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Christmas Message 2024

Christmas and New Year Opening Times

With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching we just wanted to let you have our opening times should your pet require assistance over the festive period.

If your pet requires repeat medication please also note that, TOMORROW - Friday 20th December is the last date to request it before Christmas. This will allow us the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.

Our opening times over Christmas & New Year are as follows:-

Monday 23rd December - 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 24th December –Christmas Eve - 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 25th December - Christmas Day – Emergency Service
Thursday 26th December – Boxing Day - Emergency Service
Friday 27th December – 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 28th December - 8 am – 4.30 pm
Sunday 29th December – Emergency Service
Monday 30th December - 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 31st December - New Year's Eve - 8 am – 6pm
Wednesday 1st January 2025 – New Year's Day - Emergency Service
Thursday 2nd January – 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 3rd January - 8am - 8pm

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

To order a repeat prescription for your pet simply visit our website, www.acornhousevets.co.uk and click on the link Repeat Medication Request where you can fill in your details to make your request. The form can be used on a mobile, tablet or computer. For all repeat medication we must ask you to give us 48 hours' notice so that your request can be processed, authorised by a vet and dispensed.

Pet Emergencies

Acorn House provides 24-hour hospitalisation on-site for patients that have been admitted to the hospital before 11pm each day. This service is provided by our own team of vets and nurses. If your pet is admitted to our hospital, they will be cared for at the Acorn House site for the duration of their stay.

If your pet requires emergency attention at any time of day, please ring the usual number 01234 261839.

Calls made during our standard opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm and Sat 8am-4:30pm) will be taken by the Client Care team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 8pm and 11pm Mon-Fri; 4:30-11pm Sat and 8am-11pm Sundays and Bank Holidays will be taken by the on call team at Acorn House and an emergency appointment will be offered at the usual Acorn House Hospital site in Brickhill, MK41 7HN.

Calls made between 11pm and 8am Mon-Sun will be taken by the on call team at the Royal Veterinary College and an emergency appointment will be offered at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.

For further information please click here.

December 2024

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients and patients a safe and wonderful Christmas and new year!

Staff Update

In December 2024 our Practice Principal, Katharine Nelson will be moving into a new role as the first Director of General Practice for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). In this role Katharine will lead the RVC’s General Practice division which encompasses Acorn House in Bedford, the Beaumont Sainsbury Hospital in Camden, and veterinary services provided to charity sites such as Woodgreen Animal Shelter (Huntingdon) and the Blue Cross (Victoria). Further information can be found here

In order to take up this role, Katharine has had to reduce her clinical commitments at Acorn House but will continue to work a small number of shifts (usually on Fridays) at Acorn House as a visiting veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary Surgeon Rosie Theakston will become the Clinical Director and Practice Principal at Acorn House from December.

Rosie has worked at Acorn House since graduating from Cambridge in 1998 and has previously held the position of Vice Principal and Education Lead. She holds the PG Certificate in Veterinary Education, is working towards a GP Certificate in Feline Medicine and has been responsible for creating the current programme for veterinary students to observe general practice at Acorn House.

Veterinary Surgeon Henry Phillips will take over the responsibilities of Rosie’s previous role by becoming Deputy Clinical Director and Education Lead from January 2025. Henry is nearing completion of a PG Certificate in diagnostic imaging and has been supporting Rosie to run the student programme over the last 2 years.

Rosie and Henry will continue to be supported by an outstanding team including Deputy Practice Principal Gaynor Dudley, Practice Manager Paul Harris-McCulloch, Head Nurse Kerry Skinner and Client Care Manager Marianna Mazza. The veterinary team retains a wealth of experience including three Senior Veterinary Surgeons with Advanced Practitioner status in exotics (Sarah Fallow), internal medicine (Frances Connerton) and dentistry (Ruth Halpin). The nursing team are ably supported by Deputy Head Nurses Sharon Dawes and Jo Woodcock, and Lead Emergency and Critical Care nurse Leigh Smith.

At the end of December, we will be saying a very sad goodbye to Hannah from our client care team, as she starts a new chapter up in Scotland! Hannah joined Acorn House during Covid as a car park attendant, then becoming a member of the client care team. Colleagues, clients and patients will miss her, and we wish her the very best in her move.

At the beginning we will be welcoming Margaret and Amanda to our client care team.

Christmas Hazards

With Christmas fast approaching, we will be looking forward to the festivities and spending time with our families. We should be mindful of things that can cause harm to our pets during this time, and we will be sharing these in more detail on our Facebook page throughout December.

