Who Is Looking After Your Pet?

Freddie Krueger (the Cat) - serving to educate you mere humans as usual!

I was recently forced to frequent my mom's place of work - Broad Lane Vets - to undergo investigation of a limp I've had. I admit I don't enjoy such outings - travelling is so stressful! However the excellent staff made the experience a lot less frightening than some of the things I've seen on the TV about vets lately.

It seems some Veterinary Practices don't use Qualified Veterinary Nurses, which means unqualified, inexperienced staff are being used instead. These unqualified lay staff perform consultations, medical procedures and even assist the vets during operations. The practices often give these staff fancy names such as "Pet Health Advisor". However these staff have at best had a few weeks' on-the-job instruction, and all too often have no formal training or qualifications at all.

It takes over 2 years' training to become a Fully-qualified Veterinary Nurse. Broad Lane Vets believes only fully-qualified Veterinary Nurses should be monitoring patients under anaesthetic, performing certain medical procedures, and advising owners about their pets' healthcare. Broad Lane Vets have no less than 6 Fully-qualified and skilled Veterinary Nurses, working alongside the 8 experienced Veterinary Surgeons, to ensure your pets received the best possible veterinary care.

Parvovirus outbreak

Well it's a serious blog today my friends. Yes it's Bracket again, and I need you to all prick your ears up and hear my blog. Remember when you went to the vets and had your vaccinations, well one of them was for a potentially life-threatening disease called parvovirus.
There is currently an increase in cases of parvovirus being seen in the Coventry area.
If you are not up to date with your vaccinations drag your owners down to Broad Lane Vets now - you don't want this disease believe me!
My mum says parvo is a viral infectious diease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The virus is shed in faeces (yes that's poo to us dogs!) and can survive in the environment for over 6 months. It's a serious disease and sadly is often fatal.
Symptoms are vomitting and diarrhoea, progressing to diarrhoea containing blood. You go off your food (aarrgghh) and become very sad!
If you get any sympoms you need treatment urgently. Your vet can test if it is parvovirus with a faeces test (yes, poo again). If you test positive you'll need to move into the Broad Lane Vet's isolation unit and be nursed by barrier nursing to prevent you infecting anyone else.
Please bark loudly and make sure your vaccines are up to date friends - REMEMBER PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

Wonky knees and all

Greetings dear friends!

We haven’t met before. I am Bruno and am nearly 10 years old, but must say , I neither feel nor act my age. There is just so much to see and do all the time, that I really have to rush round and sniff where I can, just in case I miss something.
When I was younger, I have had quite a bit of trouble with my knees. In total I have had 3 operations on my knees. And although they look fine now, I must be a bit more carefully. Two of the operations I have had at ‘Willows Referrals’. They really know their stuff, I must say and I did enjoy all the special attention I got there. My owner tells me that the referral centre has moved to a state of the art facility in Solihull. It is said to be well posh and the service and care is second to none. Having said that, I would rather not do my knee in again, thank you very much, it is uncomfortable. Luckily I am well looked after. My waist line is being monitored so that I don’t put on too much weight, which could make any arthritis I have worse. I also get food supplements to help lubricate my joints and my exercise is being monitored. Even though I am not allowed to run around like crazy, I am still allowed to go for jogs and do enjoy a spot of swimming if I may J See, there is still life in the old dog yet J

Percy's hard day!

Well, I had a busier than usual day today. Kerry was concerned about a bald spot on my head, so I had to go into the surgery to have some tests done. Fortunately, the tests are very straightforward and Kerry will have the results in just a couple of days. I spent the day hiding under my bed in a kennel - the nurses were all very kind and spent lots of time trying to reassure me - just like they did for all the other poorly animals in today. There were several cats and dogs in for routine operations, as well as a very old cat on a drip. Apparently he has got problems with his kidneys. He was feeling much better today after being on a drip for 24 hours.
I was glad to get home, back to my normal routine of eating and sleeping. Choosing whether to sleep on the sofa or the armchair is generally energetic enough for me, although now the weather is better I do have the occasional wander round the garden. Because I'm so lazy, Kerry keeps a close eye on what I eat - not that I'm bothered about my waistline you understand, but Kerry's always telling me that if I get fat I'll be at risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. A lot of people apparently don't realise how many problems us cats can get if we put on too much weight - good thing the nurses at Broad Lane run free weight clinics for dogs and cats.
Well, I've used my brain more than enough for today, there's a lot more sleeping to be done now.

