We understand how heartbreaking it can be when a beloved pet requires extensive veterinary treatment and the funds are not readily available. In some cases, this can mean owners are forced to make a decision not to treat their animal.

Our payment policy is that ALL visits are paid for at the end of each consultation and surgery. For this reason, we have paired up with a company called “VetPay” to cover the costs of those emergency visits that can unfortunately surprise us all. VetPay is a company that focuses in providing small loans specifically for veterinary treatment. The process of applying with VetPay involves a quick and simple approval process with us at the clinic and a small 10-20% deposit is made (dependent on the price of the procedure). VetPay will then pay for all of your pet’s treatment on the spot, while you make small repayments over time. VetPay is very flexible and will try their hardest to meet your needs, as we understand that each situation is completely different.

For more information on VetPay, or to seek initial approval, please visit www.vetpay.com.au, or give them a call on 1300 657 984.

What is FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV), commonly known as feline aids, is a virus similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Once infected, FIV causes a lifelong infection that leads to immune suppression.  A FIV infected cat may not show any clinical signs for several years. Due to poor immune function, however, a FIV infected animal is susceptible to a variety of other diseases that may lead to severe illness.

How is FIV spread?
FIV is shed in saliva and, hence, spread by direct bite wounds between cats.

Who is susceptible?
Cats of all ages are susceptible. Aggressive biting behaviour with stray and feral cats poses risk to any free-roaming, outdoor cat. High risk factors include sexually intact, male cats, living outdoors due to their tendency to display territorial fighting behaviour.  Multi-cat households or high density habitats also increase the risk of territorial fighting and, hence, spread of FIV.

Public Health Risks?
It should be noted that FIV is host specific to feline species (including the domestic cat, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers etc) and cannot be spread to other species, including humans.
Due to their immunosuppressed state, FIV infected cats are susceptible to a variety of diseases; some of which may pose human threat. Humans who are immunosuppressed must be particularly careful.

Is there a treatment?
There is no cure for FIV; infection with FIV is life-long. Supportive treatment, however, can be offered. Furthermore, treatment may be directed at concurrent disease.

How do I prevent my cat from FIV?

1. Prevent exposure
Stop your cat from roaming freely outdoors. Spay or neuter your cat to reduce free-roaming and fighting behaviour.

2. Vaccination
A killed vaccine is available for prevention against FIV. Cats may be vaccinated from eight weeks of age. Any outdoor, freely roaming cat should be vaccinated to prevent infection with FIV. A full vaccination course should be completed before allowing your cat outdoors. An initial vaccination course requires 3 doses. Thereafter, yearly boosters are required. FIV positive cats cannot be vaccinated. Therefore, cats older than 6 months of age and unvaccinated must be tested for FIV infection before vaccination.

3. FIV blood test
An in-house blood test can be conducted to rule out FIV infection.  Cats older than 6 months of age and unvaccinated should be tested for FIV infection. Before introducing a new cat (> 6 months) into the household we recommend testing for FIV infection.  If your cat has been exposed to FIV (unvaccinated and freely roaming outdoors), we recommend testing to rule out FIV infection.

While these pesky bugs are most common in the warm weather, your pet can be infested all year round. Although fleas particularly love warm sandy environments, they can be found anywhere, including being tracked though your yard by strays and wildlife. In very severe cases, particularly in young animals, flea burdens can be life threatening.

Maintaining flea control, and regularly washing your pet’s bedding in a hot wash, are some easy but important ways to keep them healthy and itch free.

We are unfortunate enough to share this part of the world with a species of paralysis tick. These ticks are most commonly found in bush and beach regions, so keeping your furry friend protected when travelling through these areas, particularly in the warm weather, is paramount. Tick paralysis requires intensive medical intervention, and if left untreated is fatal.

This parasite is spread by mosquitoes, and is particularly dangerous because by the end of a complex life cycle, the adult worms reside in the heart and all the major blood vessels from it, which can lead to some serious and potentially fatal cardiac complications.

It is predominantly a parasite found further north in Australia. However, there have been isolated cases of heartworm in the region over the last few years, and the potential for the disease to be carried into the area by another animal is high.

If your pet is not up to date with heartworm prevention, it is extremely important to get them tested before starting any heartworm prevention product. Prevention products can kill all stages of heartworm at once, and if your pet happens to be heartworm positive with adult worms living in their circulatory system, this can result in blockages (embolism) that will likely be fatal.