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Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Essendon Fields
72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields, VIC, 3041
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essendon@arhvets.com
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03 9379 0700
3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(624 reviews)

Id like the thank all the staff for my highly stressful- but in the end - brief, anti-climatic, wholesome, respectful and empathetic emergency vet visit last night. I have a...

Id like the thank all the staff for my highly stressful- but in the end - brief, anti-climatic, wholesome, respectful and empathetic emergency vet visit last night. I have a 12 year old rabbit who Im deeply connected to and her regular vets werent able to see her due to capacity and it was after hours and she needed assistance. Recommended by the Rabbit Doctors for this situation, I called ahead and took her there. Direct map links were sent to my phone with exact coordinates so it was no drama to find and the staff took her back immediately so that she didnt have to be stressed in a waiting room with mostly dogs. I was soon met by a deeply compassionate vet nurse with a genuine interest in Beans well being and shortly by the vet. The vet was also incredibly compassionate toward both bean and I and acknowledging our bond, bridging to me a gap I had experienced in the past with a pet rabbit being seen as an exotic pet due to the nature of certain practises. Bean was also very happy to be there, (as she had come good in that time it seems) and was being all smoochy with the staff. When we left the receptionist mentioned I had spoken to her when I rang originally and extended her greatest joys to hear that she was safe ans going home again. Whilst the vet said to us, well it was a pleasure to meet bean, we hope to not have to see her again in these circumstances but if we did, we would love to see her again. And bean and I feel the same way. Thank you for treating us with so much kindness. I would highly recommend this clinic for any pet that needs care, but in particular, if you found yourself in a situation where you needed to be cared for too.
Molly Cusack
a month ago

The team at ARH are consistently wonderful with our fur babies (Narla & Kova) and treat them with genuine kindness. You can hear the love and care in their voices...

The team at ARH are consistently wonderful with our fur babies (Narla & Kova) and treat them with genuine kindness. You can hear the love and care in their voices when our tail-babies are out the back and they think no one is listening that alone speaks volumes about the level of compassion they give, even when were not in front of them. Weve never once felt that our pups were anything less than in the very best hands. They're effecient with billing and create claims for us by submitting them straight to our pet insurance company too (Pet insurance Australia). We are extremely grateful.
DJ
3 months ago

Great emergency vets. Ive sadly had to use twice, the first time was really good communication at a very stressful time, with realistic expectations. The second time, at 4am there...

Great emergency vets. Ive sadly had to use twice, the first time was really good communication at a very stressful time, with realistic expectations. The second time, at 4am there was a decent wait (as expected with other emergency cases that had to be prioritised being treated). Good advice given by the vet, and our little dog recovered within a couple of days with no further treatment required. Reasonably priced for emergency care. Definitely recommend.
sammyd0380
2 weeks ago

About ARH Essendon Fields

ARH Essendon Fields is a 24/7 specialist and emergency veterinary hospital offering expert care in ECC, surgery, and internal medicine. With advanced on-site MRI, CT, surgical suites, and a laboratory, we deliver comprehensive, compassionate care and a long-standing commitment to veterinary excellence.

Our Specialist Services

At ARH Essendon Fields, we believe our diagnostic imaging, nursing and intensive care services are the backbone of our hospital. We go to great lengths to ensure we have the best team and equipment in these areas so we can offer complete and cutting-edge assessment and treatment to all our patients.

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ARH Essendon Fields works closely with referring veterinarians to provide advanced, comprehensive care.

All patients are returned to their regular veterinarian for continued treatment and management of their condition.  We are not a general practice and do not perform any routine duties such as vaccinations, heartworm injections or microchipping. Our ARH specialists are available via phone or email to provide advice to referring veterinarians. We can also talk through treatment options and cost estimates.

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The internal medicine team, under the leadership of Dr Robert Labuc, manages a wide range of complex medical conditions. These include diseases of the blood and bone marrow, gastrointestinal issues (including disorders of the liver, pancreas and bowel), cardiac and respiratory conditions, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease), urinary tract abnormalities, neurological disorders, cancers, and immune-mediated diseases affecting the eyes, skin, joints, muscles, and other organ systems.

