Treating Heartworm on the Central Coast

• The vet will clip the fur around the surgery site.
• Your pet will receive a blood test.  
• The vet will provide a check-up – they’ll perform vitals, checking heart rate, temperature, pulse, mucus membranes & respiratory rate.
• Your pet will undergo sedation to keep them calm, which includes pain relief.
• The vet will place a catheter.
• The vet will hook your pet up to IV fluids to help manage their blood pressure & recovery.
• Your pet will undergo surgery with a nurse monitoring the anaesthetic.
• The surgical procedure may include sutures in the skin.
• Your pet will be placed in a heated bed & monitored by nurses when waking.
• Your pet will likely be admitted in the morning; most are discharged in the afternoon if stable.
• Your nurse or vet will provide a discharge form with printed instructions.
• Monitor your pet after the procedure & attend any follow-up appointments.

• As we’re not open 24 hours, we refer pets elsewhere for overnight monitoring so someone is available to intervene as needed.
• Your pet may require ongoing medication through the night such as pain relief & antibiotics. 
• Your pet may not be stable enough to go home & will need 24/7 monitoring by veterinary professionals.
• Basic care – toileting, rotating & check drip lines.
• Your pet will be transferred back to us in the morning if stable.

• The vet will give your pet a sedative to relax & reduce stress & anxiety. 
• The vet/nurse will place a catheter in to allow vein access.
• You will be asked to complete & sign a consent form to euthanise your pet. 
• After the procedure, the vet will provide funeral options – home burial, group cremation or private cremation.
• You will also have the option to be present throughout the entire procedure. 
• The vet will go through the process & the possible effects that may occur due to the process. 
• The vet will use an overdose of anaesthetic. 
• The vet will check your pet’s heart to confirm death before organising post-procedure arrangements. 
• You can take some time with your pet before you go home. 
• You can pre-organise consent & decisions for the funeral before you get to the clinic. 

• Log onto petregistry.nsw.gov.au – you will need to register.
• Your details will need to match what is currently on the register. Same name, phone numbers etc. If details are different from those already entered on the registry, you will need to present them to the council or pound to update.
• Add the 15-digit chip number when prompted.
• You will then be able to update basic details – mobile, address.
• If it’s a change of owner:           

i. You will need to fill out a C3A change of ownership form.

ii. The previous owner will need to sign, as well as the new owner.

iii. If you cannot obtain a signature from the previous owner, a Statuary Declaration form signed by a J.P. would be required for council.

• Reminders are sent via email & text message.
• Our friendly staff can call if this does not go through via email or SMS.
• Vaccinations are due at the same time each year, so you can write a reminder on your calendar or phone.
• Usually coincides with your pet’s birthday.
• If it has been more than 12 months since the last vaccination, your pet will be due for more.

• A product that covers paralysis ticks, fleas, intestinal worms & potentially heartworm e.g., Nexgard Spectra.
• One that is given on time religiously & that the animal accepts. 
• One that’s easy for you to administer.  
• Topical vs. oral – again, depending on circumstances. How often does the dog get bathed, go to the beach, etc.?
• Monthly vs. three-monthly vs. six-monthly. 
• One that is affordable.

1. One that is given on time, every time.
2. Monthly treatment.
3. 12-month injection.
4. NOT daily tablets.

1. We have a questionnaire to help with this process & help you make the right decision.