Service Options

 

Consultations

Unlike some veterinary surgeries, our consultations are booked for a full 15 minutes, so that we hope you don't feel unduly rushed.  We try to accommodate special circumstances as much as possible.

 

Out of hours service

A traditional approach is followed where we provide our own out of hours service between the two surgeries.  You will normally speak to a vet when you phone after hours, who will evaluate your case as well as is possible over the telephone, to decide whether your animal needs to be seen immediately or not, and meet you at one of the sugeries.  Out of hours fees apply.

 

Home visits

We believe that the best care can be given at the surgery where all facilities are at hand, but in special cases or at request we are able to fit in a home visit.

 

Procedures / Operations

Operations are performed from Monday to Friday in our fully equipped operating theatres in Alderholt and Three Cross surgeries. Animals needing surgery can be admitted anytime between 8.30 – 11.00 am to suit your schedule. Most animals will be able to go home the same afternoon.  Emergencies are obviously given priority.

 

Hospitalisation

We do not believe in unnecessary hospitalisation, most animals being far more relaxed and likely to eat, and recover more quickly in their own home. Of course there are instances where this is not possible, and close monitoring, or fluid therapy maybe necessary.  There is either a vet or a nurse living at each surgery to look after inpatients overnight.

 

Referrals

Although we can and do treat all sorts of complaints, illnesses and injuries, there are from time to time those which are best dealt with by an expert in that particular field. If this is the case we will recommend that we refer your pet to another, specialist, vet. This may be to an opthalmologist; specialist orthopaedic surgeon; dermatologist or whatever is appropriate, and we will liaise with them on your behalf.

 

X-Rays

We have our own, up-to-date facilities at Alderholt and Three Cross, for taking and processing Xrays, so that we can identify various problems swiftly.

 

Ultrasound

We have our own modern ultrasound facilities here, to check for pregnancy, pyometra (infection of the womb), scanning the abdominal organs, lumps, etc. Anything needing specialist ultrasound scanning would be referred to a local dedicated ultrasound specialist.

 

Blood Tests

Most blood testing can be performed in our own in-house laboratory, which means that you will normally hear the results of your pet's blood test within a couple of hours of the sample being taken. Samples for some, more specialised, tests may have to be sent to an external laboratory.

 

Pathology

Any pathology/histology samples that need to be identified are sent out to referral laboratories, who have the specialist knowledge to then advise as to diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

 

Behavioural Advice

We have a fully qualified behavioural specialist on board - Denise Nuttall, also running her own business, www.pawsinhand.co.uk.  She will do house visits and one-on-one consultations or other appropriate training sessions, depending on the individual case.  Any of our staff will be happy to give advice on behavioural concerns. You can also, of course, book an appointment with Vaughn or Helen.

 

Dog Training

We cater for the full spectrum of dog training, from specialist behavioural problems to obedience and agility training, starting off with free puppy parties for that all important socialisation experience within the  first 16 weeks.  Access and parking space is well catered for and convenient for all, including disabled persons.  The training paddocks are secure and well suited to expose dogs to a real outdoor environment, with ponies, wild rabits and chickens acting as natural distractions to be overcome.  Heather Gibson runs the Threecross Agility Group and Fleur Broderick runs a weekly Rally UK fun & games obedience session.   Please call us and book your dog in for a fun session.

 

Physiotherapy

Photo and magnetic pulse therapy is available for post operative healing and soft tissue trauma.  This will be prescribed by the vet where indicated.

 

Hydrotherapy

 A combination of hydro- and physiotherapy and gentle post operative exercise is best to speed up and promote healing. At our own canine hydrotherapy swimming pool we offer rehabilitation sessions as well as weightloss and fitness sessions. If your dog just love swimming, you are also welcome to book appointments for fun swims!

 

Nurse Clinics

Please ask if you would be interested in attending any of the following clinics: 

• The geriatric dog 

• Health screening 
• General rabbit care

Dog Grooming

Verwood Canine Studios offers grooming services at our Three Cross site. Klair Beckley and her team are quite well known in the area for the great work they do.