As a veterinary group, we’re proud to be taking steps to become more environmentally responsible and do our bit for the planet. Collectively, small changes can have a big impact!
Our veterinary activities, services and operations all contribute to our environmental and carbon footprint, so we’ve been working behind the scenes to introduce a new sustainability policy in line with Vet Sustain’s Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist.
Through the implementation of this policy, we aim to encourage wide reaching participation in an effort to reduce our impact, whilst upholding the highest standards of animal health, welfare and clinical care for our patients.
By the end of 2025, we hope to have reduced our carbon emissions across our four practices by 10%. We are committed to this journey of continual improvement by:
As veterinarians, we have a responsibility to protect the health and welfare of animals, including taking steps to protect the environment many live in. While there will be many more ways we can and will continue to improve, we hope this to be a significant milestone in our journey to operating more sustainably.
We know and understand that going through treatment for your pet can be a worrying time. Insurance claims can add to this, which is why we are proud to support our clients with both direct and indirect claims.
A direct claim is where your insurance company reimburses your practice.
We are one of the only vets in the area that handles direct claims on behalf of our clients. This means we take care of everything, including holding monies owed so that you don’t have to pay your vet bill immediately following treatment.
An indirect claim is where your insurance company reimburses you directly.
To support us in continuing the provision of this service for clients, we are introducing a small £10 admin fee with each claim made. This will come in from 1st January 2024.
We understand that you may have some questions regarding the changes so, to help, we have answered some of these below.
Owners will be asked to pay the admin fee at the time of handing in the insurance form / making the claim request. Payment will be taken alongside the insurance excess payment, if applicable.
Yes. As processing a pre-authorisation requires the equivalent amount of work and attention to detail as processing a standard claim, the admin fee will apply.
The fee will be charged at the time of the pre-authorisation request and includes the processing of the associated claim if authorisation is granted. The fee is not refunded if authorisation is not granted by the insurance company.
If multiple claims are processed for the same pet at the same time, just the one admin fee (£10) will apply.
Yes. Our admin fees are charged per pet, i.e. £10 invoiced for Bill and £10 for Ben.
No. The insurance admin fee covers the submission of a new claim and 1 subsequent continuation claim within 6 months OR for ongoing claims, the fee covers 2 continuation claims within 6 months.
N.B. Where there is a previous agreement between the Insurance Team / Practice Manager and client to automatically process low value (under £100) continuation claims, e.g. regular repeat dispensing of Loxicom, our Insurance Team will continue to process these claims FOC until the policy year renews. At this point, an admin fee will then be due alongside the insurance excess payment.
Yes. Our Insurance Team are still required to check the claim details, provide the requested information, answer any additional questions and track the progress of the claim therefore, the fee is still applicable.
Yes. This is because our Insurance Team are still required to check the claim details, provide the requested information, answer any additional questions and track the progress of the claim.
If you have any further questions about the admin fee, please get in touch with the team at your local practice.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Over the Christmas period, we all like to tuck into some festive treats and it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes and pawing at your leg from pets who are desperate to have a taste for themselves. However, while dinners with all the trimmings will go down a hit with us humans, there are a number of items that can be harmful to our pets.
To guide you through a safe and merry Christmas with your pets, we’ve put together a list of foods that may not agree with our pets’ digestive systems and should therefore be kept out of paw’s reach.
The caffeine found in everyday items such as coffee beans, tea bags and fizzy drinks can cause your pets harm. It’s important to keep them stored securely to avoid causing heart palpitations, rapid breathing and restlessness.
Be mindful of everyone’s festive favourite – chocolate – as the stimulant Theobromine found in this is poisonous to your pet. It can affect their digestive, heart and central nervous systems, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity and seizures. In some cases, these effects can be fatal.
It’s common to want to share the odd tidbit with your pet while you’re cooking, but bones can be a big hazard, as they’re prone to splitting and can sometimes scratch or get lodged into your pet’s throat, as well as fracture their teeth.
Salmonella may also be present in raw bones, which is equally as dangerous and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy and fevers. It’s best not to share bones, particularly raw ones, to avoid any complications.
Large chunks of corn on the cob can be hard for your pet to digest and may cause serious blockages that often require emergency surgery. Symptoms to watch out for include vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea and stomach ache.
Most pets will find it difficult to properly digest the lactose in milk and cheese products, so it’s safer if you avoid giving them dairy altogether. In some cases, dairy can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and potential skin allergies.
