Cooroy Veterinary Surgery

01/09/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 1st September 2026.

Snakes Aslither

Here on our little dot flinging around the sun at 30 kilometers per second the days are once again getting longer. With the solstice well behind us, chickens are ramping up egg production, the grass is beginning to rustle up in backyards and snakes are afoot (or should that be aslither?).

Australia is home to many of the world's most venomous snakes and after remaining dormant for the last few months they are once again on the move; hungry and sexually motivated. The need for complex, rapidly acting and effective venom has been driven over millennia and the potency of toxins in the animal world is logically inversely proportional to the speed and mobility of the animal. Contrast the almost instantaneous effect of box jelly fish toxin against the slow sepsis and eventual gruesome death delivered by the very patient and relentless pursuit of the Komodo Monitor.
Venomous snakes land somewhere in the middle; a need to immobilize and or kill small agile animals before they can get out of range of an easy slither if the prey cannot be physically grasped.
Unfortunately, when the only too in the box is a potentially lethal bite, dogs and cats frequently find themselves on the receiving end and we have had out first case of the season a few days ago. It is time to be aware, especially if your dog has a propensity for predatory behaviour (Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers , Cattle Dogs and Staffies are well represented in the clinical case files). At this time of year if the focus of attention happens to be a snake, it is less likely to back down and in the case of Eastern Brown Snakes, can be actively aggressive. Restricting access to undergrowth and leaf litter, keeping yards clean and keeping dogs on lead while walking in bushland all help to minimise the chances of a fatal envenomation. If you suspect there has been an encounter (collapse, vomiting, drooling, difficulty walking) prompt veterinary attention gives the best chance of a successful outcome. As always, your veterinarian is the best source of advice.

Craig H Marshall B.V.Sc.

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01/09/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 11th August 2026.

Tick Time

The cooler months; a time of year when the incidence of snake bites, cane toad tampering emergencies and tick cases should be at a low ebb and for the most part this is true. However, in the last few weeks I have seen a number of tick envenomations that have led me to wondering why, in this area where the paralysis tick is endemic, would this up tick (pun intended) of cases be occurring. One of the first questions I ask when presented with a tick paralysis case is “is he/she up to date with preventatives and what product is being used?” So far, the dreaded response that an effective preventative was just administered has not been heard. Dreaded because this could indicate the possibility of tick resistance to what has ben over the last 15 years of reliable tick preventatives: the isoxazolines.
These compounds contain a molecule with a very stable fluorine-carbon bond which is key to the long acting effect of Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica and Credelio. The compound has a disruptive effect on the nervous system of ticks, fleas and mites. As with any medication susceptible dogs and cats can have adverse side effects. Nevertheless the availability of these compounds have made tick paralysis and the inevitable fatalities that do occur a preventable condition.
So, why are these ‘off season’ cases occurring? The main reason seems to be a misconception that tick activity stops in winter so preventatives can be backed off. The other issue is the availability (yes , I googled) of a vast selection of ‘natural’ deterrents (essential oils, herbs etc), energy-charged amulets, crystal-based pet accessories and other assorted hokum. I understand the reluctance of many to administer chemicals to their pet but these products do little more than instil a false sense of confidence. The fact is, isoxazolines work and within months of being available the number of tick cases dropped by over 95%. Millions of doses have been dispensed worldwide and in my opinion relying on anything else in this part of the world is risking a potentially fatal tick envenomation. Don’t forget your tick preventatives and as always, your vet is the best source of information for your pet’s health.

Craig H Marshall B.V.Sc.

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01/09/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 21st July 2026.

Arthritis in Dogs & Cats

With the cooler months starting to get a grip, I am seeing an uptick in the old dogs and cats that have been coping with wear and tear but are now showing more consistent signs of discomfort.
Most dogs are inherently athletic and enjoy an active lifestyle. With age this can lead to progressive damage to joint surfaces, calcification of ligaments, disruption of nerve function and potentially debilitating lameness. It is an insidious progression. Early symptoms include a reluctance to exercise, being slow to rise or lie down or obvious lameness.
Fortunately, we have a variety of treatment options for sore joints and although the degree of intervention will vary from patient to patient, our goal as veterinarians is to find the best option to maximise quality of life for your arthritic dog. Broadly speaking, the groups of treatments available are nutraceuticals (dietary joint supplements), anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs (symptomatic treatment ), disease modifying drugs and more recently antibody blockers of pain signals from diseased joints.
Although most cats live a sedentary life once past the frolics of kittenhood, arthritis can compromise the quality of life of our feline friends. In one population study it was found that over 90% of cats over the age of twelve had changes on x-ray consistent with arthritis which suggests that the condition often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed.
Most cats suffer in silence but there are some behavioural changes to indicate that pain is present. If you have noticed your cat moving less, reluctant to jump, adopting a crouched head down position for long periods or getting progressively stroppy a visit to your vet to assess the cause of discomfort is warranted. As with dogs, there are a number of treatment options available all of which aim to improve quality of life.
The best fit for your pet will be determined through consultation with your veterinary professional – some patients need minimal intervention while others need all of the above to maintain comfort. As arthritis is a progressive condition, I often need to reassess patients and modify their treatment as symptoms dictate.
As always, your veterinarian is the best source of advice and will help to find the best option to keep your little friend as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
Craig H Marshall BVSc
Cooroy Veterinary Surgery

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07/07/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 30th June 2026.

