Health & Wellbeing | Orchard House

Well Pet Screening

Graham — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:39:10 +0000

We are delighted to introduce Well Pet Screening — a comprehensive health check for your cat or dog designed to give you peace of mind about their wellbeing by helping identify potential health issues at an early stage.

This screening is available to Well Pet Club members only, and as an add-on to your pet’s annual booster vaccination or 6-month health check, making it easy to include in their routine preventative care.

What does the Well Pet Screening include?

Blood testing – including biochemistry, haematology, and the SDMA kidney test
Urine testing – including urinalysis and sediment examination
Evaluation and reporting of results by a veterinary surgeon

Together, these tests provide a valuable overview of your pet’s internal health and can help detect early signs of conditions such as kidney or liver disease — problems that often develop quietly without obvious symptoms.

Why is screening important?

Studies show that two out of three pets may have underlying health issues their owners are unaware of.

Identifying subtle changes early allows us to take action sooner, monitor your pet’s health over time, and create the right care plan before small concerns become more serious problems. Well Pet Screening is a simple and reassuring way to check how your pet is doing and ensure they stay on the best path for the future.

This proactive approach helps support a longer, healthier, and happier life for your pet.

Cost

Well Pet Club members: £60

This is a £78 saving exclusively to our Well Pet Club members.

How to book

To arrange your pet’s Well Pet Screening, please call our team, send us an email, or book your appointment online.

Please note that this service is only available in conjunction with your pet’s annual booster vaccination or 6-month health check appointment.

More information, terms & conditions

The Well Pet Screening is available for cats and dogs of all ages, although it is particularly beneficial for middle-aged and older pets, when underlying health conditions are more likely to develop. However, it can be beneficial to pet’s of all ages, and your veterinary surgeon will always discuss the best path to take!

This service is available only during your pet’s annual booster vaccination or six-month health check appointment. We recommend discussing the screening with your veterinary surgeon during your consultation, or speaking to a member of our team when booking your appointment if you would like to add this service.

Urinalysis

We understand that collecting a urine sample from your pet can sometimes be tricky — veterinary staff know this better than anyone!

If possible, we encourage you to bring a fresh urine sample with you to your appointment. However, we can also attempt to collect a sample during your visit. Many dogs like to use our gardens or outdoor area to leave their scent, so do feel free to pop in to collect a urine sample pot before entering the surgery with your pet.

If a sample cannot be obtained at the appointment, please don’t worry. We will provide you with a urine sample pot to take home, and you can return the sample to the practice later that day or within the following few days so that we can complete the urinalysis testing.

For the most accurate results, please ensure the sample is as fresh as possible when it is brought to the clinic.

Well Pet Club Members

For Well Pet Club members, the Well Pet Screening is available once per year per pet. It can be carried out during either:

your pet’s annual vaccination and 12-month health check, or
their six-month health check,

both of which are included as part of your Well Pet Club plan.

The Well Pet Screening is currently available at each of our branches, but only for cats and dogs at the moment.

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Canine Lymphoma

Graham — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:36:07 +0000

Understanding Canine Lymphoma: What Pet Owners Need to Know 🐾

Hearing that your dog may have cancer is one of the most worrying moments for any pet owner. At our practice, we believe knowledge is power — and the more you understand about conditions like canine lymphoma, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions that help your pet live a happy and comfortable life.

What is Canine Lymphoma?

Canine lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system. It develops when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that normally helps fight infection) grow uncontrollably.

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for about 10–20% of all canine cancers.

Common Signs to Look Out For

Canine Lymphoma can show itself in different ways, but some of the most common symptoms include:

Enlarged, firm lymph nodes (often felt under the jaw, behind the knees, or in the armpits)
Tiredness or reduced energy
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting, diarrhoea, or digestive upset (if the stomach or intestines are affected)
Breathing difficulties (if the chest is involved)

If you notice any unusual lumps or changes in your dog’s behaviour, it’s always best to get them checked.

How is Canine Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Your vet may suggest:

Physical examination to check lymph nodes
Fine needle aspirate or biopsy to examine cells under a microscope
Blood tests or imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasound) to see if other organs are involved

These tests help us understand the type of lymphoma and the best treatment approach.

Because lymphoma can mimic other conditions, proper diagnosis is essential. Vets use a combination of physical exams, laboratory tests, and imaging to confirm the disease and guide treatment.

1. Physical Examination

The first step is often noticing enlarged lymph nodes (under the jaw, behind the knees, or in the armpits).
Your vet may also check for organ enlargement (liver, spleen) or signs such as weight loss or lethargy.

2. Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)

A quick, minimally invasive test where a thin needle collects cells from an enlarged lymph node or organ.
These cells are examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist.
In most cases, FNA can confirm lymphoma.

3. Biopsy

Sometimes a tissue biopsy is recommended if FNA results are unclear.
This involves removing a small piece of tissue from the lymph node (often under sedation or anaesthetic).
Biopsy provides more detail about the cancer type.

4. Blood & Urine Tests

These help assess your dog’s overall health and organ function.
Some dogs with lymphoma may show changes such as high calcium levels (common in T-cell lymphoma).

5. Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasound)

Used to see if internal organs (like the chest, abdomen, liver, or spleen) are affected.
Helps with staging the disease and planning treatment.

6. Advanced Tests (for Treatment Planning)

Flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry: used to identify whether the lymphoma is B-cell or T-cell.
Bone marrow aspirate: sometimes performed to check if the cancer has spread into the bone marrow.

✅ Together, these tests don’t just confirm the diagnosis — they also tell your vet how advanced the disease is and which treatment plan will likely work best.

Treatment Options

While lymphoma is usually not curable, it can often be managed very successfully, allowing many dogs to enjoy a good quality of life. Treatment options include:

Chemotherapy – the most effective option. Dogs generally tolerate chemotherapy much better than people, with fewer side effects.
Steroids – can temporarily shrink swollen lymph nodes and improve comfort, though usually for a shorter time.
Other therapies – like surgery or radiation, used in specific cases.

What’s the Outlook?

With chemotherapy, many dogs can go into remission, living 6–12 months or longer with good quality of life.
With steroids alone, survival is usually 1–3 months.
Without treatment, lymphoma tends to progress quickly, often within weeks.

Quality of Life in Treated Dogs

A key point many owners worry about is whether chemotherapy will make their pet feel sick, as it often does in humans. In dogs, chemotherapy protocols are designed to prioritise quality of life over maximum drug dose.

Most dogs tolerate it well, with only mild side effects like temporary tummy upset or reduced appetite.
Less than 25% of patients experience noticeable side effects, and fewer than 5% need hospitalisation for them.

Emerging Therapies

Research is ongoing into new ways of managing canine lymphoma, including:

Targeted therapies (such as monoclonal antibodies that specifically attack cancer cells)
Bone marrow transplantation in specialised centres
Immunotherapy approaches similar to those being developed in human medicine

These are not yet widely available but represent hopeful areas of progress.

