Christchurch Veterinary Referrals

28/06/2024

Ever wondered what the vets get up to when they're not at work?

At the beginning of June, Zdenka joined to partake in a cooking class where she learnt how to create some Thai and pan-Asian dishes.

How cool is that!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

26/06/2024

Pets in Practice

This little cutie is Winnie, the six year old cross breed who was referred to us after falling from a 1st floor window!

Somehow, Winnie miraculously only suffered from fractures of her metacarpals! Surgeon Zdenka was able to repair the fractures using intramedullary pins to hold everything in good alignment - which was confirmed with post operative radiographs.

Little Winnie stayed with us overnight and was sent home the following day on strict cage restriction for the next 6 weeks.

Poor little Winnie!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

24/06/2024

It's getting hot! ☀️

Introducing the “ Weather Furcast” 🐾🐶☀️🔥 we’re pretty sure most dog owners understand it’s important to lookout for their dogs well-being during hot weather. BUT do you know how hot is too hot? Take a look at our “Furcast” for advice about caring for your dog, in temperatures where you live. 👉 https://bit.ly/PetplanFurcast

24/06/2024

We are a cat friendly clinic! 😻

This doesn't just mean we love them (of course we do) but at Christchurch Veterinary Referrals, we also take meaningful steps to protect their safety and wellbeing.

Hayley, one of our wonderful RVNs helped create a suite of information guides to help clients better understand how we achieve this for their cat's care, it also gives helpful tips and tricks to use at home.

As an Cat Friendly Clinic you can be safe in the knowledge that we have reached certain standards which have been accredited directly and all staff have thought about the specific needs that have to be in place in order to make our feline patients happy and comfortable.

Take a look at our care guide handouts to find out more!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

21/06/2024

Did you know that June 21st is known as Dachshund Day? And why is it celebrated on the Summer solstice? Because it's the longest day of the year - very fitting for our Daxie friends.

Here at Christchurch, not only do we see a lot of Dachshunds, but two of our nurses are the proud owners of Dachshunds! Diva, owned by Aimee and Frankie, Lexie and Evie owned by our head nurse Clare.

Join us in celebrating the day by sharing your Dachshunds in the comments below, we love to see them!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

19/06/2024

Pets in Practice

Billy is a 4 year old Shih Tzu who was referred to us in April as he was struggling to use his hind limbs.

Surgeon Tom performed an MRI scan to determine what was causing poor Billy's clinical signs and, once completed, Tom was able to locate a disc extrusion at T11/T12 which was most likely causing the issues. Surgery was therefore performed and a large amount of disc material was removed.

Billy was then hospitalised with us for just over a week and has made a fantastic recovery. Six weeks following surgery, Billy has been back to see Tom and is now able to walk unassisted and seeming much more comfortable - as you can see from these videos his owners have sent in.

Well done Billy, you're recovering amazingly! Keep it up!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

17/06/2024

Being in the vets doesn't have to be boring.

Join the nurses as they give some inpatients some extra TLC and enrichment.

How cute are these videos!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

14/06/2024

Similarly to dogs, cat life stages can be roughly equated to human years. After three years, your cat has developed as much as a 28-year-old human will! How old is your cat in human years? Learn more: http://spr.ly/CatLifespan

14/06/2024

We're celebrating a few days early, but Happy Father's Day to all fur-dads, and human dads, for Sunday!

How are you celebrating? Have a wonderful weekend!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

12/06/2024

Pets in Practice

This is Albert, the French Bulldog who was seen recently due to having an odd gait and some pain for 24 hours. When admitted, he had obvious left hindlimb lameness, discomfort on hip manipulation and palpation of his lower lumbar spine. Unfortunately, poor Albert was seen only 8 months prior for spinal surgery!

An MRI scan revealed disc protrusion at the level of L5/L6, and surgery was therefore performed. Zdenka carried out the procedure and was able to remove a large amount of extruded material from the spinal canal.

Albert was sent home after being hospitalised for a week, undergoing frequent physiotherapy and close monitoring. He was a superstar patient and a pleasure to look after.

Good luck with your recovery, Albert!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

10/06/2024

🎉🐾🐱

Today, it becomes mandatory for owned cats that are over 20 weeks old and living in England to be microchipped. 🐶🐾💉 You can find out all you need to know about microchipping on our website here 👉 https://bit.ly/PetplanCatMicrochip

10/06/2024

Do you remember the x-rays from Fridays post?