The main things to watch out for are:

Chocolate (dark and milk) contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to our pets.
Decorations can cause cuts or intestinal obstructions and lights can even cause electrocution. Salt dough decorations are highly toxic to our pets.
Xylitol is found in sweets, cakes, jam, peanut butter and chewing gum, and is highly toxic to dogs.
Seasonal plants including poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, holly, and amaryllis can be toxic to our pets.
Mouldy Food can cause neurological symptoms and prove lethal to pets.
Batteries can cause intestinal blockages as well as internal burns.
Grapes and their dried fruit ingestion can lead to kidney failure in dogs. This includes, sultanas, currents, raisins, and any food containing these ingredients.
Alcohol should always be kept out of reach of pets and children, as well as foods containing alcohol and unbaked bread dough, which can have the same effect.
Onions and other alliums, such as garlic, spring onions, chives, leeks damage the red bloods cells of our pets, so should be avoided, and we should be mindful that many gravy granules contain onion powder.
Medications should always be kept out of reach of both pets and children.

If you believe that your pet has had access to any of these items, then please call us straight away, with the details of what, when and how much they have ingested. We will be adding more information to our Facebook page throughout December.

Winter Hazards

As the weather gets colder, people may start to use anti-freeze on their vehicles. Antifreeze is incredibly toxic to pets, particularly to cats, and ingestion can result in organ failure and death. Symptoms can include vomiting, difficulty breathing, appearing intoxicated and seizures. If you believe that your pet has ingested anti-freeze, contact your vet immediately.

Many incidences of ingestion can be avoided by taking care when using anti-freeze. It must be stored away from pets, in sealed containers, with any spills cleared up straight away. To dispose of containers, please follow local council guidance.

It should also be noted that gritting salt used to grit roads and paths can irritate your pet’s paws and is harmful if ingested. Please always clean your pet’s feet after they’ve walked on gritted areas.

New Year Fireworks

New Year is often a time to celebrate and there can be fireworks around this time. Many animals, and people struggle with fireworks, and we should do our utmost to keep our pets, livestock, and wildlife as safe as possible.

Attending an organised display, especially if the fireworks are silent, promotes the use of silent fireworks and reduces the number of private displays. If having your own display,buying silent fireworks will cause the least distress. Please discard any used fireworks safely so that they are not a risk to animals.

Walking your dogs during daylight and trying to make sure your cats are inside before dark will reduce the chance of them encountering fireworks, and partially covering outdoor pet’s hutches and aviaries will aid soundproofing and offer a more secure environment. Creating a safe space or ‘den’ for your dogs and cats can help, especially by creating a higher one for cats as this is where they feel safest. Keeping curtains closed and having the television or radio on to mask sounds can also help.

Ensuring your pets are microchipped can increase the chances of being reunited with them if they do get spooked and run off. If your pet struggles during this time of year it is recommended that you book a consultation with the vet to discuss options for anxiolytic medications.

Google Reviews

Did you know that you can leave us a Google review quickly and easily using our QR code? You can scan the code on this newsletter and let us know what you think of the service that we provide. There is also a QR code on reception and QR code cards available, in addition to the paper questionnaires so please feel free to scan whenever you visit! Leaving us feedback helps us to continuously improve or service and pass on lovely feedback to our hardworking team.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times

With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching we just wanted to let you have our opening times should your pet require assistance over the festive period:-

Monday 23rd December - 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 24^th December 2024 - Christmas Eve – 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 25^th December 2024 - Christmas Day – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Thursday 26^th December 2024 - Boxing Day – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Friday 27^th December 2024 – 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 28^th December 2024 – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 29^th December 2024 – EMERGENCY SERVICE
Monday 30^th December 2024 – 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 31^st December – New Year’s Eve – 8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 1^st January 2025 – New Year’s Day - EMERGENCY SERVICE
Thursday 2^nd January 2025 – 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 2^nd January 2025 – 8 am – 8 pm

If your pet requires repeat medication please also note that Friday 20th December is the last date to request it before Christmas. This will allow us the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

November 2024

Staff Update

At the beginning of the month, we said a very sad goodbye to vet Harriet Clough, who has returned to a previous practice in a more senior role. Both colleagues, clients and patients alike will miss her very much.

We look forward to welcoming vet, Katie Clarke, to the practice at the end of the month. Katie lives locally and qualified in 2021 from the RVC. She has worked in busy small animal hospitals since graduation and is currently undertaking a certificate in internal medicine. We are sure that everyone will make her very welcome.

Seasonal Shopping

We have tried to hold off as long as possible, but it is beginning to look a lot like 'you know what' and our shop is full of wonderful festive wares! We have some sensational seasonal gifts for your furry friends, and you do not have to be a client with us to pop in, browse and buy.

Diabetes

November is National Pet Diabetes Month. Diabetes is an illness that most people are familiar with in humans, but our pets can also be diagnosed with it. Diabetes is where the body has a deficiency or insensitivity to insulin. Insulin acts to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels and enable the body to used blood sugar for energy.

Diabetes can be caused by many factors. In dogs’ genetics and certain illnesses are the most common causes. In cats, obesity, diet, certain medications, and genetic factors are the most common causes.

Symptoms that your pet could have diabetes can be increased thirst and drinking more than usual, increased urination, which can lead to dehydration, as well as weight loss.

Diabetes can be diagnosed either through a blood test or a urine test, and with effective care pets have a good quality of life. Treatment can include changes in diet and exercise, as well as monitoring your pet’s blood glucose levels and treatment with insulin injections.

