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At Westlakes Veterinary Hospital, we provide general vet care in Lake Macquarie. In a fresh approach, Westlake’s appointments are longer than veterinary industry norms, giving our vets the time to perform an in-depth, thorough examination of your animal. We conduct the necessary medical tests to reach a conclusive diagnosis, and with that information, we aim to deliver specific targeted treatment.
We value building unhurried relationships with our patients and their owners and giving explanations to empower owners to be a part of their pet’s health journey. It is this prioritisation of quality that sets us apart.
Further to our vision to reshape the traditional veterinary model, Westlake’s is one of the pioneers of team consulting, where the vets and our highly trained vet nurses dovetail in complimentary roles to provide a comprehensive, personable and excellent veterinary service.
One of the most rewarding aspects of veterinary practice is supporting a pet throughout their life, meeting their varying health needs and being part of the journey with their families. We conduct a detailed, thorough health check during our consultations. As animals age faster than humans, it is important to investigate the functioning of the body systems. There are many conditions/areas of disease that may go unnoticed without a thorough annual examination.
We check:
For any other serious conditions that increase with age, comprehensive medical testing directs the best treatment.
At our Fennell Bay clinic, we provide:
These tests are routinely performed where indicated to reach a definitive diagnosis before beginning treatment.
We can then help your pet live out their best quality of life by intervening where needed, giving you information about their condition, and how to manage it.
Common worm infestations in dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworm, and some species can infect people too. Signs to look for include diarrhea, vomiting, chewing or licking under their tail, fatigue, pale gums and weight loss.
Untreated worm infestations can result in anaemia, as blood is drained from the intestine, and may require a blood transfusion in severe cases.
Puppies commonly have worms, either passed on from their mother, or their environment which they sniff and chew.
Two to three rounds of deworming are given. The first kills the existing worms, and the second round kills any worms that may have hatched in the interim. Thereafter, it is recommended that comprehensive deworming is given at 1-to-3-month intervals.
It is important to note that not all deworming products will cover all species of worm.
The Australian paralysis tick is found along Australia’s east coast and secretes a paralysing toxin into its host as it feeds. Without treatment, it commonly leads to an ascending paralysis, respiratory failure and constitutes a medical emergency.
The ticks are most active during early spring and early summer but can be active all year round. Distributed by wildlife such as possums, blue tongue skinks and echidnas, they attach to pets when they walk through natural areas.
Veterinary tick products are an effective preventative measure to help protect your pet against this serious disease. Not all tick prevention products found in stores are registered as effective against the paralysis tick.
Flea products have come a long way since the days of flea powders, and now utilise the animal’s lymphatic system to effectively sterilise the flea population and break their reproductive cycle.
Ask us about the premium quality, scientifically developed products we stock in our vet shop to effectively eradicate fleas.
Heartworms are spread by mosquitos from one dog to another and pose a serious health risk as they live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels, where they can block blood vessels.
General deworming products are not effective as a prevention against heartworm. All dogs need to be on heartworm prevention from the age of three months old. There are a number of tablet options available to prevent heartworm infestations, but another very effective prevention is an annual injection which can be given along with your dog’s annual vaccinations.
Microchipping is compulsory for cats and dogs in NSW. In NSW, identification with a microchip is required by 12 weeks of age, point of sale, or change of ownership—whichever occurs first. Lifetime registration of an animal is required by 6 months of age.
Microchipping provides peace of mind in case your pet gets lost. A microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the loose skin on the back of the neck. It is not uncomfortable for pets. The microchip has a unique code, which, when registered with your details, provides an effective form of permanent identification.
The unique code can be accessed via a microchip scanner. When linked to the national computer database, it is possible to identify the name, address and phone number of the owner, and this can facilitate your pet’s safe return.
Remember to keep your records up to date when you move house or change phone numbers. If your pet is not yet microchipped, please contact our friendly staff for an appointment.
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, which can be fatal.
None. For reasons not completely understood, while some dogs are not excessively affected, for others, even one grape or raisin can trigger renal failure, which can be fatal.
The onset of symptoms tends to occur between 12-24 hours after a dog eats grapes. These are the symptoms to watch for:
If your dog eats grapes or raisins, it is potentially an emergency situation and may require treatment.
Vomiting may need to be induced to remove the grapes from the system. They will then give activated charcoal to help bind any leftover grapes or raisins in the stomach and absorb the toxin. Intravenous fluids will be administered and kidney function will be monitored by blood tests.
