The Veterinary Referral and Emergency Centre

03/07/2024

An RTA female cat, ginger in colour and about 7 months old was brought into us yesterday evening. She was found along the Oxted road area. Unfortunately we cannot find a microchip to contact owners so if anyone knows anything regarding this please contact us. She was found along the Oxted road area.

14/06/2024

Ophthalmology Examination – Senile Cataract

Titina was brave for her eye exam on Tuesday 11th June with Shannon. She is an elderly dog, just over 11 and a half, with diabetes and cataracts. Although she is completely blind in her right eye due to a mature cataract, her left eye still has some vision, albeit quite compromised. We will monitor her eyes regularly to check for symptoms of inflammation (uveitis) and glaucoma. Fortunately, she is clear of these painful conditions at this time. However, she is at a much greater risk of developing complications. Monitoring is really important, as the best outcomes are achieved with early diagnosis and treatment.

Senile cataracts, which develop due to old age, are relatively common in dogs. They often progress slowly and cause gradual vision loss. However, it’s essential to note that not all cloudy eyes in older dogs are necessarily caused by cataracts. Another common in dogs is a condition called “nuclear sclerosis” can also lead to cloudy eyes but usually doesn’t significantly affect their eyesight unless it becomes severe. Estimates suggest that lenticular sclerosis (which includes cataracts) can affect around 50% of dogs over 9 years old and nearly 100% of dogs over 13 years old. If you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, consulting your veterinarian is advisable for proper evaluation and management.

03/06/2024

Feline Ophthalmology check up

Minnie was brought in to see Dr Shannon Gaffaney to check her weepy left eye. Minnie is a British Short Hair and is just over 5 years old. She is also prone to sneezing which can cause mucous discharge but hasn't done this for a while. She is otherwise a healthy cat. It is possible that Minnie's eye lids are very tight to her eye balls which can cause the normal tear development to spill out rather than stay on the eye to lubricate. However, it is not bothering her and the discharge is not an infection. Shannon suggested that further investigation under sedation to ensure tear ducts aren't blocked could be considered but to monitor regularly in the meantime.

British Short Hair cats (amongst others) have brachycephalic head shape, which means their heads are short and rounded. As a result, the more flat faced breeds of cat can have narrowed tear ducts causing improper drainage of tears and mucus. This issue leads to a build-up around their eyes and frequent infections.

Minnie is a very affectionate soft cuddly cat and loves to chase flies around the house and try to catch the squirrels that frequent her garden, unsuccessfully!

03/06/2024

Dr Shannon Gaffaney met Baxter, a Golden Doodle who is nearly 12 years old last week to check his eyes for ocular opacity. Baxter has age related lens changes but this does not affect his vision at all. He had a tear test done which measures both quality and quantity of the tears produced. The quality measures how well it coats the eye and for how long and the quantity measures the amount being produced to lubricate the eye. Baxter’s tear test results were within normal range. He has otherwise healthy eyes and Shannon is happy for them to be monitored for now.

Cataract can progress further and can limit vision and cause inflammatory issues within the eye. Monitoring and regular rechecks are recommended usually every 3/6 months.

Baxter is the most affection dog you could meet. He always has to greet anyone he meets and loves to be fussed. 💖

03/06/2024

Ophthalmology Assessment

Meet Missy who is a lively 3 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was presented to Dr Shannon Gaffaney for an eye health check. Her eyes are 100% healthy and nothing untoward was detected.

Missy is a happy, exuberant, young dog who loves to play with her housemate Poppy.

03/06/2024

OPHTHALMOLOGY EXAMINATION – SMITHY

Meet Smithy who is an 11 year old deaf Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He was presented to Dr Shannon Gaffaney for a eye health check and was very brave during his examination. His eyes were stained to allow Shannon to be able to see any issues. Shannon was very happy with the examination and Smithy’s eyes are perfectly healthy and no issues were found.

He is a very happy dog aside from his deafness and loves to play with toys and is very affectionate. He always get a fuss when he comes in 💖

20/05/2024

WELCOME BACK FROM MATERNITY LEAVE🎉..

