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St. Francis Veterinary Surgery
BN1 2PE Tel: 01273 770800 |
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St. Francis Veterinary Surgery
BN1 2PE Tel: 01273 770800 |
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There are a number of serious infectious diseases which can be controlled by vaccination. A primary course of usually two injections is given to puppies and kittens and their immunity is maintained by boostervaccinations given annually. Protection is not only required for boarding kennels and the Pet Passport Scheme. Pets can readily pick up potentially fatal infectious diseases by direct contact with other dogs, cats or foxes, or indirectly from urine or excrement.
Dogs are vaccinated against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis and para-influenza virus. It is also recommended that dogs going to boarding kennels should be given an intranasal vaccine to give further protection against infectious bronchitis (so-called kennel cough). This latter condition can cause serious complications in a proportion of dogs.
Cats are vaccinated against flu, enteritis and feline leukaemia, a disease spread by bites and scratches from non-vaccinated and feral cats.
If you wish to collect a repeat subscription for your pet please telephone the surgery first, in order that the veterinary surgeon can authorise your prescription. 24 hours is usually required. It is uaual and advisable for your pet to be seen by the veterinary surgeon every 6 months whilst on a long term course of drugs. This is to determine whether your pet is responding to the treatment.
If it is possible to arrange for a neighbour or friend to look after a cat or a dog in their own home you must ensure that regular and frequent visits are made and that proper food and water are freely available.If you are looking for kennels or cattery for your pet we would strongly suggest that you visit the establishment beforehand. All kennels and catteries are inspected annually and must reach acceptable health and environmental standards before a license is issued. because we all have our own particular criteria, you may wish to check two or three establishments for your own peace of mind before deciding which boarding facilities to use. Most establishments welcome inspection.
If it is the first time your pet has been boarded you may consider it worthwhile to book him or her in for a short familiarisation visit prior to your holiday. Your pet will then be confident for a longer stay and any potential problems may become apparent. It is preferable to take your pet to board early during the day so that they can be settled into their new quarters before night time. If a booster vaccination falls due at the time of boarding or soon after it would be a good idea to ensure the booster is given a week or so before going to the cattery or kennels. It is also advisable to check if infectious bronchitis vaccine is required by the kennels. This is often referred to as "kennel cough" and you may find that some kennels require this to be given to dogs at least 3 weeks before the holiday period. Bear in mind that kennels and catteries get fully booked during the peak holiday periods. It is advisable to book as early as possible.
Old age affects our pets in a similar way to ourselves. However, dogs and cats suffer particularly from deterioration of kidney and liver funtion and the effects of the ageing process on these organs can be greatly reduced by appropriate dietary corrections. We may be able to advise you about the preparation of home-made feeds for your pet or if you wish we can supply ready-made diets suitable for older pets. There are many treatments which can now be offered to alleviate pain and discomfort and other changes associated with the ageing process such as heart disease. These treatments enable us to prolong a good quality of life for your pet. If you wish to have any more details about our approach to ageing patients do not hesitate to contact us. early indications of potentially serious problems can begin with changes such as an increased thirst or a reluctance to exercise. We will usually pick up these signs at a regular health check prior to vaccination boosters. However, if you do not attend the surgery regularly for these checks, do not hesitate to arrange for a health check to be carried out if you suspect that your pet may be showing signs of ageing. Always remember that any changes you do observe occur for a reason and may well indicate the need to take some action.
We believe in helping your pet to enjoy a good quality of life throughout. We don't believe in just keeping them alive as semi-invalids, but prefer to see them enjoy a full and active life. When the time comes that they are no longer enjoying a good quality of life or indeed that they may be suffering, we may have to advise you that your pet should be put to sleep to alleviate further suffering. When this decision is reached in consultation with you, the pet owner, it is usually better for this to be carried out at the surgery where we have the facilities and trained staff to help us. However, if you have a preference for euthanasia of your pet at home, which we fully understand, this can be arranged. Whenever possible it is helpful to discuss the options available to you with the veterinary surgeon who usually attends your pet. You may choose to be responsible for your pet's burial yourself, or alternatively you may prefer cremation. We are able to make all the necessary arrangements with a professional pet crematorium which has been visited by members of our staff. A full range of services, including your attendance at the crematorium can be arranged. Alternatively, ashes may be returned to the surgery or your home. It is impossible to measure the depth of the bond which develops between a pet and owner throughout the pet's lifetime. We know that many owners find the loss of a pet a very difficult time to cope. If you wish to talk about your feelings to someone you may telephone the surgery and speak to a member of staff who has had appropriate training in this field. Alternatively, you can contact the Pet Loss Befrienders Association Service on 01891 615285, who can advise you on an alternative local contact.
You may also place a memorial to your pet, absolutely free of charge, at any time, on our Internet Gardens of Remembrance. This applies whether or not your pet was a patient of ours.