U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital

One of Australia’s leading veterinary hospital facilities

At U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the very best services provided by highly trained veterinarians and professional staff. We are unique in that we operate 24/7, and have specialists in many disciplines to give your pet optimal care throughout their visit.

Emergency (Open 24hrs/365 days)
Pets: +61 3 9731 2000
Equine: +61 3 9731 2268

Latest News

22 Jan 2019

Many dogs and other animals may suffer from a condition called noise phobia. Noise phobia is different to a simple fear as it is often severe, and rather than serve a purpose like fear (fear of the tiger- run away and survive!) it is actually a maladaptive behaviour.

18 Dec 2018

An enthusiastic group of veterinary students led by Dr Charles El-Hage and Dr Peta Hitchens recently headed to the Gili Islands, Indonesia to volunteer their time to the local pony colony in need of assistance.

14 Dec 2018

A new report has found that the increase in megaesophagus cases in Australia in 2017 and 2018 can be linked to Advance Dermocare™ pet food.

22 Nov 2018

The U-Vet oncology service recently saw two dogs with thyroid tumours which illustrate some of the different ways these cancers can be diagnosed and treated.

22 Nov 2018

Dixie is a nine-year-old American bulldog who presented to our neurology service after showing unusual signs such as walking around bewildered and being intermittently clumsy with her hind limbs. Whilst observing Dixie during consultation, the clinician detected that she was compulsively walking to the right that was suggestive of a disease in the front part of her brain.

16 Nov 2018

After Noodles started showing some strange behaviour, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a potentially dangerous brain condition if left untreated. After several attempts, Noodles was successfully treated with surgery. Read more about his case study.

15 Nov 2018

Last Christmas we asked for your support to help create the first U-Vet Animal Integrative Pain Clinic (AIPC) of its kind in Australia. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us raise over $22,000 over nearly a year. This is a fantastic achievement and it is because of your generosity that our initial goal of $30,000 is in sight.

8 Nov 2018

Dr Lorna O’Dowd, veterinarian in our 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care service recounts the rare and special moment that Winston the little terrier was brought back to life.

23 Sep 2018

Find out about some of the referral services offered by our Small Animal Medicine team: Older pet management, Urinary tract disorders, Gastroenterology, Diabetes management

6 Sep 2018

Is your dog suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss? Your pet may have IBD and could received free treatment by participating in our clinical trial.

6 Sep 2018

The small animal surgery service at the U-Vet Hospital is a leader in developing minimally invasive treatments for dogs and cats to avoid large open surgical procedures

6 Sep 2018

Dogs with these conditions are prone to excessive bleeding due to abnormal clotting mechanisms. It is important to perform an ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy on these patients to decrease the risk of bleeding during normal oestrus.

29 Aug 2018

When checking an animal for disease we often collect blood to check for blood cell abnormalities. Normal red blood cells in mammals are round, but occasionally we see abnormal and interesting shapes that can be a clue of disease.

24 Aug 2018

Do you know of a dog with a spinal cord injury that has resulted in severe neurological issues like loss of hindlimb mobility or paraplegia, loss of feeling or bowel and bladder dysfunction?

22 Aug 2018

How do you decide what foods are best for your pet? Listen to our exotic pet registrar Dr Sasha Herbert speak to Hilary Harper on the ABC Radio Melbourne about how to choose a well-balanced diet for your pet, different types of pet food available, pet food research, labelling and industry standards for different small animal species including dogs, cats, parrots, guinea pigs and reptiles.

31 Jul 2018

Do you want to learn life-saving skills for your dog? Participate in our University of Melbourne U-Vet Hospital research study and learn how to perform CPR on your dog for free.

27 Jul 2018

Riley the cat and his fellow fur-friends in need are reaping the benefits of owner Gail Thomas' generosity.

28 Jun 2018

Does your cat run and hide as soon as the cat carrier makes an appearance? Getting cats used to the carrier and making it a safe place for them can reduce the stress of vet visits.

28 Jun 2018

Russian Blue cat Rex has been given a life-saving blood transfusion from a greyhound called Alice, who is normally not a friend of cats.

7 Jun 2018

Hyperthyroidism in cats is the over-production of thyroid hormone usually caused by a benign tumour that grows in the gland.

