Elm House Veterinary Centre

23/08/2024

As the bank holiday approaches we wanted to remind you we will not be open on Monday 26th!
If you pet is ill and needs care please contact the emergency vets on 01376 617173
We hope everyone has a chill and enjoyable weekend like our pets are having here🐾💤

21/08/2024

❗️ATTENTION TO THOSE WHO RAW FEED❗️ Please give the below post a read. If your pet shows any symptoms of the ones mentioned below please do not hesitate to contact your vets for advice.

The specialist veterinary team at Edinburgh University are warning vets about an outbreak of TB in raw fed cats.

Although so far only 11 cases have been confirmed, TB is not a condition many vets will think about because it is so unusual, the symptoms are vague and can mimic other conditions and the testing needed for a diagnosis is very specific.

It is also extremely serious, sadly 8 of the infected cats have already been euthanased and it can make humans very ill as well. Which is why it is important that the word is spread.

All the cats so far diagnosed were fed the same raw diet. They were mainly indoor cats and did not drink raw milk, so had no other risk factors that might have caused the disease.

The company impacted is aware but has not yet been named and the vets are at pains to point out that they appear to have followed all the regulatory requirements and that this is simply an inherent risk (albeit thankfully a low one) of raw feeding.

As yet, as far as I am aware, a recall hasn't been issued.

Infected cats have presented with weight loss, coughing (a real concern as this could increase the ability of the disease to spread, particularly to people), abdominal abnormalities and were often very poorly by the time a diagnosis is made. Their blood tests generally only show non-specific changes like a mild anaemia.

Although TB in cats can present with skin lesions, this strain (similar to the last time this happened) appears to mainly cause respiratory signs and abnormalities may well be seen on chest x-rays.

If a lung wash is performed the bacteria might be identified but any vets doing one on a suspicious case must take care to wear PPE to protect themselves.

If you are concerned you might have a case, the team at Edinburgh, which includes Danielle Gunn-Moore and Conor O'Halloran, are very happy to help and advise you.

They have this webpage which is great; https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/services/small-animals/vet-professional/specialist-services/feline/mycobacteria and advice on suspected cases from this outbreak will be given free of charge.

You can also contact Conor directly on [email protected]

And don't forget that TB is a notifiable disease, so the APHA must be contacted, and they are also a good source of support.

If you are a cat owner who raw feeds and you are worried, the best people to speak to for information and, hopefully, reassurance are your veterinary team and the company who produces the meals you feed.

It is also worth noting the difference between this problem, with a specific subset of infected animals, similar symptoms, a definitive diagnosis, a common diet and specialist vets at the forefront of raising the alert… and the the issues claimed with Purina pet food at the start of this year, which had none of these typical hallmarks of a genuine food related illness outbreak.

For more information about TB in cats, this article from the Edinburgh team, written in 2019, is very helpful; https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/services/small-animals/information-about-cat-tb **But do note the company mentioned in it is in relation to the outbreak at the time, not this one**

*Letter pictured published with the permission of the Vet Record and the authors.

21/08/2024

Is dental hygiene important for my pet?

Oral health for your pets doesn't only benefit them, but also means you don't have to put up with their bad breath. By keeping your pets teeth clean it prevents dental disease which can cause inflamed and bleeding gums and tooth decay, which then means your pet could possibly stop eating and be in pain.

Many dog chews and bones today are advertised as "dental" chews or to help "clean" teeth, however these have a high amount of fat in them and don't help your pets oral hygiene, and can also chip teeth and get stuck in their throat.

Alternatively, brush your pets teeth with animal safe toothpaste and offer them fruits and vegetables like carrots that can help decrease plaque buildup.