MICROCHIPS FOR £10

Well there's still time if you want to take advantage of our latest offer! June 2010 is National Pet Microchipping Month. Until the 30th June Broad Lane Vets is offering identichips, including registration fees, for the amazing price of £10 (mammals only). Don't miss out on this great offer - Book your appointment today. Available at Broad Lane, Kenilworth Road and our Radford surgeries.

Radio Ga-Ga

Max here! I've been a bit confused lately, as sometimes I've been hearing my mom Elly's voice when she's not at home - I was worried there might be something wrong with me! But my brother Fred the cat is much cleverer than me, and explained it was the radio I was listening to. It seems Elly's been on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire a couple of times, and has apparently been in the local papers too (I can't read, but I've seen the photo!) Its all to do with winning the FSB Small Business of the Year Award. I don't really understand it, but Fred says we should be very proud, as it means our mom works at a really good veterinary practice. You can still catch some of the radio interview from the Mark Powlett show on 8th June at 3:20pm if you go online onto the BBC i-player. I might see if I can listen again later on the computer, but I might need help with the keyboard, as my paws are a bit big!

Aren't we clever!

Veda here again. Woof, Woof. Guess what the humans were up to on Friday night? They were at Warwick Castle - No, not on a ghost hunt, but at The Federation of Small Businesses award ceremony. No furry friends allowed but what a night! Our owners won the top award in their category 'Most enterprising Business of the Year 2010'. It's a team effort apparently, so we must have won it too! Then, not content with that success, they went on to win the top prize! 'Small Business of the Year 2010'. We are so proud of all 24 of our humans. The award marks achieving excellent standards in customer care and teamwork, the relocation of our Balsall Surgery to 384a Kenilworth Road (oh, and the longer opening hours) and the extra services our veterinary practice offers. You know - the acupuncture clinics, the canine blood donor days (see my previous blog!) and our great puppy parties (yes, I know I'm too old thankyou Bracket). Look at their posh piccies ooooohhh!

On the move!

Hello its Max the black Lab again! Exciting news - Broad Lane Vets now has a Practice Van - and its got my paw prints painted on it and everything (well, Fred says they're modelled on him, but I know better!) It was a bit scary when I first travelled in it, but my mom Elly drives it much more carefully than her old car, so it was fine. It gets used every day by the vets going to our branch surgeries at Radford Rd and Balsall Common, and for performing visits to pets' and their owners' homes. This is sometimes done when an owner finds it difficult to come into one of our 3 surgeries with their pet, or sometimes for what mom calls "the final goodbye" - I don't know what that means, but mom says its often nicer for owners and their pets to be in their familiar home environment for this, which sounds like a good idea to me. Lots of vets don't do home visits, but the vets at Broad Lane have always done them, as they feel its a really worthwhile service to provide.

This week, the new van got put to particularly good use, helping to save a dog's life! Barney had collapsed at home and the owner was very worried but could not move him to get him into the surgery. The owner phoned Broad Lane, and Chris the receptionist asked some questions about the dog, which soon made her realise Barney was very poorly. So Chris asked a vet to go straight away. Elly drove the van to the owner's home and found that Barney had a very swollen tummy and needed urgent treatment. He was taken on a stretcher from the house to the van - luckily Elly had taken Sarah R, our strongest nurse, with her, as Barney is a giant breed, weighing a lot more than my mom! He was back at Broad Lane and had xrays to confirm his problem within 15minutes of his owner's phonecall to us - he had a twisted stomach, which is life-threatening. Barney had to have major surgery to deal with his problem, and the vets Kerry and Bridget were operating for over an hour. Thankfully, the owner was very vigilant and the van helped get him into the surgery as soon as possible - lots of dogs with this problem die without prompt treatment. Happily, Barney is now recovering well from his ordeal, and should be back to normal after a few weeks' recuperation and lots of fuss from his family!

Princess Imogen

It is I, Princess (with a capital P) Imogen. I have had enough of these lesser mortals hogging the limelight - it is now time for me to speak. I try not to 'live' at the vets, unlike these other hairy creatures. The noise they make chasing each other in the staff room is too much for my delicate disposition! Don't get me wrong, if I am ill or need annual vaccinations to keep me healthy I am happy to travel with Carys, my servant, to visit those kind vets. I allow Carys time off to go to her other job on a daily basis - as long as she gives me 100% when she returns to my palace! Carys is training to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse. She has completed her preliminary written papers, and 2 years worth of portfolio cases (that is a triumph in itself - 2 years of case studies and evidence). She is sitting her final written exams soon, and will then have to complete a day of practical exams - thank goodness I'm a cat. Once Carys is qualified she will run her own clinics, take the lead in monitoring anaesthesia, take radiographs, carry out blood sampling, set up and monitor intensive care patients, run the pharmacy, give you sound advice and so much more - I could ramble on for hours. It's great to know that at my vets all the staff are fully qualified! It's not the case at every vets you know!!!

