Dr Paula Williams

27/03/2024

Easter 🐣 Hours
Please be aware that WestVETS will be open for EMERGENCIES only over Easter Weekend (Friday-Monday). If you have an emergency, please listen carefully to the afterhours message when you call the clinic on 3202 7300 so you are directed to the correct person that can help you. Our on-call veterinarians will be available at both our Marburg and Anstead clinics to assist you and your animals.

Please be aware that in the current times, WestVETS is still offering an afterhours service. Our veterinarians will be increasingly busy as less veterinary hospitals offer emergency services therefore we ask that you remember to be patient and leave a message if you can’t get hold of our veterinarians so we can triage your calls.

We have an ambulatory emergency service however in some instances we may ask you to bring your horse into the clinic. This allows us to see more horses in a shorter amount time resulting in a lower cost for you. As fewer equine veterinarians are able to offer an afterhours service, our on-call veterinarians are trying to assist as many animals as they can. We understand that it may be stressful to move your horse in an emergency and our veterinarians will discuss with you the options that they can offer you.

26/03/2024

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.
If you think your horse has cellulitis or even if you’re not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help, promptly. Your vet will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.



American Association of Equine Practitioners

21/09/2023

24/08/2023

FALSE❗️

Many owners are understandably worried about withholding feed overnight if you suspect your horse has ulcers. Fasting your horse overnight for gastroscopy will not cause ulcers to develop. We know this because we scope hundreds of horses who have completely normal stomachs after being fasted overnight. A study also demonstrated that overnight feed restrction was not associated with gastric disease (Husted et al, 2009).

Our practice also offers a convenient MOBILE gastroscope service and we can perform scopes from as early as 5am on your property to minimise the time your horse is fasted and any stress related to transport to a clinic.

The reason your horse needs to be fasted is so we can fully visualise most of the stomach to check for gastric disease in both the upper (squamous) and lower (glandular) portions. The presence of excess feed material can obscure parts of the stomach, making it difficult to reach a diagnosis.

To enquire about our mobile gastroscope service, send us a message or book online.

0427 072 095

https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Husted, L., Sanchez, L.C., Baptiste, K.E. and Olsen, S.N., 2009. Effect of a feed/fast protocol on pH in the proximal equine stomach. Equine veterinary journal, 41(7), pp.658-662.

22/08/2023

With a vet shortage looming, how can owners ease the strain? A significant tipping point for many vets is ‘after-hours’….caring for clients during regular business hours and then being on call for emergencies ‘after-hours’ every night of the week. American Association of Equine Practitioners

27/07/2023

We couldn’t have done it without Radincon! Thanks for you generous sponsorship, the equipment, the wonderful Jim Woods and Jon’s moral support. Thank you so much ❤

26/07/2023

Foaling season is upon us! Is your foaling kit ready to go? Hot Tip: Save your vets after hours number in your phone! American Association of Equine Practitioners

17/07/2023

20/06/2023

If you have owned your horse for more than 12 months & are over 18, you are eligible to take part in this valuable research to benefit all horses. A University of Melbourne Masters project is researching the use, health & behaviour of horses as they move between homes. Complete the survey 👇
https://ow.ly/Uxjx50OSknB

18/06/2023

4 weeks from now… vets and farriers will be looking at cases together . We have some great cases lined up for this team approach.Book NOW to avoid disappointment- places are going like hot cakes!
Cant wait to see you there!

The VET FARRIER WORKSHOP featuring the renowned Farrier Derek Gardner AWCF is filling up fast.

15 & 16 July 2023 - Novotel Sunshine Coast & Kilcoy Racecourse. Huge days with both theory & full day of practical. Imaging, live dissections & more.

Register now👇
https://bit.ly/3VxzfV4

Thanks to our GOLD sponsors: Mustad Australia & Radincon - Specialist Medical Imaging