Domestic Pets
Dogs / Cats / Rabbits / Guinea Pigs / Ferrets / Other Small Furries
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Bringing Your Pet to the Surgery:
Dogs should be brought into the surgery on a secure collar or harness and lead. Cats rabbits and small animals should always be transported in a secure, escape-proof carrier. This will help to keep the pet calm and ensure their safety.
When bringing rabbits and other small pets you can line their box with a towel or shredded newspaper and food does not need to be withheld. At our Penwortham surgery we have a separate section of the waiting room for cats, rabbits and other small pets, in order to help reduce stress in these pets.
Neutering – Past, present and future.
Past
For a long time, neutering has been advised by all animal professionals to ensure overpopulation is minimised reducing unwanted litters and with added health benefits such as reduction in risk of prostate and mammary cancer and pyometra in later life. With no known adverse effects this was advised to be done as early as possible, generally 6 months onwards in males and after a females first season.
Alongside this, outdated behavioural concepts added to these benefits with common beliefs of juvenile behaviours people suspected to be dominating in nature would be improved by removing sex hormones.
Present
We are now more aware of the potential risks of early neutering in both males and females. These may include,
- Suspected increased risk of musculoskeletal diseases (particularly in larger breeds)
- Increased aggressive behaviour associated with fear and anxiety
- Increased noise fear and anxiety
- Reduced/unchanged ability to emotionally regulate
- Reduced behavioural inhibition/ frustration tolerance
- Reduced metabolism (resulting in obesity if not managed)
Why does this occur?
Hormones -Testosterone and progesterone and their counteracting hormones have an important role in brain development during puberty alongside their overall positive effect in mood and confidence.
Both testosterone and progesterone are unfortunately completely removed during neutering and with it their many benefits are lost.
Future
So, what do we do now? We now look at each dog individually as I’m sure you can agree they are definitely individuals! We do still advise neutering but at the right time for that when animal, when they are physically and mentally mature.
So, what should you do?
Be patient! We understand that puberty in both dogs (and humans!) can be a frustrating time and a magic wand is all anyone wants however, there isn’t one!
Puberty – can start at 6 months and can last anywhere up to 24 months (the bigger the breed the longer to develop)
What behaviours will you see during puberty?
- *Increased risk taking
- *Reduced obedience
- *Weaker impulse control
- *Sensitivity to fear and anxiety – (secondary fear phase)
To make this period easier for both you and your dog, expect them not to make the right decision.
- Expect loss of recall (use a long line and reteach)
- Expect loss of obedience (work in less distracting areas and increase rewards)
- Expect them to struggle with their impulses (reward heavily when they manage to and manage the situation, so they aren’t always expected to.)
- Expect them to be sensitive to excitement and may show inappropriate sexual behaviour
- Remember they are not trying to dominate you, they are just being typical teenager’s and want everything now – to explore, eat and play)
- Avoid using aversive methods (they can be detrimental to your bond in the future and your dog’s ability to cope with stress)
So, when do we neuter?
As mentioned above there are health benefits to neutering, so we do still advise to neuter but we advise this should be done once mature.
We now offer free pre neutering consultations for our registered clients with our vets to work out the ideal time to neuter based on your individual animal!
When would we not neuter?
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety/ fear to certain situations such as aggression/barking or noise fear, then we would advise ideally working on his/her confidence before neutering or in urgent cases using the alternative – chemical castration to check effects of neutering before surgery is undertaken.
If you have any questions regarding neutering, we are more than happy to discuss your dog’s personal benefits and risks of neutering with you, please contact reception who will be happy to book an appointment.
Canine Neutering information
Our current recommendation for both females and males are dependant on the individual dog.
We offer free Pre neuter checks with the vet to discuss the correct time, dependant on Age, Breed and temperament.
It is important to note that it will generally be advised that neutering is delayed until after both mental and physical maturation, due to the important role sex hormones have during development.
Female – Medical benefits of neutering
- There is no physiological reason for a bitch to have a litter of puppies. Being mated and then eventually whelping, plus raising the puppies afterwards can all be hugely stressful events for an animal – and you!
