Services

Acupuncture can be used to help improve or cure problems your pet might have, including those related to the musculoskeletal, reproductive, neurological, or gastrointestinal systems. Acupuncture can also be used to manage pain and hasten recovery after surgery.

Acupuncture, which originated in China, has been used as a therapeutic treatment option for thousands of years. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body is composed of several pathways called “meridians,” along which energy flows. When disease is present, energy is interrupted, or unbalanced. Stimulating acupuncture points along the meridians can restore energy flow, resulting in improved or cured health problems.

Because the needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, they cause minimal or no pain and are generally well tolerated by pets. However, incorrect placement of the needle or inadequate sterilization can result in pain or complications, which is why you should only have a qualified practitioner perform acupuncture on your pet.

To determine if your pet’s condition(s) may be responsive to this treatment modality, please set up an exam with one of our qualified veterinarians.

Patient Monitoring

We monitor our patients closely to keep them as safe as possible during procedures that require general anaesthesia. A veterinary nurse will continually assess your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs to help prevent any anaesthetic risk.

Please feel free to ask us about our patient monitoring protocol or any concerns you might have about your pet’s procedure. We’d be happy to discuss these matters in more detail.

General Anaesthesia

For some procedures, your pet will need to be administered general anaesthesia so that he or she will be unconscious and not feel pain. Many pet owners worry about their pets being administered general anaesthesia. We can assure you that modern anaesthesia is generally quite safe; to further lower any risk, we perform a physical examination and run blood work ahead of time to catch any underlying health issues. In addition, we follow a specific anesthetic protocol, including monitoring vital signs during the procedure, to ensure the safety of our patients.

We begin most general anaesthetic procedures by administering a sedative to help the pet relax and decrease any anxiety and pain. We then administer an intravenous drug to provide complete anaesthesia and place a breathing tube into the patient’s trachea (windpipe). To maintain the state of unconsciousness, we deliver a gas anesthetic in combination with oxygen through the breathing tube.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving general anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.

Local Anaesthesia

If your pet is having a minor surgical or diagnostic procedure performed, we sometimes use a local anaesthetic to help control pain. For example, when we perform a biopsy (in which a small portion of tissue is surgically removed so it can be examined), we often use a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetics cause a loss of sensation in the area where the procedure is being performed. We sometimes use a sedative and/or anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication) in combination with the local anesthetic to keep pets calm during a procedure.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving local anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.

Reception

You will receive a friendly welcome from one of our staff members-please let us know when you arrive for an appointment.

Appointments run at 10 – 15 minute intervals.

We always aim to keep to time but we hope you appreciate this isn’t always possible if dealing with emergencies. We ask you to be patient as we hope you understand sometimes very ill animals will need to be treated first.

Consult room

Examination of your pet will take place here. Observations and details will be recorded and we will involve you in any decisions to be made about your pet’s treatment and/or medication.

Laboratory services

Blood tests
We run a wide variety of in-house blood tests. Blood test results will usually be completed within a couple of hours, which enables the vet to make a diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment for your pet. Some tests may need to be sent to an external laboratory.

Urinalysis
In-house urine testing available for initial assessment e.g kidney function and diabetes. Further testing available at external laboratory.

Dental

We offer dental scaling and extractions and emergency dental work on small animals. We have available an ultra sonic scaler and high speed drill.

X-ray and ultrasound

Excluding Cross Hands Surgery, all our branches can offer in-house x-ray with developing facilities which enables us to make a diagnosis rapidly. Ultrasound is also available at our main branches.

Operating theatre

Excluding Cross Hands, all our branches have fully equipped operating theatres.

Blood pressure machine

We are able to monitor your pet’s blood pressure in-house.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Knowing if your dog has this condition before an emergency situation arises can mean the difference between life and death. Similar to hemophilia in humans, von Willebrand’s disease can result in life-threatening bleeding. Many dogs that carry this disease in their genetic makeup go undetected until a minor surgery or small, superficial injury results in significant blood loss.

