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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Feline Behaviour Questionnaire link - https://forms.gle/rJdH1WSXtBvdki4c9 

Canine Behaviour Questionnaire link - https://forms.gle/WVreAefWpzZxdTzo9 

Puppy School Behaviour Questionnaire Link - https://forms.gle/udTNEpCQ8AAACvqt8 

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.

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.

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. Dr Charles Kuntz has completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Colorado State University. 

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.

The Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre oncology therapies range from oral medicines to injected chemotherapy. The type of treatment is decided upon depending on the type of cancer present and the wishes of the pet owner. Diagnostic procedures include fine needle biopsy, bone marrow testing, radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and laboratory testing.

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.

Administration of chemotherapy

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.