Posted By: 30 Nov
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand the challenges farmers face during Red Tractor inspections. Thorough preparation and meticulous paperwork are crucial. We diligently update your health plan annually, yet we urge you to collaborate closely with us, especially when you know an inspection is on the horizon. Our shared efforts ensure your farm...
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Posted By: 30 Nov
At Shepton and Wells Vets, every puppy health check is not just a routine; it's a comprehensive assessment ensuring a healthy start for our fluffy friends. Recently, Vet Rosy conducted a thorough examination on an adorable litter of 8-week-old Cockerpoo puppies during their first vaccinations and microchipping. Little did we know, this routine...
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Posted By: 29 Nov
Traders and processors dealing in the export of products of animal origin (POAO) to the EU or Northern Ireland are encountering significant regulatory shifts, especially concerning regular vet visits and the attestation process. In conjunction with this, a new vet attestation rule, effective from December 13th, is set to impact producers selling livestock...
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Posted By: 23 Nov
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand that every aspect of dairy cow management contributes to their well-being and productivity. As the days shorten and the nights lengthen, the topic of lighting provisions for dairy cows becomes increasingly vital. Often overlooked, lighting plays a crucial role in the overall yield and performance of dairy cows....
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Posted By: 23 Nov
In this insightful article, we explore the journey of Molly Green, highlighting the importance of early detection, collaborative veterinary care, and tailored treatment plans in ensuring the well-being of cherished pets. As our pets get older, we usually start to notice lumps and bumps starting to pop up. Some of these are benign, and we...
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Posted By: 9 Nov
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we encounter diverse cases that challenge both our expertise and compassion. Meet Benny, a resilient British Blue cat who faced a traumatic incident resulting in extensive wounds. Through meticulous care and dedicated efforts, we embarked on a healing journey with Benny, ensuring his recovery became a testament to our commitment...
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Posted By: 8 Nov
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we prioritize your pet's dental health for their overall well-being. In this insightful article, our vet Polly Cornwell delves into the significance of tartar removal, explaining the intricate process and emphasizing the critical role dental care plays in your beloved companion's health journey. Vet Polly Cornwell...
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Posted By: 2 Nov
Discover a heartwarming tale of compassion and dedication as our veterinarian shares their experience at VOCAL (Voice of the Cats Alliance), a Greek cat charity based on the picturesque Island of Crete. Join us in understanding the vital trap, neuter, and return programs conducted by this volunteer-driven organization, aiming to reduce stray cat populations...
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Posted By: 1 Nov
Helping Your Furry Friends Navigate Fireworks: Tips from Shepton Vets - RSPCA At Shepton Vets, we recognise that fireworks can be incredibly distressing for our beloved pets, prompting a range of anxiety-driven behaviors. Based on our extensive experience and feedback from concerned pet owners, we have compiled comprehensive guidelines to assist...
Read MorePosted By: 27 Oct
As autumn ushers us toward winter and the inevitable shift to indoor housing, the specter of IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis) looms large in our minds. This viral menace poses a significant threat, especially in close quarters, where its rapid spread among cattle can wreak havoc. At Shepton Veterinary Group, we understand the complexities of...
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Posted By: 26 Oct
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand the importance of recognizing and understanding our pets' subtle cues, especially when it comes to stress and fear. Dogs, being highly social animals, have their unique ways of communication that might not always be apparent to us. In this insightful article, we explore the canine ladder of communication,...
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Posted By: 20 Oct
As autumn draws near, so does the concern for liver fluke among farmers and veterinarians. The combination of damp English weather and the intricate life cycle of this parasite makes it a significant worry. Understanding the complexities of liver fluke infection becomes paramount as we approach the colder months. Here's what every farmer and animal...
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Posted By: 19 Oct
In the unpredictable world of veterinary practice, we're accustomed to facing unexpected challenges. Each day presents a new scenario, and every phone call holds the potential for an emergency. Such was the case when JoJo's owner urgently contacted us after a traumatic accident. In these moments, our dedicated team springs into action, pooling...
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Posted By: 13 Oct
At Shepton Veterinary Group, we have been closely monitoring the wildlife culling initiatives in various areas since 2017. These efforts, aimed at curbing the spread of bovine TB, have been essential in understanding the dynamics between badgers and cattle. Over the years, our practice has observed patterns, identifying the impact of environmental...
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Posted By: 12 Oct
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand the subtle complexities of feline health, a topic underscored by our recent encounters with cats facing bladder problems. While our feline companions often appear to lead carefree lives, delving into their world reveals intricacies we might overlook. Bladder issues, especially cystitis, can be more than just...
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Posted By: 5 Oct
At Shepton Vets, we believe every pet deserves the chance to live a happy and healthy life. Sometimes, our furry friends come to us with a few mysteries, and it's our duty to unravel them. One such story is Cody's, an adorable Labrador puppy who embarked on an extraordinary journey with us. Cody's tale began when he was just 8 weeks...
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Posted By: 28 Sep
As autumn arrives, so do unique challenges for our furry friends. At Shepton Vets, we understand the anxieties that this season can bring, from fireworks to festive treats. Our dedicated team is here year-round to offer support and advice to ensure your pets stay safe and happy. With darker evenings and potential stressors, we're ready to provide...
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Posted By: 22 Sep
At Shepton Vets, we understand that our beloved feline friends can find themselves in unexpected and distressing situations. We recently had the privilege of assisting Kitty, a sweet 10-month-old Sphynx cat, who faced a harrowing encounter. This incident shed light on the importance of recognising and addressing shock in cats promptly. Our team worked...
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Posted By: 21 Sep
At Shepton Vets, we understand that your furry companions are cherished members of your family. Just like us, dogs can face dental issues that demand attention. Maintaining your dog's oral hygiene is as vital as looking after your own. Neglecting their dental care can lead to plaque buildup, which harbors harmful bacteria capable of damaging their...
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Posted By: 14 Sep
At Shepton Vets, we believe that the collaborative effort of our skilled veterinarians is essential to provide the best possible care for your beloved pets. As the practice continues to grow and each vet develops their own areas of interest it is not unusual for cases to require input from more than one of us to achieve the best outcome. An example...
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Posted By: 11 Sep
At Shepton Vets Farm, we are committed to staying informed about the latest developments and insights in animal healthcare. Recently, Anna delved into the concerning issue of uterine torsions in cattle. This condition can have significant implications for both the cows and the farmers who care for them. Anna sheds light on the incidence,...
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Posted By: 7 Sep
At Shepton and Wells Vets, we understand the significance of making informed decisions about your pet's health and well-being. One such crucial decision is spaying your dog, a topic that offers multiple advantages for both you and your beloved canine companion. With careful consideration and expert guidance, you can contribute to your dog's...
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Posted By: 6 Sep
At Shepton Vets, we're committed to not only providing exceptional veterinary care but also empowering our farming community with knowledge and skills. Our recent 'Mastering Medicines' course is a testament to this dedication. This course, which aligns with Red Tractor requirements for medicines training, equips delegates with vital insights...
