Parasite Prevention

Worms, fleas and mites will cause discomfort for your pet.  These parasites can be prevented and treated with a range of products.  One of our veterinarians will help tailor a program that is suitable to your pet based on its requirements and your budget.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

What is heartworm?

Heartworm or Dirofilaria immitis is a worm parasite spread by mosquitoes. The infected mosquito carries the larval stage of the infection and infects the dog via biting. The larvae mature into adult worms over a period of around 6 months and migrate to the blood vessels of the heart and lungs, and in severe cases, the heart itself. This infestation causes inflammation of these blood vessels (vasculitis), and the dog’s immune system acts to cause further damage in response to dead worms. Over time the vessels become more damaged, lose their flexibility, and can become obstructed.

Heartworm is a serious condition that can be fatal.

Why vaccinate against heartworm?

Common clinical signs associated with heartworm include exercise intolerance, coughing, failure to thrive, difficulty breathing, nose bleeding and blood from the mouth, weakness, discolouration of the skin and gums and fluid in the abdomen.

We recommend protecting your pet against heartworm as this disease can be fatal.  You can protect your dog from Heartworm by either using a monthly worming treatment or alternatively you can opt for an annual injection that is called Proheart.

What is the course of treatment if I would like to use Proheart?

At the final puppy vaccination (i.e., at 14-16 weeks of age), your puppy will receive their first Puppy Proheart treatment.  They will then require a second treatment when they are 6-9 months old and then annually ongoing.

If you have an adult dog you would like to begin on heartworm prevention who has previously been unvaccinated/not protected, our recommendation is to test prior to beginning prevention.

Microchipping

A microchip is a tiny electronic chip approximately the size of a rice grain which has a unique identifying number.  The microchip is the link to the owner’s contact details which are held on the state-wide database.

Microchipping is a simple procedure that can usually occur during a consultation visit or whilst sedated for another surgical procedure.

As of 1 July 2018 all dogs and cats in South Australia must be microchipped before 3 months of age or 28 days after purchase.  This also includes older cats and dogs.

Please refer to the Dog and Cat Board for further information http://www.dogandcatboard.com.au/

Grooming

We understand at BVH that some owners find grooming their pets stressful or that some coats are difficult for owners to manage.  At BVH we provide grooming services under sedation for both cats and dogs.  This can be arranged as a stand- alone service or can be organised at the same time as another procedure.

Nutrition

At BVH we have a wide range of specialist foods that can help manage various conditions.  Prescription diets can assist in the management of: urinary issues (e.g. urinary calculi), weight management, bowel disease and kidney failure, in both cats and dogs.

We can provide samples of some brands of food and we will help you select a product that your pet enjoys.

Geriatric Care

Ageing pets can experience several afflictions that can affect their quality of life. This may include changes in vision, hearing, skin or mobility and senior pets can also experience restlessness at night.  Our team of veterinarians can offer a wide range of services to ensure your pet is comfort and enjoying their later years.

Solensia is a relatively new treatment that treats osteoarthritis pain in older cats.  Solensia is the first and only FDA-approved treatment to control cat osteoarthritis pain, which can help improve your cat’s quality of life.  Solensia is generally commenced with two initial injections, one month apart.  Your cat’s response will then be assessed by a veterinarian who will determine an ongoing treatment schedule.   For more information please click here.

Beransa is a new treatment that was released in March 2023 that treats osteoarthritis pain in dogs.   Beransa is a monoclonal antibody therapy that is generally commenced with two initial injections, one month apart.  Your dog’s response will then be assessed by a veterinarian who will determine an ongoing treatment schedule.   For more information please click here.

Cartrophen injections are a commonplace treatment for older dogs who present with arthritis.  This treatment can assist with joint mobility and comfort.  Cartrophen injections are generally given once a week for a one month period and every 6-12 months thereafter.  For more information please click here.