Clinton Street Veterinary Clinic Spring Newsletter 2021

Grass is still growing, lambs and calves are everywhere, and the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. The clinic has implemented a QR code check in, mask wearing for clients and staff, and in lockdowns a split team. These measures are in line with NSW Health policy and advice, and are to reduce risk to both customers and staff. Veterinary clinics are essential businesses as animals will always need care, and we want to be able to continue operating the clinic even if one of the staff teams is exposed. Thank you to all our clients who have adapted to the new measures, your co-operation makes it easier for us to keep providing quality care to all the large and small animals of Goulburn. A reminder to clients to please call ahead with food and medication requirements (especially special order products) so we can minimise your time in the clinic; payment over the phone is available.

Online booking available

As of late September, small animal consultations, vaccinations, post surgical checks and arthritis injections at  the Clinton Street Veterinary Clinic will now be able to booked online. Simply visit our website and look for the large teal button at the top of the page that says “make an appointment”.

This online booking will enable clients to more conveniently make an appointment and choose a time that suits them. In the future we hope to offer the ability to book with a specific vet. We would love any feedback, good or bad if you try it out.

Vet Students

Over the spring and summer, you will notice we may have an extra face in the consult or in the car. Over the next few months the clinic will be hosting a number of Veterinary Science students who are in the late stages of their degree. Placement gives students an opportunity to be exposed to all sorts of different cases in the real world, as well as work on technical skills. Our clients are always so welcoming to students which makes their experience very positive. It is much easier to remember how and why something happens, and how to treat it, when a pet (and owner) is affected. Placements typically last 3-4 weeks and students get involved in everything from consults, surgeries, discharges, horse examinations, sick cows and anything in between. If you would prefer not to have a student in your consult of course just let the staff know.

Measuring Clotting Times in the Clinic

Last year we purchased a machine which accurately records clotting times to use in the clinic. Results are available within about 15 minutes. This machine allows us to make a rapid and accurate diagnosis of rat bait toxicity as well as snake envenomation. It can also be used to check on animals which have eaten rat bait and been made to vomit the baits. Clotting times take 3-5 days to lengthen, so a second consult is often recommended to see if further treatment with Vitamin K supplements is required. Both rodenticide poisoning and snake bites are life threatening conditions which require rapid treatment to give animals the best chance of survival. Being able to accurately and rapidly diagnose these conditions means we can ensure we are providing the required treatment.

Farm visits

We are in the second year of our annual farm visit program. We developed this to ensure we are meeting the legislation regarding prescription medication. We must be on property every 12 months to continue to dispense medications. Through scheduled visit days, we have been able to reach farmers who didn’t necessarily need individual animal consults but required ram sedation and other medications throughout the year. Thank you to all the farmers who have been co-operative as we have developed this program. We have been able to get a good sense of the issues affecting farms, and rest assured if you are struggling with foot abscesses you aren’t the only one! Our vets are available year round to provide advice on stock health concerns, we are more than happy to work with you in order to address any issues you might be having.

Cow and calf care

Many cows are calving very large calves this year. Even if veterinary assistance is not required, cows who have had any kind of intervention will benefit from treatment with anti-inflammatory medication. This can be dispensed at the clinic.

Cows should also be monitored to ensure they have passed the foetal membranes (afterbirth) in the days following. We are also seeing cows develop grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia) around calving time. Dietary supplements are available in many forms and are the best way to prevent grass tetany. Once showing signs, early treatment is crucial. It pays to be careful though, as affected cows are often “mad” and can be dangerous.

Calves should be checked to ensure they are able to stand up and drink within 2 hours of birth. Early consumption of colostrum (the thick yellow first milk) is crucial for gaining immunity through the cow’s milk. This protects the calf from common diseases until they receive their first vaccine. As well, any calf that is not going well will benefit from being bought into a sheltered environment, preferably with mum, and milk may need to be given through a bottle or stomach tube

Snakes about

Watch out, snakes are back out of winter hibernation (technically brumation). As of September 2021 we have been treating snake bites in pets. If you have an out of hours emergency, there is always a veterinarian on call. Simply call the clinic on 4821 1881  and listen to the recorded message to contact the vet on call.

Joke Corner

Why did the farmer bury all his money?

He wanted to make his soil richer.