Final Thoughts

A diagnosis of canine lymphoma can feel overwhelming, but remember — you are not alone. Many dogs respond very well to treatment and enjoy many more months of comfort, play, and companionship.

If you’ve spotted unusual lumps or have concerns about your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Early action can make a huge difference. ❤️🐶

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Autumn fruits poisoning in dogs

Graham — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:45:26 +0000

As summer draws to a close, the changing seasons bring a wide variety of autumn fruits to our gardens, parks, and countryside. While many people enjoy the colours and abundance of this time of year, it also presents potential hazards for our pets. Dogs in particular are naturally curious and often investigate or eat fallen fruits during walks or while roaming in the garden. Even seemingly harmless fruits can cause problems, and some species contain toxins that may lead to serious illness.

This article highlights the most common autumn fruits and seeds of concern, the risks they pose to animals, and how owners can reduce the likelihood of poisoning incidents.

General Risks of Eating Fallen Fruit

Ingestion of any plant material may cause digestive upset in pets, particularly dogs. Common signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Some fruits and seeds pose an additional risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. Hard, indigestible items such as acorns and conkers can lodge in the stomach or intestines, especially in smaller dogs. These obstructions may require surgical removal and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Another general concern with fallen fruits is contamination. Once fruits lie on the ground, they are prone to mould growth and fermentation. Mouldy fruit may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which overstimulate the nervous system and can cause restlessness, panting, muscle tremors, and even seizures. Fermented fruit can produce ethanol (alcohol), which is toxic to animals and may lead to unsteadiness, lethargy, hypothermia, and in severe cases, coma. Interestingly, suspected cases of ethanol poisoning have also been reported in wild birds after feeding on fermented fruits.

Specific Autumn Fruits of Concern

1. Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry laurel is a common ornamental shrub found in gardens and hedgerows. Its glossy leaves and clusters of black berries can be attractive to animals. This plant contains cyanogenic glycosides—compounds that release cyanide when chewed or digested.

Ruminants (such as cattle, sheep, and goats) are particularly sensitive and can develop severe or fatal poisoning.

Dogs generally experience gastrointestinal upset rather than systemic toxicity, but the signs can still be quite pronounced, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, lethargy and weakness may also occur.

2. Conkers (Horse Chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum)
Conkers are large, shiny seeds from horse chestnut trees and are a frequent source of curiosity for dogs. In addition to their large size (which increases the risk of obstruction), conkers contain aesculin, a toxin that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical signs may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and restlessness. Severe cases are uncommon but possible.

3. Acorns (Oak, Quercus species)
Acorns are another common autumn hazard. Like conkers, they pose both a physical risk of obstruction and a toxicological risk. Acorns contain tannins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. In ruminants, acorn poisoning can cause kidney and liver damage, but in dogs the effects are usually limited to digestive upset—though this can still be significant.

4. Rowan Berries (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan trees produce clusters of bright red berries in the autumn. These berries contain parasorbic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation when ingested in large amounts. Fortunately, most dogs would need to consume a substantial quantity of berries to become unwell, and signs are usually limited to vomiting and diarrhoea.

5. Apples and Other Windfall Fruits
Windfall apples, pears, and plums are often abundant in gardens and orchards. While small amounts of fresh fruit flesh are not usually harmful, ingestion of large quantities can lead to digestive upset. The stones and pips of some fruits (e.g., apple seeds, plum stones) contain cyanogenic glycosides, but the amounts are generally too small to cause toxicity unless consumed in large numbers.

The greater concern is with fruit that has been left on the ground for some time. Mouldy fruit can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, while fermenting fruit may contain ethanol, both of which can cause more serious illness.

Recognising Signs of Poisoning

Owners should be alert for the following clinical signs if they suspect their pet has eaten fallen fruit or seeds:

Drooling and excessive salivation
Vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes severe or bloody)
Loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort
Lethargy or weakness
Tremors, seizures, or collapse in severe cases

Signs may develop within hours of ingestion, and the severity depends on the type of fruit, the amount eaten, and the size of the animal.

What Owners Should Do

If a pet is suspected of eating any potentially toxic plant or fruit, owners should:

Contact a veterinary professional promptly for advice, even if the pet is not yet showing signs.
Avoid home remedies—do not attempt to make the animal vomit without veterinary guidance.
Provide a sample of the fruit, plant, or seed (if possible) to aid identification.

Conclusion

Autumn brings beauty and abundance to the natural world, but it also carries hidden dangers for pets. Many fruits, seeds, and ornamental plants can cause illness, ranging from mild digestive upset to serious toxicity or obstruction. Dog owners in particular should remain vigilant on walks and in gardens, promptly clearing away fallen fruits where possible.

If there is ever any doubt, seeking veterinary advice early is the safest course of action. With awareness and quick response, most cases of autumn fruit ingestion can be managed successfully, helping pets stay safe and healthy throughout the season.

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10 signs your pet is in pain

Graham — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:33:50 +0000

Signs Your Pet Might Be in Pain: How to Recognize the Symptoms 🐾

Pets can’t tell us when they’re hurting, so it’s up to us to be extra observant and watch for signs of discomfort. Whether they’re in physical or emotional distress, it’s important to address their pain as soon as possible. Here are some signs that your pet might be suffering:

1. Changes in Behaviour

If your usually active pet suddenly becomes lethargic, withdrawn, or avoids interaction, it could be a sign that they’re in pain. Keep an eye out for a lack of interest in play or going on walks.

2. Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits

A decrease in appetite or refusal to eat or drink can indicate discomfort. Pets in pain may also drink excessively or have trouble chewing.

3. Excessive Grooming or Licking

If your pet is focusing on a specific area of their body, licking or biting at it more than usual, it might be a sign of localized pain or irritation.

4. Vocalization

Unusual sounds like whining, growling, yelping, or meowing can be signs that your pet is in discomfort. If they’re vocalizing more than normal, especially when touched, they could be trying to communicate distress.

5. Posture or Mobility Changes

A sudden change in the way your pet sits, stands, or walks can be a red flag. Limping, difficulty getting up, or reluctance to move are all signs that something might be wrong.

6. Restlessness or Trouble Sleeping

Pain can make it hard for your pet to settle down. If they’re pacing, circling, or having trouble getting comfortable, it could indicate something is wrong.

7. Changes in Breathing

Laboured breathing or a change in the rate of breathing (rapid or shallow) can suggest discomfort, especially if it’s paired with other symptoms.

8. Aggression or Irritability

If your normally gentle pet starts acting aggressively or seems unusually grumpy when approached or touched, it could be a response to pain.

9. Hiding or Seeking Seclusion

Many pets instinctively hide when they’re not feeling well. If your pet is spending more time in hidden spots or avoiding socializing, it’s worth considering they might be in pain.

10. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Straining to urinate, constipation, or accidents in the house could be related to discomfort, especially in older pets.

Managing your dog’s pain

Your vet will advise you of specific instructions for your dog’s condition, which may include careful management at home to help ease your dog’s pain.

Control your dog’s weight carefully. Obesity can worsen the pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. By keeping your dog at a healthy weight, you’ll help to reduce inflammation.
Place water and food bowls in places that are easy to access
Provide plenty of soft, cushioned beds for your dog to rest
Provide a ramp or steps for getting on furniture or into the car
Cover any slippery surfaces in your home with a rug or mat to prevent your dog from falling

Age is a big factor but of course, conditions can affect pets of any age, size, breed and sex. It is important to seek veterinary advice when making any treatment plans for your pet.

How can Orchard House Veterinary Centres help?

Modern science allows us to identify issues that may be otherwise hidden. From X-rays to treatment plans that are tailored to your pet we are here to help your pet live a long and happy life. Conditions like Osteoarthritis can cause discomfort for your pet, but with the right treatment your pet can still lead a happy life.

Give us a call today to book an appointment with one of our veterinary surgeons.

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Ziggy’s endoscopy

Graham — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:15:34 +0000

This tale highlights the incredible value of having a specialist endoscopy service at Orchard House. More importantly, it showcases why an experienced vet can make all the difference…

Meet Ziggy, a typical puppy with a zest for life! This 15-month-old Cocker Spaniel is always happy and bouncy. On a recent adventure, Ziggy was bounding through a field, leaping up and down through the tall grasses like a joyful Tigger. He was having the time of his life! But on the way back, Ziggy started coughing. He even coughed up some mucous with blood and bits of dried grass. His worried owner rushed him in for an urgent appointment early on a Saturday afternoon.

By the time Ziggy arrived, he was back to his usual self, full of joy and bounce. However, Tim, the vet who saw him, had seen similar cases before. Tim suspected that Ziggy might have inhaled a grass seed, which could be lodged in his lung. Tim strongly recommended an anaesthetic and bronchoscopy, using a flexible endoscope to examine Ziggy’s airways. Ziggy’s owners were initially sceptical; after all, Ziggy seemed fine. But Tim’s persistence paid off, and they agreed to proceed.

Sure enough, our endoscopy specialist Sophie discovered an 80mm grass seed in Ziggy’s left lung, nestled in one of the small airways or bronchi. With the scope, we were able to grab the grass seed and pull it out through Ziggy’s windpipe and mouth.

The grass seed measured in at a whopping 80mm.

Ziggy was quickly awake and back home with his owners within an hour. He was one lucky dog! If the grass seed had been left in his lung, he might have needed major, very expensive surgery to remove a lung. He could have even died. Fortunately, Ziggy was in the capable hands of an experienced veterinary team, equipped with specialist tools that allowed them to retrieve the grass seed before it caused further damage.

Ziggy might think twice before bouncing through long grass again… but probably not.

Learn more about Endoscopy

Specialist Vet Care from Orchard House Vets

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Pet dental awareness month

Graham — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:54:44 +0000

As part of Pet Dental Awareness Month, we are encouraging owners to prioritise their pet’s oral health. To support this, we are offering a discount of at least £100 on scale and polish dental procedures throughout this promotional period.

This offer makes now the perfect time to take proactive steps toward improving your pet’s dental health, preventing disease, and ensuring their comfort and quality of life.

🦷 Offer valid until 28th February on all procedures booked by April 30th (t&c’s below)

——-

Pet Dental Health: Why Oral Care Matters for Your Pet

Pet dental health is a vital part of your pet’s overall wellbeing, yet it is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of routine care. Just like humans, pets rely on healthy teeth and gums to eat comfortably, stay pain-free, and avoid serious health complications. Dental disease doesn’t only affect the mouth — it can cause, or be caused by, wider health problems involving the heart, liver, kidneys, and immune system.

Regular veterinary dental checks help identify problems early, before they become painful or costly. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be examined at least once a year by your veterinarian to support lifelong oral health and overall wellbeing.

What Is a Scale and Polish?

A scale and polish is a professional pet dental procedure carried out under general anaesthetic. It involves removing plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surface and slow down future plaque build-up.

Much like a hygienist appointment for humans, this procedure cleans areas that are difficult — or impossible — to reach with home dental care alone. Because pets cannot remain still or follow instructions, a general anaesthetic is required to ensure their safety and comfort.

During a scale and polish, your veterinarian can carefully examine every tooth, including below the gum line where dental disease often begins. This makes the procedure a key part of maintaining long-term pet dental health.

Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30, meaning this is a detailed and time-intensive process that requires specialist equipment and trained veterinary staff.

Why Is a Scale and Polish Recommended?

Many pets suffer from dental disease without their owners realising. Pet dental awareness is so important because signs are often subtle until the problem becomes advanced.

A scale and polish may be recommended if your pet has:

Bad breath
Visible tartar build-up
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty eating or chewing
Signs of mouth pain or discomfort

Oral Health in Dogs and Cats

Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. You should arrange a dental check sooner if you notice any of the following:

Persistent bad breath
Broken, loose, or missing teeth
Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
Discoloured teeth or heavy tartar
Drooling or dropping food
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Bleeding from the mouth
Swelling around the mouth or face

Some pets may also become irritable or withdrawn when experiencing dental pain. Always take care when checking your pet’s mouth, as a painful animal may bite.

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behaviour should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Why Pet Dental Health Matters

Pet dental care is a crucial part of everyday pet care — yet it’s often overlooked. While brushing our own teeth is second nature, many owners forget to brush their pet’s teeth regularly.

Studies suggest:

38% of dog owners never brush their dog’s teeth
44% brush occasionally
Only 18% brush at least once a week

Pet Dental Awareness Month is the perfect time to highlight common dental problems and how they can be prevented.

Did You Know?

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions in pets. It begins when plaque bacteria cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If untreated, infection spreads deeper, damaging the bone around the tooth roots and often leading to tooth loss or extraction.

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Loose or missing teeth
Excessive drooling
Chewing on one side of the mouth

The good news? Plaque can be removed with regular pet dental home care, and gingivitis can be reversed if caught early.

Fight Dental Disease in 3 Easy Steps

✔ Twice-yearly health checks
✔ Regular tooth brushing and home dental care
✔ Following your veterinarian’s dental advice

Good pet dental care reduces the risk of periodontal disease, gingivitis, gum infections, digestive issues, and chronic pain. Undiagnosed dental disease can lead to serious complications and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

Dental care for pets reduces the risk of diseases such as; periodontal disease, gingivitis, gum problems and even digestion problems. Dental problems that are undiagnosed can lead to pain, and more complications that can lead to being fatal. Generally speaking, pain, discomfort and bad breath are almost certainly your common symptoms to look for.

