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Goosnargh:
01772 861300
Lytham Road:
01772 718774
Kirkham:
01772 681992

Author: Julie Nuttall

Coronavirus update for our Small Animal Clients

In these uncertain times we would like to reassure you that providing care for our clients and their pets remains our top priority.

Our practice REMAINS OPEN FOR BUSINESS but as you would expect we are putting in place a number of steps to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and the wider community.

  • We would encourage that only one person attends with the pet – this will help minimise the number of people in our waiting rooms.
  • If possible once you have let reception know that you have arrived it may be more suitable to wait outside or in your car.
  • It may be possible that follow up appointments, including repeat prescriptions, could be conducted via telephone consultation with /without emailed photos/videos- please contact the reception team to discuss appointment slots and payment options.  

Unfortunately, not all conditions can be assessed in this way and after discussion with the vet you may still be required to bring your pet in. Routine preventative healthcare appointments may not require you to attend the surgery our team will help guide you with this. In most instances medicines will need collecting from the branches but a postal service may also be available if necessary.

  • If you are in self-isolation but your pet needs treatment, please allow a family member or friend to bring them in. If this is not possible, we can meet you outside our entrance to receive your pet.
  • House visits are now only possible in exceptional circumstances and will require discussion with a vet before arrangement.
  • Take as many preventative measures before, during and after your visit -this includes washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water , please make use of the hand sanitisers in our branches and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, then throw the tissue in the bin.
  • For hygiene reasons, we would encourage payments by card rather than cash.
  • Please allow at least 48hrs for orders of repeat prescription medicines and foods as our suppliers are running with reduced staffing and deliveries are at reduced frequency.
  • Our Saturday morning surgery at Kirkham will not be running until further notice, however all our other opening hours remain unchanged.

We will update our plans regularly based on information released by the UK Government, NHS and the RCVS and will keep you updated on our Website and via Facebook.Please share this information with others that have pets that may not have access to technology.

Thank you for your support over the coming days and weeks – we will continue to be here for you and your pets.

Notice: Saturday Surgery Kirkham

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are very sorry to announce but until further notice, we are unable to hold our usual Saturday morning surgery at our Kirkham branch.

There will still be a surgery held at our Conway Drive branch at 93 Conway Drive, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 3ER (Call: 01772 718774) from 8.00am-2.30pm (by appointment only).

Our other opening times remain unchanged at present:

Mon- Fri 8.00am – 7.00pm at all branches
(by appointment only)

Sunday 9.00am-12.00pm at 220 Watling Street Road, Fulwood, PR2 8AD (Call: 01772 700671 – by appointment only)

Bank Holidays 9.30am – 11.30am at Conway Drive

Thank you for your understanding

Equine Standing MRI – what to expect

What to expect when your horse has a standing MRI.

Using the right tools early in the lameness process to get a definitive diagnosis will allow you and your vet to devise the right treatment plan, hopefully getting your horse back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

The clear images from MRI allow vets to make an accurate and precise diagnosis in 90% of cases.

If you’ve considered requesting an MRI for your horse but wondered what actually happens, an MRI scan will usually include the following steps:

  1. Initial examination

    On arrival for the scan the horse’s overall health is evaluated for sedation and our clinic vets will briefly examine the horse’s lameness.

  2. Horse shoes

    Metal horse shoes would degrade the quality of the images if left on as the MRI scanner contains a large magnet. Normally just two shoes, on the leg to be scanned and the adjacent leg, are removed.

  3. Sedation

    The standing MRI eliminates the need for anaesthesia, so removes the mortality risk and often allows for day patient scheduling. Top up doses may be applied during the scan, either on a drip or via a catheter in the horse’s jugular vein.

  4. Equine Standing MRIPositioning

    The horse is walked into the MRI scanner, with the lame leg placed between the poles of the magnet. A radiofrequency coil is fitted around the injury site and the operator makes careful adjustments to ensure the horse and magnet are both in the right place.

  5. The Scan

    equine MRIThe scan takes around 2 – 4 hours, producing around 300-500 images at multiple angles of the limb or hoof, highlighting different types of tissue and pathology.

  6. Recovery

    After the scan the horse is given time to recover from the sedation, and in most cases can return home the same day.

  7. Interpretation

    One of our specialists responsible for scanning will carefully review the images to arrive at an opinion about likely pathology or injury. The findings are then communicated to you or your vet.