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Posted By: 5 Sep
As we embrace the autumn calving season, our focus at Shepton Vets remains steadfast on ensuring the well-being and productivity of your herd. The calving and transition period demands meticulous attention, but forward-thinking is equally vital. It's at this juncture that we should already contemplate strategies to secure a robust calving block...
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Posted By: 5 Sep
At Shepton Vets, our commitment to animal health and welfare goes beyond addressing issues; it extends to enhancing already commendable practices. Last month, our dedicated veterinary team embarked on a comprehensive health and welfare report visit as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. The specific focus was preweaning calf health, an area...
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Posted By: 5 Sep
At Shepton Vets, the well-being of your livestock is our utmost priority. With the current warm and wet weather, we find it crucial to address a prevalent concern among farmers – pneumonia in calves. While this condition can emerge as a challenge, timely identification and treatment are key. In this article, we delve into the prevention and treatment...
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Posted By: 31 Aug
As pastures this month provide abundant grass for our milking cows, it's important to remember that not all members of the herd benefit equally from large volumes of grass. While it's advantageous for milking cows, dry cows require a more tailored approach to ensure their well-being. Vet Paddy at Shepton Vets is here to guide you through the...
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Posted By: 31 Aug
At Shepton Vets, we understand that pet emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether you're out on a leisurely walk or enjoying a vacation with your four-legged companion, being prepared for the unexpected is essential. Our team of dedicated veterinarians is here to guide you through the steps to take during a pet emergency and provide...
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Posted By: 24 Aug
Embark on the remarkable journey of recovery as we tel the tale of Kovu, the intrepid 2-year-old Savannah cat. A curious and energetic 2-year-old who found himself in an unexpected predicament. Cats like Kovu tend to be adventurous, but sometimes their curiosity leads them into trouble. This was certainly the case for Kovu, who faced a challenging...
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Posted By: 17 Aug
Step into the dynamic world of Shepton Vets, where our dedicated team of professionals work in tandem to ensure the well-being of our beloved animal companions. One crucial role in this intricate dance is that of the theatre nurse, a cornerstone in the realm of surgical pet procedures. In this insightful glimpse into a "Day in the Life of a Theatre...
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Posted By: 10 Aug
Losing a beloved pet is never easy, and as a veterinary practice, we understand the profound impact it has on both pet owners and our staff. We recently had to bid farewell to a cherished patient, Angel, a Yorkshire Terrier who had been a part of our practice family for over 15 years. Angel's owner, who had been incredibly devoted to her care,...
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Posted By: 4 Aug
Curious about what weekends are like for our dedicated small animal vets at Shepton and Wells Vets? Join us on a virtual journey through a typical weekend on call, where our veterinarians go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to our furry companions. From handling various cases to late-night emergencies, follow along as we give you a glimpse...
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Posted By: 2 Aug
At Shepton Vets, we are committed to equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best care for their livestock. Recently, we hosted a highly successful and informative training day focused on "Calving and Down Cow First Aid." This course encompassed a combination of theory and practical sessions designed...
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Posted By: 2 Aug
At Shepton Vets, we are committed to ensuring the optimal health and productivity of your farm animals. While pregnancy testing for female animals is a routine and crucial part of herd management, we also recognise the significance of fertility testing for bulls and rams. Our experienced veterinarians have been carrying out increasing amounts of fertility...
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Posted By: 2 Aug
At Shepton Vets, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and welfare of all animals under our care. As part of our proactive approach to veterinary services, we recently utilised the Animal Health & Welfare Pathway (AHWP) funding to conduct an in-depth investigation into a farmer's mastitis management. This complex and multifactorial disease...
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Posted By: 2 Aug
Last month, Shepton Vets attended the National Youngstock Conference alongside two farm clients, embarking on an enriching day of learning and discovery. This conference provided valuable insights into the challenges and innovations surrounding youngstock, particularly calves. Paddy Gordon, our director and veterinarian at Shepton Vets, had the opportunity...
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Posted By: 2 Aug
As the farming season progresses, we find ourselves busy with an essential task – Johnes reviews. At Shepton Vets, we take pride in witnessing the remarkable progress made by many of our farms, with the average numbers of red and amber cows across the practice now reduced to less than 5%. The National Johnes Management Plan, in collaboration...
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Posted By: 28 Jul
Shepton Vets recently conducted our highly anticipated Intro to Calf Rearing course at the beginning of July. This comprehensive training is tailored for individuals new to calf rearing as well as those seeking a refresher on youngstock management. The course delved into the fundamentals of calf-rearing, covering essential topics such as the initial...
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Posted By: 27 Jul
As the temperatures soared during the balmy days of May and June, our pet tortoises reveled in the glorious sunshine. The UK is home to various "Mediterranean" tortoise species, such as the spur thighed tortoise, Herman's tortoise, marginated tortoise, Russian or Horsefield's tortoise, and the Leopard tortoise. These cold-blooded...
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Posted By: 26 Jul
Top tips for worm egg counting Understand which group of animals need testing. Most of the time this is calves or lambs. Only collect samples from those animals which need testing, otherwise mixed age groups can lead to false results. I.e. missing ewes and lamb samples. If you’re unsure what samples to...
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Posted By: 24 Jul
The 3rd June was a typically busy Saturday at our Shepton practice. We had seen our fair share of dogs with dodgy tummies, cats with scratches, and rabbits feeling run down. In amongst these were the routine booster vaccinations, which I always enjoy as it is a time for me to get to know owners better, and to remind our patients that coming to the...
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Posted By: 20 Jul
This time of year, quite a few of us are suffering from hay fever. This is an allergy to the pollen in the air. It makes our nose and eyes stream, and out nose itch, making us sneeze. Our pets can also suffer from allergies, particularly in the spring and summer months. They can be allergic to pollen like we are, from grasses and trees, and specific...
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Posted By: 18 Jul
We have all been out doing AHWP visits recently. These provide funding for vet time on farm. On one farm the funding paid for the annual BVD youngstock screen. Whilst the bloods were being taken further samples were sent away for trace element testing. The farm has very good fertility in the dairy herd with a submission rate of 71% (NMR...
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Posted By: 16 Jul
2023 is working out to be another hard year to manage with grazing and feeding dairy cattle. 2022 had a record high of 40.3 C, breaking a previous record that lasted 3 years. In comparison the 1911 record of 36.7 C stood for 79 years. Higher yielding cows also generate more heat from greater metabolic activity which increases the...
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Posted By: 13 Jul
Introducing Bailey... I first had the pleasure of meeting this exuberant, loveable black Labrador in January 2023. Bailey came in to see Veterinary Surgeon Jen Reeve as he was lame on his right hind. Further investigations showed that Bailey had stiff hips and was suffering from Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is where the ball and socket...