We offer testing for this disease, which is a highly inheritable trait in some breeds. Commonly affected breeds include German shepherds, German shorthaired and wirehaired pointers, golden and Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Pembroke Welsh corgis, poodles, Scottish and Manchester terriers, and Shetland sheepdogs. If you have an at-risk breed, we recommend that you have your dog tested.

Some animals show no signs of the disease but are carriers of this genetic problem. If these dogs are allowed to reproduce, they can pass the disease on to their offspring. If you are a breeder, we strongly recommend testing for von Willebrand’s disease before breeding your dogs. Please call us to schedule this test.

Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia (abnormal development of the hip joint) begins when the hip joint in a young dog becomes loose or unstable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this instability causes abnormal wear of the hip cartilage and ultimately progresses to osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Signs of this condition are pain, reluctance to get up or exercise, difficulty climbing stairs, a “bunny-hopping” gait, limping, and lameness, especially after periods of inactivity or exercise.

Hip dysplasia most commonly affects large- and giant-breed dogs; however, smaller dogs can also be affected. Although genetics often play a role in this disorder, young dogs that grow or gain weight too quickly or get too much high-impact exercise are also at risk. Being overweight can aggravate hip dysplasia.

We can help prevent or slow this condition by monitoring food intake and ensuring that your dog gets proper exercise as he or she ages. We can also screen your dog for hip dysplasia, using one of two methods. The earlier we can diagnose hip dysplasia, the better the possible outcome for your dog.

Dentistry

Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality.

Common signs of dental disease include:

• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face
• Loose teeth
• Depression

Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these signs, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.

Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.

Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also help show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.

Radiology

When we need to figure out what’s wrong with your pet, we routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of the problem, rule out possible problems, or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.

X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.

We are proud to offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet. Plus, it uses less radiation than traditional x-rays.

To avoid a blurry image, pets need to remain completely still while an x-ray is taken. In most cases, we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anesthesia.

If you have any questions about our radiology service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Flea Control

A flea problem on your pet means a flea problem in your home. Understanding the flea life cycle and methods for its control can be a daunting task. We will gladly assist you in this process. We can provide you with safe, effective flea prevention and if necessary, flea treatment. See the flea article in the Pet Health Library of our site.

Dermatology (Skin)

Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.

We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s signs and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.

Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography (also called ultrasound or sonography) is a noninvasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body. It can be used to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and bladder; to detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy.

We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis. Interpretation of ultrasound images requires great skill on the part of the clinician.

The ultrasonographer applies gel to the surface of the body and then methodically moves a transducer (a small handheld tool) across the skin to record images of the area of interest. The gel helps the transducer slide more easily and create a more accurate visual image.

The transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves, which are directed into the body toward the structures to be examined. The waves create echoes of varying degrees depending on the density of the tissue and amount of fluid present. Those waves create detailed images of the structures, which are shown on a monitor and recorded for evaluation.

Ultrasound does not involve radiation, has no known side effects, and doesn’t typically require pets to be sedated or anaesthetized. The hair in the area to be examined usually needs to be shaved so the ultrasonographer can obtain the best result.

If you have any questions about our ultrasonography service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Medical Assessment

To ensure a proper diagnosis, we often need to examine your pet. We begin a medical assessment by looking at your pet’s eyes, ears, and skin and checking his or her cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems for any abnormalities. We will perform blood and/or urine tests as necessary to check your pet’s kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. Based on your pet’s condition, we may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as radiography (x-rays), endoscopy (internal scoping), ultrasound, or biopsy.

If you’re concerned that something may be wrong with your pet, please call us to schedule a medical assessment. Depending on the signs, we may ask you to bring in your pet right away.

Giant Breeds

Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, and giant schnauzers have unique dietary requirements. Very few commercial puppy foods offer the ideal mix of calcium, energy, and protein levels that these breeds need. We can provide you with feeding recommendations that will encourage your dog’s maximum growth potential without causing developmental problems. For added convenience, we also stock veterinary-approved diets for giant breeds.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your dog’s nutrition or if you would simply like to discuss this topic with us.

