Autumn 2003 Newsletter

In this issue...

Vetrica Advanced Anaesthetic

On 1st September, Vetrica launched the Vetrica Advanced Anaesthetic, and Advanced Anaesthetic Plus.

Patient Care

When we opened at Vetrica, we wanted to focus clearly on patient care and welfare. Central to this was the care of the patient under anaesthetic. So we invested heavily in anaesthetic equipment to create an excellent regime that we are extremely proud of, far surpassing what you can normally expect from veterinary anaesthesia. We believe this is the best possible for the cost.

Improved Standards

Despite this, we knew that we could do more - just that it wouldn't be economic to do so. We thought there's no point providing a gold standard service that no-one can afford. For instance, who would pay £200 for a bitch to be neutered when the competition is only charging £100? How would we possibly explain that what we're doing is better than the competition? This would not only be difficult, but the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons would probably stop us suggesting such a thing. (One vet is not allowed to claim to be better than another).

Enhanced Anaesthetic

So we decided to provide an enhanced anaesthetic regime, for people that wanted, and could afford it, and the result is the Vetrica Advanced Anaesthetic. Briefly this involves the use of more advanced monitoring equipment, pre-anaesthetic blood and urine testing, and more modern, safer anaesthetic drugs. We also establish an intravenous line before the operation so that in the event of anything going wrong, we can intervene more swiftly.

Expense

At £98.55 for an Advanced Anaesthetic, as opposed to £30 (for a routine anaesthetic for a dog), it is much more expensive, but here's the crucial point: the Advanced Anaesthetics are an added extra, an enhanced service using a technique that we would prefer to do for all, (and always do for our own pets), but taking account of the financial realities that we all have to live with.

No-one should feel under pressure to take an Advanced Anaesthetic, rather than a routine one. Your pet is not being neglected without the advanced option. But if you want the extra level of care and security, it is now available.

If you would like to know more about our anaesthetic regimes, please ask for a copy of our free booklet: "Anaesthetic Policy at Vetrica", or see the following web page:

www.vetrica.com/policies/theatre

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When you need us in an emergency...

Please remember that at Vetrica, we provide a full 24 hour emergency service. All you need to do is dial the regular surgery number: 01383 418558 and if the surgery is closed, your call will automatically be diverted to the vet on call (at no extra cost to you). We'll do our best to assess and advise you with your problem, bearing in mind the limitations of not being able to physically examine the animal. Out of hours consultations do cost more, (go to www.vetrica.com for the current price, or ask at reception), so we'll always say whether we think the animal needs to be seen before the next routine surgery, but at all times, if you're worried, and would rather not wait, then we'll be happy to see you.

On Sundays, please try to call before 12 o'clock (midday), because we try to group urgent cases together at this time, making it much cheaper for you than a call out later in the afternoon.

The on-call service is generally run via a mobile phone, so if you have any problems getting through, just try again straight away. Mobile phone problems are much less common than they used to be, but unfortunately nothing is perfect.

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No More Fleas...Guaranteed

Now we're past the height of the summer, it's easy to think that fleas will be going away. This is not true. We see fleas all year round, and it's important to keep up with a regular flea control programme. That way you can be sure your pet never has to endure the misery of fleas.

Flea Free Guarantee

At Vetrica, we offer an easy to use, safe, effective treatment that following 6 months of correct use, we guarantee your pet will be free of fleas. That's right - no more fleas EVER, or we fix it free. We do this using a product called Program injection (for cats) - given only once every 6 months, or Program Plus tablets (for dogs) given only once a month. The dog tablets also include a monthly roundworm treatment so you can be sure your dog is free of fleas and worms.

Read more about the flea free guarantee.

20% Off

With 20% off the usual price (while stocks last), there's never been a better time to switch to the guaranteed effectiveness of Program.

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New Worming Treatment

We now have a new worming tablet for dogs and cats called Milbemax. This is a big advance over Drontal Plus, and Drontal Cat (my worming treatments of choice for the past 10 years). Like Drontal Plus and Drontal Cat, Milbemax kills all the round and tapeworms of the dog and cat, but with a physically much smaller tablet (so it's easier to administer), and has a wider dose range, (so you need fewer tablets for most sizes of dog and cat). And the biggest plus of all: Milbemax is cheaper than Drontal.

Unless you're using Program Plus tablets for dogs (which provide monthly worm control), you should be worming your dog or cat at least every 3 months. To celebrate the launch of Milbemax, and to encourage the more widespread worming of our pets on a three monthly basis, we're offering 4 doses for the price of three. That's 25% off when you buy a year's worming treatment. Just ask for a voucher in the surgery. And don't worry if you've been collecting vouchers for Drontal Plus - we plan to honour this scheme, but with Milbemax instead.

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Rabbit Care

The biggest dangers to rabbits at this time of year are blowfly strike and myxomatosis.

Blowfly Strike

Blowfly strike occurs when a fly lays its eggs in a rabbit's fur, and the maggots that hatch out start to eat away at the rabbit's living tissues. This is an extremely distressing, life-threatening condition, but thanks to the introduction of Rearguard, we've seen less of it this year than last. (In fact, we've seen more dogs than rabbits with strike this year). But if your rabbit's not protected yet, then its not too late. One application lasts 10 weeks, so if applied now, that should be enough until next spring.

For more information about Blowfly Strike, see the following web page:

www.vetrica.com/care/rabbit/strike.shtml

Myxomatosis

We continue to see cases of myxomatosis, in pet rabbits, particularly at this time of year. This is caused by a virus spread by rabbit fleas and biting flies, especially mosquitos. Now that we have an effective, inexpensive vaccine, there really is no reason why a pet rabbit should suffer this disease.

Dental Disease

The most common disease of rabbits is dental disease. This is mainly due to poor diet. Feeding "rabbit food" containing high levels of starchy cereals and low amounts of coarse fibre is the main culprit. Briefly, rabbits should be given fresh hay every day, as much as they want to eat, with some green leafy vegetables. Prepared rabbit food should be viewed as a supplement only, for use during times of increased energy requirement. Such times are when recovering from illness, or during cold weather. Always make sure your rabbit has eaten all of the rabbit food you supply before offering any more.

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