Dentistry FAQs

Have a pressing question? Check out our dentistry FAQs below.

WAVES HOSPITAL

Top questions our Dentistry Team are asked.

DENTISTRY FAQS

My pet has bad breath. What should I do?

Bad breath (halitosis) is an indication of an infection of the gingiva (gums) or bone. In order to determine the best treatment plan we advise an oral examination under anaesthesia to perform periodontal probing and dental x-rays:

For pets with inflamed gums (gingivitis) and no bone loss, we recommend professional cleaning and polishing followed by a preventative home oral hygiene plan.
If there are periodontal pockets around the teeth and bone loss (periodontitis), we can treat your pet with root planing or tissue regenerative therapy. For more severe disease, extractions are performed with optional pain control and tissue closure to encourage rapid healing and return to eating.

My pet does not act painful so how can there be any problems in the mouth?

Most pets with painful dental disease do not show obvious signs of any problems. The majority will continue to eat despite being in pain. You may notice them chewing on one side or swallowing their kibble whole. Most commonly, the painful condition develops gradually and most owners think their pets are ‘acting a little older’ or are ‘grumpy due to age’. In our experience, when we treat the disease and the pain is removed, the improvement is usually very noticeable and rapid. We often have happy reports that their pets are acting ‘years younger’ and are more energetic.

Why is anaesthesia-free dental cleaning not recommended?

While we would love to be able to perform dental assessment and treatment on your pet without anaesthesia, we do not offer this service as it does not allow for proper diagnosis or treatment. Just removing the calculus (tartar) from the surface of the teeth is NOT treating the source of the problem and gives the false impression of healthy, ‘clean’ teeth. The bacterial plaque needs to be removed from below the gum where the disease is occurring and the only way to achieve this safely and stress-free is with an anaesthetic.

Can surgery be done on the same day as the initial consultation?

If you pet has been fasted appropriately and there are no other health concerns that needs to be addressed first, most surgeries can be performed on the same day as the consultation. You can also choose to schedule surgery for a later date if you prefer. Sometimes it is preferable to schedule surgery at a later date especially if extra preparations are required prior to anaesthesia.

Should I fast my pet before our visit?

If you would like the option of your pet having surgery on the same visit as your initial consultation, fasting is recommended. We recommend no food after midnight on the night prior to your arrival. Water should be available until you come to the hospital, especially in warmer weather. If your pet is very young, has a medical condition such as diabetes, or takes medications that need to be given with food, please ask for advice on fasting when you book your appointment.

Does my pet need anaesthesia for their dental procedure?

Anaesthesia is generally the number one concern most owners have and is the most common reason for hesitating when it comes to having dental procedures performed on their pets. We recognise this is a legitimate concern for pet owners and try to make every attempt to make anaesethesia as safe as possible.

My pet has an increased anaesthetic risk due to concurrent illness. What options do I have?

We offer a dental service with a specialist anaesthetist to ensure pets with serious illnesses can also have a good quality of life free of dental pain and disease. From routine professional dental exams and cleans to extensive dental extractions/surgery, you can feel confident with the added service of a specialist anaesthetist managing the requirements of our more critical patients. Our team’s surgical experience also means procedures can be done quickly and efficiently to minimise the time under anaesthesia.

Is my pet too old for anaesthesia?

We frequently meet pet owners worried about anaesthesia since they have previously been told their pet was ‘too old for anaesthesia.’ Age is not a disease and does not directly reflect health status. We prefer to evaluate each pet individually to accurately assess their health status. Anaesthesia is individualised for patients based on their health. Anaesthetic related death in pets is estimated to be less than 1% and the likelihood of pain and suffering from untreated disease approaches 100%. We believe the small risk is worth taking to avoid unnecessary suffering and a lifetime of chronic pain.

How much will a dental cost?

It is not until our patients’ teeth are cleaned, probed and dental x-rays are evaluated under an anaesthetic that we know the extent of dental disease that exists and ultimately the treatment(s) that are needed. In most instances, we have anticipated additional findings and will be able to complete the therapy within the written estimate. We will contact you to let you know of any additional findings and your available options and estimate changes. We strive to treat all the dental conditions under the one anaesthetic.

