All creatures great and small

With no vet in Heathcote, registered veterinary nurse Bianca Mitchelson started Feathers & Fluff, a mobile veterinary nurse service.

After the veterinary clinic in Heathcote closed last year, pet-owning residents have had to travel to Bendigo or Seymour for veterinary services.

“I’ve been a qualified veterinary nurse for four years and through the week I work in Broadford,” said Ms Mitchelson.

“When I moved back to live on the family farm with my parents in Cornella, I had some free time and decided to start a service as a mobile veterinary nurse.

“So many people were disappointed when the clinic in Heathcote closed and it’s a long way to travel to the nearest vet.

“I can’t do all the things a vet can do but I can help with many services to save pet owners travelling.”

Through Feathers & Fluff, Ms Mitchelson offers nail trimming, ear cleaning, post-operative checks and suture removals, and new puppy and kitten owner education.

“I can also administer medication prescribed by vets, wound cleaning and anal gland treatments,” she said.

“And I’m available for triage advice as in some situations pet owners are unsure of the best course of action and if an emergency visit to the vet is needed.

“Many people are finding it hard with rising living costs and at least I can save them having to travel.”

Ms Mitchelson said that most of her patients have been dogs, with some cats and a few birds needing their wings clipped.

“The first larger animal I treated was a goat with a large burst abscess on its face.

“It was very messy, but I was able to clean it up and advise the owners to see the vet for antibiotics.

“The goat has completely recovered now and doing fine.

“Sometimes I have people moving into town who are concerned about stress on their pets.

“I can advise about the best ways to transport them to their new homes and how to best settle them in.”

On her parents’ farm, Ms Mitchelson has plenty of animals to keep her busy.

“We have cows and sheep, lots of chickens, 15 parrots and two dogs.

“They are all very spoilt, of course.”

Heathcote resident Allison Phillips called on Ms Mitchelson last weekend to check her dog Spot’s cut paw.

“Bianca provided a fabulous service,” said Ms Phillips. “She is friendly and well-priced.”

“And Spot is rocking his pink bandage!”

Feathers & Fluff services Heathcote, Cornella, Toolleen, Tooborac, Colbinabbin, Rochester, Elmore, Kilmore, Costerfield, Lady’s Pass and Bendigo.

Anyone needing Veterinary nurse services or advice can find Feathers & Fluff on Facebook.