Antibiotic Amnesty 2024

Antibiotics are essential when treating many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics that we use in human and veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences that protect them from antibiotic medications, making treatment less effective.
Using antibiotics when not needed increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and can lead to side effects or delay an accurate diagnosis.

It is also really important to know that inappropriate disposal of unused antibiotics could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. It can also pollute the environment by entering water systems or being consumed by wildlife.

Antibiotic resistance is a global health issue, and we need your help to keep antibiotics working.

That is why Acorn House Veterinary Hospital is taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty 2024 which is returning again for a second year! Throughout November 2024 we are asking pet owners to return any unused or leftover antibiotic medications to us for safe disposal.
Please drop off any unused pet medications to the practice. You can hand them in to a vet, nurse, or the reception team. This medication might be left-over from a recent prescription, antibiotics that you did not need or out-of-date medication.

Let us keep antibiotics working, together! Please note that we can only accept pet medication for disposal.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

October 2024

Staff Update

We are very pleased to welcome vet Frances Connerton back from her maternity leave after having baby Charlotte.

Clocks Changing

At the end of this month the clocks will change, and our daily routines often change. Our pets often thrive on routine and consistency so this can sometimes be an unsettling time. It is recommended that we adapt our pet’s routine gradually in the lead up to the clocks changing. This can include changing over your pet’s mealtimes, walk times or

bedtimes in small increments over the course of a couple of weeks, or sometimes longer if your pet is older or suffers from dementia.

This change will also mean that it will be darker earlier in the evenings, so walk times may need to be altered and safety precautions for owners and pets taken. There are many options of reflective collars, leads and harnesses for pets, lights to attach to collars and similar options for owners. It is also recommended to have a mobile phone with you on walks, and always let someone know where you are walking

Shop

Our shop is always fully stocked with lots of treats, toys, accessories and our ever-popular pet friendly candles. We also have a seasonal stand featuring some spooky Halloween toys and you may also notice some other seasonal toys and treats sneaking their way onto the shelves, dare we mention Christmas yet ...?

Autumn Hazards

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with leaves changing colour, the temperatures cooling off and the opportunity to have crisp walks with your dogs, or just enjoy nature. There are a few hazards to be aware of as we go into Autumn. Acorns and

conkers will start to appear on the ground, as well as pinecones and these can cause a choking hazard with risk of blockages if ingested.

Horse chestnut trees contain a toxin called aesculin, which is found not only in conkers, but also in the leaves, bark, and flowers. These should all be avoided on your dog walks and in your garden. Acorns contain tannins, which can also cause illness in dogs.

As the temperature cools and the weather becomes damper, more mushrooms will start to appear. Most mushrooms are harmless, however there are some

poisonous species so should be avoided.

Colds, flu, and other illnesses are common at this time of the year, and we should always be mindful of keeping human medications out of paws reach of our pets.

Halloween

Halloween can be a fun time for some, but our pets and some people can find Halloween a challenging time of year.

We all love a spooky sweet treat, however Halloween sweets, such as lollipops can be a choking hazard and sugar free sweets that contain Xylitol or birch sugar cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop drastically if ingested. Dark and milk chocolate, containing a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to your pet, especially dogs. If you believe your pet has ingested any of these, please remove the hazard, keep the packaging, and call your vet immediately for advice.

Most people love to dress up, but Trick or Treaters can be stressful and scary – pets may not even recognise family members when they are dressed up as they would usually. Knocks at the door and strangers dressed up can cause undue distress. An option is to leave a bowl

of treats outside with a sign for trick or treaters to help themselves, placed at a safe height to ensure other pets and wildlife cannot access them. It is best to only visit houses that are welcoming trick or treaters, usually indicated by decorations and a lit-up pumpkin.

Consideration should be given if you plan on dressing up your pet. Can they move properly? Can they regulate their temperature? Can they still communicate effective through body language? Are they showing signs of stress such as lip smacking, drooling, shaking, tucked in tail, or showing their belly?

It can be useful to change time of your evening dog walk to earlier in the day and keep cats inside over Halloween to keep them safe and avoid them becoming stressed. A safe space, or den can be made during the Halloween period so that your pet feels safe. Somewhere dark, quiet, and comfy that is away from busy areas is best for pets, and offering a higher up safe space for cats is recommended.

Please be mindful when decorating for Halloween, especially with fake spiderwebs as wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs can become ensnared in this with fatal consequences. Pumpkin carving can be fun for the family; however, candle can be a fire hazard and a burn risk. Using LED lights inside your jack-o-lanterns lessen this risk but be aware of the batteries inside can be harmful if ingested.

Once used for decorating, pumpkins can be chopped up and left on bird tables, or on branches for wildlife, but should not be left on the ground as it can make hedgehogs ill.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Bonfire Night / Fireworks

Towards the end of this month and the beginning of next there will be firework displays, bonfires and private use of fireworks. Many pets, and people struggle with fireworks, and we should do our utmost to keep our pets, livestock, and wildlife as safe as possible.

