Veterinary Specialist Services

07/06/2026

🐾 Pet Appreciation Week 🐾
This Pet Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the unconditional love, loyalty and joy our pets bring into our lives every single day. From comforting cuddles to happy tail wags and gentle purrs, our animal companions make the world a better place.

As veterinary specialists, we have the privilege of caring for pets through every stage of life - and we see firsthand the incredible bond shared between pets and their families. This week is a reminder to take a little extra time to appreciate the companions who give us so much without asking for anything in return.

Here are a few ways to celebrate your pet this week:
🐶 Enjoy an extra walk or play session
🐱 Treat them to a favourite toy or healthy snack
📸 Share your favourite pet photo or memory
❤️ Simply spend quality time together.

To all the pets who brighten our days - thank you for your companionship, trust and unconditional love. Happy Pet Appreciation Week from all of us at the Veterinary Specialist Services.

06/06/2026

🐍 Emergency Case Spotlight: Benny’s Brown Snake Encounter 🐾
10-year-old Benny presented through our emergency service at VSS Jindalee after his owner arrived home to find him limping. A snake had also been discovered in the yard, raising immediate concern for a possible snake bite.

After reviewing home security footage, it became clear what had happened - a brown snake had fallen from a tree into the yard, and brave Benny attempted to “protect” his home, resulting in an altercation with the snake.

On arrival, Benny underwent an in-house clotting time test, which showed no clot formation, indicating a consumptive coagulopathy - highly suggestive of brown snake envenomation. A urine snake venom detection kit was then performed and returned positive for brown snake venom, confirming the diagnosis.

Benny was promptly treated with two vials of brown snake antivenom (Tiger Brown 8000IU) and hospitalised overnight on intravenous fluids for close monitoring.

Thankfully, due to the rapid action of his owners and early treatment, Benny responded very well. He showed no signs of deterioration overnight and was able to return home the following day.

Although we are heading into winter, snakes can still be very active on warmer days, so it’s important to remain vigilant when pets are outside. If you suspect your pet may have had an encounter with a snake, seek veterinary attention immediately.

🚨 Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day at all VSS hospitals for urgent veterinary care - no referral needed.

05/06/2026

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - and today at VSS Underwood, Archie took his next step forward.

Archie is a gorgeous eight-year-old Maltese cross (yes, he looks more like a spaniel!), who first presented to his primary care team at Birkdale Veterinary Clinic earlier this year with a history of intermittent blood in his faeces. The team investigated thoroughly, with faecal testing, blood work and a dietary trial, but his symptoms kept returning despite treatment. A specialist abdominal ultrasound then identified a suspicious mass associated with the colon, and Archie was referred to VSS for further investigation.

At VSS, CT scan and endoscopy were performed for further characterisation of the mass, staging and surgical planning. Earlier this month, specialist surgeon Dr. Jack Davey then performed a colonic resection and anastomosis, removing the tumour and a nearby affected lymph node. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of colonic adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis.

Archie has recovered well from surgery, and today he received the first of several planned doses of chemotherapy overseen by specialist veterinary oncologist Dr. Raelene Wouda.

In Archie's case, haematochezia - fresh blood in the faeces - was the recurrent clinical sign that ultimately led to his diagnosis. Bowel cancer is less common in dogs than in people, but it does occur, and if a pet has an intestinal upset that keeps coming back despite treatment, it is always worth asking why and investigating further.

Despite the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, we are so privileged to be walking this road alongside Archie and his family. 🐾

04/06/2026

Position Vacant - Internal Medicine Specialist (Gold Coast)

VSS is an established small animal referral practice in SE QLD, with hospitals in Carrara (Gold Coast), Jindalee & Underwood (both Brisbane). Our teams are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care. Our diverse team offers most specialties, diagnostic modalities & therapies across the practice group. We are heavily involved in professional groups, universities & CE across the industry, and run our own annual conference.

The Role
Join the Internal Medicine team in our busy multidisciplinary referral hospital at Carrara, managing a varied & rewarding caseload, alongside highly skilled specialists, residents, interns & experienced nursing teams.

