KC Locum & Visiting Vet Nurse Services

07/08/2024

Wishing my boy Reggie a very happy unofficial 1st birthday!

The birthday “cake” went down a treat and the new toys are a hit!! 🎂🎁😻

06/08/2024

‼️URGENT‼️

Do you recognise this poor boy?

He has been brought in to our Sutterton Hospital following a suspected road traffic accident.

He is short haired, black and white, male, entire. Found Cobgate, Whaplode in Spalding.

He is not microchipped.

He is receiving emergency treatment but we urgently need to find his owners.

Please call our Sutterton Hospital on 01205 345345, option 1.

02/08/2024

After a jam-packed week, meeting a total of TWELVE new pets on my visit day, and driving many hours for my locum work around this, TGIF! 🙌🏼

Thank you to all of my lovely new clients for allowing me into their homes and trusting me to help their gorgeous pets 😻

I’m now taking bookings for Wednesday 7th; 9am and 11:30 onwards are available. Please pop me over a message on here, WhatsApp or email, if you’d like to book in or enquire about a service.

** PLEASE NOTE - I am not a veterinary surgeon and am therefore unable to diagnose, prescribe, vaccinate or treat poorly pets - I will advise you see your vet **

31/07/2024

It’s another scorcher out there today! ☀️ PLEASE be careful with your pets.

One of my recent nursing shifts ended tragically, following failed resuscitation attempts in a dog whose temperature was so hot that it was unreadable (our thermometers can read up to 42 degrees!!!). This was completely avoidable. There was no excuse.

Please take note of the signs of heat stroke. Contrary to recent posts about managing heat stroke, the most crucial statement is “WET, THEN GET TO THE VET”. The body needs cooling as quickly as possible, a garden hose or a shower on cool is perfect - being sure to protect the airway, particularly if the animal is lucid.

A dog will not die from missing a walk, or a trip out in the car, but it can die from heat stroke.

26/07/2024

It’s National Dog Photography Day! 📸

Here’s my handsome hand-rear boy, Caesar, sitting in his sunshade on Sunny Hunny clifftop.

I’d love to see pics of your gorgeous pups in the comments, and if you’re into photography, let’s bend the rules and say animal animal photos! 😻

23/07/2024

Hot weather tips! ☀️

It’s important all pets (and humans!) keep hydrated in the warmer weather, but encouraging cats to drink can be difficult!

Providing multiple fresh water sources, in different locations allows plenty of opportunity for drinking. Avoid placing water near food bowls and litter trays - as instinct will reduce a cat consuming water from these areas.

Reggie now has a water fountain, a bowl and this awesome new freezable bowl from Aldi, keeping his water nice and cool. A new hobby of his is to play with ice cubes in the bowl 🧊

If your cat really doesn’t want to drink, adding extra moisture into their diet via wet food, or soaking biscuits in warm water, can be of great benefit ☺️

20/07/2024

This week I met the beautiful Betty and her family for a good old pamper session 💅🏼

Betty has a little difficulty grooming due to a lifelong medical condition, so we assisted her by clipping some knotted fur, having a good brush to remove some of her thick undercoat and finished off with a mani-pedi (nail clip).

Betty was an absolute angel and sat happily enjoying some treats for the duration of my visit - a real pleasure to meet her 😻

18/07/2024

With the weather warming up again, so do our efforts to keep our pets cool ☀️

Please do not walk dogs in the heat of the day or keep any pets in cars, even with windows open or for a short period of time.

Ensure outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs are housed in a shaded area, with plenty of fresh air, room to move and fresh water. Frozen water bottles are a fab addition to hutches and runs, allowing the pet to lay alongside them!

I will be posting ideas of how to help keep your pets cool this summer, over the coming weeks 😎

Check out these fantastic infographics from VetsNow!

18/07/2024

Lovely feedback from a short locum placement with Sutton Bridge Vets - thank you! I look forward to seeing you all again soon 🥰

15/07/2024

Bourne-based kitty missing, previously lived on Crease Drove in Crowland. Please keep your eye out for little Alfie, to help get him back home 💙

10/07/2024

It's National Kitten Day! 🐱

If you're thinking of adding a new kitten to your family, here are a few things that should be considered and prepared:

🐾 Medical Care - register with a veterinary practice, book in a health check, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and a microchip if not already present. For older kittens, also discuss neutering. Consider pet insurance with a lifetime policy.

🐾 Home Comforts - beds, blankets and quiet places to hide and feel safe.

🐾 Litter trays - 2 large trays per cat is ideal, to minimise accidents, avoid scented litter and clean the trays regularly.

🐾 Food & Water - separate shallow bowls in different areas. Water fountains are a great way to increase water intake. A high-quality, easily digestible diet, specifically for kittens is recommended (Hills, Purina and Royal Canin are the leading brands with years of scientific research put into their diets).

🐾 Toys - enrichment is crucial to keep an active kitten busy. Cats can play just like dogs, learning things like fetch! It is recommended to avoid laser pens as there is no reward or end (the laser cannot be caught).

🐾 Carrier - a large sturdy carrier, filled with soft cosy bedding, toys and treats can make a great hiding place! Keeping your carrier out every day in the corner of a room, or under a desk can prevent the fear cats get when the carrier is bought out!

