Hafren Veterinary Group - Small animal

29/11/2023

👀 Our next new face we are excited to introduce is Izzy…

“Hey! I’m Izzy who recently started as a PCA (Pet Care Assistant) in Llanidloes! Some of you have already met me, I’m quite shy to start with but once you get to know me you may regret it 😂 in my spare time I like to spend my time with my horse & my little Jack Russell! I will Look forward to seeing everyone! x”

29/11/2023

👀 We are delighted to introduce a couple of new faces in our Llanidloes Surgery…

First is Stephanie

“Hi I’m Stephanie I’m the newest member of llani’s receptionist team. I’m known to almost everyone that meets me as ‘the crazy animal lady’, from reptiles to horses, they are getting a snuggle. I change my hair often, so don’t be surprised to come in and see bright pink hair 😂 I talk far too much, don’t drink tea or coffee, but love a snack. Hopefully my big personality makes you feel at home. Can’t wait to meet you all.”

28/11/2023

‼️Found! We’ve had this lovely girl handed into us at our market street Knighton’s branch with no microchip. If anyone has any information please give us a call!

27/11/2023

‼️We’ve had a greyish/brown domestic short hair cat handed in to our Newtown branch over the weekend found down by vaynor. If anyone has any information please give us a call

18/11/2023

‼️A young black and white collie has been found on the d**e in Knighton with no collar, if you have any information about the dog please get in touch with us‼️

02/11/2023

Remember remember, to keep your pets calm this 5th of November!

It’s not just bonfire night that goes out with a bang, the celebrations continue through Christmas and the new year! That means fireworks and Christmas crackers, and these can cause pets to feel anxious, stressed and scared.

Here at hafren we want you to be able to enjoy the fireworks and festivities, but also keep your pets as happy as possible during this time.

Why not book in for a free of charge telephone/in person consult with one of our nurses for some more information about various products we can offer as well as advice for changes within the home to keep your pet calm.

Help yourselves to some of our complimentary hand outs and leaflets!

*These consults will be available at our Newtown, Llanidloes, and Knighton branches*

30/10/2023

A big thank you to our clients for this petplan nomination!

We can’t thank the individual personally as the nominations are done through PetPlans website which makes it anonymus, but we are very grateful!!

27/10/2023

🐈‍⬛ October 27th is national black cat day, a very important day for these misunderstood moggies

Black cats are as loving and as playful as any other cat, and we want to see yours!

Post a picture of your black cats in the comments so we can see how sweet they are🐈‍⬛

First up is Jordan’s cat doofy, named for his silly nature! 🤪

24/10/2023

🐰Calling all rabbit owners! We want to help you keep your rabbits hoppy and healthy

💉 Please take some time to read about the importance of vaccinating your rabbits against myxomatosis, RVHD1, and RVHD2

📞 If you’re interested in getting your rabbit vaccinated, just give us a call!

22/10/2023

❗️ October is meet the vets month ❗️

⭐️Tonight we have Shannon, who you will find usually in Newtown or in llani out of hours ⭐️

Hi! I'm Shannon and I've been at Hafren for just over two years now. I qualified from University of Glasgow in 2021. I grew up outside Philadelphia in the US but enjoyed the weather so much I decided to stay in the UK. I work in Newtown during the day but from the Llanidloes branch out of hours.
At work I especially enjoy farm animal emergencies and small animal dentistry. When not at work I enjoy being outside whether it's on rock or walking about with my dog Ted.

18/10/2023

Is it time for you to start taking your puppy out for walks or on adventures?

Are you nervous about how your puppy will react to new surroundings, other dogs, and new people?

Worry not! Hafren would like to invite you to a puppy party!

At our puppy parties you and your pups can learn about:
🐶 Socialisation
🐶 Flea and worm treatments
🐶 Neutering
🐶 What to expect from vet visits
🐶 Nutrition
🐶 Importance of desensitisation to surroundings/noises

Our puppy parties are held in different groups on different days based on the age of the puppies. Just give us a call to ask about dates and availability!

*For safety reasons, all puppies attending the parties must be fully vaccinated, microchipped, and up to date with parasite treatment*

17/10/2023

Something wicked this way comes! October marks the start of autumn and brings spooky season with it, but we don’t want any of your pets to be the star in a new horror!

