Best Vet 2021: The Point Vet surgical veterinarian Dr John Rigley named Gold Coast’s best

A Gold Coast veterinarian team say they are privileged to make a difference to local families and their pets’ lives after being named the city’s best in the Bulletin’s 2021 competition.

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A PARADISE POINT veterinarian team say they are privileged to make a difference to local families and their pets’ lives.

The Point Vet surgical veterinarian Dr John Rigley said he was humbled after he found out he won the Best Vet on the Coast.

“We always wanted to be a part of the community and I think we have been able to do that,” he said.

Dr John Rigley with Jemima the Whippet at his Paradise Point practice. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We have the best clients and we are very humbled that they think that much of us and what we do as a clinic.”

Dr Rigley said after more than 20 years in the industry he taught himself how to overcome the difficult parts of the job.

“When you are a part of the family unfortunately we see their pets from the start of their life all the way to the end,” he said.

“In the final moments you have to look at what is best for the animal.

“It is still hard but at the end of the day it is about making the animal as healthy and comfortable as possible and if we can’t do that we are glad we have a viable and peaceful way to help them,” Dr Rigley said.

Owner and head vet Dr John Rigley, with Boston terrier Daphne and Dachshund Stanley, and Vet Nurses Tess Nolan (left) and Summah Woods (right). Picture Glenn Hampson

He said he recently had a dog who came in that was struggling to eat.

“He hadn’t eaten food for six weeks and he was really ill, we thought he was nearing his end,” Dr Rigley said.

“We found fish hooks and sinkers throughout his intestines which were stuck together.

“We surgically removed everything.

“The dog is doing so much better and recovering well,” he said.

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Originally published as Best Vet 2021: The Point Vet surgical veterinarian Dr John Rigley named Gold Coast’s best