🧼 Pharmacy Friday: What is an Autoclave?
Ever wondered how we get our surgical instruments ...Read moreREALLY clean? 👀

Meet the autoclave! 🩺✨

An autoclave uses pressurised steam, heat and time to sterilise reusable surgical instruments. The combination of these factors destroys microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacterial spores.

🔹 First: Instruments are thoroughly cleaned to remove blood, tissue and other debris.
🔹 Next: They are packaged so steam can reach the instruments while keeping them sterile after processing.
🔹 Then: The autoclave uses high-temperature steam under pressure to sterilise the instruments.
🔹 Finally: The instruments need to complete the appropriate drying cycle before being stored or used.

💡 Fun fact: Pressure itself isn't what kills the bugs! The pressure allows steam to reach temperatures above 100°C. It's the moist heat from the steam, combined with the correct temperature and exposure time, that does the sterilising.

And it's not simply a case of “put it in the autoclave and press start!” 😅 Proper cleaning, loading, packaging, cycle selection, monitoring and maintenance are all important parts of the sterilisation process.

🧑‍⚕️ Behind every sterile surgical pack is a whole lot of nursing work! 💚

#PharmacyFriday #VetNurseLife #VeterinaryMedicine #Autoclave #Sterilisation #VetHospital #OvensAndKiewaVets

🐍 When Are Snakes Most Active?
Snakes are most active during the warmer months, particularly...Read more from spring through to autumn. Although it's not unheard of to see the odd snake sunbaking on a warm and sunny winters day!🌿☀️

Their activity increases when temperatures rise, as they become more active looking for food, water and suitable places to shelter.

🌅 Early morning & late afternoon can be common times to encounter snakes, particularly on warm days.

☀️ Warm, sunny days can also bring snakes out to bask.

🔥 During very hot weather, snakes may be more active during the cooler parts of the day and seek shelter during the hottest periods.

🐾 Keep a closer eye on your pets during snake season, especially around long grass, sheds, wood piles, dams, creeks and areas with rodents.

🚨 And remember: if you suspect your pet has been bitten, don't wait for symptoms — seek veterinary attention immediately.

🐾 Meet Rocco! 🐾

Rocco came in to be desexed, so we thought we'd give you a ...Read morelittle peek into his day with us! 🩵

He woke up rocking some seriously impressive bed hair (but we won't mention that to him, as he is still a good looking rooster! 😉)

Not long after his procedure, Rocco was back up on his feet, stretching his legs and enjoying a little time outside soaking up some good old Vitamin D! ☀️

A big day for this handsome boy, but he handled it like a champ! 💙

🐾 Meet Diva! 🐾

Diva is a young Kelpie who recently came in to be desexed — and ...Read morewhat an absolute bundle of joy she was! 🥰

She loved her pre-med so much that she was literally smiling when we popped her up on the treatment table! 😂💕

With that happy face and beautiful personality, Diva was an absolute pleasure to care for. We loved having you stay with us, Diva! 🐶💗

🚨🚨 STOP — PLEASE READ BEFORE BRINGING WILDLIFE INTO OUR CLINIC 🚨🚨

AVIAN ...Read moreINFLUENZA IS NOW CONFIRMED IN VICTORIA.
Cases have also been confirmed in foxes, not just birds.

⚠️ DO NOT ENTER THE CLINIC WITH WILDLIFE BEFORE CALLING US FIRST. (5752 1235)

We are still assessing and treating wildlife, but strict procedures are now in place to protect our patients, clients and staff.

🦊🐦 Please choose transport materials carefully. Cardboard boxes, towels, blankets or clothing used to contain wildlife will not be returned.

For concerns regarding avian influenza or sick/dead wildlife, contact Victoria’s 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline:
📞 1800 675 888

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe

🐾 Meet Leni! 🐾

Leni recently brought six beautiful puppies into the world! ...Read more💕🐶

Thankfully, she didn’t need surgery, but she did need a little helping hand from some medications to help things along and get those babies safely delivered.

We’re very happy to report that, a few weeks later, Mum and all six puppies are doing wonderfully! 🥰

What a beautiful little family! Congratulations, Leni! 💗🐾

🐾 PHARMACY FRIDAY – ROYAL CANIN® METABOLIC! 🐾

Is your cat carrying a little extra...Read more weight? 🐱⚖️

✨ ROYAL CANIN® SATIETY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT diets are specially formulated to help cats achieve and maintain a healthy body weight while still providing the nutrition they need.

🐾 How can it help?
✔️ Supports healthy weight loss
✔️ Helps cats feel satisfied between meals
✔️ Provides balanced nutrition during weight management
✔️ Helps maintain a healthy weight once your cat reaches their goal
✔️ Designed specifically for cats needing weight management support

🛁 Why is weight management important?
Even a small amount of extra weight can impact your cat’s health and quality of life. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help support mobility, overall wellbeing and long-term health. 💚

💡 Top Tip: Weight loss should always be gradual and carefully monitored. Your vet team can help calculate the right amount of food for your cat and monitor their progress along the way.

🐱 Remember: Every cat is different! The right diet and feeding amount will depend on your cat’s current weight, body condition, lifestyle and individual needs.

💚 Ask our team about ROYAL CANIN® weight management diets and whether they’re suitable for your cat!

#PharmacyFriday #RoyalCanin #Metabolic #CatWeightLoss #HealthyWeight #CatHealth #OvensAndKiewaVets 🐱🐾

Meet Otto! 🐾💙

Otto is a long-haired Mini Dachshund and an absolute character! ...Read more😂

He loved hanging out with us like a little baby, making himself comfortable wherever he could and keeping us entertained throughout his stay.

Otto is now 2 stone lighter after his desexing procedure and is ready to head home and continue being his fabulous little self! 🥰

Here are a few funny snaps of Otto throughout his day with us. 📸🐶

We absolutely loved caring for you, Otto! 💙