Veterinary Specialist Services | Gold Coast & Brisbane

Feline Urinary Blockages

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +1000

Feline Urinary Blockages is one of the most common emergencies we see in male cats - and it can become life-threatening very quickly.

A blocked cat is unable to pass urine due to obstruction of the urethra, often caused by inflammation, cryst

Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +1000

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and while the focus is naturally on human health, it’s also an important reminder of how vital early detection is across all species. In veterinary medicine, some cancers affecting the gastroi

Veterinary Dermatology Now at VSS Jindalee

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 +1000

VSS Jindalee is excited to announce that specialist dermatology services will launch at Veterinary Specialist Services Jindalee from 1 June 2026, led by two highly respected dermatologists, Dr Jeylan Aslan and Dr John Hutt.

Patient Story: Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS)

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 +1000

Dolly presented to VSS Jindalee for urgent care and was managed by our Internal Medicine team for shock. Her initial presentation and diagnostic findings were consistent with an anaphylactic event, alongside a history of acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndr

Post-surgery Confinement Done Right (Avoid Common Mistakes)

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 +1000

Post-surgical recovery isn’t just about physical healing - your pet’s mental wellbeing matters too. Following certain surgical procedures, strict confinement may be required for several weeks or even months. This can include crate or cage

Patient Story: Life Saving Snake Bite Treatment

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +1000

Rika presented to the Animal Emergency Service team at our hospital in Jindalee with an acute onset of wobbliness, severe panting and lethargy. Given her sudden deterioration, the team acted quickly to stabilise her and begin investigations.&

Thank You for Being Part of the 2026 VSS Conference

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +1000

The 2026 VSS Conference has wrapped up, and we’re pleased to look back on a successful two days at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s event brought together veterinarians, nurses, students, industry partners and le

Meet the Founders of Veterinary Specialist Services

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +1000

Behind every great veterinary hospital is a team of people with enormous hearts. We're honouring the veterinarians who were here right from the very beginning. These were the clinicians who believed in a vision long before VSS had mult

Celebrating 25 Years of Extraordinary Nursing

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +1000

This year, as we celebrate 25 years at Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS), we want to honour some of the very first people who made this journey possible – the incredible nurses who have been with us since almost day one. From the moment

Case Study: Stella the Scottish Terrier

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +1000

Stella came to Veterinary Specialist Services Jindalee after a dog fight injury left her with a non-healing wound on the side of her nose (nasal planum).

Mast Cell Tumour in Golden Retriever

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +1000

Golden Retriever was referred to VSS Underwood's oncology team for further treatment of a lump above her left eye, identified as a mast cell tumour on an aspirate sample of the lump.

Collars for Kindness

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +1000

VSS is proud to launch Collars for Kindness, a heartfelt initiative offering handmade O-tube recovery collars to veterinary clinics for just $25 each (RRP $40–$50), with all proceeds going to Sophie's Legacy.

2026 VSS Veterinary Conference

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +1000

Veterinary Specialist Services 2026 VSS Conference. 7 & 8 March 2026. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Vets & Vet Nurses. Brisbane, Gold Coast, QLD/NSW.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in French Bulldog

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +1000

Coco, a French Bulldog, was recently referred to Veterinary Specialist Services Jindalee for assessment of a presumed cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) injury. Following a detailed examination and consultation with her family, Specialist Surgeon, Dr Abbi

Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy in Munsterlander Dog

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +1000

This minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery, a particular area of interest for Dr Cormac, allows for precise tissue sampling using small incisions, resulting in reduced pain, faster recovery, and less stress for patients like Hunter.