These x-rays were taken from a 9month old Whippet pup who, unfortunately fractured a vertebra in his neck!

Fortunately for this pup, he was showing no signs of ataxia or lameness, normal proprioception and only mild discomfort upon gentle neck manipulation.

After two days of monitoring, Shane proceeded with surgery to repair the fracture site. A ventral approach was used to expose the fracture, one 2.0 x 12mm position screw was used to re-attach the end-plate fragment to the body of C3 and two 2.0mm locking plates were placed on the ventral aspect of C3 and C4 vertebral bodies - spanning the fracture/subluxation site.

The post operative radiographs and CT scans confirmed good placement of screws without encroaching into the spinal canal.

This pup was hospitalised for another week for close monitoring before being discharged to continue his strict recovery period at home.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

07/06/2024

Fracture Friday

This poor unfortunate dog has suffered from a very nasty fracture, but can you spot it on the x-ray image?

Keep your eyes peeled as we will reveal the fracture on Monday morning.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

05/06/2024

Pets in Practice

This little sweetheart is Oreo, a 1 year old cat who was referred to us after going missing for two days before returning home with a broken leg.

Pre-operative radiographs revealed that Oreo endured a segmental fracture of the left femur along with a communution of the proximal, mid and distal fragment. Surgeon Marco repaired the fracture using a 2.7mm pin, placed in a normograde fashion, and a 2mm hybrid plate and locking screws. Post operative radiographs revealed good apposition and alignment of the fracture along with good implant position. Unfortunately, Oreo also needed a tooth removed as it was broken at the base with pulp exposed. Poor boy!

Little Oreo stayed with us for two nights for pain relief and to ensure he was eating well before being sent home on strict crate restriction for the next 6 weeks.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

03/06/2024

All medications are dispensed with a lot of information for you to read, but where do you start? Information will be found directly on the packaging and a leaflet can be found inside or alongside it.

Why is it important to read and follow the information provided with your pet's medication?
🐾It keeps you safe
🐾It keeps your pets safe
🐾It keeps our environment safe
🐾It forms part of the regulatory controls
🐾It ensures the medication works effectively
🐾It supports continued safety and efficacy

For more information follow the link below to be taken to the Paws to Protect campaign on the NOAH Compendium website:
https://www.noah.co.uk/campaigns/paws-to-protect/

If you have any questions regarding medication, it is always best to speak to whomever dispensed it for you.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

31/05/2024

Another very important part of nursing here at Christchurch Referrals is being a ward nurse. The daily roles here involve, and are not limited to, walking, feeding and medicating, record keeping, physiotherapy and removal of intravenous catheters.

The nurses are also available to offer fuss and TLC to those patients hospitalised with us.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

29/05/2024

Pets in Practice

This pretty little lady is Millie who was hospitalised with us recently after undergoing a total hip replacement procedure.

Following the protocol, Millie was hospitalised for two weeks so we could ensure her prosthesis didn't shift or dislocate during the first few crucial weeks.

She was a little superstar for her recovery with us and was sent home once the surgeon was happy with her repeated radiographs.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

27/05/2024

The team would like to say thank you for the blankets and mitts that were given to us following Tia's discharge after spinal surgery.

They will be well used and very appreciated. Thank you once again!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

24/05/2024

Another way the nursing team can progress here at Christchurch Referrals is to train to become a clinical coach.

Clinical coaches work closely with students in order to learn and practice skills needed to complete their Central Skills Log - a vital part of their RVN qualification.

We are lucky enough to have three clinical coaches here at Christchurch Referrals with additional support of clinical coaches at our first opinion practice.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

22/05/2024

Pets in Practice

This is Scarlett, a beautiful 7 year old Tortie, who was referred to us after going missing for 2 days and returning with this nasty fracture. Unfortunately poor Scarlett had been shot!

She was admitted to us and underwent diagnostic imaging so a plan was able to be created regarding repair or, worst-case, amputation.

After being hospitalised overnight, Scarlett was put under general anaesthesia so a repair of her fracture could take place. Surgeon Shane repaired the femur using a combination of a 2.5mm IM pin and a laterally applied 16-hole 2.0mm hybrid plate. The post operative xrays revealed good restoration of the right femoral length and alignment of the implants.

