Long-haired grey and white cat standing alert on a country dirt road at dusk

Celebrating the Animals We Care For

Case of the Month at Main Ridge Veterinary Clinic

At Main Ridge Veterinary Clinic, every patient has a story — from playful puppies and curious kittens, to hardworking horses and farm animals. Our Case of the Month feature highlights some of the most memorable and inspiring cases we’ve seen, showcasing the expertise of our team and the resilience of the animals in our care.

Why We Share These Stories

  • To educate pet owners and farmers about common (and not-so-common) conditions.
  • To celebrate success stories where animals have overcome illness or injury.
  • To showcase our veterinary team’s expertise, compassion, and dedication to every animal we treat.
  • To connect with our community across the Mornington Peninsula by sharing real-life examples of veterinary care in action.

Meet Monty – Our Tough, Tail-Wagging Superstar! 

Monty is a gorgeous 6-year-old Weimaraner whose owner, Jasper, is one of our very own veterinary nurses. Monty has always been a bit special – as a puppy he fractured through a growth plate, leaving one front leg shorter than the other. Despite that, he’s lived a happy, active life with a carefully managed diet to keep extra weight off his leg. 

A little while ago, Jasper noticed Monty slowing down. He wasn’t keeping up on walks, developed a small bald patch on his tail, and even had a brief collapse episode that he bounced back from quickly. Since Monty is normally bright, energetic, and eating well, something didn’t add up.

Jasper ran full bloodwork, which showed low thyroid levels. While most hypothyroid dogs gain weight, Monty’s controlled diet meant the usual signs were harder to spot. Additional testing confirmed hypothyroidism.

The good news? Monty started thyroid medication—and what a difference! Two months later his hair is growing back, his tail patch is improving, and he’s back to being his energetic, goofy self.

We’re so proud of Jasper for spotting the subtle changes and acting quickly. Hypothyroidism can be sneaky, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, dogs like Monty can feel like themselves again in no time. 

If you ever notice changes in your pet’s energy, coat, or behaviour—no matter how small—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

Check Back Each Month

We’ll update this page regularly with a new case from our clinic — whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery, a horse receiving advanced dental treatment, or a goat thriving after emergency care.

Each story will include photos, details of the treatment, and (most importantly) the happy outcome.

Stay tuned — our first Case of the Month will be posted soon.

Please also check our Facebook page for regular updates!