Will my pet still be able to eat after having teeth extracted?

Yes. Our aim is to ensure your pet has a pain-free and healthy mouth following treatment. We have many patients happily eating a regular diet with very few to no teeth. We can offer advanced techniques to save teeth and only ever extract teeth when it is the best option for your pet. Most eat far better without the pain and infection, despite having fewer teeth.

Are there alternatives to extracting my pet’s teeth?

Often, there are alternatives to extraction of teeth that we can offer. We can perform advanced procedures such as root canal treatment and crown restoration to save broken or abscessed teeth. Gum surgery and tissue regeneration surgery can be performed to save teeth affected with advanced periodontal disease.

Should I bring my pet in because of a broken tooth?

Broken or fractured teeth are a common problem in veterinary dental practice. Chewing on hard objects like bones, rocks, deer antlers, large knotted rawhides, and hard plastic/Nyla-bones are common culprits and result in fracturing of a tooth that may or may not extend into the pulp canal of the tooth.

The pulp canal is the chamber within the tooth that houses the pulp tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. If the fracture exposes the pulp canal, the tooth will be acutely painful. Most pets, however, do not show obvious signs of tooth pain, even when there is severe dental disease. These pets will typically chew on the other side of the mouth or avoid using the broken tooth until the nerve dies in a matter of weeks to months.

Once the nerve dies, the open pulp canal is an area where food, saliva, debris, and bacteria enter the tooth resulting in an infection of the pulp tissue. The root of the tooth then becomes infected and will eventually abscess. The pain associated with the broken tooth changes from acute pain to chronic pain.

Antibiotics will help control the infection temporarily, but the problem recurs after discontinuing the medications. The infection will persist until the source of the infection, the infected pulp, is removed either by root canal therapy or extraction. We do not advise monitoring a broken or fractured tooth and strongly advise seeking veterinary attention.

My cat has been diagnosed with Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS). Do cats with FCGS need to have their teeth extracted?

The gold standard of treatment is to extract all premolar and molar teeth, leaving behind no root fragments, and monitoring them frequently in their postoperative period. In 60% of cats, extraction of the premolar and molar teeth resolves the inflammation. In 80% of cats, their clinical signs will be well-controlled, allowing them to live a happy life. This means that 20% of cats who have FCGS will not respond to premolar and molar teeth extraction. In this small percentage of cats, we may have to proceed with the extraction of the canine and incisor teeth, and they may need further medications to try to control the inflammation and pain. Cats that have been diagnosed with FIV or FeLV may be more likely to fall into this non-responsive category of cats.

It is important to note that unfortunately, using medications to try to reduce the pain and inflammation WITHOUT performing extractions only works for short periods of time, and tends to worsen the long-term prognosis in cats with FCGS. If your cat has been diagnosed with FCGS, it is important to proceed with the extraction of the premolar and molar teeth as soon as is feasible to give them the best prognosis. The longer the inflammation is allowed to continue, and the farther back in the mouth inflammation spreads, the slower and less complete the recovery from surgery.

Excellent pain management following surgery ensures most cats are fully recovered in 7 to 14 days. However, resolution of the inflammation may take up to 4-8 weeks. For that small subset of cats that do not respond to extractions, there are still options for treatment and ongoing management. FCGS can be a frustrating and expensive diagnosis that is why we are dedicated to helping you understand this disease and help treat your cat.

REGISTRATION

Have a referral?

Have you been referred by a vet? Please complete the registration form.

COMPLETE FORM

Dentistry Services

Endodontics

Linguoverted
Canine Teeth

Maxillofacial
Surgery

Periodontal
Surgery

Restorative

FAQs

OUR DENTISTRY TEAM

Meet Our Dentistry Team

Brace yourself. We are a team like no other. No fill-ins or tooth faries here, just vets who like the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth. Our patients can't read our plaques. Molar bears, vampurrs and canines, we'll treat them all. A functional, pain-free mouth for your pet is our floss-ophy. You know the drill.... click on the link and check us out...let's see if we can get to the root of your pet's problems. It might just be love at first bite.

