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We would like to wish all of our clients, friends and peers within the industry a very Happy New Year.
Testimonials
Testimonials
Alex one of our wonderful student nurses is looking for dog owners to complete a short questionnaire about your habits, views and opinions around feeding your dog.
Alex (and we) would would be so grateful if you could complete the short questionnaire by clicking on the button below.
Alex says “I’m in my final year of veterinary nursing, and as part of my dissertation I am researching owners’ views on raw feeding. I’d really appreciate your answers in this questionnaire. All responses are confidential, it should only take a few minutes and your participation means a lot—thank you!“
The study seeks to investigate public perceptions of raw feeding for dogs and the underlying determinants that shape individuals’ choices either to implement a raw diet or to refrain from raw feeding.
Respondents must be over 18 years of age and the questionnaire can be totally anonymous. You can also withdraw at any time. Many thanks in advance.
12 ‘dangers’ of Christmas for your pets
Christmas is approaching which is an exciting time for your pets and they can enjoy the festivities with you and your family (as well as joining in with festive fancy dress!). However, with lots of unusual things being brought into your home, as well as tempting foods, we see a huge increase in mischievous behaviour around Christmas. Here are the top 12 ‘day(ngers) of Christmas – and indeed winter, to be vigilant for.
1. Chocolate
Theobromine in chocolate can cause gastrointestinal signs, heart rhythm changes and seizures. It is one of the few toxins we can calculate a toxic dose for, so it is extremely important to keep wrappers and information about the quantity and type of chocolate your pet has ingested.
2. Raisins, sultanas and grapes
Often in festive treats (e.g. Christmas cake, pudding and mince pies, panettones) can cause acute kidney injury which can be deadly.
3. Antifreeze
Antifreeze has a very sweet taste and smell so is highly palatable to pets, especially cats. Even a very small quantity ingested can be fatal due to significant kidney damage. Ensure this is not left lying around and any spillages thoroughly cleaned up.
4. Medications
With lots of family and friends visiting it can be easy to lose track of human and animal medications and supplements which can be appealing treats for pets. It is important to find out how many and keep hold of any packaging/information which comes with it.
5. Alliums
Not specifically festive but often seen more at this time of year, onions, garlic and leeks, used especially in gravy and stuffing can cause issues. These can cause gastrointestinal upsets and red blood cell damage, leading to anaemia.
6. Tinsel, ribbon and other decorations
These can be very appealing ‘toys’ to pets, particularly kittens and puppies and can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.
7. Packaging
Whilst pets can sometimes be ‘helpful’ to unwrap presents with, ensure they do not consume paper, stuffing or packaging materials as these too can cause blockages.
8. Festive plants
Plants including poinsettia, holly, ivy, mistletoe and Christmas trees can cause mild and usually self-limiting symptoms if eaten or chewed.
9. Toys and batteries
Often left lying around these can cause obstructions and batteries can cause chemical burns and poisoning if chewed or eaten.
10. Blue cheese
Contains ‘roquefortine C’ from fungi, which dogs are sensitive too. Also, it’s high fat content, alongside other cheeses and rich food, can cause potentially serous pancreatitis.
11. Nuts
Large nuts and shells can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs causing vomiting, weakness, tremors, dullness and high temperatures.
12. Xylitol
A common sweetener in many treats but if eaten by our pets it can cause rapid and dangerously low blood sugar leading to collapse, seizures and latterly liver failure.
We wish you a happy and healthy festive period for you and your pets. If you have any concerns with your pets at all over the festive period don’t forget we provide 24hr emergency cover for our clients.
Online appointment booking
Online appointment booking is available for a range of vet and nurse consults – for your convenience.
Find out how to book online here:
Click the ‘Book Online’ button at the top of the page to book your appointment now!
Yurvac RHD vaccine for rabbits
‼ Rabbit vaccination update – new rabbit vaccine available ‼
Due to a new highly virulent strain of RVHD2 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 2), an additional yearly vaccination (Yurvac RHD vaccine) is advised for all rabbits – alongside the Nobivac Myxo RHD Plus vaccine.
Vaccination is advisable for both rabbits with outdoor access and those kept solely indoors, due to risk of virus transfer from shoes, hay and other objects.