Me again!!!

Hi my human friends!! Bracket here... Well I'm missing my Broad Lane cuddles this week as mum is taking some well earned days off work. She's making up for it by taking me on loads of walks - she says the housework can wait! Before I was allowed in the fields with sheep and cows she put some drops on my neck, that she got from work. Apparently they are to make sure I don't get any ticks - if I do they will die...yipeeeeee. I don't want them sucking my blood and making me ill. Well can't hang around on-line fields to explore, butterlies to chase and people to jump up!

Freddie Krueger here!

Now I really must put things straight - I can't have that blasted black Labrador hogging all the limelight! He can't even bark, so I'm certainly not going to let him take over all the blogging in his Second language!

My name is Freddie, I'm ginger, I'm mean and I'm Max's brother (only by adoption, I hasten to add!) I was Elly's first son; before she brought that smelly dog home! When I was a tiny kitten me and my two sisters were brought in to Broad Lane Vets by one of those nice Cats Protection people, because we'd been abandoned and had Cat 'Flu. The Cats Protection is a great charity; they care for unwanted cats, rehome them, pay for veterinary treatment if they're poorly, and even subsidise the cost of neutering if owners can't afford it. Broad Lane Vets work closely with the Cats Protection and particularly their fosterers; they're people who volunteer their time to take on cats and kittens until they can find them a permanent home. They're very dedicated - I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for them. If you're interested in the work they do, have a look at www.coventrycats.co.uk.

Once Elly had treated my Cat 'Flu I started feeling much better. I still get occasional runny noses, as once you've had it you become a lifelong carrier. One of the worst times was when I moved house; like most cats, I hate change! Any stress tends to trigger a flare-up, and I got really snotty then, but Elly treated me and I soon got used to my new home. What really annoyed me was when I found out that for a few pounds you can vaccinate against Cat 'Flu; which would have avoided me ever getting poorly in the first place! I wish my first owners had bothered to get me vaccinated, but never mind, at least I've got a good home now!

Better get back to Max now; need to put him in his place; a couple of left hooks with my claws (semi-) retracted should do it! Byeee! Fred.

Max the Labrador!

Hi everyone, my name's Max, I'm a black Lab, and my favourite thing in the world is mud, and there's plenty of that around at the moment, especially in the War Memorial Park where I go every day! (The weather was a little better when the photo with my mom Elly was taken!) I'm one of the more experienced staff-owned pets at Broad Lane, and I feel its time to put my paw down and be counted - can't let these new young pups grab all the limelight can we?!

Its my birthday today, I'm 9 years old, so I'm looking forward to a tasty special dinner cooked by my dad Jerome later (mom can't cook!) Reaching this age means I have now officially retired from being a Doggy Blood Donor, which is a shame, as I always looked forward to my treats and free toy after donating! Not many people realise, but pets sometimes need blood transfusions, just the same as people do. In the past, when a pet my mom was treating needed blood, she had to use one of the staff dogs as a donor (like me!) However 3years ago, a new charity called "Pet Blood Bank" was set up, and they now run co-ordinated blood drives at volunteer practices across the UK - Broad Lane Vets is the only practice in Coventry to hold regular blood drives for the charity. They collect blood from suitable donors, then process and store it, so vets across the country can access this vital treatment as and when they need it. I have given blood lots of times, and have saved a good few of my doggy friends' lives by doing this. It only takes a few minutes, and the people that take the blood are very gentle, so I don't mind a bit - especially when I get lots of fuss afterwards! I always wonder why more owners don't bring their dogs to donate, especially as we all get a free examination by a vet, free blood typing as well as a full health screen. Anyway I'd do it just for the smart red Bandana we get (even though dad says he won't take me for a walk if I insist on wearing it!)

All you need to remember is that you must be up to date with your vaccinations, microchipped, 1-8years old, and you've got to be over 25kg. You need to be good-tempered, and obviously in good health. As I'm now too old, it would be great if I could recruit a few doggy donor replacements. Our next blood drive will be held in June - if you're interested, then there's lots more info at www.petbloodbankuk.org or you can ring Broad Lane Vets on 02476 464789 and ask for Kerry.

I'm off for another walk now - wonder if I can remember where that particularly smelly puddle is that I found last time - hope so! Max.

Quite a mouthful!