A Real Example: Poppy’s Story

Poppy, our veteran staff pet, is a 13-year-old Border Terrier and a perfect example of why pet dental health matters. Her owner, Graham, has been part of our Orchard family for over 10 years. Poppy recently came in for a dental procedure, highlighting just how important proactive dental care is — especially as pets get older.

Find out more about Poppy’s story here.

T&C’s for pet dental month

Valid on bookings made by 28th February with a procedure date before 30th April 2026. The procedure of ‘Scale & Polish’ is a set fee, however if a veterinary surgeon discovers any issues that requires further veterinary treatment you may be contacted to advise this and be asked if you would like further treatment. Any additional treatment is extra and is payable and our team will provide you with an estimate for this extra cost before proceeding.

This offer is limited to just 25 clients, so we reserve the right to end this offer at any time. This offer is non-transferrable and cannot be used toward any other treatments, products or services. The estimated savings is ‘up to’ as savings do depend on factors such as breed, size and sometimes materials used. We have estimated what we consider as more than half the minimum saving and less than double the maximum saving. You will save at least £100,.

This promotion includes a health check dated 6 months after the procedure. You do not have to use this appointment, be we strongly encourage you to. Our team will contact you when your appointment is coming up due.

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Arthritis in dogs and cats

Graham — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:09:18 +0000

Arthritis, or Osteoarthritis, is a common condition in both dogs and cats that cause joints to become swollen and painful. Whilst it is an uncurable condition, pain management is an effective way to suppress symptoms. Osteoarthritis can affect dogs and cats of any age, but it is more commonly seen in older pets.

What is Osteoarthritis?

This is unfortunately a common problem for many dogs and cats.

The most common symptoms relating to Osteoarthritis is inflammation of joints, which causes pain, discomfort and stiffness.

Joints move freely and without friction because the surface of the bone is usually covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with a small amount of fluid. Arthritis occurs when the joint is damaged or its naturally smooth surface changes, resulting in the rough bone rubbing together.

This very painful for your pet and it also further damages the cartilage and causes new bone to form around the joint, making it stiffer and limiting movement.

What causes arthritis in cats and dogs?

General wear and tear over years can cause arthritis in a cat or dogs later years, much like us humans. Age is definitely a common factor, but genetics is another factor here. Certain breeds are also more at risk, including Labradors, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Injuries often also lead to arthritis later in life.

If the bone or joint doesn’t develop properly then early symptoms of arthritis may occur, and this can happen from as early as a year old. You may be familiar with the conditions called ‘hip and elbow dysplasia’.

Symptoms of arthritis in cats and dogs

You may notice your pet slowing down and taking it easier when out on walks. You may also notice that they are reluctant to play, or going up and down the stairs become a bit of a struggle. As arthritis is a progressive joint disease, you will find that symptoms develop and worsen over time.

Cold weather can make the symptoms worse but it can also make those symptoms more obvious to us. If they appear stiff or slow or yelp out in pain during the winter months, this could be a sign of arthritis.

Other symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:

Limping or lameness
A stiff walk that is worse when first waking up
Fatigue
Licking or chewing joints
Wary of joints being touched
Groaning or caution when lying down or getting up
Irritability

Early detection is key, so if you think your dog may be showing signs of arthritis, speak to your vet for a health check and for advice.

Diagnosis

History of the symptoms is important but not always conclusive. A physical examination will test for stiffness, pain and/or swelling in the joints. It can often be confirmed with just a physical examination, and at that point a treatment plan can be made.

An x-ray may be advised, especially in younger pets, as this can often establish an underlying cause.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis, but your pet’s quality of life can be improved by managing the pain and “dampening” the symptoms. Monoclonal anti-body injection, painkillers, anti-inflammatories or even alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture can help. These can help relieve stiffness and improve mobility to support the surrounding muscles.

Surgery (including joint replacement surgeries) can help but it’s unlikely to restore perfect joints for life, and again is more likely to be recommended in severe cases, and in younger pets.

Can I help my pets pain at home?

You can! Although pain management is the most effective way to help your pet, you can make a few changes yourself to help with the pain and to help manage your pets arthritis.

A high quality and balanced diet will help to maintain a healthy weight, and just as in humans, weight can be a factor too! Gentle exercise can reduce pressure on the joints too, so light activities are important. When your vet gives you the diagnosis, they will of course advise you on exercises and will likely advise you to keep an eye on your pet’s weight. Less exercise can lead to weight gain, which we don’t want!

A soft and comfortable bed in a warm, draft-free spot will support their aching joints while they’re asleep. You can purchase orthopaedic beds and they are a great option.

If you notice your pet struggling with things like staircases or getting in and out of the car, a ramp can eliminate the need for them to jump!

Book an appointment today

If you are worried that your dog may have arthritis, please book an appointment with one of our veterinary surgeons either online, or by giving us a call.

Time limited offer

Book an appointment before 31st October 2024 and if your pet is diagnosed or suspected to have arthritis, we will administer the first pain management dose completely free! Please note that only the pain management treatment is free, but the appointment is a payable appointment.

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Halloween dangers for pets – our top 3 tips.

Graham — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:42:28 +0000

Halloween dangers for pets – what are they? How can you avoid a tricky situation and keep your pet calm? We are here to help.

Although Halloween is a fun time of year, we must put ourselves in the paws of our pets to take a look at how they might perceive Halloween. When we think about Halloween, what do you think of? What does your pet think at the same time?

—

Tip 1 in our Halloween dangers for pets – Trick ‘O’ Treaters

Situation: You hear a knock on the door from Trick ‘O’ Treaters. The door knock has intrigued your pet.

Your thoughts vs your pets:

Human: Trick ‘O’ treaters – Children dressed in spooky outfits looking for sweets

Pet: Someone is at the door. My owner is going to the door. Is this safe? Do I need to intervene?

Halloween dangers for pets: Your dog may see someone innocently in costume at the door, but see this as a threat. Your cat may get a fright and bolt out the door.

Solution: When you put this situation as simple as a thought trail you can see why your pet may have concerns. Locking your dog or cat in a safe space while you answer the door is the easiest solution here.

Tip 2 in our Halloween dangers for pets – Chocolate and sweets

Situation: You have stockpiled sweets and chocolate for the incoming Trick ‘O’ Treaters. Wrappers and smells will make your pet curious.

Your thoughts vs your pets:

Human: I’ll leave the treats by the front door as it will be easier to access them.

Pet: What is that smell? Why can’t I have one? How come those little folk in fancy dress get one and I don’t?

Halloween dangers for pets: Chocolate contains Theobromine which is toxic to pets. Even a small quantity can be harmful and may require veterinary intervention. Sweets contain Xylitol which is also toxic to pets and again will require veterinary care.

Pets have an incredible sense of smell and are naturally curious, so if you combine their instincts with a delicious treat like sweets then they can find themselves in a tricky situation.

