping and Scanning
We are able to quickly rehome the many stray dogs that are bought to us, especially after storms.
Access to Specialists
We frequently refer difficult cases to specialists, especially in the fields of orthopaedics, oncology, radiology, ophthalmology and general medicine.
Electrocardiography
Ultrasound
Ultrasound has become an invaluable tool in small animal diagnostics. Many veterinary practices have to refer their ultrasound work, or do without it. We are fortunate to have a new machine which is used frequently for important diagnostic work.
Cremation
In the sad event of a pet’s death, we are able to organise cremation and return of the ashes. We use a locally owned business The Newcastle and Hunter Pet Crematorium at Bob's Farm. Owners have a selection of options for return of their pet's ashes. Please visit one of our clinics for more details.
Cryosurgery
Used especially for shallow skin tumours such as skin cancer in cats.
Pet Ambulance
Having difficulty getting to our practice? We are here to help you.
Pathology
In-house pathology is available as well as through Laverty Pathology, who provide us with prompt and efficient service, and the back up of trained pathologists with whom we can liase for those difficult cases.
Puppy Training Classes are available for puppies eight to twelve weeks of age.
Good Dog Manners Training is available for adolescent and adult dogs with or without previous training.
Petcare Products
Worming tablets, tick and flea preparations, grooming supplies, leads, collars, premium and prescription pet foods, and all your pet care needs. All merchandise is sold with appropriate advice on the best product and how to use it by trained veterinary nurses or vets.