SAY HELLO

DEPARTMENTS

Specialties & Services

Veterinary Referral & Emergency Services

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Dr Rebecca Nilsen BSc BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery) President Australian Veterinary Dental Society

Dr Rebecca Nilsen owns and operates The Smiling Pet Veterinary Dental Services and WAVES Dentistry. Rebecca graduated from Murdoch University in 2012, working in general practice and emergency medicine. It was during this time that Rebecca noted a need for improvement in veterinary dental care and in 2018 completed her memberships in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Since 2018 Rebecca has worked exclusively in dentistry as a referral vet for more than 160 clinics in Perth and regional areas. Rebecca practices with the ethos that every animal deserves a pain free mouth. When not at work Rebecca enjoys spending time at the beach with her loveable rescue dog Libby, and catching up with family and friends.

Dr Liv Oginska DVM MRCVS PGCert SAS MAPP

Dr Liv Oginska is a veterinarian, keynote speaker, positive psychology coach, a certified workplace conflict mediator and an emotional intelligence specialist who' 'speaks Human'. For the last 4 years, Liv devoted her veterinary career to supporting both individuals and teams (especially leaders) in becoming more human-savvy. The human-savvy work focuses on helping veterinary and medical professionals create psychologically safe organisations, as well as
sustainable and thriving careers. Liv graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Poland in 2010, worked as a veterinarian in multiple countries in Europe, Australia and North America, and she gained experience and credentials in positive psychology, emotional intelligence and conflict mediation in Cambridge, UK.

Currently, she teaches emotional intelligence at Murdoch University Vet School in Perth, Australia, and she pursues PhD in the topic of emotional competencies among veterinary teams and leaders.

Dr Meng Siak BVMS MANZCVS (Canine Medicine) FANZCVS (Veterinary Dermatology)

Dr Meng Siak graduated from Murdoch University in 2006. He spent a year in private practice before returning to Perth to complete an internship and then residency in Veterinary Dermatology. In 2014, he passed the examinations to become a Specialist Veterinary Dermatologist with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). In 2018, Meng established WAVES dermatology, reconnecting with former colleagues and friends. WAVES Dermatology has since grown to a very busy clinic equipped with the latest equipment including carbon dioxide laser, video-otoscopy and photo biomodulation.

Meng has special interests in resistant bacteria, having published the first paper on MRSP affecting dogs in Australia back in 2012. He continues to update himself on the latest on MRSP and will be doing a follow up research paper on MRSP affecting pets in WA in 2025/2026.

He enjoys sharing his love for all things related veterinary dermatology and has lectured locally, nationally and internationally.

Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his young family and waiting for Spurs or Dockers to win a trophy.

Christie Boucher

With 25 years of experience in education, Christie commenced her career as a secondary school health and physical education teacher. Over the past 20 years, her professional focus has centred on creating and implementing risk management education resources and programs tailored for diverse professional audiences. Christie possesses a keen interest in the role that education plays in risk management by contributing to heightened awareness and behavioural change. Christie is the Risk Services Manager at Guild Insurance.

Dr Paul Davey OAM BSc BVMS

Dr Paul Davey graduated from Murdoch University Vet School in 1992, and has spent over 30 years in small animal practice. He has been a partner in 5 small animal veterinary clinics, and is currently a Clinical Director and Chair of the Clinical Advisory Committee for CVS Vets Australia. He remains connected to Murdoch as a Banksia Association Member, and Senior Adjunct Lecturer in Professional Practice. He was President of the WA Division of the AVA in 2011 and 2013 and prior to that was heavily involved in Graduate Support Programs and Mental Health Initiatives for which he received an Order of Australia Medal. In December 2021 he was elected to the Veterinary Surgeon’s Board, and in July 2022 was selected as the first official member of the new Veterinary Practice Board of WA. Paul is passionate about supporting veterinarians throughout their careers, and is very excited to be part of this terrific program.

