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Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre (MVSC) Glen Waverley
70 Blackburn Road, Glen Waverley, VIC, 3150
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office@melbvet.com.au
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(03) 9887 8844
4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(197 reviews)

Have been seeing the dermatology team here for a few months and they are just exceptional. The reception staff from booking the appointment to their wonderful smiles as we came...

Have been seeing the dermatology team here for a few months and they are just exceptional. The reception staff from booking the appointment to their wonderful smiles as we came in was amazing. The vet Dr Nicola was very kind and knowledgeable and offered me all the options. I didn't feel pressured into expensive procedures, instead they gave me choices and estimates and supported what I decided. My dog Chilli Beanz absolutely loves coming here and whilst it's annoying she has these issues I am so grateful we found the team here at MVSC. Whatever happens in the future I know we have the support of an amazing team of vets, nurses and receptionists to help us.
The Wright Corgis and Hooman
2 months ago

Huge thank you to Dr. Arthur House and the entire team at MVSC for the life-changing BOAS surgery they performed on our French Bulldog, Duke. When Duke experienced a traumatic...

Huge thank you to Dr. Arthur House and the entire team at MVSC for the life-changing BOAS surgery they performed on our French Bulldog, Duke. When Duke experienced a traumatic heatstroke event we were advised to consider the surgery. We actually had no idea that Duke had been struggling so much we thought the heavy panting and collapsing after a long walk was normal. We were heartbroken to find out that he was actually finding it hard to breathe comfortably. From the first consultation, Dr House was incredibly thorough, patient, and honest about what to expect. He explained every step of the BOAS correction (widened nostrils, shortened soft palate, removed everted laryngeal saccules) in a way that made us feel completely informed and supported, never rushed. Surgery day was not stressful at all for us, Dr House gave us clear communication and updates throughout the day, which helped ease our nerves tremendously. The surgery was a complete success. Recovery had been smooth thanks to detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up calls to check on him. Dr House is genuinely kind, compassionate, and clearly loves brachycephalic breeds. If your Frenchie needs BOAS surgery, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Arthur House 5 stars isnt enough. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Rebecca
2 weeks ago

I was initially worried about the cost of the first appointment for my dogs ongoing skin issues but I was blown away by the thoroughness of the first consult and...

I was initially worried about the cost of the first appointment for my dogs ongoing skin issues but I was blown away by the thoroughness of the first consult and the care of Dr. Yunhan Wang. He is so knowledgeable and makes sure to explain things in a way you can easily understand. He gave me all the options for treatment and was ultimately a safe space for me and my dog Moose (who is in love with all the nurses and receptionists.) I would highly recommend anyone who needs specialist support to come to this vets.
Geeg Giles
3 months ago

About MVSC Glen Waverley

Established in 1999, the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre (MVSC) is one of the nation's leading providers of advanced multidisciplinary medical services for animals. 
 
At the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to your pet’s health and draw upon the extensive skills of the centre’s areas of specialty: internal medicine, dermatology, surgery, and behavioural medicine. 
 
We understand and value the bond between you and your pet, and are committed to offering you and your pets the highest quality specialist veterinary treatments available. Our mission is to provide the best care to help your pets live healthier, happier lives. 
 
Our centre houses some of the most advanced diagnostics, medical treatments and surgeries in Victoria. With state-of-the-art equipment on-site, we aim to provide advanced care for your pets and our patients.

Our Specialist Services

MVSC provides comprehensive specialist veterinary care through our dermatology, behavioural medicine, internal medicine, and surgery departments, staffed by experienced specialists and dedicated nurses who treat an array of animals. Our services include diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, behavioural problems, internal diseases, and surgical procedures, supported by collaborative specialist care and allergy vaccine preparation distributed across Australia.

Referrals & Appointments

Veterinary Specialists serve as an extension of general veterinary practice offering advanced knowledge and equipment to diagnose and treat your pet more effectively. In some cases, just like in human medicine, a specialist may be required to manage your pet’s problem.

As we are not a primary health provider, you will need a referral from your Veterinarian to see the Specialists at our Centre. Once your Veterinarian suggests a referral to a specialist, a referral form will be completed. Your Veterinarian will either contact us directly or ask you to contact us to make an appointment.

