News & Cases
Expert care, real cases, and helpful updates for pet owners
LATEST CASES & UPDATES
- All Posts
- Cases
- Pet Health
- VSA News
If your pet has been found to have a heart murmur, an irregular heartbeat, or is showing signs that may...
Applications are now open for the Zoetis Rotating Internship at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa. Run in partnership with Zoetis (formerly Pfizer)...
If your pet seems slower than usual, reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or just not quite themselves, pain could...
Hip scoring, dysplasia and osteoarthritis are terms that you may come across frequently when thinking about getting a new puppy,...
Ectopic Ureters – Marty’s rare condition Marty, an adorable golden retriever puppy, was just 15 weeks old when he first...
Parvovirus – what every dog owner should know We generally see an increase in cases of parvovirus over the summer...
Did you know that Karaka Berries are highly toxic for dogs? The New Zealand native evergreen Karaka tree (Corynocarpus laevigatus)...
Christmas is a busy time of the year – full of celebrations, indulgence and family time. Our pets are part...
Happy news for Vali the Police Dog Here at VSA we are lucky enough to work with some incredible animal...
Specialist Cardiology Service Now Available at VSA
If your pet has been found to have a heart murmur, an irregular heartbeat, or is showing signs that may point to heart disease, such as reduced energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting, your local vet may refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for further assessment. Heart conditions in pets can range from manageable with the right medication to complex enough to require specialist intervention, and early diagnosis can make a significant difference. If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s movement, behaviour, or mood, speak to your local vet about whether a referral to a pain specialist might help. About our cardiology service We offer a dedicated cardiology service led by specialist cardiologist Dr Keaton Morgan. The service investigates and treats a wide range of cardiac conditions, including mitral valve disease, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, congenital disorders, and all forms of heart disease. Initial assessment typically includes an echocardiogram — an ultrasound of the heart — and an ECG to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Where needed, more advanced diagnostics are also available, including Holter monitoring, loop recorder implantation, CT scanning, and angiography. Outpatient echocardiograms are now available at VSA’s Auckland West hospital. This allows your pet to be assessed faster as an outpatient. Results are shared by your local vet and reviewed by our team, so a diagnosis or care plan can be put in place sooner. This makes specialist cardiac assessment more readily accessible for stable pets who may otherwise face a longer wait to be seen. Many of the pets I see are referred after their vet has picked up a murmur during a routine check, vaccine appointment or when being evaluated for a separate illness. This is often before the owner has noticed any changes at home. This is the best position to be in, because it gives us time to assess the underlying condition and if indicated, start treatment to prolong the “no symptom” stage of heart disease. This can help avoid cardiac symptoms, avoid surgery later in the animal’s life or increase stability if general anaesthesia is required for routine procedures such as dental cleanings. Dr Morgan Meet Dr Keaton Morgan Dr Morgan completed his internship at the University of Guelph in Canada, followed by his cardiology residency at the University of Minnesota in the United States. He brings international specialist training and is highly experienced in interventional procedures for congenital cardiac diseases and pacemaker implantation. Dr Morgan has a particular interest in expanding the knowledge base around cardiovascular diseases in animals and helping owners understand the condition present. His primary goal with every case is to maintain a great quality of life regardless of the disease present, and provide all options available to achieve this goal. Puppies and kittens Some puppies and kittens are born with heart conditions that show no obvious signs in their first weeks of life but without detection and treatment, these conditions can become life-threatening within months or first years of life. VSA offers an affordable echocardiogram for puppies and kittens at $450, making it easier for families to get peace of mind early. If the scan does identify something that needs attention, our cardiology team will guide you and your local vet through the options. Some congenital heart conditions are covered by pet insurance, so it is always worth checking your policy before your appointment. Additional therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and laser treatment may be recommended as part of your pet’s plan and can be arranged through VSA’s wider specialist team. Getting a referral To access our cardiology service, speak to your local vet, who can refer you to VSA. For more information, visit the cardiology services page or contact the team on 09 320 5645. Read more news Click Here Read more cases Click Here Our services Find out more
Applications open: Zoetis Rotating Internship 2027
