Indigo Veterinary Services

23/10/2026

Each year we host several students studying animal care or veterinary nursing who aspire to a career as veterinary nurses.
One of our current students is Mark Vilani, of Beechworth. Mark has been a nurse in human health for 30 years, but is exploring opportunities for a change in career, into veterinary nursing. Mark is enrolled in a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at GOTAFE , and has to complete at least 250hours of placement in a veterinary clinic over the next 2 years of part time study. One of his tasks is the packing and sterilisation of surgical kits. Best wishes in your studies, Mark

21/10/2026

💊 There's more than one way to help an itchy pet !

Once we've investigated your pet's skin or ear problem, we can work out which treatments are appropriate.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

👂 Ear cleaners: Help remove debris and support ear hygiene when appropriate.

🧴 Medicated ear treatments: Some prescription preparations treat bacterial and/or yeast infections. The choice depends on the examination and diagnostic findings.

🛁 Medicated shampoos and conditioners: Can help manage certain bacterial, yeast and inflammatory skin conditions. Always follow the recommended contact time and rinsing instructions.

💚 Apoquel or Zenrelia: A prescription medication that helps control itch and inflammation associated with allergic skin disease in dogs.

💉 Cytopoint: An injectable treatment that targets a key signal involved in itch in dogs with allergic skin disease.

🌿 Cortavance and Cortotic: Topical corticosteroid sprays that may help reduce local skin or ear inflammation and itching when appropriate.

These treatments aren't interchangeable, and not every product is suitable for every pet. Some pets need a combination of treatments alongside investigation and management of the underlying cause.

Our goal is to make your pet more comfortable while helping to manage their condition for the long term.

Have questions about your pet's itchy skin or ears? Contact Indigo Veterinary Services to arrange an assessment.

19/10/2026

👂 SHAKING HEADS? SCRATCHING EARS? IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR A CHECK!

Ear infections can be uncomfortable and sometimes very painful for our pets.

Signs to watch for include: Frequent head shaking. Scratching or rubbing at the ears. Redness, swelling or sensitivity. Unusual discharge or a strong smell. Discomfort when you touch around the ears.

So, what causes ear infections?

🔎 Allergic skin disease can cause inflammation in the ear canals. 💧 Swimming and retained moisture can contribute to ear problems in some dogs. 🐶 Ear shape, narrow ear canals and reduced ventilation can be contributing factors. 🦠 Yeast and bacteria can multiply when the ear's normal environment is disrupted. 🐱 Ear mites are another possible cause, particularly in cats.

Recurring ear infections may be a sign of an underlying skin allergy, which is why we don't just want to treat the infection — we also want to investigate why it keeps happening.

If your pet has sore ears, book an examination. Avoid putting cleaners or ear drops into a painful ear before your vet has assessed it.

16/10/2026

🔎 LET'S TALK SKIN CONDITIONS!

Not all itchy skin is the same. This October, we're looking at three common skin problems we see in veterinary practice.

🌿 1. Allergic dermatitis

Allergies can cause persistent itching, redness, inflammation and damage to the skin.

Common types include:

• Atopic dermatitis: An allergic skin condition commonly associated with environmental allergens, including pollens and house dust mites. • Contact dermatitis: Skin inflammation triggered by contact with an irritant or, less commonly, a contact allergen. • Food allergy: An adverse reaction to ingredients in food, often involving proteins. Diagnosis generally requires a strict, vet-guided elimination diet followed by a food challenge.

Commonly affected areas include the paws, ears, face, belly and armpits.

💧 2. Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots)

Hot spots are painful, inflamed and often moist areas of skin that can develop rapidly. They may be triggered by scratching, licking, allergies, parasites or local irritation. Moisture trapped in the coat can also contribute.

👅 3. Lick granulomas

These are persistent, thickened and often ulcerated areas caused by repeated licking, commonly on the lower legs. Allergies, pain, underlying skin disease and behavioural factors can all play a role.

The common link? Itching, licking and inflammation can quickly turn into a bigger problem.

If your pet has persistent itching, broken skin or a sore that isn't healing, book a visit to find out what's causing it.
https://app.cw.vet/hosted/au/indigoveterinaryservices

14/10/2026

It's Itchy season !
Is your pet scratching, licking or itching more than usual?

Spring is here, and with it comes pollen, grasses and other environmental allergens that can trigger skin allergies in our pets. With an above-average pollen season, some allergy-prone pets may be experiencing more flare-ups than usual.

