Our May Newsletter

Celebrating One Year of Dr Pey at Middle Brighton Vets

This month marks one year since Dr Pey took the reins at Middle Brighton Vets, and what a year it’s been!

Her dedication to patient care, client relationships, and staff support has made a lasting impact—and it shows every day in the happy pets, happy clients, and happy team we’re fortunate to have.

Dr Pey is more than just a brilliant vet—she’s a compassionate leader, a thoughtful mentor, and a driving force behind our continuous growth. She leads by example, always encouraging us to learn, laugh, and look after each other (and our furry friends) with kindness and care.

Here’s to you, Dr Pey!

Thank you for an incredible first year. We’re excited for many more to come, filled with continued care, connection, and community.

‍Penny the Cocker Spaniel: Our Viral Superstar!

We’re wagging with pride as we share the incredible rise to stardom of one of our beloved patients—Penny the Cocker Spaniel!

With her stunning green eyes, signature floppy ears, and a wardrobe full of adorable outfits, Penny has stolen hearts across the globe. In under two months, she’s amassed over 50 million views online, becoming a viral sensation—and we’re not surprised!

Penny’s sweet nature and show-stopping style have made her a social media favorite, and now she’s made the leap from screens to studio with her TV debut on The Morning Show. You can catch her segment using the link below and see for yourself why the world can’t get enough of this glamorous girl.

Whether she’s striking a pose in her adorable outfits or melting hearts with those soulful eyes, Penny reminds us of the joy and charm our furry friends bring into our lives every day.

Follow her adventures on social media: @its_princesspenny on all platforms.

Go Penny! We’re so proud to be part of your journey.

Multi-skilled medics: Inside our vet team's secret talents

‍One of our favourite things about our veterinary team is the wide variety of medical skills that we get to learn and practice. We think you might be surprised by some of the things we can do behind the scenes, so please pardon us while we toot our own horns about a few of our cool professional proficiencies!

Calculating fluid doses

When unwell animals present to us, we use a variety of physical parameters to estimate their potential degree of dehydration – these include checks of their gums, skin elasticity and pulses. Using these signs and their body weight, we can then gauge what volume of fluid they need for healthy rehydration. This deficit is gradually replenished via drinking, careful syringe or tube feeding, fluid injections under their skin, or intravenous fluids (i.e. a drip).

Ultrasound-guided cystocentesis

How do we get urine samples when animals just won’t wee for us? We can use a technique called ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. This involves using an ultrasound scanner to visualise your pet’s bladder, so we can carefully pass a fine, sterile needle through their tummy wall and directly into their bladder to collect urine.

Checking cranial drawer

If your pet suddenly develops a very sore knee, you may see us holding just above and below their knee joint and trying to wiggle it a bit. This is a technique called “checking for cranial drawer”, and it helps us assess for looseness associated with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Many pets with torn cruciate ligaments will require sedation to be relaxed enough for this technique (as their injury may be just too sore).

Performing dental nerve blocks

Just like human dentists, we can use our anatomical knowledge to administer numbing local anaesthetic injections around specific nerve locations in your pet’s mouth. This means that we can minimise discomfort from tooth extractions as much as possible.

We’re proud of all the amazing services our team can provide, and we hope it gives you peace of mind that your pet is in good professional hands.

Animal News In Brief

New study tackles obesity in Labradors and Golden Retrievers

A University of Queensland study is investigating why Labradors and Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity. Researchers are exploring if genetics affect their appetite and how improved diets can help manage their weight. Dr Jacquie Rand says obesity significantly reduces dogs’ lifespan, adding, "Even being slightly overweight can dramatically shorten their life."

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

Popular Noosa surfing dog, Rama, hangs up his board

Rama, the beloved surfing Border Collie from Noosa, is retiring after years as the face of the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Owner Chris de Aboitiz says Rama brought joy and inspiration to many, and while Rama won’t compete anymore, he’ll still be seen catching waves casually. “He’s been the best companion you could wish for," de Aboitiz shared.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

From TV fame to farm mum: Liz the muster dog has puppies

Liz, the crowd-favourite from ABC’s Muster Dogs, has traded TV stardom for motherhood, giving birth to nine pups in Monto. Known for her sharp instincts and calm nature, Liz now applies those same skills to raising her wriggly brood. "She's so patient with them - you can tell she was born to be a mum too," said owner Graeme McKnight.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

Understanding heart disease in dogs with MMVD

‍In many cases of MMVD (myxomatous mitral valve disease, the most common acquired heart problem seen in dogs), our vets can detect tell-tale abnormal heart sounds, known as heart murmurs, early in the course of the disease. This means that the patient can then be monitored for the development of any symptoms.

However, in some cases, affected dogs may present unwell with heart disease symptoms despite no known prior history of heart problems.

Here’s how we can help.

What is MMVD?

MMVD involves progressive degeneration of the mitral valve within the heart. This causes turbulent blood flow and a gradual loss of effective heart pumping function, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Breathing difficulties or coughing due to fluid build-up in the lungs
• Fainting episodes due to inadequate blood flow around the body
• A swollen tummy due to fluid build-up in the abdomen

MMVD most commonly affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but is also often seen in other middle-aged to older small breed dogs such as Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles.

From the time a heart murmur develops, it can be months to several years until the pet progresses to having symptoms of heart disease.

How can we help?

If we diagnose a heart murmur suggestive of MMVD in your pet, we will advise you on how to monitor your pet at home, and when they will be recommended to have rechecks or undergo further investigation (such as chest X-rays to check their heart size).

If your pet presents with symptoms of heart-related unwellness, we will ideally confirm their diagnosis with chest X-rays (and in some cases, referral to a specialist for a heart ultrasound), before discussing treatment options with you. The good news is that there are medications that will help to manage your pet’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.

For more information on canine MMVD, consult our caring veterinary team.

What dog owners should know about prostate problems

‍Did you know that male dogs have a prostate gland? Because many owners are not aware of the potential for prostate problems in dogs, we’re providing the down-low on common issues “down there”!

Where is the prostate gland?

The prostate sits within the pelvic canal of male dogs, near the neck (opening) of the bladder. It wraps around the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

What are common prostate issues in male dogs?

The most common issue affecting the prostate in dogs is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) – this is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs due to the influence of testosterone in undesexed male dogs.

Other prostatic diseases seen in dogs include cysts, prostatitis or prostatic abscesses (caused by bacterial infection), and prostatic tumours.

What are the symptoms of prostate disease?

Most prostate diseases lead to enlargement of the gland, which can then cause constriction of the urethra, making urination difficult and potentially painful. A very enlarged prostate gland may even press up against the colon within the confines of the pelvis, causing the dog to have difficulty passing faeces.

Depending on the underlying disease process, some pets may also become lethargic, show signs of pain, or pass blood-tinged urine.

Can prostate issues be treated?

Prostatic diseases that are triggered by testosterone, such as BPH, can be treated with desexing or managed with implants of a medication that temporarily alters the dog’s hormones. Desexing also effectively prevents BPH in dogs.

Cysts and abscesses require surgical treatment, and infections need long courses of antibiotics.

Prostatic cancers can often only be treated palliatively, with the patient being medicated to maintain their comfort for as long as possible, rather than being cured. Fortunately, these are not common.

For more information on prostate diseases in male dogs or the health benefits of desexing, consult our knowledgeable vets.

‍