At Townsville Veterinary Clinic we offer a large range of surgical and medical services extending from soft tissue surgery to reproduction, including orthopaedic surgery, cardiothoracic and internal medicine.

Soft tissue surgeries range from routine de-sexings to exploratory laparotomies, enterotomies, bladder stone removal, tumour/lump excisions, wound repair and reconstructive surgery if needed.

We are fully equipped to undertake most complex orthopaedic procedures including fracture repairs, dislocations, placement of bone pins and plates, external fixation, excisional arthroplasty and cruciate repairs.

Canine reproduction services include pregnancy ultrasound, timings of matings based on vaginal cytology and artificial insemination.

Cardiac examinations can be performed in house including echocardiography, radiology, and electrocardiography.

We now also offer short-term cat boarding to our clients.

Aims

• To socialise your pup and to make it a good and enjoyable pet to own
• To teach basic obedience
• To educate you, the owner, in responsible pet ownership, nutrition, dentistry, bathing etc.
• To even make a visit to the vet more enjoyable

The socialisation period occurs between 4-16 weeks, although this is not rigidly fixed. To develop into normal, friendly and confident adults, puppies need regular handling and to be exposed to novel situations.

Classes are conducted by the veterinarians and nursing staff. They aim to be informal, relaxed and enjoyable.

The format of the classes will be explained during the first night.

• The classes are held at the Townsville Veterinary Clinic, 32-34 Anne Street, Aitkenvale.
• Please phone the clinic on 47790233 for actual dates.
• They are one hour per week for 3 weeks.

The cost of the course is $16.50 per week which includes printed notes and ‘homework’.

Puppies that are not exposed to other dogs during the socialisation period are likely to have abnormal behavioural responses (aggressive or fearful) to other dogs later. Similarly puppies that are not adequately socialised with humans can exhibit undesirable or abnormal responses (fear, aggression or abnormal bonding) to people.

All puppies benefit from Puppy Pre-school. The classes are especially helpful in identifying ‘problem’ cases early, for example dominant or shy, submissive or fearful dogs. Then their behaviour may be modified before it is entrenched.