Small Animal Hospital, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow (2025)

10/07/2025

Meet Cookie, an adventurous 8-month-old Border Terrier who gave her family quite a scare after nibbling on an Azalea bush in the garden — a plant that’s highly toxic to dogs. Thanks to her quick-thinking owners, and our emergency team at the Small Animal Hospital, Cookie received life-saving treatment just in time. Her family has kindly shared her story below — a reminder of how important it is to act fast and know what’s in your garden.

"Our eight month old border terrier puppy Cookie (who is my daughter Zoe’s dog) was playing in our back garden one evening a few weeks ago. For a few minutes, we lost sight of her behind some garden furniture, and when she emerged, she vomited up some small green leaves which we identified as coming from a small Azalea bush.
I checked online and discovered that all parts of the Azalea Bush are highly toxic to dogs, and following online advice I called Cookie’s vet at the Hyndland Street practice. Their out of hours recorded message included a number for the GU Small Animal Hospital which I contacted immediately. They advised us to bring Cookie in as soon as possible. Fortunately, we are only a short drive away from the hospital so we were there within 15 minutes.

Cookie was seen as soon as we arrived and it soon became apparent that she had ingested a significant amount of the Azalea plant, so we followed the advice of the staff there and left cookie in their care overnight. The quick and attentive care that Cookie received was excellent, and the following morning we collected Cookie who had made a full recovery. She didn’t much like the active charcoal medication, however it had the desired effect of absorbing the poisonous material.

We were very lucky to have caught cookie in the act, and also to have been fortunate enough to live so close to the hospital, so that she received treatment well within the two-hour window which enabled fast and effective treatment. We are very grateful to the wonderful staff at the hospital for the care that Cookie received, and she is now a healthy and playful young dog, enjoying life as a much loved family pet."

08/07/2025

This is the wonderful Archie, a brave little dachshund who was brought to our Neurology department as an emergency. His loving owners have kindly shared his story — a journey of courage, expert care, and hope. We’re so proud to have played a part in Archie’s recovery and are thrilled to see him wagging his tail again!

"Our world stopped on 25th May 2025 when our amazing, full-of-life, little dachshund Archie was diagnosed with Grade 5 IVDD. We rushed him to The Small Animal Hospital, where we were told he required emergency surgery and the chance of full recovery was 50/50. It was such a scary time, but the veterinary surgeon, Alfonso demonstrated compassion and professionalism which gave us hope. Thankfully, the surgery went really well, and Archie is now on the mend with a 90% chance of being able to walk again. He’s already starting to get back to his self — tail wagging, legs moving and of course, barking!
We honestly can’t thank The Small Animal Hospital enough. They gave us our Archie back".

07/07/2025

Caiya was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in 2024, shortly after Caiya's eyes started becoming cloudier and her vision dramatically deteriorated. As it happens on a large percentage of diabetic dogs, Caiya had developed cataracts in both eye, which were impeding vision.

Caiya's primary care vet promptly referred her to our Ophthalmology department and she underwent bilateral cataract surgery to restore her vision. Additional care was needed during the postoperative period as Caiya had also been diagnosed with goniodygenesis, a hereditary abnormality, that could predispose her to develop glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). Nevertheless, Caiya did extremely well as she regained vision and her pressures were stable and within normal limits. Her owners did a fantastic job to give her medications meticulously and show up for the recheck appointments with no fail.

Unfortunately around 5 months after surgery, Caiya developed partial retinal detachment, as a complication after surgery, which, if left untreated, would have caused her vision to the deteriorate.

In order to give Caiya the best chances of keeping her vision for as long as possible, our Ophthalmology team, with the help of the Anaesthesia team and our wonderful nurses, performed retinal reattachment surgery - the first one performed on a dog in Scotland. This involved accessing the vitreoretinal space and laser the retina back in place.

Caiya made an uneventful recovery - we are now 3 months after surgery and she is doing wonderfully. Her vision is intact in both eyes, she is very comfortable and she is thriving trough life with her sister. We have now been able to reduce her medications and we will continue seeing her with periodic eye checks long term.

We are very proud of Caiya's journey and we would like to thank her owners for being so caring and committed.

06/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

On 6th July 2010, the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital (SAH) officially opened its doors — a landmark moment in veterinary medicine, education, and clinical care.

As we mark 15 years of innovation, compassion, and excellence, we’re reflecting on the journey — from the early construction days to the award-winning, state-of-the-art facility it is today.

📸 Swipe through to see rare behind-the-scenes photos from the build and the stunning finished hospital.

