Blog
Welcome to our blog page where we will add new articles to keep you up to date with the latest practice news.
Rabbit Vaccination Against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease
by Rosie Theakston
Yearly vaccination is recommended for all rabbits against myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Myxomatosis is a disease of rabbits caused by a pox virus. It is relatively common in the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) population in the UK and is almost always fatal. The virus is most commonly spread by insects…Read more
Annual vaccination against leptospirosis is recommended for all dogs
by Rosie Theakston
Annual vaccination against leptospirosis is strongly recommended for all dogs The World and British Small Animal Veterinary Associations (WSAVA and BSAVA) as well as charities such as the Blue Cross and RSPCA strongly recommend vaccination to prevent disease. In the UK Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis are considered core vaccines. Vaccination…Read more
Stress-free vet trips for cats
by Katharine Nelson
Stress-free vet trips for cats Lots of cats dislike visiting the veterinary practice – the unfamiliar carrier, sounds and smells can be very off putting. It is important that cats are able to make these visits as calmly as possible both for routine health checks and preventative care, and also if…Read more
Microchipping – what do you need to know?
by Katharine Nelson
Microchipping – what do you need to know? A microchip is a very small electronic chip that can be implanted under the skin of your pet. This chip contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner. This unique number, and the pet owner’s details, are logged on a…Read more
An update on American XL Bully dogs
by Katharine Nelson
An update on American XL Bully dogs In 2024 it became illegal to breed, sell, exchange, gift or abandon an XL Bully dog. Existing owners of XL Bully dogs were required to apply for a certificate of exemption and abide by special conditions. How do I know if my dog is an…Read more
Raisin Ingestion in a Border Collie
by Katharine Nelson
Veterinary casebook: Raisin Ingestion in a Border Collie Overview Trixie is a 5 year old border collie. Problem Trixie had been observed eating a slice of Christmas cake, which contained dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas. Trixie’s owners knew that raisins could cause tummy upsets and kidney damage in dogs. Treatment Trixie’s owners brought Trixie…Read more
Noise Phobia in a Labrador
by Katharine Nelson
Veterinary casebook: NOISE PHOBIA IN A LABRADOR Overview Oscar is a 3 year old labrador. Problem Oscar had been getting increasingly distressed by firework noise. When fireworks were happening, he would hide or pace in an agitated fashion around the house, drooling and trembling. Even when the fireworks were finished, he would stay distressed…Read more
HYPERTHYROIDISM IN A DOMESTIC SHORT-HAIRED CAT
by Katharine Nelson
Veterinary casebook: Hyperthyroidism in a Domestic Short-haired Cat Overview Thimble is a 14 year old cat. Problem Thimble had been losing weight despite having a very good appetite. She had also been restless, especially in the evenings, waking her owners with some yowling at night. Investigations A physical examination showed that Thimble had indeed lost 20%…Read more
LAPAROSCOPIC SPAY IN A LURCHER
by Katharine Nelson
Veterinary casebook: LAPAROSCOPIC SPAY IN A LURCHER Overview Bambi is an 18 month old lurcher bitch. Problem Bambi’s owners did not intend to breed from Pepper. They were aware that spaying is recommended for bitches not used for breeding. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancy and diseases such as pyometra (infection of the womb). It also…Read more
Flystrike In Rabbits
What is flystrike? Flystrike describes a condition in which flies lay their eggs on the skin and fur of rabbits, close to the bottom. Maggots hatch out of the eggs and burrow beneath the skin, making the rabbit seriously ill. What damage does flystrike cause? The maggots eat away the skin of the…Read more
Keyhole Surgery At Acorn House
Acorn House Veterinary Hospital is able to offer keyhole surgery as an alternative to traditional, open surgery. This type of surgery is most commonly used for spaying bitches but can also be used for removing undescended testicles, and taking liver biopsies. What happens in a keyhole spay? Dogs having a keyhole spay…Read more
Infectious Diseases In Imported Dogs
There are some diseases that we see in dogs arriving into the UK from other countries that are not seen in the UK otherwise. These diseases can cause illness in the dogs themselves, and sometimes there is a risk of the infection spreading to humans and other dogs that have…Read more
The Use Of Technology In Veterinary Practice
One of the nice things about a traditional, local, veterinary practice is that it provides a very personal and hands-on service. However, the COVID pandemic has accelerated the development of technology which can assist with social distancing, improve client convenience and reduce pet stress. Online booking If your pet requires urgent attention,…Read more
Raisin Toxicity In Dogs
Raisin toxicity is common at Christmas time because raisins are a major ingredient in many traditional Christmas foods. What are the symptoms of raisin toxicity in dogs? Raisin ingestion tends to cause vomiting or diarrhoea which may contain blood. In more severe cases, dogs may develop kidney failure. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, lack…Read more
Lost And Found – When Pets Go Missing
It is very distressing to have a pet go missing. If your pet has gone missing try not to panic and instead take the following steps to help your pet find his way back home. Try the obvious steps first – check your pet’s favourite hiding places, call and rattle food…Read more
Are Tennis Balls Bad For Dogs?