Our team of experienced small animal internists and specialist nurses collaborates with other ARH departments, external specialists and your local vet to provide top-quality care, managing both critical and ongoing cases.

We utilise advanced diagnostic tools, as well as in-house and external laboratories to investigate the cause of your pet’s illness. 

We offer the following diagnostic services:

  • On-site MRI, and CT as advanced imaging modality for a variety of organ systems
  • Fluoroscopy for real-time swallow or breathing studies
  • Ultrasonography for assessment of abdomen, chest and other organs (such as muscles, tendons, thyroid and parathyroids)
  • Echocardiography and ECG
  • Ultrasound-guided interventions, such as fine needle aspirations and pericardio- or abdominocentesis
  • Comprehensive endoscopic services to investigate diseases of the nose, airways, gastrointestinal- and urinary tract
  • Endoscopy-guided interventions, such as foreign body removals, ballooning of strictures or submucosal injections
  • Joint taps
  • Bone marrow aspirations
  • Spinal (CSF) taps

We pride ourselves in giving holistic medical management plans that suit you and your pet.  Furthermore, we provide state-of-the-art management for specific disorders, including:

  • Faecal microbiota transplant for management of acute or chronic gastrointestinal disorders
  • Oncology (cancer) consultations and staging of cancers, with access to oncology, cancer immunology and radiation oncology specialist services
  • Comprehensive cancer treatment, including tailored chemotherapy, targeted cancer therapy (TKI treatments) and Oncept® vaccinations
  • Long-term medical management of pets with SUB devices, urethral or bronchial stents, or previously placed coils

Our specialists are happy to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with referring veterinarians by phone or email correspondence

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At ARH, we offer a comprehensive range of surgical solutions for dogs and cats, including orthopaedic, soft tissue, trauma, oncologic, reconstructive and neurologic surgery.

Our surgery department consists of 3 specialist surgeons, 1 surgical registrar, 1 surgical resident, and 2 surgical interns. Our surgeons are Dr Simon Kudnig, Dr Tania Shaw, and Dr Jiaying Ng, all of whom are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Dr Simon Kudnig leads the team, and in addition to being a ACVS Diplomate, he is also a Fellow of the Australian College (FANZCVS) and a ACVS Founding Fellow of Surgical Oncology. Our surgical team will assess your pet and talk you through a thorough plan to help ensure the best result for your pet.

Common surgical procedures performed at ARH include stifle (knee) stabilisation procedures for cranial cruciate ligament injuries, fracture repair, limb deformity correction, arthroscopy, abdominal surgery such as gastrointestinal foreign body removal, splenectomy and removal of bladder stones, open chest surgery, total ear canal ablation for chronic ear disease, correction of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), reconstructive surgery, spinal surgery for intervertebral disc disease, spinal stabilisation, and oncologic surgery for cancer.

We are fully equipped with the most up-to-date surgical equipment and implants, including:

  • Standard and locking stainless-steel plates and screws for fracture repair
  • Interlocking nails for fracture repair
  • Minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical equipment for arthroscopy
  • External fixation implants for limb deformity correction and fracture repair
  • Total hip replacement implants
  • Prosthetic ligaments for ligament injuries
  • Pedicle screws for spinal stabilisation
  • Bipolar vessel-sealing technology for ligation
  • Stapling devices for organ removal
  • Negative pressure wound therapy units for open wound management
  • 3D printed guides for correction of angular limb deformities
  • 3D printed prostheses to replace skull and bone defects
  • Fluoroscopic assisted surgery to improve precision and allow minimally invasive procedures
  • In-house access to CT, MRI, digital radiography and ultrasound, providing the most advanced diagnostic imaging options available

Our specialist surgeons are assisted by a highly qualified support team. The integration of surgery with internal medicine, oncology, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia, and emergency and critical care ensures a seamless approach to your pet’s care. Exemplary post-operative pain management and care for surgical patients is provided by our 24-hour hospital and intensive care unit.

Our specialists are happy to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with referring veterinarians by phone or email correspondence, including a radiographic appraisal of any case.

