Author name: Dr Stuart Cunningham BVSc

With over a decade of hands-on experience as a registered veterinarian, my career has taken some interesting turns. I initially aspired to be an equine practitioner, then shifted my sights toward becoming a soft tissue surgeon. But clinic life had other plans, eventually directing me toward mobile veterinary practice - something I'd never really considered. The catalyst was simple: I wasn't getting job satisfaction from the rushed environment and "one size fits all" approach of traditional clinics. I discovered that a slower, more thorough approach, allowing an anxious animal to relax, unveiled more clinical signs that the fear was hiding. Through revisits and client feedback about non-compliance with treatment plans, I realized that maybe the bigger picture needs to be considered. This means the home environment of the pet, the lifestyle of the family, and the ability of the family to carry out the treatment plan. If the treatment plan can't be implemented, then the ailment won't be treated. Becoming mobile allowed me to assess all aspects of the pet's life and instantly increased my job satisfaction. Ditching the boss also increased job satisfaction by stripping away the hovering cloud of KPIs trying to influence the way I practice. This blog exists for a couple of reasons. Honestly, it's to help boost my online presence so more people can find and book veterinary services through PMV (Personalised Mobile Vet). But beyond that, when random veterinary thoughts pop into my head - whether it's about why your dog's doing that weird thing, what that medication actually does, or why your vet recommended something specific - I figure it might be useful to share. No grand mission here, just practical insights from years of dealing with real pets and their very real problems. My approach to both veterinary work and writing is straightforward: cut through the BS, be honest about what's actually happening, and take the time needed to explain things properly. My constant reminder of this philosophy comes in the form of my chihuahua x silky terrier, Reggie - a crazy anxious little character who reinforces daily that pets require endless patience, just as they give us endless patience in return. When I'm not on the road, I can be found tinkering with cars, working on my lawn and garden, or tackling DIY home improvement projects. I incorporate a power tool at every step, regardless of whether it's appropriate or not. All of the above often end up needing a qualified tradesman to correct my embarrassing attempts. While I'm warm and friendly during consultations, without the vet cap on I'm more like a cat - independent, entertain myself, and only like attention on my terms. The bottom line: this blog shares practical veterinary knowledge, helps people understand their pets better, and occasionally documents the ongoing battle between my DIY confidence and reality. If it helps you make better decisions about your pet's health or at least provides some entertainment, job done. If you like the idea of stress-free veterinary care at home, I recommend checking out PMV - www.personalisedmobilevet.com.au

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Mobile vet examining a dog's sore eye during a house call in a Brisbane home
Diseases Infectious diseases Pet health

Salt Water for Sore Eyes: Old Wives’ Tale or Good Advice?

Your dog’s rubbing at one eye, and Grandma’s voice pops into your head: bathe it in salt water. It’s advice that’s been passed down for generations, but is it actually safe, or does it just sound safe? Dr Stu from Personalised Mobile Vet digs into the veterinary and medical evidence on salt water eye washes, homemade saline, and what’s actually worth keeping in your dog’s first aid kit, Brisbane’s house-call vet.

Diseases Joint suppliments Pet health

Joint Supplements Explained: Making Informed Choices for Your Dog

Nutraceuticals are health-promoting foods and supplements that focus on disease prevention. Choosing the right product requires evidence from clinical trials rather than testimonials. Omega-3 fatty acids and green-lipped mussel oils are highly supported options, while other supplements vary in effectiveness. Early intervention is crucial for optimal results in dogs.

Mobile vet examining an underweight German Shepherd Dog in a Brisbane backyard — exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs
Diseases Pet health

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs and Cats: What It Is, How It’s Diagnosed, and What Treatment Looks Like

: EPI is one of the more commonly misdiagnosed conditions in dogs. Weight loss, ravenous appetite, and pale, greasy stools are the hallmarks — but getting to that diagnosis takes the right test. Here’s everything you need to know.

Dr Stuart Cunningham from Personalised Mobile Vet examining a dog’s hips during a calm at-home consultation in Brisbane.
Diseases Pet health

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD): what it is, what to watch for, and what helps

Canine hip dysplasia can start as hip looseness in a growing dog and end as painful arthritis later in life. Here’s what it is, what you might notice at home, how vets diagnose it, and what actually helps.

Brachycephalic dog walking slowly on a lead at the beach during sunrise
Advanced science Pet health

A potential new treatment for BOAS in brachycephalic breeds (flat‑faced dogs): early results, real limits

A 2026 Veterinary Journal paper reports a small pilot study of Snoretox‑1, an investigational injection aimed at improving breathing in brachycephalic breeds (flat‑faced dogs) with BOAS. Here’s what BOAS is in plain English, why it happens, what the study found, and what it does (and doesn’t) mean for owners right now.

Dr Stu holding a tick container beside a dog during a backyard check
Biosecurity Infectious diseases Parasite prevention

American dog tick alert in Queensland: what pet owners need to know (without panicking)

Queensland DPI has issued an alert after two probable detections of the American dog tick. Here’s what it is, why it matters, how it differs from our usual ticks, and what I want you to do if you find a weird one.

