Small Animal Hospital, University of Glasgow

07/11/2024

Meet Kizzie 🐱 she was recently treated for hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine. Feline hyperthyroidism is a complex condition and we understand it can be worrying and frustrating for owners to go through with their cats, radio-iodine treatment is generally the best treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. Our success rate is 95% on the first injection and, if a second injection is needed, our success rate is 100% on second injection.
Kizzie's owner is happy with the treatment she received and has written a few words for us below...

"Kizzie is twelve years old and I got her from a friend. She was always petite, very alert, and a bit nervous, but we thought that was just her personality. However a routine health check at our local Vet Practice flagged up some thyroid issues.

She was treated with radio-active iodine therapy and remained in the hospital for another three weeks until the radio-activity wore off. She is back home now and is much calmer, more relaxed, and her physical issues have been cleared up.

I would also like to add how great Ermioni the Vet, and the Nursing Team were at keeping me informed as to her progress. Kizzie has benefited greatly from her treatment and I will be eternally grateful to you all for enabling her to feel well and be a more relaxed pet."

06/11/2024

Matilda is 21 months old Pomeranian who is very bubbly and friendly dog. She was referred to our Ophthalmology department in August where she received treatment for ulcers and Distichiasis (abnormal eyelid hairs) in both eyes. Her owner has agreed to share Matilda's story below....

"Matilda is like the baby of our family Matilda was referred to small animal hospital by our vet after having problems with her eye. Straight away Margherita stepped into action to help Matilda and find out the cause of her pain which she quickly did.

Matilda had extra lashes growing and was in the following week for surgery which hasn’t been easy for margarita or matilda as it has taken months to fix the problem. Now were all sorted and can’t thank margarita enough for what she has done and all the staff who show love towards matilda when looking after her during her procedures

04/11/2024

Beautiful Annabelle was referred to our Orthopaedic department for lameness in her hid legs. She has since had one of two of her required surgeries and is recovering well. Her owners story is below...

"Annabelle is a small 5 year old Yorkshire Terrier. She was referred to the small animal hospital when she had torn the cruciate ligaments in both her back legs , probably from leaping from the sofa when the doorbell rings.

After X-rays the orthopaedic surgeon prescribed two operations called cranial cruciate wedge osteomy, each operation 6 weeks apart.

She is now due her second op and her first op has healed beautiful .

I have been really impressed with the care and attention given to Annabelle especially since the op was complicated as her legs are so tiny but the skills of the surgeon James and nurse Iona have made a terrible situation a lot more bearable."

02/11/2024

Say Hello to Harper 👋 She was referred to our Oncology department and became a regular gorgeous face here over the summer while she underwent her chemo treatment. Her owner has taken the time to share their story with us below....

"So just as Harper was approaching her 5th birthday, we noticed a small lump on her back leg, she was behaving exactly as normal and wasn’t paying any attention to the growth, but nonetheless we took her to her vet at MBM to have it checked. We think we seen the growth early, so this definitely helped in getting Harps the treatment she needed quickly.

MBM took a sample and had it tested which showed nothing strange, they decided to do a full scan and said they may take it off entirely just to be sure, which they ultimately did. So Harper had a minor opp to get it off and she handled it so well and didn’t really bother about having the cone of shame or her wound which she done well to leave alone.

After a couple of weeks of waiting we finally got the results back from the lab on the lump which they performed a biopsy on, this time it showed abnormalities and although not conclusive they told us we had Lymphoma. This left us pretty shocked as there was no signs to say we had a sick dog, she was perfectly normal, eating, drinking, playing with her brother, causing general carnage as she goes, how can this dog be sick we asked ourselves.

At this point we got referred to SAH as the recommendation was a consultation with potential chemotherapy to attempt to get rid of the lymphoma. As you do now, you google and read up on lymphoma in dogs, my advice is just don’t, the internet has so many sad stories of quick and quite brutal stories of people who have lost their dogs to this illness, so we had to stop reading up on it and engage with the team at SAH and take their advice.

Naturally we where quite anxious about taking her to SAH and starting the process, so on the first couple of visits we took both Harper and her brother James for no other reason than he can be her Thunder Buddy in the car and at the vet school. So we met with Ioanna at SAH who explained what her recommendations are and that we would start the chemo for Harper. So Pretty much every week we would head to SAH with Harper, get her in for blood work and if good, the chemo would proceed.