Please ensure to be extra vigilant for different possible poisons when out and about with your pets this autumn 🍂

16/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight is Anna ⭐️

Hey I'm Anna I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2011. I started working at Hafren early 2012 and can be found mainly between Newtown and Crossgates. My interests are with large animal work and particularly enjoy sheep medicine and poultry and game bird work. Outside of work I enjoy watching horse racing, spending time with my young family and walking the Welsh countryside and beaches with my Basset Hounds.

16/10/2023

We’re about half way through our obesity awareness month! Don’t forget we are offering free obesity nurse clinics this month, if you’re worried your pet may be over weight get booked in!

🎃 It’s time to face the scary truth! Is your pet obese?

🍬 Too many treats and not enough tricks can lead your pet towards obesity

🍗 The love we have for our pets can unintentionally cause them to pile on the pounds. 60% of dogs and 63% of cats in the UK are affected by obesity

💪🏻 It’s time to take charge and turn the tides on pet obesity!

🐶 The effects of obesity on a pets health could include the following:

1. Respiratory distress
2. Heart disease
3. Shorter life span
4. Lethargy
5. Diabetes
6. High blood pressure
7. Depression
8. Osteoarthritis

👩🏻‍⚕️ This October we are offering free of charge nurse weight clinics

✅ Nurse clinic topics will include:

1. Weight check
2. Exercise
3. Body measurements
4. Body condition scoring
5. Diet/exercise changes
6. Diet/treat chat
7. Fitness diet plan
8. Prescription diets

🔪 Book your pet into this months free nurse clinic to help slash your pets weight!

13/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight is Lisa⭐️

Hey I’m Lisa, I graduated in 2012 from Glasgow Vet School. I started working for Hafren in 2015 after moving all the way from Knighton! I mostly work in the Newtown branch but can still be found in Knighton/Crossgates on the out of hours rota.
My interests lie mainly in farm work but I do enjoy the variety of mixed practice especially small animal surgery.
When not at work I enjoy swimming and spending time on the farm and with my family.

13/10/2023

12/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight another new face to the team, meet Lucy⭐️

“Hi, I’m Lucy and I started working at Hafren’s Knighton branch a month ago after graduating from the University of Liverpool back in July and taking some time off to relax and enjoy the summer, spending time with family and our two dogs and visiting some beautiful parts of Europe with friends.
In work, so far I have mostly been working on the small animal side of things while I find my feet, enjoying meeting the pets and owners, but I am also excited to start working more on the farm and especially equine side of things too!
Originally from the North Wales border (near Mold), I am enjoying spending my spare time outside of work exploring the beautiful countryside around my new home, but am also looking forward to hopefully getting back into some of my hobbies, including horse riding, netball, running and music”

11/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight we have tall Tom ⭐️

Hi I’m Tom! I studied up at Liverpool university and started working here a year ago after finding out half the team were also fishermen. I grew up in North Somerset just outside of Bristol, and enjoyed university placements with vets in Cornwall.

I’ve always preferred farm veterinary work, especially spring time emergencies (although not as much at 3am..). I enjoy dairy routine fertility work, but I’m also happy looking after cats and dogs - especially the surgery side of things.

Outside of work, you’ll find me casting a line up at clywedog for trout, or playing football for Berriew Football Club 🎣⚽️

10/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month ❗️

⭐️Tonight we have Carwyn who you will catch in the Newtown surgery⭐️

Hiya, I graduated from Liverpool in 2019 and have worked with Hafren since graduating. I spent the first 4 years as a mixed practice vet, and since July work with small animals only. I enjoy helping animals and clients alike.
If I’m not out fishing I’ll be thinking about fishing, and if I’m not doing that I’ll be walking my two spaniels.

09/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight is a face who’s known by everyone, our most senior member of the team, Ian⭐️

“Hi I’m Ian! I am old, wrinkly and forgetful… who asked?”

Unfortunately we think Ian misunderstood the assignment 🙈🤣

Our senior vet Ian is the father (or grandfather 👴🏻) of the Hafren Vets team! When he’s not working on his tan in Spain, Ian is very busy with poultry and game bird work for our many farms and advising key organisations within the industries. He is a brilliant boss and mentor to the team, who we are lucky and grateful to have!

08/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️ Next is George who you will find mainly in Llani & Newtown⭐️

Hi, I’m George one of the vets here at Hafren. I am normally found on a farm or yard between Newtown and Llanidloes practices.

