Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.

Being in an industry that is always changing and developing, vets are always learning new techniques, therapeutics and methods to improve the healthcare and welfare of our patients.

Dr Joey and Dr Athena are currently in Australia for a conference and workshop. And all our vets will be attending a conference in Singapore on the 11th (Friday) and 12th (Saturday) October 2019.

While the clinic will still be open for sales of over the counter products, please do note that there will be no vet on duty mentioned in the dates above.

ZANTAC RANITIDINE RECALLED

We have been informed by HSA that 8 different brands of ranitidine has been recalled. This includes the Zantac syrup and tablets by GlaxoSmithKline that we normally dispense.

The reason for the recall is that there have been reports in the USA that there are nitrosamine impurities which could increase risk of cancer when used for long periods of time.

If you currently have zantac, please stop using the product and keep it aside in a secure place first. Once we get further notice from HSA, we will post another notice as to whether the product can be discarded by normal garbage disposal or does it need to be discarded by special means.

We are also doing our best to contact each client that we have dispensed the medication to since June 2019. We appreciate your kind understanding and patience.

Please read the link below for further information.

https://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/hsa/en/News_Events/HSA_Updates/2019/HSA-stops-supply8brandsRanitidine.html

CHANGE IN OPENING HOURS FROM AUGUST 2019 and visiting POCKET PET EXPERT

Hi everyone! We will be updating our opening hours from 1 August 2019 so please do take note of it before heading down. Also, just a gentle reminder that we do go by an appointment basis but walk ins will still be attended to but there might be some waiting time (and also an additional fee).

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am-7.30pm

Thursday: 8am- 3.30pm

Saturday: 9am- 7pm

Alternate Sunday: 9am-3pm

“Better hop to it!”

We are also very pleased to have Dr Nicole Su visiting us on 16 August! So call us quick to book you appointment with us and secure a spot with this pocket pet expert.

A little bit about Dr Nicole:

Singaporean-born but currently Melbourne-based, Dr Nicole Su (BSc. BVMS) graduated from Murdoch University 2014 and immediately began working for the premiere exotics practice in Western Australia. By 2016 she had became the youngest ever exotics lecturer at Murdoch University and by 2017 had risen to practice manager. 2019 has seen her move to Melbourne to begin working with The Rabbit Doctors, offering cutting-edge medical care to rabbits in need. She is particularly passionate about soft tissue surgery and managing renal disease in rabbits.

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS IN CONSULT FEES

Over the last few years, we have tried to hold off any price increments and keep our services as cost friendly as possible. However, in order to keep up with soaring supplier fees, rental fee increments and overall inflation, we have come to a point where will have to increase the fees for some of our services.

We will do our best to keep costs as manageable as possible because after all, we are all in this in the best interest for your pets and because we love these little monsters. Despite our love for animals, we too have our own responsibilities and bills.

So from 1 August 2019, there will be an increase in the senior vets’ fees:

• $10 additional fee for Dr Ailin Tan’s consultations [eg. rabbit consult $48, instead of $38]

• $15 additional fee for Dr Song V-lynn and Dr Song I-lynn’s consultations [eg. rabbit consult $53, instead of $38]

We greatly appreciate your kind support all these years and strive to continue to give you the quality care you and your furry friend needs!

CHANGE IN OPENING HOURS

Please do note that as of 15 April 2019, we will be closed from 2-3pm and 6-7pm (NEW) on Mondays-Fridays. We hope this will help us to serve you better =)

Thank you!

ENCEPHALITAZOON CUNICULI ( EC)

The dreaded EC word that every bun owner hates to hear.

Encephalitazoon cuniculi is spread by urine through infected individuals and can technically affect all mammals (Yes, humans included) as long as they are immunocompromised.

Another scary thing is, studies show up to 70% of all bunnies actually have or have been exposed to EC before.

Fortunately, majority of these buns remain dormant with only 30% or so displaying active infections.

Due to the high prevalence and zoonotic risk (ability to spread to humans and other animals), we do recommend that all bunny patients be tested for this.

