Pet Care, Cheshire

29/12/2022

Sorry to advise: Royal Canin are raising their prices with almost immediate effect. Although dated 5th December, this letter only arrived today, and new prices are in place from 2nd Jan.

If you need pet foid, please message by 5pm Friday to keep the old prices.

11/12/2022

Pre-registration for Millie's Vets is now open.

After the error messages a couple of nights ago, things seem to be running smoothly again, and we currently have 91 clients who have so far registered 182 pets.

You can pre-register for when we open, by visiting the following link, and inputting your details. You will also be able to register in person/by phone from the 3rd January. However, by doing so online, you will have access to all of our online services too, such as appointment booking, making payments and live chat/video calls with us as and when new features are added.

To pre-register, and be one of the first 500 clients, please visit https://milliesvets.mwi.pet

As the practice will evolve, with some internal fit out across the 2 floors that we occupy, I will be limiting initial client numbers to 500, and then opening up more spaces when we are able. But rest assured, we will have consultations, operations, blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays etc all from day one.

Many thanks,

Faye. Hannah, Fliss, Sarah, Izzie and James.

07/12/2022

I have deleted the link to the registrations page, as there is clearly an issue with it. It was working fine initially, but either owing to numbers of people, or something, there are still some glitches.

I'll be speaking with the developers again tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience.

James.

21/10/2022

FIREWORKS SEASON IS UPON US.

I’ve had my first few enquiries about helping pets through the upcoming firework season.

Whilst it’s now getting a bit late to implement desensitisation for this year, there are lots of things that can help a pet who suffers sound phobia/firework phobia.

Making a den.
Keeping curtain closed and lights ON.
Feed and walk your dog before fireworks start so they will be more settled for the night.
Keep dogs on leads on that walk, and keep cats indoors.
Have the TV or radio on to increase ‘normal’ background noise.
Even having a roaring fire or the heating on can help them sleep or relax.

And then there are medications that can help with anxiety. But they are not a ‘cure all’. Everything listed above is completely free, which is important in these times. Please ensure you do as many of the things listed above, and also then reach out for medical help too.

For those whose pets will also need things to help with anxiety, I have my standard go-to products which can help in many cases. I had a call from a client last year who had ‘tried everything’ and ‘nothing seemed to help’. After the advice above and my recommendations for products, she called back after bonfire night and said they’d had ‘the best bonfire night ever’ and that the dog was ‘so much better. Not perfect, but much, much better’.

10/07/2022

Proud to support our local PRIDE event in their fundraising efforts.

04/07/2022

Client notice from Royal Canin: price increase from mid-July!

19/06/2022

19/06/2022

YuDerm Itching Dog- available without prescription.

This is an over the counter nutraceutical, from the manufacturers of YuMove.

Rich in essential fatty acids in a ratio shown to reduce dermatitis (skin inflammation), which in turn helps the natural skin barrier function.

A normal skin barrier is important in many functions, not least of which is stopping/reducing allergens such as pollen, grasses etc from being exposed to the body’s immune system.

So many dogs that I see have skin allergies, and whilst these can rarely be cured, many can be appropriately managed with a combination of products being used.

For my skin cases, I always advise good quality free control (because fleas can cause allergies, and even if your pet isn’t allergic, they literally cause little holes I the skin, through which allergens can travel). Some dogs and cats have ONLY a flea allergy, meaning flea control is ALL hey need.

My next recommendation would be some form of skin supplement, such as this.

Alongside, I would test for allergies, to help direct further treatment as needed.

I have Yuderm Itching dog in stock- the 250ml bottle has an RRP of £23.36, but my standard price is just £17.99 until the end of June (normally £18.99)

The 250 ml bottle will last 62 days for a dog weighing around 10Kg, meaning costs would be under £10 per month. If your pet has an ongoing insurance claim, most insurers will cover the cost of suitable supplements too.

Multi buy offer also available- ask for details.

15/06/2022

20/05/2022

CLIENT NOTICE.

I am now on annual leave, returning on Tuesday 7th June.

In my absence, if you need veterinary care for your pet at any point between now and 7th June, please contact the fabulous new practice: Goostrey Lane Vets either through their website https://www.goostreylanevets.co.uk
Or by calling their team on 01477 406 008.

Please note that routine home visits will be suspended until my return, and you would be required to take your pet to the practice.

When closed, their voicemail will direct you to the out of hours provider.