Applications are now open for the Zoetis Rotating Internship at Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa. Run in partnership with Zoetis (formerly Pfizer) since 2001, the program is one of New Zealand’s most established pathways into specialist veterinary medicine. Of the 35-plus interns who’ve completed it, twelve have gone on to earn specialist status across surgery, radiology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dermatology. “Coming back to VSA as a veterinary cardiologist feels like coming full circle. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside the people who supported my early development, and to now contribute as a specialist in an environment that continues to value learning, collaboration, and patient-centred care.” Dr Keaton Morgan, Veterinary Cardiologist A year of rotations across our Auckland hospitals The 2027 intake begins in January, and over 12 months interns rotate through surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology, neurology, anaesthesia, and diagnostic imaging, working alongside specialists at our Auckland West and Sylvia Park hospitals. It’s a hands-on, immersive year. Interns shadow and assist with referral consultations, procedures and surgeries, and build real-world consulting confidence within our emergency service, always with experienced support close by. What it’s like to be part of our team VSA is New Zealand’s leading specialist veterinary organisation, operating three world-class specialist and emergency hospitals nationwide. What makes the program stand out, year after year, is the team behind it and the opportunities that come from the experience. “Starting my career as an intern at VSA gave me an exceptional foundation — not just clinically, but in how I approach complex cases and work as part of a specialist team.” Dr Isobel MacEwan, Radiology Resident We are looking forward to welcoming vets ready to take their first step into specialist practice. Applications close Sunday 21 June 2026 Apply now Questions? Please contact Recruitment Manager, Bridget Cassidy, at careers@vsnz.co.nz. Read more news Click Here Read more cases Click Here Our services Find out more
Helping pets live more comfortably: VSA’s pain management clinic
If your pet seems slower than usual, reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or just not quite themselves, pain could be the reason. Chronic pain in pets often has a gradual onset and is easy to miss as animals are instinctively good at hiding discomfort. What looks like ‘slowing down with age’ can sometimes be a manageable condition with the right care. If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s movement, behaviour, or mood, speak to your local vet about whether a referral to a pain specialist might help. About our pain management clinic VSA’s Pain Management Clinic was started by Dr Yasmine Messiaen to give pets with chronic pain access to specialist assessment and a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. The clinic takes a comprehensive approach, combining advanced clinical expertise with genuine care for both the pet and their family. Meet Dr Yasmine Messiaen Dr Messiaen is a Board-Certified Small Animal Surgery Specialist and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the highest level of recognition in her field, achieved in 2025. She completed her veterinary degree at St. George’s University, followed by internships and a surgical residency in the United States and Canada. Her expertise spans minimally invasive surgical techniques and chronic pain management, and she founded VSA’s Pain Clinic with a clear purpose: to help pets live their happiest, most comfortable lives. Outside of work, Yasmine can be found on outdoor adventures with her partner, or tending to her quirky chickens. What to expect A pain clinic appointment begins with a thorough physical examination, including an assessment of your pet’s mobility, overall health, and pain levels. Dr Messiaen will discuss your goals and concerns for your pet, allowing her to develop a tailored treatment plan that supports their specific needs, lifestyle, and quality of life. Additional therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and laser treatment may be recommended as part of your pet’s plan and can be arranged through VSA’s wider specialist team. Introductory offer for new clients To book into the pain clinic at VSA Auckland West, speak with your local vet to get a referral. To make it easier for families to access specialist pain care, VSA is currently offering an introductory package of $550, which includes initial consultation and one-month recheck, for new pain clinic clients. Regular price $620. Medications and additional therapies not included. Read more news Click Here Read more cases Click Here Our services Find out more
Hip Dysplasia: What is it and what can you do about it?
Hip scoring, dysplasia and osteoarthritis are terms that you may come across frequently when thinking about getting a new puppy, researching new breeds or simply wondering why your own dog is a little bit slower to get up or has an unusual hindlimb gait. Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development of the coxofemoral (hip) joints. It is a condition seen mostly in larger dog breeds, most commonly German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. However, the condition can occur in any breed and infrequently occurs in cats too. Hip Dysplasia is not immediately evident at birth. This syndrome is developmental and progresses with age. There is a significant genetic component to hip dysplasia hence the importance of hip scoring and selective breeding. There are however other influences such as environmental influences. A good example of this would be over-feeding. Over-nutrition during a puppy’s first year of life, in which rapid growth of the bones and joints occurs, is thought to contribute to the development of dysplastic hips. The pathophysiology of hip dysplasia includes multiple variables and the disease can be unilateral or bilateral and range in severity. The coxofemoral joint can be thought of as the ball (the femoral head) and the socket (the acetabulum) joint (see figure 1). Figure 1: This radiograph has been annotated to show the “ball” of the femoral head and the “socket” of the acetabulum. The primary abnormality in these dogs is poor congruency of the coxofemoral joint (figure 2), in other words the ball does not sit in place as it should. This can lead to instability and the abnormal exertion of forces on the cartilaginous linings of the joint. Figure 2: This patient has severe incongruency and laxity of the coxofemoral joints. The earliest changes noted include the erosion of the cartilage on the femoral head and acetabulum, joint effusion where fluid builds up in the joint and thickening of the