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At ARH Essendon Fields, our Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) department operates 24/7, ensuring continuous care for patients at any time of day or night.

We provide a full range of in-house diagnostic services, including radiology, CT, ultrasound, endoscopy, and an IDEXX Vet Lab Station. Our facility is equipped with specialised oxygen cages, ventilator support, and blood transfusion services. With experienced overnight veterinarians and nursing staff on site, we are always prepared to deliver high-quality emergency and critical care.

Our ECC team works closely with Specialist Surgeons and Internal Medicine Specialists, giving us access to advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI, Ultrasound, fluoroscopy, as well as referral pathways for more complex medical and surgical cases.

Collaboration is at the heart of our hospital. Daily Hospital Rounds sessions bring together our ECC, Surgery, and Medicine teams to review and discuss every patient, ensuring continuity of care and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. 

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ARH Essendon Fields diagnostic imaging suite is very advanced, allowing our specialists to obtain the highest quality images required for diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis of your pet’s condition.

On-site, ARH Essendon Fields have:

  • 16-slice helical CT
  • CR digital radiography
  • Two ultrasound machines, including colour flow Doppler
  • MRI
  • Fluoroscopy

Images are interpreted by our highly skilled clinicians and supported by specialist radiologists within the ARH group.

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Our ARH nurses are highly skilled, compassionate people who will go above and beyond when caring for your pet. We have dedicated nurses in surgery, internal medicine, intensive care, and emergency. All our nurses undergo regular in-house training and attend conferences and lectures to ensure they provide the best care to our patients.

ARH encompasses a specialist referral service and emergency hospital in one business, which allows our nurses to provide seamless continuity of care to your pet. Whatever time of day your pet is being treated, our nurses will strive to provide a comfortable and anxiety-free stay for them.

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ARH Essendon Fields offers on-site pathology through Idexx’s state-of-the-art point-of-care systems. This includes biochemistry testing, complete blood count (Lasercyte and Procyte), urine testing, cortisol, thyroid and blood coagulation testing.

This means your pet's test results can be available swiftly in an emergency, by providing life-saving information without the need to send blood samples to an external laboratory.

For intensive care patients, the Radiometer ABL-90 FLEX-PLUS blood gas analyser provides comprehensive, critical information regarding your pet’s blood pH levels, electrolytes and haemoglobin levels. Blood gas and electrolyte results are available in less than a minute once the sample is collected.

During normal business hours, we are backed by the full support of Melbourne’s leading veterinary pathology laboratories, including Idexx and Gribbles. 

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Our ARH Customer Care Team is your first friendly point of contact when visiting our hospital. They are compassionate, knowledgeable staff committed to supporting you throughout your time with us. From booking or adjusting appointments to coordinating visits with your pet and explaining hospital procedures, they’re here to help. The team can also assist with payment options such as VetPay and Afterpay, and are experienced in processing insurance claims, ensuring your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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The Benefits of Being Part of ARH

Vets

  • Ability to choose access to external resources such as VIN, Plumbs, Vet Stream and Elsevier.
  • Option to choose paid AVA membership or State Vet Board Registration.
  • Access to GP and AEC webinars through Vet-Webinar, with an extensive archive of on-demand webinars and new webinars, added monthly.
  • RECOVER CPR certification, providing an internationally recognised life-support certification, helping our specialist & emergency teams apply consistent and lifesaving evidence-based techniques.
  • Additional benefits include but not limited to, paid parental leave, car leasing programs, and discount health and pet insurance.
  • Opportunity to partake in charity events supported by Petbarn Foundation.
  • Free access to confidential Employee Assistance Program

Nurses

  • Radiation licence paid for 
  • RECOVER CPR certification, providing an internationally recognised life-support certification, helping our specialist & emergency teams apply consistent and lifesaving evidence-based techniques.
  • Additional benefits include but not limited to, paid parental leave, car leasing programs, and discount health and pet insurance.
  • Opportunity to partake in charity events supported by Petbarn Foundation.
  • Free access to confidential Employee Assistance Program
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Benefits of Donating Blood

On top of the superhero status your pet will claim with their donation, there are also some other benefits to being a part of the program:

· Free initial blood typing test*

· A $100 Petbarn voucher with each donation

· A free full physical exam with each donation*

· A free full blood test once a year + basic blood screening prior to each donation*


* Combined value of over $800. Value may vary by hospital.