Particular types of blue cheese, such as Roquefort, produced using a fungus that pets are commonly sensitive to. In extreme circumstances, animals can quickly develop muscle tremors and seizures.
Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly alternatives you can try for a healthy and balanced diet, without the risk of digestive issues or allergic reactions associated with dairy consumption.
Although small in size, fruits like grapes, raisins and sultanas are toxic and can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and dehydration. In serious cases, these symptoms can lead to kidney failure, which is often fatal. Common festive treats like mince pies, stollen and Christmas pudding should be kept safely away, as they’re packed with these fruits.
In general, it’s not advisable to give your pet any nuts, but this is especially important with macadamia nuts, as they are the most toxic. It can take just 12 hours after ingestion for the symptoms to appear, which include weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting and increased body temperature. Effects can sometimes be fatal.
Nutmeg is often used to add spice to festive treats but it’s highly poisonous to pets. Symptoms to be aware of are tremors and seizures.
Pigs in blankets tend to be a staple in UK homes over Christmas – and with good reason for us humans! However, because of the fat and salt content, you should avoid slipping one or two to your pets at the dinner table. When eaten, foods like this can cause digestive issues including pancreatitis, where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Keep an eye out for vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, as these can be common symptoms.
Offering your pets fat trimmings, raw meat, raw eggs and raw fish should be avoided at all costs. Raw ingredients like this can cause salmonella, which may induce vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. For cats in particular, too much fat can lead to pancreatitis.
Common types of stuffing – including sage and onion – contain a number of ingredients that can be dangerous to pets. Things like onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives (those that belong to the allium family) contain a substance that causes damage to the red blood cells of pets and can lead to life-threatening anaemia. Signs that your pet may have ingested these items include tiredness and lethargy.
The artificial sweetener, Xylitol (which is found in many sugar-free sweets, cakes, gum and diet foods) can trigger a sudden release of insulin in cats and dogs. This may cause seizures and damage to their livers. Be on the look out for signs such as vomiting, weakness and lack of coordination.
Fermented yeast dough can produce alcohol which is toxic to your pet. Common symptoms to watch out for include bloating, excess gas and constipation.
Just because there are particular foods that your pet should steer clear, it doesn’t mean they can’t join in the festivities! Instead, why not treat them to some delicious cat and dog friendly treats that they’ll love just as much.
If you have concerns about your pet’s health, contact your local St Kitts practice immediately:
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
We’re delighted to share that we’ll be expanding our weekend services at Firgrove Veterinary Centre, which will enable clients of our Hartley Wintney practice to access urgent vet care, should it be needed. To support us with this, our Hartley Wintney practice will be closed on Saturdays from 2nd December 2023.
Going forward, these changes will allow clients who are registered at Hartley Wintney to utilise our weekend services at Firgrove, which is located in Yateley – less than a 5-mile drive away. With veterinary surgeons on duty and access to plenty of free parking, this makes our weekend services much more practical.
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke
Saturdays: 8:30am – 4pmSundays: 8:30am – 4pm
Firgrove Veterinary Centre, Yateley
Saturdays: 8:30am – 4pm
Sundays: CLOSED
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre, Fleet
Saturdays: 8:30am – 4pm
Sundays: CLOSED
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney
Saturdays: CLOSED
Sundays: CLOSED
We understand that these changes may cause some concerns with clients registered at our Hartley Wintney branch and what to do should you need us. To help, we’ve answered some of your most common questions and concerns below.
For clients registered to our Hartley Wintney practice, all three of our other clinics will remain open on Saturdays as normal. This means we’ll still be here to help, should you need us. Firgrove Vets in Yateley is our closest clinic, located less than a 5-mile drive from Hartley Wintney with plentiful free parking in two car parks either side of the clinic.
Yes! All our practices take emergencies during opening hours. Wherever possible, please call us in advance before arriving at the surgery.
Yes! The team who you will be familiar with seeing on Saturdays at Hartley Wintney will now be working alongside the Firgrove team, so you’ll know a face or two.
Hartley Wintney will not be open for collections on Saturdays. Instead, all orders placed on Fridays will be available for collection on the following Monday.
If your pet runs out of their medication, emergency orders can be placed with Firgrove on Saturdays and picked up on the same day.
