Hello!  Welcome to our May newsletter!

We continue to be quite busy at Mira Mar Vets, lots of dogs with itchy skin and ear infections, we've seen some fleas emerging in the warmer weather, and in the last week of April, Dr Bernie saved a dog with an unexpected snakebite!

We're also proud to be performing the vaccinating, micro-chipping, de-sexing and general health care of the cats and kittens from Alley Cat Rescue Team.  This rescue organisation has already taken in over 150 cats and kittens since it launched in December, and is always in need of donations, foster carers and people to adopt!

This edition is packed with some great articles on pet health and emergency situations. Plus, we’re celebrating our latest Puppy Preschool graduates and all vet clinic staff for World Vet Day.

We hope you find it an enjoyable read!

At the end of April we celebrated WORLD VETERINARY DAY, an recognition of the role vets play in our lives! This year's theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team”, acknowledges that effective veterinary care often relies on the collective efforts of a range of professionals, including vets, veterinary nurses, technicians, researchers, and other allied health professionals.

We see this every day at Mira Mar Vets, where we pride ourselves on our communication and teamwork to get the best outcomes for you and your pets.

So  THANK YOU to our exceptionally caring and hard-working vets, and happy World Vet Day to all the other amazing vets out there!

Congratulations to our graduating puppies from our April Puppy Preschool class!

 Angel, Aphrodite, Daisy, Eddie, Evie, Maple and Truffle (not pictured) all had lots of fun, learnt some new social skills and made lots of new puppy and people friends!

If you think your puppy would like to join our fun and friendly Puppy Preschool with Nurse Jodie, please give the clinic a call on 9841 5422 to find out more.

One of our favourite things about our veterinary team is the wide variety of medical skills that we get to learn and practice. We think you might be surprised by some of the things we can do behind the scenes, so please pardon us while we toot our own horns about a few of our cool professional proficiencies!

Calculating fluid doses

When unwell animals present to us, we use a variety of physical parameters to estimate their potential degree of dehydration – these include checks of their gums, skin elasticity and pulses. Using these signs and their body weight, we can then gauge what volume of fluid they need for healthy rehydration. This deficit is gradually replenished via drinking, careful syringe or tube feeding, fluid injections under their skin, or intravenous fluids (i.e. a drip).

Ultrasound-guided cystocentesis

How do we get urine samples when animals just won’t wee for us? We can use a technique called ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. This involves using an ultrasound scanner to visualise your pet’s bladder, so we can carefully pass a fine, sterile needle through their tummy wall and directly into their bladder to collect urine.

Checking cranial drawer

If your pet suddenly develops a very sore knee, you may see us holding just above and below their knee joint and trying to wiggle it a bit. This is a technique called “checking for cranial drawer”, and it helps us assess for looseness associated with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Many pets with torn cruciate ligaments will require sedation to be relaxed enough for this technique (as their injury may be just too sore).

Performing dental nerve blocks

Just like human dentists, we can use our anatomical knowledge to administer numbing local anaesthetic injections around specific nerve locations in your pet’s mouth. This means that we can minimise discomfort from tooth extractions as much as possible.

We’re proud of all the amazing services our team can provide, and we hope it gives you peace of mind that your pet is in good professional hands.

Whilst not common, episodes of anaphylaxis in dogs and cats do happen, and they can be very confronting for pet owners, not to mention serious for the affected pet. We’re here to give you an injection of knowledge about anaphylaxis – why it happens, how to recognise it, and what to do if you suspect it in your pet.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is an unusually severe allergic reaction to a foreign substance. Most commonly, the trigger will be an insect sting or bite, but pets can also be triggered by food proteins, chemicals or certain medications.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

The dramatic allergic reaction of anaphylaxis usually leads to a state of cardiovascular shock, where pets rapidly become unable to sufficiently circulate blood around their body. This often leads to wobbliness, weakness or fainting, and can also cause vomiting or diarrhoea (which may be bloody). Affected cats are particularly prone to developing sudden asthma-like breathing difficulties and excessive drooling as well.

Both dogs and cats suffering from anaphylaxis may also show symptoms of body-wide inflammation, such as a swollen face or red welts on their skin.

Due to insect bites being one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis, many pets will have just been outdoors when their symptoms begin.

What should you do if your pet shows anaphylaxis-like symptoms?

Because of its severe effect on the pet’s circulation, anaphylaxis is very serious and necessitates urgent veterinary treatment. Depending on the pet’s symptoms, this may include adrenaline injections to support blood circulation, intravenous fluids to improve blood volume, antihistamines, and medications to relax constricted airways.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from anaphylaxis, you should seek urgent veterinary care, preferably calling ahead to inform the clinic of your imminent arrival so they can prepare.

For more information on pet anaphylaxis, consult our experienced team.

In many cases of MMVD (myxomatous mitral valve disease, the most common acquired heart problem seen in dogs), our vets can detect tell-tale abnormal heart sounds, known as heart murmurs, early in the course of the disease. This means that the patient can then be monitored for the development of any symptoms.

However, in some cases, affected dogs may present unwell with heart disease symptoms despite no known prior history of heart problems.

Here’s how we can help.

What is MMVD?

MMVD involves progressive degeneration of the mitral valve within the heart. This causes turbulent blood flow and a gradual loss of effective heart pumping function, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Breathing difficulties or coughing due to fluid build-up in the lungs
• Fainting episodes due to inadequate blood flow around the body
• A swollen tummy due to fluid build-up in the abdomen

MMVD most commonly affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but is also often seen in other middle-aged to older small breed dogs such as Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles.

