Milton 24 hour centre gains tier 3 hospital accreditation from Royal College
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has awarded our 24 hour clinic at Milton tier 3 hospital status. The practice becomes one of only 144 genuine veterinary hospitals in the country. This accolade is based on a combination of both state-of-the-art facilities and a top quality team of expert vets and nurses providing care for patients 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
We would like to congratulate the team on all the hard work that they have invested in developing the hospital from humble beginnings only two years ago. The hospital now boasts: digital radiography, ultrasound, eCG, endoscopy, theatre and an Intensive Care Unit. Staff at the hospital work in shifts around the clock such that vets and nurses are always working to take care of patients through the night.
For more information on the standards required to gain tier 3 accreditation click here & click here
JASON'S GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE
Jason, head veterinary surgeon at Village Vet Maida Vale, has always had a dream (and nightmare!) about meeting the infamous great white shark, ever since he was given a Jaws game for his second birthday. His ambitions were finally realised in November 2009, when he finally got to meet them face to face in Gansbaai, South Africa – the shark-diving capital of the world. Click here to view some fantastic video footage taken during his dive.
NEW CASE OF LUNGWORM IN JACK RUSSELL
We have had a new lungworm case diagnosed at the Garden Suburb practice. Max, a Jack Russell, had been losing weight, had poor appetite and seemed depressed. He had not been coughing so lungworm was not initially suspected. However, our Village Vet at the practice, Danny confirmed the diagnosis by performing a wash of the trachea (windpipe) and finding evidence of the culprits. Max has now been treated and has made a full recovery (see picture above).This is a very serious disease which is not easy to diagnose - it is only through the great skill of the team at the practice that Max was saved. Well done on this fabulous success story! Click here to learn more about lungworm
FDA LAUNCH CAMPAIGN WARNING ABOUT ONLINE DRUG PURCHASE
The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) have started a campaign in the US focused on informing pet owners about issues related to the online purchase of drugs. Whilst clearly US-focused the guidelines are equally applicable here in the UK - click here to download their latest article
VILLAGE VET SUPPORT PET DIABETES MONTH
Diabetes often goes undetected in cats and dogs. As part of Pet Diabetes Month we are offering free simple tests to check your pet. Pop into your local Village Vet and ask for your free test to check your pet for diabetes. To learn more about Pet Diabetes Month click here
VILLAGE VET'S EXOTICS EXPERT OPERATES ON SUGAR GLIDER
A Sugar Glider was recently brought to our Exotics expert, Gracia Vila, at our Maida Vale clinic to undergo essential surgery: Pom Pom lives with 4 females and his owner didn't want them to breed! You will be delighted to know that the procedure went very well and Pom Pom is back with his family! The Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a small marsupial originally native to Australia. It is around 15 to 20 cm (6.3 to 7.5 inches) long, with a longer tail than the body and weighs between 90 and 150 grams (3 to 5.3 oz).
It is believed that thousands of cats may be suffering from debilitating arthritis without their owners even knowing. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats are not very good at telling their owners when they are in pain. Typically, cats tend to simply slow down, become more reclusive and quiet when they are in discomfort - these signs can be missed entirely by owners or simply associated with 'old age'. Feline arthritis can be effectively managed with recently licensed pain killer (called Metacam) which are easy to apply as a liquid to the cat's food. Owners of cats suffering from the condition often report a 'complete rejuvenation' of the pet after treatment and ongoing management. Download the enclosed checklist to see if your cat is demonstrating any tell-tale signs. If your cat needs any treatment completion of the checklist in October and November (ignore deadline shown on leaflet) will mean that you will get a FREE bottle of Metacam.
Download owner checklist
'HAPPY TO TRAVEL' CAMPAIGN TARGETS DOGS THAT SUFFER CAR SICKNESS
There is no need to change or restrict your lifestyle or travel plans just because your dog suffers from travel sickness – there are effective and reliable ways to prevent the problem including products that your local Village Vet can prescribe. A campaign has been launched to help owners of dogs with this problem
Click here to learn more.
KILLER LUNG WORM CAUSES TRAGIC CANINE FATALITIES ACROSS UK
There is now a threat to the UK dog population in the form of the lung worm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). Recently reported in the national press, this parasite is carried by slugs, snails and even frogs. Tragically, we have recently had fatal cases in our Village Vet practices in North London and now Hertfordshire. It appears that the problem is tracking north.
Click here to learn more
Village Vet Launch Atopy Awareness Campaign
Canine atopy is a condition affecting 10-15% of the canine population. The primary causes of atopy are external allergens, for example house dust mites, pollens and moulds. Like most allergies in humans, it is a life long condition that, in many cases, requires long-term control and treatment. Most atopic dogs have concurrent problems, such as flea allergies, food hypersensitivity, secondary ear and/or skin infections, that can complicate treatment. The disease can be very distressing for dogs causing constant itching and self-harm. If your pet is suffering from itching then don't delay - make an appointment today! If you receive a letter or email from us during this campaign, it means that your dog's breed is especially at risk! For more information visit: www.itchfree.co.uk
Total Care Pet insurance launched!