16/08/2024

We know that the death of a pet dog can be as devastating as losing a family member 💔

But sadly, many owners who have experienced this felt that there wasn’t anyone they could speak to about their grief, they’d be judged for grieving the loss of a dog or they were embarrassed about their level of sadness 😥

Our very first Walk for Our Old Friends (WOOF) event is being held in October this year to allow people to walk in memory of their beloved pets and to share their cherished memories and the fun times they had with their canine companion 💛

Join us for a community walk around Salcey Forest, Northampton, on 6th October 2024 or organise your own memory walk to honour your adored pooch.

Walk for us 🐾 https://bit.ly/3YEG0rG

16/08/2024

It’s ! A microchip is the best way to help your cat be reunited with you if they ever become lost. Take a few minutes to make sure your microchip details are up to date. Check your cat’s microchip here: www.identibase.co.uk/catsprotectioncheckyourchip

[Image description: Someone wearing a black glove holding up a pink microchip scanner. Through the hand hole in the scanner you can see a ginger and white cat sitting in a bed.]

16/08/2024

As the summer continues and the heat rises our fluffy rabbits need a little bit of extra care. In this warm weather rabbits can be affected by flystrike.

This is when fly's lay eggs in warm dirty areas. As rabbits produce soft faeces this can be the perfect place to lay eggs. Once they hatch, the larvae will burrow into the skin which can be very dangerous.

In order to prevent this, it is recommended to check and clean their bum daily, as well as their environment.

If you have any questions or concerns please call your vet for advice. 🐇

08/08/2024

Today is International cat day!
Celebrate your cat by spending a little more time with them today.
You could treat them to a favorite snack, a new toy or spend time playing with them.
Please share some photos of your feline friends with us to celebrate 😺💕🐾

26/07/2024

Lost pet awareness month!

Meet Tiger.
He came into see us for supportive care after being missing for 4 weeks. He was severely dehydrated and very hungry!

It is a legal requirement to have both dogs and cats microchipped.

Tiger’s story show how important it is to have your pet microchipped and thankfully he has made a full recovery and enjoying being back at home. 🐾

25/07/2024

If your cat is your BFF, it's understandable to want them close by.

Backpacks might seem like a good idea, but they are cramped, poorly ventilated and can get pretty hot especially when the temperature soars.

Skip the bubble backpacks and keep snuggles to home time 🥰

23/07/2024

What really is kennel cough?

An estimate of 40,000 dogs get kennel cough in the UK every year with many going untreated. This is because it can present is many symptoms from coughing, lack of appetite and lethargy. There is a misconception that dogs can only get it from being in kennels, however as its air born, you furry friend can get it from walks, meeting other dogs, training sessions and doggy daycare.

If you think your dog may have the virus, ensure they have enough water and soft food around as hard foods such as kibble and chews can cause irritation to their throat. Owners can also avoid collars as they can be restrictive, as long as their pet is in an enclosed, safe area.

It is important to isolate your dog from others for 14 days and contact your vet.
This is to prevent spread of the virus; as even vaccinated dogs have a chance of contracting it due to different strains.

08/07/2024

As summer is finally approaching we have been seeing a large number of patients come in with grass seeds embedded in their ears, nose and paws. Often found in parks, woodlands and gardens, these little seeds are attached to long grass stems that cling to your pets fur and cause extreme discomfort. If you have noticed your pet licking or chewing at the feet, shaking their head and scratching their ears, these could be signs of a nasty grass seed. So please remember to check your pet regularly and call us if you are concerned. 🌱

05/07/2024

Just a reminder that when we close for the evening you can still receive medical attention for your pet at VetsNow, they are open from 7pm - 8:30am every day to support you an your pet. They are based in Witham and Colchester. You can contact them on 01376619435. 🐾

24/05/2024

*Update* Owner has been found 💔 Thank you for everyone's help with sharing.
We have sadly been handed in an adult male ginger tabby cat. Unfortunately the cat had passed away by the time he arrived to us. he was found near Chelmsford crematorium on Writtle road. He has a white neck, chest and feet, is neutered but does not have a microchip or collar.