Dr Azzurra Naso (DVM, RCVSM,PGCERT SAM) our lead vet and medical oncologist. Dr Naso is in with us 4 days a week. Dr Naso can probive the following services: outpatient imagining (CT Scans/X-Rays/Ultrasound), oncology and internal medicine.

Referrals can be made via the following link ➡️ http://veterinaryreferralcentre.com/referral/

20/05/2024

INTRODUCING 🎉....

We are very pleased to introduce our new Ophthalmologist 👁, Dr Shannon Gaffaney.

Shannon will be ready to begin welcoming patients 4 days a week from Tuesday 28th May 2024.

Referrals can be made via the following link ➡️ https://veterinaryreferralcentre.com/referral/

13/06/2023

Eye Ulcer

Tiger was presented to our dermatologist Dr Carly Mason with an eye ulcer.

Unfortunately, Tiger kept scratching at his eye so had to wear a buster collar to prevent him from doing so. To allow him a better quality of life whilst his eye ulcer heals, Dr Carly suggested plastic nail covers. These covers are glued on to his nails and provide a softer surface for when he scratches.

These nail covers will fall off in time and should not cause any harm or discomfort to Tiger.

He looks very glam with his nails and is back to enjoying life, buster collar free!!

11/06/2023

Be careful in this heat 🌞

Credit to: Vets Now

26/05/2023

TPLO

Gorgeous Charlie was presented to Dr Christoph Stork (Dr.med.vet., DES ChirPA, DipECVS, MRCVS) with a limp. This was diagnosed as a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).

One of the most common injuries to the knee of dogs is tearing of the CCL. This ligament is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. There are actually two cruciate ligaments inside the knee: the cranial and the caudal cruciate ligament. They are called cruciate because they cross over each other inside the middle of the knee.

When the CCL is torn or injured, the tibia slides forward with respect to the femur, which is known as a positive drawer sign. Most dogs with this injury cannot walk normally and experience pain. The resulting instability damages the cartilage and surrounding bones and leads to osteoarthritis (OA).

A surgical procedure called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) was performed on Charlie. This surgery changes the angle and relationship of the femur and the tibia. The overall intent of the surgery is to reduce the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride. This is accomplished by making a semicircular cut through the top of the tibia, rotating the top of the tibia, and placing a plate to allow the tibia to heal. This realignment of the surfaces within the stifle helps to provide stability during a stride and helps to reduce future joint inflammation and OA. By carefully adjusting the angle or slope of the top of the tibia, surgeons are able to replicate a more normal configuration of the knee joint and reduce mechanical stress.

Charlie will require 6 weeks of rest at home and will have 6 week radiographs to review the healing of his stifle.

Charlie was nervous but quickly warmed to the nursing team and loved a morning in the sunny garden with RVN Charlie. What a sweetie 🥰❤️

15/05/2023

INTRODUCING 🎉..

Dr Carly Mason (BSC CERTVD DIPECVD MRCVS) our Dermatologist. Dr Mason is in with us weekly.

Referrals can be made via the following link ➡️ http://veterinaryreferralcentre.com/referral/

14/05/2023

Introuducing🎉..

Dr Azzurra Naso (DVM, RCVSM,PGCERT SAM) our lead vet and medical oncologist. Dr Naso is in with us 4 days a week. Dr Naso can probive the following services: outpatient imagining (CT Scans/X-Rays/Ultrasound), oncology and internal medicine.

Referrals can be made via the following link ➡️ http://veterinaryreferralcentre.com/referral/

14/05/2023

🦔

RELEASING A HEDGEHOG IN YOUR GARDEN – BECOME A HEDGEHOG CARER As well as making sick and injured hedgehogs well again, we also take in babies too young to fend for themselves. During the spring and…

02/05/2023

Centrilobular Myopathy

Maui is a 1 year old Labrador Retriever. He was diagnosed at 5 months old with Centrilobular Myopathy. This is a hereditary myopathy of Labrador Retrievers resulting from a mutation in the genes.