Current Clinical Director, Professor Catherine Stalin shares:
“I am proud to be the current Clinical Director of the Small Animal Hospital as we are recognised as one of the leading specialist hospitals in the country. After some challenging times during COVID and increased external competition, we are now stronger than we have ever been — offering multidisciplinary care to our patients alongside training the vets and specialists of tomorrow.”
“Since the opening of the hospital 15 years ago, we’ve seen significant upgrades — including a new linear accelerator for precision cancer treatment and enhancements to our advanced imaging suite. We now also host a primary care practice within the SAH, providing invaluable experience to students and outstanding service to the community.”
“As I guide visitors through the hospital, many express disbelief that it’s already 15 years old — a testament to its modern design and enduring impact. Personally, it remains the finest facility I’ve had the privilege to work in.”

Calum Paterson, former Supervisor of Diagnostic Imaging and Hospital Manager (2005–2012), recalls:
“From the early days it was truly amazing to see the building take shape… It was a proud moment when the SAH won ‘The Best New Build in Scotland’ in 2009. Showing guests around, it was said the entrance foyer resembled more of a ‘5-star hotel’ than a hospital!”

Designed by Archial Architects, the SAH set new standards with its grass roof, roof cupola, and glass exterior walls — a true vision for 21st-century veterinary care.

💬 Join us in celebrating this milestone! Share your memories, photos, or stories from the SAH in the comments below. Here's to the next 15 years of care, innovation, and impact! 💙

05/07/2025

After a hard week at work, some of our team of vets, nurses and students got together last weekend and had fun in the sun at the Scrubs and Shenanigans sports day!! It was a warm day but safe to say it was a great effort all round from the team!!! Their canine companions were eager to help too!! No expense spared on the trophies! 🏆🥇Thanks to Lauren Purdie and Stephanie Spiers for organising a fabulous event for all the staff and students. ❤️🐾🤸

05/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

Tomorrow is the 15-year anniversary of the opening of the UofG SAH. From the early days to today’s cutting-edge care, the SAH has come a long way. Iain McInnes, Vice Principal and Head of College of MVLS shares his perspective.

“On behalf of college, I offer my heartiest congratulations to the team as you celebrate 15 years since the opening of the Small Animal Hospital. Over this time, a visionary concept has become reality, outstanding clinical care has become the norm and an excellent training environment has been established and globally appreciated. I recognise that this has only occurred as a result of the clinical and academic excellence, and remarkable work ethic, of every member of the hospital team.

On a more personal note, some of you will know how much the McInnes family appreciate your brilliance. The wonderful care offered previously to our beautiful Labrador Olly by the oncology team was so compassionate and gave us much unexpected precious time together. Our current dog, Toby, a regular in the Pet Practice, has also benefitted from your excellent care, not least when he recently collided with a Mini – your amazing team quickly assessed and addressed the minor injuries sustained and both Toby and his family were duly reassured and calmed.

My personal thanks and congratulations therefore go to the whole team. Please be aware of just how much your care and compassion mean to all of the animals and their human companions whom you have treated over these 15 years. The Small Animal Hospital is a treasured part of our College community - I look forward to further success over the next 15 years! “

Pictured is the families handsome and energetic lab, Toby McInnes

04/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

Every corner of the SAH holds a story. Today, Laura Neil shares hers as we mark 15 years of impact.

“I’ve had the privilege of working at the hospital for over 30 years — starting as a VCA and now proudly serving as the Customer Care Manager. Over the years, I’ve held many roles and have seen the hospital evolve in incredible ways.

I still remember the old building: a single corridor with wards at one end, the theatre complex at the other, and just 6 or 7 consult rooms. While it holds many happy memories, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.

Today, we’re in a state-of-the-art facility with an MRI, CT, Linear Accelerator, advanced Imaging suite, 4 theatres, and 13 consult rooms — allowing us to care for even more of the UK’s beloved pets.

I am grateful to be part of this journey and excited for what’s still to come. Here is a picture of my beloved Labrador Croft.”

03/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

Congratulations from the Head of School, Christopher Loughrey, on 15 Years of Excellence in Small Animal Veterinary Care at the University of Glasgow!

“I would like to add my huge congratulations to the Small Animal Hospital on celebrating your 15th anniversary!

Over the past decade and a half, your commitment and compassion shown to advance animal health, supporting pet owners, and training the next generation of veterinary professionals has made a lasting impact. The team's skill, care, and tireless dedication continue to be a source of pride and admiration to the community and beyond.

Wishing you continued success and innovation for many more years to come. Here's to the incredible work you've done—and all that lies ahead!

