Veterinary Services

Acupuncture and Laser Therapy

Acupuncture is available to all animals by either needle or laser and can be quite complementing to some medical and or surgical treatments. It is performed by Dr Adrienne at both Kuranda and Mareeba clinics. We can use the laser and adjunct treatment for both muscle and tendon issues.

Canine Reproduction

We can help optimise your breeding program by helping with optimal timing of mating, fresh or chilled artificial insemination. Along with optimal timing for caesarean sections if required.

Progesterone testing is available via our in house machines, which means we usually have your result within one hour. This allows us to map your bitch’s cycle and accurately guide you for the optimum time of breeding and caesarean sections.

We offer vaginal inseminations – this involves the collection of the semen from the donor dog, assessment of its quality and insemination into the bitch. We are also able accept chilled semen collected elsewhere for insemination via this method.

Both planned and emergency caesarean sections can be handled with our experience surgical teams at both Kuranda and Mareeba clinics.

Consultations

Our veterinarians consult both at the surgery and in your home for all small animals such as cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, fish and most wildlife. Small ruminants (sheep and goats), alpacas and horses can be examined at either the surgery (yard and stables are available) or at your property.

Cattle can be examined on your truck at the surgery if restrained, or at your property, they are required to be in yards with a crush or race facility.

Wildlife consultations can be performed by the veterinarians and the patients the referred to experienced wildlife carers for rehabilitation as required.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays are utilized on a daily basis particularly in our orthopaedic work-ups and for soft tissue diagnostics. Digital X-rays are available immediately in-house providing same day results. We have portable digital x-ray unit available for equine imaging.

Digital dental x-rays are also available.

Our facilities are registered and are fully compliant with Radiation Safety Standards.

Endoscopy

Our endoscopy unit is invaluable in the diagnosis of conditions of the upper airways, pharynx and oesophagus of horses. It can also be used for respiratory and gastric conditions in dogs and cats too. The unit is portable if facilities at the property are adequate.

We also have a 3-meter Gastroscope available at the Kuranda Surgery for performing gastroscopes on horses to assess amongst other issues for gastric ulcers.

Equine Reproduction

We offer artificial insemination for horses with chilled semen and frozen semen.

The 2019 breeding season saw us complete our first round of Equine Embryo Transfer. This service is now available.

For all equine breeding enquiries please call Kuranda on (07) 4093 7283 or send us an email.

A brief overview of the AI procedure:

• Your mare should be scanned on her first day in season or, if this cannot be determined, at any stage of her cycle. A thorough breeding soundness assessment is conducted to examine the ovaries, uterus, cervix and vulva. This is important to detect any potential breeding problems and is performed at the first scan.
• The mare will be regularly scanned to determine the size of the follicles on her ovaries, which is necessary to establish optimal time for breeding.
• For chilled AI, we will liaise with the stallion owner and order the semen when it is determined to be needed. For chilled semen, we aim to inseminate the mare 12-24 hours prior to ovulation. Frozen semen does not survive as long as chilled semen following insemination, therefore frequent scanning is required to ensure insemination occurs at the time of ovulation. Frozen semen is stored at Kuranda ahead of time.
• Following breeding, the mare is usually given treatments to maximise her chance of conceiving. Post-breeding scans are also performed. Most mares return home within one to two days after breeding.
• A pregnancy scan is performed approximately 14 days after ovulation has occurred.

Pregnancy scans – these can be performed at the clinic or at your property. We routinely perform pregnancy scans for studs, along with pre mating scans to assess the stage of your mares cycle and timing for breeding.

Foals – It is important to have a post foaling check performed on your mare and foal. To check the foal is healthy and has received adequate amounts of colostrum and that your mare is fine after the birthing process.

Our vets are experienced in performing all your breeding needs from pre conception right through to post foaling checks and general foal health.

Equine Dentistry

Our fully trained veterinarians in conjunction with Dr Andrews advanced dentistry skills and knowledge can provide all your equine dentistry needs. Equine dentistry however is much more than just sharp points, and requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy, development and pathology, which only your veterinarian can provide.

Equine dentistry encompasses all aspects of the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any disorders that affect the teeth, oral cavity, mandible, maxilla, and the adjacent structures. We utilise both motorised and hand-powered tools to provide maintenance and preventative dental care to horses of all ages.

Dr Andrew offers advanced equine dentistry treatments and procedures and often accepts referrals from all over North Queensland.