Referrals & Specialist Care for Your Pet
Supporting Your Pet with Specialist Care
When your pet requires further investigation or specialist treatment, we can refer our patients to trusted veterinary specialists in Christchurch. These specialist provide advanced diagnostics and treatment options to support your pet’s health and wellbeing.
These specialist services include:
- Veterinary ultrasonography (abdominal and cardiac scans)
- Ophthalmology (eye care)
- Dermatology (skin conditions)
- Orthopaedic surgery
- MRI and CT imaging
- Small animal surgery
Animal Dermatology Canterbury
Dr Sylvia McLean, Dr Lee Williams and Dr Lynda Murphy, from Animal Dermatology Canterbury run a dermatology clinic at Woodend Vets in Rangiora. They are experienced veterinarians with a special interest in pet dermatology and skin disease. They have extensive knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and managing a range of skin conditions in dogs and cats, including allergic skin disease, recurrent ear infections, and unusual or complex skin problems.
animaldermatologycanterbury.co.nz
0800 817 926
McMaster & Heap Veterinary Clinic
For ultrasonography and MRI referrals, we work closely with Dr Richard Lucy at McMaster & Heap Veterinary Clinic. Dr Richard has extensive experience and a special interest in veterinary imaging, including echocardiography, abdominal and musculoskeletal ultrasonography, ultrasound-guided procedures, biopsies, ECG interpretation, radiograph interpretation and endoscopy. His advanced diagnostic expertise helps provide detailed assessments for complex medical conditions, including heart disease, internal conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries in dogs and cats.
For veterinary ophthalmology referrals, we can refer patients to Dr Steve Heap at McMaster & Heap Veterinary Clinc. Dr Steve is the South Island’s only veterinary eye consultant and specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in animals. His expertise covers a wide range of species, and we are able to refer pets requiring specialist eye care and advanced ophthalmology assessment.
mcmasterheap.co.nz
03 338 2534
mcmasterandheap@yahoo.co.nz
Small Animal Surgical Specialists
We are fortunate to have access to two small animal surgical specialists in Christchurch. These veterinary specialists have completed advanced training in a range of veterinary medical, surgical and diagnostic imaging disciplines and are board certified in their areas of expertise. Becoming a board-certified veterinary specialist requires extensive education and training, including veterinary college, a clinical internship, and a multi-year residency program that meets the standards of a recognised veterinary specialty college or board. Their advanced knowledge and experience allow them to provide expert care for complex conditions requiring specialist veterinary surgery, advanced diagnostics and referral treatment.
If you wish to visit Animal Orthopaedics or VSA, please contact us and we can organise a referral for you.
Animal Orthopaedics Christchurch (AOC)
14 Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead
www.aochristchurch.com
0220 806 808
info@aochristchurch.com
Veterinary Specialist Aotearoa (VSA)
146 Antigua Street
vsahospital.co.nz
03 777 7654
Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism
Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) is one of the most effective treatment options for cats with hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is the only organ in the body that naturally absorbs iodine, meaning the radioactive iodine is selectively taken up by the overactive thyroid tissue. Once absorbed, the radioactive iodine targets and damages the abnormal thyroid cells responsible for producing excess thyroxine (T4). This reduces the size and activity of the thyroid gland, allowing T4 hormone levels to gradually return to a normal range.
Radioactive iodine treatment can provide a long-term solution for many cats with hyperthyroidism, helping improve their health, comfort, and quality of life.
Discuss a Veterinary Referral for Your Pet
We are fortunate to have access to several specialist veterinary clinics in Christchurch that offer advanced treatments and specialised care. If you would like to discuss referral options for your pet, please contact our team. We can help guide you through the process and arrange a referral when required.
