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Is your pet microchipped?
This one gave us goosebumps this morning 😍
This is the story of Boris, the handsome 'stray cat' brought into us this morning to check for a microchip, after a week of hanging around a member of the public's garden 🐈⬛️
Yessss! Sam, the vet thought - 'he has a microchip!' We called the owner who couldn't believe what we were saying. 'Boris?' 'Still alive?' 'After all these years?'
It had been a number of years since the owner had seen Boris. He went missing, and it was assumed he had passed away after no such luck in finding him.
Situations change, and his owner sadly told us that he wouldn't be able to have Boris back.
With his owner's consent, we were in the process of looking to rehome him. To our client's joy, it was decided that Boris was going to live with them!
It really seemed he had picked the family he wanted to live with... Really not the outcome anyone was expecting, but a lovely story.
After a name change, a change in ownership/microchip details and some treats we sent Boris on his way. He had definitely landed on his paws with this family 🐾
Microchips are very useful in identifying and reuniting lost pets, and it is paramount if your pet is found with an injury or needing extra care. Having a microchip means we can have direct contact with you, speeding up their treatment if it is required.
These are only a few of the reasons why we recommend microchipping.
It is worth ensuring your contact details are kept up to date, as out of date details make it much more difficult (or even impossible) to reunite you!
Did you know it is now law for your dog to be microchipped?
If you would like to book your pet in for microchipping, call us on either 01963 33226 or 01747 835333 📞
Are you worried about your pet being neutered?
Just take a look at Charlie, the playful kitten. He was up and playing within 3 hours of his castration 🤗
Surgery, what surgery? 👀
To discuss neutering of your pet, call us on either 01963 33226 or 01747 835333 📞
(Please note: Charlie was not left unattended with the toy)
Dog Walk Recommendations
With our four locations spanning the three beautiful counties of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, we like to think our clients are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to walk their dogs.
Tell us where you recommend – you may inspire a fellow Southill pet owner to try somewhere new this weekend! 😃🐶🐾
#DogWalks #Walkies #Wincanton #Gillingham #Mere #MilbornePort
Memories of 2022 with our beloved patients 🥳
Pet Diabetes Month, which runs throughout the month of November aims to increase owner awareness and understanding of the condition
The video linked by MSD Animal Health highlights which animals are most likely to suffer and also what symptoms owners may notice in patients with diabetes 🩺
To find out more information please visit https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/KBPH/pet-advice/diabetes or to speak to one of our team please call 0196333226
* WARNING - SCENES OF SURGERY *
Poor Buddy got himself into some trouble during the summer holidays ☀️
He somehow managed to get a stick lodged in his throat!
His owners brought him to see vet Charlotte at Gillingham who gave Buddy a course of pain relief and antibiotics.
Despite removal of the stick, without a CT scan sadly Charlotte could not determine if there was any remains of wood left inside Buddy 🩻
After the swelling initially reducing in size, sadly an abscess formed underneath his neck.
Vicky performed surgery to explore the swelling and located 2 pieces of stick which she removed successfully!
We are so pleased to say that Buddy has been doing really well since removal of these pieces.
You can find a handsome photo of him in the comment section 😍
We don’t just look after fury and feathery friends here at Southill vets! 🦔
We also occasionally assist in rehabilitating wildlife - such as this spikey little chap who was sadly deserted by his mother.
Our head nurse Clare has nursed many different types of animals, including a variety of wildlife and domesticated animals. Clare takes pride and is dedicated when it comes to hand rearing animals. We think she is amazing at what she does! 🩺
* WARNING - NEEDLES AND BLOOD *
We like to show you interesting things when we can!
Meet Grayson, a beautiful 11 months old cat in for castration today at our Gillingham branch.
Due to Grayson requiring an anaesthetic an intravenous catheter was inserted prior to his surgery.
Intravenous catheterisation
What does 'intravenous' mean, and what is an 'intravenous catheter'?
The term intravenous is used to describe when something is administered into a vein. An intravenous catheter is a small flexible tube placed into a peripheral vein usually on a forelimb.
Why would an intravenous catheter be placed?
Intravenous catheters are used for multiple reasons inside human and veterinary medicine.
Routinely we use them to administer medications (including anaesthetics and sedation), fluid therapy, emergency drugs and sometimes even to draw blood samples.