We had a few hurdles to pass as she had low platelets one week which meant the chemo had to be postponed, then a couple of weeks later she had to get antibiotics which she didn’t agree with so we were genuinely worried that she was starting to become ill and this was the lymphoma taking hold. So a call to SAH and Harpers friend at SAH Pablo met us and again reassured us she should be fine, but wanted to keep her in to get an IV in her to clear any infection, next day she was right as rain again and when I picked her up she came striding out the vet school with us.

Our local vet also informed us that “being whippety” is a thing, although we know whippets can be uber sensitive, this was a new case of Harper reacting badly to the meds and next day was right as rain, causing us undue panic. We were just glad she was back to normal as the infection was causing her to appear sick for the first time in her treatment. So back for the next few weeks of treatment and chemo, platelets were remaining stable, no issues with Harper and we get the news that we may stop chemo as all lymph nodes were the correct size and shape and she was responding well.

So first week in September, we had got the news we were so desperately waiting for, “The Abdominal ultrasound showed that all of the lymph nodes inside her abdomen were normal in size, indicating that her suspected lymphoma is in complete remission”, needless to say Harper had a steak dinner that night.

We were so pleased with this outcome and although we know that it may never be cured completely, or it could come back, we have extended the life of our much loved dog, we continue to monitor her and at this point she is 1 month vet free, 2 months in remission and due back at SAH in December for another scan.

Although I have called out Ioanna and Pablo as two of the clinicians who cared for our dog, the entire team at SAH deserves our thanks. All we wish for is a healthy dog and when you need to take them to the vets know that they will get the same attention and care they get at home and the team definitely reassured me that this was the case.

We are on this journey with her now and just hope every day that she keeps being the little fighter she is and stays free of the lymphoma now. We will check in again for the scans in December with the hope she remains in remission and continue each small step to ensure she stays fit and healthy. Now she is back to her complete usual self, out her dog walks with her pack and loving life to the full again."

01/11/2024

November is awareness month. Many unused antibiotics end up getting put in the bin or flushed down the toilet. This can result in polluting or water and soil. Increased exposure makes more bacteria resistant and antibiotic resistance can be a threat to people and animals.

The SAH taking part in the 2024 Antibiotic Amnesty and are asking pet owners to return any unused or leftover antibiotic medications to us for safe disposal. Please drop off any unused medications to the hospital. You can hand them in to a vet, nurse or the reception team. This medication might be left-over from a recent prescription, antibiotics that you didn’t need or out-of-date medication. Let’s keep antibiotics working, together!

31/10/2024

Toffee (the Ragdoll Bumblebee) was brought in today by his 'Wickedly Super' owners for his 3 week re-check appointment. We love that they all dressed up for the occasion!!!

Toffee was not very well a month ago, and was seen by our Out of Hours team for laboured breathing and suspected pyothorax. He was referred to our Internal Medicine team and kept in ICU for tests and treatment.

He was buzzing to bee at his appointment today, and I think we can all agree that he makes great bumblebee 🐝

27/10/2024

April was referred to our Orthopaedic Department for lameness and had to have surgery on her fight hind leg. Please read her owners story below...

"I adopted two cats who were roughly one year old sisters at the beginning of September. Within a week I noticed April was limping. I arranged a visit to the vets who examined her, moved her limbs about and said it was just a strain and gave her anti biotics and Metacam for two weeks.

She still struggled and I was unhappy there was no improvement, so I made another appointment. This different vet decided on an Xray and within two hours she had asked me to drive April to Small Animal Hospital in Glasgow.

The consultant told me that April had an occlusion break which I was told seemed odd as she had been an indoors cat.

As I only had April and couple of weeks I was not able to throw any light on this damage or her past.

It was very stressful for me but I was made to feel very comfortable in the SAH consultation.

Although operation took place over four weeks ago and April has been a total perfect patient, even in a cage . She is still limping so I think this is going to be her future which is a shame as she is a wee beauty and I am sure there is plenty of energy in her.

They are both happy she is out the cage and having some cuddles. I hope this is the last of our problems and they can spend many happy years together at mine. (April is the light coloured tortie and her sister Luna the darker one)."

25/10/2024

This is the gorgeous Pirate 🐱 he was referred to our Internal Medicine Department for sickness, diarrhoea and constipation. His owner has taken the time to tell his story for us...

