PET SERVICES

Vaccinations

We strongly advise all clients have their dogs and cats vaccinated against several viral and bacterial diseases, some of which can be fatal.  The incidence of some of these diseases has decreased over the years, but only due to continued vaccination of the vast majority of pets around the country.

Puppies should receive their first vaccination from 6 weeks of age, and the second from 10 weeks of age.  Kittens can be vaccinated from 9 weeks of age, with the second injection 3 weeks later.

Yearly booster vaccination is essential to maintain full protection.

The vaccination includes a full clinical examination of your pet and the opportunity to discuss any health concerns you may have, as well as advice on a suitable flea and worm control programme.

We can also vaccinate dogs against kennel cough, an additional vaccine which is squirted up the nose instead of injected.  Kennel cough is common where dogs come into close contact with others, such as in boarding kennels.  This can be given at the same time as the routine booster vaccinations.

Visiting Specialists and referrals

Visiting Specialists

Craig Devine of Borders Veterinary Cardiology Services visits the practice most frequently, and is able to assist with investigation and treatment of heart disease and also respiratory problems.  Craig brings his equipment including ECG, colour-flow Doppler echocardiography machine and endoscopes to the practice to enable advanced procedures to be performed without referral.

We also have occasional soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeons visit the practice to help us with some intricate soft tissue surgical procedures and complex fracture repairs.

Trevor’s wife Fiona (also a vet, working at Edinburgh Vet School) has a special interest and further qualifications in anaesthesia and may be involved in administering and monitoring anaesthetics in high risk cases.

Referrals

If your pet has a serious illness or injury that we feel we do not have the expertise or facilities to investigate or treat fully, we may recommend referral to either Edinburgh Vet School or Glasgow Vet School, where specialists with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities will be able to help.

Referral can involve substantial costs depending on the nature of the condition.  Pet insurance is strongly recommended to all clients in case of this eventuality.

If you decide to take up the offer of referral, we will telephone for an appointment, and send details of all clinical findings and treatment so far.  After a consultation at the Vet School, you will be given options for investigation and treatment together with an estimate for the likely costs involved.  Should you decide to go ahead with this, your pet may be admitted immediately, or you may be asked to make a further appointment for admission.

We will receive updates on your pets’ progress regularly, and will often be able to provide follow-up care once your pet returns home. 

When it‘s time to say goodbye to a much loved pet, it’s helpful to have considered the options beforehand as this is often a very emotional time.

We understand that it is very important that pets are calm and relaxed, and this often means that they are at home in familiar surroundings.  We are happy to arrange home visits for euthanasia.  Alternatively some clients would prefer to come the surgery, and we can arrange a time when the surgery is likely to be quiet.

Euthanasia involves injection of very concentrated anaesthetic into a vein in the leg.  Anxious pets may be sedated first.

Many clients will want to stay with their pet while euthanasia is performed, while others would prefer to leave the room and have a nurse hold the dog or cat.  We take as much time as is required, and all know from personal experience how painful this time can be.  Afterwards clients may remain with their pet for as long as they need to.

The pets’ body may be removed by the client for burial at home, or we can arrange for cremation by Elysian Fields Pet Crematorium.  If cremation is chosen, the ashes may be scattered by the crematorium or can be returned in a box, casket or urn.