Solution: Ensure all chocolate and sweets are kept out of reach of your pet, in particular dogs. Height, or a kitchen work top is advisable!

Tip 3 in our Halloween dangers for pets – Carved pumpkins

Situation: You have carved your pumpkin, and now the spooky glow sets the scene in your window, hallway or front door.

Your thoughts vs your pets:

Human: I want to set the Halloween scene so my pumpkin will be centre piece to my decorations.

Pet: That smells good, it looks funny, what is it. Maybe I’ll just poke my face in their for a closer look.

Halloween dangers for pets: Fire! This is a danger for both your pet and yourself. A pumpkin is a staple of any Halloween celebration, but it is also a curious item to a pet. They will only see this once a year, so it is a new smell, shape and they will wonder why you spent so long with this thing in front of them.

A lit pumpkin will have a flickering candle, which is a huge temptation to cats! Dogs are more likely to wonder if it is something they can eat, or play with. Either way, the risk of a curious nudge means your pet may find themselves with a burn, or knocking a candle over which is a huge fire risk.

Solution: Make sure your pet cannot reach your pumpkin, or if they are too curious, consider using a battery tealight.

We don’t want to appear as fun sponges or overly serious, as we love Halloween too, but these are tips in relation to cases we have seen, and do see every year. Many situations are innocent and can happen to anyone, but we always give danger warnings so you can enjoy an event and not need veterinary care!

That concludes our top 3 tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween.

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Pet blood tests

Graham — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:09:51 +0000

Everything you need to know

As your veterinary practice, our aim is to support you and your pet to help them live happier, healthier lives. Pet blood tests cover all aspects of your pets’ health and these tests are important in helping us diagnose and arrange a treatment plan for your pet. Pet blood tests are not just limited to finding a diagnosis, but also can be part of your pet’s general health care.

A clinical examination with our vets is a great way to determine how healthy your pet is, but sometimes we require confirmation of a suspected disease or condition by looking at your pet’s blood results.

Blood tests at Orchard House Vets allow us to capture an overview of how your pet’s internal organs are functioning, allowing a clearer picture of your pet’s overall health and provide us with key indications for many organs and functions. Although we are an in-home service, we also offer blood testing and other laboratory tests. We use Idexx lab for some of our laboratory work, and normally receive results within 24 hours depending on the test. Their high-tech system allows us to track the process at every stage and keep you informed.

Did you know?

A pet may show no symptoms until 70-75% of their kidney function has been lost.

Blood testing can be extremely beneficial in monitoring the function of your pet’s internal organs, allowing us to identify problems in their earliest stages. This gives us the opportunity to intervene early with a much better likelihood of success in managing the problem.

What happens during a pet blood test?

After our nursing team make a comforting fuss of your pet the following will happen;

your pet is taken to a clinical area where our team position your pet and reassure them whilst the sampling takes place
a patch of fur will be shaved from the area where the blood sample will be taken. The most common areas are the front legs, neck, or occasionally the hind legs.
our trained staff will gently hold your pet and raise the vein whilst the vet or nurse takes the sample

Sampling can usually be done within a few minutes; however, anxious or stressed pets can take a little longer.

Where possible, we may allow you to accompany your pet, but having owners present occasionally makes pets less likely to sit still. If we feel your pet is becoming too stressed, we may recommend a mild sedative for them.

Pets have quite delicate skin, so shaving of fur may occasionally cause some skin irritation, similar to a shaving rash. If this occurs, we will apply a cream to soothe the irritation.

What blood tests are normally carried out?

Our practice is equipped with a high specification blood analyser. It is very important that pet blood test results are interpreted in conjunction with the findings of a thorough veterinary examination alongside any other recommended diagnostic tests.

The results are stored on your pet’s file, and we use these results to keep as a baseline reference range for any future blood work your pet may need.

Example of pet blood tests available:

General health blood test – check organs are functioning well and your pets’ red and white blood cells. This test is used for ill animals to aid diagnosis
Geriatric test – designed to check kidney levels, liver function and blood cells
Specialised kidney tests – designed for pets who have known kidney issues
Specialised heart test – designed for pets who may have a heart condition to aid diagnosis

IDEXX pet blood tests

We work on a daily basis with our external laboratory, IDEXX, which runs more rarely used tests and those which require expensive equipment or unusual reagents. They also have specialist staff whom we can consult to help us in complex cases, ensuring we can make the best recommendation for the treatment of our patients.

Samples are collected and delivered to the laboratory by overnight courier. Depending on the complexity of the test, many of the results are received on the following weekday whilst other rare and complex tests may take longer.

For external laboratory tests, as well as those run on our own ‘in-house’ machines, we will advise you on how soon to expect a call regarding results during the blood sampling appointment.

Non-blood tests

It isn’t just blood that provides an insight into your pet’s health. Samples from lumps and bumps or swabs can aid diagnosis too.

Ear problems – swabs for pets with ongoing ear problems can help us ascertain what organisms are growing and how to treat the infection
Lump samples – taking a sample from lumps can help with diagnosis and indicate whether or not your pet requires surgery to remove the lump.
Faeces samples – not the nicest, but great for pets with on-going diarrhoea helping us to find out what bugs are causing your pets’ issues

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the surgery for more

The post Pet blood tests appeared first on Orchard House.

My dog has eaten rat poison – what should I do?

Graham — Fri, 17 May 2024 11:17:11 +0000

If you suspect your dog has eaten rat poison, it is important to remain calm. Rat poison can be fatal for dogs, cats and all small animals, so it is extremely important to see a veterinary surgeon. Below is information on why rat poison is dangerous to your dog, and what to do in the event of them ingesting it.

Is rat poison harmful to dogs?

Yes. Rat poisons and mouse poisons, also known as rodenticides, are products formulated to kill rodents. These products contain chemicals that are often highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, organ damage, internal bleeding and even death if eaten by your dog. Many modern rodenticides have a palatable flavour to attract animals, and they could look like a tasty snack to bait your pup.

What would rat poison do to a dog?

This depends on the type of poison as there are several different types, and they act differently depending on the poisonous active ingredient they contain. The most common type in the UK is anticoagulant rodenticides, which prevent blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding.

Other varieties include:

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which ultimately causes severe, acute kidney failure
Zinc and aluminium phosphides, which release phosphine gas once in the stomach
Bromethalin, which works to cause brain swelling

As well as these, there are also a number of popular rodent poisons on the market containing the substance called Alphachloralose. This works by depressing the central nervous system and treatment is very different to poisoning by anticoagulant rodenticides.

What to do if a dog eats rat poison?

It is extremely important to call your vet. Rat poisoning in dogs is an emergency and cannot be left to see if improvement is made. Even if you suspect it is a small amount of poison, it is still very important for your dog to be monitored by a vet.