Hey ya all, the Bracket is back J To think that everyday there is something new to learn, huh? It is incredible how much there is to find out about the world and life and everything. I will have to live to over 120 years to be able to learn most things, I think.
Today I learnt about ‘lungworm’. Sounds a bit yuck and it is not really nice, actually. I was in the garden, sniffing away and tracking something I have not seen before. It looked quite tasty, but mom got quite upset when she saw me chewing it and made me drop it. Truth be told, it was a bit tasteless and gloopy. Mom told me it was a slug and she said I should not eat them. Apparently they can transmit ‘lungworm’. Even the slime trail that they leave when crawling around, can transmit this. ‘Lungworm’ can cause all sorts of problems in dogs, like coughing and internal bleeding and it can be fatal. Scary stuff really, so I was glad my mom stopped me just in time. The treatment for lungworm is quite straightforward, it is called ‘Advocate’ and is like other flea drops that are put on the back of the neck. With a condition like this, I think it is better to be safe than sorry, right?
Gotta dash. It is a grey and wet day outside, but am going for a stroll nevertheless. TTFN, B-boy

Tuesday = Acupuncture Day

Just a quick update today. It has been yet another exciting and varied day at work. Luckily I could snooze through a lot of it, but everyone else was pretty busy. And everyday I learn something new, life is exciting, isn’t it?
Today I was on the way out to have a toilet break and got chatting to one of the other dogs that was in the waiting room, ’Dusty’. He was a lovely old fella and ever so chatty, reminiscing of his younger days. He is a looooot older than me and says his hips have been giving him trouble. Getting up in the morning was getting more difficult and painful for him. Says he has arthritis. After seeing his vet he was given some painkiller tablets (those for dogs) and they made him feel better. But, he is now also coming to see one of the other vets, Richard. Richard has been at Broadlane for a good few years (way before my time!) and he does something called ‘acupuncture’. Apparently the ancient Chinese used this sort of treatment for all sorts of ailments. It works by sticking tiny needles in certain areas all over the body to try and relief pain and muscle tension. Richard is really clever knowing where to put these tiny needles. I am not keen on needles myself, but ‘Dusty’ says they don’t really hurt at all. He gets really quite relaxed during the whole process and looks forward to the relief he gets from it.
Isn’t it crazy that needles can actually make you hurt less?
Oh dear, mom is calling. Does that mean we are going home? Oh boy, that means I am going for a walk. And oh boy oh boy, that means I am getting my dinner soon J
Catch ya all soon, B-boy

Hi out there! My name is Veda, and I am as loveable as all those little rugrats I have to share the staffroom with. Life used to be so peaceful but now... Still I can give them a run for their money - Try coming near me when I have a chew!! Well I am going to be a star again tommorrow - Oh the fuss, Oh the adulation - I cannot wait. OK., OK, patience everybody, all will be revealed! Tomorrow at the surgery there is a blood drive. This is a doggy blood donor session run in conjunction with the Pet Blood Bank UK, with 18 dogs donating! It's just like your sessions we give blood, have a lie down and then enjoy something to eat. And ... we go home with a goody bag, have a free health review and receive a comprehensive blood test! If your canine friends would like to get involved they can contact my friends at Broad Lane Vets who can give them more information! Oh by the way you need to be 1-8 years old and over 25kg in weight. Well must blog off now as I've been promised a walk.

Bracket the Gorgeous

Hi all - it's me Bracket, that gorgeous puppy in the photo! Everyone loves me - I'm just so cute, and I know it! My mum takes me to work with her every day and what fun I have. She might stop soon though. Ever since I had my second vaccination I have been able to walk to work on my lead, and what a great time I have. We're only 10 minuutes away but I can make it last 40 minutes, no problem. Everyone wants a cuddle - well why wouldn't they I am irresistible. I met Wellington, a practice regular on Friday, and can he give sloppy kisses - what a dog! Mum says she'll have to leave me at home if I keep making her late for work, so I bettter hurry up next week - I'm not missing all those cuddles!

The First post! and hopefully not the last!

Well welcome! We're all rather new to this, but it looks fun, and well it's not often at work that you are encouraged to mess around online.
It's chaos in our staffroom today-There are puppies everywhere! Several staff have had new family members recently. Sarah and Roger took on unwanted Jack Russell pups brought into the waiting room, and abandoned here on January 15th. Bracket and Esme have been part of the furniture ever since. Not to be outdone our third practice puppy, Baxter, appeared with Karina 3 days later. He is a rather boistrous Boston Terrier, affectionately known as ASBO!
Must blog off now as there is another present to clean up on the carpet!