If anyone knows anything about this cat please contact us on 01245 352525🌈

16/05/2024

********SCAM ALERT********

Please be vigilant of 'lost pet scams'
A lost pet scam is when a scammer preys on vulnerable pet owners that have lost their pet. They browse websites and social media pages dedicated to lost pets, looking for contact information. These scammers are very good at portraying that they are someone different (such as a vets or rescue) and ask for money to be able to return the pet. In some cases, scammers may even pretend your lost pet is in a vets receiving medical treatment and that they need to make payment for their care.
If you are ever unsure of the authenticity of the caller, please always call the company they are claiming to be associated with BEFORE making any form of payment.

10/05/2024

Meet Cody! 💙🐾

Cody is a 15 week old Pembroke Corgi. Cody came to see one of our nurses this week for a weight check and flea/worming treatment.

09/05/2024

One Brave Girl
This is Bonnie. A 6 year old spaniel that was involved in an RTA last month. Bonnie sustained a broken front leg in the accident. Bonnie was x-rayed and stabilised at Elm house vets before being referred to Southfields Veterinary Specialists for orthopedic surgery.
Bonnie has since been back to see us and has made a remarkable recovery! 🐶🐾💜

24/04/2024

April is National Pet month ❤️
Here are some of our staff pets to celebrate our lovely, furry companions 🐶🐹🐈‍⬛🐾

19/04/2024

Welcome Zoe!!!

Zoe is the newest member of the vet team at Elm house.
Zoe has been qualified since 2010 and holds a post graduate certificate in animal medicine. She is passionate about getting to know owners and their pets (especially the guinea pig kind!) Zoe enjoys medical cases and managing chronic conditions.
At home, Zoe has a Staffordshire bull terrier called Cooper and 7 guinea pigs. 🐶🐹🐾

18/04/2024

17/04/2024

Bob the cat came to us last week unable to close his mouth and off food.
On closer inspection, we found a chicken bone stuck on one of his upper teeth!
Luckily vet Sarrah was able to remove it without any trauma to his mouth.
Bob was feeling much better afterwards and enjoyed multiple bowls of food! 😻💙🐾

21/03/2024

Spring has sprung! 🌸 Remember to keep a watchful eye on your pets and avoid these toxic plants at all times.⚠️

08/03/2024

Please call the practice to book in with one of our lovely nurses before the 10th June if your cat is not microchipped.
Microchipping £19.50

08/03/2024

Happy international women’s day!
Here are some of the inspirational women that are part of team Elm ❤️💃🦸‍♀️💪

07/03/2024

Will you be watching/attending Crufts 2024?

29/02/2024

*****WE ARE HIRING!!!*****

We are looking for a kennel assistant/VCA to join or lovely team.
Please click on the link to view the full add 🐾
https://www.elmhousevets.co.uk/job-vacancies/

23/02/2024

Today is World Spay Day 🐶🐱🐾🌎
The RSPCA have put together a great post on the importance and reasons for neutering cats and dogs. Click on the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The importance of neutering your pet

22/02/2024

February is ‘Dental Awareness Month!’
We have had some lovely patients in with us this month for dental procedures. One of our dental patients was Robin, a 3 year old cat suffering from juvenile gingivitis. This can be a painful condition resulting in servere inflammation of the gums. The condition can often result in extensive extractions, which was unfortunately the case for Robin. Despite having 26 teeth removed, she has taken it all in her stride and is doing remarkably well. 🐾❤️🐈‍⬛🦷

14/02/2024

💘Happy Valentines Day from Elm House💘 🐱🐶🐰🐹🐴🐍🐦
As vets, vet nurses and vet receptionists we love animals. That's why we have dedicated our lives to helping care for them in their time of need.
Who are you spending your day with? Share your lovely pets below!!

13/02/2024

It's pancake day! 🥞
below is a great video from dogs trust with a delicious dog friendly recipe ⬇⬇

Give your dogs a treat this Pancake Day with our dog-friendly pancake recipe. Your dogs will flippin' love them! Full recipe 👉 https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/...