Some recent local reminders not to become complacent when it concerns the health of our pets.

We've seen our first case of Canine Parvovirus in quite sometime with a four month-old pup from Armadale returning a positive test. It is assumed he contracted the virus in a local park. There have been nearly 50 reported cases of Parvovirus across Victoria in the last two months (recent spring rainfall may have further increased the risk).

Thankfully for everyone in this case the pup had been fully vaccinated and so the illness is not life-threatening, but for a younger or unvaccinated dog it may have been. Are your pet's boosters up to date? Keep tabs on disease outbreaks in your neighbourhood via diseasewatchdog.org a great free resource for pet owners

In other news, local media recently highlighted the presence of potentially deadly Tiger snakes on our city beaches. Make sure your dog is closely supervised, and always know the whereabouts of your nearest veterinary emergency centre.

How can I tell if my cat suffers chronic pain?

Whilst once thought to be an uncommon problem, we now know that up to 90 percent of senior cats (aged twelve and over) suffer from the chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Cats are masters of hiding discomfort, so often do not demonstrate obvious signs that you might expect, they uncommonly show overt signs of limping or pain associated with arthritis. It can even be challenging for us as vets to detect pain in the course of a routine examination!

That's where you come in! We've recently made it easy to assess your cat's likelihood of pain and arthritis, using our online questionnaire. Simply fill out the questionnaire at home prior to your cat's next visit, then when we see you we'll be ready and able to discuss the results and whether a pain-relief trial is appropriate.

Join A Breakthrough Cancer Trial for Dogs

We've been recruited to participate in an exciting study which will investigate a new approach to the medical treatment of cancer in dogs.

The cancer patient's immune system is known to oscillate or cycle. This study will seek to explore whether therapy can be better timed to destroy cancer more effectively.

To find out if this trial maybe appropriate for your dog with cancer, or that of someone you know, please contact Dr Theo Lynch, or simply register your interest here.

HO HO HO

Santa has been busy in the lead-up to Christmas this year, he wil be visiting his favourite fur-kids at Prahran Vet Hospital not once but THREE times!

Tuesday the 24th November
Thursday the 4th of December
* Saturday the 12th of December

We can report that Santa's reindeers have undergone a rigorous examination from our quarantine expert Dr Peter, and they were all passed fit to fly in 2015!

There are still limited openings for your little present-sniffer to meet Santa and have their photo taken. To ensure you don't miss out call our reception elves on (03) 9510 1335

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We're continuously trying to improve our service to you and your pets, and your feedback means a lot to us.

Please get in touch, and if you like, let us know how we're doing!