Newtown Veterinary Clinic is excited to offer Therapeutic Laser therapy. Laser therapy is a safe, gentle, and non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. It can be used as part of a treatment plan for a wide range of conditions and is suitable for pets of all ages. Our rehabilitation practitioner, Vet Nurse Georgie, provides laser therapy treatments tailored to your pet’s individual needs.
How Can Laser Therapy Help?
Laser therapy may benefit pets experiencing:
Arthritis and age-related joint pain
Mobility and stiffness issues
Soft tissue injuries
Muscle strains and sprains
Post-operative recovery
Wound healing
Chronic pain conditions
Rehabilitation following injury or surgery
Many pets find treatments relaxing and comfortable, with sessions typically taking only a few minutes.
Why Choose Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy can help:
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve circulation
Accelerate healing
Enhance mobility and comfort
Support recovery after surgery or injury
Improve quality of life for senior pets
Laser Therapy in conjunction with Physical Therapy
Veterinary Nurse Georgie has a special interest in pet rehabilitation and physical therapy and works closely with our veterinary team to develop treatment plans that support your pet’s recovery, mobility, and long-term wellbeing. If you’d like to find out whether laser therapy may benefit your pet, please contact our team to discuss your pet’s needs or book a laser therapy consultation, call us on (03) 5221 5333 or book online.
If you own a French Bulldog, Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier or Pekingese, you know these dogs are full of personality. However, due to a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) many flat-faced breeds often face challenges when it comes to breathing. Newtown Veterinary Clinic offer expert diagnosis and surgical treatment for BOAS to help your pet breathe easier, feel better and lead a more active life.
Signs & Symptoms BOAS is often displayed by signs such as:
Noisy breathing (especially when excited or exercising)
Gagging, retching, or coughing
Poor exercise tolerance or excessive panting
Trouble cooling down in warm or humid weather
Restlessness, especially at night
Over time, this condition can be associated with further health challenges.
Diagnosis A BOAS diagnosis is typically identified with a thorough physical examination. The main features our experienced Veteriarian is looking for are:
Elongated soft palate – Excess tissue at the back of the throat that partially blocks airflow
Narrow (Stenotic) nostrils – Small or inward-turned nostrils that make it difficult to breathe
Everted laryngeal saccules – Tissue near the vocal cords that gets pulled into the airway, creating further obstruction
A thorough diagnostic assessment is key to successful treatment. In addition to a physical examination and airway evaluation under general anaesthesia, we may also perform chest radiographs (X-rays) to assess the tracheal inlet to tracheal diameter ratio. This measurement helps us evaluate the relative size of the windpipe, which is especially important in breeds prone to narrowed tracheas. It allows us to better understand the full extent of your pet’s airway obstruction and plan surgical treatment accordingly.
Treatment Surgical intervention is recommended when symptoms are impacting the pet’s comfort, safety, or daily function. At Newtown Veterinary Clinic, we understand the unique needs of brachycephalic breeds. Our experienced team performs BOAS surgery with gentle techniques, advanced monitoring, and personalised care, all in a calm, fear-free environment. Where possible, multiple corrections are performed during the same anaesthetic to optimise the outcome. The most common procedures include:
Laryngeal sacculectomy – removing obstructive tissue near the vocal cords
Soft palate resection – shortening the palate to prevent airway obstruction
Nares widening – to improve nasal airflow
What to Expect Your pet’s safety and comfort are our priority. Many pets are noticeably more comfortable, active, and better able to cope with warm weather after BOAS surgery. Our team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
Before surgery: You will receive a pre-operative pack and medication to begin two days before the procedure.
During surgery: Your pet is carefully monitored using advanced equipment and gentle handling techniques.
After surgery: Most pets are discharged the same day with a tailored recovery plan typically involving rest, soft food, and medication to manage inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, we recommend overnight monitoring at the Geelong Animal Emergency Centre (GAEC) for added safety and peace of mind.
If you suspect your French Bulldog, Pug, or other flat-faced pet may benefit from BOAS surgery, our team is here to help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and transform your pet’s quality of life.
