Dead or Discoloured Teeth in Dogs and Cats
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
25/11/2025
It can be worrying to look into your pet’s mouth and notice that one tooth looks different to the others. A tooth that has turned pink, purple, grey or brown is more than a cosmetic change. It is ofte...
Read More..
|
Fractured Teeth in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
24/11/2025
Many dogs fracture a tooth at some point in their lives, and because they are so stoic, they often keep eating and playing as if nothing has happened. But fractured teeth are painful, and without trea...
Read More..
|
Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
10/11/2025
Understanding Allergies
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic allergic skin condition that develops when a pet’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances such as pollens, dust mites, mo...
Read More..
|
Canine Histiocytomas in Young Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
4/11/2025
What Is a Histiocytoma?
A histiocytoma is a benign (non-cancerous) skin tumour commonly seen in young dogs, typically under three years of age. It arises from a type of immune cell called a Langerhan...
Read More..
|
Is Your Dog’s Itchiness Driving You Crazy?
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
13/10/2025
Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons dogs (and even cats) visit the vet. From constant scratching and licking to red, irritated skin and hair loss — chronic itchiness can make life miserable f...
Read More..
|
Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
15/09/2025
What is Feline Eosinophilic Complex?
Feline Eosinophilic Complex (FEC) is a group of skin conditions in cats characterised by the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in aller...
Read More..
|
Cryptorchidism in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
8/09/2025
What is Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is a condition in male dogs where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum by the time the puppy is around six months old. Normally, the testicles...
Read More..
|
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
5/09/2025
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (or BOAS) is a condition affecting some dogs which makes it difficult to breathe due to the shape of their nose, head, and airways. This disease most commonl...
Read More..
|
Chemotherapy for Pets: What to Expect
-
Dr Meghan Biggar BVSc
-
1/09/2025
Finding out that your pet has cancer can be a very difficult and emotional experience. While some cancers can be treated successfully with surgery alone, many cases require additional treatments like ...
Read More..
|
Bee Stings in Pets – Understanding Reactions and Treatment
-
Dr Meghan Biggar BVSc
-
26/08/2025
Bee stings are a common occurrence for pets, especially those who like to explore outdoors. While most cases involve mild reactions, it's important to know how to recognise more severe signs, such as ...
Read More..
|
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
25/08/2025
What is Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease (also called hypoadrenocorticism) is a disorder where the adrenal glands, which sit near each kidney, don’t produce enough hormones.
Two important hormon...
Read More..
|
Heat Stress in Dogs: Prevention, Recognition, and First-Aid
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
20/01/2025
When the South Australian summer settles in, temperatures can soar, putting dogs at high risk of heat stress and its more dangerous form, heatstroke. Dogs rely largely on panting and minimal sweating ...
Read More..
|
How to Protect Your Pets with a Bushfire Plan This Season: A South Australian Guide
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
14/01/2025
Living in South Australia, we know how unpredictable bushfire season can be. The combination of warm, dry conditions and strong winds can rapidly increase fire dangers in this region. While we often t...
Read More..
|
Cherry Eye in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
13/01/2025
Cherry Eye in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Cherry eye, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, is a common condition in dogs. It occurs when the tear-producing gland in the third eyelid slips ...
Read More..
|
Understanding Otitis Externa - Ear Infections
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
4/01/2025
Understanding Otitis Externa - Ear Infections
What is Otitis Externa?
Otitis externa is inflammation or infection of the external ear canal in pets. It can a5ect the outer ear and ear canal, causin...
Read More..
|
Keeping Your Pets Calm: Reducing Stress During Storms and Fireworks
As pet owners, we know how distressing storms and fireworks can be for our furry friends. Loud noises, flashing lights, and changes in atmospheric pressure can all contribute to heightened anxiety in ...
Read More..
|
Christmas Pet Dangers
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
15/12/2024
Holiday Hazards for Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe This Christmas
The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also pose several dangers to our pets. At McLaren Vale Veterin...
Read More..
|
Keeping Dogs Cool During Summer
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
15/12/2024
How to Keep Your Dog Cool During the Summer Heat
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it also brings higher temperatures, which can be tough on our furry friends. Dogs are pa...
Read More..
|
Halloween Pet Safety
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
27/10/2024
🎃👻 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets! 👻🎃
As Halloween approaches, it's important to remember that our furry friends may not enjoy the spooky season as much as we do. Here are some essential tip...
Read More..
|
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) Procedure
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
17/09/2024
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) Procedure
Understanding Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) is a surgical procedure aimed at preventing hip dysplasia in young...
Read More..
|
Reducing Stress When Bringing Your Dog to the Vet
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
18/06/2024
Visiting the vet is essential to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. However, for many pets, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. At McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery we understand ...
Read More..
|
Gastropexy to prevent Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
11/06/2024
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition that can affect dogs of all sizes, but primarily affects large and giant breed dogs. GDV is a disease of the stomach, where the st...
Read More..
|
Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
3/06/2024
Mushroom Toxicity in Dogs: A Guide for South Australian Pet Owners
As dog owners, we love to spend time with them in the great outdoors. However, as the weather in South Australia becomes cooler, w...
Read More..
|
Non-Healing Eye Ulcers
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
12/05/2024
Non-healing eye ulcers in dogs, also known as "indolent ulcers" or "spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED), are a persistent condition affecting the cornea of dogs' eyes. The cornea is...
Read More..
|
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
29/03/2024
Why Easter goodies can be dangerous for your dog
Easter is a time for chocolate bunnies, hot cross buns, and sweet treats galore! While we’re busy unwrapping foil-covered eggs and nibbling on chocola...
Read More..
|
Heart Murmurs in Dogs
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
21/03/2024
What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a veterinary examination when listening to your dog's heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by turbulent blood flow within ...
Read More..
|
Pet Water Cremations
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
19/03/2024
At McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery, we understand that end of life decisions for our furry family members are always difficult and emotional. Our loved pets form an integral part of our family, so hav...
Read More..
|
Reducing Stress When Bringing Your Cat to the Vet
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
29/02/2024
At McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery we understand that bringing your beloved feline friend to the clinic can be a stressful experience for both you and your cat. However, there are several steps you ca...
Read More..
|
Canine Parvovirus
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
18/02/2024
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus, or ‘parvo’ as it is commonly known, is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, particularly those with weakened immune systems. It primarily attacks...
Read More..
|
Grape, Raisin and Sultana Toxicity in Dogs
Grapes, raisins and sultanas are common household snacks which contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs. Dogs are the only species recorded to suffer from the toxic effects of these fruits, but it ...
Read More..
|
Snake Envenomation
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
18/02/2024
South Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world. In the southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Peninsula region, the most common species we see are Brown Snakes, Black Snakes, and occ...
Read More..
|
Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing
-
Dr Phillip Pearson BVSc
-
17/02/2024
Modern anaesthetic drugs used for your pet’s anaesthesia are extremely safe and carry very low risks to a healthy animal. These risks can vary depending on several factors including pre-exising condit...
Read More..
|
Testing Heart Disease in Cats
Heart disease is a common disease of cats. It has been shown to affect approximately 15% of healthy cat populations. Cats are able to hide their heart disease well, making detection of heart disease v...
Read More..
|