7 Jun 2018

Researchers at the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Animal Hospital are working to identify new ways to diagnose and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs by looking at changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system.

7 Jun 2018

Ureteral obstructions are more common in cats than dogs.

31 May 2018

Like us, as cats age they can be more likely to develop problems. Some of the more common diseases in older cats include kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.

31 May 2018

A veterinary specialist is a highly trained veterinarian who is board certified and has completed advanced training in various veterinary medical or surgical disciplines.

31 May 2018

A new feline blood bank is being launched at the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Animal Hospital in Werribee.

U-Vet’s ability to store cat blood for life-saving transfusions means the animal hospital now meets the highest standards for feline emergency and critical care.

2 May 2018

Veterinary staff at the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Hospital have been caring for dogs and trying to understand the basis of the recent rise of megaesophagus cases in Australia.

1 May 2018

Lily the 9-year-old mixed Bull Terrier initially came to see us for evaluation of limping. However, when she was examined her heart rate was found to be low, about 40 beats per minute compared to 80-120 in normal dogs.

1 May 2018

U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital’s Canine and Feline Blood Donor Programs constantly are in need of blood donations to ensure blood products are readily available for immediate use for critical ill pets in our care.

8 Feb 2018

A Koala that goes by name Ernie is learning to walk again, following delicate surgery to put screws in his leg.

6 Feb 2018

Dr Leonie Richards, Head of the General Practice at University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital provides some great tips on what to feed your dog to keep it healthy.

2 Feb 2018

Feeding dogs raw chicken meat, particularly chicken necks, has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal type of canine paralysis.

25 Jan 2018

Just like people, skin cancers are also common in dogs and cats, accounting for one-third of tumours in dogs, and one-quarter in cats.

9 Jan 2018

41 per cent of dogs and 32 per cent of cats were overweight or obese according to 2013 figures from Animal Health Alliance (Australia).

4 Jan 2018

Athena is a 7-month-old Devon Rex kitten who went on a bit of an adventure.

21 Dec 2017

13 Dec 2017

Listen to Dr Leonie Richards, Head of General Practice, U-Vet Veterinary Hospital, University of Melbourne explain why cats are obsessed with Christmas trees during her interview with Robbie Buck, ABC Radio Sydney.

11 Dec 2017

Listen to Dr Claire Cannon, oncologist at U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, speak to Rob Richardson at WYN FM about cancer in pets, particularly in dogs and cats, the treatment options available and future research and clinical trial opportunities.

1 Dec 2017

Did you know that cancer in dogs and cats is as common as it is in people? Reuben the rottweiler began limping on his left front leg in September. After being diagnosed with a type of bone cancer, he received surgery to his leg and chemotherapy.

1 Dec 2017

Providing them somewhere safe to retreat to, playing some music or TV to provide background noise (not too loudly), draw the curtains/blinds and most importantly seek veterinary attention or advise beforehand if your pet is nervous or has displayed anxiety towards fireworks or loud noises.

23 Oct 2017

Adequate housing for a pet bird is not as straightforward as one might initially think, despite pet shops having cages, toys, and other paraphernalia readily available.

23 Oct 2017

Recommended foods for parrots, budgies and cockatiels include pellets, vegetables and fresh browse.

19 Oct 2017

Gut stasis means lack of movement of the stomach and intestines. It has a range of different causes and presentations. Some of these are more serious than others. All are life threatening if not treated within 24 hours of reduced faecal output.

19 Oct 2017

Dental disease, often referred to as acquired dental dystrophy, becomes rapidly irreversible in rabbits because they have constantly growing teeth.

19 Oct 2017

Many people are concerned about the risks involved in letting their rabbit have an anaesthetic. Many years ago rabbits suffered much higher mortality rates due a lack of knowledge of their special needs. We use the latest anaesthetic techniques, equipment, monitoring procedures and medications, and when used in conjunction with a thorough physical examination and pre-anaesthetic testing as needed, the risks are very low.

19 Oct 2017

The physical examination by the vet determines whether the lump is soft or hard and what structures are near by. We will then be able to tell if it is just under the skin or involves other structures such as bones, ear canals, tear ducts, or possibly tooth roots.

16 Oct 2017

A $63 million redevelopment will enhance facilities for pet treatment and training for future veterinarians at the University of Melbourne’s U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital and Werribee campus.