Your vet will want to know as much information as possible in order to identify the type of poison and decide on the best course of treatment. If you can, take note of the following information to tell the vet:

Your dog’s weight
The day and time of exposure
Brand name and manufacturer
Active ingredients and their concentration
Package size
Approximately how much is missing from the pack
Take the packaging with you if possible

What does rat poison look like?

Rodenticides can be found in different forms, such as pellets, blocks, grains, gels, and liquids. Many vary in colour and many of these rat bait products look very similar, making it extremely difficult to identify the type of rat poison based on appearance alone. That’s why it’s vital that you know the exact product your dog has been exposed to so your vet can provide the appropriate treatment.

How to tell if a dog ate rat poison

Symptoms in dogs differs depending on the type of poison they’ve been in contact with. If your dog has eaten an anticoagulant rat poison, they are at risk of internal bleeding, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Signs may not display until around 3-5 days after ingestion, so it’s still vital that your dog receives treatment for rat poisoning, even if they aren’t showing any clinical signs or symptoms.

Signs of internal bleeding can include:

Weakness and lethargy
Vomiting or coughing blood
Nose bleeds
Bleeding from the gums
Bleeding when doing the toilet
Blood in dog poop
Bruising
Breathing difficulties (caused by bleeding into the lungs)

How much rat poison will kill a dog?

The effect of rat poison on dogs depends on the type of poison and the amount consumed. Some toxins are formulated to work gradually after multiple feedings, while other toxins will poison rodents (and other animals) after just one dose. If you think your dog has ingested even a small amount of rat poison, call a vet as soon as possible to minimise the time between exposure and treatment.

Emergency treatment

Find out more about our emergency out of hours service here.

The post My dog has eaten rat poison – what should I do? appeared first on Orchard House.

Periodontal disease in pets

Graham — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:50:34 +0000

Periodontal disease in pets occurs when the tissues that surround teeth become infected and inflamed. Bacterial plaque build-up on the teeth causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) if not removed. Over time, infection and inflammation spread deeper into the tooth sockets, destroying the bone around the tooth roots – meaning teeth may need to be extracted (if they haven’t already fallen out!). The good news is that plaque can be removed with daily dental home care, and gingivitis can be reversed if caught early

My pet’s teeth look clean on visual inspection. Does that mean they don’t have periodontal disease?

It’s not possible to fully assess periodontal disease by simply looking in a pet’s mouth. Some of the damage can only be seen by a vet during a full mouth examination with the pet under general anaesthesia. We recently shared a story from a staff pets dental procedure. You can read that story here, and you will see the exact same situation described here! Poppy appeared to have alright looking teeth for an 11 year old dog but had very smelly breath. When she was examined under sedation her teeth almost began falling out and the procedure revealed that 9 teeth needed to be extracted, well, they basically fell out! She would have been in pain, though showed no signs of pain. It is an interesting case worth reading!

Even if your pet’s teeth look clean, you can’t be sure that they don’t have periodontal disease. Speak to your vet for individual advice.

What are the first signs of periodontal disease?

The first sign of periodontal disease is usually bad breath, which is caused by bacterial build-up in your pet’s mouth. Other symptoms can be present, but smelly breath is usually the number one sign of periodontal disease.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms can appear, including:

Eating and drinking abnormally
Having a strong or unusual reaction to drinking cold water
Developing a selective appetite (e.g. preferring soft foods)
Lack of appetite and weight loss
Rubbing the feet on the face or shaking the head
Abnormal aggressive behaviour

Is bad breath normal in pets?

No – a healthy mouth shouldn’t have bad breath.

Bad breath is caused by chemicals produced by the bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Although most pet owners think bad breath is just a cosmetic problem, research shows that even small amounts of these chemicals are harmful to tissues and play a role in the development of periodontal disease.

Is toothbrushing really that much more effective than dental food/chews?

Yes – brushing daily has been shown to be over three times more effective at controlling plaque compared to a daily dental chew or dental diet. Do be careful with dental chews as many of these chews are a food substitute due to the calorie content. You should reduce that days food intake if you are giving a dental chew and aim for no more than 1 or 2 chews a week. We stock low calorie dental chews which is what we would recommend.

Should I brush my pet’s teeth every day?

The more often you brush your pet’s teeth, the more effective it is. One study found that toothbrushing decreases plaque by 37% if done daily, 25% if done every other day, and 10% if done weekly. Even just once a week has a positive impact, but do try and clean your pets teeth more regularly. We always advise that you make it a part of your bedtime routine after cleaning your own teeth. Just don’t get the toothpaste mixed up! Human toothpaste can be harmful to pets, and pet toothpaste does not taste very nice to humans!

Even if you don’t manage to brush your pet’s teeth every day, it will still have some effect, especially if you combine it with other products like water additives on days you don’t brush.

How can Orchard House Vets help?

We have practices in Hexham, Stocksfield and Bellingham and serve the wider north east community. If you would like an appointment, simply register here, or give one of our friendly team a call. If your pet does need a dental procedure our Well Pet Club offers exclusive savings.

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Dental care for pets

Graham — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:26:24 +0000

Home dental care for pets is very important. You brush your teeth every day; that comes natural to you. But when it comes to brushing our pets teeth it seems that a high majority of us forget to do so. It is believed that 38% of dog owners do not brush their dogs teeth at all, 44% of dog owners occasionally brush their dogs teeth, and only 18% brush at least once a week.

Brushing reduces the build-up of “plaque”, a mixture of food and bacteria. Plaque forms in hours, and it mineralises and becomes rock hard after a few days. Unfortunately teeth brushing is much more effective daily than less frequently. Brushing every week will not reduce the build up of mineralised plaque (calculus).

Dental care for pets reduces the risk of diseases such as: periodontal disease, gingivitis, gum problems and even digestion problems. Undiagnosed dental disease can lead to pain, and complications that can lead to illness or even death. In most cases our pets do not show mouth pain and often do not change their eating habits or appetite. Often the only symptom owners note is bad breath.

Bad breath was the only symptom for veteran staff pet, Poppy. Lovely Poppy has featured on many posts in the past as her owner, Graham, has been part of our Orchard family for 8 years now. Poppy is a Border Terrier and recently turned 11 years old, so she is an older lady! She recently came in for a dental procedure and she is a perfect example of what we have discussed!

This picture shows Poppy’s teeth just days before her dental procedure:

And Poppy’s teeth after her procedure:

So, Poppy. Let’s hear your story! We will be speaking to her owner, her vet, and (perhaps) Poppy herself!

Graham:

“Poppy had smelly breath for around two months prior to her dental procedure. We brushed her teeth weekly (or close to!) for most of her life. She has also had two ‘scale and polish’ procedures in her lifetime. Visually, her teeth looked okay. Perhaps a small amount of plaque here and there, so the cause of the smell was not obvious at first. She saw Jack who noted she perhaps had slight inflammation in her gum so she had a course of antibiotics. As Jack predicted, the smell went away, but came back after the end of the course. Further investigation was needed.