"At the start of August Pirate started being frequently sick and he became very sad in himself. I took him to my general practice Glenbrae vets where he was given antisickness medications. It didn’t work and Pirate became sadder so he had bloods taken and an ultrasound scan. They found a lot of inflammation of Pirate’s intestines and that they were moving very slowly.
My vets started Pirate on intravenous fluids, strong pain relief and continued his antisickness medication. After a fortnight of not being right and barely eating Glenbrae decided to place a feeding tube. Pirate tolerated this brilliantly well at home along with the rest of his medication, and micralax enemas. After 5wks Pirate was still very sad, nauseous and sore despite all his meds and he hadn’t passed a poo himself in those 5wks. My vets and I made the decision to refer Pirate to the Glasgow Small Animal Hospital.
At the Small Animal Hospital Pirate underwent more tests including more blood work, a more detailed scan, X-rays, an endoscopy and colonoscopy.
No one was prepared for what was seen on the endoscopy!!! Pirate had a 10CM Tapeworm!!!!!! This was completely unexpected as I worm him monthly because he hunts. I was giving Pirate worming tablets, so in case he had an absorption issue Margo the vet at the Glasgow Small Animal hospital dispensed a spot on worming treatment, and an oral liquid wormer.
Margaux sent the worm to the laboratory to confirm the species and make sure Pirate was receiving the correct treatment. Over the next few weeks Pirate was improving a little bit each day until he was off all his antisickness meds, his feeding tube was removed, and he passed his first poo without help in 8wks!!
Today Pirate is still on medication to help his gut motility and is now being treated with a topical wormer. He’s back to being such a happy boy!!!
I really can’t speak any more highly of the Glasgow Small Animal Hospital staff who took amazing care of him when he was hospitalised and especially Margaux the vet who took the time to investigate and find the problem. She was so understanding and patient with me as a crazy cat mum!
Pirate celebrated his 11th Birthday at the end of September which I was worried he wouldn’t be around for, instead he’s made a wonderful recovery!"

24/10/2024

There are still spaces left for our Clinical Club talks next Thursday evening. We are running separate Vet and Nurse streams on the same night here at the SAH from 7.30pm.

🐱 The Vet topic is 'Mammary tumours in dogs and cats: Navigating diagnostic and treatment challenges' by Pablo Delgado Bonet and Mariana Lopes.

🐶 The Nursing topic is 'CO2: Why bother? Understanding Capnography' by Luiz Santos and Magdeleine Hutin.

The talks take place on Thursday 31st October, so if you don't have any Halloween 👻 plans and would like to attend one of the talks, please email [email protected]

21/10/2024

We are looking to appoint a number of Junior Assistant Clinicians (interns) to deliver small animal veterinary clinical and care service under the supervision of experienced and fully qualified staff.

You will, on a rotating basis, participate and assist, under supervision in Referral Clinical activities, in the areas such as anaesthesia, emergency medicine, internal medicine, oncology, radiology, neurology, soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics. You will also, on a rotating basis, participate, and have direct case responsibility, in a Primary Care Out of Hours service. In all these activities, you will support student training and receive appropriate training yourself as required.

This 1-year position will count as an Internship for future residency applications and successful candidates will receive a certificate of completion of internship. The posts offer the early-stage clinical experience required as vets prepare for further specialist training, for example through residencies and masters formal training programmes.

We welcome applications from candidates with a degree that is registerable with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and practical clinical experience and training with companion animals (this may include undergraduate courses with a significant practical component and periods of extra-mural studies).

Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Ian Ramsey, [email protected]

We are seeking to recruit several Junior Assistant Clinicians (Interns) to deliver small animal veterinary clinical and care service.

21/10/2024

Kion was seen at the SAH due to a brief collapse, but he was given a clean bill of health. His owner has taken time to give Kion's story below...

"as a pet owner this was a very distressing situation for Kion and myself. I called the SAH immediately to explain and discuss options, they quickly advised to bring him in without delay for Kion's safety.

Thankfully there was nothing abnormal and he was cleared the same day.

With expert advice of the vet we decided that Kion may benefit from seeing a cardiologist in the future as a precaution.

My experience with the SAH was nothing but smooth, supportive and reassuring. The staff are incredibly caring, understanding and gentle with Kion in his (and my) distressed state.

I feel secure and reassured every time I've visited with the staff at the SAH, so much so I opted to book the cardiologist here specifically for further testing.