TPLO Surgery for Ruptured Cruciate Ligament in Dogs - Gold Coast and Brisbane

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +1000

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon, Dr Cormac O’Brolchain recently performed Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in a dog at VSS in Brisbane & Gold Coast.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Border Collie

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +1000

Brew, an 11-year-old Border Collie Cross came to VSS Carrara after being referred by his regular veterinarian for suspected spontaneous pneumothorax - a condition where air leaks into the chest cavity, causing the lung to collapse. It's a rar

Outpatient Ultrasound for Veterinary Patients

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +1000

Ultrasound can be completed as an outpatient procedure right here at VSS. An outpatient ultrasound is an efficient way for you, the general practice clinician, to receive crucial diagnostic information, while your patient stays under your care!

Case Study: Severe Biliary Tract Obstruction

Thu, 22 May 2025 17:00:00 +1000

Severe Biliary Tract Obstruction: Dalmatian presents to Veterinary Specialist Services Underwood's Emergency team with hepatopathy and pancreatitis (abnormalities with his liver and pancreas). Further investigation revealed a severe biliary t

Case Study: Oesophageal Foreign Body Obstruction

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:00:00 +1000

Lucky, a three-year-old Staffy, was transferred to Specialist Surgeon, Dr Jason Hoon at Veterinary Specialist Services Underwood for intervention of a perforating oesophageal foreign body obstruction.

Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:00:00 +1000

Mast cell tumours, while uncommon in people, are one of the most common skin cancers diagnosed in dogs. It is important for owners to be aware that the appearance of mast cell tumours can be incredibly variable.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Thu, 08 May 2025 10:00:00 +1000

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Dogs can also develop melanoma.

Teddy’s Journey: Overcoming Luxation with Specialist Care

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +1000

Teddy, a one-and-a-half-year-old pup, faced mobility challenges due to luxation in his back leg. With expert care from Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS), he regained his strength and continues to be the heart of his family. Watch his inspiring journey!

Healing with Heart: Bill’s Journey Through Cancer Treatment

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +1000

Bill, a rescue Border Collie cross, was diagnosed with liver cancer at 8 ½ years old. With expert treatment at VSS, she lived almost five more years. Read her incredible journey of resilience and specialist care.

Caring Through Challenges: How VSS Helped My Pug Overcome a Cerebellar Cyst

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +1000

With ongoing specialist support from VSS, Wentworth’s condition (Cerebellar Cyst) has been carefully managed, ensuring the best possible quality of life. As a loyal client for over eight years, she expresses deep gratitude for the compassion, expert

Alfa’s Story: Expert Care at VSS for a Health Scare

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +1000

Discover Alfa's inspiring journey of receiving expert care at VSS during a health scare. Follow along to learn about overcoming challenges and finding healing.

Brisbane Animal Ambulance Fundraiser

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +1000

Brisbane Animal Ambulance has been a vital service, dedicated to providing emergency and non-emergency transport for pets across Queensland. Their mission is to deliver immediate, professional and compassionate care and transport for pets, including critical transfers between veterinary clinics. Irene’s commitment to the animals is unmatched, and her efforts often extend to transporting injured wildlife to the RSPCA during her travels.Recently, however, Irene’s custom-built animal am...

Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +1000

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, so what better time to talk a little about cancer in our furry family members. Unfortunately, as our pets become older, they are at greater risk for certain diseases, especially cancer. Cancer is sadly one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in our pets, especially as they age. One in four dogs and one in five cats will develop cancer during their lifetime. Signs and SymptomsWhat are the signs of cancer to watch out for in y...

Finding Hope: How VSS Gave My Greyhound a Second Chance

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +1000

After a frightening osteosarcoma diagnosis, Rusty’s family turned to VSS for expert care. Thanks to their dedication, he made a remarkable recovery. Read his incredible journey of resilience and hope.

Australian (National) Vet Nurse/Technologist of the Year Winner

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +1000

A huge congratulations to Kim Weir, Nursing Manager at VSS Carrara, who has won the 2024 Australian (National) Vet Nurse/Technologist of the Year Award from the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA). This award "honours excellence" within the veterinary profession and is a massive achievement. We are extremely proud of Kim and all of her exceptional work, both within the VSS team and the veterinary industry as a whole. Since joining VSS in 2012, Kim has shown extraordinary...

