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Centre For Animal Referral & Emergency - Melbourne

Proud to be part of the Animal Referral & Emergency Network

 

 

Emergency and referral services

5 Hood St, Collingwood, VIC, 3066

Open Monday - Sunday: 24 hours

03 9417 6417
admin@carevet.com.au

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Emergency and critical care

If you have an emergency or are worried about your pet’s health, please contact us on 03 9417 6417 and we can assess the need for emergency treatment. 

You don’t need a referral or appointment to attend our hospital in an emergency.

About CARE

 

Our Centre for Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE) is a veterinary specialist, emergency and critical care hospital in Collingwood, Melbourne.

Our goal is to provide diagnostic and treatment plans which will help achieve the best possible outcome for each case. We consider the unique requirements of each individual pet, their owners and their primary care veterinarian.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our emergency and critical care service operates continuously for unexpected out-of-hours problems and critically unwell patients.

Our specialists provide a unique, collaborative approach to optimising the management of your pet's health concerns.

   

How to find us

CARE Map
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More ways to pay

We offer a range of payment options to suit you and your unique circumstances.

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Meet our team

Avatar

Dr Christine Lovatt

BSc BVMS MANZCVS MVS MVSc DACVECC

Read my bio
×

Dr Christine Lovatt

BSc BVMS MANZCVS MVS MVSc DACVECC

Christine graduated from Murdoch University before entering emergency and critical care practice immediately post-graduation, and practiced all over the country in private practice, multidisciplinary specialist and university referral settings, before commencing her residency in emergency and critical care at the University of Melbourne in 2019. She finished her residency through Murdoch University and started at CARE as a critical care registrar in 2022, passing her exams to become a Diplomate of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care in August this year. Her particular areas of practice interest include sepsis, mechanical ventilation and respiratory emergencies, cardiac disease, complex trauma management and transfusion medicine. She is passionate about how optimisation of workflow and team structure can deliver improved career satisfaction for vets and nurses, and improved patient safety and outcomes. She has published on anaphylaxis and completed research on coagulation testing in dogs and this remains a significant area of interest. Christine loves to work closely with general practice veterinarians to demonstrate the incredible progress we have made in the critical care space in the last 15-20 years and all that is possible for veterinary patients in 2023 and beyond. Christine loves working at CARE due to the close-knit nature of the team, the continuously challenging caseload, and the incredible collaborative nature between departments. Her life is run by Kitty, her aging ex-blood donor greyhound, who tolerates the presence of Joseph, her cross-eyed domestic shorthair. Outside of work, Christine enjoys all things Melbourne – coffee, food, cocktails, AFL and Formula 1, though she will watch most sports. 

Avatar

Dr Joanne Gill

ECC Veterinarian
×

Dr Joanne Gill

ECC Veterinarian

Dr Sophie Haynes BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She has been a member of our Internal Medicine team since CARE was established.

Sophie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002 with honours. She began her career in a small animal practice in Hall, ACT, where she worked for 2.5 years. She then travelled overseas to work as the emergency clinician in a large practice in Newport, Wales (UK).

In 2006, Sophie returned to Australia and joined the University of Melbourne as an Intern in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The next year she began a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution. In 2012 she became a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Internal Medicine.

During her residency, she completed a research project in which canine parvovirus DNA was identified in the bone marrow of cats using PCR. Since 2012, Sophie has been working in private referral practice in Melbourne. Her particular interests include infectious disease, cardiology and diagnostic imaging.

Avatar

Dr Linda Abraham

BSc(hons), BVetMed, PhD, MANZCVS (SA Medicine), FANZCVS (Canine Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Linda Abraham

BSc(hons), BVetMed, PhD, MANZCVS (SA Medicine), FANZCVS (Canine Medicine)

Dr Linda is a registered specialist in Canine Medicine.