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Blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death for pets facing emergencies or serious medical conditions. They are commonly needed for surgeries, trauma and accident cases, toxin exposure, severe anaemia, immune‑mediated diseases, and clotting disorders.

But unlike human hospitals, veterinary clinics don’t have large blood banks to draw from, they rely almost entirely on the generosity of healthy donor pets. When your dog or cat donates blood, they become part of a small but vital group helping to ensure that every pet has access to lifesaving care when they need it most.

What would a blood donation look like for my pet?

1. You’ll be contacted when your pet’s blood‑donation superpowers are needed.

We only call donors when there’s a pet in need, so every donation truly makes a difference.

2. When you arrive at our hospital, our friendly team will welcome you and admit your pet just like for any routine procedure.

We’ll ask a few questions about your pet’s recent health, and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.

3. Once admitted, your pet will receive a full health check by our veterinary team.

This includes a pre‑donation blood screening to ensure they are healthy enough to donate safely on that day.

4. If your pet is fit and healthy to donate, they’ll be settled into a comfy bed.

An IV catheter is placed, usually in a front leg, and they’re given a light sedation to help them feel relaxed and calm during the donation.

5. A small area on your pet’s neck will be shaved for sterility, as this is where the donation needle is placed.

6. The donation itself typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Most pets rest comfortably throughout this time thanks to the mild sedation.

7. After the donation, your pet will receive intravenous fluids and some tasty snacks to help replenish their system. They’ll be monitored closely as they wake up from sedation.

8. Once your pet has fully recovered, our team will call you to pick up your little hero.

A quiet, relaxing evening at home on the couch is usually all they need, after all, they’ve earned it!

After donation, your pet’s blood may be used immediately for a patient in urgent need, or it may be stored under carefully controlled conditions so it’s ready the moment an emergency arises.

Whole blood can typically be refrigerated and safely stored for up to 28 days before use, although some hospitals may use it sooner depending on patient needs.

We only call on fit and healthy pets for their blood donation superpowers so your pet must meet certain criteria to donate blood.

Canine Donors

· Fit & healthy*

· Between 1-8yrs old

· A relatively cool, calm and collected temperament

· >25kg in body weight

· Up to date with vaccinations and preventives including Heartworm

·  Not previously received a blood transfusion

· Not currently on any medications

· Free from any underlying health conditions

· Desexed (females must not have had a litter)

* No underlying conditions that will affect their ability to donate bloodroup.

We only call on fit and healthy pets for their blood donation superpowers so your pet must meet certain criteria to donate blood. 

Feline Donors

Please note that only selected hospitals run feline donor programs

· Fit & healthy*

· Between 1-8yrs old

· A relatively cool, calm and collected temperament

· >4kg for cats

· Up to date with vaccinations and preventatives

· Not previously received a blood transfusion

·  Not currently on any medications

·  Free from any underlying health conditions

·  Desexed (females must not have had a litter)

·  Ideally indoor cats (cats will be tested for FIV)

* No underlying conditions that will affect their ability to donate blood

 

How much blood is taken?

· Dogs: Typically, 350 - 450 mL

· Cats: Typically, 40 - 60 mL

How long does a donation take?

Your pet will usually spend a few hours with us on the day of their donation. This allows our team to give them unhurried, attentive care throughout every step of the process.

The actual blood collection is quite quick, typically taking around 5-15 minutes.

Why does my pet need to stay in hospital?

Most donors will receive a light sedation to make sure they are calm and comfortable for the donation. This can mean that they spend a few hours in the hospital with our teams while they monitor their recovery. Don’t worry, our team will send home our little hero’s as soon as they are feeling great again.

Can I take my pet for a walk when they get home from their donation?

Our dedicated teams will provide you with a discharge information sheet that explains how to care for your pet when they get home after a donation.

We advise that your pet skips their afternoon walk and instead spends the evening on the couch resting. Donating blood can zap a bit of their energy so it is important to let them rest and recovery. They can usually return to their normal activities the next day.