Yes, as all our practices stock the same brands of pet food (subject to availability) Any food that’s been pre-ordered at Hartley Wintney can only be collected from here during our weekday opening hours.
All insurance claim forms can be posted through the front door at our Hartley Wintney practice on weekends. These will be picked up by our team on the Monday.
Yes! Patient records are interlinked between all of our practices.
Yes! We have weighing scales available for use in the reception areas at all of our practices.
Yes. However, please note that Saturdays are for urgent and emergency appointments only.
Yes. Laboratory samples for Hartley Wintney clients should not be posted through the door over the weekends.
Yes. Urgent laboratory reports that come back overnight on Fridays or Saturdays will be made available at Firgrove.
If you have any further questions about our new opening times, please contact us on 01252 844044 or info@stkittsvet.co.uk.
Flat-faced dogs and cats, also known as brachycephalic breeds, are undeniably popular thanks to their endearing smooshy faces and charming characters. These animals are known for their great personalities and form affectionate bonds with their owners.
Unfortunately, the physical features that tend to draw people to these breeds, like their flat faces, can mean they’re at greater risk of developing particular health problems down the line.
If you’re considering bringing a brachycephalic breed into your family, or have one already, it’s important to be aware of the common health issues so that you can seek the necessary treatment where required.
The term ‘brachycephalic’ comes from the Greek words meaning ‘short’ and ‘head’ and therefore describes animals whose faces appear flattened or squashed. Because of the unique shape of their heads, these breeds’ typically have narrow nostrils and smaller airways.
Some of the most popular brachycephalic breeds in the UK include:
Flat-faced dogs and cats can experience difficulty breathing, which can be extremely distressing. The clinical term is known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) which refers to how their shortened heads can lead to restricted airflow.
These breeds have shorter muzzle bones in their skulls than animals with longer snouts, but often the soft tissue around the mouth, nose and throat is the same. This means the airway becomes narrowed or partially blocked as the tissue squeezes into a smaller space. Their windpipes and nostrils can also be deformed and narrow, so less oxygen can be taken in with each breath.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
If you own a flat-faced breed, it’s important to keep an eye on their breathing during exercise and hot weather, as they struggle to effectively cool themselves down by panting. This puts them at greater risk of overheating and suffering from heatstroke.
How St Kitts Vets can support brachycephalic breeds with breathing problems
We’re proud to have a close relationship with the team of dedicated peripatetic referral surgeons at ProVetSurg, who have partnered with us to provide our clients with a cost-effective assessment and treatment pathway for animals suffering with BOAS.
Our process includes detailed pre-operative assessments to determine whether surgery is required, along with extensive plans to minimise the risk of complications should this route be recommended.
You can find out more about our BOAS surgery here.
Overlapping and overcrowding teeth is unfortunately expected with flat-faced breeds, which can increase the risk of decay and gum (periodontal) disease and cause severe pain, as well as lead to other serious health problems, such as heart disease.
This is because flat-faced breeds have the same amount of teeth as those with longer snouts, but not enough space to accommodate them. Research by the Royal Veterinary College found flat-faced breeds have 1.25 times the risk of dental disease compared with breeds with medium-length skulls.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
How St Kitts Vets can support brachycephalic breeds with dental problems
Across our four practices, we are fully equipped with the equipment needed to diagnose and treat a range of dental conditions. Our facilities cover everything from dedicated dental suites and X-rays to descaling and polishing equipment.
With their flat faces and shallow eye sockets, Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome (BOS) is a common concern amongst these breeds. Prominent and bulging eyes can mean their tear film doesn’t spread properly and they can easily develop eye ulcers, which can result in complications if left untreated.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
Meet Dotty, who was suffering from BOS
To help with Dotty’s eyes, a procedure called a medical canthoplasty was performed that makes the eye opening smaller and prevents any future problems. You can see what a huge difference the surgery has made for Dotty in her before and after below!
The shape of their heads means brachycephalic breeds often have narrowed ear canals. Their poorly ventilated deep skin folds around their ears can often lead to yeast infections too.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
With plenty of skin folds and wrinkles, flat-faced dogs and cats are at higher risk of allergic skin disease, infections and chronic itching, which can cause great discomfort. In most cases, lifelong medication is required.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
Flat-faced breeds with coiled or short tails, are at higher risk of spinal deformities. This can affect their ability to walk and cause paralysis of the back legs.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
We’ve looked at the breathing difficulties flat-faced breeds can face, but this can also put a strain on their hearts. Struggling to breathe results in a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, which makes heart problems more likely.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
How St Kitts Vets can support brachycephalic breeds with heart problems
Vet Steve Williams and the team at our Hartley Wintney practice have been providing cardiology services for patients for the last 10 years. Steve himself has a particular interest in veterinary cardiology and has undergone significant training in this area.