  8. Treatment

    The findings from the scan will enable an accurate diagnosis to be made. With precise information available the vet can prescribe the best possible treatment for the horse.

Should your horse be suffering with lameness or poor performance issues, please discuss with your usual Oakhill Equine Vet or call the practice on 01772 861300.

If you wish to be referred to us from another veterinary practice, please contact your own veterinary surgeon in the first instance.

Why MRI?

Our equine clinic has the most technologically advanced standing MRI machine available, used for both clients and those referred from other veterinary practices.

Often during a lameness work-up, your vet will use ‘nerve blocks’ to locate where the pain is coming from. This may then be followed with X-ray or ultrasound examinations, but because these imaging tools only show bone or some soft tissue your vet may not be able to see abnormalities, particularly those within the hoof capsule.

Standing equine MRI offers unique insight into equine lameness, identifying the specific cause in over 90% of cases.

With no general anaesthesia required the inherent risks associated with anaesthesia and recovery can be avoided and an early, safe and accurate lameness diagnosis will save you time, money and worry.

We’re often asked….

equine MRIWhat is different about MRI?

MRI images show information about both bone and soft tissue, whereas x-rays only show bone and ultrasound only shows soft tissues. The many, clear images from MRI allow vets to make an accurate and precise diagnosis in 90% of cases.

Foot Lameness Cycle

Oakhill equine MRI referral serviceIs it the same as a human MRI scanner?

The underlying principle is exactly the same but the Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI system has specifically designed for imaging the standing horse, not a human! The scanner operates close to floor level and the horse can immediately step out of an opening in the magnet if it needs to.

Is it safe for my horse?

MRI is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine as it is valued for it’s high image quality of both bone and soft tissue with no ionising radiation. The technology used is unobtrusive and poses no known risk to the horse.

Unlike high-field scanners where the horse has to be anaesthetised, our Hallmarq low-field system uses a smaller magnet that fits around the leg, allowing us to image the horse while standing and under mild sedation.

Hallmarq equine MRI systems have been used for over 60,000 standing sedated horse examinations, during this time there have been no fatalities.

The benefits of having an MRI scan at Oakhill Equine Clinic include:

  • Expert interpretation of images by our ECVS & RCVS recognised surgery specialists, Rosie Owen & Guy Hinnigan and imaging specialist, Meredith Smith.

  • Precise diagnosis

  • Rapid results

  • Specific prognosis

  • Optimum treatment

Using the right tools early in the lameness process to get a definitive diagnosis will allow you and your vet to devise the right treatment plan, therefore getting your horse back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

It is also very useful in establishing an accurate prognosis, to save you time and money worrying about what is likely to happen in the future.

Click here to find out more about what to expect when your horse has a standing MRI.

Should your horse be suffering with lameness or poor performance issues, please discuss with your usual Oakhill Equine Vet or call the practice on 01772 861300.

If you wish to be referred to us from another veterinary practice, please contact your vet in the first instance.

Mission Christmas Gift Appeal

Once again Oakhill Veterinary Centre will be taking part in Rock FM’s Mission Christmas Gift Appeal 2019, in aid of Cash for Kids, who make sure Christmas gifts get to disadvantaged children in the area.

All 4 of our branches will be gift collection points.

If you’d like to donate a gift, it should be new and unwrapped (no food or chocolate please) and be with us by Monday 16th December at the latest so we can get them to Mission Christmas HQ in time.

Further information is available on the link below, including gift ideas (from birth to 18 years):

https://planetradio.co.uk/rock-fm/charity/events/mission-christmas-lancashire/

Thank you!

Keeping your horse safe on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be stressful for both horses and horse owners.

The calmest of horses can become frightened by the unfamiliar loud noises and flashes of bright light.

There are some things you can do to prepare….

