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.
Here at St Kitts Vets, we’re working closely with the team at ProVetSurg to provide clients with a cost-effective assessment and treatment pathway for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, otherwise known as ‘BOAS’.
BOAS is the name given to a group of conditions that affect the airways of some breeds of dogs and cats. It predominantly affects flat-faced breeds – those with shorter noses – due to the obstruction of free flowing air through the nose and throat. Dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs can all be affected by BOAS, along with cats like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.
BOAS can be caused by a number of factors, including:
The signs of BOAS vary and can range in severity, including:
To begin the process, a detailed pre-operative consultation will take place to discuss your pet and assess the severity of BOAS. An exercise tolerance test is usually performed as part of this assessment. Further investigations following admission will include X-rays of the head and neck and examination of the larynx and upper airway under anaesthesia. In some cases, a CT scan may also be recommended.
If surgery is considered appropriate for your pet, a detailed plan will be put in place to minimise the risk of complications and promote a speedy recovery. This includes thorough anaesthesia and recovery plans, along with contingency plans for patients needing additional care.
The recovery from anaesthesia and the hours immediately following BOAS surgery are very important so we ensure all patients are provided with quiet and calm surroundings to limit stress for recovery. They will be monitored continuously by our experienced team before being discharged to recuperate at home once stable.
BOAS cases will be treated at our Crookham Park practice, with surgery performed by Soft Tissue Surgeon, Ana Murta MSc, PgC(SAS), MRCVS, from ProVetSurg. Ana is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.
We are delighted to be offering BOAS surgery to both registered clients and non-registered clients. For registered clients, please get in touch with your local St Kitts branch to book an appointment.
All referrals can be referred directly to our Crookham Park practice. Call our team on 01252 913990 or email info@crookhamparkvet.co.uk to discuss a case.
Earlier this year, a survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that vets across the country are seeing increasing numbers of pets with issues that could’ve been prevented or minimised if they had been seen sooner.
According to their Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, 99% of vets had seen pets in the last year who should’ve been brought in for treatment earlier – a significant increase of almost 20% since 2018. When asked about the reasons for this, 91% of vets found that financial reasons were a key factor.
As part of ITV Meridian’s coverage of the findings, vet Helen Hulley and the team at St Kitts Vets Basingstoke welcomed film crews to the practice to discuss our own experiences.
If you didn’t manage to catch the news when it first aired, here is the clip of the feature!
The BVA’s study highlights the importance of regular check-ups and preventative care to help keep your pets happy and healthy, while keeping veterinary costs to a minimum. There are many simple and affordable things you can do, including:
At St Kitts Vets we offer our Pet Healthcare Plans, which are designed to help spread the cost of routine and preventative treatment with simple monthly payments. Many of the steps above are either included free or at a discount for members.
Another great way to ensure you’re there for your pet when they need it most is by having a suitable pet insurance policy in place. Pet insurance can be used for most illnesses and injuries and will mean you don’t have to worry about any unexpected vet bills.
We offer 4 weeks FREE insurance to all new registrations (T&Cs apply). Please talk to our team to find out more.
If you’d like to chat about your pet with our team, please give your local practice a call.
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
With summer days upon us, you can expect to see a hive of activity from bees and wasps, who thrive in the warmer weather. Although this is great for the ecosystem, it can cause problems if your beloved pet gets stung.
So let’s explore the signs and what to do if your dog is stung by a bee or a wasp.
Being stung by a bee or a wasp can cause your dog some discomfort and distress, but the pain should ease and go away after a short period.
If your dog is allergic to the bee or wasp sting, it could result in a severe reaction, or even death, if left untreated. Symptoms include:
If your dog is showing any signs of an allergic reaction, you should contact your local branch immediately to arrange emergency treatment.
Always check with your vet before administering any over the counter antihistamines, as the wrong dose can be fatal. Your vet will advise on the right drug and quantity for your dog’s size and weight.
If your dog has been stung and the sting is still embedded in their skin, you may need to bring them in to your local vet to have it removed. Our team will be able to ensure the venom sac is removed correctly, to prevent further irritation.
After having the sting removed, it is likely that there will be some swelling and localised pain which can be alleviated back home with a cold damp cloth on to soothe the area.
It is likely that your dog will be feeling agitated, so try to keep them (and yourself!) cool and calm.
An allergic reaction may develop during the first few hours of your dog being stung, so remember to stay alert for any signs.
If you suspect your dog has been stung, contact your local St Kitts practice for expert advice and treatment:
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Cats love to roam and explore. It’s in their nature. So, no matter how hard you try, there will always be the risk that they may struggle to find their way home.
