Specialised
care tailored
to each pets’

unique needs

Emergency  /  Internal Medicine  /  Surgery  /  Emergency  /  Internal Medicine  /  Surgery  /  Emergency  /  Internal Medicine  /  Surgery  /  Emergency  /  Internal Medicine  /  Surgery  /

we partner with trusted GP’s to deliver specialist-led referral veterinary care

 

From 24/7 emergency admissions to Internal Medicine and Specialist Surgery, we accept referrals for complex medical and surgical cases requiring advanced diagnostics, orthopaedic and neurosurgical expertise across Townsville and North Queensland.

Our collaborative approach prioritises clear communication with referring veterinarians, providing detailed diagnostics, treatment plans, and timely progress updates. Following discharge, we return comprehensive case summaries and recovery plans to your regular vet, ensuring continuity of care and a seamless transition back to primary practice.

Our
Services

From everyday concerns like vomiting, diarrhoea, and ear infections to life-threatening emergencies such as trauma, shock, and surgical complications, our 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care team is here whenever you’re worried about your pet. No problem is too small to ask about, and no emergency is too big for our hospital-based care.

As North Queensland’s 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care service, we provide advanced triage, experienced nursing support, and continuous monitoring for patients requiring urgent or complex care day or night.

Our Emergency Clinic operates on a triage basis, prioritising pets with life-threatening conditions.

Our ECC Services include:

24/7 Critical Care Monitoring & Fluid Therapy

Continuous ICU-level monitoring and advanced fluid therapy provided by experienced ECC nurses and veterinarians for critically unwell patients, including trauma and shock cases.

 

Mechanical Ventilation, High-Flow Oxygen & Advanced Respiratory Support

Advanced ventilatory and high-flow oxygen therapy for patients with acute or chronic respiratory compromise.

 

Blood Transfusions & Community Blood Donor Program

Life-saving whole blood and plasma transfusions supported by our in-house blood bank and donor network.

 

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Digital radiography, ultrasound, and CT imaging to support rapid, accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

 

In-House Laboratory & Pathology

On-site diagnostics for timely test results, point-of-care decision-making, and ongoing case monitoring.

 

Emergency & Abdominal Surgery

Fully equipped emergency theatre for wound repair, gastrointestinal emergencies, and abdominal surgery, including GDV (bloat) management.

 

Envenomation, Paralysis Tick & AHDS Management

Comprehensive antivenom therapy, tick treatment, and intensive care support for envenomated patients and those with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome.

Our Internal Medicine service is led by permanent, on-site Specialists who work closely with pet owners and referring veterinarians to diagnose and manage complex and challenging medical cases. We prioritise open communication and collaborative care, ensuring you’re informed and supported at every step of your pet’s journey.

Our INTERNAL MEDICINE Services INCLUDE:

Comprehensive Diagnostics & Advanced Imaging

Thorough medical evaluations using in-house laboratory testing, ultrasound imaging, advanced CT, echocardiograms, ECG, and CSF and neurological workups to investigate abnormal bloodwork, unexplained illness, and complex medical presentations.

 

Endoscopy & Minimally Invasive Diagnostics

Upper gastrointestinal foreign body retrieval, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, and bronchoscopy to diagnose and manage respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions using minimally invasive techniques.

Oncology & Cancer Care

Sentinel lymph node mapping, cancer staging, and chemotherapy treatment plans tailored to your pet’s diagnosis, with a focus on quality of life, compassionate care, and close collaboration with your referring veterinarian throughout treatment and follow-up.

 

Specialised Medical Management

Diagnosis and ongoing management of complex conditions including renal, hepatic, and cardiac disease, diabetes and seizure disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sensitive stomach conditions, chronic coughing, fever of unknown origin, and congenital shunt diagnosis and management.

 

Ongoing Care & Referral Partnership

Long-term monitoring and tailored treatment plans for chronic and severe diseases, with clear communication, structured follow-up, and detailed case summaries returned to your regular veterinarian to ensure continuity of care

Our Surgery Department is led by permanent, on-site Specialists providing referral-level care for complex and advanced surgical cases. Working closely with pet owners and referring veterinarians, we combine advanced techniques, modern technology, and compassionate support to guide patients from diagnosis through to recovery.

 

Our Specialist Surgery Services:

Specialist Surgical Consultations & Treatment Planning

Comprehensive assessments to determine the most appropriate surgical approach, including advanced imaging and lameness workups. We take the time to explain procedures, expected outcomes, and recovery plans so families and referring veterinarians are fully informed.