Signs of Centrilobular Myopathy include generalized loss of muscle tone and control, exercise intolerance, and an awkward gait. Signs of muscle weakness start to occur from 6 weeks up to 7 months of age, and usually progress slowly in severity until approximately 1 year of age when the condition stabilises.

With adequate care, dogs can live a normal lifespan, although they will have periodic muscle weakness and fatigue.

Diagnosis is challenging because the clinical signs are variable. A veterinarian can collect muscle tissue samples under anaesthesia and have them assessed for abnormalities. A DNA test can genetically detect inherited myopathy in Labrador retrievers.

Maui is on a muscle relaxant which helps stabilise his muscle weakness and allows him to continue with his life.

He is the sweetest boy with a great character. We absolutely love him 💙

29/04/2023

Today is 🩺

World Veterinary Day was created in 2000 by the World Veterinary Association to highlight and promote the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians around the globe.

💙💜❤️

28/04/2023

MRI

Margot, an 11 month old Cane Corso, came in to see Dr John Parker as she had intermittent neck pain.

An MRI was performed. The MRI showed that Margot had overgrown cervical vertebra joints. It was decided that Margot should be closely monitored and strictly rested to see if she improves, due to the intermittent pain and her young age.

Margot was a star patient who allowed us to do everything with ease. She was a huge love bug and an absolute pleasure to care for! 💖💖💖

We will keep you updated with her progress!

27/04/2023

Ultrasonography

Winston, a beautiful and very loving Boxer , came in today for an abdominal ultrasound scan with Dr Audrey Petite (DrMedVet, DVDI, DipECVDI, MRCVS EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging).

He was having the ultrasound to investigate reoccurring pancreatitis and vomiting at home.

After having his ultrasound scan, Winston gave RVN Charlie a big cuddle on the floor (Charlie didn’t have much choice 🙊)!

He was a huge hit with all the staff, you can see why with that gorgeous face 😍

27/04/2023

Mast Cell Tumours - Lomustine chemotherapy

Erik, the happiest Staffordshire Bull Terrier, comes to see Dr Azzurra Naso and the RVNs for regular Lomustine chemotherapy treatments.

Erik has a history of Mast Cell Tumours, A mast cell tumor (MCT) is a type of tumor consisting of mast cells. A mast cell is a type of white blood cell that is found in many tissues of the body. Mast cells are allergy cells and play a role in the allergic response. Mast cell tumors most commonly form nodules or masses in the skin, they can also affect other areas of the body, including the spleen, liver, intestine, and bone marrow.

Erik has a blood test with each visit to check his organ/blood response to the Lomustine. Lomustine is a capsule and is given orally. Erik takes his very well in some pill putty thankfully! Here he is receiving his capsules from RVN Charlie in our chemotherapy kennel.

He’s such a good boy ❤️🥰

27/04/2023

Skin complaints

Archie (who has previously been under the care of Dr Azzurra Naso and Dr Alasdair Hotston Moore for urinary problems) was in today to see our dermatologist Dr Carly Mason.

He had skin slides taken from his tail, ears and toes, and was started on antibiotics.

Archie was very good today. He’s previously been a little hard to handle in the veterinary environment but he’s starting to understand we are here to help him! He adores our PCA Sophie, and she adores him 💖

26/04/2023

CT imagining - suspected foreign body - Matt UPDATE 💖

Matt, a Cypriot rescue, had a lump on his flank. He had a CT to examine the area to find a foreign body that may be causing the lump to reoccur. Dr Alasdair Hotston Moore performed surgery to remove the lump and some of the surrounding tissue, hopefully removing the foreign body completely.

We are pleased to hear Matt is fully healed and is doing fantastically well, and the lump has not reoccured since! We are so pleased for this handsome boy 💖😍

23/04/2023

Lovely Dennis’ owner shared some photos of him at home recovering from his spinal surgery last week 💖

21/04/2023

Hemilaminectomy and MRI

Coco was presented to Dr John Parker with suspected spinal pain this Monday.

