Vaccination
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Vaccination is probably the most important breakthough in preventative medicine.
Serious and fatal diseases such as Parvovirus and Distemper that were such a problem in the past are so well controlled that it is easy to forget what a good job our vaccines are doing.
Indeed, many of the old age diseases, such as cancer and kidney disease, are seen increasingly because our patients are kept free of diseases and so are living longer.
In a population where many animals are vaccinated it can be difficult to see how much the vaccines are helping, but it is a sad truth some unvaccinated animals do still come into contact with these infections and die as a consequence.
We offer vaccination against a wide range of infectious diseases.
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Identichip
Identichips have been an enormous success for returning lost or injured animals to their owners.
It is unfortunate that other forms of identification, such as tags on collars, are often missing by the time an animal is found.
Identichips allow quick identification by vets, charities and local authorities.
Fitting an identichip is a simple quick procedure that can usually be done without need for anaesthetic, and is permanent and tamperproof. It is a compulsory part of the Pet Travel Scheme to guarantee that certificates of rabies vaccination apply to the correct animal.
Flea Control
Keeping pets in a warm home gives fleas the perfect opportunity to multiply, and they certainly can take advantage of this and just a few fleas can turn into an infestation before you know it.
It is a hard fact to face, but if an animal goes outside it will be exposed to fleas.
Wild animals including hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits can all carry fleas into your neighbourhood or garden.
An even more common problem than flea infestations are pets that suffer from Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
If you see fleas it is likely that the animal and its home are infested.
However, not seeing fleas certainly doesn't mean that they are not there.
Many animals tolerate the few fleas that hop on-board whilst out, but self-grooming will usually remove them before you know they're there.
Animals with FAD that pick up a few fleas unfortunately become very itchy and often damage their skin by scratching and biting, and this can cause secondary skin infections which cause even more irritation.
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Thankfully modern prescription flea treatments are so effective that with good advice and the right product flea infestations will be a thing of the past.
With the correct life-long flea control, animals with FAD can be free of irritation and live a comfortable life.
Not only are the treatments extremely effective, but they're also extremely easy to use.
Products such as Frontline are available as spot-on preparations, a concentrated liquid that is applied to the skin on the back of the neck every 1 - 2 months.
Program injection for cats is a simple injection given every 6 months.
The most effective flea control products are Prescription Only, which means they are only available from vets.
Our vets provide free Flea Consultations to discuss which products are suitable and how to use them.
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Worming
Most cats and dogs will be at risk of carrying worms if not treated regularly, whether it is a cat catching wildlife, a dog scavenging while out for a walk, or swallowing a flea that has been groomed from the fur (fleas transmit tapeworms).
Regular worming will prevent your pet developing intestinal upsets due to worm infestations.
Perhaps more importantly it will minimise the chance of your pet spreading worm eggs into the environment.
Worms transmitted from pets can have serious effects on people (for example Toxocara in children) and farm animals.
We recommend worming adult cats and dogs every 3 months as part of a routine of responsible pet ownership.
Puppies and kittens are more susceptible to worm infestations, and more frequent treatment is recommended.
Dental
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It is not surprising that without the care we take to keep our own teeth healthy, the majority of adult cats and dogs have some degree of dental or gum disease.
The great bonus of having yearly vaccinations is that your vet will also perform a clinical examination, and this will include checking the state of your pets teeth and gums.
Brushing the teeth daily is the best way to reduce the chance of problems.
We realise that some animals (particularly cats) will not tolerate brushing, and fortunately there are more and more products becoming available that will help.
We will recommend the best options to suit your pet.
If a build up of tartar is causing gum disease, to prevent progressive problems such as loose teeth, tooth root abscesses or gum infections, we will often recommend that your pet has the teeth scaled under a general anaesthetic.
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Neutering
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Castration (removal of testes) and spaying (removal of uterus and ovaries) is usually recommended for non-breeding pets.
As well as preventing unwanted pregnancies, and minimising behavioural problems such as straying and aggression, neutering also has health benefits.
Entire male cats are more prone to fighting, which can allow transmission of diseases such as FIV and FeLV.
Queens and bitches are at risk of developing life threatening uterine infections.
Spaying bitches early in life reduces the chance of developing mammary tumours.
Also, male dogs can be protected from developing some prostate problems and some tumours later in life.
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Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
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PETS is not only intended to prevent your pet becoming infected with rabies, but also aims to protect the entire population of animals and people in the UK from importing the diseases of which we are currently free. The main features of this scheme are:
Foolproof identification of the animal using a microchip
Vaccination against rabies
Blood test to prove that the vaccine has worked (after 30 days)
6 month period from the date of the blood test before being allowed to return to the UK
Treatment for ticks and tapeworms before returning to the UK.
Specific details of the scheme are constantly changing so please contact us for the latest information. Preparing an animal to go abroad under the scheme requires planning long in advance (7 or 8 months ahead).
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