Your vet may request a free-catch urine sample from your dog to help diagnose or monitor various health conditions. Collecting a free-catch urine sample from a dog at home is a straightforward process, but it requires patience and the right tools. Here’s how to do it:
What you need
A clean, shallow container (like a ladle, Tupperware, or disposable cup)
Disposable gloves (optional but hygienic)
A leash (to control movement)
A sterile urine sample container (provided by your vet)
Collecting the sample
Choose the right time: collecting the first wee of the morning is best
Take your dog outside: walk them to their usual potty spot while keeping the container ready
Position the container: a. For male dogs, place the container under the urine stream as they lift their leg b. For female dogs, gently slide the container under them as they squat c. A long-handled ladle or shallow dish can help if your dog is shy
Transfer the sample: pour the collected sample into the sterile container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed
Store and deliver: if you can’t take it to the vet immediately, refrigerate the sample (for up to 4 hours) to maintain its integrity
Other Tips
Be calm and patient to avoid startling your dog
If your dog is shy, try using a longer tool (like a ladle) to avoid getting too close
What is patella luxation? Patella luxation is simply the medical term for knee dislocation whereby the kneecap (aka patella) moves out of position and causes a temporary lameness. Typically owners noticed a skip in the dog’s step. Approximately 50% of affected dogs will have both knees involved. Some dog breeds are more prone to developing luxating patellas than others.
What causes patella luxation? The 2 main causes of patella luxation stem from anatomical differences in the knee. These can be genetic but can also come about due to injury.
Abnormal shape of the patella groove: the kneecap sits in a particular groove located on the femur bone. If this groove is abnormal in shape (most commonly the groove is too shallow), then the kneecap is able to wiggle in and out of place.
Abnormal attachment of the quadriceps tendon: the quads attach to the tibia (the shin bone). If there is an anatomical difference to this attachment, then the patella gets pulled out of place each time the quad muscle is flexed.
What are the grades of patella luxation? Dislocations are graded by severity. Four grades of dislocation are recognised:
Grade 1 The patella luxates when manual pressure is applied by the vet but returns to its normal position once the pressure is released. Dogs may not show any clinical signs. Grade 2 The patella luxates on its own simply when the leg is moved but returns to its normal position eventually. Some lameness is often evident – usually a skipping motion is noted by owners. Grade 3 The patella luxates on its own but requires manual pressure to return to normal position. Considerable lameness is usually present. Grade 4 The patella is permanently luxated. Dogs are unable to use this limb whilst walking.
Dogs with patella luxation will inevitably develop degenerative joint disease (also known as osteoarthritis) in the affected leg(s). This is because the ridges of the groove in which the patella sits will invariably wear down with time. As this happens the cartilage within the knee degenerates and the “bone on bone” grinding, which is typical of osteoarthritis, begins.
What treatment is available? Treatment depends on the grade of the luxation, severity of clinical signs and the age of the dog. If the dog has frequent or bothersome clinical signs (i.e. frequent or persistent episodes of lameness), at any grade of luxation, your veterinarian may recommend surgery. Dogs with grade 3 or 4 luxation typically require surgery as medical management is often not enough to keep these dogs comfortable. Dogs with grade 2 can be a little trickier. Whether or not surgery is required depends on several factors: how often lameness is a problem, how long each episode of lameness lasts, how old the dog is. Another reason to proceed with surgical intervention at this stage is for prevention. If the ridges of the already shallow groove wear down with DJD, the grade 2 can progress to grade 3 luxation. Surgery can prevent this progression. Without surgery, the knee is typically unstable and at risk of further injury. Most commonly, dogs will tear or rupture their cruciate ligaments. When this happens, surgery is a necessity to restabilise the knee (and is a bigger procedure than the patella surgery).
Dogs with patella luxation commonly develop DJD. Your vet will discuss DJD and management options with you. These commonly include exercises, weight management, supplements and pain-relieving medications if necessary.
Making the decision that it is time to say goodbye to your beloved pet is never easy, it is one of the most challenging and emotional choices an owner can make.
Some obvious signs that your pet may no longer be enjoying a good quality of life include:
Difficulty breathing, weakness or extreme lethargy
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea that isn’t resolving with veterinary treatment, leading to weight loss or dehydration
Chronic or severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication
Difficulty walking or inability to get up without assistance
Refusing to eat or drink
Trouble urinating or defecating
Losing interest in surroundings, family activities or favorite pastimes
When it seems the time is getting close, multiple aspects of your pet’s well-being need to be considered rather than focusing on one single factor. You’ve likely heard phrases like, “You’ll just know when it’s time,” or “When they stop eating,” or “When they can’t get up anymore.” These statements can be misleading. Taking a balanced approach by reflecting on your pet’s emotional, physical and social quality of life is the most compassionate way to honor your pet’s dignity, while considering their overall well-being.
Emotional Wellbeing Do they enjoy their usual routine? Are they mentally engaged and stimulated? Are they handling their health challenges well? eg mobility, incontinence, blindness or deafness Are they showing signs of anxiety or distress? Has their personality changed? Do they seem happy?
Physical Wellbeing Can they breathe comfortably? Are they eating and drinking well? Are they losing weight or seeming dehydrated? Can they walk, urinate, defecate and groom on their own? Are they sleeping through the night? Are you worried your pet is in pain? It is important to keep in mind that animals are incredibly good at hiding signs of pain.
