Chloe graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2014. She gained valuable experience in small animal medicine in the Central Coast before coming to Uni Vets Camden at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden. She particularly enjoys furthering her knowledge of small animal medicine and behaviour. With fresh memories of being a student, Chloe revels in the opportunity to be available to assist students with the transition in becoming a recent graduate.
What made you become a vet and a small animal vet in particular? I have always had a love of animals and science and have never imagined working in a different field. I first attended a small animal clinic as a 15-year-old work experience student and distinctly remember watching the clinicians amputate a German Shepherd’s leg. I had so desperately wanted to be in that surgical theatre that my nose was firmly pressed up against the glass. The attending nurse had warned that I could sit down if I was feeling faint, but I grinned and told her the view was amazing. My canine companion that accompanied me for 15 and a half years at my side also ensured that I would always favour small animals.
What is the most interesting case you’ve worked on?
A case I remember from my new grad years is one where a client came in for an emergency consultation for a paralysis tick on their dog’s belly. The owner had been desperately trying to remove it with a fork and now their pet was getting sensitive to the area and wouldn’t let them touch the tick. The owner was distraught that this paralysis tick was going to kill their pet. On close examination in the consult room we ascertained that the owner had unwittingly been trying to pull off their dog’s nipple with the fork.
Why is preventative health important to you?
Preventative health involves doing as much as possible to ensure your companion animal is in tip-top shape to reduce the risk of developing more serious health ailments. This includes keeping vaccination and parasite control up to date, maintaining a healthy weight, good dentition and visiting your regular veterinarian if you notice any subtle changes in your pet such as changes in weight, appetite, thirst, coat quality. Any serious changes in your pet need to be addressed with urgency so it allows treatments to have their best chance of helping our patients. Getting pet insurance also allows you to be better prepared for unforeseen circumstances so you can get your pet the care they need.
