By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator BONNIE, a spirited five-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, had an encounter that her owners will never forget. What started as a typical day outdoors quickly turned into a harrowing experience when Bonnie crossed paths with a territorial plover. Known for their defensive nature, these birds can be fiercely […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator LIKE toddlers, pets have a tendency to chew anything they can get into their mouths. This becomes a serious and potentially life-threatening problem if the objects are swallowed. In the past month we have treated dogs and cats who have ingested various ‘foreign bodies’ which have included […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator AS our children return to the classroom, it’s also an ideal time to consider enrolling our puppies in their own form of schooling. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we offer Puppy Pre School and Adolescent Dog classes that provide structured socialisation in a safe and nurturing environment. […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator AS winter temperatures arrive, arthritis cases in both young and old pets often increase. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, with one in five dogs suffering from its pain and disability. Cats can also experience the debilitating effects of arthritis, struggling with grooming […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Three-year-old Fox Terrier, Patches, faced a dire situation when he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA), a serious and life-threatening condition that affects both dogs and cats. IMHA causes the pet’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Dogs are incredible communicators, using a language that goes beyond barks and tail wags. Recognising the subtle cues in their body language is essential for building a strong and trusting bond with our furry companions. Understanding when a dog is happy, depressed, fearful, or stressed can pave […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Decoding your cat’s body language is a fascinating and essential skill for every cat owner. Our feline friends use a unique blend of body movements and vocalisations to express their feelings and needs. By learning to interpret these signals, you can better understand and fulfill your cat’s […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator Ringworm, the contradiction that instils dread in pet owners, is not a product of worms as its name suggests, but rather a fungal infection that can wreak havoc on both pets and humans alike. Scientifically termed dermatophytosis, this fungal menace presents as circular lesions on the skin, […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WHEN it comes to boarding your beloved feline friend, ensuring their comfort and well-being is paramount. Cats, known for their aversion to change, can experience stress during boarding experiences, leading to behavioural changes and discomfort. Selecting the right home-away-from home facility can make all the difference in […]

By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator WHILE April 25 is a day of national remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served and gave their lives in times of conflict, peacekeeping operations and war, there’s a lesser-known story we don’t always tell on ANZAC Day. That of the service animals who stood alongside […]