Attending an organised display, (especially if the fireworks are silent) promotes the use of silent fireworks and reduces the number of private displays. If having your own display, buying silent fireworks will cause the least distress. Please discard any used fireworks safely so that they are not a risk to animals.

Walking your dogs during daylight and trying to make sure your cats are inside before dark will reduce the chance of them encountering fireworks, and partially covering outdoor pet’s hutches and aviaries will aid soundproofing and offer a more secure environment. Creating a safe space or ‘den’ for your dogs and cats can help, especially by creating a higher one for cats as this is where they feel safest. Keeping curtains closed and having the television or radio on to mask sounds can also help. Ensuring your pets are microchipped can increase the chances of being reunited with them if they do get spooked and run off. If your per struggles immensely during this time of year you can research pheromone diffusers or make a consultation with the vet to discuss alternatives.

If having a bonfire, ensure that you check them thoroughly for wildlife such as hedgehogs prior to lighting.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

September 2024

Practice Principal awarded RCVS Fellowship

Our Practice Principal, Katharine, was awarded RCVS Fellowship this summer for her Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice. Fellowship recognises outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession. As a Fellow, Katharine will work with other experienced veterinary surgeons to advance veterinary standards within the profession. Katharine will be formally welcomed into the body at the RCVS Fellowship Day in November.

Staff Update

We have said a very fond farewell to veterinary surgeon Julian this month. Julian moved to the UK 7 years ago to study at the Royal Veterinary College and has now returned to Singapore to be closer to his family.

Veterinary surgeon Wynne has been covering maternity leave at Acorn over the past year but is now going back to college to study fashion. We are so glad that Wynne was able to help us out over the past year, and are pleased to report that she will continue working at Acorn House on a part time basis between now and the end of November.

Vet Ru returned from travelling this summer and will be working at Acorn House during September and October before he moves on again.

We would also like to welcome Shanaye to our wonderful client care team.

Not Just a Receptionist

Our Client Care Manager, Marianna, who is a member of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association council was asked to write an article on the day in the life of a veterinary receptionist. Her article highlights the vital and varied role that the veterinary receptionist plays in practice. We are lucky to have a dedicated client care team who engage with clients and patients alike and support the whole team. You can read the article here.

Gold Rabbit Friendly Status

Acorn House Veterinary Hospital has been recognised as a Gold level rabbit friendly practice! This is the highest accreditation from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund and means that we feature in their rabbit friendly vet directory.

In order for the Gold accreditation to be achieved a practice must meet various criteria, including having a rabbit friendly waiting area and a rabbit (and other small herbivore) only ward. Practices must also have at least one rabbit advocate, who has undertaken further post graduate qualifications. All our vets are happy to see rabbits, but our rabbit advocates are Sarah and Katharine. The criteria also states that the practice should recommend vaccinations for Myxomatosis, RHD 1 and 2, routinely spay and castrate rabbits, have specific anaesthetic protocols, and recognise the importance of bonded rabbit pairs staying together during any treatment.

We are very proud to have reached Gold status and love seeing rabbits at the practice!

Fireworks - Planning Ahead

It may seem early, but it is heading towards firework season and many pets are afraid of fireworks. This means that we can start to prepare for keeping them as calm and safe as possible.

There are many things we can do to limit our pet’s exposure to fireworks, including taking dogs for a walk before dark and keeping cats inside. Small pets can be brought indoors, their housing can be partially covered, and extra bedding provided to hide in.

Closing windows and curtains will limit the sound and sight of fireworks and providing cosy dens (cats often prefer higher up) and allowing them to hide if they choose, allow our pets safe choices.

For pets that seek you out for reassurance, provide the same reassurance as you would under normal circumstances and ensure that you stay calm yourself.

Ensuring that your cats and dogs are microchipped will increase the chances of being reunited if they run off.

There are calming supplements and pheromone plug-ins that can be used in the lead up to firework night and desensitisation CDs featuring different sounds can be used with both puppies and older dogs.

Some people find that as their pets get older, they can react more to fireworks and loud noises; this can be due to conditions such as arthritis, whereby loud noises cause a pet to jump, which in turn causes them discomfort or pain.

If you feel that your pet does have a serious phobia around fireworks, or that they may If you feel that your pet does have a serious phobia around fireworks, or that they may be in discomfort please make an appointment with one of our vets to discuss further.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

August 2024

August Bank Holiday Weekend

Friday 23rd August - 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday 24th August – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 25th August – Sunday Emergency service only
Monday 26th August –Bank Holiday Monday Emergency service only
Tuesday 27th April – 8 am – 8 pm

To ensure that you have enough medication to last over the Bank Holiday Weekend, please order any medication by Wednesday 21st August to allow the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.

Pet Emergencies

If your pet requires emergency attention at any time of day, please ring the usual number 01234 261839.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

July 2024

Staff Update

Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Frances Connerton is currently on maternity leave after welcoming baby Charlotte into the world last autumn. Frances will be returning to Acorn House on a full time basis from October, but over the summer, she will be working some Saturday shifts at the practice. Frances has missed her regular patients and we know that everyone will be pleased to have her back at Acorn House.