Thank you to all the kind and considerate staff for taking care of Kion when he needed it most - on this occasion and all other visits. "

20/10/2024

Minx was referred to our Oncology department in 2022 and has been a regular face here since. She is doing well on her chemo medication and is back to her mischievous ways!! Her owner has kindly shared her story below...

"Minx has always been fit, healthy, energetic Border Terrier and as a pup was found in the fields happily playing with a young fox. So being told she had a**l sac carcinoma came out of the blue.

On referral to the S.A.H. two years ago, she has been under the care of Katie McNaught and Pablo Delgado. Patient treatment and care has been exemplary. Communication with owners has been efficient and knowledgeable but also realistic and empathetic.

Minx has come through three operations and is currently on chemotherapy medication. At present she is well and back to enjoying runs on the beach but adding badger chasing to her misdemeanours. All thanks to the Team at the S.A.H."

18/10/2024

We are seeking to recruit two Junior Clinicians to join our enthusiastic team of surgeons in the Small Animal Hospital of the School Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine. The position might suit individuals who have recently completed a rotating internship and who are looking for the next step towards specialization.

You will support an efficient and effective small animal surgical referral service by providing clinical activity under the supervision of ECVS Diplomates and Advanced Practitioners, as well as participating in the out of hours service.

Applications are invited from candidates with a veterinary degree registerable with the RCVS, who have completed a rotating internship or equivalent or have post-graduate clinical experience in small animal surgery.

Informal Enquiries should be directed Professor Sandra Corr [email protected] or Mr Richard Coe [email protected]

https://www.ecvs.org/services/job-detail.php?u=Z9v3EjDgAAwjsNAxxsMuCdEMT

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17/10/2024

The University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital is seeking to recruit a Junior Clinician to join our internal medicine team. This position might suit someone who has recently completed a rotating internship and who is looking for the next step towards specialization.

You will support the delivery of an efficient and effective small animal internal medicine referral service by providing clinical activity under supervision of our 5 ECVIM Diplomates, and by contributing to out-of-hours service provision. You’ll be joining a vibrant and supportive team, who thrive on achieving the best possible outcome for all patients under our care.

Applications are invited from candidates with a veterinary degree registerable with RCVS who have completed a rotating internship or equivalent and have post-graduate clinical experience in small animal internal medicine.

The post is full time and fixed term for 12 months.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Ms Alison Ridyard, [email protected]

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17/10/2024

This is Ziggy, he was the first cat our Internal Medicine team treated for FIP back in 2022!!
His owners recently reached out to us with an update on how Ziggy is getting on...

"Ziggy is not only surviving he is thriving. We now live in Australia and moved over in November 2023, Ziggy followed in April this year and had to be boarded for 6 months while he awaited his rabies clearance, then spent 30 days in Aussie quarantine. We had considered having to leave him, but with everything he'd been through could not even think about leaving him behind. It was just not an option.

I received him on 26th April and he has been settling into his new life since then. I was worried about him and the stress it might have put on him. He sailed through and if anything just got better. He is now a healthy 6.2kg Raggie and loves his new life.

No health issues presented as yet. He's lost all his teeth, bar k9s and small teeth at front, but he was heading that way even without being ill.

I am forever grateful to the SAH for saving his life and without it he wouldn't be the globe trotter he has become. Ziggy turns a big milestone 4 years old tomorrow and I think about his early life often and how blessed I am to have him for this time I have him."

03/10/2024

Did you know that we can test your cat or dogs hearing at the hospital? 😺👂🐶

The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is a non-invasive hearing assessment which provides an objective way of assessing the presence or absence of auditory function, and is the gold standard of auditory testing in animals 🥇

The response is collected with a specialised system through small needle electrodes under the skin: one is placed in front of the ear, one in the top of the head and a ground electrode in the neck. A click sound is produced by the system and directed into the ear ca**l through an earphone. Each ear is tested individually and the test is usually completed in around 10 minutes.

The hearing clinic is run by our Senior Neurology Nurse every Tuesday. If you would like to book in or find out more details, please email [email protected]

03/10/2024

Online distance learning student Kat Carman visited our campus this Summer from the United States to meet the programme team and visit our facilities.

Hear about her experience as an online student, and how she developed her career through learning and working at the same time.

Kat believes we should "invest in yourself and what you're passionate about".

Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing MSc https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/vet-nurse/

Online distance learning student Kat Carman visited our campus this Summer from the United States to meet the programme team and visit our facilities. Hear a...