JCU Vet

JCU Vet GP Clinic (Local Vet Practice)
Referral Centre (Medicine and Surgery)
Dedicated 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Centre
University Teaching Hospital

JCU Vet is your partner in pet care, providing the Townsville and North Queensland community with a comprehensive range of veterinary health care services and medical treatments. Our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital provides general practice services and a referral centre for complex medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, imaging, dermatology, and cardiology cases. JCU Vet is also a teaching hospital

– dedicated to excellence in education, training and research. We are located at the James Cook University campus and have an important role in training Australia’s next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine.

03/09/2026

It’s always a good day when we get to hang out with Moose!🫎

He’s a 57kg Great Dane, with 57kg of love to share with everyone he meets 🥰

01/09/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging CPD evening with Dr Jayne McGhie, exploring the latest evidence around surgical desexing — when, why and what we need to consider for different breeds.

From early-age desexing and ovariectomies to ovary-sparing spays and vasectomies, Jayne took us through the current literature, helping us look beyond the traditional “one size fits all” approach.

It was fantastic to see so many members of our veterinary community come together to learn, ask questions and share knowledge.

Thank you to everyone who attended in person and joined us via Zoom and to Dr Jayne McGhie for sharing her expertise.

27/08/2026

Beautiful brave Maple enjoying a pup cup after chemotherapy treatment ❤️‍🩹

25/08/2026
25/08/2026

Our phones are temporarily out! We are still here though - please call us on 0448 136 172.

Send a message to learn more

When a dog’s smile just melts you. 🥹🐶💛Thankyou Mentos for visiting our GP clinic yesterday, you made everyone’s day! 🫶
25/08/2026

When a dog’s smile just melts you. 🥹🐶💛

Thankyou Mentos for visiting our GP clinic yesterday, you made everyone’s day! 🫶

⏰ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!Still thinking about joining us for our upcoming veterinary CPD on desexing? There’s still tim...
24/08/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

Still thinking about joining us for our upcoming veterinary CPD on desexing? There’s still time to register!

Join Dr Jayne McGhie as she explores the latest literature on when to surgically desex different breeds — and why.

Jayne will unpack the evidence behind:
🐾 Early-age desexing
🐾 Ovariectomies
🐾 Ovary-sparing spays
🐾 Vasectomies
🐾 Potential benefits, risks and complications

It’s a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, enjoy some food and refreshments, and take a closer look at the evidence shaping our approach to desexing. All veterinary professionals and students welcome.

📅 Don’t miss out — secure your place today!

🕕 Doors open: 6:00pm for registration, food & refreshments
🎤 Presentation: 6:30pm
📍 In person at JCU - Building 97
💻 Can’t make it in person? Join via Zoom!

👉 Register now for in-person:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vet-cpd-surgical-desexing-when-why-and-how-tickets-1995614288056

👉 Register for the Zoom Webinar:
https://jcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/Sqf8AaVxRUSsuPsl6bU18Q

20/08/2026

We never take for granted that our days are filled with so many positive moments, like wagging tails, gentle nuzzles and pets feeling safe enough to take a nap in our arms.

Veterinary medicine is a profession built on care, and we feel incredibly privileged to spend our days caring for animals and being part of their stories.

The big milestones, the little victories, the cuddles and all the moments in between, they’re what make this profession so special.

We’re lucky to call this our work. 💙

🌶️ The Dorito That Saved a Life 🐍This little puppy arrived at JCUVet Emergency & Critical Care after snagging a Dorito c...
18/08/2026

🌶️ The Dorito That Saved a Life 🐍

This little puppy arrived at JCUVet Emergency & Critical Care after snagging a Dorito chip and then developing a cough. His owners were understandably concerned that he may have choked.

But here's the plot twist: a headless Eastern brown snake had recently been found underneath their car — and initially, the two events didn't seem connected.

Our emergency team soon found bleeding from the puppy's mouth and into his lungs, raising concern for snake envenomation rather than a stuck chip.

The puppy was treated with antivenom and a fresh frozen plasma transfusion, and thankfully, he made a good recovery. 💛

What makes this case particularly remarkable is that if the Dorito hadn't caused a scare, the puppy might never have come in at all — and the actual snakebite could have gone untreated.

The takeaway? If something doesn't seem right with your pet, it's always worth getting them checked.

Snakebite can be difficult to recognise in its early stages, and prompt veterinary treatment can make a significant difference.

The wounds you can see don’t always tell the whole story.This dog was found in a neighbouring yard with puncture wounds ...
11/08/2026

The wounds you can see don’t always tell the whole story.

This dog was found in a neighbouring yard with puncture wounds around his neck and unable to move all four limbs. From the outside, the injuries may have looked relatively small — but internally, there was so much more going on.

A CT scan revealed significant trauma to his spine, including dislocation of the C5-C6 vertebrae, causing compression of the spinal cord, disruption of the joints between C5 and C6, fractures of C4 and significant swelling within the tissues of the neck.

These injuries help explain why this dog was suddenly unable to walk.

This is an important reminder after any significant trauma: even when wounds on the outside appear small, there can be serious injuries underneath that aren't immediately visible.

Puncture wounds, particularly around the neck, can involve much more than the skin. Trauma can affect the spine, spinal cord, muscles, blood vessels and deeper tissues — and some of these injuries may only become apparent with advanced diagnostic imaging.

If your pet has been involved in a fight, bite, fall, road accident or other significant trauma, don't assume they're okay just because the wounds look minor. A veterinary assessment can help determine whether there are hidden injuries that need attention. Every trauma case is different, our team can advise on the appropriate assessment and treatment for your pet.

Whatever the hour, you’re not alone. Our team is here 24/7 to provide your pet with the care they need, whenever an emergency happens.

Address

1 Solander Road, Douglas
Townsville, QLD
4814

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