This is one of the reasons why cat microchipping is to be made mandatory in England from 10th June 2024. The chip will need to be implanted before the cat reaches 20 weeks old, with the owners details stored in a database that must be kept up to date.
Here at St Kitts, we see countless numbers of cats brought in through our doors every year, with many unchipped, which makes it incredibly difficult to get them back home.
The new law will go towards making huge strides in improving animal welfare, and will help to reunite much-loved family cats with their rightful owners. It will also protect them from the unfortunate risk of theft.
Microchipping is a quick procedure that causes minimal discomfort. It’s quite similar to your cat receiving their usual vaccinations.
It involves inserting a microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Once in place, they won’t feel it, and it won’t need to be replaced.
The microchip has a unique serial number that you need to register, along with your details, on the pet microchipping database. When a cat is found, the microchip can be read with a scanner and the registered keeper will be identified, so you can be quickly reunited with your pet.
If you move home or your contact details change, it’s important that your cat’s microchip is updated. To do this, you simply need to contact the database where your pet is registered to make any necessary changes. This can usually be done online or over the phone.
If you’re unsure which database your pet is registered with, bring them in to your local practice and our team will be able to scan them to get the details for you.
Owners who are found not to have microchipped their cat by 10th June 2024 will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.
Microchipping is not compulsory for free living cats that live with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.
Our Pet Healthcare Plans are designed to save you money by spreading the cost of routine and preventative treatments with low monthly payments. This includes a FREE microchip (if required), as well as lots of other benefits, including:
And much more!
*Tick control included with Plus Plans only.
If you would like more specific advice about microchipping your cat, 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
We have some exciting news to share!
From Saturday 1st July 2023, our weekend opening times will be changing. We hope that the changes will support us in our aim to deliver exceptional service to our patients and their owners.
As part of the updated hours, our Sunday operations will be moving to St Kitts Vets Basingstoke, where we will be open from 8:30am – 4pm. With access to plenty of free parking and improved facilities such as our state-of-the-art CT scanner, we will be able to ensure we are there for you when you need us.
Firgrove Veterinary Centre’s hours will also be extending – on Saturdays, the practice will now be open from 8:30am – 4pm.
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke
Saturdays and Sundays – 8:30am – 4pm
Firgrove Veterinary Centre
Saturdays – 8:30am – 4pm
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre
Saturdays – 8:30am – 4pm
St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney
Saturdays – 8:30am – 12 noon
If you have any questions about the changes, please get in touch with your local branch.
Long or short, curly or straight, your dog’s tail is a communication tool that serves as an indicator of how they’re feeling. We often think of a waggy tail as a lovable trait and being a sign of happiness, and though this is often true, it isn’t always the case.
In this blog we’ll look at why dogs wag their tails, along with what some of the different wags may mean.
Dogs use their tails as a way of communicating their emotions with us and other dogs, in the same way we would use facial expressions and body language. Studies have shown that the pace and position of the dog’s wag conveys different emotions.
As the shape, size and way the tail moves will vary from breed to breed and individually, it’s a good idea to get your puppy mixing with different well-behaved adult dogs, so they can learn to communicate with each other and not become fearful of other breeds.
Dog owners should stay alert and sensitive to their dog’s tail wagging behaviour to understand their needs, as they could be happy and excited, unsure and anxious, or feeling threatened and aggressive. It’s also important to take into consideration what is happening around them and get to know any potential triggers for your dog.
A natural position, without wagging, indicates your dog is feeling relaxed. The natural tail position will depend on your dog’s breed, but for most dogs it will be hanging down near their heels.
A broad, smooth, sweeping tail, that is not tucked or high, means the dog is feeling relaxed and comfortable.
When your dog moves their tail in a circular motion (known as a helicopter tail), it usually means they are feeling excited, sociable and pleased to see you, or another dog.
A dog that is wagging their tail fast will often indicate they are happy or excited. You may spot them taking a playful stance, or doing an entire body wiggle which says your dog is extremely happy and ready for interaction.
If their tail is erect and fast wagging, be cautious, as their excitable behaviour may be unpredictable.
If their tail is high in the air and rigid, be wary as this dog tail sign can indicate aggression in dogs. If your dog, or one you meet, starts to display any of these behaviours it’s usually best to give them as much space as possible and wait for them to calm down before interacting with them.
Other signs to look out for are: tail tucked under, paw raising, looking away, growling, flashing teeth, snapping and biting.
