Bridge Referrals

20/08/2024

Could your pet be our next blood donor hero!?❤️🫶

We are currently appealing for both dog and cat blood donors who could help save patients’ lives by donating some of their blood.

To find out if your pet is eligible, simply click on the link below! ⬇️

We look forward to welcoming your pets onto the Bridge Referrals blood donor team! ❤️

Could your dog or cat join our team and become our next blood donor hero? At Bridge Referrals Veterinary Centre, we are excited to launch our Pet Blood Donor Programme, an essential initiative that supports life-saving treatments for pets in need. Blood donations from healthy pets can make a profoun...

19/08/2024

The beautiful Azula 💖

Azula popped in last Friday for a post-op check with our orthopaedic surgeon Jack! 🐾

She is recovering so well after her TPLO surgery and we are all so pleased with her progress so far! 👏

We look forward to seeing her back again soon for her inclusive physio appointment with Rebecca! 💖

16/08/2024

How cute is Bair, a real life deadpool dog?! 😍

Bair presented for an ophthalmic consultation to help treat his corneal ulceration with our ophthalmologist Olivia! 👁️

Bair is currently undergoing medical management for the corneal ulceration so will be back in our clinic soon! 🩵

15/08/2024

Meet the lovely Gunner! 🐶 🐾

Gunner was referred to our internal medicine team for investigations of a persistent fever which was causing him to be lethargic and not want to eat normally.

We are lucky at Bridge Referrals to have a fantastic on-site CT scanner, available for 24/7 use, which showed that Gunner had an abscess in one of his lung lobes and two abscesses behind his diaphragm (around the main arteries into his abdomen!) - shown in red on the attached images.

These abscesses were strongly suspected to be associated with foreign bodies, so Gunner was assessed by our soft tissue surgery team and had surgery performed to explore the abnormal areas. A grass seed was removed from his lung and two were removed from under his spine!

Gunner was discharged home soon after surgery with two weeks of strict rest, which was challenging as he was quickly feeling back to his usual bouncy self. He came back to see us this week and is recovering really well from his surgeries! 👏

Gunner’s case highlights the importance of investigating persistent fevers and is a good example of one of the classic presentations of problems caused by grass seeds. The plant material is inhaled as the dog runs through a field, then enters the lung and then can migrate out into the chest cavity and then through the diaphragm under the spine. Infection can develop, leading to the patient being ‘off colour’, with lethargy, a reduced appetite and sometimes breathing difficulty. Fortunately, with prompt recognition and treatment, the long-term outlook is usually excellent.

Well done Gunner! 🩵

15/08/2024

Internal Medicine meets Soft Tissue: Multidisciplinary care under one roof at Bridge Referrals! 👏

Click on the link below to read more.. ⬇️

https://www.bridgereferrals.co.uk/blog/internal-medicine-meets-soft-tissue-multidisciplinary-care-under-one-roof-at-bridge-referrals/

The power of multidisciplinary care all under one roof allows us to provide your pets with the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. This integrated approach places their health and well-being as our top priority. Collaborative care at Bridge Referrals: A team approach Gunner, a 7-yea...

13/08/2024

Our annual Bridge Award Winners! 🎉

In addition we have 3 more winners of the Annual Bridge Award for the people with the most consistent nominations throughout the last year!

💖 Samara - Such a polite and kind person, Samara is always very helpful, friendly and approachable. She never shies away from a job or a challenge. Samara really cares for her patients, getting to know them as individuals which really shows during handovers. It’s the little things she does that makes all the difference.

She is a pleasure to work with and her positive, ‘can-do’ attitude helps boost the team morale. Samara is keen to learn and is there to help and teach others which makes her an invaluable member of the nursing team. She always looks out for people to make sure they are ok, and is there when you need to talk ❤️

💖 Rebecca - Becca is an absolute star and pleasure to work with, a real team player, covering night shifts when needed and supporting other departments. She is so caring and kind to others, and is always happy to help, with a smile on her face. Becca organised and coordinated a delicious coffee morning, raising a fantastic amount of money for McMillian 💚 As a clinical coach her naturally nurturing personality shines through. She works hard, is friendly and approachable, with a wealth of nursing knowledge.

Becca you are our Disney Princess 👑

💖 Libbie - Libbie is calm, super supportive, and approachable lead RVN. The day flies by when working alongside Libbie. She is always happy to help guide others, with a wealth of knowledge to share with the rest of the team. Libbie has done a fantastic job developing the soft tissue department, updating stock and the ordering process, all of which she has taken in her stride. Her anaesthesia and soft tissue knowledge is fabulous and she is a trusted pair of hands when it comes to complicated soft tissue procedures.The work Libbie has done over the recent months has led to a huge improvement in the day-to-day running of the surgical team and we all appreciate this.

Libbie is fabulous, an asset to the team 🙌

13/08/2024

Congratulations to Sophie, one of our fabulous internal medicine nurses, on winning the July Bridge Award! 💖

Sophie is so kind, caring, positive and considerate, supporting all the team. She is a true team player and a wonderful RVN! 🫶

With her exceptional nursing knowledge and skills, every patient is in safe hands with Sophie. She is amazing in a crash situation, so calm and level headed, and is always able to answer any questions related to the Pet blood bank! 🐾

Keep shining Sophie 🌟

13/08/2024

Calling all vets and nurses! 🩺🐾

Join us on Monday 16th September for our CPD evening with our neurologist, Alison Kennair and our physiotherapist, Rebecca Heald!

⏰ Food from 7pm, CPD starts from 7.30pm
📍 Bridge Referrals, Boldon Business Park
🌟 Certificates provided

To register please email -
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you then! 💚💙

12/08/2024

This little superstar is Vinnie! 🩵

He was seen at Bridge Referrals by both our ophthalmology and soft tissue departments. He had a large skin fold over his nose which was getting infected and sore. His eyelids were also too big with hairs rubbing directly on his eyes causing irritation.

Vinnie had surgery to remove his large facial fold and surgery to reduce his eyelid length. These procedures were done as separate surgeries to reduce the risk of postoperative infection.

This is Vinnie a week after his eyelid surgery and four weeks after his skin fold surgery. His owners are delighted with the result and Vinnie is just the happiest boy! 🫶

06/08/2024

Karl Bovenizer joins the Bridge Referrals team full-time! 👏

To read the full blog, simply click on the link below! ⬇️

https://www.bridgereferrals.co.uk/blog/karl-bovenizer-joins-the-bridge-referrals-team-full-time/

05/08/2024

The handsome Barney posing here as he celebrated completion of his chemotherapy today! 👏

He's been so brave and had the last treatment of his protocol with us today! 🩵

He initially required some sedative, being a nervous patient, for his treatment but with the perseverance and gentle approach of our oncology nurses this was soon not needed with the help of food!

We will see him again in a month for a follow up! 🫶

02/08/2024

At Bridge Referrals Veterinary Centre, we are excited to launch our Pet Blood Donor Programme, an essential initiative that supports life-saving treatments for pets in need! ❤️

Blood donations from healthy pets can make a profound difference in emergency situations and for pets undergoing surgery or treatment for various conditions.

Please click on the link below for more information! ⬇️

https://www.bridgereferrals.co.uk/blog/could-your-pet-be-the-next-hero-in-our-blood-donor-programme-here-at-bridge-referrals/

Could your dog or cat join our team and become our next blood donor hero? At Bridge Referrals Veterinary Centre, we are excited to launch our Pet Blood Donor Programme, an essential initiative that supports life-saving treatments for pets in need. Blood donations from healthy pets can make a profoun...

02/08/2024

The handsome Toby came in to see Sarah for an initial ophthalmology appointment today! 🩵

The gorgeous Molly came along to support him! 💖

His owner told us that he takes his little toy absolutely everywhere with him! 🥹 we look forward to more cuddles from Toby on Monday when he is back in for his monitoring consultation with Sarah!

01/08/2024

A massive well done to the gorgeous Luna for completing her chemotherapy! 🎉

She was sadly diagnosed with a very unusual condition affecting her eye. Histiocytic sarcoma is something we see very often, but Luna developed this condition in the iris of her eye which is a rare site to see this condition. Her affected eye was removed following full staging and she underwent chemotherapy following this.

She has done so well and we will continue to monitor her going forward! 💖

Well done Luna! 👏

31/07/2024

Calling all vets and nurses! 🐾 Did you know that we now offer Pannus “Lunch & Learn” sessions here at Bridge Referrals!? 👀

As the summer finally arrives Bridge Referrals are seeing an increase of Pannus in dogs. Pannus is a lifelong condition but with well managed clinical plans the treatment can be very effective!

These sessions will contribute to professional development and allow for a relaxed networking opportunity for our colleagues that want to learn more about Pannus. Conveniently held at your practice or at Bridge Referrals at times that suit you.

If you’re interested in arranging or being part of our “Lunch & Learn sessions please email us at 📧 [email protected]

As the summer finally arrives Bridge Referrals are seeing an increase of Pannus in dogs. Pannus is a lifelong condition but with well managed clinical plans the treatment can be very effective. As our relationship grows with our veterinary colleagues across the region, we will be offering “Lunch a...

30/07/2024

The basics of ECG 🫀Part 1, written by our Cardiologist, Karl Bovenizer!

Click on the link below to read the full blog! ⬇️

https://www.bridgereferrals.co.uk/blog/the-basics-of-ecg-part-1/

ECG’s are one of those things I often get asked about, they seem to cause some confusion and consternation with people so I thought I’d write a quick blog going through some of the basics. To be as helpful as possible, I’ve divided it into 2 parts. In the first I’ll talk about how the electr...

26/07/2024

Soft Tissue services expand due to the completion of development at Bridge Referrals Veterinary Centre! 👏

To read the full blog, simply click on the link below ⬇️

Following the arrival of Mark Gosling, European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and now the completion of the 2nd stage of development, Soft Tissue services at Bridge Referrals continues to expand. Bridge Referrals now boasts a state-of-the-art theatre dedicated exclusively to soft tissue procedu...

26/07/2024

Iggy presented to our Ophthalmology department with cataracts secondary to diabetes mellitus! 🐾

This type of cataract rapidly progresses and affected dogs can become very disoriented and distressed. The lens absorbs fluid because of the raised blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. The lens then swells which changes the structure of the lens material and a cataract is formed.

It is important that cataracts are assessed early on in diabetic patients because as the lens swells there is a high risk of lens capsule rupture which can cause uveitis and a painful eye.

Iggy was certainly finding the sudden blindness difficult to deal with. His owners had also noticed some signs of discomfort in Iggy’s left eye which can be associated with lens induced uveitis.

Sarah Harrison operated on Iggy to remove the cataractous lenses with a procedure called phacoemulsification. Artificial lenses were placed to restore a good level of vision.

Iggy has been comfortable and visual since surgery! 👏 His owners have seen such a difference in him now he has his sight back! 🩵

25/07/2024

Everyone meet the beautiful Bonnie! 💖

She is a regular patient of ours who is on treatment for bladder cancer and is very well known to the team here at Bridge. She is the sweetest little dog (princess 👸) who loves the fuss from all of us and of course the treats her owners bring in for her when she gets her regular therapy!

Her lovely owners are so proud of her! 😍 She is doing so well and her condition is thankfully under control! 👏

24/07/2024

We are thrilled to introduce Jess Bell as the newest member of our team, stepping into the role of Clinical Nursing Coordinator! 🐾

To read more about Jess, simply click on the link below! ⬇️

We are thrilled to introduce Jess Bell as the newest member of our team, stepping into the role of Clinical Nursing Coordinator. With a robust background in nursing and a deep commitment to patient care, Jess brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our organisation. In her new role,...

