Puppies and kittens usually need a series of vaccinations during their first few months of life while their immune system is still developing. The exact schedule depends on their age, previous vaccination history and individual circumstances.

At your appointment, we will review any records you have, check your puppy or kitten is developing well and explain exactly what is due next and when.

You can also read more about puppy and kitten vaccination schedules on our Annual Health Checks & Vaccinations page.

Discussions about desexing will start from your pet’s first appointment.  The best timing for desexing is different for every pet and we will go through all the options with you. 

Breed, size, sex, development and lifestyle can all influence when desexing is recommended, particularly in dogs. For some larger breeds, waiting longer may be more appropriate.

We prefer to discuss this with you as your puppy or kitten grows, explain the options and recommend the timing we believe is best for your individual pet.

Yes. In fact, healthy pets are one of the main reasons annual checks are so valuable.

If your dog or cat only visits us once a year, that appointment gives us an opportunity to establish what is normal for them and notice gradual changes over time.

It also means we may identify problems before they start affecting your pet’s day-to-day life.

Not every vaccine is necessarily given at the same interval.

The schedule depends on which vaccines your pet requires, their previous vaccination history, lifestyle and risk factors.

Your vet will explain what is due and when, rather than simply assuming that every pet needs exactly the same vaccination program each year.

Blood testing gives us information we cannot obtain from a physical examination alone.

It can help assess areas such as kidney and liver function, blood sugar and other indicators of internal health.

For older pets in particular, routine blood testing can provide an early warning of changes and gives us useful baseline results for comparison if your pet becomes unwell later.

Absolutely.

Some of the most useful information owners give us starts with, “I don’t know if this is important, but…”

Tell us if your pet is drinking more, sleeping differently, eating more slowly, hesitating before jumping, losing interest in walks, becoming more irritable or simply behaving differently.

You see your pet every day, so subtle changes you notice can sometimes be the clue that prompts us to look a little closer.

Persistent bad breath should not simply be accepted as normal.

It is commonly associated with dental disease, but it can occasionally be linked to other health problems as well.

We check your pet’s teeth and gums during their annual examination and can let you know if we think further dental assessment is needed.

Latrobe Vets also offers complimentary nurse dental checks if you have concerns between annual visits.

It depends on the pet.

A healthy senior may still be reviewed annually, with additional testing recommended according to age and risk factors.

Pets with chronic conditions or those taking ongoing medications may benefit from check-ups approximately every six months.

These more regular visits allow us to monitor weight, medication doses, mobility and changes in their condition before a full year has passed.

Call us.

Questions after surgery are common, especially once your pet is back home and you are watching their recovery closely. We would rather you contact us if you are unsure than sit at home worrying.

Soft-tissue surgery generally refers to procedures involving areas other than bones and joints.

This can include desexing, removal of lumps, wound repair, gastrointestinal procedures and a wide range of other operations involving the skin, organs and soft tissues.

Yes. We commonly assess and surgically remove appropriate skin lumps and masses.

Depending on the lump, your vet may recommend sampling or further investigation before surgery so we have a better idea of what we are dealing with.

We can perform selected urgent and emergency surgical procedures when they are within our team's capabilities and can be appropriately managed in our facilities.

Examples discussed by the team gastrointestinal and reproductive emergencies as well as some wounds. 

If a case is more complex, or likely to require specialist or intensive overnight care, referral may be the safer option.

Anaesthesia can affect circulation and blood pressure.

IV fluids can help support your pet during the procedure and provide immediate intravenous access if medication needs to be given quickly.

Age alone does not automatically mean a pet cannot safely have an anaesthetic.

Older animals are, however, more likely to have underlying health conditions, so your vet may recommend additional testing and closer monitoring to tailor the anaesthetic plan to your pet.

You will receive instructions specific to your pet's procedure, including advice on medication, feeding, activity and wound care.

If something does not seem right, contact us.

We would much rather answer a question early than have you sitting at home wondering whether something is normal.

No. Persistent bad breath should be investigated.

Dental disease is one of the most common causes, but bad breath can occasionally be associated with other medical conditions, so it is worth having your pet checked.

Brushing is one of the best forms of home dental care, but it cannot remove established tartar or treat disease below the gum line.

Once significant dental disease is present, a professional clean may be needed before home care can be genuinely effective.

Yes.

Dogs and cats can continue eating despite significant oral discomfort, and cats in particular may hide pain very well.

Changes in chewing, food preference or appetite can sometimes be more useful clues than whether a pet has stopped eating altogether.

They can help as part of an ongoing dental-care plan, but they are not a substitute for treating existing disease.

Home-care products tend to work best after the teeth have been professionally cleaned and your pet is starting with a healthier mouth.

It is a good idea to look at your pet's mouth regularly at home and mention any changes at their annual health check.

If you notice bad breath, tartar, redness or changes in eating, you can also book a complimentary nurse dental check rather than waiting until the next scheduled visit.

An awake dental clean cannot properly assess and treat disease below the gum line, where a large part of dental disease can occur.

It may also cause pain and stress, particularly if a pet already has sore teeth or gums.

General anaesthesia allows us to examine and clean the mouth thoroughly and safely while keeping your pet comfortable.

