Since our last Newsletter, when Ayr had just undergone a ‘Spot check’ under the RCVS Standards Scheme, we have had a full inspection at all the branches. We are proud to be able to boast Level 2 status at Troon and Level 1 at both branches. The details of the scheme can be viewed on www.rcvs.org.uk. The achievement of this award allows clients to be secure in the knowledge that our facilities are up to scratch at all the branches.

We have also upgraded facilities at the Troon surgery to allow more kennel space for our in-patients. We now have two full size ‘walk-in’ kennels for large dogs who can now spread out in comfort. We have also developed a separate cattery area so that our feline patients do not need to be in the same room as the sometimes noisy dogs. In addition to this we have a webcam facility to allow the ‘on call’ vet to monitor patients all the time if required.
All this redevelopment was triggered as we had to build a separate X-ray room with lead lining on all the walls, doors and windows. This was going to be quite a challenge as the surgery was laid out before but we managed to incorporate our desired improvements into the achievement of our required ones. In addition to this we now have an automatic X-ray processor which speeds up the delivery of developed pictures and improves their quality too – thus allowing speedier and more accurate diagnosis of problems.

  As Spring and Summer approach (at last!) we have to face a great increase in the numbers of fleas and ticks on our pets. Fleas are no longer just a summer problem but their numbers dramatically increase from Spring through to November. They get onto your pets and into your home and can cause considerable irritation and transmit diseases as well. Some commercially available treatments are not as effective as we would wish so to protect your pets and your homes ask our staff members for advice at any of the surgeries.
It used to be that ticks were a rare occurrence in pets in this part of the world but climate change means that this is no longer the case. We have already been seeing ticks on pets that have not been outside their normal surroundings in Ayrshire. Ticks can cause problems in two ways – they can cause nasty tissue reactions at the site where they attach to feed on their host’s blood and secondly they can transmit infectious diseases such as Lyme’s Disease. In order to protect your pets from this menace you may need to vary your routine flea protection regime. Please ask for details at any of the surgeries. It has been said that the flea is the most successful species on the planet and, even after the harsh winter we have just had, we should assume that our pets will come across fleas rather than be surprised that they do. Routine flea treatment is nowadays as essential as vaccination & regular worming. Remember ticks are around and about in Ayrshire but they are almost inevitable if you travel to the Highlands and Islands, the Galloway hills or the Lake District.

As we begin to think about holidays and Dog shows again we should think about ‘infectious bronchitis’ again. This is a highly contagious disease and it is not necessarily caught on a visit to kennels – any direct dog to dog contact can spread it. There is a vaccine available to protect dogs from the two most common causes of the disease. The vaccine can be given at any time and is now licensed to be given even at the time of your dog’s usual annual vaccination / check up. Nowadays the vaccine will give protection for a full year. When given alongside your dogs normal vaccines there is a significant saving to be made so get them all done at the same time!!

The Credit Crunch is a term that is banded about regularly at present. There is no doubt that we are living in more difficult economic times and at Collier & Brock we are constantly searching for ways to contain costs without compromising the quality of care we try to provide. With the ever increasing Health and Safety and other requirements we have to meet, this is made ever more difficult but we persevere. However, here are some ways that can help you, our clients, meet the health needs of our patients.

• Pet Health Insurance. We are not permitted to recommend particular insurance policies but we are allowed to recommend that you do insure your pet’s health and suggest that you purchase a policy which runs for the lifetime of your pet. Some policies run just from one year to the next and can be cancelled by the insurer at the end of a policy year if they feel the risks for them are getting too high. A lifetime policy may become more expensive as the years go by but the company is obliged to offer you cover for life. There are price comparison websites to allow you to choose the policy that best suits your needs. Pet health care is getting more and more expensive and, particularly if your pet needs to be referred to a specialist centre, it is not unusual to be facing bills for thousands of pounds.
• We are still PDSA PetAid practices. If you live in a suitable Post Code area and are on housing benefits you can register your pet on the PDSA PetAid scheme for a small fee. Once this is done your pet’s fees for illness will be paid by the PDSA. Register now as it is too late once your pet has become ill. The scheme does not cover routine items such as vaccination, worming, flea treatments nor does it cover specialist referrals or conditions associated with breeding for gain. However, register now so that you do not need to worry about vet bills being a problem in the future. Details of how to register for PetAid are available at all our branches.
• We can help with vaccinations as well. If your pet’s vaccinations have lapsed we have a vaccination amnesty scheme which we have developed along with our vaccine manufacturer, Intervet. In dogs whose vaccinations have lapsed the second part of their vaccination course is carried out free of charge. In cats the second part is done at half price. It is never wise for your pet to be unprotected from dangerous infectious diseases especially when they can be ‘brought up to date’ so easily. The amnesty scheme is available for everyone.