Social Wellbeing Do they interact with the family as they did before? Are they still affectionate and playful? Do they enjoy being around other animals? For outdoor cats, can they still explore outside? For dogs, can they still go to the park or take walks to meet others? How are you coping with caring for an elderly or sick pet? Caring for a pet in this condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. How is your quality of life?
Our pets deserve love and care every step of the way, including in their final moments. Euthanasia is one of the most compassionate acts we can offer them, preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring their farewell is as peaceful and gentle as possible.
Assessing Cardiorespritaory Health Through Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). To monitor your pet’s disease progression, we ask owners of animals with cardiac disease to monitor Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR). This is a simple tool method you can use at home as an indicator of developing pulmonary oedema or pleural effusion in dogs and cats.
Why monitor Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR)?
Assessing and recording the Sleeping Respiratory Rate (SRR) is an invaluable home-monitoring technique for pet owners and is one of the best indicators of changes in your pet’s heart health. To measure SRR accurately follow the below steps
Find a quiet, comfortable, thermo-neutral area (usually your home in front of the TV)
Let your pet fall asleep (note: don’t include breaths taken when your pet is dreaming – twitching or vocalising)
Start a timer for 60 seconds
Watch your pet’s chest – it will rise and fall each time they take a breath
Record the number of breaths taken in the 60-second timer. This process should be repeated 2-3 times per day initially to establish a baseline. Later this can be reduced to once or twice weekly.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Pets: Guidelines for Care
Diarrhoea is defined as the frequent evacuation of soft or watery stools. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are symptoms commonly linked to various issues collectively known as gastroenteritis. The severity can vary significantly, with some cases being quite serious, such as poisoning, and others being relatively minor, like dietary indiscretion. If a fever is present, an infection may be the underlying cause. Many infections that result in diarrhoea and vomiting are contagious, so if you have a multi-pet household, it is crucial to isolate other pets immediately to prevent the spread of potential infection.
You should assess your pet for signs of dehydration, such as skin tenting or tacky gums. Contact your vet, especially if the pet is young or appears unusually lethargic, as diarrhoea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration.
Avoid giving over-the-counter or prescription medications without veterinary approval. Veterinary staff will be able to provide general advice over the phone, but please keep in mind that phone advice can only ever be general. A specific care plan requires a physical examination. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or your pet is lethargic, not eating/drinking or the vomit has blood in it, bring your pet straight into the clinic.
If your pet’s diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours, or your pet is acting sick, such as being lethargic or loss of appetite, seek immediate veterinary care. For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is essential to have a consultation with a veterinarian. A vet will assess your pet and if necessary determine the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Ignoring these symptoms or attempting to treat them without veterinary guidance can lead to complications, so seeking expert advice is crucial to ensure your pet’s health and recovery.
Arthritis is a relatively common degenerative condition affecting the joints, it is a widespread issue among dogs and cats. Arthritis leads to stiffness, reduced mobility and discomfort, while traditional treatments often focus on pain relief, recent breakthroughs in the Veterinary industry have paved the way for new and advanced arthritis management and treatment options. Supplements such as Antinol Rapid and new monoclonal antibody injections are proven to suppress inflammation and significantly reduce pain, enhancing the well-being of our furry companions.
The Role of Supplements
Supplements including Antinol Rapid have gained popularity in recent times for their potential to support joint health. Packed with essential nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and some packing anti-inflammatory ingredients like green-lipped mussel and epitalis, supplements aim to promote cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. Many pet owners have reported improved mobility and increased comfort in their dogs after incorporating recommended supplements into their daily routine.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
A recent and very exciting Veterinary Science breakthrough is Monoclonal Antibody (MoAb) therapies, these injections have shown great promise in managing canine and feline arthritis. The MoAb injection works in a more direct way than traditional treatments, specifically targeting the inflammatory pathways. The treatment neutralises and blocks the nerve growth factor, resulting in :
Reduction in nerve sensitivity
Decreased inflammation
Alleviation of joint pain
Slowing of further joint damage
Minimising of side effects while maximising efficacy
Potential reduction in the progression of Arthritus
Combining Approaches for Comprehensive Care
Incorporating traditional supplements like Antinol with innovative Monoclonal Antibody therapies provides a holistic approach to managing arthritis in pets. The combination of these methods present a multifaceted approach to tackling inflammation, supporting joint health and enhancing overall well-being in arthritic canines & felines.
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, the options available for managing pet arthritis will continue to expand. Innovations such as new and enhanced supplements, traditional medications and new Monoclonal Antibody therapies present groundbreaking approaches that hold the potential to revolutionise how we care for our furry companions. Consultation with a veterinarian remains crucial to tailor treatment plans based on individual pets’ needs, ensuring a personalised and effective approach to arthritis management.