Ophthalmology at Our Brachycephalic Care Unit (BCU)

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Brachycephalic dogs are prone to a wide variety of ocular surface diseases and at VSS Jindalee we have not one, but two Specialist Ophthalmologists.

Effects of Local Anaesthetics During BOAS Surgery

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +1000

The VSS team comprises highly trained veterinarians who have done extensive study in their given fields to become Specialists. We are constantly striving to practice the highest possible quality medicine to achieve the best results for our patients. In order to be at the forefront of veterinary research, we are currently undertaking a randomised controlled trial to determine the effects of local anaesthetics during Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery.What is BOAS surgery...

Animal Dermatology Services

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +1000

Veterinary Specialist Services has some exciting announcements about our dermatology services. Animal Dermatology Specialist (ADS) are currently operating out of our Underwood and Carrara clinics. As an independent and locally owned small business, your trust in ADS to support your patients with their dermatological needs is truly appreciated. Availability: ADS will be expanding their specialist dermatology services at VSS by opening further clinical days across VSS's sites...

Case Study: Angular Limb Deformity Correction

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +1000

We are excited to introduce Gus, our very first patient using the patient specific guide (PSG), which was designed and 3D-printed at VSS Underwood by our Surgical Registrar, Dr Lincoln Chau for angular limb deformity correction. Dr Chau utilised computer-aided design (CAD) technology to plan Gus’ limb deformity correction and to design an osteotomy and reduction guide that is specifically tailored to Gus’ leg. CAD is a technology that is widely used in human orthropaedic, maxillofaci...

Case Study: Portosystemic Shunt

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000

Kimba, a female Bichon Frise crossbreed was only three months old and 2.8kg when she showed blood in her urine and frequent attempts to urinate, with only small amounts of urine produced. She was also lethargic and much smaller than her litter mate. Her regular vet performed a biochemistry profile which showed ALT: 244 slight elevation 2-3 x normal, and ALP: 580 slight elevation 2-3 x normal. A urine sample was taken, which showed ammonium biurate crystals. She was placed on a course of oral ...

Treatment of Cruciate Ligament Tears in Dogs

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000

Dogs have similarities to people in how their joints are stabilised and move. In people, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common cause of joint problems in the knee. It is typically damaged in an active activity and is common in sport

Introducing Our New Brachycephalic Care Unit (BCU) at VSS Jindalee

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Introducing Our New Brachycephalic Care Unit (BCU) at VSS Jindalee

Fracture Repair in Dogs and Cats

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +1000

Dogs and cats can suffer fractures (breaks) to their bones. Any bone can be affected. Typically, this is a result of a traumatic injury. Trauma can occur in many different ways ranging from high impact (like being hit by a car) through cru

Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +1000

Laryngeal paralysis is a frequently encountered respiratory condition in dogs characterised by partial to complete failure of abduction of one or both arytenoid cartilages during inspiration resulting in mechanical upper airway obstruction. The intrinsic laryngeal muscles control the abductory and adductory movements of the arytenoid cartilages and vocal folds, subsequently controling the size of the rima glottidis. These intrinsic muscles of the larynx comprise of the cricothyroideus, cricoa...

A Refresher on the Neurological Exam

Thu, 19 May 2022 05:00:00 +1000

Wendy Archipow, BVSc, MS, DACVS-SA, Specialist in Small Animal Surgery Veterinary Specialist Services, Underwood Neurological Exam:The neurological exam is made up of six parts: the distance exam, cranial nerve assessment, postural reactions, spinal reflexes, sensation, and muscle tone assessment. The neurological exam allows us to determine if a neurological abnormality exists, and to localise the problem to the affected part of the nervous system.The distance exam is performed by watch...