 

Advanced Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery

Specialist-led procedures including TPLO, arthroscopy, fracture repair, minimally invasive external fixation, hemilaminectomy, spinal stabilisation, ventral slot surgery, and comprehensive hip dysplasia management (JPS, DPO, PennHIP, and total hip replacement).

 

Soft Tissue & Oncological Surgery

Complex soft tissue and cancer-related procedures supported by specialist anaesthesia, advanced monitoring, and referral-level perioperative care.

 

Anaesthesia & Perioperative Support

All surgical patients are supported by experienced anaesthesia and nursing teams, advanced monitoring, and tailored pain management protocols to optimise safety, comfort, and recovery at every stage of care.

 

Post-Operative ICU & Recovery Care

Continuous monitoring and multimodal pain management in our ICU, where your pet is never left without experienced clinicians and dedicated nurses by their side. We provide clear discharge instructions, structured follow-up, and detailed case summaries returned to your regular veterinarian to ensure seamless continuity of care.

We are pleased to offer visiting ophthalmology services at NQ Care, in collaboration with Specialist Eye Vet North Queensland.

Led by experienced veterinary ophthalmologist Dr Tony Read, this service provides specialist assessment and management of complex eye conditions in dogs and cats. From chronic or non-healing eye issues to advanced diagnostics and surgical planning, our goal is to ensure pets in North Queensland have access to high-level ophthalmic care locally.

Consultations are available every two months at NQ Care, with bookings made directly through SEVNQ.

Book directly via: www.sevnq.au

Direct enquiries:0412 842 378

UPCOMING TOWNSVILLE VISITING DATES

           June – Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th              August – Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th

We are pleased to offer visiting dermatology services at NQ Care, in collaboration with Animal Dermatology.

Led by experienced veterinary dermatologist Dr Johann Boone, this service provides specialist assessment and management of complex skin and ear conditions in dogs and cats. From chronic itching and allergies to recurrent ear disease and challenging skin infections, our goal is to ensure pets in North Queensland have access to advanced dermatological care close to home.

Consultations are available every two months at NQ Care, with bookings made directly through Animal Dermatology.

Book via: https://animalderm.com.au/
Direct enquiries: 0402 237 237

UPCOMING TOWNSVILLE VISITING DATES

           June – Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th

Canine Blood Donors Needed🩸🐶

NQ Care relies on canine blood donors to provide lifesaving blood products for our emergency and critical care patients.

A single blood donation can make a life-saving difference for dogs requiring transfusions due to illness, injury, or surgery.

Why become a blood donor?

Dogs may require blood transfusions for conditions such as:

  • Immune-mediated disease

  • Cancer

  • Toxin exposure

  • Trauma

  • Emergency or elective surgery

  • Severe parasite burden

Who can donate?

Dogs who meet the following criteria may be eligible:

  • Healthy and well-tempered

  • Weigh over 20 kg

  • Aged 1–8 years

  • Up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention

  • Have never received a blood transfusion

  • Calm, friendly, and comfortable with handling

What do donors receive?

As a thank you, canine blood donors receive:

  • Free annual blood testing

  • $100 credit on their NQ Care account per donation

Interested in becoming a donor?

If you think your dog may be suitable, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Register your interest here:
Canine Blood Donor Expression of Interest Form

Our team will review your submission and contact you with further information.

What to expect at our clinic?

When you arrive at NQ Care, our Emergency and Critical Care team will:

    • Triage your pet on arrival and explain expected waiting times based on medical priority.

    • Provide a clear explanation of your pet’s condition and discuss all appropriate treatment options.

    • Offer transparent cost estimates and payment options before treatment begins wherever possible.

    • Communicate results and progress with your regular veterinarian to ensure continuity of care.

    • Deliver compassionate, skilled emergency care for both you and your pet throughout their visit.

What is considered an emergency?

If you’re worried about your pet, it’s always okay to call. The following situations warrant immediate veterinary attention:

  • Collapse or sudden weakness

  • Swollen or distended abdomen (bloat/GDV)

  • Breathing difficulties or persistent coughing

  • Severe or uncontrolled bleeding

  • Major trauma (hit by a car, attacked by another animal)

  • Seizures or collapse

  • Known or suspected poisoning (e.g. chocolate, grapes, medications, toxins)

  • Snake bite or paralysis tick exposure

  • Cane toad intoxication

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea (including blood)

  • Not eating or drinking

  • Birthing difficulties

  • Signs of severe pain or distress

  • Burns or smoke inhalation

If you’re worried, that’s reason enough to call — and reason enough for us to see your pet. Our team is always happy to talk things through and guide you on the safest next step.