Warmest congratulations”

02/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

As part of our anniversary series, we’re sharing voices from across the SAH community. Today’s comes from a few or our donors and alumni members…

✨ Colin Johnstone, Donor (pictured right)
“The giants of yesterday’s vet school - Sir William Weipers and Sir Jimmy Armour - would be proud to see today’s Small Animal Hospital continuing the Glasgow tradition of excellence in teaching, research and clinical care. As a 1967 graduate I too am proud and grateful for the work of the clinical faculty and students who have transformed the hospital into a world class institution”

💥 Barrie Bryson, Legacy Gift Manager (pictured right)
"I often think about the 34 donors who gave gifts in their Wills to the University to support the building of the Small Animal Hospital, helping to support new generations of vets and the animals in their care. It is very moving to see their names on the donor wall and in consulting rooms and think of the impact their generosity has had.
Ruth and Iain Jamieson (MBChB 1969) were two of our most memorable donors to the Small Animal Hospital appeal and grateful supporters for the oncology and hydrotherapy care given to the German Shepherd dogs they rescued. Ruth even attended the SAH opening in a wheelchair - having just come out of hospital. Their generous legacy gift will fund research into canine genomics to help reduce genetic disease in affected breeds."

🎇 Dr Melvyn Pond, President of the American Alumni of Glasgow University (AAGU)
"It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since my wife Amanda and I first stepped into the newly completed SAH at Garscube. The advanced care provided in the SAH over the last fifteen years has been extremely important both in the local community and as a referral resource for veterinary surgeons throughout Scotland.

As a proud Glasgow Vet School alumni, I have watched with great pride as the world wide reputation of the Veterinary School has grown and the facilities at Garscube have expanded leading to even more significant research both in animal and human health."

01/07/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

Every great story has a memorable beginning — and for the Small Animal Hospital, that moment came when Carole Smillie helped break the ground on what would become one of the UK’s leading veterinary facilities. As we celebrate 15 years since the hospital’s opening, we’re delighted to share her reflections on being part of this remarkable journey.

“Hard to believe it’s the 15year anniversary of the opening of the Small Animal Hospital!

We have always had black labradors and I have never been so grateful to the team there, when shortly after it opened, they found a tumour in our first dog's leg and successfully amputated it. She went on to have many more healthy happy months with us, something we never thought possible.

It was a state-of-the-art facility back then, and I know how far they have come ever since”

30/06/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

What does 15 years of veterinary excellence mean to those who’ve lived it? Calum Paterson MSc (Vet Sci) - Supervisor of Diagnostic Imaging and Hospital Manager from 2005 to 2012 reflects on his journey.

“I was a member of the Small Animal Hospital (SAH) Design Group that appointed Archial Architects in 2007 for their tender to build the new SAH. It was an innovative design with a grass roof, roof Cupola along with multiple full length glass exterior walls that filled the building with natural light throughout the building.

I attended weekly on - site meetings with the Architect, Builders and University Estates and Buildings staff to monitor the construction progress. From the early days it was truly amazing to see the building take shape, but I must confess that at one point I did not think that it would be big enough!

It was a proud moment when the SAH won “The Best New Build in Scotland” in December 2009, presented by The R.I.A.S. at the Scottish Parliament Buildings in Edinburgh.

The SAH officially opened by the then MSP John Swinney in July 2010. Showing round guests on a tour of the new building, it was mentioned that the welcoming entrance foyer resembled more of a “5-star Hotel” than that of a conventional hospital!

The SAH had achieved its remit, in providing new standards and design for the future Veterinary Students and clinical care for clients in the 21st Century, and on budget!”

28/06/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of the Small Animal Hospital 🐾

Celebrating 15 years of care, innovation, and education — today we hear from Professor Kate Stalin who’s been part of that journey.

“I am proud to be the current Clinical Director of the Small Animal Hospital as we are recognised as one of the leading specialist hospitals in the country. After some challenging times during COVID and increased external competition, we are now stronger than we have ever been offering multidisciplinary care to our patients alongside training the vets and specialists of tomorrow.

Ownership of a successful hospital allows control of training programmes for undergraduates and specialist post-graduates, and we stand as one of the few UK vet schools with their own hospital. As well as allowing us to offer exceptional training, it also means we are able to advance veterinary medicine with specialist clinics for improved patient care and clinical research.

Since the opening of the hospital 15 years ago we have seen some significant upgrades with the installation of a new linear accelerator which enables us to remain at the forefront of precision cancer treatment and upgrades to our advanced imaging suite.

Changes in academic requirements has also meant we now host a primary care practice within the SAH providing invaluable experience to undergraduate students in primary care. This ensures we meet accreditation standards but is also now recognised as an outstanding service to the surrounding community.

As I guide visitors through the hospital—many of whom view our facility as a benchmark for their own development projects—I often hear surprise at how modern it looks, with many expressing disbeliefs that it’s already 15 years old. Personally, it remains the finest facility I’ve had the privilege to work in, and I look forward to what the next 15 years will bring.”

Small Animal Hospital, University of Glasgow

10/07/2025

08/07/2025

07/07/2025

06/07/2025

05/07/2025

05/07/2025

04/07/2025

03/07/2025

02/07/2025

01/07/2025

30/06/2025

28/06/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category