We have the vaccine in stock so if you’d like to book in please call the Client Care Team on 01653 618303 – or don’t forget you can book online now at : https://bit.ly/4kMG0O2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the new vaccine be given at the same time as the existing Nobivac Myxo RHD vaccine?
No – there should be two weeks gap between the Nobivac Myxo RDH vaccine and the Yurvac RDH vaccine
How often does the new Yurvac RHD vaccine need to be given?
Every 12 months
What is the price of the new Yurvac RHD vaccine?
£40
£40
What if my rabbit is on the Station House Vets Wellness Plan?
The price is just £30 – you get 25% discount off the standard price
Do I need to see a vet or a nurse for the appointment for the vaccination?
If you’re a new client, or your rabbit has not been seen recently by one of our vets, you will need to book an appointment with a vet.
Click “Book Online” above to book your appointment now.
Meet Sidney : our superstar senior dog
Case study by Nicole Plows, RVN
Sidney has presented multiple times over the past few years with gastrointestinal issues, commonly diarrhoea. Occasionally this resulted in him being hospitalised. He’s had tests and investigations ruling out neoplasia, endocrine diseases and any other critical conditions. The working diagnosis of Sidney’s chronic diarrhoea is inflammatory bowel disease and chronic enteropathy.
After his last episode of diarrhoea in 2024 and his hospitalisation, I decided to change his diet to Hills GI biome. This was partly to help nourish the gut’s microbiome and sooth the digestive tract but also as a plan to stick on this diet long term to help prevent these bouts of gastrointestinal upset and reduce the probiotic supplements he was having daily.
Sidney also suffers from osteoarthritis. Due to his gastrointestinal issues he can’t tolerate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and therefore he was prescribed monthly Librela injections. Every 3rd injection is done by a veterinary surgeon and the rest are done by the nurses, this give me lots of opportunities to check in with Sidney (and his owner)!
Treatments
A. Monthly Injections
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Medication
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Dosage/Frequency
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Purpose
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Librela injection
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Monthly
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OA pain management
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Paracetamol (if needed)
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OA pain management
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B. Dietary Management
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Aspect
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Details
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Prescription Diet
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Hills Gastrointestinal biome, dry kibble and stew
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Feeding Routine
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Small, frequent meals (3–4 times/day) to reduce GI stress
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Treats
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Hills Gastrointestinal biome (out of his daily feeding allowance)
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Once Sidney started on the Hills GI biome he loved it! Unfortunately, due to his age he has got some dental disease and therefore prefers to have the Hills GI biome stew on top of his GI biome kibble to help soften it. I also decided to swap him onto the biome mini as he seemed to prefer the smaller kibble size and could manage this better. Rather than being fed two bigger meals, I suggested that Sidney has three to four smaller frequent meals to reduce the digestive overload and improve absorption. Sidney is very sensitive to any treats or food other than his biome and therefore I advised his owner to stick to the biome even for his treats.
C. Exercise Regimen
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Activity
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Frequency/Duration
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Controlled walks
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2× daily, 10–15 mins
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Hydrotherapy
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Bi-weekly – low-impact, joint friendly
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Avoid
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Stairs, slippery surfaces, high-impact play
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Although Sidney can’t walk very far, it’s still very important for him to have plenty of mental stimulation to keep his cognitive function active. I suggested that Sidney should have more frequent short walks if he’s tolerating it, I want him to enjoy his walks and keep muscle mass as well as keeping his joints mobile and active. I also recommended to Sidney’s owner that he takes part in hydrotherapy, this is low impact but a great source of exercise and mental stimulation for him. Due to Sidney’s osteoarthritis, I suggested that he avoids stairs, slippery surfaces and lots of vigorous play.
D. Nurse Clinics
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Clinic Type
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Frequency
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Purpose
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Weight Clinics
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Monthly
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Monitor weight and BCS
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Mobility Checks
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Bi-monthly
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OA pain scoring and gait assessments
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GI Monitoring
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Monthly
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Track stools, appetite, tolerance of diet
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Weight clinics:
Every month when Sidney comes in to see me I weigh him. I think it’s really important to keep a track on his weight to ensure that he’s not gaining weight which could potentially exacerbate his osteoarthritis. I also like to track is weight to ensure he’s not drastically lost any weight as this could be suggestive of a disease process or incorrect feeding of his GI biome. I check in with his owner about how much she’s feeding him based on his hills quick reco and ensure his weight is stable. Here is his weight graph which is pretty stable.
