THE INSIDE
SCOOP
Go behind the scenes at Lake Road Veterinary Hospital to meet the dedicated team who care for your pets. Get to know our staff, meet their families, and see them in action at work.
Celebrating a Decade of Dedication
Recently, we had the very special privilege of celebrating 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆’𝘀 𝟭𝟬-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝘁.
And when we look back at where it all began, in our little old hospital, compared with where we are today, it’s hard to tell the story of our growth without Karley being woven through so much of it.
Over those 10 years, she has worked in just about every corner of the hospital.
From veterinary nursing and occasionally stepping in as an animal attendant, to reception, client communication, team leadership, department management, Assistant Manager and, today, our incredible 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿.
But the titles only tell part of the story.
We’ve watched Karley grow into an exceptional leader.
She has invested enormously in her own development, including advanced relationship and leadership training, and each new challenge has somehow brought out another level of confidence, capability and resilience.
Karley is one of those people who is simply 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
Whether we’re sitting around a table working through a complicated business decision, navigating a difficult day in the hospital, or quite literally evacuating because of a fire, Karley is the person quietly stepping in, helping, organising and keeping everyone moving forward.
She leads with calmness and confidence.
She is resilient when things get difficult.
And her wonderfully analytical brain has saved us from disappearing down the wrong path more times than we could possibly count.
Along the way, we’ve also had the privilege of sharing some pretty big life chapters together, including welcoming 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 into Karley’s family.
And something we’ve always admired is that after every period of maternity leave, Karley has returned ready for the next challenge. Each time stepping into bigger responsibilities, continuing to grow, and bringing even more to our hospital and our team.
From those humble beginnings in the little old hospital to the team and hospital we have today, there aren’t many people who have had a front-row seat to as much change as Karley has.
And there are even fewer who have helped shape it quite as much as she has.
𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.
For your loyalty.
For your leadership.
For your level head.
For the countless times you’ve stepped in without being asked.
For challenging us when we need challenging.
For supporting our team through change, growth and everything in between.
Most of all, thank you for continuing to grow alongside us.
We’re incredibly lucky to have you leading our team, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆.
Summer is Coming!
Snake Alert!
Snake Season Is Here: Know the Signs and Keep Your Pet Safe
As the weather warms up, we’re not the only ones enjoying more time outdoors. Snakes become increasingly active during the warmer months, which means our pets have a greater chance of encountering one in backyards, parks, walking trails and bushland.
Snake bites can be life-threatening for dogs and cats, and symptoms can develop quickly. Knowing the warning signs and acting promptly could save your pet’s life.
Signs of a snake bite in pets
You may not actually see your pet being bitten. Snake fang marks can be tiny and difficult to find beneath fur, and there may be little or no obvious swelling around the bite.
Signs can vary depending on the snake and the amount of venom involved, but may include:
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Sudden weakness or wobbliness
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Collapse, sometimes followed by an apparent recovery
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Shaking or muscle tremors
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Dilated pupils
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Reduced blinking
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Lethargy or unusual weakness
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Vomiting
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Difficulty breathing
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Excessive drooling
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Paralysis
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Bleeding from the nose, mouth or bite site
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Dark or bloody urine
Importantly, a pet that collapses and then appears to recover is not necessarily out of danger. This can be a warning sign of snake envenomation and requires immediate veterinary attention.
What should you do?
If you see a snake bite your pet, or even suspect they may have been bitten, treat it as an emergency.
Contact Lake Road Veterinary Hospital immediately and let them know you are on your way. Keep your pet as calm and still as possible and, where practical, carry them rather than allowing them to walk. Reducing movement may help slow the spread of venom through the body.
Do not waste valuable time trying to find the bite marks or waiting to see whether symptoms improve.
Don't try to catch the snake
Never attempt to catch, handle or kill a snake. Doing so puts you and others at risk of being bitten. If you see a snake, move yourself, children and pets safely away from the area.
If you can safely remember details about the snake's appearance, you can tell your veterinarian, but never put yourself in danger trying to identify it.
Reducing the risk around your home
While it isn't possible to completely eliminate the risk of snakes, there are some simple ways to make your property less inviting:
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Keep lawns short and gardens tidy.
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Clear away piles of timber, garden waste and other potential hiding places.
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Keep sheds and storage areas tidy.
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Reduce things that may attract rodents, which in turn can attract snakes.
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Keep an eye on pets when they're exploring areas where snakes may be present.
When in doubt, call your vet
Snake bites are a veterinary emergency, and time matters. If your pet suddenly becomes weak, wobbly, collapses or develops any unusual symptoms after being outdoors, particularly if a snake has been seen nearby, contact a veterinarian immediately.
With warmer weather on the way, staying alert and knowing what to do can make all the difference.
If you suspect a snake bite, don't wait for symptoms to worsen — seek veterinary attention immediately. Phone Lake Road Veterinary Hospital ASAP if you think your pet has been bitten: 6922 4659