Dr Jonathan Wood BVSc GP Cert (Ophthal) MRCVS MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine)

Dr Jonathan Wood graduated from Sydney University in 2006 and travelled to the United Kingdom shortly after graduation. Jonathan worked as a small animal vet in the UK in a busy mixed practice on the Isle of Wight. Since referral practices were on the mainland, he set about learning as much about ophthalmology as he could. In 2011, he passed a post-graduate examination in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

In 2012, Jonathan returned to Australia, settled in Western Australia, and has been involved in ophthalmology since then.

Jonathan joined Perth Animal Eye Hospital in 2021, completing a residency in Veterinary Ophthalmology. In 2023, he was admitted as a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists after passing the Small Animal Medicine examination. He has a keen interest in retinal diseases and the management of glaucoma.

Jonathan currently works at Perth Animal Eye Hospital as an Ophthalmology Registrar

Dr Ellie Drynan BVSc MANZCVS DACVAA

Dr Ellie Drynan graduated from the University of Sydney in 2002. Following graduation she worked in both mixed and small animal practice in Melbourne, London and then back here in Perth. In 2007 she commenced an anaesthesia residency at Murdoch University and in 2013 obtained her Diplomate of Anaesthesia and Analgesia. In 2017 she joined the WAVES family providing an anaesthesia service for all animals but particularly for the critically-ill patients.

Dr Katrin Swindells BVSc MANZCVS DACVECC

Katrin is a 1994 Sydney University graduate who spent three years in small animal practice before finding that emergency work was her vocation. In 2001, she started a residency at Murdoch University, became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2006 and then spent five years in academia at Murdoch.

Katrin is a director of WAVES and has worked there as a criticalist since opening in 2013. She remains fascinated by all aspects of ECC and is passionate about helping the veterinarians, interns and residents who work with her, develop their emergency and critical care skills in a supportive environment. She is also committed to providing advice and support to the profession on their difficult cases.

Katrin has three children (two of whom are adults) and a very supportive husband who was essential to making everything possible.

Dr Luke Bradley BSc DVM MANZCVS (Avian Medicine and Surgery, Unusual Pets)

Dr Luke is a special interest Exotic Veterinarian with memberships in both Avian Medicine and Surgery and Unusual Pets, who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2018. Since graduating Dr Luke has been working for the Unusual Pet Vets in Perth where he is now the Vet Manager at the Murdoch clinic.

Dr Luke grew up with a menagerie of Birds and Reptiles and going down the exotic's pathway was always going to be the only way. If he is not working, then you are most likely to find him working away on his hobby farm amongst the variety of animals and fruit trees in his orchard.

Dr Nicole Lobry de Bruyn BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Feline medicine and Animal Behaviour)

With over 30 years’ experience as a vet in private practice Dr Nicole is one of the most highly qualified Animal Behaviour Veterinarians in Western Australia. She is one of only a handful of veterinarians in Perth with the highly respected membership in Veterinary Behaviour MANZCVS obtained through examination.

Nicole helps pass on this passion through the teaching of Animal Behaviour (all species) to undergraduate vet students at Murdoch University.

Nicole is a member of the Australian Veterinary Association and the special interest group in Animal Behaviour. She is also a certified Fear Free Professional.

Dr Nicole can assist clients with any behavioural problem they may be experiencing with their companion animal - canine or feline. She follows the latest scientific approach, relies on a positive communication style with her patients and clients and will work to find the best outcome.

Dr William Gow BSc BVMS DVSc DipACVP (Clin Path)

Dr William Gow graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in 2009. After this, he went on to work in a small animal general practice in Perth, WA, for two years.

William commenced his residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2012 at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in Canada. He also completed a research project and written thesis investigating circulating microRNA profiles in dogs with multicentric lymphoma and was awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) degree. In 2015, William joined IDEXX as a Clinical Pathologist after completing his residency. In 2018, William achieved his board certification for Clinical Pathology with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).