MVSC offers a central connection between you, your referring Veterinarian, and the other Specialists within the Centre to ensure the successful evaluation and ongoing treatment of your pet. Following your consultation, and any subsequent diagnostics or procedures, our Specialists will communicate with your referring Veterinarian to assure a smooth transition and continuity of care.If you are concerned about your pet's diagnosis or care, please speak with your Veterinarian about a referral to a specialist.

To make a patient appointment or vet referral, contact our friendly team via phone or email. Please note a referral from your general veterinary practitioner is required for all initial consultations. 

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Dermatology

Specialist Dermatology for your pet's health

We accept referrals for a wide range of skin related problems, including itchy skin (with or without visible disease), ear problems, nail disease and any kind of lesions or rashes on the skin, nose, mucous membranes and paws. MVSC has three specialist veterinary dermatologists — Dr Rebecca Bassett, Dr David Robson, and Dr Nicola Martinez along with two dermatology residents - Dr Madelaine Guy-Moore and Dr Tian Chee Lu. Together they have more than 50 years of experience in referral dermatology. Our dermatologists and residents are supported by a dedicated team of dermatology nurses who have a high level of training in veterinary dermatological nursing and are very caring and experienced. They each have a passion for helping animals and strive to offer the best care for their patients. Our dermatology service also prepares and distributes allergy vaccines. These allergy vaccines are not only prescribed to patients of the centre but also to other specialist practices around Australia. While we usually see dogs, cats and horses, the dermatologists are also called upon by Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo, or Healesville Sanctuary for specialist consultation/examination of the zoo animals. 

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We provide the most up-to-date information on diagnosis and management of skin diseases. We dedicate a lot of time discussing with our clients about the various options available for diagnosis and treatments, to ensure the most suitable treatment plan for their pets. We also continue to have frequent communication outside of the consultation to help owners with the care of their pets.

We accept referrals for any skin condition. Some of the more common skin conditions include:

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  1. Atopic dermatitis (or atopy) is the most common skin disease we see in dermatology and is equivalent to eczema in people. Animals can be allergic to pollens, dust mites, mould spores and insects just like people can. Common symptoms of atopy include scratching, biting, chewing and licking excessively at one or more parts of the body, scooting and ear infections. At MVSC, we perform intradermal skin allergy testing (similar to skin prick testing in humans) and sometimes we also use blood allergy testing (Heska allercept test) to identify what the patient is allergic to. If avoidance is not a possible option then an allergy vaccine (allergen specific immunotherapy) can be formulated based on the results of the allergy test. This aims to help manage the allergies and minimise or eliminate the need for mediations and reduce or prevent relapses of skin problems. 
  2. Ear disease and infection is also a large part of our work. Ear infections can be very uncomfortable for the animal and cause long-term damage to the ear canals if they are not treated correctly. Our dermatologists are highly skilled and use specialised equipment such as a video otoscopes, MRI and hearing machines to diagnose and treat ear problems. We are also able to manage long standing ear problems (medically) to try and minimise the need for surgery.
  3. Nail issues is also another specialised area of dermatology. There are many different reasons for deformed, brittle, sloughing or painful nails. Our dermatologists are experienced in performing biopsies of nails to enable a correct diagnosis and devise an accurate treatment plan. In many cases nail and nail bed issues are able to be completely resolved or at least well controlled.
  4. Immune mediated diseases that affect the skin, nails or nose tend to be less common but require great skill in managing, which is where the experience of a specialist dermatologist is really important. Some of these diseases cause crusting and loss of pigment of the nose, around the eyes, gums, lips, nails and skin in general. There are many different presentations and many different immune mediated diseases that can occur. Most of them are very manageable with specialist knowledge. Animals with an immune mediated disease can live a relatively normal life with correct management of their condition.
  5. Bacterial and fungal infections can present in many different ways and can be very common as secondary problems associated with other skin diseases. Our dermatologists are skilled at preliminary tests, like cytology (looking under a microscope) in order to diagnose and treat skin infections and then prevent relapses.
  6. Sunburn and skin cancers make up a small percentage of our patients. Once a correct diagnosis is achieved, treatment may involve medications or even use of the CO2 Laser for specific lesions.
  7. Bee and wasp allergies can be life threatening and at MVSC we diagnose and treat insect sting allergies (usually caused by bee). The treatment consists of desensitisation injections and is generally very successful in preventing repeat life threatening reactions. 
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As a large proportion of our patients have ear problems, so being able to use the most up-to-date and accurate equipment allows us to provide the best in patient care. 