Many dogs love to carry or chase a ball, but there are some potential problems to be aware of. Dental health When tennis balls are used in gritty or sandy environments, the grit particles become trapped in the outer layer of the ball and cause it to become very abrasive to the…Read more
Pet Insurance
It is estimated that 1 in 3 pets will need unexpected veterinary care each year. Taking out pet insurance whilst your pet is fit and well should give you peace of mind that you will not need to worry about money if your pet falls ill. Consider a “lifetime” policy Lifetime policies…Read more
Itchy Dogs!
Itchy skin conditions tend to be more common in the summer months. Affected dogs tend to scratch and lick so much that they cause further skin damage and the problem quickly gets worse. What might cause a pet to feel itchy? Fleas Fleas are the number one cause of itchiness in dogs. Some…Read more
Socialising Puppies And Kittens
Socialisation describes puppies and kittens having pleasant encounters with different people, animals and situations, so that they learn to react appropriately to these things in the future. Puppies and kittens with poor early life experiences are likely to grow into fearful adult dogs and cats, with an increased risk of…Read more
Saying Goodbye To Your Pet
Sometimes pets can suffer from untreatable pain or illness, and owners need to think about euthanasia (having a pet “put to sleep”). This is a very difficult decision to make but taking responsibility for a peaceful, pain-free death is often the kindest choice an owner can make at the end…Read more
Keeping A Pet Rabbit
Take the following steps to make sure that your pet is safe and healthy this festive season. Rabbits can make great pets but they do require a lot of time and attention to stay happy and healthy. Here is a summary of the essential care your pet rabbit should receive. Company Rabbits are…Read more
Veterinary Care Over The Christmas Period
Take the following steps to make sure that your pet is safe and healthy this festive season. Avoid festive hazards Around Christmas, dogs often help themselves to Christmas treats, resulting in upset tummies, intestinal obstructions and chocolate poisoning. Take care to hide anything tempting – including those boxes of chocolates wrapped up…Read more
Does Your Pet Need To Lose Weight?
Many people decide to start the new year with a resolution to lose weight and get fit. Our pets might also benefit from making a healthy start to the year. How can I find out what my pet weighs? It is best to take your pet to the veterinary surgery for a…Read more
Getting Ready for Fireworks
As the firework season approaches, we need to remember that our furry friends can find the loud noises and flashes of light very frightening. What can we do to help? Keep pets indoors Try to walk dogs before dusk and keep cats indoors after dark. Make sure both dogs and cats are…Read more
Making Health Care Decisions For Your Pet
It is common for a veterinary surgeon to recommend a particular test, operation or treatment for their patient. As pet owners, we have to decide whether to go ahead with the suggested procedure. But how do we know that we are making the right decision? In human health care, there is…Read more
What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome?
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS for short) is the name given to a set of breathing problems that can occur in breeds of dog that have very short, “squashed” faces. Examples of these breeds are English and French Bulldogs and Pugs. Why does BOAS occur? Many dogs of these short-faced breeds have…Read more
Dry Eye
What is “dry eye” in dogs? “Dry eye” occurs when the body does not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye healthy. Dry eye can affect any dog but it is most often seen in Cavalier and Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Pugs, West Highland White Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers. Why…Read more
Baby Birds- What Should We Do?
Little Tweet is a baby sparrow that was brought into the surgery. At this time of year it is common to find young birds apparently alone on the ground. [More] …Read more
New Tick-Borne Disease In The UK – What Do We Need To Know?
What are ticks? Ticks have always been a problem in the UK. They are spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals including dogs and cats (and sometimes humans). Ticks can be found across the UK – particularly in woodland, moorland, and grazing pasture but also in parks and gardens. What…Read more
Meet Belle
Meet Belle! We were delighted to have her to stay earlier this week when she came to be spayed at Acorn House Vets. Her owner kindly agreed for us to make a photo record of her day to give all of our clients a behind the scenes look at what…Read more
Gold standard cat care at Acorn House
“Acorn House Veterinary Surgery is a gold standard cat-friendly practice”. That was the assessment made last week by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). The ISFM assesses the facilities and services that veterinary practices offer to their feline patients – a little bit like an Ofsted inspection. We are delighted…Read more
Benji bites off more than he can chew!
“My dog has a bone stuck on his jaw!” came the emergency call last Friday night. Small fragments of fragile bones and sticks quite commonly get stuck inside the mouth but Benji had got himself into a much more unusual situation. His owners had given him a hollow bone stuffed…Read more
Katharine Nelson MA VETMB GP CERT(SAM) PG CERT (BEHAVIOUR) MRCVS
It was during a particularly eventful family holiday to the Isle of Mann that I decided that I would help animals for ever and become a vet. My Dad and I conducted a dramatic rescue of a seagull with fishing line wrapped around its wing as waves crashed around us…Read more
Lockdown Is Easing – What Does This Mean For Veterinary Practices?
Veterinary practices have remained open throughout lockdown to provide essential veterinary services. To support the “stay at home” and social distancing messages, veterinary practices have been offering video or telephone consultations as an alternative to on-site appointments where appropriate; and have been asked to delay elective procedures where it is…Read more