I graduated from the university of Nottingham in 2017 but having grown up in the hills of Wales I couldn’t wait to get back to mid Wales and start working for Hafren Vets.

In work my interests lie mainly in farm and equine work. With horses I enjoy medical cases and reproduction work. On farm I enjoy health planning, fertility work and helping farm clients to improve productivity and profitability. I am also developing an interest in poultry work and have enjoyed a season of game bird work.

Outside of work I enjoy being out in the great Welsh countryside and spending time with family and friends. My two daughters Felicity and Ophelia keep me very busy!

07/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Tonight we have Allen, who you will find in Llani ⭐️

Hi, I'm Allen, one of the vets on the Hafren Llanidloes team. I trained and was in practice in South Africa for 5 years before moving to Wales for the climate 😉 I am interested in beef herd fertility and calf health and am slowly getting to know the back roads around the area between the farms. When not on my rounds I like working with dogs and cats, especially soft tissue surgery, and enjoy getting to know our clients and their pets. In my time off I can be found exploring the stunning Welsh outdoors, often with a rope or a kayak.

06/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month ❗️

⭐️ Tonight is Emma who you will find around Knighton & Crossgates ⭐️

Hi all! My name is Emma and I have been with Hafren for 4 years after graduating from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Slovakia. Originally from Shropshire, I now work mainly out of our Knighton and Crossgates practices 🇸🇰

I love being a mixed vet and enjoy the variety that it brings. Surgery is my main interest in work - I love all aspects of small animal and large animal surgery. I also have a keen interest in small animal medicine as well as general primary care in equine. On the farm side I enjoy emergency work, my favourite call is a bed out and I love those difficult lambings come Spring time 🐑 🐶🐱🐮🐴

In my spare time, I enjoy making the most of the Mid Wales countryside walking my golden Labrador. I have recently sparked a new found interest for gardening! 👩🏼‍🌾

05/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Next we have Isla who you will find in the Llani surgery mainly⭐️

Howzit! (South African for Hiya) I'm Isla, one of Vets at the Llani branch.
After spending 2 years in a pathology lab and 4 years in rural mixed practice in South Africa we decided to try something different and experience veterinary work in the UK. I feel privileged to work in mixed practice, especially in such beautiful surroundings! My main interests lie in
small animal surgery and medicine although nothing can beat a ewe caesarean.
I love the wild open spaces and when not vetting can be found out running, rock climbing or whitewater kayaking.

04/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Next we have Stephen, a fairly new face to us at Hafren, you can meet him in and around Llani⭐️

Stephen Momberg is an avid and dedicated zoologist and veterinarian. He was born and raised on a small farm in the countryside of South Africa. Exploring, researching, and helping animals was an important part of his daily life from an early age. Stephen graduated from the University of the Free State in 2016 with a degree in zoology. The following year, he continued his studies with an Honors in Zoology, focusing on monitoring rhinos before and after dehorning. Stephen’s big dream has always been to become a veterinarian, and he finally fulfilled that dream 6 years later when he graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest in Hungary. He started working at Hafren Vets about 3 months ago.

He loves spending time outdoors in beautiful mid-wales. He is very keen on working with farm animals but enjoys the smallies side of Veterinary Medicine as well.

03/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month ❗️

⭐️Next is Natasha who you will find in the Llani branch⭐️

Hi, I’m Tash! I graduated from the University of Nottingham this year and started working for Hafren in August.

I was born and raised in Llanidloes so quite familiar with the area!

My interests in work are mainly farm and equine focussed but I have been enjoying all aspects of mixed practice since starting at Hafren.

Out of work, my partner and I breed pedigree Coloured Ryelands alongside his commercial flock which we enjoy taking to shows 🐑. I also enjoy horse riding, running and baking 🐎🧁

02/10/2023

❗️October is meet the vets month❗️

⭐️ next we have James, who is based in Knighton and Crossgates⭐️

“Hi I’m James, I joined Hafren in September 2022 after finishing my training at the University of Nottingham.
I originally come from Cornwall and made the move to Wales after lambing and farming up here in my holidays 🐑 🚜 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

My interests within work are mainly equine based, I enjoy primary care, poor performance and lameness examinations. I also enjoy herd health management on the farm side and a good cow caesarean. In small animals, I enjoy geriatric patient management🐴 🐮 🐶

Outside of work you may have seen me on the rugby pitch in Builth or driving tractors 🏉 🚜”

01/10/2023

❗️October is going to be our meet the vets month❗️

⭐️Kicking it off is one of the vets, Saskia, you will usually find Saskia in our Llani branch⭐️

“I Graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 and have been with Hafren ever since !