Puppies / Kittens

It’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed by all the pet foods on the market. We can help you weed through the choices and find a puppy or kitten food that will meet your growing pet’s specific nutritional needs. We even carry many nutritionally balanced, veterinary-approved brands in our clinic.

Feel free to ask us for a food recommendation or to contact us with any nutrition questions or concerns you might have. We’re happy to help!

Flea Prevention and Control

Fleas can cause problems for pets ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don’t just stay on pets; they can bite people, too. For more information, contact us or see the flea article in the Pet Health Library on our site.

You don’t want these blood-sucking parasites on your pet or in your home. We can help keep them away or help you get rid of them if they’ve already found their way inside. Call us to find out how to eliminate and control fleas or to start your pet on a preventive today.

Worm Prevention, Including Lungworm

When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm infection. And those heartworms can wreak havoc on your dog or cat. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infection; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.

In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue, and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infection can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition can usually be fatal.

Although often thought to not be susceptible to heartworm infection, cats can indeed get heartworms. Cats can suffer from a syndrome referred to as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD); the symptoms can be subtle and may mimic those of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, and panting, are common. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting (typically unrelated to eating), and loss of appetite or weight. Heartworm infection is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs.

Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive than prevention, and it can prove fatal for your dog. There is no approved treatment for cats. Some cats spontaneously rid themselves of the infection; others might not survive it. And even one or two adult heartworms in a cat can cause serious problems.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to keep your dog or cat safe: by administering monthly heartworm preventives. Most heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. We can recommend the best regimen of prevention for your pet.

Tick Prevention

Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in the UK, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.

The best method for keeping ticks off your pet is by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and highly effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Call us to get your pet protected today!

Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide easily under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Check out our brand new weight loss clinic, offering free advice, regular checks and weighs-in. Contact us for more information.

Taxi Services

If you are struggling for transport, below is a list of local taxi services who will be willing to collect you at any time. You will be responsible for paying for the taxi service and please do inform the practise of your arrangements prior to arrival.

• Llangadog Taxis: 01550 777924
• Brynamman Taxis: 01269 825287
• Conboy Cabs: 01269 596662
• Gwendraeth Valley Cabs: 01269 844949
• *Taxi Shop Ammanford: 01269 595050
• *Pontardawe Taxis: 01792 865560
• *Small dogs & cats only

Our practice provides a range of pet care services. If you have any questions about your pet’s need for treatment or a specific aspect of our service, please call the veterinary practice or email us.

Spaying

Spaying your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents female animals from becoming pregnant and reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Spaying will not change your pet’s personality.

By spaying your female pet, you’re protecting her against potentially deadly diseases, including bacterial infections, reproductive tract diseases, and several types of cancer. You also won’t have to worry about her going into heat. This means avoiding the mess that often accompanies the heat cycle in female dogs and the pacing and crying that happens with female cats. In addition, spaying your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.

Spaying, which involves removing the ovaries and uterus, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure her safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe.

To set up an appointment to have your pet spayed or to learn more about this procedure, call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to spay your pet, please call us so we can discuss your concerns.

Castration

Castrating your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents male animals from reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Castration will not change your pet’s personality.

By castrating your pet, you’re reducing or eliminating his risk for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Castration will also reduce or eliminate undesirable and embarrassing behaviour, including roaming, fighting, humping, and spraying. In addition, castrating your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.

Castration, which involves removing the testicles, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe.

To set up an appointment to have your pet castrated or to learn more about this procedure, please call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to castrate your pet, please call us or stop by so we can discuss your concerns.

Soft Tissue Surgery

We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets.

Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (nonharmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections, surgical intervention can reduce their occurrence by improving airflow into the ear canal.

Surgery can also help resolve several problems related to the eyes. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or may be a sign that the cornea (outer layer of the eye) has been damaged. Surgery may allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring, improving your pet’s ability to see. In some pets, the eyelashes may actually damage the cornea. Surgical intervention improves comfort in these pets, reduces the chances of corneal scarring, and enhances the pet’s vision in the long term.

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.

