Itchy ears are one of the problems that are most frequently presented to us at our clinic. This is particularly so during the spring and summer when more general skin diseases such as allergies (can link to our page on dog allergies here) are more commonly encountered.

Sweep came to us because he had a problem with his ears. It started with mild head shaking but within a few days he was scratching his ears and rubbing them along the ground, clearly in some discomfort. Read more > →

Please note our opening hours over the Easter break. If we are closed, and it is an emergency, please telephone 02089773955 for details about our out of hours cover.  Read more > →

Glaucoma in dogs refers to a group of diseases that result in an increased pressure of the fluid within the eye. This increased pressure is both painful and may result in loss of sight due to damage of the retina and optic nerve.

Canine glaucoma can be divided into two main categories, where the glaucoma is occurring either primarily or secondary to another disease process within the eye. If the glaucoma is primary it is often due to reduced drainage of fluid from the eye near to the limbus. This is often called closed angle glaucoma. Other ocular diseases may cause glaucoma such as lens luxation, inflammation (uveitis) or cancer.

Certain breeds are more likely to suffer from glaucoma. The disease is most frequently seen in Cocker Spaniels, Terriers, Northern breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Poodles, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, Bassett Hounds and Dalmations. However, primary glaucoma has been documented in almost every single breed. Read more > →

It is always very unfortunate and sad when animals are brought into the clinic because they are in need of a new home. Most dogs have to be rehomed because of separation anxiety – where they cause nuisance and disturbance when left by their owners. This can include  excessive barking or destroying furniture and can include behaviour resulting from a lack of dog training. Dogs, cats and other animals may also be rehomed due to a change in circumstances, such as a new job or a new baby. Sometimes living accommodation does not allow pets to be kept. If an elderly person moves into a care home, a pet is no longer suitable.

Last year, two ginger cats were brought into the clinic. We were really lucky to find such a wonderful kind-hearted lady to take them on. Here’s Ruth’s story about rehoming Scott and Biggles… Read more > →

The thyroid glands are located along the windpipe of all animals and produce thyroid hormones. These hormones do many things in the body, including controlling weight, heart rate and blood pressure. Abnormalities can be seen when the glands either fail to produce enough hormone, called hypothyroidism, or too much, called hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in middle-aged to older cats, and can develop for up to two years before presentation due to the often slow onset of the disease. The main signs seen with hyperthyroidism in cats are weight loss, increased appetite, increased drinking, increased urination and hyperactivity. Read more > →

On the 31st of January 2012, Vet4life will have been open a whole year! How time flies – wow! We’d like to invite you to join us in celebrating with champagne and cake this Saturday 28th January at 2-4pm. We’ve also hooked up with the Teddington Wimpy restaurant in Broad Street who are giving our clients a “10% off their meal” voucher for this weekend and next week – their Birthday gift to us! Read more > →

Cystitis in cats is not uncommon, with 20% of cats suffering an episode during their lifetime. Feline urinary tract inflammation is also known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) and has a variety of causes and symptoms.

Clinical Signs

Very often feline cystitis causes your cat pain and irritation when he urinates and he will often be seen going to the toilet more often. A serious and potentially fatal complication of this can result in blockage of the urinary system. Urine is not passed in spite of repeated attempts and the bladder fills with urine. This is an emergency situation, please call us as soon as possible for advice.

Other signs of cystitis could result in your cat urinating in inappropriate places in the house. He might not just be stressed and marking his territory. Read more > →

At the end of November we were very fortunate to have Dr. Anne McBride, animal behaviourist, come and see us to give an enjoyable and insightful talk on ‘Dog Ownership and the Law’.

Animals can be amazing companions. They have physiological benefits to owners. Stroking an animal can reduce your blood pressure and assist in recovery from heart attacks. Animals can stop you feeling lonely and improve satisfaction in life.

But we don’t actually have the right to own animals – the ownership of an animal is a privilege. However, there is a harmony of responsible ownership which defines much of animal law. Read more > →

Jade the puppy presented to the clinic as an emergency because she appeared to have suddenly gone blind. She was also circling, staring into space, generally unresponsive and pressing her head against the corners of the room. She was also quite thin and had various other signs such as diarrhoea over the weeks before she came to the clinic. Read more > →

Mast cell tumours are a relatively common type of cancer found in dogs and occasionally in cats. They are often quick growing and found on or just under the skin, they can look like just about any other mass so ideally all new masses should be examined and tested. Several breeds are pre-disposed to developing these including Boxers and Golden Retrievers.

Testing of mast cell tumours is relatively easy, quick and inexpensive. A fine needle is used to collect a few cells from the mass which are stained and looked at under a microscope. This can be done in 15 minutes and the cells very often have a very characteristic appearance with many purple staining granules in the cytoplasm (body) of the cell. Read more > →