Seizures

It is an alarming and distressing scene to witness dogs, cats (and people) having a fit. Seizures tend to be a violent manifestation of a severe electrical disturbance in the nervous system and can occur as a result of intrinsic brain damage such as from an embolism or stroke, ingestion of toxins eg. (snail pellets), metabolic disorders (derangements of blood calcium, glucose, potassium), inflammatory triggers and epilepsy. Seizures are relatively rare in cats and when they do occur the underlying problem is often a tumour growing either in the brain or pushing down from the inside of the skull. In dogs, primary epilepsy is relatively common and accounts for the majority of patients that are brought to veterinary attention. There is a spectrum of severity ranging from a vague “brown out” where he/she just looks spaced out then comes back to normal to the full-blown “gran mal” episodes that need medication to stop the seizure. Most patients are somewhere in between; episodes of uncontrolled muscle movement & loss of consciousness lasting seconds to minutes followed by a recovery phase before returning to normal.
Diagnosis of seizures in dogs and cats is a process of elimination. As a matter of course I would start with a physical examination and blood test to rule out any systemic disease that may be contributing. It is also important to assess heart function as a failure of the heart to deliver sufficient oxygen to the brain can result in a similar looking event (a syncopal episode) that requires much different treatment. Due to the relatively common occurrence of epilepsy in dogs, brain imaging is rarely performed however an increase in the severity and frequency of episodes would be an indication for further investigation. Most cases respond well to appropriate medication to reduce the seizure triggering effect of excess electrical activity in the brain of epileptic patients.
A recent case was a definite left field in that the onset of episodes was triggered by a parasite larva burrowing into the dogs brain triggering a marked inflammatory response. Fortunately, that little dog is recovering well.
It is rare for an epileptic seizure to be fatal (unless it occurs whilst swimming) but fits of any kind warrant a veterinary visit. As always, your vet is the best source of information and advice if your little friend has a ‘turn’.

Craig H Marshall BVSc.

Cooroy Veterinary Surgery

07/07/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 9th June 2026.

CBD Oil

I have had many clients over the tears extolling the virtues of cannabis products for their pets particularly CBD ( cannabidiol ) oil. Mammals have receptors for these compounds in many different tissues and studies suggest that the short acting cannabinoids ( endocannibinoids ) produced in the body have a role in maintaining a stable internal environment. It follows that plant derived cannabinoids should be able to stimulate these receptors for therapeutic effect and the mode of action of these compounds has been well researched. However, due to the lack of consistency, standardization of ingredients and absence of quality control I have up to now resisted recommending the use of these products. I was certainly not prepared to be dispensing or endorsing some random ‘”treatment” purchased from Gandalf at the Betoota markets.
What has changed is the recent availability of pharmaceutical grade products with TGA standards applied to quality and concentrations of the various compounds found in the cannabis plant. In animals, these compounds have a potential for use in pain reduction, cancer management, inflammatory disorders ( including allergies ), behavioural issues and some neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Many patients with such symptoms are already taking appropriate medications for their condition and incorporating CBD products will act to augment the action of these other medications or allow a lower dose to be used.
When prescribing cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals, it is not a one size fits all approach. There are a number of formulations with differing proportions of CBD, THC and other active compounds which need to be dosed appropriately depending on the condition being managed. Generally speaking, pain management will tend to have a THC component to the formulation while inflammatory disorders will be more CBD based. It is worth noting that these products have an excellent safety profile and side effects, if they occur, can be managed by reducing or discontinuing treatment. Your veterinarian is, as always, your best source of information if you feel that CBD products may help your little friend.

Craig H Marshall BVSc
Cooroy Veterinary Surgery

07/07/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 19th May 2026.

