Hampden Veterinary Hospital

03/09/2024

Frankie the cat had a big adventure — she visited us last week for a dental extraction!
🦷🐾 We were very taken with her - she's quite unusual, being a female ginger cat. Ratios of male to female gingers are very skewed, something in the region of 80% males and 20% females.

Don’t worry, everything went purr-fectly, and she’s back home, snuggled up with her humans. She may be missing a tooth or two, but she's gained an extra dose of pampering and soft treats. 😸💕 Ready to resume her role as Queen of the House, with a grin that’s just as charming as ever!

(Pic shared by kind permission of Frankie's owner!)

02/09/2024

A LUCKY ESCAPE FOR LADY – 🫁🪱 LUNGWORM

This beautiful girl had a narrow escape after contracting lungworm back home which was picked up by one of our vets whilst her humans were holidaying in the local area.

The difficult thing about lungworm is that it can be fatal without any symptoms as it often causes a clotting and bleeding problem rather than a cough (as you might expect). In Lady’s case, she developed a small swelling on her side which was initially though to be an insect sting reaction. But after a few days she developed some unusual bruising under the skin which raised our suspicions of a clotting problem.

The good news about lungworm is that it is entirely preventable and treatable with a good and comprehensive worming regime.

In Lady’s owner’s own words ‘’It's definitely something that should be highlighted more often as in this case, it was lack of knowledge on my behalf that stopped me from taking regular worming seriously.’’

So, please check that the products that you are using cover your dog for lungworm – even if you are worming regularly not all products cover it (e.g. Drontal, Panacur) so be aware of what you are using.

If you would like to discuss the wormers you are using you can book a free flea/worming treatment check with one of our vets at any of our branches. Please also see the link to our Heath Care Plan below. Let's keep all our pets safe!

https://www.hampdenvets.co.uk/small-animal/pet-health-plan

01/09/2024

Ginger cats are like tiny, sun-drenched lions, strutting around with a confidence only their fiery fur can command. They don’t just walk into a room; they make an entrance. Every head turns, every conversation pauses—just to bask in their glory.

These orange bundles of sass and charm know they’re special, and they’re not afraid to flaunt it. Whether they’re napping in a sunbeam or plotting their next grand adventure, one thing’s for sure: life’s just better with a ginger cat around. 🌟🐾

Drop your ginger cat photos below and let's appreciate them!

31/08/2024

🐾 Important Update from Hampden Veterinary Hospital 🐾

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be installing a brand-new phone system on September 17th and 18th! 📞✨ This upgrade will help us serve you even better, ensuring smoother and faster communication.

We’ve got a reliable backup system in place, so everything should run as usual. However, if you experience any issues while reaching us, please bear with us and kindly let us know when you do get through. Your patience and understanding mean the world to us! ❤️

Thank you for your continued trust in us to care for your furry family members. 🐶🐱

30/08/2024

🏖️ Sun’s out, pups out! 🏖️ Today is National Beach Day!

Nothing makes us happier than seeing your furry friends soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and digging in the sand! 🌞🌊

Show us how your pups are living their best summer life at the beach. Drop your favorite beach pics below and let us know how they're enjoying the ultimate doggy day out! 🐾🐶

28/08/2024

📢 Important Notice: Fairford Leys Temporary Branch Closure

🚨 Heads up, pet parents!

Fairford Leys Vet Surgery will be closed from 2nd to 5th September for essential staff training. 🐾 During this time, all other branches will be open as usual, ready to take care of your furry friends. 🐶🐱

✨ Need assistance? Visit our nearby branches or give us a call for any urgent care needs. We're here to help!

🔗 https://www.hampdenvets.co.uk/small-animal/contact-us
☎ 012964 23666

Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in our care. 💚

26/08/2024

🚗Ready to hit the road with your kitty? 🐾

Ensure a smooth and stress-free trip by preparing with the right resources for your feline friend.

Check out our guide to essential cat travel tools that make the journey comfortable and safe for your cat🐱✨

24/08/2024

serves two purposes 🔽

1️⃣ A day to celebrate all blind dogs in the world and ways we can support them – as all dogs are good dogs.

2️⃣ Highlight that whether partially or fully blind, they can lead a fulfilling life with a great quality of life!

Owners support blind dogs by creating a safe space, not rearranging home furniture, and training methods such as using audio cues to help make navigation easier and giving them sound-based toys to make play easier for them.

This is only a slice of ways we can support blind dogs.

And the beautiful Loki is demonstrating both purposes perfectly 💖 Thank you to Tower Vets, Knaresborough for the video!

23/08/2024

🎉 Big Milestone Alert! 🎉

Gambit just wrapped up his final rehabilitation session with our amazing Nurse Keri after his TPLO surgery back in June! 🦴💪 He's been working hard on his exercises, and we couldn’t be more pleased with his progress. 🐾

For those who might not know, TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is a highly successful surgical technique used to treat cranial cruciate ligament failure in dogs. This surgery helps dogs regain stability and strength in their legs, and Gambit has been a superstar throughout his recovery journey! 🌟🐾

Let’s give him a big round of applause for all his hard work and bravery! 👏🐕‍🦺

22/08/2024

Vet Visit Updates! 🐾

It’s been a busy day at the Fairford Leys clinic with some adorable visitors!

Isa the Bengal cat 🐱 came in for a vaccination re-start and showed off her beautiful spots!

Poppy the miniature schnauzer 🐶 stopped by for her 6-month health check and got a clean bill of health.

Django the labrador 🐕 had his ears checked and had a pesky grass seed removed—he's feeling much better now!

All three pets saw vet Alison and are now back home, happy and healthy! 🏡❤️



All pet photos shared with kind permission of the owners.

22/08/2024

What should a pet first aid kit include? 🚗🤔​
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When travelling with your pet, being prepared for unexpected injuries is crucial. Make sure you have a travel-friendly first aid kit to handle any minor mishaps on the go. 🐶🐱​

Speak to your practice nursing team, they can help you to create a first aid kit and advise how to use it.​
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🩹Bandages​
🩹Blunt-ended scissors​
🩹Wound wash​
🩹Cotton wool​
🩹Tweezers​
🩹Tick tweezers/remover​
🩹Wound dressings​
🩹Self-adhesive tape​
🩹Padding​
🩹Vinyl gloves​
🩹Foil blanket​
🩹Antiseptic wipes​
🩹A blanket to use as a stretcher​
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Whether you're on a road trip or just out for the day, keep a smaller kit in your car or bag. Remember, after any first aid, a vet check-up is important to ensure your pet’s well-being 🩺💕

Be EXTRA careful with bandages, as if too tight or they rub they can cause serious harm. They are a temporary measure to stop bleeding unless you can get help .​
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Travel safe and keep your furry travel buddies happy and healthy.

21/08/2024

🐱 Kevin's Vet Visit! 🐾

Kevin the cat stopped by the vet hospital for a minor operation, and we absolutely loved having him here—especially with his adorable teddy by his side! 🧸💖

Wishing Kevin a speedy recovery and plenty of snuggles with his favorite companion.



Video shared by kind permission of Kevin's humans.

21/08/2024

🐉 Cuddles Update! 🐉

Yesterday, Cuddles the bearded dragon paid us a visit for a minor procedure. He was much admired, and our receptionist Maddy couldn't resist the chance to make a fuss of him!

We're happy to report that everything went smoothly, and Cuddles is now back home, safe and sound, with his human family. 🦎💚

Sending lots of love to Cuddles as he relaxes and enjoys some well-deserved TLC!

20/08/2024

🚗🐶​ Planning a road trip with your furry friend this summer? 🚗🐶​
​
Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for both of you:​
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🌞Hydration is Key: Always have plenty of fresh water available to keep your dog hydrated, especially in the heat​

🌞Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and get some fresh air.​

🌞Never Leave Them in the Car: Even with the windows open, cars can quickly become dangerously hot​.

🌞Comfortable Restraint: Ensure your dog is safely restrained with a pet seatbelt, carrier, crate or behind a dog guard.​

🌞Pack the Essentials: Bring your dog’s favourite toys, blankets, enough extra water to cool your pet in case of traffic delays or a breakdown and any necessary medications (ensure they are labelled or they could be confiscated).​

🌞Stay Cool: Use sunshades for car windows and keep the air conditioning on to prevent overheating​.

🌞Check for Pet-Friendly Stops: Plan your route with pet-friendly rest areas and accommodations, including veterinary surgeries along the way in case your pet becomes poorly.​
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Safe travels and happy adventures with your canine companion! 🐾🌞🚗​

19/08/2024

🐾 Join Our Team: Qualified RVN Wanted! 🐾

Are you a Qualified RVN seeking a rewarding career in a busy veterinary hospital? Look no further!

What we offer:

Full-time position with 40 hours of dynamic work per week 🏥

Competitive salary reflective of your skills 💰

Generous CPD allowance to support your professional growth 📚

4-day work week to promote work-life balance 🌞

1:6 weekend rota ensuring fair time off 🐶

Opportunity to work with advanced equipment such as our CT scanner, and a diverse case load 🔬

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join our dedicated team!

📧 [email protected]

19/08/2024

🌍📸 Happy World Photography Day! 📸🌍

This year’s theme is “An Entire Day”, and we want to celebrate the special bond you share with your pets! 🐾 Whether it’s a morning cuddle, a lunchtime playdate, or a cozy evening on the couch, your furry friends make every moment special.

We’d love to see your favorite snapshot that encapsulates a day in the life with your pet. 🐶🐱

📷 Share your photo in the comments and tell us what makes that moment so special. Let’s fill the feed with the love and joy our pets bring us every single day! 💖



Photo taken from Pexels (Snapwire)

18/08/2024

✈️ Ready to Travel with Your Pet? Here's How to Apply for an Animal Health Certificate! 🌍​
​
Getting an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an essential step for your pet to travel abroad. Here’s how you can apply:​
​
✈️ Contact Your Vet: Schedule an appointment with your vet at least 1 month before you travel, longer if possible. Your vet needs to be an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to issue AHCs.​ Not all vets are OVs!

✈️ Ensure Vaccinations Are Up to Date: Your pet must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination or it will need to be given at the latest 21 days before travel.​

✈️ Health Check: During the appointment, your vet will perform a health check and ensure your pet meets all travel requirements.​

✈️ Get the AHC Issued: Once issued by your vet you have 10 days maximum to enter the EU; after this the AHC is not valid. Once you have entered the EU you have 4 months for onward travel within the EU or re-entry to Great Britain.​

For more information check out the official government website here: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/getting-an-animal-health-certificate ​
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Prepare ahead to ensure a smooth and safe journey for you and your furry friend! 🌍✈️​

17/08/2024

✈️ Are you planning to travel with your pet this summer? 🌍​
​
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document required for your pet cat, dog or ferret to travel from the UK to the EU, Switzerland, Norway and part 1 listed countries not in the EU e.g. Iceland.​
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To ensure your pets meet the necessary health and vaccination standards of these countries, AHCs are mandatory and specific for each country; they help protect the health of pets against rabies and tapeworm.​
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Always research your destination and discuss with your vet the best ways to prevent transmission of local diseases to your pet. ​
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For more detailed information and guidelines, check out the official government website here: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/getting-an-animal-health-certificate.​
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Make sure you and your furry friend are ready for your next adventure! 🌍✈️​

16/08/2024

🩺 Meet Callista, the Ragdoll Cat! 🐾

Yesterday, beautiful Callista visited us for a quick procedure. We're thrilled to share that everything went smoothly, she had lots of fusses and was admired by our staff, and she's now back home, snuggled up with her humans. 🏡💖

15/08/2024

Freddy visited our Fairford Leys branch on Wednesday afternoon as he'd been a little unwell. He saw vet Alison, who sent him home with some meds to rest comfortably with his owner. Get well soon Freddy!



(photo shared by kind permission of his human)

15/08/2024

🌿🐾 Happy National Relaxation Day from Hampden Veterinary Hospital! 🐾🌿

Today, we’re taking a cue from our furry, feathered, and hooved friends and finding the purrfect way to relax! 🐶🐱🐴🐮

🐕 Small Animals: Don’t worry, our cats and dogs have it all figured out. Nap in a sunny spot, stretch like nobody’s watching, and maybe chase a tail or two for fun! 😸🛋️

🐄 Farm Animals: Our cows and sheep are masters of relaxation—chewing cud and lounging in the fields. Take a lesson from them and find your own patch of grass to enjoy. 🌾😴

🐎 Equine Friends: Our horses know that a good roll in the dirt is the ultimate spa treatment. So, why not take a moment to indulge in a mud mask or just kick back and watch the clouds drift by? 🐴☁️

Remember, if our animal pals can find time to relax, so can you! Wishing you a day of rest and rejuvenation from all of us at Hampden Veterinary Hospital! 🐾❤️



(Photo taken from Pexels)

14/08/2024

🐾 Chinchilla Check-Up Success! 🦷

Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming adorable Joseph the chinchilla for a dental appointment! We're happy to report that everything went smoothly, and he's now back home with his human, feeling fresh and healthy. 🐾✨

Dental care is just as important for our small furry friends as it is for us! 🥰 If you have a little one who could use a check-up, we’re here to help!