Originally from South Gloucestershire I now live in the Elan Valley -quite the move ⛰️ !

My interests in work are farm and equine focussed. I really enjoy all elements of beef 🐮 and sheep 🐑 surgery and medicine. Plus all areas of equine work 🐴 including reproduction and lameness to name a few !

Outside of work I can be found riding my own ponies in the hills of the Elan Valley and have started competing my small but mighty Section C in Endurance GB 🐎. I also surf🏄‍♀️ and skii⛷️ and enjoy the farm work my partner and I do with our own sheepdogs and flock 👩‍🌾 🐕”

29/09/2023

🎃 It’s time to face the scary truth! Is your pet obese?

🍬 Too many treats and not enough tricks can lead your pet towards obesity

🍗 The love we have for our pets can unintentionally cause them to pile on the pounds. 60% of dogs and 63% of cats in the UK are affected by obesity

💪🏻 It’s time to take charge and turn the tides on pet obesity!

🐶 The effects of obesity on a pets health could include the following:

1. Respiratory distress
2. Heart disease
3. Shorter life span
4. Lethargy
5. Diabetes
6. High blood pressure
7. Depression
8. Osteoarthritis

👩🏻‍⚕️ This October we are offering free of charge nurse weight clinics

✅ Nurse clinic topics will include:

1. Weight check
2. Exercise
3. Body measurements
4. Body condition scoring
5. Diet/exercise changes
6. Diet/treat chat
7. Fitness diet plan
8. Prescription diets

🔪 Book your pet into this months free nurse clinic to help slash your pets weight!

28/09/2023

19/09/2023

‼️PHONE LINES ARE DOWN ‼️
All our surgery phone lines are down temporarily, but they are being diverted through to one phone line. Please be patient and we will answer when we can

19/09/2023

🌟 We’re just over half way through arthritis awareness month!

🌟 Book in to this months free nurse clinic if you have any concerns your pet may be struggling with arthritis!

📢 Attention pet parents! September is Arthritis Awareness Month, and your furry friends need your support! 🐾

Did you know that arthritis affects not only humans but also our four-legged companions? Here at Hafren Vets we believe in providing the best possible care for your pets, especially when it comes to managing arthritis.

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, this can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility issues for your pets. Your pets can develop arthritis due to aging, genetics, injuries, or weight issues. However, with early detection and proper treatment, we can help improve their quality of life!

🔍 Worried your pet may be suffering from arthritis? Look out for these signs:
🐾 Limping or favouring certain legs
🐾 Stiffness, especially after exercise or rest
🐾 Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or getting up
🐾 Behavioral changes like irritability or decreased activity
🐾 Decreased appetite and weight loss

If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to reach out to us. From the 1st - 30th of September, our experienced team of veterinary nurses will perform an examination free of charge to help diagnose arthritis in your furry friend, with the option to be referred to a vet if necessary 🐶🐱

⭐️ Fortunately, there are many effective treatments and management strategies to help pets with arthritis lead comfortable lives. From joint supplements and pain medications to physical therapy exercises and weight management plans, we have plenty of options tailored to your pet's needs.

This Arthritis Awareness Month, let's spread the word about the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of arthritis in our beloved companions. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and ensure they age gracefully!

📞 To schedule an appointment or learn more about arthritis management for your pets, just give us a call. Let's keep our pets happy, healthy, and as pain free as possible! 🐾

15/09/2023

🌟 We are holding a competition for our page banner!

🍁 Post an autumnal picture of your furry (or scaley) friends in the comments below 🐶🐍

🏆 The winner will be the picture with the most likes, and will be used as our page banner picture for autumn!

🐶 To kick us off, here’s a picture of handsome Charlie enjoying an October walk to this waterfall!

08/09/2023

‼️RSPCA FARM DOG NEUTERING SCHEME‼️

Once again the rspca are kindly funding their farm dog neutering scheme.

🐶 working sheep dog breeds only (Collie, Kelpi & Huntaway)
🐶 you pay £25 (per dog) prior
🐶 castrates and spays
🐶 first come, first serve basis

Please call your local surgery to book in!

