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Tortoises are herbivores and therefore eat plant material and need a high percentage of fibre in their diets. This not only acts as a bulking agent, it also helps maintain healthy gut motility, aiding fermentation, which is vital for vitamin/mineral absorption. We recommend the majority of their diet should be composed of vegetable matter of a leafy nature such as dandelions, kale, watercress, flat-leaved parsley, chicory and bok-choy.

As cats get older, their nutritional requirements start to change. In veterinary practice, cats of seven years and over are placed in the senior category.

We have recently had a case of Leishmania diagnosed at the practice and as a lot of our clients and pets travel abroad we would like everyone to be aware of this disease. It is of particular concern to us as once dogs are infected they cannot be cured of the disease. Treatment can be initiated but is expensive and patients require long-term monitoring. If caught late, the disease can be fatal. So prevention of infection is definitely preferable!

We had the most extraordinary case a few weeks ago. Who would have thought a grass seed could end up in a dog’s spine? That’s exactly what happened! Fortunately, Alfie is now fully recovered and most deserving of a Big Bear Award.

This is a really common disease in older cats that can develop. Luckily there is a lot we can do to help manage this disease.
Chronic renal failure can develop in 33% of cats that are over 8 years old. The kidneys start "shutting down" and are less able to effectively filter the blood. This reduced ability to filter the blood means that toxins can build up in the blood stream and make your cat feel very unwell.

Play is very important to build a bond and trust between you and your new puppy. However, it is important to set boundaries for playing. Dogs that have played with humans can be much more fun to have around and can be more sociable than those who have only learnt to play with dogs.

The suitable feed for guinea pigs are complete feeds, especially for guinea pigs based on seeds and grains. They should have Timothy or grass hay that should be available for them at all times because the fibre content is crucial for dental wear and gastrointestinal tract function. Guinea pigs need to be supplied with Vitamin C in their diet. Non-breeding guinea pigs need 10mg/kg of vitamin C a day and breeding guinea pigs and/or ill guinea pigs need 35-50mg/kg per day.

Ian Stroud and the team at Vet4Life have created a fantastic new health plan that's now available at each of our clinics, Teddington, Shepperton and Surbiton. The Family plan will help clients old and new, ensure that their beloved pets have consistent access to the very highest levels of care.

Come along to Bushy Park this Wednesday 7th May to help raise awareness of pet obesity

This Wednesday 7th May sees the launch of the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA)’s #GetPetsFit campaign, a fantastic initiative to help pet owners ensure a healthy future for their pets by keeping them at their ideal weight.

A question we commonly hear is, "My dog has dry itchy skin. He occasionally gets rashes, bumps or hot spots. What can I do?"