For ear diseases, we use specialised equipment such as the video-otoscope, a BAER machine (for hearing) and an MRI machine. This is all highly specialised equipment, requiring great skill to use correctly. Our team of dedicated dermatologists and nurses have great success in managing difficult ear cases.

We also have a CO2 Laser; this has been used successfully to remove pre-cancerous lesions, some superficial tumours from the skin and also for certain cystic lesions in between the toes. The laser, in some cases is preferred over surgery due to it being less invasive and more practical for removing multiple small lesions.

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Our dermatologists also use specialised techniques when performing skin, nose and nail biopsies. Their experience and knowledge maximise obtaining answers from a biopsy which otherwise can sometimes be a grey area.   

The dermatologists also do their own histopathology (looking at the biopsy samples under the microscope). This gives the added advantage of using the clinical signs of the patient together with the microscopic findings from the biopsy to come to an accurate diagnosis. This is a crucial step in order to best treat the patient and obtain a good outcome. The dermatologists at MVSC also receive biopsy samples from other general practitioners, providing an added service of clinical perspective in certain skin diseases.

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What to expect from a typical consultation with a dermatologist

Initial consultations are expected to go for up to one hour and revisit consultations are expected to take up to 30 minutes. We endeavour to start your consultation on time, so it is important that you arrive at the clinic just before your appointment time. 

If there is a possibility that your pet may need a procedure that day, then it is best that your pet is fasted. In some cases procedures can be done on the same day, but not always. It will depend on the procedure type and the time of day.

Once the dermatologist has thoroughly examined your pet they will usually take some samples of the parts of the skin that are of concern. They will take these samples and look at them under the microscope and then explain their findings with you. By the end of the consult you will have been given a lot of information, you will be given a full written report to take home which will cover everything discussed in the consult including the future diagnostic plan. Your referring veterinarian will also receive a copy of this report. If there are any questions or problems after you have read the letter then the dermatology nurses will be available to answer these or seek advice from our veterinary dermatologists if needed.

Our primary goal is to make a correct diagnosis as to what the cause of the problem is and treat it, rather than use medications that non-specifically treat signs. It is important to address the causes specifically and treat in order to prevent recurrences and long term issues.

Information sheets for clients

Behavioural Medicine

Specialist Behavioural Medicine for your pet's health

Behavioural problems are medical conditions and often due to neurochemical imbalances in the brain. If your pet is showing signs of behavioural problems it is important to get them assessed. Treatment is effective and can help rebuild the bonds between owner and pet. 

In dogs, the most common reason for seeing a Veterinary Behaviourist is because of:

  • Aggression towards family, strangers or other dogs. 
  • Anxiety   
  • Lack of Self-Control 
  • Strange and obsessive Behaviours 

Cats are presented to us mostly for:

  • Litter box troubles and spraying 
  • Aggression towards people and other cats 
  • Over-grooming

Birds too can suffer from high anxiety. This is often shown through feather plucking or being excessively noisy. Many bird behaviour problems can be managed by paying attention to housing and routine but some are so severe that they need to be seen by a veterinary behaviourist. 

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Veterinary Behaviourists

Veterinary behaviourists are veterinarians who have acquired membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (VBM) by examination. They have first studied veterinary medicine at University for a minimum of five years. They have then added to their knowledge by studying the behaviour of animals, how animals learn and the causes, diagnosis, management and treatment options for behaviour problems such as anxiety disorders and aggressive behaviours as well as management techniques for common behaviour issues. Before they can sit the membership examinations, they must have been in veterinary practice for a minimum of five years. 

Specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine

A registered veterinary specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine is a veterinarian who has undertaken further extensive study and research in veterinary behavioural medicine and been extensively examined in their knowledge of this field. They may be a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Australian Scientists, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist or a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. Only then can they register with their veterinary practitioners’ board as a veterinary specialist.

Dr Jacqui Ley is one of three Veterinary Specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine in Victoria. As well as being a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Scientists, she is also a Diplomat of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.