Summer Weather

During warm weather, all animals should have access to fresh, clean water and shaded areas. Water will stay cooler in ceramic or metal bowls rather than in plastic ones, and offering more than one bowl of water in different locations can encourage drinking.

For our dogs, ice cubes can be added to water bowls and whilst supervised, dogs can have cool mats or damp towels to lie on. Walks should be avoided in the hottest parts of the day and if temperatures allow, they should be walked very early in the morning or last thing at night. You can test the temperature of the pavement by holding the back of your hand for five seconds, if it is too hot for you it will be too hot for them and could cause burns. In the absence of walks, you can offer other activities with your dogs,

including using a paddling pool, hiding treats, using frozen treat toys or puzzle toys. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial. Please be mindful that brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs will struggle even at lower temperatures due to their narrower airways.

Our cats can also have ice cubes can be added to water bowls to keep water cool and may appreciate a water fountain to drink from running water. Whilst supervised, cats can have cool mats to lie on, or damp towels. Regular grooming, keeping your pets coat trim in the warmer months will help, and the use of pet safe sun cream can be beneficial.

For our rabbits, rodents and other small furries, please keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so enclosures may have to be moved to ensure they are kept shaded. Regularly grooming during the warmer months will help, and small pets can be provided with cool packs or frozen bottles wrapped in a towel or a sock. Ceramic tiles can be cooled in the fridge and offered for them to lie on. Hides should be wooden or cardboard as plastic hides absorb the heat faster. If indoors, a fan can be used, but not focussing directly on your pet’s enclosure. Keep enclosures clean and check your pets daily for signs of flystrike.
Despite reptiles often enjoying warmer temperatures we also need to be mindful of our scaley friends not overheating. All vivariums and enclosures should have a thermostat to keep temperatures within the correct range, however, on particularly hot days more intervention may be needed. If possible, the vivarium or enclosure can be moved to a different room where it is cooler. IF this is not possible, heat and lights can be turned off temporarily, curtains can be closed, and a fan or air con unit can be used as this can help when oscillating across glass. Soil based substrates can be dampened, and a deep layer will allow reptiles to burrow and cool down. If absolutely needed, cool packs wrapped in a towel can be added to help lower temperatures. If species appropriate, misting the enclosure with cool water can assist.

For our feathered friends, keep in mind that if housed outdoors, the sun will move throughout the day, so there should be shady spots throughout their enclosure. If indoor birds, you can keep curtains closed and have a fan oscillating but not directed at their enclosure. Birds often enjoy a bath provided or being misted with cool water. During hot periods, if practical your bird’s enclosure can be moved to a cooler room. For poultry such as chickens, a dust bath should also be provided.

Bletsoe Fete

Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to Paul, Marianna and Katharine when they went to help with the Dog Show at Bletsoe Fete last month. Minutes before the fete opened a huge storm developed. This left the team cold and soaking wet, with a smashed gazebo and a pile of hailstones at their feet! Fortunately, the sun came out after that and many plucky families ventured out to

enjoy the fete and join the dog show. The dogs competed in competitions including Musical Sits and Best Biscuit Catcher and a concerted effort meant that the classes were all completed before the rain started up again.

Best in show was Flash, with Rio as reserve.

Blue Green Algae

During the summer we are more likely to be out and about with our pets, especially now the schools have broken up. Blue-green algae is the name used to describe a variety of cyanobacteria that live in water courses. In warm weather this can lead to toxic ‘blooms’ of algae. These bacteria can be poisonous, and it is usually dogs that are affected as they are more likely to play or swim in water that is contaminated with blue green algae and can ingest via drinking or by cleaning themselves. Please keep your dog(s) away from water that you think could be contaminated and please heed any warning signs in areas that you walk. If you believe that your dog or any other pet has been exposed to blue green algae, please seek veterinary attention straight away.

Lost Pet Prevention Month

July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. One of pet owners’ worst fears is their pet going missing. This can apply to all types of pets, not just cats and dogs, but rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles - especially tortoises! There are many ways in which you can try to prevent this from happening, and ways you can make it more likely to be reunited with your pet. The first step is to ensure that your house and garden are secure, and to keep small animal accommodation such as sheds, hutches and runs in good repair with regular checks; thus, helping to prevent escapes. Neutering your cats and dogs can reduce roaming behavior and protect against unwanted pregnancies if they do wander.

Microchipping is mandatory for dogs and become mandatory for cats at the end of June 2024. You can also microchip other pets, such as tortoises, and birds can be chipped or fitted with an identification ring. It is vital that your microchip is registered and that your details (especially your telephone number) are kept up to date so that you can be contacted if your pet is found. For dogs, an appropriate collar, with an identification tag and lead as well as basic recall training limits the chances of dogs wandering off.