ligament on the femoral head. These changes cannot be detected with X-rays, however, clinical signs might include a swaying hindlimb gait, reduced range of motion in the hip joints and reluctance to climb stairs. As the disease progresses, the body attempts to stabilise the lax joint by producing new bone around the femoral head, neck and acetabulum (figure 3). The bone underlying the damaged cartilage hardens, a process known as sclerosis. As more new bone is deposited around the joint, the femoral neck becomes thickened and the head loses its rounded shape. These degenerative changes are collectively called ‘osteoarthritis” and are the cause of pain and reduces mobility. Unfortunately, there is no method of reversing osteoarthritic changes once they have developed. Treatment options include certain surgical procedures which either remove, alter, or replace the painful, dysplastic joint, or medical therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility. Due to the heritable component, ‘hip scoring’ of higher risk breeds prior to breeding is important. This involved potential breeding animals having a set of radiographs (X-rays – PennHIP) taken by a certified veterinarian or veterinary technician where the hips are forced into both compressed and distracted positions. The radiographs are sent to the USA to measure the degree of laxity of the hips and determine if there are already signs of osteoarthritis. A numerical value called the ‘distraction index’ is then assigned to each dog. Not only does the distraction index quantitively measure the laxity in each joint, it has been shown to correlate with the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future. This makes in an excellent test for young dogs with PennHip being able to be performed as early as 16 weeks of age. Hip Dysplasia is a debilitating disease that can significantly limit an animal’s quality of life. Ethical and responsible breeding with testing of potential parents, appropriate early nutrition and limited high intensity activity during growth are all important factors in reducing the incidence of hip dysplasia. If you are considering a new puppy, have questions about hip scoring or are worried about the hip health of your existing furry friend, consultation with your veterinarian is highly recommended.
Ectopic Ureters – Marty’s rare condition
Ectopic Ureters – Marty’s rare condition Marty, an adorable golden retriever puppy, was just 15 weeks old when he first presented to the VSA team in Sylvia Park. He presented initially to the medicine department for urinary incontinence which was occurring when Marty was awake, lying at rest and when asleep. The owners adopted Marty at 8 weeks old and first noticed signs of urine leakage approximately one week later. Marty was otherwise a bright and clinically well puppy. Further investigation was needed to determine the underlying cause of Marty’s incontinence. Marty was kept in hospital for a day as Dr Wen-Jie Yang recommended a collection of diagnostic tests that initially consisted of blood work (biochemistry and haematology panel), a urine sample for culture, urinalysis, and an abdominal ultrasound. The biochemistry renal parameters of creatinine were within normal reference range with phosphate mildly elevated. Urine culture, urinalysis and haematology were all unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound showed that the kidneys were severely enlarged (>95mm length) with marked hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys). Both ureters (tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) were severely distended (>33mm diameter) with a highly tortuous path and terminated at the cranial aspect of the prostate gland. Conclusions of the ultrasound showed that Marty had bilateral ureteral ectopia with very severe secondary hydroureter and hydronephrosis caused by ureterocoeles. A ureterocoele is simply a swelling limited to the end of the ureter as it enters the bladder and can be associated with urine refluxing backward to the kidney causing enlargement due to a build-up of urine (hydronephrosis). The ureterocoeles were likely responsible for both Marty’s incontinence and hydronephrosis. Ectopic ureters (abnormal location of the ureters) are a rare finding in dogs but are the most common congenital anomaly that causes urinary incontinence. The disease is thought to arise because of disruption in normal embryogenesis (the process of embryo development). Hydronephrosis leads to kidney damage, however, Marty’s most recent kidney parameters had improved compared to previous blood testing which was good news. While Marty was not displaying obvious pain, hydronephrosis can be a painful disease and he was sent home with gabapentin to help control any underlying pain. The severity of this condition meant that without surgery, Marty would soon succumb to end stage renal failure with a grave prognosis. It became clear from the diagnostic test results that Marty was a puppy with a big problem. Surgery was Marty’s last hope, and he was transferred to the surgical team at VSA. A CT scan of Marty’s abdomen with a negative contrast cystography (an injectable contrast dye to help visualise the bladder) was recommended to further characterise the urinary tract pathology and facilitate pre-surgical planning. This scan was performed a week later. CT scans are an excellent form of imaging as they offer a much higher level of detail compared to standard X-rays and can create a 360-degree view of the body’s internal structures. Dr Richard Jerram reviewed the CT results and discussed Marty’s significant urinary tract abnormalities and surgical options with his owners. Results confirmed bilateral extramural ectopic ureters. The extreme nature of the bilateral hydroureter and hydronephrosis was indicative of a chronic partial obstruction at the point where the ureters enter the bladder (ureteral termination) whilst the severe distension of the urinary bladder was thought to be due to compression of the bladder neck by the overlying ureters. Surgical treatment was scheduled a week later and consisted of abdominal surgery to