14/08/2024

Excuse me... Do you have a minute to talk about an easy way to support your pet’s health while saving money?

Our Pet Health Plan gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that care for your pet is covered.

Learn more about the benefits and sign up today! https://www.hampdenvets.co.uk/small-animal/pet-health-plan

12/08/2024

🛑 A Hutch is Not Enough 🛑

Rabbits need more than a small hutch to thrive🐇 Confining them to tight spaces is cruel and harmful. Here’s why:

🐰 Solitary Confinement: Rabbits need space to run, jump, stretch, dig, and forage, as well as a bonded mate for companionship.

🐰 Weather Exposure: Small hutches offer little protection from the elements, leaving rabbits vulnerable.

🐰 Room to Rear Up: Rabbits must be able to stand on their hind legs without touching the roof to avoid spinal issues.

Minimum Enclosure Size: At least 3m x 2m x 1m high—bigger is always better!

Learn more at Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

11/08/2024

There is good practical advice here for looking after your dogs in hot weather. Just a reminder that the next 2 days it is going to be too hot to walk your dogs in the daytime, other than at very early morning or late evening. Stay safe out there!

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/warm-weather

Keep your dog happy and healthy in warm weather with our advice for safe fun in the sun.

10/08/2024

It's "Spoil Your Dog" Day!

From the 'boop button' nose to the ‘attention grabbers’ get ready to see your furry friend in a whole new light!

08/08/2024

What is your cat doing on International Cat Day?

Our furry friends know how to relax and lounge like a boss! Show us how your cat is celebrating today by sharing your best pics.

Let's give these purr-fect pets the spotlight they deserve!

06/08/2024

🐕‍🦺Let’s squash this myth!

Dog breath isn’t always an ‘old dog thing’, which for many can be the assumed thing. Just like us, cats and dogs can experience dental issues that require attention.

This , take a moment to assess your pet's breath. If it's less than pleasant, it could be a red flag for dental issues such as gum disease, plaque buildup, or tooth decay. If you’ve noticed any new dental symptoms in your pet, contact us today.

☎️ 01296 423666
📧[email protected]
🌐https://www.hampdenvets.co.uk/

02/08/2024

Flash visited us last week to have his hips and elbows scored. He was a very good boy, and a model patient! Pics shared with kind permission of his humans!

🏥🐾 Why Do We Hip Score Dogs? 🐾🏥

Ever wondered why our furry friends go through hip and elbow scoring? 🤔 Here’s the scoop:

🔍 Prevent Problems: Detecting hip dysplasia early helps prevent pain and mobility issues down the road.

👶 Breeding Better: Ensuring healthy hips in breeding dogs means healthier puppies! Less risk of inherited problems.

🎾 Play More, Live More: With healthy hips and elbows, dogs can enjoy more playtime, walks, and adventures without discomfort.

💸 Save on Vet Bills: Early detection can mean fewer surgeries and lower vet costs. Win-win! 💰

So, next time you see a dog getting their hips checked, know it's all about keeping tails wagging and paws running! 🐶❤️

01/08/2024

Do YOU know what happens when your pet goes for a dental procedure?

Let us walk you through the process! During a dental cleaning, our experienced team performs a thorough examination of your pet's oral cavity (mouth) to assess their dental health. This includes checking for signs of plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, depth of any gum pockets and other dental issues.

💡 Next, we use specialised dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your pet's teeth, both above and below the gum line. This process, known as scaling, is essential for preventing dental disease and maintaining oral hygiene. Our team takes great care to ensure your pet's comfort throughout the cleaning process, using gentle techniques and monitoring their vital signs closely.

🔍 In addition to scaling, we may also perform a dental polish to smooth the surfaces of your pet's teeth and help prevent plaque from re-accumulating. If any dental issues are detected during the cleaning, such as fractured or decayed teeth, we will discuss treatment options with you and develop a plan to address them.

📅 Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of your pet's preventive care routine, helping to keep their teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of dental disease. If it's been a while since your pet's last dental cleaning or if you have concerns about their oral health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.