In the unfortunate event of your pet going missing, there are steps that you can take to have the most chance of being reunited. For dogs, you can contact the local council dog warden, and for all pets you can contact local vets, providing them with details of your pet. If your pet is microchipped, you should contact the microchip database and update them. Social media, especially local groups can be a useful tool, reaching out to the community with details of your missing pet.

'Stray' Cats

In recent weeks we have had an increase in the amount of ‘stray’ cats that are being brought into the practice. We are all animal lovers and want to help in any way we can, and this information will help you to be able to help in the most appropriate way.

Recent studies have shown that cats travel half a mile or more away from home on a regular basis. With the weather being warmer, many cats will be travelling further afield and staying out longer.

If you believe a cat in you area is lost

or a stray, do not feed them. You can check local social media groups or contact your local branch of Cats Protection to see if anyone has reported their cat missing. You can print out a paper collar from the Cat’s Protection website to add your number to so that if owned, the owner can let you know. The RSPCA recommend logging any suspected strays on Animal Search UK.

We can scan cats for a microchip, however, if a cat is healthy, or if the microchip address is close to the area found, then we will ask you to take the cat back to where you found it, so that it can hopefully make its way back to its owner.

If a cat is injured or genuinely ill, then we are able to assess them on welfare grounds. Under these circumstances, you will be asked to fill out a form with your details and sign the cat over to us to treat as deemed necessary. We may contact you to ask you to collect the cat and release it where you found it.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

June 2024

Staff Update

At the end of the month, we will be saying goodbye to receptionist Rachel, who is leaving us to pursue her career in dog grooming. We wish her all the best!

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

With June being Pride Month, it seems apt timing to introduce Acorn House’s EDI committee. Our EDI leaders represent some of the nine protected characteristics, as outlined by the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Their primary objective is to be the voice for the protected groups while celebrating, promoting, and educating others. Our committee include Sara, Tracie, Paul, and Hayley. We will also be holding an in-house cake-sale with proceeds going to Rainbow Bedfordshire. We are lucky to have been able to source some rather colourful rainbow monkey dog toys for sale in our shop!

Grass Seeds

During the summer months we see a lot of cases where dogs and cats have encountered grass seeds. These sharp tops of long grass stems can cause irritation and can require veterinary intervention.

Grass seeds can become lodged in an animal’s hair and can find their way into ears, eyes, noses and into paws, with some even penetrating the skin and migrating through the body. All breeds can be affected, however spaniels, with their fluffy feet and long ears, as well as a penchant for springing through long grass are particularly prone.

Signs that your pet may have acquired a grass seed can be swelling and irritation of the toes, causing them to lick the area and limp, shaking their head, sneezing and watery eyes.

Ways to limit the chances of grass seed injuries include avoiding long grass, keeping hair around the ears and feet trimmed and checking your pet for pesky seeds after each walk or visit outside.

Bailey the English springer spaniel, who belongs to one of our administrative team was found to have a grass seed that was suspected to have entered her body through her nose. The grass seed migrated to her spine and caused an abscess which needed surgery to remove. Luckily, Bailey is now back to her usual energetic self!

Rabbit Awareness Week - 24th - 28th June

At the end of June, it is Rabbit Awareness Week, where the optimum care of rabbits is promoted to try and ensure that all pet rabbits in the UK are cared for with understanding, insight and kindness. It is supported by many charities, including the RSPCA and PDSA. It is estimated that there are over 1.5 million rabbits kept as pets in the UK, however they are also one of the least understood pets. All pet owners are responsible for ensuring that the five key welfare needs of their animal are met. These include: Providing a suitable environment and suitable diet. Allowing them to exhibit normal behaviour, and be housed with, or apart from, other animals. They should also be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Rabbits should have access to an enclosure of a minimum size of 3 metres x 2 metres x 1 metre high, including a sheltered area and access to outdoors. Rabbits must have enough space to be able to stretch out fully with room to spare and be able to stand on their hind legs without their ears touching the roof.

Rabbits should be provided with at least their bodyweight in fresh, good quality hay every day as 85% of their daily intake should be hay and grass. A spoonful of high-quality nuggets should be offered, rather than muesli to stop selective feeding and a handful of rabbit-safe greens. This combination aims to provide optimum nutrition and aid digestive and dental health.

Rabbits are agile animals, who can run at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour in short bursts, they can jump up to and in excess of 3 feet high. They express joy through ‘binkying’, which is similar to ‘popcorning’ in guinea pigs, where the animal jumps and twists in the air! They also like to forage and dig, so should be provided with the opportunity to do this.

In the wild, rabbits live in large groups of up to 30 individuals. Rabbits are an intelligent and highly social species that should be kept in pairs or suitable groups, such as a neutered male and neutered female rabbit. Rabbits should never be housed with guinea pigs; they have different nutritional requirements, communication methods and rabbits can seriously injure Guinea pigs, even unintentionally.

Rabbits should have an appropriate diet to limit dental issues such as dental spurs and aid gut motility. Rabbits should also be neutered to limit the risk of cancer of the uterus, and limit aggression in males. Rabbits should be vaccinated against myxomatosis and both types of viral haemorrhagic disease and have at least annual checkups with the vet.

