We have been enjoying the last of the summer here at Clarendon Street.
It seems to have been a particularly bad year for grass seeds and we have been very busy removing seeds from nostrils, paws, ears and eyes.
Earlier in the summer there were concerns about high levels of blue green algae in the lakes at Milton Country Park. This can cause problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs (and humans) who drink or swim in affected water, so for a while use of the lakes was suspended. Levels are now reported to be back within safe levels and the lakes are once again open for use, but we would suggest that the owners of any dogs who develop the above symptoms after going in the water contact us for further advice.
We are happy to welcome Maria as a permanent member of our practice team. Many of you will have met Maria, who has been working here as a locum for the last few years. Maria says we have such lovely clients that she never wants to work anywhere else! Having a third vet means we have been able to increase the availability of appointments, and we now have consultation slots from 9am-12pm and 2pm-4.45pm on weekdays.
Some of you will be aware that new legislation requiring all cats to be microchipped will come into force in on June 10th 2024. Any cats that are not microchipped after this time will be given 10 days to comply or face a fine of up to £500. Microchipping is a quick and almost painless procedure that can be carried out in a regular appointment. The cost of microchipping is only £20 so if your cat is not yet chipped please do contact us for an appointment.
You may also have seen the recent media coverage about the high cost of veterinary care. We are aware that cost is a big factor for many clients and have been looking at ways in which we can make treatment as assessible as possible. It’s always worth chatting to us if the cost of care is a cause for concern as there may be different options available.
We are happy to provide written prescriptions as medication may be available at a lower cost via an online pharmacy, however there is a prescription charge for this service and 48 hours’ notice is required to process requests. (Medication requests can usually be processed within 24 hours as no paperwork is required.) We are suggesting nurse appointments where appropriate for management of some ongoing conditions or minor procedures, and we can also advise on any one-off charitable funding that might be available for unexpected costs.
We hope the above information is helpful and, as always, please do contact us with any queries or concerns.
With best wishes,
Patrick, Harriet and all the Clarendon Street Team.