Orthopaedic Surgery

We perform many types of orthopaedic (bone) surgeries in our clinic. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to a specialist orthoapedic surgeons to perform back surgery and other very complex surgeries.

Leg fractures are the most common orthopaedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with a vehicle. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:

• “Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
• “Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
• “External fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.

Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.

Adult Pet Wellness

Bringing your pet in for an annual diagnostic and wellness checkup can help reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy or help us detect hidden diseases or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and help your pet live longer. Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health or behaviour might be easy to overlook. And, depending on the disease, some pets don’t show any signs.

Dogs and cats age far quicker than humans, so it is even more crucial for our companion animals to receive regular examinations. In addition, the risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age.

During your pet’s wellness exam, we will perform a physical assessment, checking your dog or cat from nose to tail. We will also make sure your pet receives appropriate vaccinations and preventives. We will perform a diagnostic workup, which may include blood, faecal, and urine tests to check for parasites and underlying diseases. We may also recommend that your pet receive dental care. When your pet is nearing his or her senior years, we will recommend a baseline exam and diagnostic workup so we’ll know what’s normal for your pet. This will enable us to keep track of any changes.

Because you spend the most time with your pet, you are your pet’s expert, as well as his or her greatest advocate. Please let us know if you’ve noticed any physical or behavioural changes in your pet, as well as any other concerns you might have.

Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam! If you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss our adult wellness program in more detail.

Senior Pet Wellness

As dogs and cats get older, they need more attention and special care. Our senior wellness program can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier, when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can actually help your pet live longer, too!

Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet’s life, but it becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters his or her senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats may not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are quite advanced.

Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in.

Before your dog or cat reaches senior status, we recommend that you bring your pet in for a baseline exam and diagnostic workup. This will give us a record of what’s normal for your pet so we can keep track of any changes. In most cases, we suggest this checkup for when your dog turns 7 years of age or your cat turns 8 years of age. Thereafter, your senior pet will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.

We can treat many signs that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life in many ways: by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending an appropriate nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications to keep your pet comfortable.

We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss our senior wellness program in more detail. Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam!

Many pets suffer from chronic health conditions that cannot be cured, but can be managed with daily medication.

How can I find out more information about the medication that my pet has been prescribed?

All medicines that are licensed for use in pets have an information leaflet included within the box of medication. This includes information from the manufacturer regarding the purpose of the medication, any possible side effects, and recommendations for monitoring pets taking this medication. If you cannot find this leaflet please contact the surgery to ask for a replacement, or look it up online at www.noahcompendium.co.uk.

In some situations there are no suitable medications licensed for use in veterinary patients. If this is the case, veterinary surgeons are permitted to prescribe human medications for these pets. The system that authorises vets to prescribe these medications is known as the Prescribing Cascade. Vets have a ‘formulary’ (a book containing as much information as is widely known about the use of these medications in cats and dogs) to look up known uses and possible side effects of the drug and will be happy to share this information with you, but there is no official documentation relating to use in pets produced by the drug manufacturers. It is most common to have to use an unlicensed product when vets are treating an unusual condition, or an unusual species, because drug companies do not put their products through the expensive pet licensing system unless there is a large market for its use in veterinary patients. It is not permitted to prescribe a human medicine for a pet unless the vet can confirm that there is no suitable veterinary product available.

Some commonly used medications that are not licensed for use in pets are: chemotherapy drugs (e.g. vincristine, vinblastine), ‘extra’ pain relief (e.g. gabapentin, amitriptyline), eye drops (e.g. anti-allergy drops, antibiotic drops, drops to treat glaucoma), and medication to stop seizures in patients that do not respond to the standard epilepsy medications.

How often will the vet need to examine my pet on long term medication?

The veterinary surgeon looking after your pet is required to examine your pet as frequently as is necessary to ensure that:

1. The medication is working successfully and is being given at the correct dose
2. Any side effects can be detected and addressed promptly
3. The medication is being used in accordance with the manufacturers safety guidelines

The interval between examinations will vary with the condition, patient and medication being used. It is common for patients to be examined fairly frequently at the start of a course of medication, with check-ups becoming less frequent as time goes on. Please ask your veterinary surgeon if you are not sure when your next recommended check-up is due.

