It's a sign of the times that we now have immunotherapy specialists for pets. I want to make fun of the fact but can't, because I love my dog (I'm not the highest in our pack hierarchy) and animals in general.
I took Bubbles, a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix with a bad skin allergy, to QVS earlier in the year. (I know it sounds precious, but it's not entirely what you think, I promise: she's named after the character from Trailer Park Boys.) The allergy was to the point that she was constantly digging her teeth into her skin and ripping out hair, especially around her tail base.
It's a distressing thing for an owner to watch their pet in pain, so I'm eternally grateful to the staff at QVS and the vet that referred me here.
Our vet - Dr Fiona Bateman - was a specialist from the Dermatology For Animals division of QVS. She was attentive, swift and correct in her diagnosis: Bubbles is allergic to flea saliva. The solution was inexpensive: Comfortis, a tablet that kills fleas immediately rather than over time like most flea killers do. The tablets cost the same as regular flea protection products but have the bonus of working well on highly allergic dogs.
Considering how expensive vets in general are, I expected a higher consultation fee than the $158 charged given the amount of time Fiona spent in examining Bubbles and explaining to us, with whiteboard assistance, the possible issues surrounding Bubbles's symptoms and different paths to take. I was impressed by the way Fiona recognized Bubbles's probable issue - a common flea allergy - and diagnosed Comfortis immediately, rather than going through lengthy and expensive immunology testing first.
The simple Comfortis treatment worked and our vet was so delighted she didn't bother charging us for our second and final session. And though my pet's problem was fixed fairly easily, the knowledge of the staff and nature of the organization indicate that even very difficult pet problems could be treated here. The staff also seem very dedicated to animals, with pictures of their own pets covering the wall in the waiting room.
QVC also offers a surgery, internal medicine solutions for critically ill animals, an oncology ward, a reproduction specialist and is the owner of the only pet-specific MRI unit in Queensland.
QVC's Pet Emergency service (07 3359 5333) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. read more
