HOUSECALL VET & VETERINARY CLINIC
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME FOR MY PET TO PASS AWAY
Many pet owners struggle with the decision for euthanasia becasue we all want more time with our pets. The decision is very personal, and particularly difficult because most pets really don't tell you much about their pain, sickness or suffering. Medical professionals (including humans) often struggle with pain assessment because pain is also very individual, with some individuals having a better ability to hide or mask pain.
One question vets like to refer to is, quality of life. Quality of life can be also very subjective because we see our pets act in a way that would suggest they are pleased to see or be with us (eg wagging a tail or purring). Quality of life is probably made up of a number of freedoms that your pet can experience without our assistance.
WHAT CAN A HOUSECALL VET DO?
Housecall vets can treat a range of injuries and illnesses in pets. Generally speaking, the housecall service should be considered as a "non emergency" service, reserved mostly for mild injuries or illnesses and preventative medicine (ie. vaccinations). Patients that require further workup for various health issues, may require referral back to our Bundamba Vet Clinic for further workup. The housecall service is frequently used by pet owners who are wanting a home euthansisa service for their pet. There is a small range of commonly prescribed pharmaceutical medications in the housecall vet van, otherwise medications may need to be picked up from the vet clinic at an arranged time. The housecall vet van is quite a large set up, it is important you conisder access to your property before requesting a visit so that the site can be assessed or alternative arrangements for your housecall visit can be made.
CAN YOU TREAT PARALYSIS TICK AND SNAKE BITES?
We have over the years treated quite a few paralysis tick cases through our vet clinic. Patients affected by paralysis tick are assessed and graded. We are able to manage paralysis tick patients with toxicity grades that have minimal respiratory paralysis, some patients may require referral to a Veterinary specialist or emergency care Vet for critical care. The paralysis tick is a deadly parasite and all pets in SE Queensland should be on a paralysis tick preventative (Eg. Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, Revolution Plus) all year round.
For pets who have been bitten by snakes and are already showing signs of paralysis, we would suggest presenting to emergency for critical care management. We have in the past successfully managed patients who are showing signs of black snake envenomation days after being bitten. Each patient presented for snake bite envenomation should be assessed as a case by case and referral for critical care offered where appropriate. Snake bites where brown snakes or black snakes are concerned should be treated as emergency cases.