Read MorePosted By: 12 Jul
Red Tractor Health Plans have been taking up a lot of my time this month, and this is often a good chance to review what has happened in the past year and identify areas where there are opportunities. This has identified some real positives such as fertility improvements resulting in higher yields and more even calving pattern, less lame cows resulting...
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Posted By: 10 Jul
In June we held our first foot trimming and foot first-aid course after a hiatus from running this as a group course. Rosie and Charlie were joined by four delegates from four different farms and our affiliated professional foot trimmer Neil Bishop from KNEL Livestock Services. We started the day with theory, getting the basics right, including...
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Posted By: 6 Jul
As a vet, we are often asked for advice on knowing when it is time to say goodbye. The first thing to know is that this is never an easy decision, and many of us at Shepton are pet owners. We have all been there and understand that losing an important member of the family can be a challenging time. For some animals, they may become debilitated by...
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Posted By: 5 Jul
Last month I attended the XLVets Buying Services Annual Meeting, which gives us all a great chance to catch up and discuss opportunities and challenges with our medicine supply, but also within our own practices. It was felt that many clients (both current and prospective) do not fully understand what XLVets is and why we feel it’s an important...
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Posted By: 28 Jun
As it is Flaming July, we thought it a good idea to take the opportunity to discuss Heat Stroke in dogs. Heat Stroke in dogs can kill, every year we see dogs brought into the practice with heat stroke. Thankfully cases have been reducing as awareness has been raised by several high profile campaigns by the RSPCA including #dogsdieinhotcars and #dogsdieonhotwalks When...
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Posted By: 23 Jun
The Animal Health and Welfare Review (AHWR) is a new government initiative that was launched earlier this year. Our vets have been conducting visits under this initiative to our dairy, beef and sheep clients in order to review herd health and provide a bespoke visit and report to our farms. The aim is to improve animal health and welfare across the...
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Posted By: 22 Jun
This weeks case was a real rarity and a first for any of us at the practice and involves the very handsome Albert. He first came to see us in january as he had been a little lame on one of his hind legs. He first came to see us in january as he had been a little lame on one of his hind legs. Nothing specific was found when he was examined, but,...
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Posted By: 19 Jun
Name: Jack Age: 14 Breed: Cocker Spaniel Likes: Enthusiastic tail wags Dislikes: Don’t touch the face! Jack is always a delight. His tail wags constantly when he comes in. That is until we try to check his eyes, mouth, nose – any part of his face. Jack really doesn’t like his head being touched so treating these areas...
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Posted By: 15 Jun
Last month, myself and Harry went to an XL Farm Vets meeting to discuss sustainability. Although we hear the word sustainability regularly, I must hold my hands up and say that I went to this meeting not really knowing what it was. So, what did I learn. Well, I think actually there are probably many different “Definitions”...
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Posted By: 14 Jun
When we think of summer, we think of the temperatures rising, the barbeques come out, and the sunbathing begins. But it can also be time when our pets can get themselves into trouble without our help! A lot of the same issues which we must contend with, also apply to our pets, for example drinking plenty of fluids, having shaded areas to ensure...
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Posted By: 9 Jun
One of the very basic pleasures of having a dog is seeing them enjoy their walks. The daily walk is great on so many levels. It encourages owners to get out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air, it’s vital for your dog’s health and mental wellbeing, and the pure enjoyment your dog gets is just good for the soul – for both the dog...
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Posted By: 7 Jun
Last month, with the help of some udders collected from fallen stock, on a day that thankfully wasn’t too hot or fly heavy (!) we held a practical selective dry cow therapy lunch and learn. We started with a theory session, where we thought about the benefits of selective dry cow therapy. For the cow, if she hasn’t had mastitis and...
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Posted By: 2 Jun
With warmer weather and trips to the beach just around the corner, heat stroke is a really common problem we see at the vets and can potentially be life threatening. This article should help you know what signs to look out for, first aid you can do at home and most importantly how to prevent it. What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a term used...
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Posted By: 26 May
Ozzy is a one-and-a-half-year-old fun loving Staffordshire Bull Terrier, he is full of beans and enjoys playing with his many toys. So, when Ozzy`s owner noticed he had chewed up a dog toy containing three small 5mm disc batteries and was only able to find two of the batteries, she was sure Ozzy had eaten the third. For these reasons it is contraindicated...
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Posted By: 23 May
We have been talking about cattle mobility a lot recently. The Shepton Top10 meeting showed as a practice we have made big progress in this area but how can you know what to priorities to continue to improve as a herd in this area? A foot trimming records review and foot trimming skills check is a good place to start when trying to understand a...
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Posted By: 19 May
Everyone loves playing with and cuddling young puppies and kittens, indeed its one of the perks of our job. However, they can also be very naughty and represent a large commitment for owners, often for the next 10+ years. Whilst kittens tend to be reasonably sensible, puppies are (generally) not. They investigate everything using their mouth, inevitably...
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Posted By: 18 May
Turn out can reduce your workload but can still present problems with mastitis and cell counts, in both milking and dry cows. To reduce the risk of dry cows developing mastitis in early lactation, or calving in with high cell counts, we recommend you only keep them in the same lying area for two weeks, then allow paddocks to rest for 4 weeks...
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Posted By: 16 May
We wrapped up the series of Winter Discussion Groups at Pilton with a meeting on Neospora. It was great to have a mixed beef and dairy meeting at the Pilton club. We had two guest speakers joining Alex. Liz Nabb from APHA Starcross explained to us the importance of abortion diagnoses at the Veterinary Investigation Centre. We were able to see recent...
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Posted By: 11 May
If there is one thing worse than having to undergo surgery, it is having to undergo surgery twice in a short space of time! This is clearly a situation no-one wants to be in, however this is where Bertie the 9-year-old Springer Spaniel found himself. Bertie was a new patient to the surgery. When we first assessed him Bertie was obviously a fit and...
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Posted By: 10 May
SPRING IS HERE, ALMOST. Everyone is glad the rain has stopped, and the sun has started to show itself. I have seen lots of cows out grazing now and a few clients cutting silage. We have been busier with lambing’s, calving’s and Tb testing as you would expect for this time of year. We have also got going on the Animal Health and Welfare...
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Posted By: 5 May
Parasite control in dogs and cats is important all year round, but particularly in the spring and summer months, when fleas and ticks are more prevalent in the environment. Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals, and they are regularly seen as a cause of itching in the vets. Ticks can not only be an irritation but spread some...
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Posted By: 3 May
I’ve been thinking about my TBAS sett surveys, and - after a conversation with a client following a slaughterhouse case - thought this short Q&A might be helpful. I want to turn my cattle out. What can I do to reduce the risk of them getting TB? If your grazing land is bounded by mature hedgerows or copses, erect a single...
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Posted By: 2 May
Preventing the introduction and spread of disease is key to minimizing losses on your farm and helping to control or even eliminate infectious diseases. Biosecurity describes the measures that are taken to prevent the introduction of a disease into a population (your herd or flock), and biocontainment describes the measures taken to prevent or minimize...
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Posted By: 25 Apr
Giving blood is a life saving good deed that most of us know about and can do if our health allows. Indeed often a lot of us willingly put time aside to regularly provide a donation of blood safe in the knowledge that it could be crucial to someone’s life. But did you know that our dogs can also give blood, and by the same token, there are often...
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Posted By: 18 Apr
Having a young pet can put you through a range of emotions, much like having kids. It’s exciting but hard work. They can cause you immense amounts of stress, but you can’t help but love them to bits. Cosmo, this week’s case, is no different. As a young kitten his family adored him. But when he came home one day with his leg at a slightly...
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Posted By: 14 May
Poisoning of pets can be a concerning issue amongst owners, but thankfully as a deliberate action it is actually very rare. Still, toxins are an important and regular part of veterinary practice as a lot of intoxications can be accidental, especially around the house. Most people are aware of the common household hazards to their pets – potential...
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Posted By: 6 May
Vinnie the young French Bulldog is certainly full of character and is well-known to the team. In his 2 and a half years he has visited the practice several times for various mishaps and he certainly seems to be one of those dogs that gets himself into trouble. Whenever he comes in he is most definitely a handful. He is friendly...
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Posted By: 30 Apr
Barney is a beautiful 12 year old curly coated retriever, who I remember well from 10 years ago when he injured a front leg culminating in a specialised operation to fix a joint. Apart from that interlude, he has lead a fairly quiet life, as far as we are concerned, and other than feeling a bit slower than in his younger years, he is looking very fit...
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Posted By: 15 Jan
I thought I would take this rather topical opportunity to reiterate the importance of vaccinating our pets. We have all felt and experienced the effects that a virus can have, and how quickly it can spread through an unvaccinated population. Since we started vaccinating our animals routinely we no longer see certain diseases very often, and some...
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Posted By: 8 Jan
You have probably seen whilst you have been driving around, that there haven’t been as many cattle out grazing at the moment. At this time of year, the grass isn’t growing and the soil is saturated with water. Because of this we tend to keep cattle inside during the winter. Protecting them from the elements and ensuring they have sufficient...
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Posted By: 1 Jan
Fortunately these days diabetes mellitus is a well known and publicised condition, mainly due to its frequency in humans, but it is also commonly recognised in dogs, with many pet owners being aware of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. This type of diabetes is characterised by a high blood sugar level, and symptoms can be as similarly observed in...
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Posted By: 4 Dec
When I tell people what I do for a living, a response I often hear is “I would have loved to be a vet but I don’t think I could cope with putting animals to sleep”. It’s certainly true that the reality of death as part of the job doesn’t often feature in the ever-present vet TV shows as it isn’t probably isn’t...
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Posted By: 27 Nov
Everyday, twice a day (hopefully!) we brush our teeth. Perhaps annually we visit our dentist or hygienist for a dental health check, perhaps a scale a polish too. We do this to maintain good oral health, preserving our teeth and gums and avoiding, where possible, dental pain. A large proportion of our ‘routine’ veterinary work, aside...
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Posted By: 20 Nov
We’ve been lucky enough to see a variety of reptile pets at the Wells surgery recently. Let’s see: we’ve had chamaeleons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, spiny tailed lizards, spur thighed tortoises, Herman’s tortoises, Horsefield’s tortoises, boa constrictors and corn snakes, to name but a few. I’ve enjoyed...
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Posted By: 13 Nov
Veterinary work is full of surprises at the best of times and right now, just as for everyone else, the Covid pandemic is presenting us with all sorts of new and interesting challenges too. In fact Flash, a 4 year old Springer Spaniel, certainly gave us all a bit of a surprise as he chose to adapt to the ‘new normal’ in his own unique way! Flash...
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Posted By: 6 Nov
It was a case of ‘What’s up dentist?’ rather than ‘What’s up doc?’ for Reggie rabbit when he was brought into the practice with an unfortunate tooth problem. Reggie is an 18 month old Netherland Dwarf who has struggled with his front teeth over the last few months. After a series of treatments, Reggie underwent a...
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Posted By: 27 Oct
As the days get shorter and the nights colder, tortoises are slowing down, in some cases they have stopped eating and are already in pre-hibernation wind down. It is important to weigh your tortoise regularly, especially important if you have more than one, otherwise how do you know if they are eating well? I find keeping a monthly weight...
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Posted By: 16 Oct
Just like that we are into the autumn months! This time of year can bring some anxiety to households with firework displays, cold, dark evenings and with lots of festive treats hanging around the house. We Vets and Nurses are here all year round to give advice to our clients and their pets, and with the nights drawing in, we like to make sure...
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Posted By: 2 Oct
This magnificent lady is Purdie. Incredibly, she has been diabetic for over nine years. Her owner manages this at home with injections of insulin twice daily, and we see Purdie for regular checks. Recently, she came to see me for a check up and her owner asked me to check her teeth as she had noticed that Purdie was just swallowing her dry food,...
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Posted By: 18 Sep
As humans, we are aware of the very real threat of breast cancers, and the need to check regularly for lumps that may appear in breast tissue. But as pet owners we also need to be aware of checking our female dogs’ mammary glands for masses, especially if they have not been neutered or were neutered later in life. Tag’s owner fortunately...
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Posted By: 11 Sep
Eye issues are something we see all the time at both of our practices, with none more dramatic than when Ace was brought into our Wells branch one evening. Ace is a lovely (if not a bit wriggly!) French bulldog who had been having eye drops from his previous vets for 1-2 weeks to treat an ulcer on his eye. It was reportedly getting better however...
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Posted By: 4 Sep
Last Tuesday evening, while checking our little flock of Jacobs’ sheep, my budding smallholder husband and I noticed that one of this year’s lambs was apart from the rest. Knowing that sheep tend to follow each other closely, like, well, sheep, we went to investigate. At first glance there was nothing amiss, but we had a good look around...
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Posted By: 28 Aug
Five month old Rosco was only doing what puppies do best, sniffing around and trying out anything that he could find. Unfortunately, Rosco came across some sultanas, and thinking that they smelt quite interesting, he quickly chewed and swallowed them. Whilst sultanas, raisins and grapes might seem like a reasonably healthy snack for us humans, the...
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Posted By: 7 Aug
It is grass seed season currently and these barbed rice-like shaped structures can be pretty pesky causing problems all over the place with our hairy 4 legged friends! Bonnie is a lovely and very well behaved Collie who came in for her annual booster and health check in July. Her owner’s mentioned she had a sore and squinty eye since...
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Posted By: 17 Jul
Fearne is a lovely little 2 year old whippet who came to the practice during the lockdown period with a primary complaint of reducing mobility and reduced ability to exercise. She is normally a very bouncy and lively dog and like any whippet extremely quick once she gets going. Her owners had noticed a change that started mildly around the time lockdown...
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Posted By: 29 May
Sometimes things are not as they seem the first time an animal is brought into a vets. On occasion, vets can give a good guess as to the potential diagnosis before an animal walks through the door, based on symptoms and a history over the phone. However, sometimes like in Sam the border collie’s situation, the most obvious answer isn’t...
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Posted By: 8 May
In the current climate, I feel that we are all somewhat hyperaware of coughing, but fear not, this isn’t an article about Coronavirus! Today we are discussing the case of Alfie, a 12 year old Lakeland cross Jack Russell Terrier, who had been violently coughing. Alfie’s owners booked a telephone consultation to avoid unnecessary travel to...
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Posted By: 1 May
Urinary issues are common amongst tom cats, but can be more than just an irritating inconvenience, and in fact may end up with the life threatening consequence of a ‘blocked’ bladder. These health problems can be recurrent, as moggy cat Badger’s owners know too well – unfortunately he is not the first cat they’ve owned...
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Posted By: 24 Apr
Weighing in at 2.5kg each, Sasha and Sophie the 9 month old Maltese Terriers are small in size but big in character. Despite their fine and delicate features the two of them love to bustle around and play rough and tumble, much to the concern of their doting owners who are continuously worried about them. In general all has been fine but on one...
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Posted By: 3 Apr
The names of some diseases can be quite misleading – sometimes all may not be as it seems with a diagnosis. That was the case with Gary the 8 year old moggie, who turned out to have contracted an uncommon skin condition called cowpox, probably from a rat! There can’t be many cats up and down the country that come to the name ‘Gary’...
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Posted By: 27 Mar
Some of the most common signs we see in our patients are vomiting and diarrhoea, each of which can be caused by a huge number of things. Most commonly simple inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is present, often caused by infections (mostly viral). As a general approach, if an animal is well in themselves then the underlying issue is likely...
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Posted By: 20 Mar
One damp Friday afternoon in February, Bruce the Jack Russell Terrier was out and about exploring in the garden when his nose caught a good scent, he started digging and came across a long lost rawhide chew! Filled with what we can only assume was eager joy he swallowed it whole before his owner was able to retrieve it from him. His owner, very aware...
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Posted By: 13 Mar
Occasionally we end up experiencing the practice from the other side of the consulting room table. When our own pets are ill, our veterinary knowledge helps, of course, but we also feel all the same worry and distress as any other owner. I recently experienced this as one of our beloved family cats, Jinx, was unwell. Although they are unrelated,...
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Posted By: 6 Mar
Many years ago, when I was a student at Bristol University Vet School, a wise professor used to tell us, “When you hear hoof beats, think of horses, but don’t forget the zebra”. Another professor might say, “Common Conditions Happen Commonly”, but I think the zebra quote is more memorable. The point is, when we...
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Posted By: 7 Feb
It’s not everyday of the week that I am presented with an injured goose, but part of being a vet here in rural Somerset means that we are constantly presented with new, interesting and slightly obscurer animals than your average. On a Friday afternoon, Little Rog, a 4 year old female Goose was rushed into Wells Vets with a large wound to the...
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Posted By: 31 Jan
It’s not just dogs, cats and rabbits at the vets – there are a large number of rodents owned in the UK, and this covers a large array of species. Rats, mice and guinea pigs are common rodents seen in vet practices, but there are an emerging number of other species, from hamsters and gerbils to chinchillas, to the inquisitive degu. Degus...
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Posted By: 17 Jan
My article this week is from a slightly more personal point of view, as the dog that presented to me was one of my Nan’s 2 West Highland White Terriers – Ruby and Pearl. It is well known that WHWT’s are prone to developing skin allergies however luckily neither Ruby nor Pearl had seemed to suffer much from this throughout their...
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Posted By: 3 Jan
Dragons aren’t just a myth; they live amongst us, and require veterinary treatment too – bearded dragons, that is. These reptiles are one of the most popular exotic pets, and are probably the most common lizard presented to veterinary practice. Like all reptiles, bearded dragons have complex needs, and require a lot of time, money and dedication...
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Posted By: 27 Dec
Pepsi is an 8 and a half year old female Pug who was seen by us as the last appointment during a busy Thursday evening surgery. She had been seen by another Veterinary practice near Yeovil where the owners would normally take her as she had developed gagging/retching type symptoms, especially after attempting to eat food. She was initially treated...
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Posted By: 20 Dec
One morning back in August, Jackson’s owners noticed that all was not well with him. In spite of the fact that he was eating and fairly perky, he was blinking frequently and holding his eyes closed much of the time. They brought him straight in to us. Now, some dogs can be understandably reluctant to have their eyes checked, particularly when...
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Posted By: 13 Dec
On a quiet day in late September, we had an unexpected arrival at Wells surgery. A kitten had been found in a flowerpot in a ditch, well away from any human habitation. Her rescuer explained there were feral cats in the area, and he suspected she was one of them. Our Veterinary Nurse, Natalie, quickly took her in to get her warm and...
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Posted By: 6 Dec
This week it's all about responsible dog ownership, but with a bit of a twist! We revisit a classic, cautionary message that may seem like old news but is actually just as important today as it's always been. As a vet working in a busy practice in such a dog-loving area, many people think that I must spend most of my time cuddling cute puppies....
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Posted By: 22 Nov
Even if you are not very familiar with cows, you are probably aware of the fact they have four stomachs. Ruminants have multiple stomachs to make them more effective at getting nutrients from food products that we humans would be unable to digest. They are highly efficient digesters! Diary cattle are working very hard shortly after they have had...
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Posted By: 15 Nov
Dog owners are now familiar with the law that dogs must be microchipped, but cat owners are missing the benefits of microchipping their cats; it may not be the law but it is even more important in cats as they don’t generally wear any identification. This is a tale of two black and white cats that both went missing within days of each other....
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Posted By: 1 Nov
Very often, in veterinary medicine, we’re dealing with the unknown, making decisions without all the information. We discuss the likelihood of various scenarios with a worried owner to guide our choices, and we have wished countless times for the ability to predict the future. A recent patient, Jack, was a great example of this. Jack is a...
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Posted By: 18 Oct
As nights draw in, we look forward to the autumn fun of events like Halloween and Bonfire Night. Early evenings are perfect for these occasions but can be a nightmare for our pets. We have put together a few top tips to help your dogs get through the firework season. There are many products and training methods available which can...
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Posted By: 18 Oct
During a busy morning at the surgery, we expect to see a lot of cats and dogs visiting, but we usually have a few other species as well: - mammals, reptiles and birds. Since the rise in popularity of keeping ‘backyard hens’ they are quite frequent visitors. Hens have super personalities, they are friendly and chatty as well as...
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Posted By: 11 Oct
Bruno is a lively and lovely 6 month old English Bull Terrier. He is known for chewing sticks but his owners were not aware just how many other things he had chewed ! Whilst he was playing he was seen to swallow a bright red foam rubber ball whole. The ball was large enough to obstruct the outflow from his stomach or, if it had gone in to his intestines,...
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Posted By: 20 Sep
Long summer days bring additional joy to a dog walk. Springer Spaniel Seth had been out for a lovely sunny walk with his other canine pals when he suddenly cried out and was persistently bothering his ear. All night long he was scratching at it and despite his owners best efforts to calm him down, they couldn’t, nor could they see what the problem...
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Posted By: 6 Sep
Daisy is a lovely friendly 3 year old Spanish Water dog. She has always been quieter than her ‘sister’ Poppy and, particularly since being neutered, her owners have struggled with her expanding waistline. We try to assess a pet’s weight every time we see them. Being underweight can be a sign of underfeeding, parasites or underlying...
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Posted By: 30 Aug
Skin. It’s that time of year again when about a third of our consults are skin related, primarily itchy skin, with common sites being ears and paws. The causes of this often come down to a handful of common conditions – fleas, mites, allergic/sensitive skin (called allergic dermatitis) and other conditions such as fungal infections inc....
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Posted By: 9 Aug
Cat fights are common in built up areas when a high density of cats are found in a relatively small area. ‘Entire’, or non-neutered, male cats are especially territorial and will fight between each other very commonly over resources like land, food and female cats. They also tend to stray further afield, encountering more cats. Meep was...
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Posted By: 1 Aug
When you’re a 10 month old Cocker Spaniel puppy, exploring the world with your nose and your mouth, anything could be a source of food even when maybe it shouldn’t be! Winston’s owners grew concerned one morning after he vomited and appeared to be uncontrollably tremoring. He had been his normal puppy self earlier that day and...
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Posted By: 5 Jul
Taking on a new kitten is an exciting experience, and can also be a busy time too. There are lots of things to think about, not least all the routine check-ups and visits to the vets. Usually these are planned for and can be scheduled at convenient times, with a bit preparation. This was not the case however for Bob. Bob’s new owners adored...
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Posted By: 24 Jun
Stitch the lamb had a bit of an eventful start to life! Moment after he was born he began to eviscerate his intestines through his navel. This as you can imagine is a true emergency. Umbilical defects can be fairly common in ruminants, either as a result of a congenital condition resulting in failure of the body wall closing or as a result of trauma...
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Posted By: 13 Jun
Rosie is a lovely tortoiseshell female cat (with attitude !). Her owner noticed that she was having difficulty eating and one of her lower canine teeth was at an abnormal angle. On examination it was clear that the tooth was broken and the loose part was removed. The root was still present and, as retained roots can cause pain and infection, Rosie...
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Posted By: 6 Jun
We only get two eyes in life, and when eyes go wrong they can deteriorate rapidly. There are many conditions of the eye in animals, but some are more common than others and one that we see very regularly is ulceration to the external surface of the eye (the cornea). This can be caused by a number of things. One cause would be abnormalities to the...
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Posted By: 2 May
Very often, when pets are ill, it is immediately apparent. Their worried owners know straightaway that something isn’t right and bring them to see us at the surgery. Sometimes, however, issues can develop so gradually that it is difficult to be sure there is a problem until it is quite advanced, even for the most diligent owners. This was the...
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Posted By: 8 Apr
Here at Shepton and Wells vets we see and treat cats of all different life stages, ranging from kittens to our elderly companions. Each life stage brings different challenges and considerations, none more so than when our feline friends are entering their latter years. We work a lot in partnership with cats protection (CP) who frequently bring in elderly...
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Posted By: 15 Mar
Toothache in our pets is a difficult one for both owners and vets to assess. Often cats and dogs will still have a hearty appetite and will simply learn to eat around the painful tooth and avoid the crunchy bits, much like you and I. The causes of toothache in cats and dogs most typically are associated with plaque build up which causes an inflammation...
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Posted By: 8 Mar
Logan has had an eventful life – he was rescued from Crete at about 4 months old and landed on his paws with a loving home. We first met him when he was approximately 5 months old and he was very healthy then. His first few months in the UK were uneventful but then he quite quickly became unwell. Initially it looked like he had gastritis (stomach...
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Posted By: 22 Feb
When Teg came in to see us at the end of November, it seemed that he was just suffering from a nasty upset tummy. He wasn’t quite himself but there was nothing to make us worry too much about him. He was treated with some paste containing gut-friendly bacteria to try and settle the problem down, but was no better the next day and had started...
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Posted By: 15 Feb
Neutering, or castration for male dogs specifically, is a routine operation carried out regularly at veterinary practices. Castration is usually performed preventatively, to reduce or eliminate the risk of developing testosterone driven diseases, as well as for behavioural reasons and preventing unwanted pregnancies. However this surgery is also a...
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Posted By: 25 Jan
When a worried owner comes to see us because something is not right with their pet, it can be really rewarding to make an accurate diagnosis, and even more so to correct the problem. We always aim to do both of these if we can. Occasionally, however, we can neither pin down the cause of the problem nor solve it, and yet the outcome is still good. Our...
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Posted By: 11 Jan
Billy is a lovely little West Highland White Terrier cross now just over 2 and a half years old. He is lively and loves life and has no health issues. When he was around 2 years old, however, he developed an itchy bottom which did not settle with supportive treatment. We were suspicious that this was a result of allergic skin disease. Dogs...
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Posted By: 27 Dec
Meet Luna, a beautiful tortoiseshell domestic short haired cat, who was adopted by her owners from Happy Landings when she was a kitten, 10 years ago. A few months ago, Luna’s observant owners noticed that she was ravenously hungry all the time and despite this, was rapidly losing weight which prompted them to bring her into the surgery for a...
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Posted By: 20 Dec
Looking at your pet’s poo isn’t always the most glamorous of jobs for you or us, but it can be very important in determining the overall health of their digestive system. Different colours can give an indication if the digestive system is working too quickly, underlying liver or pancreatic disease, if any bleeding is present, and more!...
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Posted By: 7 Dec
It was a beautiful, blustery Spring day in Cornwall. My husband and I were walking our Boxer dog along the coast path behind the beach near Padstow. Lots of other families were making the most of the good weather too, and Monster soon found a little Jack Russell terrier to play with. They darted back and forth, one chasing the other, then swapping...
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Posted By: 23 Nov
Many dogs love to try out all sorts of different things with their mouths and this can often lead to them ingesting substances which shouldn’t be ingested.The most common examples we see include chocolate, onions, toys, socks, plastics, the list goes on….! Cats tend to be a bit more sensible although even so we will occasionally see...
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Posted By: 16 Nov
Chickens can make great pets as well as providing eggs. A small flock of 2 to 10 can easily be kept in even a small garden providing they are not specifically prohibited (as may apply to new housing estates). Providing they have a safe place to nest at night & a secure area to potter around to allow normal behaviour such as pecking and scratching,...
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Posted By: 5 Nov
One thing that certainly appeals about the job of a veterinary surgeon is the varied nature of the role. Just as with any job, there are plenty of routine, day-to-day procedures, but we always know that our day can be turned upside down at any point if something unexpected crops up. This can make the job stressful of course, but also very satisfying...
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Posted By: 19 Oct
Lumps and bumps are a common reason for dog owners to come and see us at the practice. Many dogs live with the odd warty growth or fatty lump for years – we get used to their size and character and check them at each visit. Nevertheless, when an owner discovers a newly appeared lump on their dog it can be a real worry, so they are keen to have...
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Posted By: 12 Oct
This week I was out on a farm, giving some special attention to one of the most important animals on any cattle farm – the bull! Bulls need this special attention, particularly if they reside on beef farms, as once per year they have an incredibly important job to do. They are tasked with getting all of the cows (or as I like to call them,...
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Posted By: 28 Sep
When owners need to bring their pets to see us, we know it can be a stressful time. We understand that, in all honesty, our clients would rather not be at the vets with a poorly pet. So we hope these upsetting episodes are single, isolated events that we can make as low-stress as possible and deal with as a one-off. However, the owners of Tashi and...
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Posted By: 14 Sep
Almost all breeds of animals are prone to developing certain conditions throughout their life due to the specific genetics of individual breeds. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often develop heart murmurs in their old age, and Persian cats may be more likely to develop kidney issues at a young age. The unusually named Nova Scotia Duck Tolling...
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Posted By: 7 Sep
In the everyday life of a small animal vet, “have they eaten anything they shouldn’t have?” and “have any toys or items gone missing from the house?” are very common questions, certainly when dealing with dogs. We find that most dogs fall into one of two main types. There is the first type – highly discerning,...
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Posted By: 17 Aug
The options in veterinary medicine have progressed and improved hugely in recent years and, whilst not appropriate in all circumstances, advanced diagnostics and surgery are now available. With this comes increased costs and specialist treatment can easily run to several thousand pounds. Accidents, injuries and illnesses often come ‘out of...
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Posted By: 27 Jul
Cat fights are a common result of a large amount of cats in a small residential area, so related injuries are often seen at the vets. However Freckles’ case was a lot more unusual than most – because of the severity of the injuries, and also because she was caught in the crossfire! Freckles had only just started venturing outdoors after...
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Posted By: 20 Jul
We quite often see dogs and cats with sore eyes at the surgery, and the cause can vary from a mild conjunctivitis to a serious problem that can even lead to the loss of an eye so they always warrant a check . Recently, Vet Josh saw Tetley who is a sprightly older gentleman, with an uncomfortable eye caused by a corneal ulcer. The cornea is the clear...
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Posted By: 13 Jul
One of the most enjoyable parts of being a vet is meeting the adorable new puppies and kittens that visit us, and getting the chance to give them a healthy start in life. Getting their healthcare right from the very beginning is essential, helping to prevent problems occurring in the future. As well as being a lot of fun, it’s also...
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Posted By: 29 Jun
In a busy mixed practice, we have to expect that the phone can ring at any moment with an emergency. And when it’s our farm office that receives an urgent call from a farmer, we can usually be pretty sure the problem is with a cow or a sheep. But this was not the case with the call that started this story, and the result required collaboration...
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Posted By: 8 Jun
Dalamatians are an unmistakeable and much loved breed, but seven year old Merlin is definitely a familiar and recognisable face at the practice due to his regular visits because of various ailments over the past few years. As if having a spinal problem in his neck wasn’t enough, Merlin then had problems going to the toilet that resulted in surgery,...
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Posted By: 25 May
There are several different ways of taking on a pet. Many do research for weeks or months, and then find the most appropriate breed for them at their local rescue centre or from a breeder. Equally others fall into it, as fate plays its part. The owner of Thomas however is one of those incredibly kind soles that takes on pets when...
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Posted By: 18 May
I have been enjoying the sunshine over the last couple of weeks; it is amazing how quickly things change. The young lambs are running around the fields and lots of beef and dairy cattle are out grazing. This gives some of our clients a small break from all the winter work of bedding up cattle, cleaning them out and feeding them. Several of the beef...
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Posted By: 4 May
Waking up at the weekend after a hard week at work usually brings the possibility of relaxation – perhaps a lie-in, a leisurely coffee and a bit of time to yourself. However, as the owners of Murphy, a five year old cat, awoke one Saturday morning they did not get the relaxing start to the weekend that they were looking forward to. Instead they...
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Posted By: 23 Feb
Animals presenting with a cough is something we see every day here at the vets. Often these can be managed simply with the right medications, however sometimes further investigations are needed to find the exact cause of a cough. Perhaps the most common reason we see for coughing is a simple viral infection known colloquially as kennel cough –...
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Posted By: 9 Feb
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an old and well established breed in the UK. With their engaging gentle natures, they make lovely family pets, and Thomas is a good example. He lives with his owners and 3 other Cavaliers. They make an impressive pack when they are all together. Unfortunately, there are some health problems that are fairly common...
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Posted By: 8 Dec
One of the most common problems seen at the practice is vomiting and diarrhoea. Often these will resolve fairly quickly, in a number of days. However in some cases they can persist longer, and then further investigation is needed to find out what is causing the problem. One such case was Indy, a lovely 6 year old crossbreed dog. She presented with...
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Posted By: 1 Dec
A swollen toe can be an uncomfortable cause of bother, or an unfortunate injury for a footballer, but unlike his namesake, Rooney the Labrador’s condition was far more serious. Rooney is an excitable dog who just wants to make friends but rarely stays still! A swelling by the dog’s nail noted by his owners led to a crucial surgery after...
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Posted By: 17 Nov
A lot of patients we see on a day to day basis sometimes only need to be treated with medication, and will need little further investigation other than a good detailed clinical assessment by a vet. However, when medication fails to improve symptoms, or things don’t appear straight forward then we have to investigate further in order to...
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Posted By: 27 Oct
Cats are inquisitive by nature and natural hunters, which often means that come night time many will venture outdoors to explore their surroundings and exhibit ancestral behaviours. Not uncommonly they bring back their catches to display to their owners! Unfortunately, because of these behaviours, it is not unusual for cats to be brought into us having...
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Posted By: 20 Oct
When you’ve finished that hard working week on a Friday afternoon most just look forward to getting home and relaxing. For some that relaxing would involve taking the dog for a walk or even sitting with the cat on the sofa and watching a bit of T.V.. That was how Ollie’s owners may have wanted to spend Friday evening but they soon...
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Posted By: 13 Oct
A very common reason for pets being bought into the vets is because their owners find an unexpected lump. This was the case for Sandy, a 9 year old Shih Tsu. Her owner had noticed a number of lumps appear on Sandy’s stomach, around her teats. We were not entirely sure how long they had been there but her owner bought her in as soon as she found...
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Posted By: 8 Sep
For anyone who has a dog one of the best activities that you can do is to simply take them for a walk. It’s a win win for all parties as both dog and owner not only have some time to unwind and relax, but also to gain a bit of essential exercise. As a dog owner it’s really enjoyable just to see how much they love the experience,...