Rabbit Awareness Week aims to provide information on each of these areas to improve the lives of our pet rabbits. You can find more information by clicking here

Appointments

When you book an appointment for your cat, please ensure that your cat is kept indoors on the day of your appointment so that you are able to secure them in their carrier and get to us for your appointment time. We have had a lot of missed appointments recently where cats have not come home in time for their owners to get to their appointment, which means that these appointments cannot be used for another pet in need of one.

Microchipping

It is now compulsory for your cat to be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old, including indoor cats. Your contact details must also be kept up to date on a microchipping database approved by DEFRA. To book an appointment to have your cat microchipped please call us to book a nurse appointment, or book online via our website.

Website

You may have noticed that we have a new look website! As well as being able to book appointments, register your pet and pay your bill, we hope that you find it an informative resource.

New Dental Procedures Offered

The dental service at Acorn House is led by RCVS Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in dentistry, Ruth Halpin. Ruth has expanded the dental service so that the practice can offer advanced dental procedures such as uncomplicated crown fracture restoration, coronoplasty (shortening of teeth that are causing trauma to the gums) and corrective treatment for puppies with displaced canine teeth. The vets at Acorn House check the teeth of cats and dogs at every routine check, and if these conditions are identified, treatment can now be provided in-house instead of requiring referral to a specialist centre.

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

May 2024

Staff Update

During May we will be welcoming Angelina to our Client Care team. Angelina has a long background in customer service and will be a welcome addition to the friendly faces that greet our clients at reception.

Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Month

May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month! This was introduced by the British Veterinary Nursing Association, and the theme for this year is ‘empowerment’. At Acorn House we have an amazing nursing team who are dedicated to their role in caring for their patients and supporting the practice. Our nurses play a pivotal role in the day to day running of Acorn House and this is an opportunity to raise awareness of the important role that veterinary nurses play within the veterinary industry.

Our team assist our vets and provide support to their colleagues. Nurses fulfil many roles, including running nurse consultations, providing clients with welfare advice, running weight clinics, and carrying out nail trims. They also carry out vet authorised emptying of anal glands, second vaccinations and some monthly injections.

Our nurses prepare patients for procedures, administer medication and fluid therapy as well as monitoring the vital signs of inpatients. They run blood and urine samples, organise samples being sent off for external testing and keep the clinical areas of the practice and surgical instruments clean. Nurses are vital during procedures to monitor anaesthetics and care for patients during recovery and during their inpatient stay.

All these things, plus so much more, ensure that your pet has the best possible care whilst at Acorn House and as a practice we would like to thank our Registered Veterinary Nurses and our student nurses for their dedication.

Dog Friendly Clinic Membership

Acorn House is proud to be the only practice in Bedford to be approved as a "dog friendly clinic" by the Dogs Trust! The Dog Friendly Clinic Membership is an initiative that is run by the Dog’s Trust and by the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).

Vet visits can be a source of anxiety for some dogs, and the aim of this membership is to enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources to help each dog have as positive experience as possible with us. We want to provide a comfortable experience for you, your dog and for our staff. The scheme provides tools to promote positive experiences for our four-legged friends and for our clients.

The Chair of the BVBA states that ‘encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit’ and this is something that we, at Acorn House want to advocate. Click here to find out more about the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme

Mental Health Awareness Week

Our pets can play a huge part in improving our mental health, and from the 13^th to the 19^th of May it is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year focuses on: ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health.’

Our pets give us the perfect opportunity to be more active, whether it is walking our dogs, riding, and mucking out our horses or playing with our cats. Any pet routine, from feeding and cleaning out guinea pigs, to spending time outside with rabbits increases our activity levels. This aids our mental health and physical health as well as giving our pets a more enriched lifestyle and benefitting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Loneliness can negatively impact our mental health, and our pets can help with this. YouGov have conducted a survey, with 90% of dog, 85% of cat owners and 81% of rabbit owners surveyed saying that having their pet has had a positive impact on their mental health. Owning a pet can help with this, and any animal from a budgie to a boa constrictor can offer companionship and routine. For those of us who are unable to keep pets, spending time in nature, watching birds and other wildlife can help in similar ways.

Studies also show that interacting with our pets helps to reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in humans. The hormones that cause us to feel happy, such as dopamine and serotonin are increased when we interact with our pets.

Veterinary Receptionist of the Year 2024

The British Veterinary Receptionist Association (BVRA) will open nominations for their receptionist of the year award on the 15^{th of} May! This year the nominations are split into two categories, the ‘Practice Choice Award’ where colleagues can nominate one another and the ‘Client Choice Award’ where clients can nominate members of our team. We will be posting information on our client care team throughout May, June and up until the closing date of the 17^{th of} July.

