Animal Referral Hospital

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Pet Owners

Exotic

Dr David Vella

Dr Vella offers:

General health consultations
Preventative health (desexing, vaccinations)
Full diagnostics
Medical and surgical care.

Dr David Vella graduated with a Bachelor of Science (1992) and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (1996) – both from the University of Sydney. In 2009, David became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Exotic Companion Mammals, the first and only Australian vet to achieve these credentials.

Dr Vella has gained extensive clinical experience in treating exotic pets having focused on this field whilst working in the United Kingdom and Sydney. At present, Dr Vella concentrates on:

small mammals-rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs,rats, mice
reptiles-snakes, lizards, turtles
amphibians-rogs, axolotls

ARH-Lizzard Under his care, all aspects of preventative health, husbandry, medicine, surgery and hospitalisation for these species are catered for. Currently volunteering for NSW WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue & Emergency Service), Dr Vella is involved in reptile and amphibian rescue. He also trains in handling, rehabilitation, foster care and rescue.

Dr Vella consults as a primary accession and second opinion exotic small mammal and reptile/amphibian vet in Sydney at the Animal Referral Hospital.

Consultations are by appointment and cover all aspects of the pet's preventative health, husbandry and diet. Whether you have a pet in need or are a veterinarian wishing to send a case for second opinion, please don't hesitate to contact us on 02 9758 8666.

Emergency Hours

Homebush

Monday - Friday 6pm - 8am

All weekend : 5pm Friday - 8am Monday

CALL : 02 9758 8666

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Baulkham Hills

7 days a week 7pm - 8am

All weekend : 7pm Friday - 8am Monday

CALL : 02 9639 7744

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Both clinics are open 24 hours on public holidays

Pet Stories

Preparing for an emergency can save your pet's life

This was the case for Timmy, a four-year-old male cat that arrived at the Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush for severe bleeding on the leg indicative of a cat fight injury sustained when roaming outside some days before. He was lethargic and weak, and his gums were very pale.

Timmy was rushed into the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where emergency blood tests indicated he had a severe blood clotting disorder and was severely anaemic. Timmy went into shock from the amount of blood lost and, despite receiving intravenous (IV) fluids, the blood was seeping through his bandages. He needed an urgent blood transfusion to save his life.
Burned cat makes amazing recovery
Dr Sarah Goldsmid, veterinary surgeon from the Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush, slowly cuts away Snowy's bandages, revealing a small wound under his arm. It's hard to believe almost a year ago this domestic longhaired cat was brought to the RSPCA with severe burns to his entire body.
Snowy was tortured – tied up with an electrical cord, burned severely all around his body and his left ear was cut off. The case caused such an outcry from the public.

"The overwhelming response for Snowy's case was incredible," says RSPCA NSW Inspector Skye Adams, who oversees the case. "People donated thousands of dollars towards Snowy's veterinary treatment."
Quick actions save pet from a deadly snake bite

When eight-year-old Franki was carried into the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) in Baulkham Hills a few weeks ago, she was regurgitating, retching and gagging, with paralysis starting to set into her worn-out body.

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