Village Vet have collaborated with Red Sands Insurance C
ompany (Europe) Limited to enable the creation of a new pet insurance product including a preventative health programme as well as cover for treatments. The product is called Total Care.
Click here to learn more
Village Potters Bar wins award after refurbishment
We are delighted to announce that, following the refurbishment of the practice last year, our practice has won the prestigious 2008 Wow! Award. This aw ard is made annually to the most impressive small veterinary practice in the UK.
Bogus Interview ng> Money Scam!
Village Ve t have uncovered a scam that is currently operating and abusing Village Vet's good name. Somebody is currently asking vets who are applying for jobs in the UK for 'interview money' prior to getting a meeting with Village Vet. We, of course, would never charge to meet a prospective candidate for interview. If you are ever asked for money in this way please report to us directly at: emails@villagevet.co.uk. The police are aware of the situation and currently investigating the matter.
Village Vet holds it’s first ever Congress!
Village Vet has just held its first annual congress. Vets, nurses and support staff were able to hear top speakers from the worlds of veterinary medicine, surgery and business, have fun at a sparkling Awards Ceremony, and enjoy the leisure facilities at Sunningdale Park Hotel in Ascot. Group founder, Brendan Robinson said “...I am delighted with the response we have had to this, our first Congress; everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the event, learned and lot and laughed a lot! We would like to express our thanks to our sponsors for their continuing support”.
Click here to learn more
New convenient opening times at Winchmore Hill!
In response to client demand, the practice is now open late until 8pm for consultations on Monday and Thursday evenings and from 10am until 1pm on Sunday mornings. We know that you are busy people and we hope that this new service helps you to juggle pet care with all your other jobs!!!
Wood Green Shelter completes refurbishment with new cattery
Click here to learn more
Village Vet launch Vet24 in Cambridge!
Following our success of our Vet24 emergency service in London, we now have launched a fabulous new dedicated emergency service in Cambridge.
Click here to learn more
PARVO OUTBREAK THREATENS IN CAMBRIDGE AREA
Village Vet and other Cambridgeshire veterinary practices have seen an increase in cases of canine parvovirus this autumn. This is a potentially fatal disease. The further tragedy is that the disease can be completely prevented by the correct vaccination and we believe that these incidences are entirely related to non-adherence to vaccination recommendations. As a result, vets in the UK are also seeing increases in Canine Distemper Virus (another fatal and entirely preventable disease). Please do not take any chances and arrange an appointment TODAY if you have fallen behind with your vaccinations for your pet. At Village Vet we try to help you remember to keep up with your vaccinations by sending reminder letters - please do not bin these without giving due consideration of the risks!If you would like to receive your vaccine reminders by e-mail, please send us your email address to:emails@villagevet.co.uk
MYXOMATOSIS OUTBREAK LEADS TO NEEDLESS DEATHS IN UK PET RABBIT POPULATION
Countless deaths in the pet rabbit population are be
ing caused by the current Myxomatosis epidemic according to the Rabbit Welfare Fund (RWF). The problem has been attributed to the wet and humid summer that we have experienced. Such conditions create an ideal breeding ground for the fleas and mosquitoes that carry the disease. In the face of such conditions Village Vet strongly recommending twice-yearly vaccination. Whilst vaccination does not offer 100% protection, it will at least allow most infected rabbits to be nursed through the condition. It is also important to note that all pet rabbits need such vaccination including house rabbits
p;- direct contact with wild rabbits is not required for this fatal disease to be transmitted. Arrange an appointment TODAY if your rabbit has not been vaccinated in the last 6 months.
To visit the Rabbit Welfare Fund website click here
Click here to visit our rabbit section
Digital X-ray revolution arrives at Hampstead
Digital radiography helps us to get to the bottom of your pet's problem as quickly and safely as possible.
Click here to learn more
New Pre-appointment Checklist to help you make the most of every visit
To help you make the most out of your visits, we have developed a Pre-appointment Checklist. Complete the Checklist before your appointment and bring it along to give to your Village Vet. This way, you won't forget about any of those little niggles that have been worrying you.
Click here to download your checklist now
Our feline friends now benefiting from acupuncture at our Garden Suburb surgery!
Click here to learn more
Village Vet launch Vet24!
At our Hampstead practice it no longer has to be an emergency for us to see your pet out of hours.
Click here to learn more
Chocolate toxicity in dogs
Chocolate may be your favourite snack, but perhaps you should read this notice before you share them with your furry friends!!
Click here to read why chocolate is bad for your dog
VILLAGE VET LEAD DRIVE TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FELINE ARTHRITIS