An MRI was performed, identifying a slipped disc.

MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging”. Unlike a traditional xray or CT scan, the Veterinary MRI does not use ionizing radiation so there is no harm to the pet undergoing the procedure. Instead, it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to form an image of the body part being scanned.

Dr John performed a hemilaminectomy to relieve the slipped disc.

Coco is staying with us over the weekend and will go home next week. During his recovery he will receive cold/heat packs, physiotherapy and 24 hour TLC from the nurses and PCAs.

Coco is a very happy boy who constantly wags his tail and is always looking for something edible to munch!

19/04/2023

Gorgeous Coco, who is recovering from spinal surgery, enjoyed some fuss in our sunny garden today with RVN Charlie ☀️

Keep your eyes peeled for Coco’s story!

15/04/2023

Hemilaminectomy

Dennis, a very lovable French Bulldog, was presented to Dr John Parker with ongoing spinal pain.

An MRI was performed, identifying a slipped disc. The surgical procedure to correct a slipped or herniated disc in dogs and cats is called a hemilaminectomy. Dennis had a slipped disc in his lumbar spine, so the middle of his back. Dr John performed a hemilaminectomy to relieve the slipped disc. The surgery involves removing the disc annulus from the intervertebral space and the spinal cord was checked for damage.

Dennis was hospitalised for the week to have regular pain relief, cold/heat packs, physiotherapy and strict rest. He went home yesterday (Friday), which was his 8th BIRTHDAY 🥳🎉

We hope Dennis continues to recover well at home, and we will see him back to monitor his progress!

Enjoy your birthday weekend handsome man 💝

11/04/2023

Who are we and what can we offer?

Opened in 2016, The Veterinary Referral Centre offers a variety of specialist services and state-of-the-art equipment, as well as the latest medicines and therapies to diagnose and treat many conditions.

If your pet is referred to us by your primary vet, you can rest assured that we will provide you and your pet with the best care possible.

We are a multi-disciplinary referral centre offering the following services:
🐶 Medicine
🐶 Neurology - including spinal surgery
🐶 Dermatology
🐶 Cardiology
🐶 Radioiodine therapy
🐶 Imaging - CT, MRI & ultrasonography
🐶 Out patient imaging

For any referrals you wish to send to us you simply just need to complete the online referral form at www.vrec.vet along with attaching all clinical history including lab results and x-rays.

We are based in Godstone, Surrey, for those not familiar with where Godstone is, we are a couple minutes away from junction 6 of M25. https://goo.gl/maps/yyKgUmjsBMEP6RYP8

If you would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate in contacting our reception team:
📞 01883 744812 or
📧 [email protected]

09/04/2023

Staff furiend Coco wishes all our clients and patients a happy Easter! 🐰🍫

We hope you are all enjoying the long weekend 🥰

05/04/2023

Hemilaminectomy - Feline **WARNING SURGICAL PHOTOS INCLUDED**

Thunder, a beautiful Maine C**n cat was brought in to see Dr John Parker, as his owner had noticed he was unstable on his hind limbs.

An MRI was performed, and showed Thunder was suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). He required s surgical procedure called Hemilaminectomy.

Also known as decompression surgery, a hemilaminectomy is a type of surgery commonly used to manage injuries and spinal conditions such as IVDD, which can cause spinal compression in dogs and cats. The hemilaminectomy reduces pressure by removing part of one side of a vertebra, which allows removal of the extruded disc material from the canal. RVN Charlie scrubbed in to assist John during surgery. The surgery went well and Thunder was quickly back in to recovery.

He stayed for 5 days with us on kennel rest to allow him to recover from his surgery.

Thunder became a firm favourite with the whole practice due to his goofy nature and incredibly beautiful looks! We look forward to seeing Thunder back for his rechecks and we hope he continues to recover well (with lots of dreamies!) ❤️💙

19/03/2023

We hope all the mothers are having a pawsome day 🥰❤️