Practice high-quality specialist medicine in a collaborative environment with access to advanced diagnostic equipment & interdisciplinary support.

Responsibilities
🩺 Managing a diverse referral caseload
🔬 Performing & interpreting advanced diagnostic procedures (ultrasound, endoscopy & minimally invasive procedures)
🏥 Providing exceptional patient care & client communication
🤝 Collaborating with multidisciplinary specialists
📚 Supporting the training & mentoring of junior clinicians
🎓 Participating in CE & PD.

Further develop your clinical interests while contributing to a supportive, values-based, forward-thinking, team environment.

Located on the Gold Coast, this exciting position offers an exceptional lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, national parks, outdoor living & excellent infrastructure.

About You
✅Registered Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine OR residency-trained clinician eligible for specialist registration
✅Strong commitment to delivering gold-standard patient care
✅Excellent communication & client relationship skills
✅Collaborative team player who enjoys working in a large team
✅Demonstrated ability to manage complex medical cases independently
✅Passion for mentoring & supporting junior vets
✅Commitment to CE & PD
✅Strong organisational & time management skills
✅Enthusiastic, adaptable & contributing positively to team culture.

Apply Now👇
https://vss.elmotalent.com.au/careers/all/job/view/22

03/06/2026

🐾 Patient Spotlight 🐾
Ace, a 5-month-old Maine C**n kitten, recently visited VSS Jindalee after suddenly developing hindlimb lameness at home. During playtime, Ace jumped from ground level, landed awkwardly and immediately became sore and reluctant to let his owners examine him. His family acted quickly and brought him straight to our hospital for assessment.

After a thorough examination and X-rays, Ace was diagnosed with a non-displaced spiral incomplete fracture of the right tibia (shin bone). Fortunately, because the fracture was stable and well-aligned, surgical intervention was not required. Instead, we opted for external coaptation using a splint to support healing and keep Ace comfortable.

Since then, Ace has been visiting us weekly for rechecks and bandage changes. Healing has been progressing steadily, and he’s been handling his recovery like a superstar.

💡Maine C**n kittens grow rapidly and can sometimes injure themselves during energetic play, so monitoring any sudden lameness closely is important. Prompt veterinary attention can make a huge difference in achieving the best possible outcome.

We’re so proud of Ace and look forward to seeing him continue to heal!

**n

02/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr Sarah Sheppard!
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Sarah Sheppard has commenced her Veterinary Oncology Residency with VSS Underwood.

Many of you will already know Dr Sheppard well. After graduating in 2017, she completed a rotating internship with VSS Underwood, before spending several years in general practice, while also commencing a PhD in comparative oncology. She then returned to VSS as a hospital veterinarian, most recently working primarily alongside our Oncology team. Over almost a decade connected to VSS, she has become a familiar and trusted face to many of our clients and referring veterinarians.

We are proud to see Dr Sheppard take this next step in her specialist journey right here at VSS and look forward to supporting her through her residency. Please join us in congratulating her on this exciting milestone below 👇

01/06/2026

Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming a native quoll from Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital to Veterinary Specialist Services in Carrara for advanced imaging and specialist treatment.

The exceptional team at provide incredible care, dedication and advocacy for Australia’s native wildlife every single day. Their commitment to giving injured wildlife every possible chance is truly inspiring, and we were proud to work alongside them in this case.

With specialist support and advanced CT imaging at VSS, the quoll underwent successful surgical repair of a right mandibular fracture using a 1.5mm plate and positional screw.

Collaboration between wildlife hospitals, carers and specialist veterinary teams is so important in achieving the best possible outcomes for these unique patients.
At VSS, we believe in eQUOLLity treatment, providing the same high level of care and compassion to every patient - whether they’re a cherished family pet or one of Australia’s precious native wildlife species.

30/05/2026

Tommy’s journey is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change and how expert care, teamwork and a devoted team can make all the difference.

When Tommy, a 2-year-old French Bulldog, became unwell, he showed concerning signs including lethargy, vomiting blood and passing blood in his faeces. Initial blood tests revealed a critically low platelet count, and he was urgently referred to VSS Carrara for specialist care.