Many routine in-house blood results can be available the same day, and some tests can be completed within a much shorter timeframe.

The exact timing depends on which tests your pet needs and whether any samples also need to be sent to an external laboratory.

Different tests tell us different things.

For example, blood work may give us information about organ function, while urine testing tells us more about the urinary tract. Ultrasound may then allow us to physically look at organs and structures inside the abdomen.

Combining results often gives us a much clearer picture than relying on one test alone.

No. We can perform many blood tests within the clinic.

There are still more specialised tests that need to be sent to an external laboratory, and your vet will explain this if they are recommended.

Blood pressure can change because of illness, age, medications and some underlying health conditions.

It can also be important during anaesthesia and when monitoring critically unwell patients.

Because abnormal blood pressure may not cause obvious outward signs, measuring it can provide useful information we cannot obtain simply by looking at your pet.

Sometimes ultrasound provides a very clear answer, but not always.

It is one diagnostic tool that can help us examine internal organs and look for abnormalities. Depending on what we find, further tests or referral may still be recommended.

One of the reasons we use diagnostics is to look beyond what can be seen during an examination.

Pets can compensate remarkably well in the early stages of some illnesses. Testing may help us identify changes earlier, establish a baseline or rule out concerns before they become more obvious.

Yes, where possible.

Calling ahead allows our team to triage your pet, advise you on what to do and prepare for your arrival if immediate treatment may be required.

One episode of vomiting can be very different from repeated vomiting in a weak, painful or dehydrated pet.

If your pet is repeatedly vomiting, cannot keep water down, has blood in the vomit, seems weak or painful, or you are simply concerned, call us.

Yes.

Some injuries, including internal trauma, may not be immediately obvious after an accident. A veterinary examination is recommended even when your pet appears relatively normal.

Because we are not a 24-hour hospital, patients requiring continuous overnight monitoring or specialist critical care may need to be transferred to an appropriate emergency or referral facility.

We will discuss this with you and help coordinate the next stage of care.

Most of the time, limping indicates discomfort somewhere in the limb or body.

It may be caused by arthritis, injury, joint disease or another problem.

If your pet is limping, particularly if it persists or keeps returning, it is worth having them assessed.

Cats often show behavioural changes rather than obvious limping.

Watch for reluctance to jump, difficulty using stairs, reduced grooming, changes in sleeping spots, irritability or avoiding activities they used to enjoy.

No.

Older pets are more commonly affected, but younger animals can develop arthritis, particularly after injury or where there are underlying joint problems.

Some supplements and joint-support products may be useful as part of a broader arthritis-management plan.

They are not all the same, so it is worth asking your veterinary team which options may be appropriate rather than choosing purely from the pet-shop shelf.

Possibly, but not every pet starts at the same point.

Some may initially benefit from weight management, supplements, exercise changes or other supportive measures.

Others may need pain relief earlier.

The plan should be based on your pet’s comfort and individual needs.

Usually, yes.

Regular, controlled movement can help maintain muscle strength and joint function.

The type and duration of exercise should be adjusted to suit your dog’s level of mobility and comfort.

Very often, yes.

Age itself is not a diagnosis.

Slowing down, stiffness or reluctance to move may be signs of discomfort, and there are many ways we may be able to improve your pet’s quality of life.

For a healthy senior pet, annual checks may still be appropriate.

If your pet has a chronic condition, is taking long-term medication or has new concerns, your vet may recommend reviews around every six months.

Blood tests can identify changes that are not obvious during a physical examination.

They may also provide a useful baseline so we can compare future results if your pet becomes unwell.

It can happen with age, but it is still worth investigating.

Reduced activity, stiffness, limping or reluctance to jump can indicate discomfort or arthritis, and there may be treatment options available.

Unexpected weight loss is worth discussing with your vet.

It can be associated with dental disease, kidney or liver problems, hormonal conditions, digestive issues and other medical causes.

Very often, yes.

Age alone does not tell us whether treatment is worthwhile.

The better question is whether treatment can improve comfort, function or quality of life.

Look at the things that matter to your individual pet.

Are they eating?
Moving comfortably?
Interacting with you?
Sleeping well?
Enjoying walks, attention or favourite routines?

If you are unsure, talk to us. Quality-of-life conversations are an important part of senior care.

Absolutely.

You do not need to have made a final decision before contacting us. A quality-of-life discussion can help you understand what your pet may be experiencing and what options are still available.

VetPay may be available to eligible clients, subject to approval by VetPay.

You can apply directly through VetPay, and our team can provide the information you need about your pet’s treatment.

Afterpay may be available for eligible payments.

Please ask our team if you would like to use Afterpay for your visit.

Yes.

Payment and claim processes vary depending on your insurer and policy.

Coming Soon > If GapOnly is available for your policy, you may be able to have the claim assessed while you are at the clinic and pay only the remaining gap 

Yes.

For planned treatment, we are happy to explain the expected costs and provide an estimate where possible.

Some procedures or investigations can change once we know more about your pet’s condition, so estimates may occasionally need to be updated.

If you are unsure which payment method may suit you, speak with our reception team before your pet’s treatment.

We can explain the available options and help you work out the next step.