**CONTENT WARNING - EUTHANASIA**

One of the hardest decisions a pet owner will ever make ...is knowing when it’s time to say goodbye. 💔

As veterinarians, we don’t see euthanasia as “giving up” — we see it as a final act of love when pain, discomfort, or loss of quality of life outweigh the good days.

It can be really hard to know when it is time - sometimes it can be more obvious, like when there is uncontrollable pain, seizures or incontinence, or no longer being able to walk or eat. However it is often more subtle - and we need to consider their physical, social and emotional wellbeing as a whole. We often also need to take into consideration how their decline is affecting you, as their owners’, quality of life.

Sometimes it can be helpful for people to rate their pets quality of life as a score over time to compare, or to track good days vs. bad days on a calendar. It can be hard to see subtle decline when you are spending every day with your pet. Below is a link to a quality of life survey that might be helpful:

Copy this link into Google:
https://www.lapoflove.com/Pet_Quality_of_Life_Scale_DrMcVety.pdf

If your pet is scoring lower than you’d like on this survey, it may be time to have a gentle conversation about their comfort and wellbeing.

You do not have to make this decision alone. We are here to support you with honesty, compassion, and care every step of the way.

The greatest gift we can give our pets is a peaceful goodbye surrounded by love. 🐾

🐾💙 Happy Vet Nurse Day to our amazing veterinary nurses! 💙🐾

Our nurses are ...truly the backbone of our clinic. They keep the vets on time (or at least attempt to! 😆), help keep the day flowing, and are there to assist with every patient’s needs from start to finish.

They’re the ones holding patients, comforting nervous pets, administering medications, monitoring anaesthetics, answering questions, cleaning up messes, and getting down and dirty when the job calls for it! 🩺🐶🐱

To our wonderful nursing team — thank you for everything you do, every single day. Our clinic simply wouldn’t run as smoothly without you!

Happy Vet Nurse Day! 🐾💉❤️

🐾 Meet Lou

Lou was brought in by her owner because she just didn't seem quite ...herself. Her owner had noticed subtle changes — she was starting to pick at her food instead of eagerly devouring it, eating less than usual, appearing lethargic on some days, and developing a pot-bellied appearance.

These changes may have seemed small on their own, but together they suggested that something wasn't right. 🫤

During Lou's examination, our vets were able to feel a possible mass within her abdomen. An ultrasound was then performed, which confirmed the presence of a mass on her spleen.

Lou's story is a great reminder that owners know their pets best. Small changes in behaviour, appetite, or appearance can sometimes be the first signs of a significant underlying health issue. If your pet doesn't seem quite right, it's always worth having them checked by your veterinarian. ❤️

We are happy to report that, many months later, Lou has recovered fantastically and is back to her bouncy happy self!🌞

🐍🚨 SNAKES ARE OUT! 🚨🐍

Meet Rhodie! Last week, he was our first confirmed snake... bite case of the season.

Rhodie was seen with a snake, but when his owners contacted us, he wasn't showing any obvious clinical signs. They called us immediately and let us know they were on their way, which allowed our team to prepare for his arrival and have all the necessary equipment ready.

Rhodie was fortunate to arrive stable and showing no obvious signs of envenomation — but that doesn't mean a snake bite hasn't occurred.

One of the ways we can help confirm envenomation is by performing a clotting test. Rhodie's results were significantly abnormal and confirmed that he had been envenomated, despite looking relatively well on arrival.

After discussing treatment with his owners, Rhodie was given antivenom. Antivenom is administered slowly and carefully while closely monitoring for reactions — because yes, patients can even have reactions to the antivenom itself!

Monitoring is CRUCIAL throughout every step of treatment. Snake envenomation can progress quickly, so early veterinary assessment and treatment can make a huge difference.

Thankfully, Rhodie responded well to treatment. He started to improve, became calmer and more comfortable, and after a sleepover and some IV fluids, he was happily heading home to his family the next day. ❤️🐶

A big reminder as snake season begins: if you see your pet with a snake, don't wait for signs to appear. Contact your vet immediately and let them know you're on your way. 🐍🚨

The sooner we know, the sooner we can prepare. 🩺

✨ Get to Know Kelli! ✨

Originally from Echuca, Kelli has made her way to the beautiful... North East and is now a valued member of both our Ovens & Kiewa Vets team here in Myrtleford and our sister clinic, Dr Paws, in Wangaratta. 💚

Kelli brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team and is always happiest when she's busy, kept on her toes and has plenty happening around her! She loves the variety that veterinary nursing brings and is someone who is always ready to jump in and help wherever she's needed.

Splitting her time between Myrtleford and Wangaratta, Kelli has quickly become a familiar and friendly face across both clinics. Her knowledge, practical skills and willingness to share what she knows make her a fantastic asset to both teams. 🐾

One of the things Kelli loves about veterinary nursing is that no two days are the same. From helping patients feel comfortable to supporting the vets, assisting clients and tackling whatever the day throws at her, she enjoys being right in the middle of the action!

We're incredibly lucky to have Kelli as part of our veterinary family and love having her as part of both the Ovens & Kiewa Vets and Dr Paws teams. 💚

We're looking forward to keeping Kelli busy, challenged and on her toes for many years to come! 🐶🐱🐴

🚨🚨 STOP — PLEASE READ BEFORE BRINGING WILDLIFE INTO OUR CLINIC 🚨🚨

AVIAN ...INFLUENZA IS NOW CONFIRMED IN VICTORIA.
Cases have also been confirmed in foxes, not just birds.

⚠️ DO NOT ENTER THE CLINIC WITH WILDLIFE BEFORE CALLING US FIRST. (5752 1235)

We are still assessing and treating wildlife, but strict procedures are now in place to protect our patients, clients and staff.

🦊🐦 Please choose transport materials carefully. Cardboard boxes, towels, blankets or clothing used to contain wildlife will not be returned.

For concerns regarding avian influenza or sick/dead wildlife, contact Victoria’s 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline:
📞 1800 675 888

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

Little Oala 🐾✨

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We are closed today 🚨
There is a vet on call for emergencies only!
Call 5752 1235 📞