A tucked tail, or a tail that is clamped between your dog’s legs means they are worried or frightened and feel the need to protect themselves. They may need some space.
Some dogs move their tails from side to side rapidly when focussing on a scent. This movement isn’t to communicate with others, it’s more like a sign of extreme concentration.
This dog tail sign says that they’re curious and may be a little unsure of a situation. You may see this if they’ve come across something they’ve never seen before.
A curious dog who’s interested in its environment will often hold its tail out straight.
Interestingly, Live Science research has shown if your dog’s tail wags slightly to the right, it’s generally positive and a wag of recognition that indicates they know the person or dog.
Whereas, if it’s wagging to the left it’s generally negative, indicating fear, stress or anxiety. This is because the left hemisphere of the brain, associated with positive feelings, controls the right side of the body.
As we’ve seen, a waggy tail doesn’t simply mean a dog is always happy or friendly.
It’s important to pick up on any worrying signs, and pay attention to your dog’s whole body, including the tail, to understand what they are communicating, to give space or support as required.
If you have small children with you, always make sure you ask another dog owner’s permission before petting, to prevent a nasty bite.
If you have any concerns about your pet, or would like more specific advice, 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
Laparoscopic spays are a form of keyhole surgery where a female dog has its ovaries removed through small incisions, using specialised surgical instruments. The procedure is carried out with the help of a small camera, which is inserted into one of the incisions to give the surgeon a view of the ovaries. It is a much less invasive method than traditional neutering, resulting in improved comfort and faster healing.
With a conventional spay surgery, a full ovariohysterectomy is done, where both the ovaries and womb are removed. In a laparoscopic procedure, only the ovaries are removed.
The other difference relates to the size of incisions made. Conventional spays involve one large incision, while laparoscopic spays are done via a couple of small (keyhole) incisions.
All laparoscopic spays will be carried out by Ana Murta, Soft Tissue Surgeon at ProVetSurg, from our Crookham Park practice. Surgery typically lasts between 25-40 minutes after patient preparation, with post-operative checks scheduled for 2 and 10 days later.
We are delighted to be offering this service to both registered clients and non-registered clients. Please get in touch with your local St Kitts branch to find out more and book an appointment.
Please note: Laparoscopic spays can only be carried out on dogs over 5kg.
The Elbow Clinic offers an easily accessible and affordable option for families to have their pets treated all under one roof at our Basingstoke practice, by a team of experts coming together to provide a holistic approach to the treatment of elbow dysplasia.
Elbow dysplasia refers to the abnormal growth of your dog’s elbow joint during its development. The elbow joint is made up of three bones; the radius, ulna and humerus, and if they do not fit together perfectly, the forces in the elbow during weight bearing are unevenly distributed. Concentrated loading of the elbow joint in certain areas may produce cracks or fissures, while primary disease of the cartilage also contributes to abnormal development of the joint.
Both of these changes result in osteoarthritis, accompanied by a reduced range of motion and joint pain.
The key signs of elbow dysplasia are forelimb lameness and stiffness. Lameness usually comes with a characteristic head nod, with the head going up when the affected limb weight bears in an effort to try and unweight it. It is usually exacerbated by exercise and rest, with many dogs lame following rest but improving once they are up and moving, becoming lame again towards the end of exercise.
Most dogs with elbow dysplasia are diagnosed at a young age – often by the time they are two years old – though others do not present until they are older when affected by osteoarthritis.
While genetics determine whether a dog has the genes for elbow dysplasia, other environmental factors such as obesity in puppyhood can influence whether a dog with those genes shows signs of pain and lameness.
In most dogs affected by the condition, the uneven concentration of forces in the elbow results in micro fractures of an area of the ulna called the coronoid process. These micro fractures can result in a very small area of the coronoid process fracturing away from the main bone, creating a free fragment within the joint; a fragmented coronoid process.
If your pet requires investigation for elbow dysplasia, they will attend a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon at our Basingstoke branch for assessment before being admitted.
CT scan
In order to obtain images of diagnostic quality, your pet will need to be sedated or anaesthetised for a CT scan. The orthopaedic surgeon will review the images and, in some cases, may recommend referral of the images for a specialist imaging report. The findings of the CT scan and further treatment recommendations will be discussed with you in detail, as well as what to expect from your pet’s recovery and all potential complications of any required intervention.
Arthroscopy
If your pet has been diagnosed with the condition and arthroscopy has been recommended, this procedure will usually be carried out on the same day as their CT, under the same anaesthetic. If we identify it in both elbows, we can perform surgery on both sides in a single surgical procedure.