Of course, very many of you have existing relationships with other bricks and mortar practices, and you are welcome to make arrangements there if you prefer.

I’d like to extend my thanks to James and the team at Goostrey Lane Vets for kindly providing the cover to allow me this much-needed break.

We are building a brand new, cutting edge, purpose-built, independent veterinary hospital in the heart of Cheshire. Welcome to the new standard in pet care; welcome to Goostrey Lane Vets.

30/04/2022

ADVANCE NOTICE OF ABSENCE:

I will be away between 21st May and 6th June, and will be much less contactable. We will be in Australia, attending the Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference, and then taking a week of 'actual' holiday.

During this time, cover has been arranged with another local practuce- details to follow closer to the time. Of course, you are also welcome to make your own alternative arrangements, but you do not need to as I have cover in place for you.

Please note that routine home visits will be suspended during this time, and you would need to take your pet to the practice concerned.

Many thanks,

James.

17/04/2022

17/04/2022

Good afternoon.

I hope you’re all having a fabulous Easter: to those who are working- thank you
To those who are able to enjoy the sunshine, I hope you’ve made the most of it

Just wanted to advise of a software update I have just embarked upon, and to ask for your patience and understanding.

At your next visit, I will be asking for a few additional details which this software can handle but the previous software couldn’t- this should make for even better record keeping etc.

Appointments, invoicing and bank details for payments have not changed, though I can now take card payments. Though bank transfer is still preferred where possible please.

Finally, in line with every other business and household, I have had to implement a small price increase to some services. Standard consult fee has risen frpm £42 to £45, follow-up consults from £38-£40, dispensing fees from £5.50 to £6, and a small number of other changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am hopeful that the value of the home visit service is not over-shadowed by these slight cost increases, especially as these costs are still roughly in line with local practice appointment costs.

Many thanks,

Enjoy the rest of the Easter weekend.

James, Izzie, Kia & Hollie

01/04/2022

❗️OVERDUE VACCINES❗️

Do you know when your pet last had their vaccination? Our records show that many pets are overdue boosters following the pandemic!

If you aren’t sure when your pet is due then please give the surgery a call and we can check their records!

08/01/2022

An update on my planning application, and your support!

There are now 90 comments on the council website, actively supporting the application- I can't thank you all enough for this, it is an incredible response!!

There are ZERO objections.

I have today been to see Fiona Bruce MP, to seek her support, and she has given me permission to post the comments in the image below, and will be 'strongly' supporting the application (to use her own terminology.

Mrs Bruce and I may differ on other matters, but if she comes through on her promise to support the application in the way she suggested she would (see below), I will be very grateful for that at least.

Having 90 supportive comments is truly amazing, and I am genuinely humbled. Having another 11 people to support it would just be wonderful, then I would be able to say we had 'over 100' supportive comments and surely the council should listen to the support!

Please, if you have not already supported the planning application, please consider doing so. If you have, please ask a friend or relation to also support it.

Many thanks,

James.

Here is a link to the application:
http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/applicationdetails.aspx?pr=21/5811C&query=c14d2c62357d418cac4c939f1f735c1a&start=&from=m

23/12/2021

🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

New planning application submitted, and now approved by the council, so should go live shortly.

If you would be willing and able to support my application (as so many did before) please reply below, and I will then message you a link direct to the application once it is live.

This is my 3rd, and final, attempt to open a practice, so you support is absolutely vital.

Many thanks,

James.

07/12/2021

Hi all,

Please note that I will be unavailable next week (Monday to Thursday 13-16 December inclusive) as we have to isolate at home prior to Izzie having some minor medical treatment. I will still be available for video consultations by zoom, and you may still collect medications from me, but I will be confined to barracks for the week I'm afraid.

Many thanks for your understanding.

James.

15/10/2021

Fleas are a year-round problem, requiring an all year solution.

Zoetis

05/10/2021

Yesterday was our routine inspection by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. The process involved submitting various documents, photos and videos of how veterinary medicines are stored, prescribed, dispensed snd recorded in advance. Then the inspection itself was carried out yesterday.

I’m pleased to report that we passed the inspection with an even better report compared to the last inspection.

One minor recommendation from yesterday’s inspection. So not perfect, yet, but we will get there.

The maximum period of time between inspections is 4 years. This will be reduced if any concerns are evident at inspection. The next planned inspection is 4 years time 😀

15/07/2021

Today has been a morning of acute ear disease in dogs. Typical of this time of year.