perform neo-ureterostomy bilaterally. This procedure involves creating a new ureter opening where the distal portion of the ureters are relocated so that they enter the bladder in the correct anatomical location. Even though this surgical approach would aid in resolving Marty’s immediate problem (relieving urine build up) and hence improve renal function, Marty’s urinary incontinence was expected to continue. Further surgery may be necessary, assuming that Marty does not progress into renal failure. This would involve placement of ureteral stent devices (subcutaneous ureteral bypass device and a hydraulic urethral sphincter occlusion device) to improve the incontinence by maintaining the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder when the ureter becomes obstructed. Marty, being a resilient little puppy, recovered well from major urinary tract surgery. An indwelling urinary catheter was placed to assess his urine flow. He appeared to be producing good urine from the kidneys with no evidence of further renal deterioration indicating that the neo-ureterostomy sites were flowing well. Once it was clear that Marty could urinate without the need for the urinary catheter, he was discharged 3 days post-surgery with pain relief, antibiotics and strict 2 week confinement – no easy task for a energetic puppy! One month following his ectopic ureter surgery, Marty has been making excellent progress at home. He is now able to urinate with no evidence of incontinence. A repeat abdominal ultrasound evaluation was performed which confirmed functioning ureters with some renal improvement but with continued dilation of the ureters bilaterally. While Marty is not out of the clear yet, with the help of his committed owners, he still has a long road to recovery that involves repeat ultrasound exams and bloodwork to assess his ongoing renal function. Due to the severe nature of Marty’s condition, his long-term prognosis remains uncertain. The VSA team have our fingers crossed for Marty and he looks like he is heading in the right direction – go Marty!
Parvovirus Outbreak 2022
Parvovirus – what every dog owner should know We generally see an increase in cases of parvovirus over the summer months, but this year has seen an especially high number of cases. This is partly because of the weather conditions being so favourable for virus survival, but also likely due to lower than normal vaccination rates over the lockdown last year. If you are a dog or puppy owner, it is important to know about canine parvovirus, how to protect your puppy from getting it and what to do if you suspect your pet may have the virus. What is Parvovirus? Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and in many cases death. It is transmitted through exposure to contaminated faeces on the ground, on bedding, blankets and bowls, between dogs or even just on the ground. Parvovirus is a very hardy virus that can survive for years in the environment. Indirect transmission can also occur if a person who has been with an infected dog strokes or pats your dog. Parvovirus (also called Parvo) is most commonly thought of as a gastrointestinal disease, attacking the stomach and intestines, but it has an affinity for rapidly growing tissue, which is one of the reasons why it is so much more dangerous for puppies. It can also affect other organs such as the heart and nervous system. Who can catch Parvovirus? Any dog who has not been vaccinated can catch parvovirus but puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months old are at the highest risk. The vaccine is very effective in preventing disease and so it should be prioritised. Talk to your local vet about booking this in as soon as possible. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, they are susceptible and should not be socialising out and about in public. Dogs of all ages can become infected with parvovirus and in fact older dogs, with good immune systems can shed the virus but have no symptoms. So, for the protection of your own and other dogs, it’s important that dogs of all ages are vaccinated. Symptoms of Parvovirus Parvovirus can take hold and make a puppy very sick, very quickly and so the sooner you get medical help the better. Symptoms of parvovirus include: vomiting and diarrhoea, especially with blood in it Loss of appetite Fever and lethargy Weakness Dehydration These symptoms are not specific and there are other illnesses that can cause them, but if your puppy has any of the symptoms above, call your vet. OUR EMERGENCY TEAM ARE HERE 24 HOURS A DAY, EVERY DAY. IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY OR OUT OF HOURS VETERINARY HELP CALL US ON 09 320 5645 Treating Parvovirus If your dog is diagnosed as having parvovirus, the sooner he or she can get treatment the better. If it is not treated, parvovirus will nearly always progress to a very serious illness in puppies. Getting medical help as quickly as possible can make the difference between life and death. Not all of the dogs we see with Parvo need to be hospitalised. Many are treated with daily medications and fluids and with good nursing care from their owners can do really well, especially if treatment is started early in the course of the disease. Without treatment the outlook is much bleaker especially if they have been sick for several days. What to do if you think your dog has parvovirus? Call your vet (or animal emergency service if it is out of hours) and let them know your dog’s symptoms. They will advise you on the best options for diagnosis and treatment. When you arrive at the vets, it is very important that you stay in the car with your dog and call them to let them know you are there. This is both to prevent them spreading the virus if they have it, and to prevent them being potentially exposed to it if they haven’t been. How to prevent parvovirus Prevention is the best cure and the vaccination for parvovirus is very effective at preventing the disease. If your dog or puppy is not fully vaccinated, contact your local vet today and get an appointment to get the course started. Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn