The Grove Veterinary Hospital & Clinics - Fakenham

30/08/2024

It's Friday and we are finishing it one of the best ways - with puppy cuddles.
This rather adorable bunch of Labrador puppies visited Adrienne recently for their health checks.

Should you need us this weekend, as always we have a team ready and waiting to help. You can reach our Out Of Hours Team on 01328 851144.

Happy Weekend

29/08/2024

Did you know that a single pair of cats and their offspring can potentially produce 420,000 kittens!

A mature cat can have 3 litters or around 12 kittens a year. Of these kittens, around half will be female who will then go on to produce their own kittens from 6 months of age.
We mustn't forget the boys who reach sexual maturity from around 9 months and start to produce their own kittens.

This can mean lots of kittens in rescue centres, and feral colonies can also become unmanageable.

Un-neutered cats are also at risk of diseases such as FIV -feline immunodeficiency virus which is transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids.

Large numbers of unmanaged cats living together can potentially have lots of problems due to the continuous cycle of breeding, inbreeding, fighting and poor nutrition.

Un-neutered toms are also more likely to wander, and getting hit by cars or fighting with other tomcats, putting them at risk of contracting an infectious disease.

Being a responsible owner and neutering your kitten will prevent adding to these numbers while vaccinating can help prevent the spread of disease, and microchipping can help reunite you with your cat should they go straying. Which in turn reduces the strain on rescue centres who are already full with stray and unwanted cats.

As of 10th June 2024 it became a legal requirement that all pet cats be microchipped.

Call any of our surgeries to book your cat in for neutering, vaccinating and microchipping.

Pictured is Giogo, who was in recently to be spayed

28/08/2024

Fakenham have had a bank card handed in this morning.

It was found by the front porch but unfortunately the name on the card is not in our system.

If you have lost a card please call Fakenham on 01328 862137 where it is currently being held securely

28/08/2024

Did you know registered veterinary nurses are permitted to undertake minor surgical procedures?
Following assessment by a veterinary surgeon some minor procedures are suitable for delegation to a registered veterinary nurse, this might include superficial mass removals, tail amputation or wound closures.
As well as enabling us to provide the best care to your pet as soon as possible this also makes veterinary nursing a more diverse and rewarding career.
No two days are ever the same!

27/08/2024

On 28th September several of the team will be walking in London in order to raise funds for East Winch Wildlife Centre so they can continue to do their fantastic work in treating, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife like the seals and gull in the video.

If you are able to donate to the fundraiser please visit our justgiving page (link in comments)

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/umcgKzgprtRnd2Xk/

26/08/2024

Today is National Dog Day

A day to celebrate dogs of all shapes and sizes and the work they do. Whether they are a PAT Dog visiting care homes and hospitals or a SAR dog searching for lost people.

We aren't of course forgetting all the pet dogs whose job it is to snuggle on the sofa.

So join us this National Dog Day and celebrate our canine friends by sharing a photo below.

This Bank Holiday Monday we have a team on hand ready to help.
You can reach our Out Of Hours Team on 01328 851144

www.nationaldogday.com

19/08/2024

🐢 Tortoise found 🐢

This afternoon the Dereham branch have had a Tortoise handed in.
Male Hermanns Tortoise- medium sized. Not microchipped. No injuries.
Found in Little Fransham.

If you believe this may your tortoise please call the Dereham branch on: 01362 696772. As always proof of ownership will be required.

19/08/2024

Today is World Photography Day.

A day to celebrate the art and science of photography, join us in celebrating by sharing your favourite photos below.

www.worldphotographyday.com

17/08/2024

🐱 Found cats 🐱

Today we have had two cats handed in the Fakenham branch. If you believe either of the following cats are yours please contact the practice on 01328 862137. As always proof of ownership will be required.

Cat 1-
Friendly, Black and white male, neutered, mature age. He is microchipped but unfortunately not registered. No collar. No severe injuries just a few old fight wounds. Found in Necton.

Cat 2-
Black and white young female, currently heavily pregnant, not microchipped and no collar. No obvious injuries. Found near Stibbard.

15/08/2024

Today we are closed for staff training other than for prebooked appointments until 1pm.

For emergencies please contact Fakenham on 01328 862137

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

14/08/2024

Sometimes, something a little different comes along.

Beans the ferret wasn't feeling too well and popped along to see the team at Fakenham.

Beans is a typical ferret and wasn't keen on the whole process and he wasn't cooperative when it came to examination and taking bloods, and he needed a sedation.
Being a small furry means that Beans has a higher risk of getting cold whilst under sedation, so the team looking after him fashioned him a bubblewrap jacket to help keep him warm, along with warm beds, heat pads and warm air systems to prevent him from losing body heat.

Beans received a full check over before being woken up in a nice warm bed, and quickly returned to his feisty ferrety ways.

13/08/2024

Yesterday was a hot one, and today while albeit cooler is still forecast to be hot.🌡🥵

Whilst we may enjoy it, high temperatures can be potentially life threatening for our pets.

There are many things you can do to help keep your pets cool in the heat

🌡Walk your dogs either early morning or late evening. Young and old dogs and brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs are those that struggle the most.
🌡Consider NOT walking your dog, instead play mental games to tire your dog. Missing a walk won't harm your dog.
🌡Provide plenty of shaded places for your pets to snooze in.
🌡Small furries in hutches are at high risk of over heating, move hutches into shaded areas, cover runs, provide frozen bottles of water that the furries can lay against to cool down.
🌡Cool mats can and will be utilised by most animals, cold wet towels for laying on are also ideal to cool down with.
🌡Make sure your pets have access to plenty of water, even offering several sources to drink from.
🌡Reptiles and tortoises may be cold blooded and enjoy basking in the sun, but it is very easy for them to over heat so should also be provided with several water sources and plenty of shaded areas to cool down and regulate their body temperature.

And finally don't forget any wildlife visitors as they will also benefit from having water left out for them.

Enjoy the sunny weather but be careful.

12/08/2024

✨️Our fundraising link is now live.✨️

On 28th September a few of the team will be swapping their woodland walks to pound the pavements of London, to walk along the Thames crossing the bridges as they go.
They are doing this to raise money for East Winch Wildlife Centre as voted for by you.

Help the team along the way by donating and sharing the link so that the staff at the centre can continue to carry on their fantastic work of treating and rehabilitating Norfolks wildlife.

On the 28th September you will be able to follow the teams progress as they cross London Bridges

Help Tanya Dutt raise money to support RSPCA

09/08/2024

***URGENTLY SEEKING OWNERS***

Fakenham are currently giving emergency treatment to a young Jack Russell Terrier

Found on the main road out of Fakenham

Tricolour
Wearing a distinctive collar
No microchip

If you think they maybe yours, or know who they may belong to please contact the Fakenham Hospital on 01328 862137

06/08/2024

After a stay at the vets, you may need to
take special care of your cat when they get back home:

• If your cat has had anaesthetic that day, they may be subdued or a little unsteady.

• Cats may be nervous and disorientated
- talk and stroke them gently and allow them to come to you first.

• Try to prevent your cat licking any wound or pulling at stitches. If this happens, your vet can provide a soft collar for your cat to wear temporarily.

• Call your vets if you have any concerns that a wound is red, swollen or has discharge.

• Make sure any medications are given.

• Signs of pain include loss of appetite, hiding or being withdrawn.

• You may need to keep your cat indoors for the first night or longer.

• Provide a quiet, warm spot in the house for your cat to rest.

For further help or if you have any concerns
about your cat’s recovery, you can call any if our surgeries for advice

05/08/2024

A multi pet discount for each additional pet, is one of the benefits included when you join Healthy Pet Club giving you a helping hand when you have multiple pets to care for.

Find out more by visiting www.vetcollection.co.uk/health-plans-and-products/healthy-pet-club/

02/08/2024

**urgently seeking owners**

Fakenham are currently giving emergency care and treatment to a young female cat
Found in Little Snoring no collar or microchip

If you think she maybe yours please contact Fakenham on 01328 862137 and as always proof of ownership will be required

01/08/2024

✨️London Bridges Walk charity vote update✨️

Thank you all for taking the time to vote and share over the past few weeks.
The online, in practice, and staff votes have all been counted, and we now have our winner.

The voting has been very close throughout, but congratulations to RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, who with 35% of the votes is our winner.

Over the next few days, our fundraising will begin, so please continue to like and share and, of course donate if you can.

And don't forget to follow the teams progress on 28th September as they take on the challenge

31/07/2024

During the heat, its all too easy to forget about our wonderful wildlife, but they also need a helping hand.

🌞Putting out dishes of water can help keep any wild visitors hydrated, as many of their natural sources will have dried up.
🌞In the case of hedgehogs putting out a bowl of wet cat food (meaty flavours not fish) will help with any food shortage.
🌞DO NOT put out bowls of milk, as this can cause diarrhoea which will then cause dehydration.
🌞If you haven't already got one, a bird bath makes a great addition to the garden, and will also mean that any feathered visitors can get a drink. Butterflies and other insects may also drink from a bird bath.
🌞Whilst in the summer you may think garden birds won't need supplementary feeding, as the ground is drier and harder birds will be unable to find their usual food sources, so will appreciate some extra food.
🌞Create shady areas for wildlife to enable them to rest out of the heat of the sun.

Don't forget about wildlife, they need our help too in the summer time.

30/07/2024

Many tortoises go missing in the summer months, some will be found and either reunited with their owners or found new homes.

What can you do if your tortoise goes missing?

First of all, the old adage of "prevention is better than cure" is certainly true.

Tortoises aren't the stereotypical slow animals; they can move surprisingly fast, they are very good climbers, they dig and they will test fencing and boundaries for weak spots and crash through, free roam of gardens or a large area is best for long term health, so with all that in mind the following steps can be taken to prevent escape.

🐢Make sure garden gates are kept closed, even if you are only going to be a minute
🐢Fencing shouldn't be of a material that a tortoise could potentially use to climb such as wire fencing
🐢Fencing should be at least 3 times as high as the biggest tortoise in the garden
🐢Solid fencing is better than wire, not only to prevent climbing but also because if a tortoise can see through the fence they will go through the fence
🐢Check boundaries daily during the summer months for damage to fencing and any potential escape routes.

If your tortoise should go missing, remember that looking in the evening could mean they have dug down underground for the night rather than have had escaped from the garden.

🐢Look for areas of disturbed soil
🐢Check favourite sleeping areas, usually shaded/protected locations
🐢The best time to search is prime basking time which is usually between 9am and midday.
🐢On hot sunny days tortoises will be hiding from the heat of the sun.
🐢Don't leave garden gates open just in case your tortoise is still within the garden.
🐢Talk to your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye out.

Tortoises can be microchipped and this is the quickest way to reunite a lost tortoise with its owner. Also take identification photos of every angle as proof of ownership paying attention to any distinctive markings.

Other than being adept at escape, tortoises are fascinating and often underestimated creatures

29/07/2024

☎️ Dereham Branch ☎️

Unfortunately our Dereham branch are experiencing phone line issues.

For general enquires please ring Swaffham branch or the Fakenham branch.

For genuine emergencies please contact the Fakenham branch.

29/07/2024

With the high temperatures forecast, heatstroke is a risk not only to ourselves but to our pets as well.

What can increase the risk of heatstroke?

🌞Being left in a hot car, room or garden with inadequate ventilation, shade or water.
🌞Over exertion on a hot day
🌞Obesity
🌞Age
🌞Breed
🌞Heart Disease

What are the symptoms of heatstroke?

🌞Heavy panting
🌞Excessive drooling
🌞Lethargy/Drowsiness
🌞Incoordination/weakness/collapse
🌞Vomiting
🌞Seizures
🌞Unconsciousness
🌞Dark red/purple gums
🌞High body temperature (higher than 40°c)

What should you do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke?

🌞Call your vet immediately - this is an emergency.
🌞Take steps to start to cool your pet by,
-Offering water
-Move into a cool place with a fan or air conditioning
-Wet the coat with cold water
🌞Continue to take steps to cool your pet down whilst travelling to vet, use a spray bottle and maintain good air flow in the car.

Prevention is always best.

🌞Provide constant access to water
🌞Provide Shade
🌞Exercise early morning or late evening
🌞Never leave any animal in a hot car

For more information on heatstroke visit The Royal Veterinary College

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats

28/07/2024

**urgently seeking owners**

Fakenham have had a black and white cat taken in, currently receiving emergency care.

Approx 3-4 yrs old no collar or microchip Found Sandringham Way in Swaffham

If you believe they may be yours please contact the OOH team on 01328 851144 and as always proof of ownership will be required

27/07/2024

There are only 5 days left for you to choose your favourite charity to benefit from our London Bridges fundraiser.

Currently the leaders are very close with only a few votes between.

Who will you choose?

🦡 East Winch Wildlife Centre
🐕 RSPCA West Norfolk
🦔 Emma’s Hedgehog Hospital
🐈‍⬛ CATs Catch and Treat Strays
🐏 The Same Star Sheep Sanctuary
🐕‍🦺 Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
🐶 StreetVet

Comment below to vote for your favourite

26/07/2024

This is just one of a few swifts that we have had bought in recently after they have been found grounded.
Swifts live life on the wing, eating, drinking mating and even sleeping while flying. They can fly up to speeds of 69mph and migrate 3400 miles twice a year to breeding grounds and back.
If you find a grounded swift it is best to take it to your nearest vets so they can check over for any injuries before moving it onto to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

This weekend as always should you need us we have a team ready and waiting.
You can reach our Out Of Hours Team on 01328 851144
Happy Weekend

24/07/2024

Let's talk grass seeds.