In the past, it was not always possible due to the large amount of blood required, long waiting time (1month!) and cost.

With the latest technology, we are glad to offer EC testing from 1 March 2019!

All we need is 1 drop of blood from your bunny/ guinea pig/ mouse etc and 5-7days workings days!

The sample will be collected in a sterile manner into a special device which is sent via overnight shipping to a laboratory that deals with companion, pocket and exotic animals. The sample will be tested using ELISA, IFA  to give a positive or negative result. Upon request, titre testing can also be performed at extra cost.

Please call us for further information.

Pre-order your test kit with us now as there will be limited collection kits at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: A HEAD TILT IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE!

GONG XI FA CAI

Wishing everyone a very happy Year of the Pig!

Gong xi fa cai, zhu nian ji xiang.

Please do take note that the clinic will be closed from 3-7 Feb. We will commence normal operations from 8Feb (Friday) onwards =)

credits to: Fuzzberta

Hoppy Holidays!

Holidays are upon us! We would like to wish everyone a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year in advance!

Please do take note of some of our opening hour changes during this period:

24th Xmas Eve: 8am- 2pm

25th Xmas Day: CLOSED

31st NYE: 8am-2pm

1st New Year’s Day: CLOSED

MPV is hiring!

Monster Pet Vet is looking to hire a experienced part-time/full-time veterinary assistant / nurse / technician and full time receptionists. Interested applicants with experience will have an advantage. We are a humble 3-vet practice that has an in-house laboratory, digital radiography and ultrasound.

Applicants will be working on rotated shifts which includes weekends (we close on public holidays). We see a fair share of small pocket pets and some exotics in addition to dogs and cats.

Interested applicants, please send your resume to info@monsterpetvet.com and we will contact you for an interview. 

Sweetpea, our resident squirrel

WE ARE GOING ON COURSE!

As a kind appreciation to our hardworking staff and to ensure everyone stays up to date with the latest skills, our staff will be going on course!

Dr Tan and 90% of our nursing team will be attending WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress) and FSAVA (Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Association) from 25-28 September.

While Dr Song V-lynn and I-lynn will be attending ExoticsCon by AEMV (Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians) and ARAV (Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians) from 19 September- 5 October. 

We will be inviting some locum vets to cover us during this period but please do give us a call before dropping by as not all the part time vets are bunny/pocket pet savvy and some days were are closed!

19 Sept- 5 Oct: Dr Songs overseas

25- 28 Sept: NO VET

27-28 Sept: CLOSED

APPEAL FOR DOG BLOOD DONORS

We would like to appeal to all dog owners who think they can help out a 5 month old puppy with tick fever. She may need a blood transfusion so we are looking for anyone who might be able to help by volunteering their pooch to be a blood donor.

BLOOD DONOR REQUIREMENTS:

1) dog 1-6years old 

2) if female and entire (not spayed), must not be on heat and most recent heat at least 2months ago, must not be pregnant

3) ideally >20kg

4) on heartworm prevention (eg. Interceptor, Heartgard, Revolution)

5) up to date with vaccinations, most recent vaccination at least 2months ago

6) if donated blood before, most recent donation >6months ago, ideally 12months ago

7) blood type DEA positive +

Donor will be mildly sedated for blood collection.

Process for blood donors (must be fasted for 6hours) :

- health check will be done and patient history will be taken (check through vaccination records etc)

- small blood sample will be collected to check blood type, quality of blood and cross match with Maru's blood

- if donor is a suitable match, we will have to SEDATE donor and shave neck area for blood collection 

- amount of blood collected will be calculated according to body weight

- sedation will be reversed once blood collection completed, and patient can go home 

- after care for donors: rest for 3days, no strenuous activity, can feed iron rich foods (pork liver, red meat, spinach) and no blood donation for another 6-12months

Please call us if you are keen to volunteer to help this owner and her pup out!

WARNING: TICK FEVER OUTBREAK IN EVERTON/CANTONMENT

We would like to warn all our K9 owners that there has been an  outbreak of tick fever within the Everton, Cantonment and Spottiswoode Park area recently!

We have seen 3 cases of Babesia gibsoni in the last week alone from dogs all living around the same area.

WHAT IS TICK FEVER AND HOW DOES MY DOG GET IT?

Tick fever is a blood borne parasite that destroys your dog's red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia (low red cell count) and even death. It is spread by the bite of ticks and even just a single bite from 1 infected tick can infect your dog. 

different types of ticks at their different life stages

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

• weakness, lethargy, decrease in activity
• decreased appetite
• recent tick found on dog (can even be 1-2 months ago)
• pale or white gums and tongue (normally pink)
• +/- fever
• +/- vomiting, diarrhoea

white gums and pale tongue in this dog

WHY IS TICK FEVER SO BAD?

Tick fever parasites destroy the red blood cells and can cause fatally low levels. Severe anaemia can even lead to seizures, coma and death. Another big problem tick fever parasites pose, is that once a dog is infected with the parasite, even after treatment, about 25-30% of these dogs remain carriers for life! 

DIAGNOSIS

If tick fever is suspected, a CBC (complete blood count), biochemistry and blood smear is done. An xray is sometimes performed also to check for spleen size.

Babesia gibsoni seen in red cell on blood smear

TREATMENT

Depending on the type of tick fever parasite found (Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), treatment plan will vary also. It usually includes oral and/or injectable anti-parasitic drugs, blood supplements (iron supplements) and sometimes even blood transfusions. 

If you are concerned that your pet dog may have been exposed to tick fever, please contact your vet for medical advise. 

Bunny wonderland--- "let's learn about rabbits"---

We are very happy to part of Bunny Wonderland's educational talk this coming Saturday. Do join us to learn more about your bun! 

Welcoming Dr Geoffrey Yeo!

In November, both Dr Songs will be away on their annual family trip. During this time, Dr Ailin Tan will still we have the privilege of having Dr Geoffrey Yeo with us on the 5th and 8th November.  Dr Yeo graduated from Murdoch (Perth, Australia) and is very experienced with cats and dogs. His skills range from performing blood transfusions, chest and pericardial (heart) taps, to soft tissue surgery like foreign body removals and GDVs.

Dr Yeo with "Snowball"

PHYSIOTHERAPY, ACUPUNCTURe, red light and emf THERAPY month- August

Ever notice how your furry friend is a little stiff on cold rainy days, or how he is taking a little longer to stand up after a nap? Our pets get arthritis, pins and needles and sore, tense muscles too.

Why should they have to endure the aches and tension when you can offer them more than just pills to ease the discomfort?

Potential problems that could benefit include arthritis, post-op orthopedic surgeries (fractures/dislocations/cruciate repair etc), head tilt and splay leg in bunnies.

Call us to inquire more about our physiotherapy, red light therapy, electromagnetic pulse therapy (emf), acupuncture sessions!

 NOTE: All new patients will require an initial consultation ($36-38) for assessment first. 

 Do give us call for an appointment and see the benefits for yourself!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The holidays are here again! 

Please note the following changes in our operating hours during this jolly season =)

18 Dec '16 Sunday- CLOSED (for company x'mas event)

24 Dec '16 Saturday- 9am- 3pm (half day, Christmas Eve)

25 Dec '16 Sunday- CLOSED (Christmas Day)

26 Dec '16 Monday- normal operating hours resume (8am-2pm, 3pm-9pm)

31 Dec '16 Saturday- CLOSED (New Year's Eve)

1 Jan '17 Sunday- CLOSED (New Year's Day)

2 Jan '17 Monday- normal operating hours resume (8am-2pm, 3pm-9pm)

Please note that as of 1 January 2017, we will only be open every alternate Sundays. 

1 Jan '17 Sunday- CLOSED (New Years Day)

8 and 22 Jan '17 Sunday- CLOSED 

27 Jan '17 Friday- 8am-2pm (half day for reunion dinner)

28- 30 Jan '17 Saturday- CLOSED (CNY)

31 Jan '17 Tuesday- normal operating hours resume (8am-2pm, 3pm-9pm)

Meowy X'mas and a Hoppy New Year everyone!