🐾 Plug-Ins - pheromone-based plug-in diffusers and sprays can really help a cat to feel more relaxed in a new environment, or stressful situation. Pet Remedy and Feliway are readily available.

If you would like help or advice with a new kitten, or an older cat, get in touch today!

05/07/2024

The 5th of July each year is Pet Remembrance Day 🪽 A difficult topic to discuss but so important to acknowledge.

Losing a beloved pet can be incredibly tough, as can the period leading up to their final days. Always know you are not alone, and support is available to help guide pet carers through the process, from providing quality-of-life assessments and explaining the process of pet euthanasia to grief support.

Veterinary professionals are here to help, but there are also online resources available should you prefer more privacy:
❤️ PDSA
❤️ Blue Cross
❤️ Cloud 9 Vets
❤️ Cats Protection

My inbox is always open if you need support or advice, and I can provide quality-of-life discussions, should your older or unwell pet be worrying you.

The cats pictured are my three fur babies who have crossed the rainbow bridge; Polly, Oscar and Peter. If you would like to share a photo or a memory, feel free to post them in the comments section ❤️🐾

04/07/2024

Receiving your kind feedback really means so much - thank you 🥰

02/07/2024

This October, I will be joining the Veterinary Voices Hiking Group in a 32km hike in the Lake District, in aid of Vetlife - a charity providing 24/7 emotional, financial and mental health support for veterinary professionals in need.

Please take a look at my Just Giving page to learn about the amazing work Vetlife do. Sharing my page would be amazing, and if you can afford to, feel free to donate (even £1 towards this lifesaving charity will mean so much) 🩷

Help Kim Coward raise money to support Vetlife

26/06/2024

July's dates are in the diary, ready to book! The 🐾 prints below are my Visiting Vet Nurse days.

Get in touch to get your pet booked in or if you have any queries about what services I can support you with 🐾

08/06/2024

It’s vacation time! 2024 has been a very busy (and stressful) year so far, so it’s time for a well-needed break. I’ll be back Tuesday 18th June, feel free to message or email and I’ll pick it up when I’m back. See you all soon ☀️

06/06/2024

Ensuring your pet receives the correct amount of calories each day is really important to maintain a healthy weight and body condition score 🍽

I weigh two weeks' worth of food at a time, in takeaway tubs (which were only a few £ on Amazon), so providing the right amount of food is quick and easy each day!

Get in touch today if you need weight or nutrition support 😁

03/06/2024

The compulsory microchipping deadline is fast approaching! By 10th June 2024, all cats should be microchipped by law. Placement is quick and easy, often without any reaction at all - most vet's are currently offering discounts too, so it's a great time to take advantage of the many benefits of a microchip!

P.S. Did you know, a microchip is the size of an individual rice grain?!

24/05/2024

Coming to the end of my first week as a solo RVN! On Wednesday I visited my first group of clients and their wonderful pets, in the comfort of their own homes. Today I’m at Orton Vets with a lovely team and some familiar faces to help ease the nerves ☺️

Currently enjoying a long lunch break with a bit of fresh air - and a load of crows who wanted to share my food 🐦‍⬛

Thank you to everyone who’s helped make my first week fabulous!

17/05/2024

Yesterday I visited Medivet Bretton to meet the team and arrange some locum shifts. I couldn’t not take a photo of this amazing Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month board - displaying some of the tasks a Veterinary Nurse does! 💚💚

15/05/2024

Yesterday I hung up this name badge and packed away 4.5 years of memories (and junk that I’d collected). Time for a little break before moving into my new role as a self employed Registered Veterinary Nurse. The future is terrifying, but so bloomin’ exciting! 🥰

12/05/2024

The first part of my equipment order has arrived and I’ve got so excited! Piece by piece, everything is coming together and soon I’ll be ready to support the local community and their pets 🩷 Get in touch today to get booked in or express your interest!

08/05/2024

The list of services is live! 🥳 Additional services will be added over the coming months!

As of 27th May, I will have professional and public liability insurance, as well as a basic DBS check, for your peace of mind, and the safety of myself, you and your furry friends 🐾

Please get in touch if you have any questions, or would like to get booked in!

Disclaimer - All services are governed by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. As a Veterinary Nurse not working under the direction of a Vet, I am unable to prescribe, health check or diagnose.

01/05/2024

Introduction time 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Kim! I’m a Registered Veterinary Nurse based in a little village called Whaplode Drove. I’ve been working within the veterinary industry for 10 years now (makes me feel very old!) and have been qualified for the last 7. I’ve always described myself as a bit of a nerd 🤓 I love to study, to provide the very best care for my patients and support for their caregivers - leading me to gain certificates in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Anaesthesia) and Emergency & Critical Care. After working within local practices and hospitals, I’ve decided to take the plunge and move into locum Veterinary Nursing, and also offer my support to pets within the local community. There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the moment, but more info will be available very soon!! ☺️ Outside of working life, I remain an animal lover, spending time with my cat Reggie and chihuahua Caesar (both rescues that were taken home from work one day - a risk of the job 🤣). I also enjoy the gym, love food and my favourite place is the beach (weekly visit is a must). I’m excited to grow my little business and get to meet some more of my neighbours and their fur babies!! Feel free to comment/message/text to introduce yourself, or ask any questions ☺️ P.S. a list of services and price list will hopefully be available after the weekend! 🤞🏼