Singleton & Branxton Vet Hospitals

22/03/2026

Keys found in our carpark on the weekend. Please reach out if they are yours.

20/03/2026

05/03/2026

🤍 Because every little life counts 🤍

26/02/2026

🖤 Meet Amon 🖤
Amon was brought in by his foster carer after they noticed a subtle limp in his right hind limb.
Dr. Ash recommended hind limb radiographs to investigate further and the X-rays revealed that his right femur is approximately 5 mm shorter than his left. That might not sound like much now, but in a 14 week old kitten who is still growing, this difference can become more noticeable over time.
❓So what exactly happened?
The findings are most consistent with a previous injury to the distal femoral growth plate (also called a physeal or Salter Harris fracture) that likely occurred when he was very young.
Growth plates are areas of cartilage near the ends of long bones that allow bones to lengthen as kittens grow. If a growth plate is damaged, it can close prematurely. When that happens, that bone stops growing, while the opposite limb continues to lengthen normally.
🦴In this case, his fracture has healed and is no longer painful, and the good news is that he is expected to have an excellent quality of life 😻
🌟 Amon will continue to be cared for by Hunter Valley Cat Haven until he is adopted.
📧 Contact Hunter Valley Cat Haven if you believe you could be Amon’s furever family 🤍

19/02/2026

🚨 GDV in Dogs – A True Emergency 🚨

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as “bloat,” is a life-threatening emergency where a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. When this happens, blood supply is cut off and shock can develop rapidly - minutes truly matter.

Recently, sweet Lady, a Saint Bernard, came to us after hours showing classic signs: a distended abdomen, restlessness, and clear discomfort. Giant breeds like Saint Bernards are especially at risk for GDV, and her family did exactly the right thing by acting fast when they noticed something wasn’t right.

Lady was taken straight to surgery, where Dr. Ruan quickly intervened to untwist her stomach and secure it in place - a procedure called a gastropexy, which helps prevent recurrence. 💉🐾

Thanks to Dr. Ruan’s swift action and the dedication of our after-hours team, Lady received the life-saving care she needed without delay.
We’re so happy to share that Lady recovered beautifully and is now back home with her family - tail wagging and feeling like herself again. ❤️

Early recognition and immediate veterinary care save lives in cases of GDV. If your dog shows any of the following signs:�• Swollen or tight abdomen�• Retching without producing vomit�• Restlessness or pacing�• Excessive drooling�• Weakness or collapse
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Way to go, Lady - and shoutout to Dr. Ruan and our incredible team! 💪✨

13/02/2026

🚨 Three Day Sickness Confirmed in the Hunter Valley 🚨
Livestock producers in the Hunter Valley are advised that a confirmed case of Three Day Sickness (Bovine Ephemeral Fever) has been reported in the Singleton area.

Three Day Sickness is a viral disease spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges, particularly following warm, wet weather. While most cattle recover within a few days, the disease can cause:
• Sudden high fever�• Stiffness and lameness�• Drooling and nasal discharge�• Reduced milk production�• Temporary recumbency (going down)
Although the mortality rate is generally low, affected animals can experience significant production losses and require supportive care.

🔎 What producers should do:�✔️ Monitor cattle closely for symptoms�✔️ Minimise stress and handle affected stock gently�✔️ Provide easy access to water and feed�✔️ Consult your local veterinarian if you suspect cases

With current seasonal conditions favouring insect activity, vigilance is key. Early identification and supportive management can make all the difference.

If you’re in the Hunter Valley and noticing signs in your herd, reach out to us for advice.

06/02/2026

The precious moment a scared little baby feels love and safety for the first time 🥹🐾💗
This little boy is receiving care until he is well enough for our friends at Hunter Valley Cat Haven to find his forever home🐱