All our cardiology investigations are performed using modern specialist equipment, including high quality ECG, X-rays and ultrasound. We also have use of a state-of-the-art CT scanner at our Basingstoke practice.
You can find out more about our veterinary cardiology here.
Brachycephalic breeds can suffer from neurological (brain) problems because of their compressed skull shape. One of the most common, and unfortunately painful conditions, is Syringomyelia, where cavities or cysts form in the spinal cord. It is most often seen in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Symptoms to look out for include (but are not limited to):
Unfortunately, owners of flat-faced breeds are likely to need to dedicate more time and effort in caring for their health than most other breeds. There are things you can do to improve their general wellbeing though, including controlling their weight and being mindful of things such as exercise in warm weather.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please contact your local practice.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
We understand that the recent announcement about the XL Bully ban has been very worrying – both for owners and the wider animal lover community.
To help you prepare for the new laws, we have put together a guide to the key requirements, exemptions and important dates that you need to be aware of.
If you’re an XL Bully owner and need support or have any questions, please get in touch with your local practice, who are always here to help.
At the end of October 2023, the UK government announced its ban of the XL Bully breed in response to a series of serious and, in some cases, fatal attacks. This means they have been listed under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991, alongside previously banned breeds including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
To support owners in adapting to the new laws, the changes will come into force in three stages, which we will outline in our important dates section below.
One of the most pressing questions currently for owners is how to know if a dog would be classified as an XL Bully ‘type’. The government has put together official guidance to help define this, with some of the characteristics mentioned including (but not limited to):
For the full list of characteristics, read the government’s official guidance here.
If you remain unsure if you have an XL Bully, the guidance is to prepare for compliance with all new requirements for this dog type, including for puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog. If you would like extra guidance please speak to a member of our highly qualified team.
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:
From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you:
The guidance recommends that owners should start to train their dogs to wear a muzzle when in public and to walk on a lead before 31st December 2023. It can be tempting to skip muzzle training, but this will likely scare your dog and make it an uncomfortable experience for them.
Choose a correctly fitting muzzle
The muzzle should allow your dog to breathe freely and comfortably.
Here are some top tips on getting the right fit:
We find the best way to approach muzzle training is:
If you own an XL Bully, continue caring for them as normal. We know that it’s a worrying time, but the best thing you can do for yourself and your dog is to not panic.
The licensing process will require them to be neutered and microchipped, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared for this in advance. When the ban comes into force, you’ll then need to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep your dog and comply with the rules around banned breeds.
The teams at your local St Kitts Vets practice are on hand to provide support and help answer any questions you may have. We can also provide neutering and microchipping to ensure your dog is compliant before the new law comes into place. Please contact us to discuss booking an appointment.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
This November, St Kitts Vets are joining together with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for their Antibiotic Amnesty campaign. We are pleased to be accepting out-of-date and unused antibiotics that were previously prescribed for your pets, so they can be disposed of safely.
Following the success of the inaugural campaign in 2022, the collaboration is returning for its second year to prevent the chance of out-of-date veterinary antibiotics being used, or causing harm if they are disposed of incorrectly.
Many people throw away unused veterinary antibiotics in household waste, or down sinks and toilets, without realising that this can have a negative impact on water quality, aquatic life and wildlife. Leaving leftover or expired veterinary antibiotics lying around also increases the chance of them being used or consumed.
The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has grown in recent years, with antibiotic residues being detected in rivers around the world. Use of leftover or expired medication can also increase the risk of AMR if used for the wrong indication and potentially delay a diagnosis.
If you have any questions about Antibiotic Amnesty, please contact your local St Kitts practice directly:
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Earlier this week, we shared a blog post on the signs of eye problems in dogs, as we look to support TVM’s annual Pet Eye Health Awareness Week (18th – 24th September 2023). Continuing our series, next up we’re looking at signs of eye problems in cats, highlighting common symptoms and conditions to be aware of.
If you notice a change in your cat’s eyes, contact your local vet for an appointment.
