Will my pet receive Pain Medication after surgery?
All surgical cases receive Pain Medication. The type of medication given depends on the type of surgery , the age and the general health of the patient. We routinely use non-steroidal anti-inflammatories on most cases. In cases where non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are contra-indicated eg. in cases with compromised renal function we use other classes of drugs. Pain relief is a very important part of our treatments.
Does my new puppy need vaccination?
We vaccinate against Parvovirus , Distemper and Infectious Hepatitis. These diseases can kill your dog so protection is extremely important. We also routinely vaccinate against organisms which can cause kennel cough. This disease is comparable to getting Flu in humans – most healthy animals will get sick and fight off the disease but puppies ,older dogs and immune-compromised dogs can succumb and die from secondary problems such as pneumonia. Vaccination against Kennel Cough is a good option.
Does my new kitten need vaccination?
We vaccinate kittens against the 2 viruses that cause “Cat-Flu”-a debilitating upper respiratory tract disease which results in chronically ill cats which have severe occulonasal discharge and painful mouth ulcers. We also vaccinate against chlamydia which can cause chronic occular discharge. We also vaccinate against a lethal disease called Feline enteritis which causes acute diarrhoea and death. We can also vaccinate your cat against the Feline Aids Virus and against Feline Leukaemia Virus.
When do we need to vaccinate puppies and kittens?
First vaccination should be carried out at 6-8 weeks of age and then a second shot is required at 10-12 weeks old. Additional shots may need to be given after this if you choose to vaccinate against Kennel Cough in dogs and against FIV and FeLV in cats.
When should I get my pet desexed?
Any dog or cat which is not going to be bred from should be desexed at about 6 months old. Performing surgery at this age prevents animals roaming and fighting. Most importantly it stops your pet having unawanted litters. Desexing male dogs reduces aggressive behaviour and reduces the incidence of various cancers later in life. Desexing female dogs stops bitches developing pyometra – a uterine infection which can be fatal. It also reduces the chances of developing mammary tumours dramatically.
When should I worm my pet?
Puppies and kittens – every 2 weeks till 12 weeks old , monthly till 6 months old and every 3 months after that. Horses – generally every 6-8 weeks but feel free to discuss with us your individual situation. Goats and Alpacas – similarly every 6-8 weeks but please discuss your individual situation with us. We can easily perform an examination of a fresh faecal sample to determine if your animals need worming.
Do you look after farm animals?
Yes we look after all animals – including Dairy and Beef Cows , Horses , Alpacas , Pigs , Sheep , Goats , Rabbits, Poultry and Fish. We provide disease investigation , herd health programs , Johne’s Testing and Accreditation , Stud Work , Artificial Breeding including embryo transfer and artificial insemination.
Do you vaccinate horses for Hendra Virus?
We vaccinate horses for Hendra Virus. The vaccination is an extremely safe and effective vaccine. The initial course involves 2 injections four weeks apart, followed by a 6 month booster followed by 12 month boosters. Hopefully this will soon change to annual boosters. Horses have to be microchipped at time of first vaccination -unless already microchipped – and then added to a national register of vaccinated horses. Hendra Virus is a deadly zoonotic disease. Vaccinating your horses protects both human and horse.
How long do blood tests take to get results?
We have state of the art in house blood analysis machines and can get full haematology and biochemistry results within – 15-20 minutes. This is vital for fast diagnosis in sick animals so that appropriate treatment can get started immediately. We also have in house tests for Heartworm in dogs and cats and for Feline AIDs and Feline Leukaemia viruses. We have in house tests for Bovine pestivirus infection and also to detect antibiotics in milk. Please contact us to discuss.
Do you have 24 hour service?
Yes – we have a vet on duty every minute of every day. We currently employ 6 vets sand have fully trained veterinary nurses and reception staff.