Arthroscopy is considered a gold standard technique that allows us a magnified and panoramic view inside your pet’s elbows. Your pet will usually be walking well the following day and recovery from surgery is normally rapid.
Post-operatively
Your pet will be discharged with written instructions for aftercare and medication, and at 10-14 days post-operatively we will remove their stitches. We will also organise an appointment with a veterinary physiotherapist for assessment and to make a rehabilitation plan with you.
The Elbow Clinic is being supported by a fantastic local peripatetic surgical service, ProVetSurg; owned and led by Veterinary Surgeon, Nicci Meadows. Nicci has worked alongside the team at all four of our practices for over 8 years now, providing more advanced imaging and surgical options for our patients.
Depending on the arthroscopic examination findings we might recommend joint injections for your pet. These can be done at the same time as arthroscopy, and under the same anaesthetic.
PRP injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections involve taking a sample of blood from your pet, then using the plasma (liquid) portion containing platelets to reinject into the affected joints. Platelets release factors into the joint that theoretically help to repair damage in lower grades of osteoarthritis and aim to support the joint before more chronic changes develop. This is especially important in helping repair the damaged cartilage we see in all cases of osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic acid injections
A hyaluronic acid injection (ArthroVisc 40) is often used together with PRP injections. Hyaluronic is a major component of synovial fluid (fluid normally found inside a joint) and has an important role to play in improving shock absorbing properties of cartilage and lubrication of joints. In cases of osteoarthritis, there is a decrease in concentration of hyaluronic acid inside the joint.
Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is a more recently available treatment we can offer your pet to improve the comfort of joints affected by elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Typically we will harvest a fat sample from your pet at the time of arthroscopy and send this tissue for culture, reinjecting the stem cells into the affected joint 2-4 weeks later under sedation. Your pet’s stem cells will be kept at the lab and the injections can be repeated if necessary, without repeating harvest of the fat tissue.
We strongly believe in providing post-operative rehabilitation support to our patients and their families, as this step in the journey is essential to achieving a successful outcome.
This is why we have also teamed up with Veterinary Physiotherapist, James Beacroft, owner at our local rehabilitation facility; Beacroft Referrals Veterinary Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy Centre.
James will be providing patients with a follow-up appointment at our Basingstoke branch where, together with our vets, he will assess patient status before providing appropriate physiotherapy treatments to improve the recovery process. James will invite these patients to his centre to continue their treatment in his safe hands with access to advanced modalities such as underwater treadmill and force plate analysis.
After a course of physiotherapy (typically 6-12 weeks), your pet will be reassessed a final time by an orthopaedic surgeon.
The approach to management of elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis is multi-faceted, and early diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation form one part of the picture, but there are things that you can do at home!
Weight management
This is one of the most important factors that influences how a patient with joint disease progresses in their recovery. It is vital that your pet remains a healthy weight in order to minimize the impact on their joints. We will discuss weight management and diet with you and, if necessary, your pet can be referred to our Weight Clinic in order to support you with this.
Joint supplements
We can advise you on how to choose the best supplements for your pet, which can be a useful addition to the management of elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
Modify your pet’s environment
By making simple changes to your pet’s environment, you can help them to cope better with the condition in more advanced cases. This could include placing a rug on a slippery floor, or using a ramp to get in and out of the car or in place of steps in your garden.
We aim to make the referral process as smooth as possible. If you have a case that you would like to refer to The Elbow Clinic, please complete our referral form. We will be in touch as soon as possible.
The RSPCA has updated its advice that is given to the public when dealing with small, sick and injured wildlife, in a bid to help prioritise cases of cruelty and neglect where specialist skills are required.
From 3rd April 2023, the RSPCA will no longer be sending inspectors to collect certain small, transportable wildlife, including (but not limited to):
Instead, the advice in these cases is for the public to take action themselves where it is safe to do so, by taking these small wild animals (currently excluding birds*) directly to vets for treatment. This will affect wildlife that can be handled safely without specialist PPE, using just a towel or tea towel.
The measure will mean that animals can get help much more quickly, while also freeing up the time of frontline rescuers to focus on cruelty and neglect cases or situations where specialist skills are required.
*Current Avian Flu advice from the government advises the public to not handle sick birds.
To support the changes, the RSPCA is offering tailored advice on safely handling and transporting different species of small animals. It covers symptoms of sickness to look out for, as well as what to do in situations where you find young or trapped wildlife. You can take a look at the resources here.