Tips and Tricks of Feeding Tubes

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +1000

Anita Parkin RVN, AVN, Dip (Surg & ECC), VTS (Anes & Analgesia), CVPP, TAE Veterinary Specialist Services, Jindalee QLD Tips and Tricks of Feeding TubesNutrition is a very important component of patient management especially in the critical care setting. There is significant information indicating that animals may be hypermetabolic during many disease states. For this reason, understanding and meeting nutritional requirements cannot be overlooked when managing a critically ill or...

The Vomiting Patient

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +1000

This week, internal medicine specialist Dr Bruce Mackay has prepared a talk on ‘The Vomiting Patient’. We all see vomiting pets frequently, and Dr Mackay talks us through the history we need, the patient assessment, a logical case approach and when we need to take these patients to surgery. If you have any questions about vomiting patients, please don't hesitate to call us at the hospital. ...

Osteoarthritis: Conservative Management Options

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +1000

VSS surgeon Dr Abbie Tipler covers the conservative management options for osteoarthritis.

Like many videos from our Canine Care series, this talk has been made public on YouTube, and we encourage vets to share it with their clients.

Inflammatory Meningitis - Now a Common Disease

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +1000

In this talk,Dr Bruce Mackay discusses the causes for this disease, how these cases commonly present, diagnosis and common treatment options.

Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) for the Surgery Patient

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +1000

INTERMITTENT POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (IPPV) FOR THE SURGERY PATIENT Anita Parkin AVN Dip (Surgery & ECC), VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), CVPP, TAE Veterinary Specialist Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia The goal of providing IPPV in the peri-operative period is to try to mimic the normal respiratory function of the patient as if it was not anesthetized. This can be done with intermittent “bagging” of the patient or with a mechanical ventilator the latter providing more ...

Analgesia for the Surgical Patients

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +1000

Analgesia for the Surgical Patient Anita Parkin RVN, AVN, Dip (Surgery & ECC), VTS (Anesthesia /Analgesia), CVPP, TAE Veterinary Specialist Services Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Pain Pathway Figure 1: Pain Pathway and the Classes of Drugs that Work on each part of the Pain Pathway Nociception – is the sensory process that provides the signals up the pain pathway leading to the ability to feel pain Noxious Stimulus – stimulation of the nerve endin...

Perianaesthetic Blood Pressure Monitoring and Management

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +1000

Perianaesthetic Blood Pressure Monitoring and Management Bigby, SE BVSc (Hons) MVS MVSc DACVAA Board-Certified Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Veterinary Specialist Services, Arterial Blood Pressure Oxygen delivery to tissues (peripheral perfusion) is critical for good outcomes in all patients undergoing anaesthesia. Peripheral perfusion is determined by the cardiac output and oxygen content of arterial blood, unfortunately we have no easy way of measuring this ...

I think the dog has bone cancer. What next?

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +1000

I think the dog has bone cancer. What next?, by Dr Catherine Chan BVSc (Hons I) FANZCVS (Veterinary Oncology) The Pet Oncologist, Veterinary Specialist Services,

Identifying the Need For Blood Transfusions and What Products We Have

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +1000
Identifying the Need For Blood Transfusions and What Products We Have, by Kate Tinney Cert IV VN, Dip VN (ECC), Cert IV TAA, AVN, RVN, VTS (ECC) Why do patients require blood transfusions? The most important role of blood is the erythrocytes oxygen-carrying capacity and delivery to the tissues. When a patient becomes severely anaemic or loses >20% of their blood volume through a haemorrhage their ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues can be compromised. Without intervention, this...

Administering and Monitoring Blood Transfusions

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +1000
Administering and monitoring blood transfusions, by Kate Tinney Cert IV VN, Dip VN (ECC), Cert IV TAA, AVN, RVN, VTS (ECC) Canine Blood Types Canines are blood typed according to the dog erythrocyte antigen or DEA system. There are currently 7 DEA types, they include DEA 1, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, DEA 6, DEA 7 and DEA 8. These antigens if not matched correctly between donor and recipient can cause immunological reactions. The term universal donor is commonly associated with donor dog blood ty...