Throughout October, we'll be talking about: 🐾 The different skin conditions our pets can develop. 🔎 The signs of skin allergies and ear infections to look out for. 🔬 How we diagnose skin and ear conditions. 💊 The treatment options available to help manage itching and infection. 💚 Ways to help prevent future flare-ups.

Persistent itching isn't just uncomfortable. It can damage the skin, contribute to secondary infections and affect your pet's sleep and quality of life.

Follow along this month as we take a closer look at all things skin and ears!

Also how cute is Koko! She is a rescue through Dogs4Jobs. Thankyou to her mum for letting her be a model for the day.

06/10/2026

Would anyone like to plant an Oak Tree?
It seems like every acorn that fell off the big oak at the vet clinic has expressed a desire to grow up!
Drop in during business hours with a bucket and spade if you want one, or a hundred!

05/10/2026

Are you enjoying all the beautiful and happy birds in your garden this spring?
Why not have a go at the Aussie Bird Count, later in October? You dont have to be an expert Twitcher! Anyone can sign up. The Aussie Bird Count App will guide you through the process. Sign up now!

Celebrate National Bird Week by taking part in the biggest citizen science project to hit Aussie shores. Join thousands of people from across the country, heading out into their backyards, local parks or favourite open spaces to take part in the Aussie Bird Count.

21/09/2026

🐾 Would you know if your pet was in pain?

Pets are really good at hiding discomfort, so the signs can sometimes be subtle. Especially cats or animals that are more well behaved in demeanour.

Keep an eye out for changes such as:
🐶 Sleeping more or seeming less interested in play
🐱 Hiding or becoming quieter than usual
🐾 Stiffness or reluctance to jump, climb or move around
👅 Licking or chewing at a particular area
💤 Difficulty getting comfortable or restlessness
❤️ Changes in appetite, grooming or behaviour

Pain doesn't always look like crying or limping. Sometimes, it's simply that your pet isn't quite themselves. We’ve included the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scales below to help you recognise some of the signs of pain in dogs. These scales are a useful guide, but our vets can help assess your pet and determine the best pain management plan.

If you've noticed changes in your pet, give us a call—we're here to help. 🐾

17/09/2026

🐾 Can your pet's body language tell you where it hurts?

Pets can't tell us “my back hurts” — but their body language can sometimes give us clues about where they're experiencing discomfort.

🐶 Hunched or tucked-up posture – may indicate abdominal or back discomfort.

🐾 Reluctance to sit, lie down or get up – can be a sign of joint, muscle or spinal pain.

🦵 Shifting weight or avoiding putting weight on a leg – may indicate pain in that limb.

🐱 Hiding, crouching or sitting in an unusual position – especially in cats, can be a subtle sign that something isn't right.

👅 Licking or chewing at one particular area – may indicate pain or irritation in that spot.

😾 Flattened ears, head shaking, drooped ears tense facial expressions or avoiding touch – can also be signs of discomfort.

Remember, these signs don't always tell us exactly where the pain is coming from. That's where a veterinary examination can help.

❤️ Knowing your pet's normal body language can help you spot when something has changed.

If your pet is behaving differently or you think they may be in pain, give our team a call. 🐾

13/09/2026

🐾 Spotlight on Osteoarthritis Support Products

Did you know we stock a range of products to help support pets living with osteoarthritis and joint pain?

Here are some of the options available in our clinic:

🦴 Joint supplements, such as 4CYTE® or Antinol capsules or Ostecare chews for cats and dogs

💉 Pentosan injections such Cartrophen® or Synovan® - injectable medications used as part of osteoarthritis management in dogs

💊 Beransa® – a monthly injection of a very specific monoclonal antibody has made a huge improvement to the quality of life of many dogs.

💉 Solensia® – the feline version of Beransa, this monthly injection has extended the duration and quality of life for many aging cats.

There are also numerous prescription non steroidal antiinflammatory medications for dogs and cats, that can form the basis of a multimodal treatment plan for osteoarthritis. This field of scientific research is progressing rapidly, with new products released each year.

Every pet is different, and osteoarthritis management isn't one-size-fits-all. Our vets can help determine which options may be appropriate for your pet and whether a combination of treatments could help.

🐶🐱🐴 Pop in and chat with our team about the OA products we stock and how we can help your pet stay comfortable and mobile. ❤️