The Heart Of The Matter

Heart or cardiac abnormalities are encountered relatively frequently in dogs and cats and although some aspects mirror the human condition, there are enough variations on the theme in pets to warrant a specialist field and in more complex cases, you may be referred to a veterinary cardiologist to get to the heart of the matter.
Murmurs (turbulent blood flow which can be heard with a stethoscope), and abnormal rhythms are often picked up during examinations for vaccination and are of particular concern in young animals as their presence can indicate a cardiac birth defect. In older pets, the majority of these anomalies are due to valve disease (infection or degeneration stops the valves from closing properly) or cardiac muscle weakness leading to a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart becomes enlarged with thin walled chambers that don’t pump effectively.
Dogs and cats do not have an equivalent of cardiovascular disease that leads to heart attacks in humans. Instead, symptoms of congestion are encountered when the pump is not working properly. These can include coughing (usually a soft rather than a hacking cough), poor exercise stamina, a swollen abdomen and if severe, fainting episodes.
Replacing leaky valves, although now possible, is rarely performed so treatment of congestive heart failure revolves around medication to make it easier for the pump to get blood around the circuit and removal of fluid that builds up from back pressure.
Many of these patients are geriatric and so there may be other coexisting airway and health issues that need to be addressed at the same time.
The good news is most heart conditions, although not curable, are amenable to successful medical management with a significant increase in quality of lifespan.
Your veterinarian will ascertain if a cardiac condition is diagnosed. As ever your veterinarian is the best source of information and treatment for your pet.

Craig H Marshall BVSc
Cooroy Veterinary Surgery

29/04/2026

LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

We will be closed on Monday 4th May.
We re-open at 8am Tuesday 5th May.

For emergency after hours veterinary attention the following options are available.

Animal Emergency Centre Noosaville on (07) 5353 7005.
Animal Emergency Service Tanawha on (07) 5445 1333.
QVS Pet Emergency Warana on 1300 753 838.
SASH Emergency Sippy Downs on (07) 5453 7555.

We hope you and your pets enjoy the long weekend.
Stay safe everyone.

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29/04/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 28th April 2026.

The Idioms Have It….

The English language is rich in descriptive terms and colourful phrasing. The use of dogs and cats in figures of speech that on face value make little or no sense but over the years have gained cultural traction are many and varied.
I am confident that none of the following will require explanation or clarification due to being a part of the vernacular for years and in some cases centuries.
In the cat category we have that smug individual the cat that got the cream and at the other end of the spectrum the cat on a hot tin roof.
When the cats away the mice will play is another chestnut which I first heard in PNG as, in Tok Pisin, “Pussy I Raun, Rat I Hamamas”.
A struggle for compliance is well articulated with “like herding cats” and “letting the cat out of the bag” a slightly disturbing image (poor cat) spills the beans nicely. The confined space described by the phrase “not enough room to swing a cat” certainly conjures images of feline welfare abuses but the violence implied probably derives from the equally disturbing “cat-o-nine tails” used to flog prisoners in days of old.
At the crossover, raining cats and dogs brings us to canine derived idioms such as barking up the wrong tree, all bark and no bite and, in a similar vein, his bark is worse than his bite. We are encouraged to let sleeping dogs lie and try to avoid ending up in the dog house.
For actual veterinary advice don’t hesitate to contact your veterinary professional when it seems like things have gone to the dogs.

Craig H Marshall BVSc

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29/04/2026

We are pleased to present a recent contribution to the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper from 7th April 2026.

Body Language Huh! Huh!

Without the capacity for articulate verbal communication animals have evolved a wide range of techniques to interact with one another. As a child these interactions fascinated me and now as a vet these non-verbal cues give me a lot of information about the state of mind and personality of my patients.
Dogs with their repertoire of tail positions, eye contact (or avoidance of) and posture generally allow interpretation of mood and intention. When interacting with dogs, it is important to take an overall view from head to tail. Ears forward indicates a focused alert mindset whilst ears back suggest that the individual is nervous about the situation or interaction. Licking the lips reinforces a nervous attitude. The tail position and movement also infers a lot, keeping in mind that some individuals have tails that are not capable of functioning as an emotional flag. As a rule, tail wagging indicates emotional arousal with the speed of wagging proportional to the degree of excitement. The reason for the emotional response can be further defined by the tail position; a relaxed dog will hold the tail in a neutral position, an anxious dog will keep the tail low or between the legs and a confident or dominant dog will display a high tail carriage. A relaxed look to the eyes reflects just that whereas the hard focus or stare usually indicates a high degree of arousal which can precede confrontation. From a clinicians perspective, the worst scenario is ears forward, dead eye stare, raised tail and hackled back especially when the individual is fifty kilograms and under minimal restraint. Thankfully a situation infrequently encountered.
Cats can be hard to read as the majority of visits to the vet involve a disruption to the daily routine; car travel and an unwelcome, highly stimulation environment. Eye contact and a series of slow blinks can break the ice.

Craig H Marshall BVSc

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23/04/2026

ANZAC DAY

We will be closed Saturday 25th April
We re-open at 8am on Monday 27th April.

For emergency after hours veterinary attention the following options are available.

Animal Emergency Centre Noosaville on (07) 5353 7005.
Animal Emergency Service Tanawha on (07) 5445 1333.
QVS Pet Emergency Warana on 1300 753 838.
SASH Emergency Sippy Downs on (07) 5453 7555.