Linda graduated with a BSc (with first class Honours) from the University of London in 1991 and from the Royal Veterinary College London with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. After a short period in general practice, Linda commenced a PhD in bone biology at the University of London and moved to Melbourne to complete the research. She was awarded her PhD in 1998.

Linda remained in Melbourne to continue her clinical training as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Melbourne. After completing her residency she became a registrar in the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, where she taught undergraduate veterinary students in small animal medicine whilst treating patients through the University practice.

Linda became a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in 2000 and a Fellow in Canine Medicine in 2006. She has examined for the ANZCVS for both membership and fellowship examinations and joined the Board of Examiners in 2016.

Avatar

Dr Karen Brenner

BVSc(Hons) DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Karen Brenner

BVSc(Hons) DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Dr Karen Brenner BVSc(Hons) DACVIM is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine and joined the CARE Internal Medicine team in 2014.

Karen graduated from the University of Melbourne, with first class honours, in 2003. After graduation, she worked in a small animal general practice in south eastern Melbourne for 2.5 years.

She then moved to the USA in 2007 to undertake a one-year, rotating small animal internship at Kansas State University. In 2008, Karen began a three-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution and in 2011 became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Karen returned to Melbourne at the end of 2011 and since then has been working in private referral practice.

Avatar

Dr Sophie Haynes

BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Sophie Haynes

BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Dr Sophie Haynes BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She has been a member of our Internal Medicine team since CARE was established.

Sophie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002 with honours. She began her career in a small animal practice in Hall, ACT, where she worked for 2.5 years. She then travelled overseas to work as the emergency clinician in a large practice in Newport, Wales (UK).

In 2006, Sophie returned to Australia and joined the University of Melbourne as an Intern in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The next year she began a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution. In 2012 she became a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Internal Medicine.

During her residency, she completed a research project in which canine parvovirus DNA was identified in the bone marrow of cats using PCR. Since 2012, Sophie has been working in private referral practice in Melbourne. Her particular interests include infectious disease, cardiology and diagnostic imaging.

Avatar

Dr Guy Yates

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon

Read my bio
×

Dr Guy Yates

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon

Guy is an experienced specialist small animal surgeon and Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, who maintains active clinical interests in soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurosurgery.

His former roles as Senior Lecturer and Clinical Head of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne, and clinical consultant at James Cook University, and ongoing positions as Senior Fellow within the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne and co-tutorship of the Continuing Veterinary Education program in surgery through the University of Sydney, have influenced the emphasis he places on a balanced and considered approach to clinical practice.  He values the academic and research aspects of the discipline, and has published numerous articles on soft tissue surgical, orthopaedic and minimally invasive surgical subjects.  Guy is committed to optimising veterinary surgical practices, with a strong focus on patient outcomes, through the progressive and considered application of available evidence and a well-structured approach to surgical training and continuing education.

After practicing in a number of the private specialist veterinary hospitals in Melbourne, Guy established the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency in 2013. The Centre evolved with a genuine emphasis on achieving excellence in patient care and management, through the development of a cohesive and well-equipped team of like-minded specialists in complimentary disciplines. Guy believes that CARE is distinguished by this objective and commits his time, through clinical and operational practices, to its pursuit.

Avatar

Dr Brenton Chambers

BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)

Read my bio
×

Dr Brenton Chambers

BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)

Dr Brenton Chambers BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Surgery.

Brenton graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Queensland in 1994. He worked in a mixture of general, emergency and referral practices in North Queensland and in Melbourne for 13 years. He then commenced his residency training in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne in 2007. After completing his residency in 2010, Brenton remained at the University of Melbourne as lecturer in Small Animal Surgery and passed the Fellowship Examinations set by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2013.

Whilst maintaining an interest in all aspects of surgery, Brenton has a clinical and research interest in minimally invasive surgery. He is currently writing his Master’s degree thesis on the effects of retractor modality on perfusion and nerve conduction during thoracoscopic-assisted pulmonary surgery in dogs. He has lectured and tutored in Australia, Malaysia and China in minimally invasive surgery. When not at work, he enjoys woodworking, photography and camping with his family.