William’s areas of professional interest include cytopathology, haematopathology and bone marrow pathology, including haematopoietic neoplasms. He also enjoys helping clients with complicated cases.

Dr Zoe Devine BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

Dr Zoe developed her passion for behavioural medicine early in her career, as she believes the mental well-being of an animal is just as important as the physical. Since graduating from Murdoch University in 2017, she has worked in several clinics, including interstate, to refine her skills in treating both physical and mental diseases in all species.

Dr Zoe holds her membership to the ANZCVS in Veterinary Behaviour, which she obtained in 2022. She was awarded the Robert Jones Award for the highest mark achieved in that year. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional. Continuing education is important to Zoe, and she has presented on the topic of fear-free handling and other behavioural topics to a number of student and industry groups.

Zoe enjoys the complexities and nuances of behavioural medicine. The human-animal bond is a focus for Zoe and is front of mind within her tailored treatment plans. A holistic approach is implemented, engaging the family unit plus other industry professionals such as vets, vet nurses, trainers, other specialty centres or pet physiotherapists to assist with the behavioural problem

Dr Timothy Foo BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Radiology) MVetStud DipECVDI

Born and raised in Sarawak, Malaysia, Tim made the move to Perth in 2005 before earning his veterinary degree from Murdoch University in 2010. After four years in general practice, his passion for diagnostic imaging led him to the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where he completed a 4-year residency and achieved board certification in diagnostic imaging in 2019. Sydney wasn't just a career milestone - it was also where Tim met his wonderful wife, the greatest highlight of his time there.

Swapping Sydney's humidity for Perth's sun-drenched coastline was an easy decision, and Tim joined WAVES in 2019. Tim is focused on expanding WAVES' services and fostering a strong and compassionate imaging team - one that values empathy, patient care and collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes for every pet.

Amanda Clews RVN Cert. VNES, TAE

Amanda graduated from Applied Vocational Training in 2006 - She started in small animal practice to build her skills and knowledge whilst also working casually in an Emergency & Critical Care clinic. She joined The Amanda graduated from Applied Vocational Training in 2006 and started her career in small animal practice, gaining valuable experience in Emergency & Critical Care.

In 2016, she joined The Unusual Pet Vets and earned the City & Guilds Nursing of Exotic Species certification in 2017. Since 2018, Amanda has been managing the Murdoch team, she most enjoys managing patients in with emergency & critical care presentations and medical management & treatment for exotic species.

At home, Amanda is surrounded by a diverse range of pets, including a cockatiel, a rainbow lorikeet, two bobtail lizards, two jumping spiders, two badumna spiders and a border collie.

Claire Deamer RVN APVN (AHMW) DipVNZS

Claire is a dedicated registered veterinary nurse in Perth, Western Australia, who began her veterinary career in 2003 while still at school, working in small animal general practice. Over the years, she has gained experience in various settings, including a university teaching hospital, a pet crematorium, and an emergency center.

She joined The Unusual Pet Vets in 2017 and soon earned her Diploma in Exotic Animal Nursing. Recently, she has embraced her new role as Perth Nursing Trainer for UPV.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys life in the Perth Hills with her husband, three kids, three dogs, one cat, two cockatiels, seven chickens, three emus, a woma python, a tarantula, and a horse.

Kara Airey Cert IV RVN CCRVN HCert Bus.,Fear Free (TM) Certified

Kara spent the first 15 years of her career as a specialist surgical vet nurse in Perth and in Dublin, Ireland. Through these roles her passion for caring for patients during their post operative recovery led her to further studies in veterinary rehabilitation. She returned to Perth in 2022, and finalised her training to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse in 2024 through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

Kara's special interests are in post-surgical and neurologic rehabilitation. She is a self-proclaimed 'cat lady' with two cats who travelled both to and from Ireland with her.

Dr Nick Lai BVSc MANZCVS Registrar in Medical Oncology

Dr Nick graduated from the University of Sydney in 2015, and moved to Perth to begin a rotating internship in a referral practice.