Patients receiving medications and fluids intravenously will feel the benefits much quicker compared to other injection methods including; under the skin and inside a muscle.
How do we place catheters?
After gentle restraint, a small area of fur is clipped - usually on a front limb. A surgical scrub technique is used to reduce the risk of contamination of the injection site. A needle is inserted, and once blood is visualised in the needle hub the plastic catheter is carefully introduced into the vein. A bung is used to prevent blood spillage, and this is secured in place with tape.
Grayson has recovered extremely well since his surgery, we will miss him when he gets picked up 🐱
* Warning, scenes of surgery *
- Answer reveal! -
The beautiful Lyra has been unfortunately suffering with a large urinary stone! 😔
Continue reading if you would like to know more 🤓..
What are bladder and kidney stones?
Bladder and kidney stones are hardened accumulations of minerals found in urine. Dogs and cats can develop stones anywhere in the urinary tract, and stones can form in many different shapes and sizes.
So what causes urinary stones?
- Urinary tract infections
- Some diets
- Genetic predisposition (breed of animal)
- Metabolic diseases
What are the signs of bladder and kidney stones?
- Blood in the urine
- Unexpected urinary accidents
- Passing urine more frequently
- Recurring urinary tract infections
How do we diagnose urinary stones?
Some vets may be able to feel stones in the bladder by applying gentle pressure with their hands. In most cases, an abdominal radiograph is required. An abdominal ultrasound may also be helpful to visualize stones, and we can test urine samples to check for crystal formation.
How are bladder and kidney stones treated?
Some stones can be dissolved by feeding the pet a special diet, which can help to prevent reoccurrence. This prescription food, available only through veterinarians, will help modify the urine pH and dissolve the stones.
Some types of stones sadly cannot be dissolved by diet changes and must be removed from the bladder via surgical intervention; as seen here with Lyra undergoing surgery with vet Vicky and vet student Honour.
Please note: If your pet cannot pass urine, this is a medical emergency and a veterinarian will need to be contacted.
As you can see by the photos in the comment section, Lyra has recovered really well. Her owners tell us they have treated her like a princess - which we think she deserves 👸. Hopefully we can start Lyra on a prescription diet to prevent these pesky stones returning.
We really are so lucky to have such lovely clients and patients 🥰
❄️Top tips for keeping your dog safe in cold weather:
❄️Never leave a dog unattended outdoors in cold weather, for a prolonged period of time
❄️Keep their foot hair short to avoid ice or snow balls forming
❄️Inspect, rinse or wipe a dog’s paws after a wintery walk to remove balls of ice or rock salt from between the toes.
❄️Towel dry wet dogs after a walk to prevent hypothermia. If your dog is very young, old, thin or unwell – consider using a coat and/or boots.
❄️Avoid letting dogs swim in water on really cold days unless you know you can get them warm and dry immediately afterwards.
❄️When out walking in the dark, use lights and bright/reflective clothing and accessories for you and your dog, to ensure you can be seen.
❄️Never let a dog drink from puddles near where cars have been parked, in case they are contaminated by antifreeze.
❄️Take extra care of golden oldies. Flare ups of osteoarthritis are common in colder weather. If they seem stiff or uncomfortable, get them checked out by a vet.
❄️Be aware that heatstroke can still occur, even in winter. Dogs at risk include those that exercise vigorously whilst wearing coats, are brought into a warm house immediately afterwards or lie too close to a heat source e.g. fire.
If you have any concerns about your pet, give us a call or drop us a message using the contact form on our website!
This article was written by Dr Vicky Strong MRCVS. It is for general information only.
🎅Ho ho.. Oh no!
🎄It's that time of year again where we are seeing a lot of dogs that have eaten something naughty!
🍫Make sure you are aware of the potential dangers in your house this Christmas, and call us if you have any concerns your pet may have eaten or chewed something that could be bad for them - we are here for our clients 24/7 on 01963 33226
WANTED Saturday Receptionist
A friendly and enthusiastic person required to work at our Wincanton Surgery 8.30 – 12 noon. Must be over 16 years of age
To apply please send a covering letter and your CV to Clare Webb at the Wincanton Surgery or email them to [email protected]