Scarlett was hospitalised over the weekend for monitoring and pain relief and was sent home on Monday to continue her recovery from home.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

20/05/2024

At Christchurch Veterinary Referrals, the nurses have the ability to run some inhouse laboratory tests - including blood and urine samples. In addition to the inhouse samples that we can run, we also have the ability to send specimen away to external laboratories for more in-depth and complex testing.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

17/05/2024

We would like to congratulate our student nurse Megan and her partner James on moving into their first home!

Doesn't Milo look thrilled with the news!

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

15/05/2024

Pets in Practice

This little cutie is Pudding. Pudding was referred to us to undergo some diagnostics to determine the cause of his lameness.

Pudding's owner informed us that he had been rescued from the Chinese meat market. Here's what she had to say about little Pud:

"Pudding was thankfully rescued as a puppy along with his siblings by the Great Balls of China a non profit rescue organisation in China. He was destined for the Chinese meat market as are so many of the poor street dogs in China often many crammed into small cages undersized for one dog let alone 20!

After a few months when he was medically and documented as fit for travel, he was flown to the UK to a rehoming centre were they look for Foster homes to rehabilitate them and prepare them for permanent homes.

I was asked to be Puddings Foster mum and so he came into my home with my other 5 permanent rescues and settled really well. Pudding had little knowledge of a indoor homely environment or how to walk correctly on a leash let alone being handled with kindness also his toileting habits were very much that of a untrained puppy.

Pudding thrived quickly and within a short time and the right guidance including his own intelligence he picked up new skills unbelievably quickly. He now walks nicely on a lead and enjoys the occasional free runs with his Co mates. He is also completely toilet trained and enjoys life to the full.

Pudding has now become a permanent fixture in our home were he brings much joy and laughter with his funny little character and loving ways he brings pleasure to all that he meets and even with his disability he lives his everyday life to the fullest and hopefully will for many years."

What a fantastic story. We wish you the best of luck, little Pudding!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

13/05/2024

A large part of the nursing role here involves theatre work - this can include monitoring the patients under anaesthesia, ensuring all kit is available and open, and scrubbing in to offer hands-on assistance when the surgeons require it.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

10/05/2024

The Government previously announced that microchipping will be a legal requirement for cats in England from 10th June 2024. Therefore, there is only a month left to have your cats chipped before this new law is enforced.

We would also strongly recommend that the details on your pet's microchip are checked and updated wherever necessary.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

08/05/2024

Pets in Practice

This beautiful boy is Leo. Leo was referred to us after suffering a distal oblique tibial fracture.

Surgeon Shane performed Leo's repair procedure using two 0.7mm cerclage wires, a 16-hole medial 2.0mm hybrid locking place and a 12-hole cranial 2.0mm locking plate. The position of these plates were to enhance strength and stability for Leo. Post operative radiographs revealed good fracture reduction and implant placement.

After being hospitalised overnight for monitoring and pain relief, handsome Leo was sent home to continue his recovery.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

06/05/2024

Our doors may be closed today, but we have a team of nurses and a veterinary surgeon on call for any emergencies.

Enjoy your day and we look forward to welcoming you and your pets back into practice tomorrow morning!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

03/05/2024

Did you know there are many ways nurses can progress once they pass their final exams and become registered veterinary nurses? Over the course of this month, we will display some of these progressions.

Each member of our nursing team has decided to progress their careers, and broaden their horizons, by working with us here at Christchurch Veterinary Referrals.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

01/05/2024

Did you know each May is known as Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month?

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) are celebrating their 20th year campaigning to raise awareness for the veterinary nursing profession.

"The purpose of VNAM is to champion the veterinary nursing profession to the public and pet owners. The vital role of veterinary nurses in upholding animal welfare is highlighted – both in and out of clinical practice."

This years theme is Progression and celebrates the skills, abilities and different career pathways available to RVNs. Keep your eyes peeled for posts or stories this month which will discuss some of the additional skills and abilities of our nursing team!

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999

29/04/2024

We have received many incredible reviews recently! We really appreciate all the lovely words you have given us!

You can leave us a review here on Facebook or on Google. Just search Christchurch Veterinary Referral on Google and you can leave your review there.

If you would like your pet to be referred to us for their operation, we will need your vet to contact us. Please ask them to call us on 01473 230 999 for details. We take cases from throughout East Anglia at our purpose-built centre just outside Ipswich.

Christchurch Vet Referrals.
https://christchurchreferral.vet/
01473 230 999