Is blood donation safe for my pet?

Yes. The process is designed to be very safe. Pets typically tolerate donations well and return to normal activities the same day.

Our veterinary teams perform a full physical exam, pre-donation blood screen and a full annual blood panel for donors to ensure they are fit and healthy enough to donate blood.

How often can my pet donate?

It is considered quite safe for eligible dogs or cats to donate every three months however, generally speaking, we will only call on your pets donation abilities every 6 months.

Does it hurt my pet?

Our team takes every precaution to make sure the donation process is as painless and stress‑free as possible. The needle may cause a brief, mild sting that lasts only a second, similar to what humans feel during a routine blood draw. To help reduce even that tiny sensation, we typically apply a numbing cream beforehand. Most pets tolerate the needle extremely well with this approach.

Do pets have blood types?

Yes, dogs and cats do have blood types! Cats have three main types: A, B, and AB, and they can only safely receive certain types. Dogs have several blood groups, but the one veterinarians test for is DEA 1, which can be positive or negative. If your pet is eligible to be a blood donor, our team will run a blood‑typing test to find out exactly what type they are.

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Blood Donor Program

You may not have ever thought about it, but just like humans, some sick pets need blood transfusions to survive. Accidents and illnesses such as trauma, rat bait toxicity, immune disorders, cancer, and snake bites can cause life-threatening blood loss. In these cases, a single blood donation can save up to three critically ill animals.

 

If your pet is suitable, they can be added to our blood donor register and help save lives, they will also receive:

  • A $100 Petbarn voucher
  • A FREE full physical exam with each donation
  • A FREE blood test with each donation

All donor candidates undergo a thorough but non-invasive health screening to ensure they are healthy and won’t be adversely affected by giving blood. In fact, for many pets, this may be the most comprehensive health assessment they’ve ever had, giving you peace of mind while they help others.

Donations are spaced at least every three months. During the process, your pet will receive a light anaesthetic and be placed on IV fluids to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes!

Canine Donor Criteria

  • Must have a good temperament
  • Be between 1-8 years old
  • Weigh more than 25kg
  • Be up to date with all vaccinations, tick prevention & heartworm medications
  • Be in good health with no serious illnesses or long-term medications
  • Have never received a blood transfusion previously

Feline Donor Criteria

  • Must have a good temperament & ideally an indoor cat
  • Be between1-8 years old
  • Weigh more than 4kg
  • Be up to date with all vaccinations & prevention medications
  • Be in good health with no serious illnesses or long-term medications
  • Have never received a blood transfusion previously
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ARH Essendon Fields CE & Networking Night

Date: Thursday, 12th March
Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields

Description: Join us for an evening of learning, networking, drinks, and nibbles!
Meet our referral and emergency teams, and gain valuable insights from the ARH experts in Surgery, Medicine, and Emergency Critical Care.

We will have two streams available on the night:

Vet Stream:
ECC
Topic: Approaching The Patient With Polytrauma
Speaker: Dr Liam Donaldson – B.App.Sc (Hons), BVSc, MVS (Hons), MVSc (Hons), MANZCVS (ECC), DACVECC. - Criticalist

MEDICINE
Topic: Immune Mediated Polyarthritis
Speaker: Dr Richard Hughes – BVSc (Hons), BSc (Hons), MPhil, MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine) – Registrar in Small Animal Medicine

SURGERY
Topic: Lumbosacral Disease and Pedicle Screws
Speaker: Dr Simon Kudnig - BVSc, MVS, FACVSc, Dip.ACVS – Registered Specialist in Small Animal Surgery


Nurse Stream:
ECC
Topic: The Seizure Patient
Speaker: Ellenor Morgan - BSc BVT - ECC Head Nurse

MEDICINE
Topic: Faecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) - The Underutilised tool GP Nurses should know about
Speaker: Jess Barker - Cert IV VN - Senior Medicine Nurse

SURGERY
Topic: Capnography & Ventilation Under Anaesthesia
Speaker: Gemma Edwards – Cert IV VN - Specialist Surgery Head Nurse

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