Eye infections are one of the most common eye conditions in cats, which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. If your cat suffers from frequent eye infections, they might have an underlying condition, such as cat flu.
Eye ulcers are a wound on the surface of the eye (the cornea). If left untreated, ulcers can lead to loss of an eye.
Conditions such as entropion, where the eyelids can turn inwards and rub the eyeball, are quite common and can cause infections, pain and inflammation.
Cataracts, the clouding of the lens, is much less common in cats than in dogs, but does sometimes occur. Cataracts in cats are usually caused by another condition such as an injury – or glaucoma, uveitis or lens luxation (all of which we will come onto shortly).
Retinal detachment is where the thin layer of cells (the retina), separates from the back of the eye, causing loss of vision. Retinal detachment is often due to high blood pressure and is common in cats with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
Uveitis is when the coloured part of the eye (the iris) and the area around it can get all inflamed. If you suspect this with your cat, it is best to get it checked out and treated as soon as possible.
Growths can occur in, around and behind the eye. It’s important to get any new lumps checked by your vet immediately, so your pet can receive vital, and often life-saving, treatment.
Lens luxation is when the lens comes out of position, often because of another underlying condition, which can cause your pet discomfort. If not treated it can lead to the loss of vision.
Glaucoma is a painful condition caused by the build-up of increased pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, unfortunately glaucoma can quickly lead to blindness.
If you have concerns about your cat’s eyes, contact your local St Kitts practice.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
To support TVM’s annual Pet Eye Health Awareness Week (18th – 24th September 2023), we thought it was the ideal opportunity to raise awareness of eye problems in dogs, so that you’re aware of the signs to look out for. Early diagnosis and treatment is key in most cases – it could prevent vision loss or help to detect an underlying medical condition.
If you notice a change in your dog’s eyes, contact your local vet for an appointment.
Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Over time, cataracts can reduce vision and, if left untreated, can often lead to blindness.
Cherry eye is a condition where the gland inside the third eyelid protrudes. It looks like a small, red cherry in the corner of the eye, which causes inflammation and discomfort.
Dry eye is a condition that stops the eye producing enough tears. This can cause discomfort, redness, corneal damage and increase the risk of infections.
Eye infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. If your dog regularly suffers from eye infections, it is possible there could be an underlying cause, such as dry eye, which will need investigating.
Eye ulcers are a wound on the eye’s surface. Treatment is required to help them heal as, if neglected, eye ulcers can lead to the loss of an eye.
It is not uncommon for dogs to have eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction, from the wrong place, or even to develop a whole extra row of them. Any eyelash that rubs on the surface of the eye will cause irritation.
Inward or outward turning eyelids, known as entropion and ectropion, respectively, can cause inflammation, pain and infections.
Glaucoma is characterised by increased pressure inside the eye. This painful condition can rapidly progress to blindness, if not promptly treated.
Lens luxation refers to the displacement of the eye’s lens from its normal position. It can cause discomfort and if untreated, the loss of vision.
Masses and tumours can form behind, in or around the eye. It’s crucial to get any new lumps examined by your vet immediately.
Pannus is an inflammation which is caused by an immune system problem, which results in small lumps or growths to form on the surface of the eye, affecting the dog’s vision.
Uveitis is the inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye, and the structures around it. This condition can cause discomfort and potentially lead to vision problems if left untreated.
If you have concerns about your dog’s eyes, contact your local St Kitts practice.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
As we look to streamline processes and improve the service we provide to our clients, we are happy to share that we have now introduced a new electronic reminders system.
The new solution will allow us to send timely personalised messages via text and email, replacing our current postcards, to remind you of when your pet is due for treatments and appointments. These messages will prompt booking to help you keep on top of your pet’s care, including a link to our online booking platform and a number to call your local practice, for those who prefer to arrange appointments this way.
Going forward, we will also be introducing reminders for other services, such as dermatology and acupuncture.
Going digital will help us to limit our paper consumption and reduce our overall carbon footprint. It will also free up time for our team to focus their time and effort on continuing to deliver gold standards of service to clients and care to your pets.
To ensure you don’t miss out on receiving reminders and important information about your pets, please update your contact details with your local practice.
Please note: We understand how important your data is to you, which is why our new system is designed to comply with all Data Protection legislation, including GDPR. Only the data that is needed to send our reminder communications will ever be read.