- An entire female (I.e. hasn’t been neutered) as they get older are at risk of a potentially life-threatening condition called pyometra. This is where there is infection within the uterus. Sometimes it can be referred to as an “open” pyometra – this is where there can be a visible, bloody discharge from the vulva. However, sometimes pyometra may be what we refer to as “closed”. This is where there is no discharge, and the infection builds up within the uterus, which can eventually lead to toxins leaking into the circulation. This can make animals very sick and can also end in rupture of the uterus.
- There are links to the number of seasons a female has to the increased risk of mammary tumours developing in later life. However, this is suspected to be less risk than previously thought, particularly less in the first few years of life.
males – Medical benefits of neutering
If you are not going to breed from your male then we recommend castration, because as entire males get older, they can be more prone to tumours of the testicles and prostate.
- If you are not going to breed from your male then we recommend castration, because as entire males get older, they can be more prone to tumours of the testicles and prostate.
- Undescended testicles – it can take up to 6 months to 12months for both testicles to descend. If, however, they do not both descend then this is referred to as cryptorchid. Undescended testicles are more likely to cause problems, and so we advise castration and removal of the undescended testicle in these animals.
We still recommend that females wait 3 months from their last season (after reaching maturity) This is because the blood vessels associated with the relevant structures are at their smallest, and it is therefore a safer time to perform the surgery. However, if pseudopregnancy (phantom pregnancy) is suspected during admit this may be postponed.
In the case of nervous animals, we may advise delaying neutering past maturation to improve overall confidence and reduce the increased risk of fear behaviours increasing.
For more behavioural information regarding neutering and adolescents please visit link below
Pet Prescriptions
Written prescriptions are available from this practice at a fee of £18.80
You may obtain Prescription Only Medications, Category V (POM V’s) from your veterinary surgeon OR ask for a prescription and obtain these medicines from another veterinary surgeon or a pharmacy.
Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe POM V’s only for animals under his or her care.
A prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or immediate treatment is necessary.
You will be informed, on request, of the price of any medicine that may be prescribed for your animal.
The general policy of this practice is to re-assess an animal requiring repeat prescriptions every 4-6 months, but this may vary with individual circumstances. The standard charge for repeat medication consultation is £42.08.
Further information on the prices of medication is available on request.
Medication Reviews
For patients whose condition is clinically stable the vet may authorise an extended period between clinical examinations and medication reviews from four to six months. This interval will not be appropriate for all patients or all conditions and will only be authorised at the vet’s discretion.
For animals receiving prescribed monthly injectable medication, eg Cytopoint, Librela, Solensia and immunotherapy injections, at the clinical medication review the vet will discuss the appropriate interval between examinations for your pet and record this on the clinical record. For the intervening months the appointments will be performed by one of our qualified nurses at our Penwortham hospital, if you usually attend one of our branch surgeries, by a vet.
For the four to six monthly examinations with the vet you will be charged for the medication review consultation plus the cost of the injection. The intervening appointments will be charged at a reduced maintenance treatment fee plus the injection. If your pet’s condition changes and they need to be examined by a vet or if you request an appointment with a vet the medication review fee will apply.
Our aim is to provide optimum healthcare for our patients in an affordable and convenient manner for our clients.
Ordering and Collecting Repeat Medications and Pet Food
If your pet is prescribed on-going medication (including flea and wormer treatments) , or you should purchase food from us, please email reception@ribblevets.co.uk 48 hours in advance to book a repeat prescription.
The dispensing vet or nurse will then check your pet’s clinical record and the available stock and will make up your order. Should there be a problem in fulfilling your order, or if the vet would like to check your pet before prescribing further medication, you will be contacted.
Please collect the prescription between 10:00 and 11:00am Monday to Saturday or between 4:00 and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. When you arrive in the carpark please telephone 01772 746393 to pay for the medication and to inform the team you have arrived. A member of staff will bring your prescription out to you.
Microchipping
Microchips are small, electronic chips encased in a glass tube similar to the size of a grain of rice. They do not contain batteries therefore do not have a limited life-span. They are activated when a microchip reader is placed in close proximity allowing the unique identification number to be displayed. This number is registered to a large database which gives details of the animal including their name, owner’s phone numbers and the home address although only authorised people can access this information. It is important that details are updated to enable contact to be made with the owner in the event of the animal going missing.
The microchip is implanted using a needle under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is no more painful than a standard injection, although the needle is slightly larger. A microchip can be implanted to most species of animals during a normal visit to the vets and can be done by a nurse.
