Donkeys

Donkeys are often thought of as “small horses”, but they are actually quite different animals with their own unique needs when it comes to health and care.

From their nutrition and metabolism to the way they show pain or illness, donkeys require a slightly different approach to veterinary care. They are naturally very hardy and incredibly stoic, which means they can sometimes hide signs of illness until a problem has become more advanced.

Their diet, weight management, parasite control and foot care all benefit from plans designed specifically with
donkeys in mind rather than simply following horse routines.

Here at Station House Vets we understand these differences and take great care to make sure donkeys receive the tailored veterinary support they deserve.

Most of all, we love working with donkeys.

They are intelligent, curious animals with huge personalities, and every one of them is an individual. Whether they are much-loved companions, therapy animals, or part of a sanctuary herd, it is always a privilege for our team to be involved in their care.

If you want to know about our donkey veterinary care team and what we can offer, give the equine/donkey team a call on 01653 618303.

Progesterone testing

One of our lovely clients emailed to tell us their girl gave birth at the weekend — to 11 healthy puppies! We’re told mum is doing brilliantly and is very proud of her rather large brood — and we’re not surprised!

Congratulations to the whole (very busy!) family

If you’d like to find out more about Progesterone testing give us a call on 01653 618303.

This week is tick prevention week.

What are ticks and why are they important to prevent?
Ticks are external parasites that live by biting and then feeding off of the blood of humans and animals. It is important to prevent tick bites in both humans and your pets as some can carry harmful bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that can cause Lymes disease and other serious illnesses. Not all ticks carry these harmful bacteria but it is good practice to prevent the occurrence of ticks in the first place – just in case.

Bites from foreign ticks if your pet is taken on holiday can be particularly harmful.

What are the symptoms of Lymes disease?
Lymes disease is a serious bacterial infection that occurs in dogs, cats and humans. Although it is less common in cats.

Symptoms can include:
– Depression
– Loss of appetite
– Fever
– Lameness
– Swollen and painful joints
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Lethargy

Lymes disease can be treated with antibiotics so it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

When are ticks most prevalent?
Tick infestations usually occur from Spring to early Summer (between March and June) and then again from late Summer throughout Autumn (between August and November)

Where are they found?
The preferred environments for ticks are in grassy and wooded areas right across the UK.

They are very common in areas with high numbers of sheep. Ticks carrying the bacteria that causes Lymes disease are more common in some parts of the UK than others.

How to prevent ticks
Consult your vet to ensure you use the right preventative tick-control product for your pet as they will identify the right product and quantity for your pets weight and age. Products come in oral medications, or topical treatments such as spot-on treatments, sprays or anti-tick collars.

At Station House Vets we recommend Bravecto (tablet or spot on) Nexguard Spectra (tablet) or Seresto (a collar) as tick prevention treatments – most of these products also prevent fleas too.

How to remove a tick
If you find a tick on your pet – you can try to remove it yourself, if you have a Tick Twister, as below. If you’re unsure please visit our short video on ‘How to remove a tick‘

Alternatively you can  book in with our nursing team who can remove it for you – and show you how to do it at the same time!

Gastroscopy Clinics

As we head out of Winter and into Spring, our horses routine changes, and so can their behaviour.

We often see changes in behaviour when horses are suffering from gastric ulcers.

You can read more about a clients experience with gastric ulcers : https://stationhousevets.com/blog/horse-owners-experience-of-identifying-ulcers/

March is Pet Vaccination Month

March is Pet Vaccination Month and so we are focusing on the benefits of vaccinating.

Prevention definitely is better than cure!

Great news, you can now WhatsApp and Text us!

Did you know that we have launched our own WhatsApp channel as an additional convenient way for you to get in touch with us?

To connect with us, please save our WhatsApp number +447341235213 to your contacts.  

Click on the WhatsApp icon bottom right of our website homepage on your screen to send us a message.

You can use this number to:

• Enquire about operations and inpatient procedures.
• Order products and medication.
• Send/receive photo and video updates of your pet while they are in with us.
• Make secure payments quickly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your debit/credit card.

We will soon be sending you a message from our WhatsApp number, so please save us as a contact to easily reach us whenever you need.

Not on WhatsApp? You can also send us a text via this number. 👍

To speak to a member of the team or if you have an emergency, please continue to call

Normal Practice Hours: 01653 618 303

Our Own Out Of Hours: 01209 823 717

We hope to chat soon,

The Team at Station House Vets

February is Pet Dental Health Month

February is 🦷Dental Health Month 🦷 and so we are focusing on dental health, dental disease and how you, and we, can help your pets and horses by understanding and managing their dental health ongoing.

We would like to wish all of our clients, friends and peers within the industry a very Happy New Year.