OUR APPROACH

We get the tails wagging.

West Coast Vets are well equipped to look after the needs of many different dogs. From stitching up pig dogs and other emergency procedures to desexing a tiny Chihuahua, we offer your pet or working dog a high standard of love and care.

  • We have modern facilities with advanced diagnostic equipment, including a blood analysis machine for both haematology and biochemistry, digital radiography, x-ray, ultrasound machines and microscope review equipment. This allows us to prepare conclusive pregnancy, abdominal scans and quickly perform diagnostic tests in house for your pet.

  • We also boast fantastic dental services to prevent plaque and tartar build up which can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). We have modern dental equipment in our clinics allowing us to perform everything from a routine scale and polish to full mouth extractions.  We also carry a large range of dental food and prophylactic products that our knowledgeable staff can advise you on.

  • Puppy preschool classes are offered at our Hokitika clinic, you can email hokitikaoffice@westcoastvets.co.nz for more details.  What better way to get them started on the right track!

  • Preventative health is important to us and we are passionate about providing the best start for your canine friend.  At every consult your dog is given a full examination to make sure they are fit, healthy and ready to enjoy each day. And of course we have a microchipping service, this helps to identify your dog should they go for a wander.

  • well balanced diet is so important.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the right nutrition for your dog. Breed, life stage, activeness and care for their teeth. Talk to our knowledgeable staff who will help you choose the correct food for your dog. 

We have an experienced small animal team, comprising of not only vets but also diploma and trainee nurses.  Between the team we have special interests in dermatology, exotics, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and animal care.  All working together to provide the best care and service to your pets.

PUPPY PRE-SCHOOL

Get your puppy off with the right paw with Puppy Pre-School.

Puppy preschool is the beginning of an exciting relationship with your new puppy. This course is to lay down a good foundation for learning; both for your puppy and yourself.

THE BENEFITS

Why West Coast Vets is a great choice

We're locals

We’ve been located throughout the West Coast area for decades. It’s where we’re from and where we raise our families.

Wide network

We’re plugged into the Veterinary world and our team can call on expertise from all over the world, then deliver it locally.

Handy clinics

We’re close to you for consults, supplements, supplies...whatever you need. Pop on in or organise a delivery.

FURTHER READING

Latest news

Keep your furry friend smiling

Nothing warms your heart more than your happy, smiling dog welcoming you home at the end of the day.  Just like us, to keep that happy smile, cats and dogs rely on healthy teeth and gums for theirRead more

Lameness: Part 3

For the final instalment of the lameness trilogy, we are going to look into the last couple of conditions commonly seen and a procedure to remove incurable toes.Read more

Joining the WCV herd: Molly

Hi, My name is Molly and I’ll be hanging out on-farm with the vets as their new tech. Before I took this job, I was working as a barista in one of the local cafes and as an AB assistant andRead more

Prevent down cows at the works

With cull cow season in full swing, now is a good time for a refresher on some essentials your animals need, before being loaded onto a truck, to avoid down cows on arrival at the works.  The localRead more

Salmonella vaccination

Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, which means it not only affects cattle, but can be passed to humans too. Immuno-compromised or pregnant people are the most at risk of infection. There are four mainRead more

Bulk milk somatic cell count and cow health

The bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) refers to the concentration of white blood cells produced by the entire herd into the vat.  Cell counts above 400,000 cells/ml are regarded as unfit forRead more

The end of an era!

As some of you will be aware, Harold has been reducing his days at West Coast Vets for the last few years and has now decided to step back and retire from his role in the retail team.  He is stillRead more

A new leptospirosis vaccine

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, caused by a family of bacteria, that can infect multiple species, including people.  Three groups of people who are at high risk of contracting lepto are: MeatRead more

Can cows have a Christmas hangover too?

The time after Christmas is for recovery, as our stomachs recover from too much food and our livers from being too merry! Every year, this seems to become harder and take longer. Do cows have theseRead more

Foot rot and white line disease

Continuing on with our lameness theme started in the last newsletter, we will look at two of the most commonly seen causes of lameness on the West Coast:Read more

Preventing Polio (B1 deficiency)

Polio, short for bovine polioencephalomalacia, is a disease of the brain most commonly caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It is something we see sporadically each year (we have already seenRead more

Minerals: you can't improve what you don't measure!

Our advice is to check the mineral status of your herd before mating, to which the common response is often "but I haven’t changed anything", or, "our results have always been ok".  Unfortunately,Read more