He attained membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Small Animal Medicine in 2019, before moving back to Sydney to complete a three year residency program in medical oncology. This residency program has taken him to externships at the University of California (Davis), the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Nick's clinical interests include canine and feline lymphoma, as well as cancer immunology.

Dr Candice Yeo BSc BVMS MANZCVS (SAIM) Resident in Internal Medicine

Candice graduated from Murdoch University in 2015. After this she worked in general practice in Singapore for five years. Candice then moved back to Australia, completing an ECC internship at North Shore Veterinary Hospital followed by an internal medicine internship at QVS in Brisbane.

She then started her residency. Candice successfully attained membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in
Small Animal Medicine 2023, followed by membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in feline medicine
in 2024. Candice commenced a residency program approved by the European College of Veterinary internal medicine at WAVES in March of last year.

Candice is passionate about all things feline; she loves the management of chronic feline medical conditions at WAVES and continues this feline
obsession at home with her feline friend Butternut.

Dr Heidi Lehmann BVSc (Hons) BVMS, PGCert, MVSc, MPhil, MANZCVS, DACVAA Registered Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia

After completing veterinary school at Murdoch University, Heidi worked for a few years in small animal general practice south of Perth before she undertook a three-year specialty training programme in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia back at Murdoch, becoming a board-certified specialist of the American College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

Moving to New Zealand to gain research experience in animal welfare, Heidi worked clinically in the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2021 Heidi returned to home shores working as a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia at Charles Sturt University in NSW, followed with a private practice stint in Melbourne, and finally last year, returning home to WA.

Heidi maintains an interest in mentoring young vets in anaesthesia and analgesia and has a particular interest in anaesthesia for critically ill patients, both large and small.

Chantelle Alexander RVN

Chantelle Alexander, also known as Channy, began her veterinary journey in 2005 as a kennel hand at Kenwick Vet. Transitioning from general practice to Murdoch University in 2010, she found her true calling in Emergency and Critical Care nursing. With over a decade at WAVES, Channy continues to embrace her love for ECC alongside her WAVES family. Outside of work, she finds joy in her family, friends, and faithful Labrador companion Tyson.

Dr Eben Martin BVSc MANZCVS (ECC) FANZCVS (SAS) Registered Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

Following graduation from the University of Melbourne in 2010 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Eben continued to work in his home town of Melbourne in small animal general and emergency practice. In 2015 he lived in the UK and worked in small animal practice, whilst playing semi-professional cricket. Upon returning later that year, he became partner in a large practice in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and in 2016 obtained membership to the Emergency and Critical Care Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination. Although Eben had worked primarily in emergency practice, his passion always lay with surgery and in 2018 Eben moved to the sunny Perth to begin a 12 month internship at WAVES. During this same year he obtained membership into the Surgical Chapter of the College by examination, and in 2019 Eben began a three year surgical residency training program at WAVES. Upon completion of his residency training program, Eben obtained his Fellowship within the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2023, granting him the qualifications necessary to be registered as a specialist in small animal surgery. Although a long way from family and friends, Eben and his partner love living in Perth, and consider it their home away from home. Although Eben enjoys all facets of surgery, he has particular interests in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery and trauma surgery.

Dr Ally Davis BSc BVMS GradDipEd MVetClinStud

Ally completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at Murdoch University in 2016. After graduating she spent three years as a General Practitioner in the South West Region of Western Australia. In 2020, Ally relocated to Melbourne to pursue further training in Small Animal Surgery, completing a one-year surgical internship in a referral centre in central Melbourne. In 2021, Ally returned to Perth to continue her surgical training, completing a one-year specialty training program and three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at The Animal Hospital, Murdoch University. During this time she completed a Diploma in Higher Education and a Masters in Veterinary Clinical Studies, and is currently completing a Research Masters. Her areas of research have included canine soft tissue sarcomas, surgical management of anal sac disease, and the feline microbiome. Ally enjoys all aspects of surgery and working within a team to provide a high standard of care to pets and their owners.