5 Oct 2017

Our vet and nursing staff are experienced, comfortable and confident in handling ferrets. We have a dedicated ward and specialised equipment for exotic pets and we stay up to date with the latest science in ferret health care.

25 Sep 2017

Snakebites are common emergencies in veterinary clinics across Australia, particularly during the warmer seasons.

31 Aug 2017

As the weather warms up, veterinarians are preparing for snakebite season with an interactive map to record when and where pets are bitten. The SnakeMap Project aims to better predict, prevent, diagnose and treat snakebite in animals as well as people.

24 Aug 2017

If a dog collapses and stops breathing it is most likely in cardiopulmonary arrest and every second counts. In this short video, Dr Erica Tinson, senior resident in veterinary emergency and critical care at the U-Vet Animal Hospital in Werribee provides instructions to pet owners on how to respond.

7 Aug 2017

Could your dog possibly have osteoarthritis? Many dogs, especially older dogs, suffer from the painful joint disease osteoarthritis.

25 May 2017

Researchers in Adelaide have recently reported the detection of a new type of canine parvovirus. Although this virus is new to Australia, it has been present in many overseas countries since 2000, and is very closely related to parvoviruses that have been present in Australia for the past 40 years.

10 Apr 2017

Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs but dogs are more likely to scavenge and therefore suffer from chocolate toxicity. If enough chocolate is ingested it can be fatal.

23 Mar 2017

The University of Melbourne has decided to discontinue its operation of the U-Vet Geelong Animal Emergency Centre and has worked with local veterinary clinics to identify an alternative provider to continue this important service to the Geelong community.

13 Mar 2017

It is important for pet owners to be aware that heat can cause heat stroke and be disastrous and fatal for pets.

9 Nov 2016

Just like humans, pets can suffer from life-threatening illness such as anaemia, toxicity, trauma or severe injury that could result in them needing a life-saving blood transfusion.

12 Feb 2016

Urgent information for rabbit owners

17 Dec 2015

Tips for keeping your pets safe over Christmas!

18 Oct 2015

With summer on the way, pet owners are being warned not to let their dogs or cats become one of the estimated thousands of snakebite statistics recorded in Australia each year.

15 Oct 2015

Veterinary Nursing Conference Join us at one of the greatest Australian events providing high class vet nursing education whist having fun networking, socialising and developing your nursing skills and knowledge.

3 Aug 2015

We're offering owners of eligible cats free health check, testing and diagnosis (valued at $760) in our Osteoarthritis in cats study.

5 Jun 2015

Meet ‘Daisy’ the beautiful 56kg Leonberger who has been one of our regular blood donors at The University of Melbourne canine blood donor program.

30 Mar 2015

Just like humans, pets can suffer from life-threatening illness such as anaemia, toxicity, trauma or severe injury that could result in them needing a life-saving blood transfusion.

Equine News & Resources

24 Jan 2019

Banjo is a successful racehorse from NSW, whose career was in danger when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. By performing a transvenous electrocardioversion (TVEC), the Equine Centre was able to correct his heart rhythm and return him to training.

24 Jan 2019

During the foaling process, there is a short window of time in which the foal needs to be delivered and begin breathing on its own. When this doesn't occur such as this case with Top Classic, an emergency caesarean section is required.

1 Oct 2018

The U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre has the expertise to investigate and manage poor performance, including various respiratory and cardiac issues.

1 Oct 2018

Listen to lecturer in Large Animal Medicine Dr Charles El-Hage from the University of Melbourne speak with Hilary Harper on the ABC Radio Melbourne on what to watch out for in horses and ponies, particularly during Spring. Charlie discusses horse diets, dental health and equine evolution, and answers some interesting questions from callers relating to laminitis, whether chamomile helps horses with anxiety and whether and when to muzzle.

3 Aug 2018

The U-Vet Equine Centre is excited to announce the recent launch of its new scintigraphy (bone scanning) system, the German-made Equine Scanner H.R. Scintron, which provides equine patients undergoing bone scans with improved comfort and protection, and more sophisticated, efficient and user-friendly scans.

7 Jun 2018

Dr Peta Lee Hitchens, epidemiologist and Research Fellow in the Equine Orthopaedic Research Group at the University of Melbourne, spoke with The Horse about how the power of collaboration can improve racing safety and welfare.