Did you know that recurrent ear infections/inflammation (correctly called otitis) often has another underlying cause. Unless and until we identify and treat that underlying cause, the ear problems will often recur frequently.

The most common underlying cause is that of allergies (like hayfever in people, but a completely different way of showing signs in dogs). Contrary to popular belief among pet owners, food allergies are VERY UNCOMMON, but are a huge fad created by marketing companies up and down the country!!

Its also worth noting that for EVERY occurrence of an ear infection it would be completely normal (and wise) for a vet to insist on examining the pet. There are a few reasons for this, but the main ones are:
- Before using any ear drops, we need to make sure the ear drum is intact
- Ears can be itchy and bothersome through inflammation alone, in which case just dispensing more antibiotics is both ineffective, and can be harmful due to antibiotic resistance.

As you can see from the image below, the ear drum is a lonnnnng way down and round a sharp 90 degree bend in the ear canal; there is no way of telling if it is intact without the proper equipment.

Finally, a plea from me- if your dog starts with an itchy ear, please DO NOT reach for an open tube of ear drops and start using them- this will massively impact on antimicrobial resistance and poses a risk to human health too. Instead, please call your vet and arrange an appointment.

As ever, happy to chat if you have concerns about your dog or cats ears, or skin more generally.

14/07/2021

An early start again this morning. And what a lovely morning!!

Further to the email a couple of nights ago, a final reminder to please order any medications, food or other supplies prior to 2pm today, owing to my forthcoming 6-day break.

Lots of drop offs in the diary for today hence the early start.

12/07/2021

Assisting the vet in admin tasks during our daily rounds. Assisting with basic animal handling, during our routine appointments.
Excellent English language and communication skills needed.

12/07/2021

Apologies for the radio silence; those of you who are already clients will have received an email this evening which may help explain....!! In a nutshell, things have been pretty hectic here at PCC HQ, and I am now on the look out for a (team of) work experience volunteers to help me, whilst also gaining a valuable insight into the world of veterinary medicine.

In the meantime, I have been performing all my routine health check and vaccinations, alongside caring for those pets on longterm medications.

One new addition to our armour in the fight against the pain of osteoarthritis is a monthly injection. There is an injection for dogs, and a different one for cats, but both do a very similar, and VERY clever thing. So far, I have 6 dogs on the injection, 5 of whom seem to be doing brilliantly well: I’m awaiting an up to date report on the 6th.

In brief, the injection contains a concentrated population of antibodies which will attach to, and effectively disable a chemical called NGF. NGF is produced and released by damaged cartillage in joints, and helps transmit the nervous sensation of pain. So by blocking NGF's action, we can completely block this part of the pain pathway.

This is really new and exciting, cutting edge medicine. And I am pleased to be able to offer this treatment to my patients. One of the huge benefits is the very specific way in which it works. This reduces both the potential for side effects that we can see with other medications, and also the need for repeat blood tests that other medications also need.

29/06/2021

Today is my weekly surgical day- a practice near home allows me to rent their theatre space so I can operate on my own patients.

But today is a bit different- it’s one of my own needing surgery this week.

Nothing major, and I’ll keep you posted with updates and photos along the way.

23/06/2021

Today, I have mainly been writing a presentation on the emerging issue of Feline Pancytopenia.

For all cat owners out there, please feel free to pop along. It’s a terribly sad situation, hence wanting to share some info about it.

7pm tonight on zoom.

James H. Ede is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Update on Feline Pancytopenia from a GP vet
Time: Jun 23, 2021 19:00 London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84310305125?pwd=d2dweENIcElCN3g4bDJpWHBWVXEwZz09

Meeting ID: 843 1030 5125
Passcode: 152103

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

20/06/2021

This new situation around the possible link of certain brands of cat foods to a serious illness is still developing.

If you have specific concerns, please contact the retailer you purchased food from in the first instance.

If your cat is being fed one of the potentially affected brands, feel free to message me for more info.

URGENT & IMMEDIATE RECALL OF *CAT FOOD*
If you are feeding your cat any of the following dry diets please stop feeding it immediately. For the sake of any doubt, this is cat food only, not dog food.

*Pets at Home AVA cat food
*Sainsbury's own brand cat foods
*Applaws Cat food

The food has been recalled as a precaution due to the evidence of a possible link with a fatal illness. The cause is being urgently investigated and as we wait for the result the food has been recalled.