Sidney’s Recommended Feeding Guide
Laura’s first day at Station House Vets was anything but ordinary.
On her morning drive to the practice, she spotted a cat struggling on a footpath near Malton. The cat, later identified as Zak, was visibly distressed; his back legs weren’t working properly, and he was wobbling dangerously close to the road.
By the time Laura managed to turn around, a few kind passers-by had already intervened, moving Zak to the safety of a grassy verge. As they debated what to do next, Laura stepped in, introduced herself as a vet, and swiftly assessed the situation. Without hesitation, she scooped Zak up, placed him gently in her car, and drove straight to the clinic, beginning her first day with her very first patient!
Thanks to the power of social media, Zak’s owners were quickly located. They had posted about his disappearance, and the good Samaritans who found him shared updates that led them straight to Station House Vets, where Zak was already receiving expert care from Laura and the Station House Vets Tam.
Zak, a sweet-natured 1year and 4 month old domestic shorthair, had suffered a serious road traffic accident. His injuries included multiple pelvic fractures; among them a sacroiliac separation and an avulsion fracture of the iliac wing; as well as nerve damage that left him unable to walk or use the bathroom unaided.
He underwent complex surgery to repair his pelvis, with titanium screws and a transilial pin placed to stabilize the fractures. His recovery has involved intensive pain management, physiotherapy, laser therapy, and urinary catheterisation. Zak is now on cage rest and undergoing mobility rehab.
Though the road ahead is uncertain, Zak is already showing signs of progress. He’s beginning to regain feeling in his hind limbs and is tackling rehab with determination. His spirit remains unshaken – he’s affectionate, curious, and full of fight.
Laura and the team at Station House Vets are asking everyone to send Zak their love and support as he continues his journey toward healing. If you’ve ever doubted the resilience of animals, let Zak be your reminder: recovery is possible, even after trauma.
Meet Laura – a new vet on the Station House Vets Team
Laura joined Station House Vets at the beginning of September, fresh from graduating at Bristol Vet School in July. Her path to becoming a vet has been a winding one, driven by passion and perseverance. Before vet school, she earned a degree in bioveterinary science and has spent 13 years working as a veterinary care assistant in Newmarket, London, Bristol, and Manchester.
Now happily settled in Yorkshire with her rescue cat Bea (pictured), Laura is thrilled to meet all the pets, horses, and wonderful clients of Station House Vets. If her first day is anything to go by, she’s already making a remarkable impact.
Preparation is key to help your pets cope with Bonfire Night and fireworks.
As the dark nights draw in, bonfire night will be here faster than you think. Whilst many humans find fireworks exciting, they can be stressful and scary for our pets.
These days bonfire night is rarely one night and often a week long event which makes it hard to prepare.
As bonfire night is approaching we will release a blog on our website of our ‘top tips‘ for helping your pet cope on bonfire night, and making a safe space for your pet on bonfire night, but, with just under 5 weeks to go – there is still time to consider desensitisation, so that your dog or cat learns not to be so worried rather than having to resort to how to manage their fear on the night.
If you have a puppy or kitten, a young age is the perfect time to start desensitisation. Dogs that are safely and gradually exposed to many different experiences, including loud noises, during their essential socialisation period of three to 16 weeks of age, are often able to cope more effectively with loud, frightening sounds like fireworks or loud engine noises. Desensitisation involves playing firework sounds from your radio, TV or computer at home at a very low volume while pairing it with positive experiences like treats or play, keeping sessions short and increasing the volume gradually only when the dog remains calm.
Start weeks in advance (NOW!!) and monitor your pets body language for any signs of stress, stopping or lowering the volume if they show fear.
There is a great resource available free on the dogs trust website called ‘Sounds Scary’ which is a downloadable sound track to pay in the background at home to help to desensitise your pet.
