Gv Vets Feature by The Adviser

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PASSIONATE ABOUT PETS… From left, the team at the newly opened GV Vets Clinic & Hospital at 169 Nixon Street in Shepparton, veterinary nurses, Felicity Woods and Sussan Byrne, veterinarians, Brett Davis, Emily Horneman and Frances Jenner, office manager, Sharon Washington and veterinary nurse, Katie Morrison, who are passionate about caring for your furry, feathered and hooved friends. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

The best care for your furry, feathered and hooved friends opened GV Vets Clinic & Hospital at 169 Nixon Street, Shepparton. With over 30 years’ experience in the veterinary field within the Goulburn Valley, the clinic’s three vets, Doctors Frances Jenner, Brett Davis and Emily Horneman

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WHEN the family pet or prized farm animal falls ill or needs a check-up you want to be able to take them to a reliable and friendly veterinary clinic that offers genuine care to both you as the owner and your pet. When it comes to care and experience you simply cannot go past the newly

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Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around

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and their team are all very approachable, friendly and committed to providing excellent care and go above and beyond to support the animals and owners throughout their experience. Continued on back page

Caring for all animals, big and small IT is true that the majority of our patients day to day are dogs, cats, cattle and sheep but the veterinary qualification trains vets in a wide variety of species across the animal kingdom and the team at GV Vets are no strangers to the ‘unusual and exotic’ pets. If you own a rabbit, guinea pig, rat, mouse or ferret (often affectionately called ‘pocket pets’) you are in luck! GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Frances Jenner has a fond focus and a wealth of experience in caring for these little ones. Having owned rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats (and hamsters while living in England!), she understands these pets from both sides of the fence, as an owner and a vet. Frances said, “Smaller animals have their own housing and diet needs. There are special ways to handle and carry them and they have important preventative health care needs, so it is imperative that the vet that treats them has experience with these less common species. “Pocket pets and exotics are all different species and each have their own individual anatomical and medical quirks. Experience and familiarity is the key to working with these animals – being quick off the mark is so important because they typically don’t show obvious signs of pain or illness until they are quite debilitated and we can literally be talking about life and death.” Having experienced pocket pet vets available at GV Vets means clients don’t have to drive to Melbourne to have their pets seen by someone with genuine love, interest and experience in examining and treating these species.

A SPECIALISED FOCUS ON ‘LITTLE ONES’… GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Frances Jenner with Bugsy the rabbit, which is one of the smaller animals that she enjoys treating. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Our philosophy... GV Vets strive to provide the best veterinary care, advice and facilities to owners and their animals. We listen carefully to the expectations and requests of the client to get the best outcome for our patient. The team understands every pet and owner is different

Page 2 – Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around, January 2018. The Adviser

and that some might prefer a scientific medical approach whilst others may prefer a more holistic approach, some may prefer to spend a little less, some may not be bothered by the costs when it comes to the health of their fur baby or prized show cow.

Specialised large animal call-out service WITH a large number of farms across the Goulburn Valley, GV Vets understands the importance of agriculture and livestock to the region and its farmers. The 24 hour service covers an area spanning Toolamba, Tatura, Undera, Nathalia, Numurkah, Invergordon, Katamatite, Tungamah, Devenish, Goorambat, Dookie, Caniambo and Arcadia, but the team will also go the distance required and have travelled as far as Greta, Echuca, Euroa and Yea. GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Brett Davis said, “Predominantly we treat cattle and sheep, and also goats, horses and alpacas but our degree expands across the whole animal kingdom and no challenge is outside the scope of our enthusiastic team. “We are pleased to offer this kind of peace of mind to the farmers of the Goulburn Valley. Whenever you call us you know you will receive a high level of service from an experienced vet. “This service is predominantly utilised for calvings, pregnancy testing (including ultrasound pregnancy testing), reproductive advice including synchrony and joining programs, mastitis investigations, down cow management, on farm surgery such as twisted stomachs/LDAs, caesareans, hernias, eye cancer removals, wound management, ovine brucellosis accreditation, JDCAP accreditation, horse colics, geldings, biosecurity management to name a few. We also have a comprehensive product and medication range and delivery service available to go that extra mile.” SPECIALISED SERVICE… GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Brett Davis visiting a prized dairy cow from International Dairy Week during a farm visit. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

What we offer... • Consultation 6 days a week • 24 hour emergency service • Online bookings • Farm visits and home visits • Cattle pregnancy testing • Digital X-ray • Ultrasound • Ultrasonic dental cleaning • Operating theatre, sterile surgical suite • In-house blood testing facilities