Tommy spent the next week being cared for in our hospital ICU, where he underwent extensive diagnostics, blood transfusions from Gold Coast Animal Blood Bank, advanced immunosuppressive therapy and continuous monitoring. Tommy was diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP), a serious autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own platelets, placing patients at risk of life-threatening bleeding.

Under the expert leadership of Dr Ben Hooper, Medicine Resident, Tommy received a highly individualised treatment plan. Dr Hooper’s expertise, dedication and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in guiding Tommy through every stage of his recovery.

Supported by our internal medicine, critical care and nursing teams, Tommy received exceptional round-the-clock care. This collaborative effort was vital to his outcome.

After a week in ICU, Tommy’s platelet count improved significantly, his anaemia stabilised and the bleeding resolved. At his recheck, he was bright, alert and responding beautifully to treatment.

While Tommy still has a road ahead with ongoing medication and monitoring, his prognosis is encouraging. His family is incredibly grateful for the care he received, and we are honoured to have been part of his journey.

Thankfully, Tommy is now at home where he belongs, surrounded by his Frenchie and human families. He will continue to visit us for regular check-ups as part of his long-term recovery plan, and we look forward to supporting him every step of the way.

28/05/2026

Position Vacant: FullVeterinary Nurse - Jindalee

Veterinary Specialist Services is an established Small Animal referral practice in southeast Queensland. We have hospitals at Carrara, Jindalee and Underwood.

Our teams are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and supporting one another. Our multi-disciplinary team has a very diverse skill set covering most specialities, diagnostic modalities and therapies across our practice group.

We offer residency and in-house training programs and internships (many Interns have progressed to become registered Specialists). We have wide participation in industry professional groups, universities and continuing education courses, and we run our own annual conference.

About the Role
In this role you will provide specialised nursing care for critical patients in a rotating nurse position throughout daytime emergency, dentistry, ophthalmology, surgery and internal medicine, working closely alongside a team of veterinary specialists to ensure gold-standard patient care is achieved at all times.

Why You'll Love It Here
🔬 Specialist-Level Work: Apply your nursing skills to complex, meaningful cases in a specialist environment.
🤝 Real Client Relationships: Build lasting bonds with pet owners during their most important moments.
🌱 Continuous Learning: Grow your expertise alongside leading specialists with ongoing development.
🏥 Collaborative Culture: Work across a multidisciplinary hospital with a team that genuinely supports each other.

About You
Essential:
🐾Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or a Veterinary Technician Degree
🐾Minimum 3 years' clinical experience
🐾Commitment to high standards of patient care and clinical excellence
Desired:
🐾Positive attitude and willingness to pitch in across all areas of patient care
🐾Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
🐾Values team culture and looks out for the wellbeing of colleagues
🐾Loves to learn and always looking to develop and refine new skills

If you are passionate about patient care and want to work in a supportive referral hospital that values its people as much as its patients, we want to hear from you!

Apply now:

Veterinary Specialist Services is an established Small Animal referral practice in South East Queensland. We have hospitals at Carrara, Jindalee, and Underwood. We are striving to create an environment where people can do their best work. Our teams are very passionate about delivering patient care a...

28/05/2026

Orrie’s TPLO Journey
After injuring his knee during an adventurous leap over a log, Orrie was diagnosed with a partial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear.

Despite strict rest and conservative management, ongoing swelling and instability within the knee meant surgery was the best next step to help get Orrie back to living his best life. He underwent TPLO surgery with our surgical team at Veterinary Specialist Services Carrara as part of our fixed-price TPLO surgery program.

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is a specialised orthopaedic procedure designed to stabilise the knee after cruciate ligament injury and help dogs return to comfortable movement and activity.

A very special mention to Orrie’s caring mum, who has taken incredible care of him every step of the way throughout his recovery journey. We love receiving updates on Orrie’s adventures and recovery through his Instagram , and our whole team looks forward to visits from this gentle giant.

We’re so proud of you, Orrie and will continue cheering you on through your recovery journey!