Dr Ley offers behavioural services at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre and brings an extensive range of knowledge and experience to our Centre. 

Why have I been referred?

Sometimes a veterinarian or a trainer will suggest referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist for a particular behaviour problem. This is usually because they have recognised a behaviour of concern and want it investigated by someone who is properly qualified to do this, similar to your GP sending you to an eye or skin specialist when you have a problem.

Some problem behaviours may seem ‘not that important’ but can be pre-cursors to more serious problems, or may indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Your trainer or veterinarian has had experience with lots of different dogs and cats, and can recognise behaviour that is different or unusual. Just like people, your pet may have an excessively high level of anxiety, or may have abnormal or inappropriate responses to other animals, people or noises.

Shouldn’t a good trainer be able to fix the problem?

Just like a school teacher can identify that a child has a problem that needs further investigation and help, a good trainer can identify when an animal’s responses are abnormal or when an animal is overly anxious. Good trainers help owners and animals develop skills for living together. Good trainers do not diagnose and treat psychological problems in animals- this is the role of the Veterinary Behaviourist.

Veterinary Behaviourists and trainers often work together. Some trainers have extra training so they are qualified to work with animals with problems and their owners. The trainer helps you to learn how to implement the behaviour modification program prescribed by your veterinary behaviourist.

Trainers are always welcome to visit the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre with their clients. Please mention this when you are making your appointment.

What is involved in a Behaviour Consultation?

A behaviour consultation is a chance for you to discuss your pet’s problems and to start helping them.  Before you come to the appointment, you need to fill in a behaviour history form.  

It can be helpful to bring along footage of your pet when they are doing the problem behaviour. However, DO NOT put yourself, anyone else, your pet or someone else’s pet at risk to film the behaviour. Footage or photographs of damage can also be helpful to us in understanding the problem.

The veterinary behaviourist will sit down with you and work through the history form with you to get more in depth information. During this time, they will also be observing your pet and how it copes in a new situation (the consultation room). They will then explain their diagnosis and develop a treatment plan with you for your pet.

Behaviour consultations take time and you need to be present for them. Some of this time will be spent discussing possible outcomes, devising a specific behaviour modification program and helping you understand why your pet does the things they do.

Internal Medicine

Specialist Internal Medicine for your pet's health

Our Specialists have spent many years developing knowledge and practical techniques in this extensive field. The areas of investigation vary from hormonal to gastrointestinal and from cardiac to neurological. 

The extensive range of diagnostic equipment at the Centre enables us to review, diagnose and treat the most complex and challenging of medical cases. Diagnostic procedures commonly performed include radiography, ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan), video endoscopy, and electrocardiography. Due to our extensive range of equipment, all these procedures can be performed within our clinic or at a local offsite facility, usually on the same day if required. All manner of problems can be tackled and solved by using:

  • A variety of tools to produce images of internal structures. 
  • An array of specific blood tests. 
  • Sampling procedures to obtain tissue and fluid samples with minimally invasive techniques. 

The Internal Medicine team are available for consultation from Monday to Friday at our Glen Waverley location. Cases can typically be seen within a few days; or, often more quickly based on urgency. We have experienced Nurses onsite, including overnight, to provide Patients with the professional care and treatment required. 

Timely communication with your referring veterinary clinic will ensure all ongoing care is co-ordinated and tailored to your pet’s needs. In addition, many Vets frequently seek advice from our Specialists regarding their cases. This means your local vet practitioner can discuss clinical problems with MVSC Specialists, which may provide further avenues for your Vet to pursue OR determine whether a referral to our Specialists would be beneficial.  

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The Medicine Department is fully equipped to investigate a full range of referral case problems using:

  • Colour Doppler ultrasonography suitable for all ultrasound applications
  • Video endoscopy with a wide range of flexible and rigid scopes to allow imaging of intestinal, respiratory, and urinary structure
  • Fluoroscopy
  • High power digital radiology suite
  • Onsite Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Electrocardiography
  • Off-site access to CT scanning 
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • A range of biopsy devices that usually allow tissue or fluid samples to be obtained with minimal side effects
  • Continuous glucose monitoring.