Grass seeds or 'awns' are dart shaped with barbs that only allow movement in one direction, making removal difficult, and can cause them to migrate deeper into the dogs coat and skin. These seeds tend to get tangled in long and fluffy coats.

Grass seed injuries can be common in the summer months, but there are ways in which you can reduce the risk of your dog suffering from such an injury.

• After EVERY walk check your dog over, this is especially important in dogs with longer, fluffier coats.

• Make sure to check between toes, in the ears and armpits

• Comb the coat through thoroughly

• Keep fur between the toes trimmed and where possible keep coats trimmed short.

• A thorough examination post walk not only removes any grass seeds but also creates a bonding session for you and your dog.

If you notice your dog licking their paws excessively or shaking their head, these are signs that they may have possibly picked up a grass seed and will need to see a vet in order to have the seed removed.

Rossi has recently had several grass seeds removed from his feet.

23/07/2024

A short while ago, we introduced you to a staff members spaniels who are all tissue donors.
Sadly, Gabby has since passed away and became the first to be a donor to help other dogs.

To help other pet owners make the decision on whether they would be able to take the step to donate their pet, Gabby’s owner has spoken about their experience of veterinary tissue donation;

“At The Grove we regularly use tissues from The Veterinary Tissue Bank during surgeries and I was aware that the only reason we are able to do so is due to the kindness of owners who donate their pets.
Some of my previous dogs, as well as some of my current dogs, have donated blood in the past, so I made the decision to register the whole pack as tissue donors. Once the spaniels had been registered, the Veterinary Tissue Bank contacted Fakenham to let them know and to make a note on each of the dogs' records that they are tissue donors.

As a family we knew the time to say goodbye to Gabby was nearing, and we made the decision to say goodbye one weekend, so that the whole family were able to say their goodbyes in their own way, and to allow Gabby one last walk on the beach with her family.

As we were saying goodbye over a weekend, someone from the admin team at Fakenham contacted The Veterinary Tissue Bank on the Friday to let them know a courier would be needed on the Monday following Gabby’s appointment.

Other than taking Gabby for her appointment at the Fakenham Hospital, as a family we didn’t have to doing anything else as everything was arranged by the Veterinary Tissue Bank, who kept in contact throughout the process to keep us informed of Gabby’s whereabouts.

Gabby was collected by a private courier at 9.30 on the Monday morning, and three days later we received a letter from the Veterinary Tissue Bank thanking us for our help in donating Gabby and that she would be able to help up to 60 dogs. A week later Gabby’s ashes were returned to us at home. We had Gabby back home less than two weeks after saying goodbye.

Even though we have had to say goodbye to Gabby, to know that she is able to help other people's pets get better gives us some comfort.”

To find out more about registering your dog or cat as a tissue donor, visit the Veterinary Tissue Bank www.vtbank.org

If you are struggling with the loss of your pet, you can find help and support from The Blue Cross www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

22/07/2024

During a rare quiet moment, James, one of our orthopaedic surgeons, took the time to show off his drawing skills with some orthopaedic artwork and cpd for the nursing team.

Explaining cruciate ligament rupture, the reasons for surgery, surgical techniques used, and answers to common questions from clients when discharging patients.

While it's a procedure regularly performed at The Grove Referrals, it's always nice to refresh knowledge to brush up on skills, and to make sense of the artistic scribbles.

19/07/2024

We are ending our week by sharing these very tiny hoglets who were admitted to the Fakenham Hospital this week, after being found lost and alone without their mum.
They were examined and given a meal before heading off to East Winch, where they will be looked after until they are big enough to ve released.

This weekend, as always, we have a team ready to help should you need us.
You can reach our Out Of Hours Team on 01328 851144

Happy Weekend

18/07/2024

If your dog or cat was to go missing would you know what to do?

Whether it's a missing dog, cat or an exotic pet such as a rabbit or tortoise the advice is much the same.

● With dogs the local dog warden should be informed.
● If your pet is microchipped contact the database your pet is registered with and report them as lost/stolen.
● Check your contact details are correct and up to date.
● Contact any veterinary practices in the area to see if they have had any pets handed in, and to report them as missing.
● Posting on social media and putting posters up will help to let people in the local area know so they are able to keep an eye out for your pet.
● Putting an item of clothing or your pets bed near to where they were last seen can help your pet to find their way home.
● With cats shaking a box or bag of treats can help to encourage them home if they are nearby.
● Check sheds and outbuildings and ask your neighbours to as well, especially with cats and exotic pets

If you have lost a pet, you can visit the following sites for advice.

www.doglost.co.uk

www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/lost-found-and-feral-cats/lost-a-cat

www.petsreunited.com

www.animalsearchuk.co.uk

www.check-a-chip.co.uk