8 May 2018

Alexis was brought into U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre at about 305 days pregnant. She was quiet, not eating and had been dripping milk for the past few days. Her vet performed some blood tests and had diagnosed her with hyperlipaemia.

20 Apr 2018

Although often the domain of the veterinarian, there are occasions when horse owners may need to give injections too. When such situations arise, the vet will likely explain to the owner how to safely and correctly give an injection.

9 Apr 2018

Professor Chris Whitton BVSc FANZVSC PhD is Head of the U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital’s Equine Centre and a Specialist in Equine Surgery. Chris has lectured and published extensively on lameness matters.

29 Mar 2018

U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre has invested in an exciting new scintigraphy system designed specifically for horses to enhance the overall bone scanning experience for patients and veterinarians.

12 Mar 2018

Swelling is one of the cardinal signs of inflammation, along with heat and pain. Careful observation of the horse at work followed by thorough palpation of all limbs immediately post exercise and post cooling down is vital to the early detection of swelling.

9 Feb 2018

The Gili Islands, a growing tourist destination, lie just off the coast off Bali. Part of their appeal lies in the fact that there is no motorised transport. Instead, a remarkable plucky group of horses known as the Gili Island Ponies work very hard to provide essential transport for people, supplies, and large loads of rubbish!

25 Jan 2018

Most trainers know that a horse’s skeleton needs to be adapted to high speed exercise in order to reduce the risk of limb injuries, but there is limited data on how long it takes for bone to adapt to changes in exercise intensity throughout a racehorse’s training program.

11 Jan 2018

Respiratory disease is the second most common cause of lost training days after lameness for racehorses. Both infectious (i.e., caused by viruses or bacteria) and non-infectious respiratory diseases occur commonly in young horses entering training stables for the first time and both can be important causes of poor performance.

11 Jan 2018

Corneal ulceration is a very common injury in horses which can easily be sight threatening. Ulcers can vary widely in their size and extent with deep and melting ulcers being a medical emergency that can progress rapidly to corneal perforation.

19 Dec 2017

Delta Safari has been successfully treated with transvenous electrocardioversion (TVEC), an alternative treatment for atrial fibrillation at U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre.

6 Dec 2017

Oscar presented to the U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre for a musculoskeletal injury to the left forelimb. To provide Oscar with an optimal healing environment, a therapeutic shoeing plan was made with the consideration of the biomechanics of the limb and the conformation of the foot.

4 Dec 2017

Having one of the best safety records world racing, Victoria’s horse racing industry is still striving to improve.

9 Nov 2017

30 Oct 2017

A new research project led by University of Melbourne equine medicine researcher Dr Nick Bamford has been published. It’s the first in which scientists looked at the clinical signs of elapid snake envenomation (tiger snakes, taipan) in a large population of horses.

19 Oct 2017

Dr Simon Bailey is a world-leading researcher who has devoted his professional career to examining endocrinopathic laminitis, a common, but potentially devastating, disease.

9 Oct 2017

Like specialists in human medicine, veterinary specialists have extensive experience and expertise in a relatively narrow aspect of veterinary medicine. As such, specialists in equine surgery or medicine are often able to provide services that might be beyond what is possible in general ambulatory practice.

5 Oct 2017

Poppy McGeown is an Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident at the U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre studying a specialisation course to deal with finely tuned athletes and try to assist them in optimising performance on a daily basis.

24 Jul 2017

Colitis is the rapid onset of diarrhoea, with horses often being normal one day then becoming ill and passing watery diarrhoea the next. It is called Colitis as it is the large colon and/or caecum that is involved.

14 Jun 2017

Resistance of intestinal parasites in horses to commonly used dewormers is becoming increasingly recognised. Therefore deworming recommendations for adult horses have changed in recent years to reduce resistance of parasites to dewormers in our horses.

6 Oct 2016

Dr Andrew McLean is widely considered one of the leading academic experts on horse training.

26 Feb 2016

Alice is a 2 week old Warmblood foal owned by Coldstream Park Warmblood Stud, she was foaled early in the morning of the 28th of January. Staff at the stud realised she wasn’t right when she was unable to stand, they immediately rushed the mare and foal to U-Vet Equine Centre, Werribee.