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING (ULTRASOUND) & surgery awareness month- DECEMBER

In the month of December, we would like to bring awareness to the importance of basic full abdominal ultrasound scans! 

An ultrasound scan of the full abdomen usually takes between 15-45min depending on individuals and the usual price is $250.

• Please note that this does not include consultation fees for new patients, blood tests, surgery procedure itself, x-rays or any other tests that may be required. It is highly preferred that x-rays are taken prior to an ultrasound.
•   All ultrasound patients will need to have the belly shaved in order to get good quality images. This will be done in the clinic as a complimentary service. Only the area of interest will be shaved. 
• No ultrasound reports will be provided during the month of December but owners can get a copy of the labelled images via email. 
• We apologize that due to time constraints, owners will not be allowed to watch the ultrasound performed during this month. We will try out best to send the images and videos of your pet's scan via email within 14 working days. 
• We retain the right to refuse performing a scan on patients that are not stable during surgery/anaesthesia or patients who are considered high risk (heart problem, liver failure etc). The patients' well being and health remains the top priority.

What is the difference between x-rays and ultrasound?

Radiographs, or x-rays, are an essential first step in order to get the "big picture" of what is going on inside your pet's body. It can be used to diagnose an enlarged heart, assess liver size and margins, check for  tumours and growths within the body and evaluate dental disease and bone health. However, xrays are only able to provide a 2D picture of what is happening. 

Guinea pig with severe pneumonia (lungs would normally show up as black when they are filled with air). She was also suffering from gut stasis and gastric dilation (a lot of black gas seen in stomach). 

Ultrasound imaging, on the other hand, allows us to obtain more in depth details. Organ texture and certain organs and glands that would not normally be seen on x-rays can also be assessed with ultrasonography.  These include blood flow supply to the kidneys to assess kidney health, lymph node size, adrenal glands for hormonal problems and bladder stones and sand. 

Gall bladder with a mucocele -> risk of rupture and cholestasis (blockage of bile duct)

Call us to book that surgery (dental/sterilization/lump removal etc) and speak to a staff about our awareness month.

Dog and Cat Dental Month- september

SEPTEMBER IS PET DENTAL MONTH!

Book your pet's dental in the month of September and get 30% off your dental service. 

We use top of the line veterinary IM3 dental machines and scalers to clean your pet's teeth and finish off with polishing paste (the same that we get at the dentist ourselves) for that nice shine.

The dental service includes all of the following: cracking off tartar, scaling and polishing.

1) dogs- UP. $160.50, now $112.35

2) cats- UP.$107, now $74.90

Please feel free to give us a call and talk to one of our friendly staff about our dental services.

Book your appointment today!

Does not include the following if required: pre-anaesthetic blood work, intravenous fluids, iv catheter placement, injectable drugs, extractions, take home medications, local nerve blocks, extractions, x-rays and other services. 

Sorry, bunnies and guinea pigs not included in this promotion!

Good luck Dr Song V-Lynn and Gaya!

From 27th June to 14 July, Dr Song V-Lynn and head nurse, Gaya, will be sitting for their examinations with the College of Animal Physiotherapy in London. They will then be one step closer to becoming qualified animal physiotherapists.

Look out for updates in August/September for promotions on physiotherapy/ myofunctional/ acupuncture therapy!

Welcoming Dr Jaclyn Eng!

In the later part of May, the Song sisters will be away for their annual family trip for a couple of weeks. During this time, we will have pocket pet enthusiast Dr Cheryl Tan on duty to see your bunnies and guinea pigs, but will also have Dr Jaclyn Eng on board!

Dr Eng graduated from Edinburgh almost 10 years ago and was working in small animal practice in Singapore for a few years before she took time off to travel and work internationally. During this time, Dr Eng has worked in multiple sanctuaries and rescue organizations. Some of these animal sanctuaries included treating elephants in Cambodia and orangutans in Indonesia. 

We have the honorable privilege of having Dr Eng with us for 2 weeks during this time. So call us at 63279148 and book your appointment today!