Newsletter
| Spring 2012 | |
 | New look practice The new practice was opened on November 13th 2011 by Kate Humble, and since then we have settled in well. Improvements include a 3rd consulting room, separate dog and cat areas in the waiting room to relieve stress for the cats, a brand new imaging room, complete with a new digital x-ray system, a new theatre, 2 preparation rooms, separate dog and cat kennels, again to stop cats getting stressed, an isolation room for aninals with infectious diseases, a new all-purpose laboratory and a large animal dispensary. |
| As easter is approaching we are all hoping for lots of chocolate. Did you realise that chocolate is poisonous to dogs which is a good reason not to share. Problems caused by dogs eating chocolate can include abdominal pain, vomiting and salivating the developing difficulty standing, walking, muscle tremors, fits and in worse cases death. The higher the cocoa content the worse the effects and, whilst each dog is affected by different amounts, a guide to a dangerous level is around 100g. So, Happy easter and we hope you all receive lots of eggs, but be careful who you share your chocolate with! | |
Schmallenburg Virus We are pleased that most of the local flocks have had such a dry and sunny lambing season and that Monmouthshire seems to have escaped the distressing SBV virus. However there are still concerns about cows due to calve this spring and summer. If you have any calves born with unusual deformities - particulary fused joints, abnormal heads or twisted spines, or more aborted calves than expected please lets us know, as continued vigilance is important and samples can be tested for SBV free of charge. | |
Equine worming We had a meeting for equine clients in February at which it was recommended that faecal samples could be examined for the presence of worm eggs before routine worming of horses. Several clients have brought in samples and have found that it was not necessary to worm their horses. It is good to reduce our reliance on medicines, whilst reducing the risk of drug resistance developing and saving money! | |
Calling all shepherds!! Following the interest there has been in recent lambing courses, Hilary Jones is planning to run further practical workshopsfor farmers and small holders. If you would be interested in learning anything relating to sheep please let us know. Ideas so far include lameness, neonatal lamb care, condition scoring etc, but any other suggestions gratefully received. | |
Staff news We have a new vet, David Kowalek, who joined us in January this year. David studied and qualified as a vet in Glasgow, but is originally from Pennsylvania in USA. We welcome him into both our large and small animal teams. Bob and Doreen have finally taken retirement after a combined total of over 70 years service to the practice. We will miss them, but wish them a long and happy retirement, and hope they don't mind us calling them in for advice from time to time! Angie has now taken on Doreen's role as practice administrator, and Rachel has returned to work after taking maternity leave, to replace Angie, as Accounts manager. | |