The cases that are investigated include the full gamut of medical problems, such as: acquired and congenital cardiovascular disease; alimentary problems; urinary tract disease; respiratory disease; comprehensive cancer care; neuromuscular disorders; endocrine diseases; and haematologic disorders.

MRI

The specifically designed VetMRI machine is housed within our Specialist Centre in Glen Waverley. It is readily available to same-day procedures, and is an important veterinary diagnostic tool.

Some of the benefits of having an on-site MRI machine include:

  • Superior intra-procedural monitoring and after care
  • Ability to perform additional procedures while the patient is anaesthetised (e.g. CSF collection/spinal tap, surgical intervention, biopsy sampling).
  • Unparalleled view inside the body
  • Ability to locate central nervous system abnormalities.
  • Ability to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures such as organs, soft tissues and bones which can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed and copied to CD.

Digital Radiography & Fluoroscopy

Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include:

  •  Time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images
  • Less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed—most commonly used for imaging oesophageal and trachea movement.

Endoscopy (Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Bronchscopy)

Endoscopy is a medical procedure which allows a veterinarian to observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. An endoscope (fibrescope) is a long, usually flexible tube with a camera at one end and a control device at the other. The end with the camera is inserted into the patient. Light passes down the tube (via bundles of optical fibres) to illuminate the relevant area and the images are sent to the television screen via the camera. Usually, an endoscope is inserted through one of the body's natural openings, such as the mouth, nostrils or anus. Endoscopy allows us to take biopsies from internal structures to aid in the diagnostic process. It is also useful in the removal of foreign bodies.

This is a diagnostic process that uses the reflection of high-frequency sound waves to make an image of structures deep within the body. It is used to visualise subcutaneous body structures vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. It is possible to perform both diagnosis and therapeutic procedures using ultrasound to guide interventional procedures (for instance biopsies or drainage of fluid accumulation). A water-based gel is used to couple the ultrasound between the transducer and Patient. This is a non-invasive procedure which can be performed on a sedated or non-sedated patient.

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Electrocardiography (ECG) is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart over time via skin electrodes. It is a non-invasive recording produced by an electrocardiograph. Electrodes on different sides of the heart measure the activity of different parts of the heart muscle. An ECG displays the voltage between pairs of these electrodes, and the muscle activity that they measure, from different directions. This display indicates the overall rhythm of the heart and weaknesses in different parts of the heart muscle. It is the best way to measure and diagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart.

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Information For Your Pet's Visit

The Medicine team is available for consultation on the following days:

Glen Waverley: Monday - Friday 

Cases can typically be seen within a few days or more quickly for urgent cases. Bookings are necessary and are made in priority of urgency.

At the time of your initial consultation, one of our nurses will greet you and take your pet and you to a consultation room, check relevant details and perform a brief initial evaluation. This information will be passed onto the clinician who will have reviewed the referral information. Our specialist will join you as quickly as possible, but there may be a short delay in cases where the clinical material is extensive.

An initial consultation lasts for up to an hour. This allows time for your pet’s problem to be carefully explored and a thorough clinical examination to be performed.

A range of options then will be discussed, which might include further tests and/or treatment options. Expected outcomes, problems that might arise and differences between the alternatives will be discussed. If needed, time is given for the options and information to be discussed with other family members.

One of our Nurses will present estimates of costs for the various procedures and/or treatments anticipated. If there are procedures to be performed, in most cases these are on the same day as the consultation. If this is not possible, or it does not fit with your plans, they can be organised for another day. As many procedures might require sedation or anaesthesia, we request that pets are not fed on the morning of the consultation or procedures, unless the medical problem requires a meal to be given.

Surgery

Specialist Surgery for your pet's health

We offer a personalised service where communication with the Surgeon is available from the initial consultation, immediately after the surgery, during the recovery period, and at the discharge appointment. We do not simply perform the surgery and move on. We provide consistent follow up until the surgical problem is resolved. All surgical procedures are communicated to the referring Veterinarian via a telephone call, an emailed/faxed report, and a mailed report. All the Nurses in the Surgery Department are well trained, caring, and compassionate and will make your pet’s stay at the Centre as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet. 

During the initial consultation your pet will be examined by one of our Specialist Surgeons and the relevant history, laboratory work, and X-rays from your referring veterinarian will be assessed. If further investigations are required, these can be mostly performed at the time of the initial appointment. 