Our team of committed client care advisers support the whole practice in taking calls, booking appointments and procedures, and offering a friendly face and a listening ear to clients and colleagues alike. They clean and restock the consulting rooms, reply to e-mails, keep our shop stocked and request and dispense medication. Plus of course, the most important job of all is to provide our four-legged friends with an endless supply of biscuits! You can find out more, and vote (from the 15^thMay) by clicking here veterinary receptionist of the year award 2024

Medication Requests & Repeat Medication

March 2024

Staff Update

Congratulations are in order to our veterinary nurse, Rachel who has achieved a distinction in the ISFM Feline Nursing Certificate. Well done!

Rabbit and Small Pet Waiting Area

Our rabbit and small pet waiting area is situated to the left of the main door as you enter the practice. We have added a rope barrier to ensure that access is only for those with rabbits and other small pets.

This area provides a safe, less stressful environment for visiting small animals, such as rodents, reptiles, and birds. We would ask that ferret owners continue to use the dog waiting area, as being predatory by nature ferrets could cause distress to other small pets.

Dispensing Labels

Our medication dispensing labels now feature a handy link to the data sheet for the prescribed medication! Just enter it into your internet search engine and it will come up with information regarding the medicine that your pet has been prescribed. For example, here is the link to the data sheet for Milpro

Tick Bite Prevention Week
24th - 30th March 2024

During March we will be looking at ticks and how to prevent them in our dogs and cats. As the temperatures start to rise, ticks will become more active, even at temperatures as low as 5 degrees centigrade. Ticks are parasites that feed on blood, and can be found mostly in woodland areas, in long grass and in bushes, including in your garden, especially if it is visited by hedgehogs or deer. Ticks can transfer diseases, which are transferred between animals through feeding on blood. The most notable disease is Lyme Disease, which can be very serious and can be transmitted to humans. The best way to prevent ticks is to use a prescription preventive treatment, in the form of prescription tablets or spot-on treatments, which last from 4 weeks up to 12 depending on the option chosen. There is also a collar available which can last up to 8 months. Our vets will help you choose the most appropriate anti-parasite (including tick) treatment for your pet at any routine appointment including booster vaccinations. If you do find a tick on your pet, please ensure to use a specific tick removing tool, or make a nurse appointment to have it removed. It is vital that the whole tick is removed, including the mouth parts. Never smother a tick with lotions or try to burn them off.

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month -
Easter & Spring Hazards

Looking ahead to Easter and Springtime and in line with Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month we should be mindful of certain things that we enjoy that can be harmful to our pets.

There are often many chocolate treats around at Easter, which we may love but can be harmful to our pets. Dark and milk chocolate contain theobromine, which cannot be metabolised by dogs in the same way as by humans and affects the nervous system, stomach, and muscles.

We often enjoy a roast dinner or two over Easter, but we should be mindful of elements that can cause a risk to our pets. Onion, leeks, and garlic, which are included in many gravy granules, are part of the allium family, which are toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause damage to red blood cells, and result in gastrointestinal signs, dehydration and anaemia. We should also ensure not to feed cooked bones from roast dinners to our pets as these can splinter and cause internal injuries.

Some of our traditional Easter treats, such as hot cross buns and simnel cakes contain dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas and currants. Ingestion of dried fruits (and grapes) can cause gastrointestinal signs, lethargy, abdominal pain and in some cases kidney failure.

Some Easter sweets can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener which can also be found in many drinks and in chewing gum. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and ingestion can result in a drop in blood sugar levels, lethargy, weakness and seizures.

With Spring on the way there are more specific hazards to be aware of, including bulbs, flowers, and garden chemicals. Bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths all contain alkaloids, which are chemical that can be toxic to our pets; this includes dogs, cats and rabbits and guinea pigs. The bulbs themselves contain the most concentrated amounts of alkaloids, however any part of the plant, even the water that cut flowers such as daffodils have been in can be toxic. Symptoms can include, drooling, sickness and diarrhoea and changes in breathing and heart rate. Lilies should also be avoided, specifically for cats, as contact can lead to kidney failure.

As the weather improves, many of us will be spending more time in the garden. We should be very careful when using any fertilisers, weed killers or slug pellets. These can not only be harmful to wildlife, but also to our pets. Garden chemicals can be ingested through grooming after contact with spillages or treated plants, being absorbed through the skin or even through inhalation. There are many pet friendly alternatives available, which reduces risk to our pets and helps to protect wildlife.
If you believe that your pet has ingested or been in contact with any toxin, please call us immediately, with information on what and when they have been in contact with.

We will be sharing more information on these different toxins to be aware of on our Facebook page throughout March and April.

Easter Opening Hours

With Easter falling late in March, into April, please note our opening hours.

Thursday 28^th March - 8 am – 8 pm
Friday 29th March - Good Friday - Emergency Service Only
Saturday 30^th March – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 31st – Easter Sunday Emergency service only
Monday 1^st April – Easter Monday – Emergency service only
Tuesday 2^nd April – 8 am – 8 pm

To ensure that you have enough medication to last over the Easter period, please order any medication by Tuesday 26^th March to allow the 48 hours required for it to be processed, authorised and dispensed.