Patients that are considered to be stable and at low risk of complications from their illness and their medication will still need to be checked by a veterinary surgeon every 6 months as a minimum. The only exception is for flea and worm medication, in which case the minimum interval for examination is 12 months.

How do I request ongoing supplies of medication for my pet?

Medication can be requested from your veterinary surgeon during a consultation.

If your pet is running out of medication but is not yet due a check-up, you may request additional medication by telephoning the surgery. Please allow 2 working days between making your request and collecting your medication.

Is there any medical testing that should be carried out for dogs on long term medication?

It is recommended that all patients on any long term medication have haematology and biochemistry blood tests and a urine test checked annually. The tests check red and white blood cell counts, kidney and liver health, protein, salt and sugar levels. This testing allows your vet to make a much more thorough assessment of your pet’s health when checking that it is safe and appropriate for your pet to continue to take their medication.

For some medical conditions and some medications more frequent testing is required, or additional tests are required. The following table is in addition to the annual blood and urine tests mentioned above.

 

Medication	Recommended testing	Additional information
Hyperthyroid medication	Blood tests for: Haematology (red and white cells) Biochemistry (organ function) Thyroid level every 3 months	Blood tests can be taken at any time of day but the pet should not have missed any medication doses in the previous 3 weeks.
Hypothyroid medication	Blood tests for thyroid level every 6 months	The thyroid blood test should be taken 3-4 hours after the medication has been given that day
Onsior anti- inflammatory	Blood tests for liver at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after starting the medication; then haematology and biochemistry blood testing every 6 months.
Phenobarbital	Blood phenobarbital level every 6 months once stable in dogs (more often in initial stabilisation period). Once cats are stable, it is not essential to test this level unless there is a change in the medical situation.	Blood test should be taken 1-2 hours before the next dose of medication is due.
Insulin	Blood tests for fructosamine (average blood sugar) every 6 months	This test may need to be carried out more often when patients are unstable; or less often if clients are doing blood sugar testing at home.
Trilostane/ Vetoryl	Blood test for cortisol level and urine concentration test after 10 days of treatment and then every 3 months.	The blood and urine test should be taken just before the next dose is due (withhold morning dose before testing if necessary)
Zycortal	Blood test for electrolyte measurement 10 and 25 days after injection for first 2 months of treatment; then every 6 months.	Timing of injections may be altered depending on the results.

How much medication can I take at any one time?

You may take  from one month to enough medication to last your pet until your next check-up depending on the vet’s discretion. If medication is taken home but subsequently is not required (the patient’s health may alter and medication needs may change) it cannot be refunded. Therefore, many clients prefer to take 1-3 months supply at a time, and call for more as they need it.

Some medications are classified as ‘controlled drugs’ by the government. The most common controlled drugs that our veterinary patients take on a long-term basis are tramadol, gabapentin and phenobarbital (for epilepsy). Vets can only prescribe 1 month of these medications at a time and there are audit systems in place to make sure that all of this medication can be accounted for. Your vet will not necessarily need to see your pet every month, but you will have to put a new prescription request in every month to continue to collect the medication.

What about written prescriptions?

At Bush House Vet Group we hold all of the commonly used medications in stock and are able to order less common medications to arrive within 1-3 days. Therefore, the majority of our clients order and pick up their medications directly from the surgery.

However, if you prefer to order a written prescription from the surgery, you may then use this to purchase your pet’s medication from a local or online pharmacy. A charge of £26.50 (if recently seen) is payable to Bush House Vet Group for each written prescription and then you pay the pharmacy whatever price they are selling the medication for. Patients taking more than one prescription medicine will need a separate written prescription for each medicine. The prescribing and re- examination rules are exactly the same whether you purchase your medication from the surgery or from another pharmacy (so are for a maximum of 6 months of medication from the last examination for most medications, but only for 1 month of medication for controlled drugs). If you purchase your medication from an online pharmacy make sure that you use a trusted website and fully understand how to administer and store the medication when it is delivered to you.