Pros and Cons of Desexing

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +1000
In this video, featuring Dr Abbie Tipler, a surgeon at Veterinary Specialist Services, discusses the age to desex and the pros and cons of desexing a pet. This talk also discusses the different procedures available for desexing a pet, and the effect these procedures have on the hormones. ...

Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Small Animal Surgeon Dr Grace Wicks provides some notes on subcutaneous ureteral bypass.

Transdermal Medications

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Rachel Korman from Cat Specialist Services provides some information on which medications work transdermally.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +1000
Dr Josh King gives a short presentation on Cushing's disease in dogs.

Creating Cat Friendly Environments in Hospital

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +1000
Home Away From Home: Creating Cat Friendly Environments in Hospital by Natalie Hunt for the VSS Annual Conference.

Exploring the Feline Grimace Scale

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +1000
Pain in Cats: Exploring the Feline Grimace Scale by Natalie Hunt for the VSS Annual Conference.

Tips on Feline Handling

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000
'Can we tame the spicy kitties?' Tips on Feline Handling by Natalie Hunt for the VSS Annual Conference.

Medial Patella Luxation (Part 2)

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Abbie Tipler discusses medial patella luxation treatment options and how to reduce the incidence of complications in these patients.

Medial Patella Luxation (Part 1)

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Abbie Tipler discusses medial patella luxation aetiology, diagnosis, and grading in dogs. From VSS three Gold Coast and Brisbane Veterinary Hospitals.

Nursing Different Conditions in Cats

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Tips & Tricks: Nursing different conditions in cats - Part 1 & 2 Natalie Hunt (BAppSc - VT) The Inappetant Cat It is important that cats continue to eat, otherwise they run the risk of hepatic lipidosis and refeeding syndrome. On the basic level, sometimes cats have just become bored with their food. Or do not enjoy the taste or texture. Try an abundance of different food types and textures. The important thing is to get these cats to be tempted to eat just a little bit, ...

Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Josh King discusses chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs.

Bandaging Tips

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Notes written by Dr Abbie Tipler for the 2021 VSS Conference on bandaging tips

Appropriate Antibiotic Use for Surgical Patients

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Abbie Tipler presents on the appropriate use of antibiotics for your surgical patients.

Urgent Case Management at VSS

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000
The Covid pandemic accelerated changes in small animal practice over the last year or so.

VSS Congratulates New Specialists

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +1000
VSS is very pleased to announce that three of our residents have achieved their Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

Cataract Surgery

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Vicki Liddle, specialist ophthalmologist at VSS Jindalee, has prepared a video about cataracts and their treatment.

Lilah and Pyothorax

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Lilah presented to us with 'Pyothorax', which is the presence of inflammatory fluid (or puss) within the chest cavity.

Sequestrums in Cats

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +1000
Dr Vicki Liddle, specialist ophthalmologist at VSS Jindalee, has prepared this video covering sequestrums in cats.

Surgical Site Infections

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Abbie Tipler, Surgical Registrar at VSS Underwood, presents on how to reduce your incidence of surgical site infections.

Ivy the Pug's C2 Fracture

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Ivy is a genteel old pug who presented to our surgical team at VSS following acute onset of weakness and paralysis in all four legs

Kimba and Fatty Liver Syndrome

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Kimba is a domestic shorthair that came to visit our Cat Specialist Dr Rachel Korman at our Underwood Hospital.

Jock the Koala's Leg Reconstruction

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000
As part of VSS's ongoing commitment to conservation we helped another little koala today.

Wound Management (Part 2)

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +1000
This is a short talk given by Dr Stephanie Colthurst, a Surgical Registrar at our VSS Jindalee branch. Steph has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, and in this presentation she discusses wound management. Wound management can vary significantly depending on the type of wound, and Steph gives an excellent breakdown of what factors may change how you treat a wound based on wound type. She gives tips and tricks for wound closure and also discusses how to manage open wounds. ...