• Additional diagnostic facilities for skin, lumps, urinalysis and faecal testing etc • On-site pharmacy • Sterile prep, nurses station and treatment areas

• Full product range of flea, worm and heartworm prevention, dental needs, quality veterinary food, prescription diets and treats • Puppy school • Facebook Q&A

Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around, January 2018. The Adviser – Page 3

Vet care like you haven’t experienced before IT IS so important that your pet feels comfortable and at ease when visiting the vet. That’s why the team at GV Vets place so much importance on their high standard of care towards a comforting experience for both owners and their pets. When you walk through the doors at their new clinic at 169 Nixon Street in Shepparton, the staff’s aim is to provide a warm, home-away-from-home feel. There are ways GV Vets can approach and interact with all animals to help them feel safer

and happier within the clinic environment. There are little tricks and techniques for any species that the team at GV Vets can use to make the vet visit less stressful. GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Frances Jenner said, “There are usually two types of pets. Those that love coming to the vet and some think the pats, treats and new friends make it the best outing ever. Then there is the other sort, that are deep down lovely, happy, friendly pets but can sense ‘something is going on’ and come to the vet ranging from a little shy and cautious to completely freaking out. We want to be able to provide excellent care and that requires thorough examination.” A HAPPY ENVIRONMENT… GV Vets takes pride in offering a fear free environment for all pets that come into the clinic. Veterinarian, Emily Horneman and veterinary nurse, Katie Morrison with Lacey the Cairn Terrier. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Your journey with GV Vets RECEPTION/WAITING

• A comfortable and homely space with a welcoming feel • Friendly and knowledgeable staff who have a strong focus on customer service

CONSULT

• Fear free approach to help animals feel safe

• Vets are experienced, knowledgeable, caring and passionate • Provide preventative care (eg. Vaccinations, flea worm and heart worm treatment) and wellness and illness consultations • Emergencies, snake bite, hit by car, poisening, etc

EQUIPMENT

• Time and effort has gone into choosing reliable equipment to use for our diagnostic procedures and quality products available on our shelves

SURGERY/PROCEDURES

• Routine day procedures - desexing, lump removals, wound management, dental scale and polish • Reproductive services - AI, pregnancy ultrasound and caesareans. • More involved surgeries – fracture repair, tumour removals, eye, ear and nose procedures • Hospitalisation, nursing care and after care

Top tips to make your vet visit less stressful THERE are some pets who may get a little stressed about leaving the comfort of home to go and see the vet. Here are some useful tips from the team at GV Vets to help make the trip easier. Make an effort to COME IN AND SAY HI with your pet – for no reason other than to let them have a pat and be fed some treats in the waiting room.

SKIP FEEDING BREAKFAST

on the day of your vet visit so they are keen to take the treats during the consult and associate the visit with yummy food!

DISCUSS ANXIETY AND STRESS with your vet, especially

if your pet gets upset or worked up. WALK dogs to the vet clinic so they enjoy their walk and use up some energy before coming in.

Visit our new veterinary clinic at 169 Nixon Street, Shepparton, visit gvvets.com.au, find ‘gvvets’ on Facebook or phone 5878 1144.

Page 4 – Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around, January 2018. The Adviser

Meet the team...

Veterinarian

with Terrier X, Scout.

with Hungarian Viszla, Layla. ORIGINALLY from Tongala, Brett was born and raised right here in the Goulburn Valley. Having worked in the veterinary industry for the past 15 years, Brett’s love for his role came from growing up on a dairy farm. Initially wanting to be a farmer, a little encouragement from important people led him to follow the veterinary path. After gaining experience in the UK and across Northern Victoria, Brett has settled in the area with his young family, wife, Fi, and children, Reuben (6), Lachie (4) and Alby (3). Brett said, “I am a strong supporter of the agricultural industry and youth in agriculture. I try to support the industry by helping out with career days (particularly at Shepparton High School and have done so for many years) as well as helping out with events at the University of Melbourne in Dookie. “Every day is different and brings all sorts of different challenges. The variety of being able to go out on farm one day and work inside in the surgery on another is great. The stories I get to tell my kids about all the different fun things I get to do each day, like ‘sticking my hand in a cow’s guts,’ are awesome! “I love being a vet. It’s fun. There are obviously times that are tough, particularly when it comes to saying goodbye to a loved pet. But these moments are very significant in the life of a pet owner and being able to help pets and their owners through these difficult times can be very touching and at the end of the day, you know you are doing something to help prevent suffering. On the flip side to this, genuinely saving a life is one of the best things about being a vet.”

