Our first November focus is Feline Heart Disease.

Feline heart disease, specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can effect any cat, but is genetically predisposed to Maine Coon's, Ragdoll's and other breeds. However, if undiagnosed, hyperthyroidism and hypertension (high blood pressure) are well known to cause similar heart changes.

With bonfire night coming up, it can be a stressful time for our pets, but there are measures you can take to minimise this.

Autumn is an exciting time for St Boniface Vets. With the change in the season, comes a focus on changes in Endocrine (hormone) conditions.  

Over the next few months, we will be focussing on some of the key Endocrine conditions that can affect your pet. Cushings Disease in September, Diabetes in October and diseases that can affect our older feline friends in November and December.

Keep your eyes peeled for details, offers and more information on these conditions, which could be affecting your pet.

ST Boniface Veterinary Clinic of Exeter Road, Crediton has supported local families and their pets for more than six decades.

St Boniface Vets has grown from a two-vet mixed practice to a 13-strong veterinary team; offering dedicated small animal, equine and large animal services.

Despite this expansion it remains a family-run business committed to providing the best in veterinary care.

Please read below for advice on heat stroke, how to cool your dog, rabbit and guinea pigs, plus the signs of dehydration

How to cool off your dog on a hot day:

1. Offer a cool pack or wet towel for them to lay on
2. Put ice cubes in their water bowl
3. Dip their paws in said water bowl (Dogs sweat through their paws)
4. Offer access to a paddling pool with shallow, cool water
5. Early morning and late evening walks (DO NOT EXERCISE YOUR DOG IN THIS HEAT)
6. Make homemade frozen treats with gravy for example

Nobody likes to think of their beloved pet harbouring worms, but it is an unfortunate possibility when owning pets. Most cats and dogs that venture outside and explore their environment will come into contact with parasitic worms.  You may notice your pets ‘scooting’ their bottom on the floor, having diarrhoea or vomiting, but very often they do not show any outward signs of being infected.

St Boniface Vets has grown considerably over the last few years. We are proud to be able to say that this is largely through personal recommendation and word of mouth. This is very gratifying for us as it means that you, our clients, think we do a great job caring for your pets!

We are all passionate about keeping your dogs, cats and rabbits healthy but we like to think that our approach is a very personal one. We offer longer appointments so that you have time to tell us about your pet and their conditions. We listen, we explain and where appropriate we give you a choice.

ANA stands for Animal Nursing assistant.

Did you know an ANA does more than assisting the vets and nurses?  Here at St Boniface vets we have 1 animal nursing assistant, Grace. 

A Student Veterinary Nurse, often known as an SVN, is someone in training to become a qualified veterinary nurse.

They usually wear a green and white stripey uniform with green trousers, but this can vary between veterinary practices with some students wearing blue, blue striped and even purple!

Most Student Veterinary Nurses have carried out an Animal Care or Animal Nursing Assistant course before starting their Veterinary Nurse training, though this isn’t always the case, but gives you a head start!

Did you know…

The Veterinary Nurse role is widely variable and covers everything from seeing your pet in a Nurse Consultation through to monitoring their anaesthetic during a surgical procedure. 

Nurses are responsible for: