January 2014: koalas and dogs don't mix

Tim, a young male koala was attacked by a tourist's dog. He suffered two very serious puncture wounds. One penetrated through his skull and into his sinus cavity. The other puncture wound penetrated just above his eye. He also suffered lacerations around the eye area. He was treated by Main Street Veterinary Practice, receiving IV fluids and the wound to his skull requiring stitches. He then was treated with injectable antibiotics for 12 days and eye ointment. He is still receiving daily treatment for his eye and will remain in care until his eye is clear. The wound to his skull has now healed over but he will have a permanent hole in his skull that cannot heal.

Jack, an older male koala was attacked by a resident's dog. He sustained deep puncture wounds to his leg and soft tissue damage to his neck and head area. Jack requires ongoing daily treatment to the wounds. He has been with us now for 6 weeks and is responding well to injectable antibiotics and topical antibiotics.

Four koalas were euthanised under veterinary advice. A female joey failed to respond to care after being found on the ground with ulcerated eyes and paralysis of her hands. A male was rescued presenting with nasal discharge, cough and stiffness. After only 2 days in care he deteriorated rapidly. Two females were rescued after being found sitting on the ground dehydrated and in poor condition. They too unfortunately they passed away in care.

Three other koalas - a young male, an older female and an older joey - were also found dead although in excellent body condition. Extreme heat was most likely a factor in their cause of death.

Sadly, a female echidna was rescued after being run over by a car in Fourth Ave. She spent 10 days in care but unfortunately passed away.