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Posted By: 1 Sep
For those of you that don’t know me, I have a bit of reputation for being a crazy goat lady. I think they are wonderful! Goats are happy, intelligent creatures that really enjoy human company. I have been lucky enough this week to have had lots of goat calls. We have had several very cute goat kids in for disbudding. Disbudding is a...
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Posted By: 18 Aug
Our pets provide us with a lot of love and enjoyment but they can also be a massive source of worry. Trigger is a lovely, big ginger cat. He has only just turned 4 years old and is a very playful soul capable of standing up for himself and providing both the love and the worry! His owners came home to find him curled up in the laundry basket, not...
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Posted By: 11 Aug
Some of you may have seen a report we put out recently about a particular type of rat bait that had been put down around the Batcombe area. Sadly, we only found out about it after one dog died from poisoning and another needed emergency treatment. It is called ‘Sapphire Paste’ and is particularly tasty for dogs as it has peanut oil in it....
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Posted By: 26 May
Orthopaedic procedures are performed fairly often here at Shepton Vets, most commonly to repair broken bones, fix displacing kneecaps or correct ligament ruptures within knees. They can be tricky procedures with long recovery times, but extremely rewarding at the end of it all when an animal who was previously unable to walk can run around freely again. Kitty...
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Posted By: 7 Apr
The job of a veterinary surgeon can be challenging at times, but the tough experiences are usually outweighed by the rewarding moments. Working with wildlife can be an exciting ‘by-product’ of being a small animal vet in general practice, and there are few more rewarding moments in the career than releasing a wild animal back into its natural...
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Posted By: 24 Feb
There can be few more magnificent sights in the canine world than a fully grown Irish Wolfhound. Osiris (or Ozzy as he was affectionately known) was typical of the breed, gentle and mild mannered, but one of the biggest puppies we’d ever seen at the practice. As he grew, he reached a maximum weight of over 90kg, and his owners were justly...
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Posted By: 17 Feb
Billie is a lovely Dogue de Bordeaux who came to visit us one Monday afternoon. She was not quite right and had a bloody fluid coming from her rear end. This rang some alarm bells with us as it is often a sign of a pyometra. This is an infection of the womb and can be very serious. It can become very enlarged, and filled with pus and cause them to...
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Posted By: 13 Jan
One of the most common procedures a small animal vet will carry out on a day to day basis is neutering. It’s not that we do this for fun but for one of many advantages that this can give our patients, owners and our community in general. The many benefits include: It obviously reduces the numbers of unwanted or feral dogs and cats; it can...
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Posted By: 9 Dec
Biscuit a typically pet Pygmy Goat: Enjoys human interaction, likes playing with his goat friend Bobbin and loves food! It was one morning that his owner notices Biscuit wasn’t quite him self, he was very quiet, didn’t want to play fight with Bobbin and didn’t want to eat any food that was offered to him, he had spent the morning...
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Posted By: 11 Nov
As our pets get older, their number of visits to the vets tends to increase a bit, as problems develop. Oscar is one lovely such patient. He is a Jack Russel Terrier, who is now 13 years old. We had been seeing him regularly, and managing his arthritis well with long term pain relief. However, one Friday it seemed that Oscar had developed a few other...
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Posted By: 28 Oct
Getting a new kitten is a time full of excitement and enjoyment. However it can also be a time fraught with worries as we try to make sure we do everything right. Sometimes things happen that are completely out of our control. One such incidence occurred for the owners of a little kitten called Finlay. He was, very sadly, attacked by a dog; the...
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Posted By: 7 Oct
Sneezing or snotty cats are something that we see fairly frequently at the practice. We usually see them in young kittens with cat flu when they are often sneezing. Once a kitten has had cat flu they are usually more likely to get recurring respiratory problems. Pheonix is one such cat, although no longer a kitten as he is now over...
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Posted By: 16 Sep
As bouncy, happy family dogs go, Oliver is usually up there with the best, but he was quite subdued when he was brought in at the end of June. He had just come out of kennels and was not eating and being sick quite frequently. Other than a high temperature and slight dehydration, there was nothing to alarm us particularly at this stage. He was given...
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Posted By: 26 Aug
Pippin and Squeak are two lovely border collies. They sadly had found themselves in a rescue centre. Both of them are nearly 11 and were lucky to find some lovely owners wanting take them on, and give them a good home. Taking on rescue dogs can be brilliantly rewarding, if a little challenging at times! These two were quite large ladies and already...
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Posted By: 19 Aug
One of the most common reasons for patients to visit the practice is that their owners have found an unexplained lump on them. Understandably, this can be a big cause for concern so most owners want to get things checked out straight away and give plenty of time to act if necessary. Thankfully, successful treatment and cure is very often possible,...
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Posted By: 22 Jul
Sadly we often see distressing cases of heatstroke in dogs through the summer months when our unpredictable British weather suddenly decides to spring a hot spell on us! Here are a few of our favourite top tips on how to keep your dog cool in the heat: 1) Have a fan or two to hand for instant cool air circulation in the house. 2) Open some...
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Posted By: 1 Jul
We regularly hear that litter poses a danger to our wildlife, but how many of us have thought of the consequences when wild animals suffer from the rubbish that we have left behind? Litter should always be picked up – not only is it unsightly but it can cause problems to nature at the park, the coast, and even in our own gardens. Small mammals...
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Posted By: 2 Jun
When you’ve had a tough day at work your main hope is that you can get home and just unwind. That’s what the owner of Bayleigh, the 10½ year old cross breed dog, wanted to do one night recently. However, when they arrived home it was very obvious that Bayleigh wasn’t at all well and the stresses of the day hadn’t...
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Posted By: 29 Nov
Tilly is a fantastic specimen of a whippet, who like all dogs of her breed, loves nothing more than to run and run at full pelt across fields. However all this letting off steam caught up with her one day when she pulled up suddenly lame. Tilly’s injury was not a straight forward one – and required a visit to a specialist and 6 weeks in...
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Posted By: 25 Sep
One of the many pleasures of having a dog is taking them out for a good walk. For some, a weekend off is a chance to visit somewhere new, take the dog and watch them enjoy themselves. Everyone gets a bit of fresh air and exercise so it’s a good pursuit all round – or that’s certainly the case in most instances! This...
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Posted By: 28 Aug
The most satisfying part of being a vet is when you manage to make a real difference for the better. This isn’t only related to the patient we are treating, but also the owners of the pet as well. This is because, in the vast majority of cases, the pets we treat are very much part of the family, and as such their owners will frequently...
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Posted By: 22 Jul
The one visit that is always guaranteed to generate a bit of excitement amongst the staff of your veterinary centre is that of a new puppy. Everyone looks forward to a quick cuddle and then, after that, the enjoyment comes from giving advice that helps you bring up a happy, healthy and sociable puppy. One such crucial piece of advice is for...
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