07/09/2023

⭐️ HAFREN VET’S HEALTHY HORSE DAY ⭐️

🐴 JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST EQUINE CLINIC DAY
🐴 Location: Caersws - full address disclosed upon booking
🐴 Date: Wednesday 27th September 2023
🐴 Discounted Services available:
✅ No booking or visit fees
✅ FREE Health check
✅ Flu, tetanus and herpes Vaccinations
✅ Passporting
✅ Microchipping
✅ C**t Castrations (under 3 year old)
✅ Dental examinations with routine and corrective treatments
✅ FREE Cushing’s blood test
✅ FREE worm egg counts and fluke testing
✅ Appropriate worm treatment as required
✅ Talk on the latest thoughts about worm and fluke control in horses
✅ Opportunity to discuss any other topics with our vets
✅ FREE goodie bag and preventative health plan
🐴 How to book? Call our Newtown practice on 01686 625344
🐴 ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE!
🐴 Open to existing and new clients
🐴 Refreshments available on the day





Powys horses!

01/09/2023

On September 1st we are seeing new prescription requirements from the RCVS - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons come into action!

We are asking for our loyal clients' patience and understanding while veterinary practices across the country try to change their protocols to reflect the new requirements from the RCVS.

In many cases protocols will be very similar and might not impact you at all, but you may notice some slight changes to our practice protocols regarding prescriptions and we ask that you remain understanding while this is implemented.

One of the biggest factors that may impact you is that anti-parasitics (flea, worm and tick treatments) are going to be in the same band as antimicrobials and other important drugs meaning that there needs to be a physical assessment and a physical examination before the *new* prescription of an anti-parasitic. This could result in slightly more regular, in practice, checks than you are currently used to. NB 'new prescription' refers to a different drug, different dose, different frequency than your pet is currently on, or when your current prescription comes to an end.

The RCVS have said that:

"We realise that there are differences in opinion within the profession regarding the inclusion of antiparasitics in this part of the guidance.

There are a range of factors set out in the guidance to be taken into consideration when prescribing POM-Vs, and we understand that the opinion of some is that these can simply be applied to antibiotics and antiparasitics to ensure responsible prescribing.

However, it is our view that these medicines should be treated differently to other POM-Vs because the risk of uncontrolled use is greater, for example, resistance and environmental impact.

As such, the change requires a physical examination in order to positively impact prescribing behaviours and change attitudes to these medicines."

More information on the new guidelines can be found on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons website.

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/under-care-new-guidance

31/08/2023

📢 Found!
Does anyone recognise this dog? They’ve been found just outside Llani. If anyone has any information please give us a call!

25/08/2023

📢 Attention pet parents! September is Arthritis Awareness Month, and your furry friends need your support! 🐾

Did you know that arthritis affects not only humans but also our four-legged companions? Here at Hafren Vets we believe in providing the best possible care for your pets, especially when it comes to managing arthritis.

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, this can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility issues for your pets. Your pets can develop arthritis due to aging, genetics, injuries, or weight issues. However, with early detection and proper treatment, we can help improve their quality of life!

🔍 Worried your pet may be suffering from arthritis? Look out for these signs:
🐾 Limping or favouring certain legs
🐾 Stiffness, especially after exercise or rest
🐾 Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or getting up
🐾 Behavioral changes like irritability or decreased activity
🐾 Decreased appetite and weight loss

If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to reach out to us. From the 1st - 30th of September, our experienced team of veterinary nurses will perform an examination free of charge to help diagnose arthritis in your furry friend, with the option to be referred to a vet if necessary 🐶🐱

⭐️ Fortunately, there are many effective treatments and management strategies to help pets with arthritis lead comfortable lives. From joint supplements and pain medications to physical therapy exercises and weight management plans, we have plenty of options tailored to your pet's needs.

This Arthritis Awareness Month, let's spread the word about the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of arthritis in our beloved companions. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and ensure they age gracefully!

📞 To schedule an appointment or learn more about arthritis management for your pets, just give us a call. Let's keep our pets happy, healthy, and as pain free as possible! 🐾

24/08/2023

🌟 Congratulations to our large animal receptionist in Newtown Abi who has just received her level 2 veterinary care assistant certificate and will be here full time helping take care of your furry friends! 🐶🐱

🌟 Congratulations to Georgia our small animal receptionist in Newtown who received her A-level grades of three A* and an A and is off to Liverpool university to study to become a vet! 🌟

⭐️ Well done to you both, we are all extremely proud! ⭐️