When it rains, It pours!
Admin Team
For Loren, one of our Senior Vet Nurses some days are better then others. But she sure shows us why she loves her position here with YVV!
My journey began with Yass Valley Veterinary as a trainee vet nurse almost 6 years ago & I have no hesitation in saying that it’s the best & most emotional adventure I could have expected. I love what I do & there isn’t a week that goes by that I haven’t left work without gaining new experiences, new knowledge, strengths & never without feeling either joy or sadness through patients who have touched my heart. There’s no denying that in a mixed practice hospital like ours there is no 2 days ever the same, each day you turn up to work & you will never be certain where or you might end up before the day ends – that’s one of the things I love most about nursing.
Thinking about this always takes me back to a day earlier in my time at Yass Valley Veterinary. I was an eager trainee nurse & always keen to jump in to do anything, this particular winters day was warm & mild, I had been working away in the clinic all morning doing the usual endless cleaning, preparing & recovering patients from surgery, treating hospital patients, puppy vaccinations, farewelling 4 legged loved ones & negotiating my way around the occasional snappy & unhappy patient. After lunch bought all new excitement to me, one of the vets were preparing to head out on an
out call & they needed a nurse. I eagerly helped get all the equipment ready, packed the car & off we went - little did I know how much my naive mind would be expanded as I learned (literally) about the “ins & outs” of what’s involved fertility testing 30 bulls, I’m a lot more experience with it now but we don’t need to go into that right now… please!
We were running a little late by the time we finished, it was starting to get dark & a nasty looking storm was on the way, we were pleased to be finished just in time. We started our 45-minute drive back to the clinic & as we reached phone reception we found a few missed calls from the clinic, we called back to discover that there was a heifer having trouble calving close by (but still so far from the clinic). We briskly turned the vehicle around & off we went to find the property, we started driving through the paddocks in search of the cattle yards & owner when it started to absolutely pour down with rain & the thunder rumbled through the ground. I was filled with adrenaline to see my first calving, which was probably in my favour because it distracted me from the drenching rain. But! Within no time things had escalated quickly & I found myself seeing my first ever cow caesarean instead. There was very little time for any strategy plans or instructions from the vet as we were all too busy shivering & being saturated straight through to the skin, so I had to learn everything on the fly. I’m please to say that cow caesareans seem a lot more natural to me now then what I was feeling that day, I definitely got a whole new insight into the inside of a cow’s abdomen & when the vet asked you to hold EVERYTHING in while they stitch up, they really, really mean HOLD everything in! ...it took everything I physically had to hold "IT" in! Some might call me mad, but I recall thinking ‘how cool is this!’
I still remember my feeling of confusion when the calf was whisked out through the abdomen & draped over the cattle yard fence by its hind legs, I soon realised it was obviously to help drain all the fluid from his lungs. Once the stitch up process was well underway, I had the task of removing the calf from the fence to dry him down & get him moving - this was easier said than done! I might also add that it was still pouring with ice cold rain & It’s quite difficult to drag a soggy, lanky calf off the top rail of a cattle yard fence. Towels were in short supply, so I found myself reaching for anything remotely absorbent - overalls, our own dry, spare clothes & jackets, whatever I could find. As we were finishing up the rain & thunder was kind enough to ease off so mum & calf could recover in peace. With well-earned success upon us we left the property for our long, tired drive home, feeling saturated, frozen & hungry.
After the
grueling clean-up of all the gear & surgery packs back in the clinic it was finally home time. I treated myself to some cheeky McDonalds drive through on my way home followed by a hot shower & sleep so I could get up before the sun rises in the morning to do it all again - if that doesn’t sound like fun to you then that’s ok, we seem to be a different breed of human to some.
I’ve had many more exhausting shifts since then & although it leaves me feeling completely over done sometimes there’s always the significant better moments that get me through every time. Plus! I never forget the amazing people I get to work beside every day that make the hard times more bearable & the good times that much more amazing.
It’s all in a day’s work, we aren’t patting puppies & kittens all day!
It’s not the money we are here for, we each have our own unique reasons for doing what we do in this fast paced industry. But I can confidently say the one thing that we all feel in common is the appreciation that we can make a difference in an animals life & be an advocate for them when they can’t speak for themselves.
The pet wellness program designed to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. At Yass Valley Veterinary, we’re excited to introduce Supertails, the pet wellness program designed to make it easier (and more affordable) to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. What is Supertails? Supertails is a simple monthly membership that gives you unlimited vet consults plus discounts on everyday services and preventative care. It’s all about providing peace of mind, affordability, and the very best care for your furry family members. Why Join Supertails? Unlimited vet consults – no extra cost for those “just in case” visits. Exclusive member discounts on routine services like dental, desexing, and vaccinations. Peace of mind knowing you can prioritise your pet’s health without worrying about the bill. Better preventative care with regular visits that catch issues early. Supertails makes it easier to say “yes” to the care your pet deserves.
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.