Avatar

Erin Gibson

Hospital Manager

Read my bio
×

Erin Gibson

Hospital Manager

Erin began her nursing career in 2000, working in a mixed practice in the UK. She became a registered veterinary nurse in 2003. She remained in mixed practice for five years. Since then she has worked in both small animal general practice and referral veterinary practices as an emergency nurse, in both the UK and Australia. She relocated to Australia permanently in 2006. Erin has also had roles teaching veterinary nursing. She is currently studying for her Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care.

Her interests include further training and education, animal behaviour and she is a big fan of working dogs.

Referrals and appointments

With specialists in multiple disciplines, the team at CARE provide a unique collaborative approach to optimise the management of your pet's health concerns

To make a patient appointment with a specialist, contact our friendly team via phone or email. Please note a vet referral is required for most specialist appointments.

To make a vet referral, contact us via phone or email, or fill out our online referral form.  We are also happy to discuss a case at any time, including offering after-hours advice from our emergency team.

Submit a referral online

   

Our services

Our surgery department offers a comprehensive array of specialised orthopedic and soft tissue surgical procedures and services. Advanced diagnostic options are available to help with diagnosis and decision-making, including radiography, computed tomography +/- myelography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and MRI (off-site).

Surgery

Our surgery department offers a comprehensive array of specialised orthopaedic and soft tissue surgical procedures and services.

During the initial consultation, our specialist surgeons will consider your pet’s history and signs and perform a thorough clinical examination. They will then discuss a diagnostic and treatment plan with you, incorporating the most current evidence-based surgical options to optimise your pet’s care and recovery.

Advanced diagnostic options are available to help diagnosis and decision making, including radiography, computed tomography +/- myelography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and MRI (off-site).

Surgical services and procedures include:

  • Surgical management of cruciate disease such as tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO)
  • Management of hip dysplasia, including total hip replacement.
  • Fracture repair
  • Management of neurological disorders
  • Oncological, respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal soft tissue surgery.

We use specialised anaesthetic techniques and monitoring equipment during surgery. Pre- and post-operative care occurs within our ICU facility, which provides 24-hour veterinary care.

Diagnostic Imaging

The Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency is equipped with a large range of advanced diagnostic imaging equipment. 

We offer multiple advanced diagnostic imaging modalities. Radiographic studies are performed using digital radiography. Our Phillips Affinity 50 ultrasound machine provides excellent, detailed, abdominal, cardiac and musculoskeletal ultrasound studies, which are performed by our radiologist and internal medicine specialists.

We have recently upgraded our CT machine to a 16-slice Siemens machine, which provides superior, high quality computed tomography images for diagnosis and assessment of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, nasal, abdominal and neurological conditions. We also have access to offsite MRI imaging as needed.

Internal Medicine

Our internal medicine department applies advanced diagnostic techniques and experience to optimise the care of patients with complex conditions.

When a pet is brought in to see our internal medicine team, the specialist will review all of their previous history and tests and perform a thorough clinical examination.  When appropriate, they may discuss the use of advanced laboratory testing and/or diagnostic procedures such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI, endoscopy or surgery.

These more advanced tests allow us to develop a detailed picture of the health concerns of each patient, so we can tailor an effective management plan to help them and optimise their quality of life. We aim to work together with owners and their regular veterinarians to help manage their pet’s conditions with compassion.