Please note that a microchip is not a GPS device and therefore cannot be used to track an animal.
Legal Requirements
As of the 6th April 2016, it became a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old to be microchipped. If the authorities are aware of a dog without a microchip then the owner will be served with a notice to ensure the dog is microchipped within a set period, if this is not done then the owner may face criminal prosecution and a £500 fine.
The only exemption is where a veterinary surgeon has verified in writing that an individual is unsuitable for microchipping.
At this time, other species of companion animals are not legally required to be microchipped although it is highly recommended to enable contact to be made with an owner in the event that an animal goes missing or is injured when out of the owners care.
Mobility Management
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Veterinary Nurse Clinics
Our weight clinics are designed to help your dog not only lose weight but keep that weight off. During these clinics, the nurse will provide helpful tips and advice on diet and nutrition, as well as assisting you in formulating a feeding and exercise regime.
An initial consultation with the nurse gives the opportunity to tailor an individual weight loss plan for your pet. Following this, monthly appointments are recommended for weigh-ins, further advice and the chance to discuss the progress of your pet’s weight loss.
We have a great success rate with pets of all shapes and sizes, ages and lifestyles. It does require a lot of commitment from you and your family as possibly years of diet and exercise habits will need addressing, but our nurses firmly believe in the benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and are here to help you achieve this.
We have recently received Centre of Excellence status by Royal Canin for our management of overweight dogs and cats and for educating their owners on presentation. As one of the first Approved Weight Management Centres in the UK, the whole team at Ribble Vets has received bespoke training to provide us with the skills and protocols to address weight management issues.
Exercise
Regular, gentle exercise help prevent your dog’s joints stiffening up and maintains mobility so your dog can remain active.
Dogs with poor joints should avoid very energetic exercise such as lots of stairs and excessive running. Hydrotherapy can be of real benefit in these cases – see the hydrotherapy section for more information.
Exercise will help to avoid your dog becoming overweight, although exercise alone will not be enough for effective weight loss.
What is K-Laser therapy?
K-Laser therapy is a relatively new complementary therapy which is being implemented in the veterinary field which can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. It uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate the body to increase circulation which increases oxygen and nutrient levels in the area of damage, therefore helping the body to conduct its natural healing processes but faster.
Is it painful?
K-Laser Therapy is non-invasive and pain-free, with many animals enjoying the soothing effects of the laser during treatment.
What happens during treatment?
Each session lasts approximately 2-8 minutes per area requiring treatment with treatment plans being tailored to individual animal’s requirements.
Depending on the condition treated, K-Laser Therapy may require an initial ‘loading period’ whereby six sessions are completed within three weeks, followed by top-up doses being given. The timing of these are dependent on the individual’s requirements but could be as few as one a month.
Which conditions can be treated?
K-Laser Therapy is useful for a wide range of ailments including, but not limited to:
- Post-Operative Wound Healing
- Chronic Wound Healing
- Osteoarthritis
- Stomatitis
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Fractured Bones
- Tendonitis
- Dermatitis
- Feline Asthma
- Hot Spots
- Sprains and Strains
- Soft Tissue Injury
- Cystitis
- Lick Granulomas
However, K-Laser Therapy is not appropriate for all conditions, please discuss with a member of the team to see if your companion is suitable for K-Laser therapy.
Will my insurance company pay for treatments?
Many insurance companies will cover complementary therapies including K-Laser Therapy, please check with your individual insurance provider prior to commencing treatment.
Other Services Available in the Veterinary Nurse Clinics are:
Second Vaccinations, Nail Clipping, Post-operative checks and suture removal, Bandaging, Medication administration & Behavioural advice
Cat Condos
We realise that finding appropriate pet care for your cat whilst you are on holiday can be stressful for you and your feline friend. This can be more difficult when your cat also requires daily medication, or close health monitoring.
At Ribble Vets Penwortham surgery we are here to help, by providing daily care from our Veterinary Nursing team in our separate cat condo ward. Your cat will receive daily checks, medication administration and quality time with a member of the nursing team. You can rest assured that if there are any health concerns during his/her stay, a Veterinary Surgeon will be on hand to examine and treat any issues.
For further information or to book in, please contact the reception desk on 01772 746393