01363 77286001363 772860
01363 77286001363 772860
Male and female kittens can be neutered from around 3 months of age as long as they weigh over 1.5kgs, however, we usually recommend they are done at 5/6 months. There are many advantages to neutering your cat at a young age.
Female cats usually come into season at about 5 months old and can become pregnant. If left unneutered they will start calling for about 1 week in every 2-3 weeks during most of the year to attract male cats.
Spaying will stop all this immediately and will...
The disturbing truth about fleas is only 5% of the infestation lives on your beloved pet, the other 95% live in your home!
Fleas are a persistent problem for many households not only in the summer months but all year round due to central heating. They cause many problems including severe discomfort and self-trauma, allergic skin disease, transmission of tapeworm and anaemia.
Worry not as there is a solution to eliminating these unwanted parasites from your home...
Adult fleas are small reddish-brown, wingless insects approximately 2-3mm long. Their bodies are flat with long strong legs giving them a massive jump.
Fleas can be found on most animals and there are several different species, but the most common is the “cat flea”.
The life cycle of the flea has 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Eggs fall off the host into the environment, which form larvae that live in dark areas feeding on organic debris. Larvae form pupae; these cocoons...
Late in the afternoon, of Friday 13th March, the surgery received a call from a very worried owner whose elderly pony was stuck in a ditch. The fire brigade were in attendance and needed veterinary assistance to get poor Bella out of her predicament!
Fortunately Clare was not far away and arrived to find Bella in a rather tricky situation. It appears that she had been reaching over the fence for some grass, and...
The launch of the UK’s first campaign to bring together the farrier and vet to work as a team to help horse owners keep their horses’ sound was launched at World Horse Welfare’s Norfolk-based Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in March 2015.
The collaborative campaign, ‘Keep one step ahead’, has been developed by members of the independent veterinary group, XLEquine, who have worked closely with World Horse Welfare to deliver the initiative.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Stuart...
The CARE about laminitis project (a collaboration between The Royal Veterinary College and the Animal Health Trust, with funding from World Horse Welfare) is collecting monthly information from horse and pony owners across Britain, regarding the animal’s management, health, weight and condition. Information is collected online via the dedicated website: www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk
Since its launch in August 2014 until...
What is Neospora?
Neospora is caused by a protozoan organism. It is spread in dog faeces which cattle consume and become infected. Neospora is becoming more widely recognised as a common cause of abortion in UK dairy herds at around 4-7 months of pregnancy.
What animals are at risk?
Neospora caninum affects mainly cattle, dogs and other animals such as foxes, although it can also affect sheep, goats, deer and horses. The parasite...
Annual vaccination for your horse is an excellent opportunity for a full health MOT, including a dental check, but have you ever wondered why vaccination is so important for our equine friends?
This article will help to answer some common questions, but if you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us at the surgery 01363 772860 or email.
Why should I Vaccinate my horse?...
Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a condition seen more commonly in winter months when horses are stabled more often.
What is RAO?
RAO is reaction of the horses airways to dust or moulds in the environment causing the airways to narrow and fill with mucus.
Why should you be concerned?
RAO can be very distressing as it can cause difficulties breathing in severe cases. It can also affect the performance of your horse....
As the long and very likely wet winter approaches, we are starting to see more cases of Mud Fever and Rain Scald.
Also known as pastern dermatitis, ‘cracked heels’ and ‘greasy heels’; mud fever is a common condition of the lower limbs, where the skin becomes inflamed and scabby with oozing serum. The coronet, pastern and heels of the foot may also become cracked. In severe cases the leg may swell and the horse may develop lameness. The problem is caused by bacteria (which are usually...
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