IV FLUIDS SHORTAGE
What are IV Fluids?
Intravenous (IV) fluids are sterile solutions delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. They are essential in human and veterinary medicine for various treatments and procedures.
What are IV fluids used for?
Human use: IV fluids are crucial for treating dehydration, resuscitating patients after accidents, supporting pre-term babies, managing heart attacks, treating gastroenteritis, and during surgeries and intensive care.
Animal use: Similarly, in veterinary medicine, IV fluids are used to treat dehydration, during surgeries, for resuscitation, and to administer other medications. They are also used during routine procedures that require an anesthetic, e.g., dentals.
Current shortage
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has acknowledged a worldwide shortage of IV fluids, which is affecting human and animal healthcare. The exact cause is unclear but is believed to be due to a combination of manufacturing issues and increased demand. The shortage is expected to persist into 2025.
Impact on veterinary services
The IV fluid shortage is affecting veterinary practices across Australia.
In some cases, veterinary practices may need to adjust treatment plans or prioritise emergency
and critical care cases over elective procedures to manage the limited supply of IV fluids.
Actions to address the shortage
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At Drummoyne Veterinary Hospital we are actively managing and conserving existing supplies, utilising alternative fluids where possible, and ensuring minimal wastage.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is engaging with suppliers and regulatory bodies,providing guidance to veterinarians, and advocating for the veterinary sector and animal welfare.
How you can help
We appreciate your understanding if we need to delay or alter non-urgent procedures for our patients, and thank you for your patience and support in recognising that this situation is beyond the control of veterinary professionals and that we are doing our best to mitigate the impact on
our patients.
Your cooperation and understanding are crucial during this challenging time.
is committed to ensuring the best possible care for your animals despite the constraints imposed by the IV fluids shortage.
For more information or specific veterinary concerns, please get in touch with us.
Vaccine Supply availability 07/08/2024
Vaccines for cats:
F3 vaccine: Feline flu viruses and panleukopenia: AVAILABLE - please book an appointment
F2 vaccine: Feline Flu viruses: AVAILABLE - please book an appointment
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccine: AVAILABLE - please book an appointment
Vaccines for dogs
C3 / C5 vaccines (parvo, distemper, hepatitis, infectious coughs): AVAILABLE - please book an appointment
Canine Leptospirosis Vaccine: AVAILABLE- please book an appointment
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LEPTOSPIROSIS UPDATE - APRIL 2024
Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is transmissible from rats and/or dogs to humans. Infected dogs have a very low survival rate. Infected people often end up in intensive care and can die from this disease. Infections began occurring in inner Sydney in 2019, and is still causing infection in suburban dogs in 2024.
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More than 95% of the known cases in the current outbreak in dogs have died despite intensive veterinary treatment.
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In addition to the routine vaccinations for parvo and distemper, we now recommend most dogs should be vaccinated against Lepto. Also if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, your dog should be vaccinated to help protect you and your family.
The information below may help guide your decision.
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Some facts: Leptospirosis is a bacteria that spreads from animals to humans.
It causes eye, liver and kidney disease. Lepto is usually found in European rats (not water rats, bandicoots, etc) and is shed into the environment in rats' urine.
The bacteria persists in wet areas where rats live.
Dogs get infected though contact with infected rats or their urine.
Humans can catch lepto through contact with rat urine or with infected dogs.
Dogs who share territory with rats (laneways, behind restaurants, in your garden, etc), are at risk. Big, well maintained parks and open spaces and public footpaths are lower risk.
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Cats can get lepto but usually clinical signs are milder. There is no vaccine available for cats. Pet rats are unlikely to get lepto as they wouldn't come in contact with wild rats.
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The signs of lepto look similar to many other diseases: Fever, sore muscles, lethargy Shivering Sore, red eyes Yellow (jaundice) in the whites of the eyes or gums Loss of appetite Change in thirst, usually increased
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The vaccine is safe to use in healthy dogs.
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It requires 2 doses, 2 – 6 weeks apart. The cost is $252 for the course of 2 vaccines, or $75.00 per injection if added to another consultation or vaccination.
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So, which dogs should be vaccinated?
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- All dogs who live within 5km of Annandale, Ashfield, Balmain, Cheltenham, Crows Nest, Darlinghurst, Elanora Heights, Erskineville, Figtree, Firefly, Glebe, Horsley Park, Ingleside, Lurnea, Newtown, Paddington, Redfern, Surry Hills, Trunkey Creek, Waterloo, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, and especially dogs who chase rats, hang out in unkept laneways and neglected urban areas, or who scavenge in rubbish.
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- Dogs owned by people with health issues that might get very complicated by infection with lepto i.e. if any human contact has any chronic liver or kidney disease, and/or is immunosuppressed (pregnancy, chemotherapy, HIV, immune-mediated conditions).
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Given the severity of the disease and its possible transmission to humans, we are strongly recommending that all inner west and city dogs should be vaccinated in the face of the current outbreak.
