From routine check ups to treatments, we care for your pet like family
At Ivanhoe East Veterinary Hospital, our experienced team provides a range of routine services to ensure the well-being of your furry companions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Annual Health Check Up & Vaccination
The types of things that we look at in a general check-up include, dental health, arthritis assessment, weight management, skin checks, lump checks and ensuring vaccinations, worming and flea treatments are all up to date. In addition to this, we go over the general care model and ensure that you leave confident in caring for your companion.
Vaccinations are the main prevention for viral infections and are required to prevent the spread of diseases in the community. We strongly recommend keeping your pet's vaccinations up to date to ensure the health of not only your pet but other pets in the community.
Early in life, puppies and kittens require monthly vaccinations to boost their immunity, after which annual vaccinations are recommended.
Dogs:
The C5 vaccination provides protection against several serious conditions, including:
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- The two main strains of Canine Cough
Cats:
The F4 vaccination covers essential protection against:
- Feline Herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopaenia
For outdoor cats, we recommend vaccination against FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), a serious virus spread primarily through cat fights.
Rabbits:
The Cylap vaccine is recommended every six months to protect rabbits from Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease—a deadly virus that affects both domestic and wild rabbit populations.
Ferrets:
Ferrets are susceptible to Distemper, the same virus that affects dogs. We recommend annual vaccination to protect ferrets from this potentially fatal disease.
Dental Procedures & Complimentary Dental Checks
It’s clinically reported that 80% of cats and dogs show some degree of dental disease by just 2 years of age. But then again - so would we if we didn’t brush or floss for 2 years!
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or chewing
We are strong advocates of preventative dental and aim to keep you fully informed about the best ways to maintain your pet’s oral health.
During a dental check, our vets will develop a personalised prevention and treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs. In the early stages, dental disease may be managed with at-home care such as regular tooth brushing, a dental prescription diet, chews, or water/food additives.
However, more advanced cases often require a professional dental scale and polish under general anaesthetic. In some situations, tooth extractions may also be necessary.
We’re proud to be known for our affordable dental procedures.
Contact us today to book your pet’s complimentary dental check.
Complimentary Puppy or Kitten Consult
Start your new pet’s journey with us with a 30-minute complimentary consultation—designed to give you the tips, guidance, and resources you need to confidently care for your new family member.
This complimentary health assessment will ensure that your puppy or kitten receives a thorough examination to detect any issues early on. We offer expert advice on nutrition, training, dental health, parasite control and desexing recommendations.
Our team is passionate about environmental enrichment, helping you create a stimulating and happy home for your growing pet. During your extended appointment, we’ll take the time to answer all your questions—and of course, give your furry friend plenty of cuddles.
With a strong focus on creating a positive experience, our goal is to help your pet associate vet visits with comfort, care, and kindness.
This complimentary consultation is available to both new and existing clients.
Desexing
Desexing, also known as neutering or spaying, is a surgical procedure that prevents your pet from reproducing. It's an important part of responsible pet ownership and has many health and behavioural benefits.
The recommended age for desexing depends on your dog’s expected adult size. However, for female dogs, we generally recommend desexing before their first heat cycle, which is typically around 6 months of age. Early desexing in females can help reduce the risk of certain health issues, including mammary cancer and uterine infections.
For male dogs, we may recommend desexing earlier if you notice unwanted behaviours such as marking, mounting, or dominance.
Our team will guide you on the best timing for your pet, based on their breed, size, and individual needs.
Why We Recommend Desexing Your Pet
1. Females:
- Health benefits: Desexing females before their first heat cycle virtually eliminates the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, ovarian cancer, and pyometra (a life-threatening womb infection).
- While there are some benefits to allowing females to go through their first 1-2 heat cycles, these don’t outweigh the risks. For example, the chance of developing breast cancer increases up to 30% if they go through the first two heats.
- Prevents inconvenience: Desexing avoids the mess and hassle that comes with a female dog in season (no more locking them away or making them wear nappies).
- Prevents unwanted litters and the challenges of finding homes for the puppies.
- Female cats in heat can vocalize excessively and become disruptive—desexing eliminates these issues, as they can go into heat every three weeks.
2. Males:
- While males don’t suffer from breast cancer, allowing them to mature may have some benefits for muscle growth. We recommend desexing at:
- 6 months for small dogs
- 12 months for medium/large dogs
- 15 months for giant breed dogs
- Health benefits: Desexing significantly reduces or eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and future prostate diseases, including prostate cancer.
- Behavioural benefits: Males prone to guarding or aggression may experience worsened behaviour as testosterone levels increase. Desexing can help manage these behaviours, particularly in dogs that display signs of aggression or territorial guarding.
- Male cats are highly prone to spraying—desexing can help eliminate this behaviour.
We believe these benefits are so important that we offer
routine desexing surgeries at reduced prices to support responsible pet ownership in our community.
Routine Surgery and Procedures
At Ivanhoe East Vet, we use specialized tools and techniques to ensure the most effective, least invasive surgery for your pet. Your pet’s comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we strive to provide the highest standard of care throughout the process.
For major surgeries, we use general anesthesia, and for smaller procedures, we may use a reversible sedation to minimize discomfort. Our goal is to keep your pet as comfortable and stress-free as possible during surgery and recovery.
Common Soft Tissue Procedures We Offer:
- Tumour removal
- Abdominal surgery (e.g. foreign body, gastropexy)
- Wound repair and injury treatment
- Biopsy procedures
- Reconstructive surgery for injuries or congenital issues
- Eye and ear surgery
After surgery, we ensure your pet receives proper care and monitoring during recovery. Our team provides clear instructions on pain management and activity restrictions to help your pet heal quickly.
With years of experience in soft tissue surgery, our veterinarians are dedicated to providing exceptional care. We take the time to explain your pet’s condition and surgery options, ensuring you are fully informed at every stage.
Diagnostic and Pathology Services
At Ivanhoe East Vet Hospital, we use advanced pathology and diagnostic procedures to quickly identify the cause of your pet’s ailment. The faster we diagnose an issue, the quicker we can start treatment and help your pet return to optimal health, or better manage ongoing conditions.
In-House Diagnostic Equipment
We are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, allowing us to deliver rapid results and provide effective care:
- Haematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis machines: Results in under 15 minutes, allowing us to start treatment promptly.
- Microscopy: Used for diagnosing skin and ear infections, as well as examining skin lumps.
- Digital X-rays: Developed instantly, giving us clear images to assist with diagnosis.
- Ultrasound: Our advanced ultrasound machine provides real-time images of your pet’s heart and abdominal organs. Dr. Rob has completed an advanced 12-month ultrasonography course through the University of Sydney, enhancing his ability to diagnose conditions through ultrasound.
External Pathology & Diagnostic Services
In addition to our in-house diagnostics, we also have access to a range of external pathology and diagnostic services for more specialized testing when needed.