with Chicken, Louise. HAVING grown up on a hobby farm in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Emily spent most of her childhood surrounded by cows, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and horses along with the myriad of other wild and wonderful critters she was forever finding and bringing home, much to the dismay of her mother. Emily’s parents nurtured her curiosity and supported her decision to pursue agricultural school in Des Moines, Iowa in the USA, which then morphed into an honours degree in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. After completing a short course on game capture and preservation in South Africa, she decided the world was so much more interesting and much smaller than she imagined and continuing her studies at Guelph seemed boring. Emily made the decision to set off for Australia, choosing Murdoch University in Perth as her home during her vet studies. Emily said, “With only inner city jobs going when I graduated in 2010, I bought a one way ticket to the east coast and have been in the Goulburn Valley ever since. “One of the things I love most about being a vet is we get things done! And the awesome bit about modern day practice is it’s often all under one roof! “My aim is to ensure each owner experiences a long, healthy and loving relationship with their pet, regardless of the age, breed or species. “Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray and ultrasound) has always been my passion and I continue to pursue additional training in this field. “Although I have no pets myself, I have a faithful following of surrogate children who I treat like my own.”

Dr Frances Jenner FRANCES will always think of Beechworth as her childhood home and while she has also lived in Melbourne and England, for the past nine years, she has called Shepparton home. Frances & her husband, Jeremy, and children, Ayana and Jack live on a hobby farm which has been home to dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, horses, cattle, sheep and a goat many of which were surrendered, adopted or just needed a place to call home. Inheriting a keen interest in medicine, surgery and diagnostics from her GP father and combining it with a passion for animal care, led Frances to complete her veterinary course at Melbourne University. “The corny one-liner of ‘I love animals’ absolutely applies to me, but it’s more than that – I love the way pets and animals in our lives make life more fun! We learn patience, kindness and leadership. They teach us how to care for another and give trust and unconditional love back in return. “When an owner is worried about their pet, it is wholly satisfying to be able to work out what is going on, to be able to provide options for owners to treat or cure a problem, and in turn provide comfort and quality of life for the animal. It is a hard job being the voice for animals sometimes, to explain what they are feeling, that they can feel pain or be stressed or anxious but the crux of it is I love being a vet and don’t deny that if I won Tattslotto tomorrow, I’d still be working as a vet.

Dr Brett Davis

Page 5 – Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around, January 2018. The Adviser

Dr Emily Horneman

Veterinary Nurse

with Beagle, Roxy.

with Ferret, Maggie.

with Kitten, Brashii.

Felicity Woods ORIGINALLY from Shepparton, Felicity lives in Kialla with her husband, James, two beagles (Bandit and Dottie) and two cats (Cricket and Tigger). Felicity has worked in the veterinary industry for the past five years and has had a love for animals all her life, having owned many and worked in various animal industries including pet shops, pet sitting and dairy calf rearing. Felicity said, “I love that there is always something new to learn. “I love being able to help animals and I enjoy helping them feel better and recover from illness, get well after an injury or generally improve their quality of life. “There is no doubt that assisting or advising on euthanasia is the hardest part of the job for me. I have been known to shed a tear with an owner when it is time to say goodbye to a very special pet. “It brightens my day every time when a patient comes in (usually an emergency) that you really fear might not make it, but through hard work and with awesome vets, little by little you play a part in nursing that animal back to recovery and you can smile with the owners on the day you get to send them home.”

Sussan Byrne H AV I NG grown up locally, it’s easy to see how much love Sussan has for animals…all you would have to do is visit her home and meet her Kelpie X Xena, two rabbits and two beautiful big Maine Coon cats, Kookie and Malaca. Sussan has been nursing for 10 years having finished her qualifications in 2007 and now travels far and wide with consulting surgeon, Dr Andrew Jacotine doing advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures as his surgical nurse. She gets her dose of general practice and ‘pocket pets’ on her days at GV Vets. In her spare time, Sussan is an avid car enthusiast and heavily into Muay Thai Kickboxing. Sussan said, “I enjoy nursing because animals never argue with you. You show them love, patience, trust and care and most of the time you get it right back. It’s very rewarding. “The most memorable surgery I have ever undertaken would have to be removing a fifth leg from a calf’s back! That really was awesome.”

Katie Morrison KATIE grew up on her family’s dairy farm and as a kid, loved helping her dad with the cows and calves. Katie has been a vet nurse for 11 years, completing her veterinary nursing certificate IV qualification in 2009 and has had experience across several veterinary clinics. She is currently working at both Numurkah and GV Vets. Katie said, “One of my favourite moments at work was when two little grey kittens were surrendered needing a carer - now, 10 years later, Sooty and Sweep live in Stanhope with me and my partner, Nathan, Mutley the Staffy, Pumba the naughty ginger kitty and Manu the frog! “I love the unusual stuff, like when frogs and reptiles and ‘pocket pets’ come to the clinic. “What I love most about my job is sending pets home happy after being unwell or after having recovered from major surgery. I love seeing the smiles on the owner’s face when they get their much loved pet back.”