Wound Management (Part 1)

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +1000
Part one of a two-part series on wound management by Dr Stephanie Colthurst, Surgical Registrar at VSS Jindalee.

Storm the Border Collie's Cataract Surgery

Mon, 31 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Meet Storm, a gorgeous Border Collie with heterochromic eyes (aka two-toned irises).

Checklists

Tue, 25 May 2021 13:00:00 +1000
Dr Abbie Tipler gives a short 5 minute presentation on how you can sucessfully use and create a checklist in your own general practices.

Blood Transfusion Awareness

Fri, 14 May 2021 11:00:00 +1000
Did you know similar to humans, our beloved canine companions can also receive lifesaving blood transfusions?

Video Announcement

Fri, 14 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000
VSS have made a series of videos designed to help communicate key points to our clients. We've produced videos on esophageal tube feeding, passive range of motion, post-op care for orthopaedic patients, post-op care for abdominal surgery e.g. spey, giving a dog a pill, getting a pet safely in and out of a car etc. (there are too many to mention!). These will be released via our newsletter weekly and can also be found on our YouTube channel. Stay up-to-date with regularly posted videos...

Avoiding client miscommunication - part 3

Thu, 06 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000
Dr Daren Roa is a highly experienced surgical specialist at our VSS Cararra branch. Here he gives an excellent short presentation on avoiding client dissatisfaction due to miscommunication. This is a three-part series and describes three different clinical situations. The first two scenarios were around avoiding client dissatisfaction when you perform a cystotomy or a negative exploratory celiotomy. This week he discusses how the use of basic oncological principles to avoid dissatisfact...

Avoiding client miscommunication - part 2

Wed, 05 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000
The second in Dr Daren Roa's three-part series on avoiding client miscommunication. This week he discusses the dreaded negative exploratory celiotomy and how you can avoid upset clients in this situation.

Avoiding client miscommunication - part 1

Tue, 04 May 2021 10:00:00 +1000
The first talk of a three-part series by Dr Daren Roa on avoiding client miscommunication.

Chylothorax

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +1000
A short talk by Dr Stephanie Colthurst discussing Chylothorax and covering the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for this disease process.

Helping the RSPCA treat French Bulldogs

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +1000
Our specialist surgeons have been helping the RSPCA treat a large group of French Bulldogs seized in very poor condition. Veterinary Specialist Services is proud to be able to support the RSPCA in their incredibly important work. Check out a video on our Facebook and follow our page to see more stories like this. ...

Join Us! 2021 VSS Conference - One Day Only!

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +1000
If you haven't already heard, the VSS Conference is back for one day only, bringing you the latest in Medicine, Nursing, Surgery and Feline expertise. Our world-class conference is designed to advance your skills and career; equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to provide the highest quality care to the animals you're passionate about. Saturday the 13th of March, 2021
Hilton Hotel - 190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City
Get your tickets here To learn more, cli...

Anal Sacculectomy

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +1000
Canine Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoama (AGASAC): Surgical Considerations is an article by Tania Banks. It covers rectal examination, fine need aspirate (FNA), biopsy, removal of the primary tumour and removal of enlarged regional lymph nodes. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Investigation and management of spinal cases in general practice

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +1000
Investigation and Management of Spinal Disease in older dogs and cats - An approach for General Practitioners is an article by Dr David Cook. It covers a general approach to spinal diseases, intervertebral disc disease, discospondylitis, spinal neoplasia, degenerative myelopathy, meningioencephalitis/meningiomyelitis and more. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Welcome to our new staff members

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +1000
VSS would like to say a big welcome to our two wonderful new staff members. Firstly, joining our Jindalee hospital, is Dr Stephanie Colthurst BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery). Stephanie is a Small Animal Surgical Registrar and will be joining our surgical team. Stephanie graduated from James Cook University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She then completed a 12-month rotating internship with us at Veterinary Specialist Services. This was followed by a second rotati...