15 Oct 2015

Strangles diagnostic testing and outbreak control:
Centre for Equine Infectious Disease (Melbourne University)

10 Oct 2015

Navigational ultrasound imaging (M. Lustgarten) & Role of subchondral bone remodelling in collapse of the articular surface (C. Whitton)

15 Sep 2015

Foaling season is now in full swing and many of us are smiling as we watch happy healthy foals bouncing around the paddocks! Sadly not every foaling will go to plan and we have already had a number of sick foals in our hospital.

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U-Vet Emergency & Critical Care
Open 24 hours 7 days 365 days a year
Pets: (03) 9731 2000
Equine: (03) 9731 2268

One of Australia’s leading veterinary hospital facilities

Latest News

Dogs and noise phobia

After the Quake: Gili Island Horse Clinic November 2018

Study confirms rise in megaesophagus cases in dogs was linked to pet food

Thyroid tumours in dogs

Dixie undergoes removal of impressive tumour of the skull bone

Dachshund treated with surgery for brain condition hydrocephalus

U-Vet Animal Integrative Pain Clinic: How your donations have contributed so far

Winston miraculously revived by canine CPR

Small Animal Medicine referral services: What we offer

Free treatment usually worth over $2000! Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) required for clinical trial

New minimally invasive treatment for abnormal shunt vessels

Are you concerned about desexing a dog with Von Willebrand disease or Factor VII deficiency?

Clues of diseases in animal blood cells

Clinical trial: Investigation of stem cells as treatment for spinal cord injuries in dogs

How do you feed your pet a balanced diet? Interview with Dr Sasha Herbert

Calling to dog owners for canine CPR research study

Riley the cat reaps the benefit of philanthropy

Making the carrier cat-friendly

Dog blood saves sick cat's life before opening of new feline blood bank

Hyperthyroidism in cats

New grant to search for solutions for inflammatory bowel disease in dogs

Feline ureteral obstruction – the need for multiservice management

Medical problems to watch out for in older cats

What is a Veterinary Specialist?

Call for donors: cats to help other cats at new feline blood bank

Investigation into diseases and diet in pet dogs

Lily with atrioventricular (AV) block

Blood Donation Programs

Ernie the koala is on the road to recovery

Advice on feeding your pet dog

Dog paralysis condition linked to eating chicken necks

Skin cancer in pets

Obesity in dogs and cats

Athena the kitten's endoscopy

Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital joins the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne

Dr Leonie Richards on cats and Christmas trees

Dr Claire Cannon on cancer in pets

Reuben’s experience with surgery and chemotherapy for osteosarcoma

Keeping your pets safe over the festive season

Accommodating your pet bird

Diet for Parrots

Rabbit diets and gut stasis

Rabbit dental disease

Rabbit Anaesthesia

Rabbit abscesses

U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital and Werribee campus redevelopment

Keeping your pet Ferret healthy

How to deal with snakebites in dogs and cats

Snakebite map for pets launched

Emergency vet instructs: Learn to perform CPR on a dog in 5 minutes

Could your dog have osteoarthritis?

New canine parvovirus in Australia. But don’t panic!

Easter Pet Safety Tips - Chocolate

Geelong Animal Emergency Centre Update

Heat Stroke Safety Tips

Your cat could save lives!

Calicivirus Danger & Rabbits

Pets & Christmas - Tips for Pet Owners

Snake danger on the rise

2015 Veterinary Nursing Conference

Osteoarthritis in cats

Blood Donor Daisy soon to Retire

Your dog could save lives!

Equine News & Resources

Another successful transvenous electrocardioversion at the Equine Centre

Foaling season: A successful outcome from an emergency situation

Upper airway abnormality diagnosed by treadmill endoscopy

Dr Charles El-Hage on horses during Spring - ABC Radio Melbourne

Launch of the Equine Centre’s new scintigraphy system

The power of collaboration for improving racing safety

Alexis and her miracle foal

9 Steps for Giving Intramuscular Injections

Racing Victoria vet trainers’ seminar on horse injuries with Professor Chris Whitton Part 2

New equine scintigraphy system (bone scanning)

Swelling in horses

Vet students treat ponies in Gili Islands

Predicting how bone adapts under different racehorse training loads

The role of viruses in respiratory disease and poor performance