Frequently Asked Questions
My pet has bad breath – does this mean they are in pain?
My vet told me my pet has dental disease but he/she is eating fine- could he/she really be in pain?
Your vet may refer you to see Dr Christine…
We can also see your pet without referral if you are concerned about their dental health, especially in the case of an emergency. However, in the majority of cases, your regular vet is the best place to start.
Where can my pet see Dr Christine?
Dr Christine sees patients at the following centres:
Please note the Willoughby North contact address is a post office box, and she is not allowed to perform surgery in the post office.
What days does she operate?
Surgery days are Tuesdays to Fridays (varying each week). In some emergency cases, Dr Christine can arrange to see your pet on other days if necessary (including weekends), this may incur an extra fee. You can contact her here
Can surgery be done the same day as the initial consultation?
Sometimes it is preferable to schedule surgery at a later date, if extra precautions or preparations are required prior to anaesthesia (such as a course of medication, or a longer period of preoperative intravenous fluids). Dr Christine will keep you fully informed of the reasons for this if necessary.
How do I make a booking?
Bookings can be made on 1300 838 336
Should I fast my pet before our visit?
If your pet is very young, has a medical condition such as diabetes, or takes medications that need to be given with food, please ask for advice on fasting when you book your appointment.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my visit?
How much does it cost to see Dr Christine?
Dr Christine also offers a free recheck appointment 10-14 days after surgery, to check that everything is healing well. You will be given details for this when your pet is discharged from hospital.
How much does dental treatment cost?
This is a common question, which is completely understandable! While Dr Christine can sometimes give a very rough guide in advance for fairly ‘standard’ procedures such as root canal treatment, the costs can vary depending on the individual problem, the size of your pet, and other medical issues affecting the anaesthetic. Once she has examined your pet, a more accurate estimate can be given based on all of these factors.
You can click here for further information on pricing.
How do I find the hospital?
Click here for directions to Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists and you can call reception on (02) 9197 5800 if you get lost.
Click here for directions to the Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, North Shore and if you get lost call reception on (02) 9436 4884.

What happens during the initial consultation?
If your pet is staying for same-day surgery, they will be admitted to hospital for treatment. Otherwise you can take time to make any decisions, and schedule surgery for a later date.
What happens to my pet when they are admitted to hospital for treatment?
After surgery, your pet will recover from their anaesthetic under close observation. Dr Christine or one of her team members will call you to let you know how things have gone, and confirm a time for you to be reunited with your pet when they are awake enough to return home.
Will my pet need to stay in hospital overnight?
Does my pet need to be put under anaesthesia for treatment?
How is the anaesthetic risk managed to keep my pet as safe as possible?
Is anaesthesia-free dental treatment a better option for my pet?
While we would love to be able to perform dental assessment and treatment on your pet without anaesthesia, we do not offer this service as it does not allow proper diagnosis or treatment. Dr Christine’s aim is to find and alleviate all sources of infection and pain in your pet’s mouth. This means examining every tooth, above and below the gum margin, and being able to clean and treat all areas. While Christine has repeatedly asked for xray vision every Christmas and birthday, she is yet to receive it, and (like all other humans) can only see the tip of the iceberg when she looks in your pet’s mouth.
Most people find dental treatment unpleasant and uncomfortable – your pet is no different. A well-managed anaesthetic is far safer and more humane than attempting to use sharp instruments and power equipment in a mobile patient without a protected airway.

My pet is elderly – should I even consider putting them under anaesthesia?
Dr Christine can help you determine if your pet’s mouth is infected or painful, and how beneficial treatment is likely to be. The anaesthesia risk can then be weighed up and managed to give your pet the very best chance of regaining comfort in its old age. Indeed, it is common to find pets act many years younger once they have had good dental care!
Click here to view our page on anaesthesia management.
Dr Christine can help you determine if your pet’s mouth is infected or painful, and how beneficial treatment is likely to be. The anaesthesia risk can then be weighed up and managed to give your pet the very best chance of regaining comfort in its old age. Indeed, it is common to find pets act many years younger once they have had good dental care!
Click here to view our page on anaesthesia management.
My pet has an increased anaesthetic risk due to concurrent illness (eg heart, kidneys, liver) – what should I do?
Will I need to feed my pet a special diet?
How will I give any medications required?
Will I need to take time off work while my animal recovers?
Will my pet be able to eat if teeth are extracted?
Dr Christine only removes teeth where it is the best option for your pet – this means that, in fact, most eat far better without the pain and infection, despite having fewer teeth.
Do I need to make a follow-up appointment? How much will this cost?
The great news is that this post-surgery check is free (it’s all part of the service). Just book through Reception.