When you walk into Hope Island Veterinary Surgery, it’s often our veterinary nurses who greet you with a warm smile and a helping hand. But beyond the reception desk, our vet nurses play a critical and multifaceted role in the health and care of your pets.
These highly trained professionals are much more than administrative support—they’re essential members of the veterinary healthcare team, involved in everything from medical procedures and diagnostics to hands-on nursing care and client education. Understanding what our vet nurses do can help you make the most of the care available for your pet.
Nurse Consultations: Personalised, Preventative, Professional
Our vet nurses offer a range of consultations, many of which are available at no extra cost, to help you monitor and support your pet’s health between vet visits.
Weight Checks
Regular weight checks are important for maintaining your pet’s ideal body condition. Our nurses can track weight trends and advise on feeding and lifestyle changes if needed.
Nutritional Plans
Our nurses offer free, evidence-based nutritional consultations tailored to your pet’s unique needs—whether it’s managing weight, improving dental health, supporting senior pets, addressing gut issues, or soothing itchy skin. These plans are grounded in the latest scientific research and designed to support long-term health.
Blood Pressure Checks for Cats
Monitoring blood pressure is especially important for older cats or those with chronic conditions. Our vet nurses use fear-free handling techniques and conduct these checks in our cat-friendly consult room, featuring drop lights and calming Feliway diffusers to reduce feline stress and anxiety.
Nail Clips and Anal Gland Expression
Nail clips and anal gland expression are routine but important procedures help prevent discomfort and health issues. Our nurses can perform these quickly and gently, saving you the hassle of doing it at home.
Administering Injections as Part of a Treatment Plan
When your pet is on a long-term treatment plan prescribed by a veterinarian, our nurses can administer regular injections or medications in-between six-month vet reviews, keeping your pet’s treatment on track and convenient for you.
Supporting the Veterinary Team: The Backbone of Clinical Care
Behind the scenes, our vet nurses are constantly at work assisting our veterinarians and ensuring every aspect of your pet’s medical care runs smoothly.
Running Blood and Urine Tests
From routine health screens to investigating illness, our vet nurses are trained to collect and analyse blood and urine samples, using in-house equipment to provide fast and accurate results.
Taking X-rays (Including Dental X-rays)
Our nurses are skilled in positioning pets and capturing high-quality x-rays, including detailed dental radiographs that are crucial for diagnosing hidden issues under the gum line.
Anaesthetic Monitoring
During surgical procedures, your pet is in safe hands. Our nurses continuously monitor anaesthesia, checking vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature, ensuring the highest standards of care throughout every procedure.
Post-operative Checks
After surgery, our nurses oversee your pet’s recovery, managing pain relief, dressing changes, and feeding, and providing you with clear, compassionate instructions for at-home care.
Your Pet’s Best Advocate
Vet nurses are often your pet’s first point of contact and ongoing support person. They advocate for your pet’s wellbeing, provide expert education and reassurance for pet owners, and ensure your furry family members feel safe and comfortable throughout their visit.
At Hope Island Veterinary Surgery, we’re proud of our veterinary nurses and the integral role they play in delivering high-quality, compassionate veterinary care. Their combination of technical skill, medical knowledge, and genuine love for animals makes them invaluable partners in your pet’s health journey.