One of the Surgeons will then discuss your pet’s problem and a surgical treatment plan will be formulated. The risks, possible complications, success rates, and costs of the surgical procedures will then be discussed to ensure you are able to make a well informed decision regarding your pet’s care.

Our Specialist Surgeons are on call for emergency surgeries should the need arise with your pet.  

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At the MVSC Surgery Department, we aim to: 

  • To provide state-of-the art surgical care for all Patients. 
  • To provide excellent communication with pet owners and referring Veterinarians. 
  • To support the Veterinarians in Melbourne, regional Victoria, and interstate. 
  • To provide excellence in all areas of surgery, including soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, surgical oncology, neurosurgery, electrochemotherapy and emergencies. 
  • To provide a multidisciplinary ‘team approach’ to all our cases as we work with internists, oncology consultants, dermatologists, and radiologists to provide the best available treatment for our Patients. 
  • To have input from all our Surgeons regarding cases to ensure that we can make the most well informed decision for the optimum care of your pet. 
  • To provide excellent post-surgical follow up for your pet including the management of any complications that may arise from the procedure. We do not just send your pet back to your regular Veterinarian; we have a duty of care to ensure we guide you through the postoperative period. 

Routinely performed surgical procedures at our centre include:

  • Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament ruptures
  • Basic and advanced fracture repairs
  • Minimally invasive orthopaedics with use of intra-operative fluoroscopy
  • Arthroscopy
  • Minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and tracheal stenting, CO2 surgical laser
  • Hemilaminectomy and ventral slot procedure for acute disc ruptures
  • Wobbler surgery
  • Brain surgery
  • Spinal fracture repairs
  • Portosystemic shunt surgery
  • Hernia repairs
  • Thoracic surgery including lung removal, surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Urinary and reproductive tract surgery
  • Tumour removals and reconstruction
  • Upper airway surgery including correction of soft palate elongation and laryngeal paralysis (BOAS)
  • Emergency surgery

Surgical Oncology

At the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre we pride ourselves on offering the only multidisciplinary approach to cancer patients in Victoria. 

Our Surgeons work with our Internal Medicine Specialists along with external oncology specialists when required, during both the pre and postoperative period to provide comprehensive treatment for pets with cancer. This allows us to provide cancer treatments that include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, electrochemotherapy and radiation therapy. With aggressive surgery many cancer patients can be cured of their disease without having to resort to other treatment modalities.

Many of these procedures are quite radical and potentially disturbing cosmetically to pet owners. All of our Surgeons are cognisant of this and will spend time showing pet owners photographs of similar cases to reassure them that their pet will be functional and that we will achieve a cosmetic result. Commonly performed surgical oncology procedures include:

  • Wide excision of soft tissue sarcomas, mast cell tumours, vaccine associated sarcomas
  • Limb salvage for osteosarcoma
  • Thoracotomy for thoracic tumours, such as lung masses, thymomas, and chest wall masses
  • Brain and spinal cord tumour removals
  • Abdominal tumour removals
  • Maxillectomy and mandibulectomy for tumours of the oral cavity
  • Skin tumour removal and reconstruction using skin flaps, skin grafts, or microvascular techniques

Neurosurgery

All of our Surgeons are well trained in neurosurgery and routinely perform decompressive surgeries of the spinal cord for disc ruptures and removal of spinal tumours.

Acute disc extrusions, if treated promptly, carry an excellent prognosis and it brings us great satisfaction to get paralysed pets back on their feet to resume a normal life.

Your pet's visit

  • The initial consultation usually lasts one hour and may involve sedation and further radiographs (X-rays) if required.
  • In some cases more advanced imaging such as MRI or CT may be recommended and can sometimes be performed on the same day as the visit.
  • Surgery is often performed the same day or the day following the initial consultation.
  • The possible complications, risks, and expected outcome are discussed during the consultation and you will be required to sign both a consent form and an estimate form prior to hospital admission. A 50% deposit of the estimate is required prior to all surgical procedures being performed.
  • After surgery you will be contacted by telephone and will be informed of how the surgery went and how your pet is recovering.
  • Most Patients stay the night of surgery under the supervision of our overnight nursing staff.
  • Many Patients are able to go home the day after surgery and a discharge appointment will be made with the Surgeon to discuss the postoperative care instructions. You will be provided with written discharge instructions to guide you through the post operative period.
  • Your referring Veterinarian will be contacted via telephone and a written report will be emailed or faxed. A copy will also be posted with digital photos attached for his/her records.
  • We prefer to perform our own revisit examinations. If you live a long distance from the centre, follow up examinations can be performed by your referring Veterinarian in consultation with our Surgeons.

Axial pattern flaps
Uncover the ins and outs of Axial Pattern Flaps surgery. Understand flap surgery types, techniques such as Z-plasty, and post-operative care essentials. 
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Is the grass greener?
A look into the life of a veterinary specialist surgeon, comparing the paths of animal and human doctors. A reflection on the ups and downs of being a primary care veterinarian, and insights that might surprise you.
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Total Ear Canal Ablation
A guide to Total Ear Ablation for cats and dogs. This step-by-step blog provides invaluable insights into the procedure, offering essential knowledge for those interested in learning more about this aspect of veterinary care.
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Diaphragmatic hernia in a cat
Dr Charles Kuntz, Specialist Surgeon, explains the procedure for repairing a peritoneal pericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a one-year-old cat.
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Extracapsular Repair For Dogs
Dr Charles Kuntz, Specialist Surgeon, explains the procedure for extracapsular repair of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
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Hip Luxation in Dogs
Learn about Hip Luxation, a serious condition amongst dogs in which their hip has dislocated as a result of intense physical trauma. 
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Dr Charles Kuntz – Coming to Australia
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his early struggles in Australia, where despite his US success, he faced silence and uncertainty before finally building a successful practice.
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Drivers for progress in veterinary surgery
Veterinary surgery is progressing at a very rapid rate. Dr Charles Kuntz shares factors which have contributed to this rapid progress. 
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Catastrophic Error - I had amputated a normal leg
Dr Charles recounts a case where he amputated a dog's leg based on a suspected osteosarcoma diagnosis, which was initially refuted by biopsy but later confirmed by top pathologists. 
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Oncology

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an important component of cancer management with many tumours showing benefit from its use. It is not only beneficial in lymphoma, where it has been most widely used, but a wide range of tumours including sarcomas, carcinoma, mast cell tumours and other round cell tumours. Many of these tumours can have significantly better outcomes with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is not a matter of following a recipe. Each case needs to be individually assessed and the treatments tailored depending on the response and tolerance. With Dr Peter Bennett's experience and knowledge, more aggressive treatments are possible without significantly increasing the risk of toxicities.

As well as assessing the patients for their cancer and its effects, all patients are assessed for concurrent health conditions that might affect the treatment by the appropriate member of the team. In some cases these additional problems require treatment to improve the patient's tolerance to the cancer therapy. This assessment can make the difference in obtaining a successful treatment of a patient’s cancer.

The introduction of a safe ‘closed circuit’ administration system called ‘Phaseal’ [used in human hospitals] means that chemotherapy drugs can be made on our premises at reduced cost to clients and with increased safety to our oncology patients and staff.

In conjunction with our Surgery Department, we can also place subcutaneous venous access ports that allow safe delivery of long-term chemotherapy. They are particularly useful in fractious animals and animals with poor venous access and are commonly used for administering chemotherapy to young children.

The Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre has access to all relevant equipment and latest technology to allow the best management of cancer patients. This allows us to stage cases, determine the extent of local disease, investigate any other problems and to assess response to therapy.

Our facilities include:

  • Onsite MRI
  • Radiography/fluoroscopy suite
  • Video endoscopy
  • Arthroscopy
  • Ultrasonography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electromyography
  • Access to radiation, interstate
  • Inhouse haematology and biochemistry in addition to nearby support from a major veterinary pathology laboratory with fast turnaround times.

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Our Promotions

MVSC & AEC Mount Waverley celebrate a combined 75 years in the community

Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Location: Gambino Restaurant & Rooftop Bar - Glen Waverley

Description: AEC and MVSC are celebrating a combined 75 years of veterinary care in the local community and you’re invited!

Celebrate in style at The Gambino Rooftop, with summer spritzes, delicious food, and great company as we welcome the year ahead and mark this incredible achievement together.

Proudly Sponsored by: Dermcare and Zoetis

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