Young dog with cherry eye being calmly examined during a home veterinary visit
Diseases Pet health

Cherry Eye in Dogs: What It Is, How It’s Diagnosed, Treated, and What It May Cost

Cherry eye is the common name for a prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane in dogs. This guide explains what it is, which breeds are more likely to get it, how it is diagnosed, how surgery works, what it may cost, and what the prognosis usually looks like.

Cat and mixed-breed dog near visible rodenticide and pesticide products in a household cupboard, showing poisoning risks for pets.
Pet health Toxicology

Rat bait changes in Australia: what dog and cat owners need to know

Australia has moved to restrict the highest-risk anticoagulant rat baits. That is good news for dogs, cats and native wildlife, but pet owners still need to know what products remain, what poisoning looks like, and how to control rodents more safely.

Calm dog resting at home beside owner while a mobile veterinarian discusses urinary incontinence treatment
Diseases local mobile vet Pet health

Urinary incontinence in dogs: what it is, why it happens, and what can be done

Urinary incontinence in dogs is more common in desexed female dogs, but it can also affect males. This article explains the most common causes, how vets diagnose it, what treatment options exist, and what owners can realistically expect in terms of cost and long-term management.

Senior dog and senior cat during a calm at-home wellness check with a mobile vet in Brisbane
Behaviour Diseases Joint suppliments Neoplasia Pet health

5 senior pet signs owners should never ignore

“They’re just old” is one of the most common reasons treatable problems get missed in senior pets. Here are five signs owners should never ignore, plus a practical senior wellness framework that focuses on comfort, function, and quality of life.

A man and a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier lying on green grass outdoors, resting their heads together peacefully in soft afternoon light
Behaviour local mobile vet

Anxious dogs at the vet: what genetics research means for Brisbane owners

A new study in golden retrievers suggests genetics may influence fearfulness and stress sensitivity in some dogs. Here’s what that actually means, what it does not mean, and why calmer at-home care can help anxious dogs cope better.

Dr Stuart lying on the lounge room floor beside an elderly golden retriever, making gentle eye contact in a calm, caring home environment.
local mobile vet Peaceful at-home euthanasia

When to Say Goodbye: Understanding Quality of Life and Your Pet’s End-of-Life Journey

Understanding your pet’s quality of life is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership. This guide helps you recognise signs of decline, debunk common myths, and make informed, compassionate decisions about your pet’s care.

A chaotic 1980s Wall Street trading floor packed with dogs and cats instead of people, with Australian dollar notes flying through the air, old CRT monitors on desks, and stock ticker boards hanging from the ceiling.
Business values Job satisfaction Opinion Personal Professional development small business Uncategorized Vet- the profession Veterinary costs

The Aussie Vet Industry Is Booming — Here’s What It Means for Your Pet

Australia’s veterinary market is growing fast, but what does a booming industry actually mean for your pet? We break down the numbers, the trends, and why the way your pet is cared for matters more than the size of the company doing it.

A man and a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier lying on green grass outdoors, resting their heads together peacefully in soft afternoon light
Advanced science Behaviour local mobile vet

Three Science-Backed Ways To Reduce Stress And Improve Your Dog’s Health

New research shows calmer dogs have lower cortisol and higher serotonin — and chronic stress quietly damages immunity, gut health, and lifespan. Here are three science-backed ways to lower your dog’s stress, starting with how they see the vet.

A small dog stands in a comfortable Australian home, stretching her neck forward and making a snorting face during a reverse sneezing episode. The scene is calm and natural, with soft lighting and no medical props.
Uncategorized

Reverse Sneeze? What’s That?

Reverse sneezing in dogs is common but can sound alarming. Learn what it is, why it happens, which dogs are most affected, and what—if anything—you should do when your dog starts snorting. Includes the latest research, practical tips, and video examples.

Woman calmly reassuring an anxious dog in a suburban backyard on a sunny day, with neighbouring houses visible in the background.
Business values Job satisfaction Opinion small business Vet- the profession Veterinary costs

Why PMV Rejects KPIs and Time Limits: A Commitment to Patient Welfare Over Profit

When pets feel safe and unhurried, they show more of who they really are. They’re more likely to allow a thorough physical exam, and subtle clinical signs become easier to spot. Pets tell you more when they’re relaxed. At PMV, there’s no financial incentive to recommend anything other than what’s actually best for the pet—that clarity matters.

White dog resting on a rug with prominent reddish-brown saliva staining on its front paws, clearly demonstrating a common sign of atopic dermatitis.
Diseases

Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Practical Guide for Pet Owners

Atopic dermatitis—also known as atopy, allergic dermatitis, or “chronic allergies”—is a common, lifelong skin condition in dogs that causes relentless itching, redness, and secondary infections. While it can’t be cured, it can be managed with a tailored plan that tackles environmental triggers, supports the skin barrier, and uses modern medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint. This guide explains the signs, causes, diagnostic process, and the latest treatment options—including the benefits of prescription diets from Hill’s and Royal Canin. At PMV, the focus is on empowering you to confidently manage your dog’s skin health at home, reduce vet visits, and keep your pet comfortable for the long haul.