Internal medicine encompasses:

  • Infectious disease
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Nephrology/urology
  • Cardiorespiratory diseases
  • Oncology

   

   

Meet our team

Avatar

Dr Christine Lovatt

BSc BVMS MANZCVS MVS MVSc DACVECC

Read my bio
×

Dr Christine Lovatt

BSc BVMS MANZCVS MVS MVSc DACVECC

Christine graduated from Murdoch University before entering emergency and critical care practice immediately post-graduation, and practiced all over the country in private practice, multidisciplinary specialist and university referral settings, before commencing her residency in emergency and critical care at the University of Melbourne in 2019. She finished her residency through Murdoch University and started at CARE as a critical care registrar in 2022, passing her exams to become a Diplomate of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care in August this year. Her particular areas of practice interest include sepsis, mechanical ventilation and respiratory emergencies, cardiac disease, complex trauma management and transfusion medicine. She is passionate about how optimisation of workflow and team structure can deliver improved career satisfaction for vets and nurses, and improved patient safety and outcomes. She has published on anaphylaxis and completed research on coagulation testing in dogs and this remains a significant area of interest. Christine loves to work closely with general practice veterinarians to demonstrate the incredible progress we have made in the critical care space in the last 15-20 years and all that is possible for veterinary patients in 2023 and beyond. Christine loves working at CARE due to the close-knit nature of the team, the continuously challenging caseload, and the incredible collaborative nature between departments. Her life is run by Kitty, her aging ex-blood donor greyhound, who tolerates the presence of Joseph, her cross-eyed domestic shorthair. Outside of work, Christine enjoys all things Melbourne – coffee, food, cocktails, AFL and Formula 1, though she will watch most sports. 

Avatar

Dr Joanne Gill

ECC Veterinarian
×

Dr Joanne Gill

ECC Veterinarian

Dr Sophie Haynes BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She has been a member of our Internal Medicine team since CARE was established.

Sophie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002 with honours. She began her career in a small animal practice in Hall, ACT, where she worked for 2.5 years. She then travelled overseas to work as the emergency clinician in a large practice in Newport, Wales (UK).

In 2006, Sophie returned to Australia and joined the University of Melbourne as an Intern in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The next year she began a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution. In 2012 she became a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Internal Medicine.

During her residency, she completed a research project in which canine parvovirus DNA was identified in the bone marrow of cats using PCR. Since 2012, Sophie has been working in private referral practice in Melbourne. Her particular interests include infectious disease, cardiology and diagnostic imaging.

Avatar

Dr Linda Abraham

BSc(hons), BVetMed, PhD, MANZCVS (SA Medicine), FANZCVS (Canine Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Linda Abraham

BSc(hons), BVetMed, PhD, MANZCVS (SA Medicine), FANZCVS (Canine Medicine)

Dr Linda is a registered specialist in Canine Medicine.

Linda graduated with a BSc (with first class Honours) from the University of London in 1991 and from the Royal Veterinary College London with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. After a short period in general practice, Linda commenced a PhD in bone biology at the University of London and moved to Melbourne to complete the research. She was awarded her PhD in 1998.

Linda remained in Melbourne to continue her clinical training as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Melbourne. After completing her residency she became a registrar in the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, where she taught undergraduate veterinary students in small animal medicine whilst treating patients through the University practice.

Linda became a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in 2000 and a Fellow in Canine Medicine in 2006. She has examined for the ANZCVS for both membership and fellowship examinations and joined the Board of Examiners in 2016.

Avatar

Dr Karen Brenner

BVSc(Hons) DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Karen Brenner

BVSc(Hons) DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Dr Karen Brenner BVSc(Hons) DACVIM is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine and joined the CARE Internal Medicine team in 2014.

Karen graduated from the University of Melbourne, with first class honours, in 2003. After graduation, she worked in a small animal general practice in south eastern Melbourne for 2.5 years.

She then moved to the USA in 2007 to undertake a one-year, rotating small animal internship at Kansas State University. In 2008, Karen began a three-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution and in 2011 became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Karen returned to Melbourne at the end of 2011 and since then has been working in private referral practice.

Avatar

Dr Sophie Haynes

BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Read my bio
×

Dr Sophie Haynes

BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Internal Medicine)

Dr Sophie Haynes BVSc(Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She has been a member of our Internal Medicine team since CARE was established.