  • Find out when and where the firework displays will be in your area. You could look in local press, social media and shop notice boards.
  • Inform local firework display organisers and neighbours that there are horses nearby, so they can ensure fireworks are set off well away from them.
  • Decide whether to stable your horse or leave it in the field. Horses like routine, so try and keep as close to your usual routine as possible. If it is usually stabled, keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to the firework display area.
  • Check for anything that could cause injury to your horse:
    – If stabled, look for things such as protruding nails.
    – If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and that there are no foreign objects lying around.
  • Ensure that you, or someone experienced, stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off.
    If you have to leave your horse in the care of another person during a firework display, then be sure to leave clear instructions with contact details for both you and your vet.
  • Discuss with your vet about sedation or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
  • Playing music on a radio positioned outside the stable can often mask sudden noise, distract attention and be soothing.
  • Stay calm, as horses will sense that you are anxious and that could increase their fears.
  • A startled horse can be dangerous, so try not to get in the way if a horse becomes frightened as you could easily be injured yourself.
  • Remember that Chinese lanterns (also known as sky lanterns) can cause harm to livestock and wildlife.

If you wish to discuss concerns about your horse with us, please call 01772 861300

Your Dog’s Dental Health

Your dog’s dental health is really important.

Why do you need to brush your dog’s teeth?

Food particles and bacteria collect along a dog’s gum line and form soft deposits called plaque. Over time, the plaque turns into rock-hard tartar. If tartar is not removed from the teeth, it will eventually inflame your dog’s gums causing pain, therefore looking after your dog’s dental health is really important.

As the inflamed gums begin to separate from a dog’s teeth, pockets form in which more bacteria grow, causing periodontal disease to worsen. At this point, dogs can experience severe pain, lose teeth, and form abscesses in their mouth.

Your dog will not be able to tell you if they are in pain or have toothache.

Dogs can develop a bacterial infection that can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys, liver, heart or brain causing more widespread illness and disease.

Periodontal disease is irreversible, so now is a great time to get started on a regular oral-care regime for your dog. Prevention is the key to keeping dogs healthy and happy.

You will reduce the chances of putting your dog through an anesthetic and  dental surgery later in life if you look after their teeth. They would prefer not to have an operation and you will save lots of money!

The equipment you will need: 

  • A pet toothbrush with medium bristles (or a finger brush initially).
  • A quiet area with few or no distractions.
  • Plenty of patience.
  • Dog toothpaste – human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.
  • Some water.
  • You can get a toothbrush kit from any of our surgeries.

Step by Step Guide:

Dog tooth brushingGet your dog used to the toothpaste 

  • Wash and dry your hands and smear a little bit of dog toothpaste on your index finger.
  • Let your dog lick the toothpaste from your finger.
  • Repeat two or three times a day.
  • Once your dog is eating the toothpaste well off your finger, begin to start lifting your dogs lips and holding their muzzle. Your dog needs to get used to you touching their mouth (This may take some time, as it can be quite worrying for your dog at first, ensure you do not force or restrain them and that they are happy with being held).
  • Move on when your dog is happy with you touching and holding their mouth and eating their special toothpaste.

Get your dog used to having something in their mouth 

  • Smear your index finger with toothpaste.
  • Gently rub your finger over your dog’s teeth and gums.
  • Do this slowly and do not put your finger in further than your dog is comfortable with, and take care with your fingers please.

Introducing your dog to the toothbrush 

  • Wet the toothbrush with water and then smear it with toothpaste on top of the bristles.
  • Let your dog lick some of the toothpaste off the bristles to get used to the feeling.
  • Gently hold your dog’s mouth around the muzzle to get them used to you holding their mouth and do not let your dog chew the brush.
  • Put your hand across your dog’s nose and lifting their lips, gently brush their canines (the big, pointy teeth) up and down.
  • Start by angling the brush towards the gum line and brush away from the gum towards the tip of the tooth.
  • At this stage avoid the incisors (the small teeth at the front of my mouth) and holding the front of your dog’s nose, as this is the most sensitive area of their mouth.

Brushing your dog’s back teeth 

  • Start with brushing your dog’s Canine teeth up and down as above.
  • Slowly move along to the teeth behind the canines, using a circular motion.
  • Only go as far as your dog is happy with and brush both sides of their mouth.

Brushing all of your dog’s teeth 

  • Always start with the Canine teeth and then the back teeth, and we will finish with brushing the sensitive incisors (your dog may sneeze when you brush their incisors!).
  • To brush the front incisor teeth, hold your dog’s mouth around the top of the muzzle and gently lift the upper lip with your thumb and forefinger, to reveal the incisor teeth.
  • Gently brush the front teeth up and down.
  • Gradually build up the amount of time you spend brushing until you reach two to three minutes. For maximum protection, brush every day, if you can.