From the time a heart murmur develops, it can be months to several years until the pet progresses to having symptoms of heart disease.

How can we help?

If we diagnose a heart murmur suggestive of MMVD in your pet, we will advise you on how to monitor your pet at home, and when they will be recommended to have rechecks or undergo further investigation (such as chest X-rays to check their heart size).

If your pet presents with symptoms of heart-related unwellness, we will ideally confirm their diagnosis with chest X-rays (and in some cases, referral to a specialist for a heart ultrasound), before discussing treatment options with you. The good news is that there are medications that will help to manage your pet’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.

For more information on canine MMVD, consult our caring veterinary team.

Did you know that male dogs have a prostate gland? Because many owners are not aware of the potential for prostate problems in dogs, we’re providing the down-low on common issues “down there”!

Where is the prostate gland?

The prostate sits within the pelvic canal of male dogs, near the neck (opening) of the bladder. It wraps around the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

What are common prostate issues in male dogs?

The most common issue affecting the prostate in dogs is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) – this is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs due to the influence of testosterone in undesexed male dogs.

Other prostatic diseases seen in dogs include cysts, prostatitis or prostatic abscesses (caused by bacterial infection), and prostatic tumours.

What are the symptoms of prostate disease?

Most prostate diseases lead to enlargement of the gland, which can then cause constriction of the urethra, making urination difficult and potentially painful. A very enlarged prostate gland may even press up against the colon within the confines of the pelvis, causing the dog to have difficulty passing faeces.

Depending on the underlying disease process, some pets may also become lethargic, show signs of pain, or pass blood-tinged urine.

Can prostate issues be treated?

Prostatic diseases that are triggered by testosterone, such as BPH, can be treated with desexing or managed with implants of a medication that temporarily alters the dog’s hormones. Desexing also effectively prevents BPH in dogs.

Cysts and abscesses require surgical treatment, and infections need long courses of antibiotics.

Prostatic cancers can often only be treated palliatively, with the patient being medicated to maintain their comfort for as long as possible, rather than being cured. Fortunately, these are not common.

For more information on prostate diseases in male dogs or the health benefits of desexing, consult our knowledgeable vets.

(This fictional story has been created for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet, owner or clinic.)

Around dinner time, Erin heard a miaow at the back door and saw Wendel, her domestic shorthair cat, standing near the glass, waiting to be let in after a day of outdoor adventures. However, when she opened the door, the cat limped uncomfortably in, moving his hindlegs very gingerly and awkwardly. He had a drink of water and then put himself to bed, so Erin decided to see how he was in the morning.

The next morning, Wendel was still not walking normally, so Erin called her local veterinary clinic to ask for advice. The nurse she talked to explained that outdoor cats commonly become lame due to musculoskeletal injuries from trauma, or cat fight wounds, so she advised that Erin bring Wendel straight down for a vet check.

On assessment with the vet, Wendel hissed as he was gently palpated around his hips. Given he was normally a very placid cat, Erin and the vet were concerned that Wendel was significantly injured. The vet couldn’t find any signs of cat fight wounds, so Erin consented for Wendel to be admitted for general blood tests, sedation, and X-rays of his back end.

On X-rays, it was revealed that Wendel had some fractures in his pelvis, though the pieces were still sitting in the correct positions. His spine, tail and legs appeared to be intact. The vet phoned Erin and got her consent to perform an abdominal ultrasound as well, which showed no evidence of free fluid in his tummy (which could have suggested internal bleeding or a ruptured bladder).

Wendel stayed in hospital to begin his treatment, which consisted of pain relief, monitoring of his ability to toilet, and strict cage confinement to allow his pelvis to heal. Once he was comfortable enough, he was sent home for ongoing confinement. Eight weeks later, X-rays confirmed that Wendel’s pelvis had healed, and his wonky walk had returned to normal. Erin has decided to keep him strictly confined to the garden from now on!

New study tackles obesity in Labradors and Golden Retrievers

A University of Queensland study is investigating why Labradors and Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity. Researchers are exploring if genetics affect their appetite and how improved diets can help manage their weight. Dr Jacquie Rand says obesity significantly reduces dogs’ lifespan, adding, "Even being slightly overweight can dramatically shorten their life."

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

Popular Noosa surfing dog, Rama, hangs up his board

Rama, the beloved surfing Border Collie from Noosa, is retiring after years as the face of the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Owner Chris de Aboitiz says Rama brought joy and inspiration to many, and while Rama won’t compete anymore, he’ll still be seen catching waves casually. “He’s been the best companion you could wish for," de Aboitiz shared.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

From TV fame to farm mum: Liz the muster dog has puppies

Liz, the crowd-favourite from ABC’s Muster Dogs, has traded TV stardom for motherhood, giving birth to nine pups in Monto. Known for her sharp instincts and calm nature, Liz now applies those same skills to raising her wriggly brood. "She's so patient with them - you can tell she was born to be a mum too," said owner Graeme McKnight.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

A recent survey has found that both the spotted-tail and northern quolls are now "functionally extinct" across large parts of Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland. Despite anecdotal sightings, researchers using 163 motion-sensor cameras over 100,000 hectares failed to detect any quolls in areas like Bellthorpe, Conondale, and Woondum national parks. "They're no longer performing that role of an apex predator in the landscape that they used to do," said Paul Revie from the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland. He added that while some individuals may remain, their numbers are likely too low for sustainable breeding or ecological impact. Conservationists are urging the public to report any quoll sightings to help identify remaining populations and guide future protection efforts.​

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

This email contains comments of a general nature only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please always consult your vet for specific advice on your pet's individual needs.

All content © Petpack 2025