01363 77286001363 772860
01363 77286001363 772860
Sweet itch is an allergic skin condition which is frequently encountered in the UK horse population. It commonly affects British native pony breeds, heavy horses and other European native breeds (e.g. Haflinger, Icelandic, Friesian and Fjords), but can affect any horse or pony. As many as 1 in 20 horses may be affected and there is no known cure.
The disease is caused by hypersensitivity to the bites of the Cullicoides midge which produces skin irritation. Affected horses will scratch...
We're joining TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham and the University of Bristol’s Big Tick Project this summer to look at rising tick numbers and the risk to our dogs and ourselves from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease.
As one of the vet practices across the UK taking part, Tasha and Lisa, will be carrying out tick checks on dogs coming into the surgery and sending any ticks found to the...
One of our nurses, Katie, was recently invited to present at the BSAVA (The British Small Animal Veterinary Association*) to share her finding of predisposing factors to proliferative ileitis in the Syrian hamster. Detailed below is an abstract...
Proliferative ileitis in hamsters is associated with a grave prognosis, thus prevention is essential. The causative organism is Lawsonia intracellularis, which results in...
IMPORTANT UPDATE RE NEMATODIRUS
A peak of hatching is expected this week, Soil temperatures have increased and our area is expected to turn red in the next 7-14 days - you need to think about taking action.
Please click the link to view the Nematodirus map
If you would like to discuss parasite control, please call and speak to one of our vets 01363 772860 or...
In 2011 St Boniface Veterinary Clinic became one of a very small number of practices in the South West who offer keyhole neutering. Laparoscopic neutering is less invasive than open spay surgery resulting in a much shorter recovery time for your pet.
What is the difference between normal (open ovario-hysterectomy) and keyhole neutering (laparoscopic ovariectomy)?
Bitch spays are one of the most common operations performed in dogs at the clinic. The...
1) Prevention of pregnancy
This is the most common reason for neutering a rabbit; ideally a male and female should be kept as a neutered pair. There are an estimated 67,000 unwanted pet rabbits registered through rescue centres every year in the UK, we want to avoid breeding more! Beware….Does (female rabbits) are fertile within 24 hours of giving birth.
2) Prevention of uterine cancer
This is the most compelling medical reason to neuter...
Male and female kittens can be neutered from around 3 months of age as long as they weigh over 1.5kgs, however, we usually recommend they are done at 5/6 months. There are many advantages to neutering your cat at a young age.
Female cats usually come into season at about 5 months old and can become pregnant. If left unneutered they will start calling for about 1 week in every 2-3 weeks during most of the year to attract male cats.
Spaying will stop all this immediately and will...
The disturbing truth about fleas is only 5% of the infestation lives on your beloved pet, the other 95% live in your home!
Fleas are a persistent problem for many households not only in the summer months but all year round due to central heating. They cause many problems including severe discomfort and self-trauma, allergic skin disease, transmission of tapeworm and anaemia.
Worry not as there is a solution to eliminating these unwanted parasites from your home...
Adult fleas are small reddish-brown, wingless insects approximately 2-3mm long. Their bodies are flat with long strong legs giving them a massive jump.
Fleas can be found on most animals and there are several different species, but the most common is the “cat flea”.
The life cycle of the flea has 4 stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Eggs fall off the host into the environment, which form larvae that live in dark areas feeding on organic debris. Larvae form pupae; these cocoons...
Late in the afternoon, of Friday 13th March, the surgery received a call from a very worried owner whose elderly pony was stuck in a ditch. The fire brigade were in attendance and needed veterinary assistance to get poor Bella out of her predicament!
Fortunately Clare was not far away and arrived to find Bella in a rather tricky situation. It appears that she had been reaching over the fence for some grass, and...
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Registered in England No 551 6945. Registered office Exeter Road, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3BN.