Deja vu
Admin Team
Nothing like a eye full of spit and grass to help your enjoy your Saturday afternoon. Pat loved his high school work placement with YVV so much he came back and got a job! We are lucky to have you!
My Journey with the Yass Valley Veterinary began back in 2012 when I approached the clinic for a high school placement. After much discussion and promising that I’d be on my best behaviour I was given a chance to come for 2 weeks placement during the winter school holidays.
I was quickly immersed in the life of clinic, holding anxious dogs, being thrown into the air by a horse during a dental and assisting with a difficult calving. What I appreciated most about the placement was that despite my obvious lack of coordination and knowledge I was accepted as part of the team and thrown into the fray.
One specific case comes to mind when I think about my school placement time with YVV. It was a busy afternoon and Stuart had just received a call that an alpaca was struggling to give birth. (Known as an unpacking I soon learnt). We jumped into the car and sped out straight away. While I had seen calvings and lambings before this was a different matter entirely. When Alpacas are unpacking, they tend to imitate a person in excruciating pain, and this one was performing like something out of a horror film.
Unphased Stuart dived in and extricated one leg, then another and that is when we hit our first hurdle. The Cria’s extremely long neck was bent around over its back and there seemed to no hope in hades that the little fella’s head was going to come out. Stuart however knew better and was able with significant effort to twist the cria out of the womb. The little monster of a Cria appeared quite dazed in the winter sun but was soon sitting up and looking for mum.
8 years later I was starting one of my first weekends on call with great trepidation. As the Saturday morning shift came to a close, I was informed by reception that there was an alpaca unpacking! I packed the car and hit the road with a vague idea of the address, heading into an area with no reception. After an hour of bush-bashing and several attempted phone calls with the owner, I arrived at the destination to find a herd of 200 alpacas in the sheep yards. We found our struggling hembra (female alpaca) and set to work extracting the cria.
The little macho (male alpaca) was well and truly stuck with his head bent around over his back and only the left leg showing. I reached in and carefully pulled the right leg up and before I knew it the little fella whipped the left leg back in! With memories of 8 years of ago fresh in my mind I knew I had a trick up my sleeve. I quickly returned the right leg into the womb creating the space to swing his head around and up into the summer air. It wasn’t long after that the little fella was out and trying to stand.
As I stooped to assist him a clod of spit and grass landed a direct hit between my eyes! I looked up to see that the culprit was the cria’s mother who wasn’t taking to kindly to my interference and on that bomb shell it was time to leave.
Spring brings longer days and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. While the warmer weather is exciting, it also brings seasonal hazards that can put curious dogs and cats at risk. Across New South Wales, spring means increased snake activity, parasites, blooming plants and seasonal allergens. Knowing what to look out for can help keep your pet safe. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re passionate about preventative care and helping pets stay healthy all year round. Why Spring Can Be Risky for Pets Warmer weather encourages pets to spend more time outdoors, but it also creates ideal conditions for seasonal hazards. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, parasites increase, and gardens fill with plants and products that may be harmful to pets. Even pollen and grasses can trigger allergies in some animals. Protecting your pet during spring can help: Reduce the risk of snake bites Prevent parasite infestations Avoid accidental poisoning Keep skin and ears healthy Enjoy safer outdoor adventures Common Backyard Hazards to Watch For Many spring hazards are easy to overlook until they become a problem. Common risks include: Snakes in long grass, bushland and gardens Ticks, fleas and worms Seasonal allergies caused by pollen and grasses Toxic plants, fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits Grass seeds and other hazards hidden in long grass If you notice your pet becoming unwell after spending time outdoors, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. How to Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your pet’s risk. Some easy ways to protect your pet include: Keep parasite prevention up to date. Avoid long grass where snakes may be hiding. Check your pet after walks for ticks, grass seeds or injuries. Keep toxic plants and garden chemicals out of reach. Supervise pets while they’re exploring the backyard. Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears unwell. Even small changes can make a big difference to your pet’s health and safety. When to Seek Veterinary Care Prompt treatment is essential if your pet has been exposed to a seasonal hazard. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet: May have been bitten by a snake Has eaten a toxic plant or garden chemical Shows signs of weakness or collapse Has difficulty breathing Vomits repeatedly Develops severe swelling or allergic reactions Early treatment often leads to the best possible outcome. Prevention is the Best Protection Many spring emergencies can be prevented with regular health checks and year-round preventative care. During your pet’s annual examination, your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate parasite prevention, discuss seasonal risks in your area and help you prepare for a safe spring. A little preparation now can help keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the season. FAQs: Hidden Dangers in Your Backyard This Spring Can pets get seasonal allergies? Yes. Pollen and grasses commonly cause itchy skin, ear infections and irritated paws in both dogs and cats. What should I do if I suspect a snake bite? Keep your pet calm and seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. How often should I use parasite prevention? Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation based on your pet’s lifestyle and the parasites common in your local area. Are garden products dangerous for pets? Yes. Fertilisers, herbicides and snail baits can all be toxic if ingested, so they should always be stored safely and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. How can I make my backyard safer this spring? Keep grass short, remove toxic plants where possible, maintain parasite prevention, supervise outdoor play and regularly check your pet after spending time outside. Keep Your Pet Safe This Spring with East Doncaster Vet Hospital Spring is one of the best times of year to get outdoors with your pet, but it’s also important to stay aware of the seasonal hazards that come with warmer weather. Whether you need advice on parasite prevention, seasonal allergies or spring safety, our experienced veterinary team is here to help. Contact Yass Valley Veterinary today to book a health check and help your pet enjoy a safe and healthy spring.
Learn how to keep your dog or cat's teeth healthy with simple dental care tips and preventative advice.
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