24/07/2024

The sun is shining and it’s MRI day here at Bridge Referrals! 🌞

MRI scans can be used for the diagnosis of -

🔹 Spinal disorders
🔹 Brain conditions
🔹 Joint problems
🔹 Ear conditions

And much more….

Referrals can be submitted on our online platform or alternatively you can call 0191 5808330!

22/07/2024

Stevie! 😍 we are all just utterly obsessed with this gorgeous little cutie pie!

He was in for his post op x-rays today and we’re so pleased with how he’s doing! 👏

Cuddles from Stevie are just the best! 🩵

22/07/2024

One of our own veterinary nurses Louisa recently hosted some in-house training for our veterinary care assistant team on canine and feline nutrition! 🐾

Louisa has a certificate in nutrition! The VCA team enjoyed a delicious breakfast 🍓learnt lots and there was even a prize for the end of presentation quiz winner… Rachel B 🏆

We will certainly be hosting ‘Brunch & Learn’ more often, especially now we have a dedicated space for hosting CPD/Lunch & learn events! 👏

19/07/2024

The handsome Wilson! 😍

This lovely boy came back in to see Emma today to be admitted for left TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) after having this surgery performed on his right hind leg three months ago.

This is a procedure used to treat cruciate ligament rupture in the knee joints of dogs! 🐾

Wilson is such a good boy and will absolutely receive all the cuddles throughout his stay with us! 🥰

18/07/2024

A big shout out to some of our brave patients undergoing therapy today with the medicine team! 🫶

A huge bonus was seeing the lovely labrador Alex and German Shepherd Pepsi, both complete their therapy today, they’re both doing so well! 😍

Both are in remission from their conditions and we will see them in a month for a recheck to keep an eye on their progress! 💚💙

17/07/2024

What a cutie! 😍

Louie came in last week for an initial consultation with Jack, one of our orthopaedic surgeons, after his owner had noticed that he was hopping and holding up one of his back legs occasionally. The good news is that Jack thinks this can be managed conservatively at this stage, and we only need to see Louie again if his owner is concerned!

He was just the most lovely boy! 🩵

16/07/2024

Meet the lovely Poppy 😍 She is a two year old Cocker Spaniel was referred to our ophthalmology team due to her right eye becoming exophthalmic (protruding more forward than it usually should). The findings on our ophthalmic examination were suggestive of a lesion in the retrobulbar space (behind the eye).

Poppy’s investigations and treatment required a multi-disciplinary approach. She had an MRI scan of her head with our neurology department to assess the extent of the lesion and where it was arising. Then our internal medicine colleague, Darren Long performed an ultrasound guided fine needle aspirate to get a sample from the mass behind the eye.

Worryingly masses behind the eye can sometimes be aggressive tumours. Luckily in Poppy’s case, the sample came back as an unusual inflammatory condition called orbital nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis. Poppy has responded well to anti-inflammatory medications and her right eye is back to normal, as you can see in the photographs! 👏

We will continue to monitor Poppy over the coming weeks but she is a delight to examine! 💖

16/07/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to our CPD evening last night, held by Darren Long! 💚💙

🔹Our next CPD evening will be Neurology, Approach the neurological examination & “Spinal injury: medical or surgical management?” Plus spinal rehabilitation with Alison Kennair (RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery) & Rebecca Heald (ACPAT).

This will be held at Bridge Referrals on Monday 16th September from 7pm.

If you’d like to sign up simply email us at -
📧 [email protected]!

15/07/2024

Meet Layla! 😍

She belongs to Darren, one of our clinical directors and she was admitted for investigations and treatment for renal disease.

She’s looking good for almost 14 years of age and has been so unbelievably well behaved (most of the time 👀) and has a full plan for therapy.

We all have our own pets and very much understand the worry you all face when bringing your companions to us. Rest assured we treat them all as if they were our own! 💚💙

14/07/2024

We were all obsessed with this little guys England top this week! 😍

Happy Sunday! ❤️