Vets across the UK spotted an emerging illness that was fatal to cats, when concerns were shared through various veterinary professional networks a commonality was found and the manufacture of the dry food was notified.

Please contact the store that you purchased your food to enquire if the specific food you have is being recalled and to find out about their returns policy. If anyone was using AVA foods etc. when it was last urgently recalled the process is probably the same.

Here is a list of some of the recalled dry foods, but it's important that you check with the store where you purchased the food for an up to date list as this may change.

*Ava Kitten Chicken / Ava Adult Chicken / Ava Adult Chicken / Ava Adult Fish / Ava Mature Chicken / Ava Senior Chicken / Ava Sensitive Skin & Stomach / Ava Weight Management / Ava Hairball / Ava Oral Care /Ava British Shorthair / Ava Persian / Ava Maine C**n.

*Applaws Cat Dry Chicken / Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Salmon / Applaws Kitten Dry Chicken / Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Lamb / Applaws Cat Dry Chicken & Duck / Applaws Cat Dry Ocean Fish.

*Sainsbury's all hypoallergenic own brand food for cats.

Here's a link to the manufacturer for more information:

https://www.foldhill.co.uk/fold-hill-foods-ltd-is-recalling-a-number-of-products-it-manufactures-on-behalf-of-partner-brands/?fbclid=IwAR35Z0wbMw1xuFXyIDEIXNl34QaBLR4qJaZ2FLIuyLeAA4J79p6-IQ8aiSg

In the meantime, if you are wondering what to feed your pets, many brands such as Hills and Virbac undergo extensive feeding trials under close supervision before they are put on the shelves. All the pets belonging to the Abbeywell Team are fed on Hills.

If you have any concerns about the health of your cat, please contact your vet immediately.

14/06/2021

Attention dog owners- CIRDc.

Over the past few days I have had a small number of households contact me about their dog/dogs who are couging. Typically, this time of year is assoicated with an increased incidence of CIRDc (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex), more commonly known as Kennel Cough.

These names would suggest that this cough is both contagious (infectious) and present only in kennels. Only one of these facts is true- CIRDc/kennel cough/infectious cough/infectious bronchitis is very contagious, but is certainly not limited to kennels. Around half of the dogs I see each year with this irritating disease have been nowhere near kennels.

The organisms involved (primarily a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica) is so infectious, if a dog with CIRDc coughs up some phlegm in the park, on the pavement or elsewhere, then your dog walks the same area, they'll follow the scent of the previous dog, and may sniff and lick at the area. Or, they may walk through the coughed up phlegm, then get home and lick their paws. In both cases your dog is then at risk of becoming clinically unwell.

In both cases above, the infected dog and your dog don't even need to meet each other- the coughed up material will remain infectious for some time.

I've attached a link to information from the Blue Cross (an animal charity, so no hidden agenda). Pleas read, and if you have any further questions, or would like to book your dog for a kennel cough vacine, please do get in touch. Vacciation can cost as little as £25 (if done at the same time as the annual health check and vaccine). A consultation for an ill pet (with any illness including kennel cough) costs £42, and excludes any medications/treatment or tests, making vaccination a cost effective preventative measure with the aim of maintaining good health rather than treating illness.

I would strongly recommend vaccination for any dogs attending doggy daycare, cared for by a dog walker, grooming, puppy or other training classes, or even just group dog walks with friends; your dog contracting CIRDc could close any of the business types listed.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/kennel-cough

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection in dogs caused by various bacteria and viruses. For healthy adult dogs, it is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all.

13/06/2021

Today was a sad one, though an incredibly important part of being a vet.

A new client called, asking for end-of-life care for their beloved cat of nearly 20 years.

I don’t typically work Sundays, and was about an hour away, but was happy to help this lovely lady and her feline friend.

Her usual practice was closed, and she had called multiple of the ‘branded’ home care practices that exist, but none could help today.

My response wasn’t instant, but certainly within a couple of hours we had a plan, and we achieved a dignified, un-rushed crossing of rainbow bridge for the lovely patient.

Sad, but oh so important to offer clients and their pets exceptional service at these times.

For aftercare, we also have a relationship with a pet cremation service for whatever arrangements you may need.

I hope all of your pets live long and happy lives forevermore. But for when the sad times come, we are there to help in whatever way is needed.