Sophie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002 with honours. She began her career in a small animal practice in Hall, ACT, where she worked for 2.5 years. She then travelled overseas to work as the emergency clinician in a large practice in Newport, Wales (UK).

In 2006, Sophie returned to Australia and joined the University of Melbourne as an Intern in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. The next year she began a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the same institution. In 2012 she became a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Internal Medicine.

During her residency, she completed a research project in which canine parvovirus DNA was identified in the bone marrow of cats using PCR. Since 2012, Sophie has been working in private referral practice in Melbourne. Her particular interests include infectious disease, cardiology and diagnostic imaging.

Avatar

Dr Guy Yates

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon

Read my bio
×

Dr Guy Yates

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon

Guy is an experienced specialist small animal surgeon and Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, who maintains active clinical interests in soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurosurgery.

His former roles as Senior Lecturer and Clinical Head of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne, and clinical consultant at James Cook University, and ongoing positions as Senior Fellow within the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne and co-tutorship of the Continuing Veterinary Education program in surgery through the University of Sydney, have influenced the emphasis he places on a balanced and considered approach to clinical practice.  He values the academic and research aspects of the discipline, and has published numerous articles on soft tissue surgical, orthopaedic and minimally invasive surgical subjects.  Guy is committed to optimising veterinary surgical practices, with a strong focus on patient outcomes, through the progressive and considered application of available evidence and a well-structured approach to surgical training and continuing education.

After practicing in a number of the private specialist veterinary hospitals in Melbourne, Guy established the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency in 2013. The Centre evolved with a genuine emphasis on achieving excellence in patient care and management, through the development of a cohesive and well-equipped team of like-minded specialists in complimentary disciplines. Guy believes that CARE is distinguished by this objective and commits his time, through clinical and operational practices, to its pursuit.

Avatar

Dr Brenton Chambers

BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)

Read my bio
×

Dr Brenton Chambers

BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)

Dr Brenton Chambers BVSc (Hons) FANZCVS is a registered specialist in Small Animal Surgery.

Brenton graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Queensland in 1994. He worked in a mixture of general, emergency and referral practices in North Queensland and in Melbourne for 13 years. He then commenced his residency training in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Melbourne in 2007. After completing his residency in 2010, Brenton remained at the University of Melbourne as lecturer in Small Animal Surgery and passed the Fellowship Examinations set by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2013.

Whilst maintaining an interest in all aspects of surgery, Brenton has a clinical and research interest in minimally invasive surgery. He is currently writing his Master’s degree thesis on the effects of retractor modality on perfusion and nerve conduction during thoracoscopic-assisted pulmonary surgery in dogs. He has lectured and tutored in Australia, Malaysia and China in minimally invasive surgery. When not at work, he enjoys woodworking, photography and camping with his family.

Avatar

Erin Gibson

Hospital Manager

Read my bio
×

Erin Gibson

Hospital Manager

Erin began her nursing career in 2000, working in a mixed practice in the UK. She became a registered veterinary nurse in 2003. She remained in mixed practice for five years. Since then she has worked in both small animal general practice and referral veterinary practices as an emergency nurse, in both the UK and Australia. She relocated to Australia permanently in 2006. Erin has also had roles teaching veterinary nursing. She is currently studying for her Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care.

Her interests include further training and education, animal behaviour and she is a big fan of working dogs.

TEST 1

Surgery

Our surgery department offers a comprehensive array of specialised orthopaedic and soft tissue surgical procedures and services, including:

  • Surgical management of cruciate disease such as tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)
  • Urgent Spinal surgery service
  • Management of hip dysplasia, including total hip replacement.
  • Fracture repair
  • Management of neurological disorders
  • Oncological, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal soft tissue surgery.

Our experienced team will communicate comprehensively with you to answer any and all questions about your pet's health. They will provide extensive diagnostic and treatment information to help you make informed decisions. Pre- and post-operative care occurs within our ICU facility, which provides 24-hour veterinary care.