Sharon Washington Office Manager

BEING Shepparton born and bred, Sharon has been working in the veterinary industry for 17 years. After completing many years in dental nursing, she was looking for a change in scenery and took up the opportunity to work in the veterinary industry. Sharon said, “I have several pets of my own and they are a big part of our family at home. I appreciate that owners have a special bond with their respective pets and it is important that we provide the best service and support we can to ensure that all animals are healthy.”

Visit our new veterinary clinic at 169 Nixon Street, Shepparton, visit gvvets.com.au, find ‘gvvets’ on Facebook or phone 5878 1144.

Special GV Vets Grand Opening Wrap-Around, January 2018. The Adviser – Page 6

GV Vets … where clever pets take their people FRANCES said, “One thing we pride ourselves on is our dedication to providing the highest possible care, compassion and empathy to all that come through the door. “We offer friendly professional service, quality advice, a comprehensive product range and online appointment bookings. Many owners prefer the opportunity to continue to see the same vet consistently with a team who will get to know you and your animals personally.” The GV Vets team has compassion and a genuine passion for what they do. “We are vets and nurses who love our jobs and have a drive and enthusiasm for finding the answers. The inner detective is always trying to find clues and look for answers. We run tests to solve the mystery on why the animal is unwell or sore or itchy etc. We are then excited when answers are found and a treatment plan can be made to get the patient back to fine health. “Our clinic offers a comfortable, homely and welcoming setting and we have a slow and steady approach to build trust and reduce the fear factor with your little loved one… oh, and of course we offer treats, treats and more treats… a little bribery goes a long way. “Our friendly staff look forward to welcoming you into our brand new home

CARE AND KNOWLEDGE… GV Vets office manager, Sharon Washington assisting a local resident and her puppy, Meko the Maltese Terrier at the newly opened GV Vets in Shepparton. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

in Nixon Street which combines a relaxed atmosphere with state-of-the-art veterinary equipment to provide the best care for your pets” Brett said, “Our approach is about listening and striving for the best outcome and giving both the animal and the owner the best journey on the way. “We aim to offer a high standard of farm veterinary services aiming to stay cutting edge whilst also focusing on the production and economics of the farming industry. “We also like to support local students who aspire to careers in agriculture and the veterinary industry. I grew up on a dairy

farm and have spent a good chunk of the last six months working closely with Dr. Rob Bonanno at Coomboona Holsteins (one of the country’s largest corporate dairies and Holstein stud farms) both of which have re-enforced a good foundation of understanding when it comes to seeing things from the other side of the fence in relation to veterinary work on dairy farms.” If you haven’t already had the chance to take your furry, feathered or hooved friend to see the team at GV Vets, drop in and say hello at 169 Nixon Street, Shepparton, visit gvvets.com.au, find ‘gvvets’ on Facebook or phone 5878 1144.

Treat your pet in the comfort of your home PERHAPS one of the most important services offered by the experienced and warm team at GV Vets is their home visits. Whether you own a Great Dane that is too hard to get in the car, an elderly cat who stresses during the drive to the clinic, a dog who gets car sick, or have a multi-pet household, the convenience of GV Vet’s home visits will help put your mind at ease. GV Vets veterinarian, Dr Frances Jenner said, “There are many positives in choosing to have one of our vets come to you. It can be less stressful for your pets; some pets are fearful when they come to the vet but are happy and normal at home. The home setting also allows the vet to observe an animal in their own space which can give additional helpful information (especially for behavioural troubleshooting). When it comes time to put a pet to sleep, many would like to have the privacy of a vet coming to their own home for the comfort of the family as well as the patient. “We particularly like to be able to provide the service for seniors,

people with disabilities, owners with work pressures, new babies or young families who find coordinating everyone including the pets to get to an appointment very difficult. “We are happy to make arrangements to drop off food or medications on special request if an owner is having trouble making it to the clinic. “There are some drawbacks of a home visit though. Home visits do cost more than a routine consult at the clinic (usually based on distance to drive and how long the consultation takes). Sometimes animals will still need to come into the clinic if further examination, tests or treatments are required and sometimes owners have to come into the clinic to collect prescription food, medications etc. as recommended by the vet. “While home visits are not ideal for emergencies (as all the equipment, medication and nursing assistance needed in an emergency situation is within arm’s reach at the clinic) there are times when this service is the best choice for you and your pet.”