A medium-sized Australian dog standing on grass, gently favouring its back leg, outdoors in a sunny backyard.
Diseases Uncategorized

Have You Just Found Out Your Dog Has Cruciate Ligament Disease? Here’s a Simple Guide to What That means

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is a common condition in Australian dogs, primarily caused by gradual degeneration. Symptoms include lameness and knee instability, leading to osteoarthritis. Treatment options range from non-surgical management to surgical procedures like TPLO and TTA, with effective rehabilitation essential for recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Mobile veterinarian beside a grey SUV at sunset in suburban Brisbane, preparing for an in-home pet consultation.
Business values Job satisfaction Professional development small business Vet- the profession

Dog Eat Dog: What I’ve Learnt Going Out on My Own

The author discusses their experience as a mobile vet, highlighting the challenges of collaboration with clinics. They express concern over the lack of flexibility and support within the veterinary community, emphasising the importance of prioritising patient welfare over rigid protocols. The call for cultural change aims to enhance collaboration and trust in pet care.

Mobile vet gently assessing an older dog at home in Brisbane while a relaxed cat rests nearby.
Uncategorized

Pet Chronic Illness Diagnosis at Home: Identifying Underlying Conditions with a Mobile Vet in Brisbane

Small changes — a little extra weight, slower walks, or a shift in appetite — are often the first sign something deeper is happening. This article breaks down what “underlying conditions” look like in dogs and cats, why catching them early matters, and how at‑home assessment and ongoing monitoring can improve outcomes for pets across

Vet- the profession

Veterinarians: medicine’s Swiss Army knife (with less sleep)

Quick disclaimer before I get myself in troubleThis is an opinion piece. I’m biased. I’m a veterinarian. And yes, I respect engineers and human doctors — I just don’t think most people realise what veterinary work actually demands. Because the public version of a veterinarian is often: vaccines, desexing, “my dog’s itchy”, and the occasional

Futuristic animal cloning laboratory with softly lit, transparent incubation chambers containing small puppies and kittens. No people or medical uniforms are present; the mood is calm and cinematic.
Advanced science

Cloning Your Pet: The Science, The Why, and The Why Not

Dr. Stuart discusses the reality of pet cloning, emphasizing its emotional appeal and the complex science involved. While cloning offers a way to preserve a pet’s genetic traits, it cannot recreate their unique personality. The process is expensive and raises ethical concerns about animal welfare. Ultimately, cloning may not heal the grief of pet loss.

A winding, rocky country road climbs a mountain at sunrise through lush Australian bushland. In the foreground, a pair of well-worn boots and a black top are set gently beside the road, symbolising a personal journey. No people or vehicles are present; the scene is peaceful and hopeful.
Business values local mobile vet Opinion Personal Professional development small business Vet- the profession

More Than “Just an Animal Person”: Lessons in Compassion, People, and Running a Mobile Vet Practice

Initially considering themselves an “animal person,” the author finds their veterinary work also demands compassion for clients and their struggles. Through personal experience and business challenges, they emphasize the importance of genuine relationships and values over profit, believing that job satisfaction stems from providing honest care and fostering connections in a demanding society.

Business values small business Vet- the profession

The Moral Dilemma of Medicine and Money

I need to be honest with you about something that’s been weighing on me throughout my entire veterinary career. It’s uncomfortable, it’s controversial, and it’s one of the main reasons I started Personalised Mobile Vet. Every single clinic I’ve worked for has based my pay on financial performance. Not on patient outcomes. Not on client

Toxicology

Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Quick Summary Understanding Marijuana Toxicity in Pets Marijuana toxicity in dogs and cats has become increasingly common as cannabis products have become more widely available and socially accepted. Whether it’s dried plant material, edibles, oils, or even secondhand smoke, pets can be exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana—in various ways. The good news?

Diseases

My Dog Looks Drunk – Has It Had a Stroke?

One minute your dog is walking normally. The next, they look “drunk” – stumbling, falling over, eyes flicking from side to side, and they can’t even stand without help. It’s natural to think the worst and assume your dog has had a stroke. In many older dogs, though, this dramatic picture is caused by something

Mobile veterinarian Dr Stuart sitting on floor with scared Rottweiler during thunderstorm in Brisbane home
Behaviour local mobile vet small business

Managing Storm Anxiety in Cats and Dogs This Queensland Summer

Summer in Queensland means afternoon storms, humidity, and the occasional hailstorm that rattles the roof. For many pets, it also means anxiety—shaking, hiding, pacing, or worse. If your dog or cat loses it every time the sky darkens, you’re not alone. Storm anxiety is one of the most common behavioural issues I see in practice,

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