Other than a bad smell, we noticed Poppy had started licking quite a bit, or more than before anyway. She is a tough little Terrier, so she didn’t show obvious signs of pain. This is where I’ll hand over to Jack to explain in more depth, as I’m not a vet…

Jack:

“We often tell clients that we do not know what we will find during a dental surgical procedure until the patient is under anaesthetic and Poppy clearly followed this principle. Poppy presented for smelly breath but, aside from a build up of calculus, no obvious problems were seen when I examined her mouth when she was awake.

We decided that a dental examination under anaesthesia would be the best plan of action. We recommend blood tests for most patients having a general anaesthetic, but this is of greater importance in more senior dogs. Poppy’s bloods were all fine, so we booked her in for a dental investigation under anaesthesia.

Six unstable incisors were identified immediately, which had not been possible to examine when Poppy was conscious. After cleaning and looking over the teeth with a dental probe several x-rays were taken and resorptive disease was identified in several of Poppy’s teeth. This is a common condition in cats but less common in dogs. The body starts dissolving the hard minerals of the teeth. Resorptive disease becomes painful when the dentine and pulp cavity is exposed. Disease can be invisible as problems may only be below the gum line affecting the roots. Poppy’s condition was advanced and the roots of the affected teeth had almost completely become part of the bone.

In the first operation we removed nine teeth. All of the teeth removed would have been causing Poppy pain and she is much better after having had them extracted. We would not have been able to identify and treat these teeth without an examination under anaesthetic. Over to Poppy!”

Poppy:

“My teeth were pretty much white and looked okay, but I had smelly breath. I really thought it would be a simple case of maybe a chipped tooth and a good clean being needed. Even though I was in pain, I can’t tell anyone… Luckily my mum and dad knew the signs to look for, and took me to see Uncle Jack.

I had 9 teeth taken out in total. This was a long operation and I will need to return for 4 further extractions soon. I was eating okay, and drinking okay, and showing no signs of pain. So if I had not had an anaesthetic and Uncle Jack carefully examining my mouth I would still be suffering silently, and with smelly breath! It got to the point that no-one wanted to be near my face, which was horrible for me. I am a licker!

Here are a couple of images of my x-rays, and my teeth after my dental operation. You’ll see one of my teeth has been taken from the X-ray, and if you compare my before and after, I have only a few bottom teeth left!!”.

Dental care for pets

Following these guidelines is a great way to help your dog prevent the need for dental surgery!

Brush your dog’s teeth at least daily with a dog toothbrush and dog safe toothpaste.
A good diet! – Just like in humans, this is important in dental care for pets. There are specialist dental diets for pets with recurrent disease problems.
Dog chews – Be aware that many dog dental chews are high in calories, so adjust your dogs food intake if giving a dental chew!
Never give hard bones / chews – These can easily chip a tooth, or wear down your dog’s teeth.
Consult your vet

During your pets booster vaccination, your vet will always conduct a health check. This includes your dog’s teeth. However, a lot can happen in a year, so we recommend at least seeing your vet every 6 months. The easiest way to do this is to join our Well Pet Club. Your pet’s annual vaccination is included, with a health check, and then a six month health check!

Dental care for pets is very important. Dental procedures are among some of the most lengthy operations seen in a veterinary practice, and can often be expensive. Sometimes operations can’t be avoided, but regular dental care for pets will help reduce the risks and cost.

To summarise:

Dental care for pets is very important. Dental procedures are among some of the most lengthy operations seen in a veterinary practice, and therefore can often be more expensive. Sometimes operations can’t be avoided, we all know that, but keeping on top of dental care for pets will help reduce the risks further down the line.

The post Dental care for pets appeared first on Orchard House.

Brachycephalic cats

Graham — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 08:45:30 +0000

Brachycephalic is a term you may have heard of before. Dogs with flat faces such as pugs and French bulldogs are examples of brachycephalic breeds, and the health issues associated with these breeds are widely known. However, did you know that there are examples of brachycephalic cats, and that these breeds are on the rise? Breeds such as Persian cats and exotic shorthairs are considered brachycephalic cat breeds but they are a result of “human interference”. No cat breed is truly brachycephalic but due to a breeders desire to sell unique looking breeds, they have been overbred and their appearance has been modified over the years.

This leads us to the elephant in the room. Are these brachycephalic cat breeds healthy? Should these breeds be the face of so many cat adverts? And should media be forced to follow the rules surrounding advertising brachycephalic dogs?

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is partnering with European vet bodies to push brands to ban use of brachycephalic cats in their advertising to raise awareness of extreme conformation in cats so images of them are not used for advertising.

Veterinary professionals have seen an increase in the popularity of pedigree breeds with extreme body shapes and features, including flat faces or folded ears, with many owners unaware of the health issues. Numbers of owned cats with health issues has grown because of growing popularity among some celebrities and social media influencers who post pictures with these “expensive and rare” cat breeds. This creates a wave of demand for a similar looking pet, and this creates a wave of overbreeding and adding further issues.

A flat-faced Exotic Shorthair compared to a Domestic Shorthair

What are the health issues surrounding brachycephalic cat breeds?

This selective breeding has been highly detrimental to the health of the cats. Many different problems have been identified that have arisen directly from this selective breeding. These include:

Large protruding eyes with reduced ability to close the eyelids resulting in increased exposure of the cornea: This contributes to exposure keratitis and probably contributes to corneal sequestrum development (to which Persians are predisposed).
Persistent epiphora (ocular discharge) – this occurs because the tear ducts which would normally drain tears into the nose (tears are constantly produced to help protect the eye) have become so deformed with the change of facial shape that it is impossible for tears to drain properly.
Dental disease – the abnormalities of the skull mean that not only is the nose extremely short, the jaws and teeth are affected as well. The teeth no longer align properly in short-nosed Persian cats so they cannot bite and chew properly, predisposing to dental disease
Studies have shown that the degree of brachycephalic is also related to small pelvis size in Persian cats which will contribute to dystocia (difficulty giving birth).
Severe brachycephalic also causes excessive skin folds on the face – this may predispose to bacterial or fungal skin infections, and may also contribute to the development of idiopathic facial dermatitis in Persians (see Feline acne and stud tail)
Brachycephalic airway syndrome – this is where affected cats have difficulty breathing due to a very narrow external opening of the nose (stenotic nares), narrow nasal passages or nasopharynx, and/or due to a relatively long soft palate – in some cases the breathing difficulties can be severe.

All of these consequences from breeding cats with marked brachycephalic are clearly very detrimental to the health and welfare of the cat.

We are a cat friendly practice with over 25 years of service to the Tyne Valley, Northumberland and North-East of England. Our experienced veterinary team are here to help. If you are looking at rescuing or purchasing a cat and would like to have a chat about the specific breed, or to discuss what you need to know for welcoming a cat into your life, book an appointment with us today.

