Radiography
Modern X-ray facilities are one of the main stays of this veterinary practice.

Our Radiography facility boasts first rate, safe equipment, including fast automatic processing which allows for shorter and therefore safer general anaesthetics. We have facilities to perform contrast studies which assist in the diagnosis of diseases of the urinary tract, gastro-intestinal tract and many less major areas of the body. Pneumocystography is one of the most common procedures carried out in this practice and is of great assistance in confirming urinary bladder disease and often the presence of urinary calculi or 'stones'.

Full in-house Laboratory
Well equipped, diagnostic laboratory, including facilities for biochemistry, light microscopy, haematology.

Modern electronic cell counters are able to give blood results within minutes and state of the art chemistry allows interpretation of tests for more specific conditions. Biochemistry is invaluable with renal and hepatic disease which are particularly common in dogs and cats. Early diagnosis at least gives us all a chance to improve the animals quality of life. Investigation of urine samples can be helpful in supporting diagnosis in urinary tract problems and particularly crystaluria in cats with lower tract disease.

The ever developing serological tests and ELISA tests enable us to perform rapid screening diagnostics on a number of common serious diseases in both dogs and cats. Early diagnosis and subsequent treatment gives us our best chance of countering these problems.

Consultations by Appointment Only
All consultations are by appointment. We hope that this keeps waiting times to a minimum, but we attempt to give all cases the time they require. This is particularly important with acute illness.

When you book, you will be asked why you are making an appointment and which vet you would like to see. This allows us to better schedule consultations that may take longer or require particular facilities. We treat all information as confidential.

Please note that evening appointments are filled quickly. We will always try to accommodate you but please phone as early in the day as possible.

Endoscopy
A Range of endoscopes allows us the opportunity to keep invasive surgical procedures to a minimum. The value of modern endoscopes cannot be over emphasised. This is a major addition to our diagnostic equipment. All endoscopes work on the same principal of using a light source through what is basicaly a magnifying telescope. Their value is in their ability to be inserted into any orofice of the body. You may have heard of arthroscopes for looking in joints and gastroscopes for looking in stomachs. The greatest benefit is the reduction in open surgical procedures. These will carry a greater risk than interference with endoscopes. There is of course a limit to what these scopes can do and indeed there is a minimum size. Baring in mind the great size and shape variety of animals we see, ranging from the neonatal kitten, to the adult Irish wolfhound, it is impossible to have a 'one-size-fits-all' endoscope. Never-the-less, the introduction of these scopes has revolutionised certain procedures.

Electrocardiography
Heart disease is common in dogs but less so in cats. We are able to offer comprehensive diagnostics for cardiac problems. This often requires the benefit of ECG. The electrical tracing of the heart's function can be of great diagnostic value particularly in syncope or feinting. This is common in Boxer dogs but can be seen in any breed. Early evaluation of heart dysrhythmnias can be of great necessity in these cases and is vital in establishing the type and degree of problem. There are now surgical procedures which can be considered in an attempt to correct or improve these conditions, thus, the ECG is the starting point in all these cases.

Fully Equipped Operating Theatre
Our modern and well equipped theatre is one of our major assets. Created over a period of time with additions and alterations to maintain pace with modern and ever changing requirements. We have a very functional, yet not overwhelming unit. The animals are ceratainly at their ease when in the theatre.

Safest and Latest Anaesthetic Protocols
We take great pride in our safety record. Our modern anaesthetic equipment and anaesthetics help maintain this enviable position.

Identichip and PETS Passports
Export and import of small animals has always been a feature of pet ownership in this country. The introduction of the PETS scheme has of course widened the appeal of taking your pet abroad, whether on holiday or extended leave, or even emigrating. I wish I could say to you that it was an easy protocol, but it isn't. It can be confusing and it is vital that all facts pertaining to the travelling pet are submitted when making your first appointment to discuss the scheme. Our vets are fully versed OVS status and are recognised by DEFRA to assist you. The scheme itself consists of vaccinations against rabies, miscrochip identification, blood tests and a stack of paper work. However, the PETS scheme does not cover all eventualities and many export and import situations require additional parper work which our vets can help with.

Ultrasonography
Equipment that is proving invaluble. Another method of trying to keep invasive diagnostic procedures to a minimum. It has revolutionised pregnancy diagnosis.

Emergency Out of Hours Service
We are members of the PETS Out of Hours Emergency Service. In the event of an emergency when the practice is closed, please telephone the usual number where you will be referred to the duty veterinary service.

Full Dental Facilities
Dental disease is a common problem. It ranges from relatively simple gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Our well equipped dental facility includes the equipment we dread the most!

Powered ultrasonic descaling, and of course for the irreversible dental problems, the drills! Fortunately, all of our patients benefit from full general anaesthesia. Don't we wish we could have the same?! Our approach to dental disease is relativley straight forward. Early detection of plaque and tartar can be controlled by ultrasonic descaling but periodontitis will require additional measures. However, the important is in our opinion to have a healthy mouth with healthy gums. There are no advantages in retaining substandard teeth. Only the general health of the animal will suffer in cases where teeth are retained in a diseased state. We should not be frightened by the need for tooth extraction and often multiple extractions. The animal will benefit where this is necessary. The best advice we can give is for you as caring pet owners to maintain a constant vigil of your pets mouth. The biggest give away of course is the offensive odour-a condition we call halitosis.

Pet Nutrition Advice
This Practice from time to time, will run clinics for animal's special needs.
Diets can be confusing with the variety you have to choose from.
Our trained nursing colleages are able to profer advice on all these problems and our veterinary surgeons can hep you solve them.

Older Pets Clinics
We are seeing more and more older pets - a reflection we feel, of a combination of your care and modern veterinary medicine and surgery.
Periodic review, with clinical examination and the use of geriatric blood profiles can help keep the O.A.P.s in good form!

Weight Watchers Clinics
Obesity has become a major problem in our pets.
It seems that our desire to look after them well is sometimes overtaken by our need to spoil them.
Overfeeding is a big problem and it is rarely because they are 'big boned' that they gain excess weight. It is vital to discuss the problems of obesity and essential to do something about it. Our staff are ready to help you and give you the support you need.