Desexing (Tipler)

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000
De-sexing - Age, procedure and consequences is a talk by Dr Abbie Tipler. Abbie reviews routine desexing procedures and in these notes provides a summary of the pros and cons of desexing and the various time points at which it may be done. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Elbow Dysplasia

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +1000

Elbows - How to Diagnose and Treat Them is a presentation by Dr Gordon Corfield.
Gordon covers this common orthopaedic condition and provides his views on treatment options.
Click here to read or download the PDF.

Cupless Hip Replacement - the cheap hip replacement?

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +1000

Cupless Hip Replacement - the cheap hip replacement? is an article by Gordon Corfield.
Click here to read or download the PDF.

The Oh No's of O-Tubes: Indications, Placement and Complications

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +1000

The Oh No's of O-Tubes: Indications, Placement and Complications is a presentation by Luke Johnston for the 2020 VSS Annual Conference.
Click here to read or download the PDF.

What's new with drugs - new uses, indications and applications

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +1000

What's new with drugs: new uses, indications and applications is a presentation by Luke Johnston for the 2020 VSS Annual Conference.
Click here to read or download the PDF.

Logical approach to the dyspneic cat

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +1000
Logical approach to the dyspneic cat is an article written by David Church of the Royal Veterinary College. It covers dyspnoaea with minimal coughing, laryngeal disorders producing dyspnoea with minimal coughing, intrathoracic disorders producing dyspnoea with minimal coughing, diagnostic procedures, and more. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Addison's disease: what is the dose of what drug or drugs?

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +1000
Addison's disease: what is the dose of what drug or drugs? is an article written by David B Church of the Royal Veterinary College. "Naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism is characterized by clinically significant loss of adrenocortical secretory capacity. In the vast majority of cases, hypoadrenocorticism is a direct result of inadequate adrenocortical function (primary hypoadrenocorticism) rather than a result of subnormal production of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (secondary...

This diabetic case is driving me crazy - what should I do?

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000
This diabetic case is driving me crazy - what should I do? is an article by David Church of the Royal Veterinary College. David Church and Jill Maddison gave a very entertaining plenary at the VSS conference this year with a musical tour through their career. This article covers what to do when the insulin doesn't seem to be working, managing the unwell and inappetant diabetic or the diabetic with clinically significant ketoacidosis, and more. Click here to read or download the PDF....

Transfusion Medicine

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +1000
Transfusion Medicine is an article written by Kim Weir for VSS. It covers blood types, canine blood types, feline blood types, crossmatching, sourcing products, product selection, xenotransfusion, autotransfusion, administration, reactions, monitoring post-transfusion and more. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Calculations Made Easy

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +1000

Calculations Made Easy is an article written by Anita Parkin RVN, AVN, Dip (Surg & ECC), VTS (Anes & Analgesia), CVPP.
It covers a variety of calculations and examples.
Click here to read or download the PDF.

Analgesia for the Surgical Patient

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000
Analgesia for the Surgical Patient is an article written by Anita Parkin RVN, AVN, Dip (Surgery & ECC), VTS (Anesthesia /Analgesia), CVPP. It covers the pain pathway, signs of pain, types of analgesics, adverse effects of analgesics, agonist, agonist-antagonist, partial agonists, antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anaesthetics, NMDA antagonists, alpha adrenergic agonists, monitoring of patients and pain scales. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

Triage of the Critical Patient

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +1000
Triage of the Critical Patient is an article written by Kim Weir, one of our very experienced nurses at the Carrara practice. It covers the airway, breathing, circulation, haemorrhage, consciousness, pain, emergency diagnostics, and some example cases. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...

How to Work-Up and Manage Corneal Ulcers

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +1000
How to Work-Up and Manage Corneal Ulcers is an article by Simon M Peterson-Jones of Michigan State University. It covers an introduction, examination of an eye with a corneal ulcer, aetiology, superficial chroinc corneal epithelial defects, mid-stromal corneal ulcers, deep and deepening ulcer, perforated ulcer and more. Click here to read or download the PDF. ...