Hints & Tips

  • Dog dental tipsKeep your sessions short – 3 minutes is plenty twice a day once your dog has been trained to have their teeth brushed.
  • Your dog is an individual, go at their pace and please remember to give them lots of praise.
  • Use three pea-sized blobs of dog toothpaste – one each for the left, right and front of the mouth.
  • Take care putting your fingers into my mouth.
  • If your dog is aggressive or prone to biting, do not try to brush their teeth (please seek advice from a behaviourist).
  • Repeat each stage for approximately five days before moving to the next step so your dog is comfortable and understands each stage.

Don’t hesitate to speak to one of our vets or nurses about your dog’s dental health.

Our Registered Veterinary Nurses offer free pet dental checks and are a valuable source of advice.

PetPlan Veterinary Awards 2020

The PetPlan Veterinary Awards 2020 are now open!

2020 marks an amazing 21 years of these awards celebrating excellence within the veterinary industry.

The Petplan Veterinary Awards recognise the fantastic work that goes on in veterinary practices across the UK. Petplan has worked closely with the veterinary profession for over 40 years and hosts these independent industry awards to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary staff caring for our pets.

If you think that the Oakhill Veterinary Centre practice or someone in our practice team deserves to win, click here to complete the nomination form.

Thank you!

No Deal Brexit

Exporting animals and animal products in a no-deal Brexit…

In the event of a no deal Brexit all export to the EU will require Export health certificate (EHC), which will need applying for in advance. Export health certificate can be found on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates

Goods may require checks at border inspection posts (BIP), which are currently being built in preparation for leaving the EU. If your product is required to go through a BIP it will occur at the first EU country it enters. You will have to ensure the BIP can accept your product type and that your EU based import agents has notified them (through the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES)) when your consignment is arriving (verifying with the BIP, beforehand, how much notification they will require). Check the list of existing EU BIPs, and the products they accept, as your trade route may need redirecting.

If your product isn’t required to go through a BIP, ensure your EU based import agent notifies the competent authority of the EU state of the products destination and the EU port/airport, within the time limits set out by the competent authority.

For exporting to the EU you will have to comply with wider HMRC guidance on custom requirements:

  • Your business needs a EORI (economic operator registration and identification) number that starts with GB
  • You need to check your imported has an EU EORI number. If you are exporting to your own business within the EU you will need to get an EU EORI number from customs authority in any EU country.
  • Decide who will make the export declaration (will you do it yourself or hire someone – this will involve submitting a customs declaration https://www.gov.uk/guidance/customs-declarations-for-goods-taken-out-of-the-eu?step-by-step-nav=e169b2ac-8c90-4789-8e6c-3657729e21b2)
  • Decide if you want to export your goods using transit, you may be able to use common transit convention to simplify how your goods pass-through customs and when your importer pays customs duties.
  • Check the rate of tax and duty for your goods
  • Check what you need to do for the type of goods you export
  • Find out how changes to VAT will affect you
  • Decide who will transport your goods outside the UK

There is unlikely to be any change to exporting products to non-EU countries. However, if the product transit through the EU you will need both an EU transit certificated and EHC for the final destination. You will also need an EU importer who will take responsibility for the consignment while transiting the EU.

The European Commission will vote, before Brexit, whether to list the UK as a third country and allow exports of live animals, POAO (products of animal origin) and ABPs (animal by products).

You will need to be listed as an approved establishment with the EU if you:

  • Export POAO incl. red/white meat, fish/ fish products, dairy or egg products.
  • Some live animals and ABPs direct to the EU
  • Supply other UK establishments that export their goods to the EU

The current list of UK ABPs premises will be accepted in a no deal Brexit.

Documents for transport issued by the UK will only be valid in the UK and NOT in the EU.

If you wish to discuss further, please get in touch with our Export Team.

Please visit the following link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-animals-animal-products-fish-and-fishery-products-if-the-uk-leaves-the-eu-with-no-deal

Sneaky peek at our new small animal facilities?

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the brand new small animal facilities at our Goosnargh branch on:

Sunday 13th October 2019
1pm – 4pm

at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Langley Lane, Goosnargh, PR3 2JQ

  • Practice tours 
  • See behind the scenes at your local vets
  • Meet the team
  • Refreshments
  • Demonstrations
  • Children’s activities

PLUS there’ll be a FREE PRIZE DRAW to be in with a chance of winning a Chocolate Hamper!

We hope you can join us!