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Pet health checks

Graham — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:00:51 +0000

Pet health checks are an important part of pet ownership. Your pet will receive a health check during a booster vaccination, so that is at least once a year. We recommend every 6 months and that is why our Well Pet Club is great value, as it includes a health check with the booster vaccination, and then a health check 6 months later. You may have come across a saying that most vets use, and that is “prevention is better than the cure”. It is a very true statement, and by keeping your pet up to date with the basic vitals, you are well on your way to being on the right side of that statement!

How many of the below statements can you answer as ‘yes’ to?

	Yes	No	Unsure
My pet has received a health check in the last 12 months
My pet is up to date with a booster vaccination
My pet is up to date with preventative treatment
My pet’s microchip details are correct
My details are correct with my vet
I know my pet’s insurance details

My pet has received a routine blood test before
My pet has received a urine test before
My pet has had a dental check up in the last 2 years
My pet has had a nurse consultation in the last 2 years

If you are unsure when your pet last had any of the above, or you are interested in any of our services then please just get in touch with us. We can check your details, or when you were last seen, or if your pet is due any treatment.

Blood tests:

It is much more common for blood tests to be used when health issues arise, or operations are scheduled. However, blood and urine tests can be part of your pet’s routine health check, in fact, we would recommend it! We can tell a lot from a simple blood test, and sometimes we can get the earliest indication that something isn’t quite right.

Dental check ups

Although we do check your pet’s teeth during a vaccination consultation, it is important that if you notice any obvious pain when eating, or bad smells coming from your pet’s mouth that they get a health check.

Nurse consultations

The most common nurse consultation is ‘weight checks’. Keeping a healthy weight is so important to the wellbeing of your pet. Our nurses can advise you on diets and general weight related health advice. If you have noticed your pet has gained a bit of weight you can book in to see one of our nurses who will perform a weight score and see if adjustments can be made to help reduce your pets weight.

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Blue-green algae danger

Graham — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:50:45 +0000

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take steps to keep their dogs safe when walking near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth. Whilst we are not aware of any local cases, it is important to stay vigilant.

What is blue-green algae

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities. The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds.

Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.

The warning comes after several recent news reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers around the UK, including the Lake District and Shetland islands. Sadly, at the beginning of the month, it was reported that four dogs in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and one dog in Conwy, Wales died after possible contact with blue-green algae.

Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it. Or, you can report it by going to irecord.

If blue-green algae is reported, it is common for signs to appear or for local group pages to make others aware, but this is not always the case. If you are unsure of the area, we would recommend keeping your dogs on a lead near the body of water.

Being aware of the symptoms is also vital as there is no known antidote for the toxins and prompt treatment is so important to help give your dog a chance of recovery. Symptoms can be quite sudden, even within minutes of exposure, but more commonly symptoms are seen within a few hours of exposure.

How do I identify blue-green algae?

The blooms can look like blue or green paint spilled into the water, a blue or green coloured crust along the shoreline, thick puffy blue or green foams on the surface of the water (scums), or swirling colours beneath the surface of the water. Toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify, and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously unwell. It can even be fatal. It is very important to research an area, especially if it is a new area to you, before walking there.

Symptoms of blue-green algae include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Drooling
Disorientation
Trouble breathing
Seizures
Blood in faces

If you notice these symptoms suddenly, then it is important to speak to us as soon as possible, especially if you have been in an area of known blue-green algae, or your dog has been in a body of water very recently.

Top tips for pet owners

Look out for any warning signs near water bodies.
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors.

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Heat exhaustion dangers

Graham — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:37:16 +0000

Heat exhaustion is caused by dogs over-heating, be it in hot weather, or from over-excising. A little known fact is that walking dogs in hot weather could be as deadly leaving them in a hot car

We are blessed in Hexham, Stocksfield and Bellingham with beautiful countryside, lovely parks and great dog walks. The animal welfare coalition that coined the iconic ‘dogs die in hot cars’ welfare warning says that exercising dogs on hot days could be equally fatal for the nation’s pets. The warning comes as the UK heads towards summer season and temperatures begin to rise.

A survey by the British Veterinary Association after 2022’s record-breaking summer found that while around 1 in 10 (9%) vets in small animal practice had seen at least one dog affected by the heat exhaustion after being left in a hot car, almost four times as many vets (38%) had seen at least one dog affected by the heat after being walked or exercised in hot weather.

In addition, the RSPCA reports the number of visits to its hot weather advice pages saw a 650% increase compared with the previous year.

For many of us, the start of warmer weather means we can spend more time outdoors in the sunshine. However, warm weather also comes with the increased risk to our dogs. Thanks to years of campaigning, public awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars is well understood. However, exercising dogs in hot weather can also present a huge risk of heat exhaustion to our beloved animals and can be just as deadly.

This is why every single dog owner needs to be savvy as we enter summer, and be mindful of potential harm caused to dogs by more strenuous or sustained exercise on warmer days.

All breeds and types of dog are at risk but those with underlying health conditions, especially ones affecting their breathing, and older or elderly dogs can overheat more easily, as well as overweight dogs, dogs with thick or double coats, and some large and flat-faced breeds.

The extension of the campaign to warn that dogs die on hot walks now aims to empower pet owners to learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs so they can seek veterinary help as soon as possible, and the group has already begun to spread its additional key message: ‘If in doubt, don’t go out.’

What are the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs?

Excessive panting that doesn’t stop when the dog rests.
Difficulty breathing, especially if there is unusual noise or any blue/grey tinge to gums or tongue.
Unusual tiredness – becoming tired sooner than normal.
Changes in behaviour – lying down more frequently and stumbling.
Less keen to play.

What should I do if I spot these signs?

Stop the dog from running or playing around
Move them into the shade
Give them small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water
Lay them in room-temperature (not ice cold) water and/or pour it over them
Call your vet for advice immediately

Important things to note

Always place the back of your hand on concrete for 5 seconds before going for a walk in hot weather. If the ground feels hot or hurts your hand, then it could potentially burn your dogs pad.
Do not go jogging with your pet in hot weather.
Always provide shade in your garden and never leave dogs in fully exposed sun spots.
If you must walk your dog during hot spells, choose very early morning or later in the evening when it is much cooler. It can still be significantly warmer than normal, so restrict too much running if the weather is still warm.

If you suspect your pet is becoming ill due to heatstroke then please call us immediately.

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Senior pet care

Graham — Fri, 12 May 2023 11:04:41 +0000

Caring for Your Senior Pet: Keeping Them Happy and Healthy in Their Golden Years

Have you noticed your senior pet slowing down, behaving differently, or starting to look a little older? Just like us, pets go through natural changes as they age. While this is a normal part of life, it’s important to adapt how we care for them so they can continue to live comfortably, happily, and healthily for as long as possible.

On average, dogs live around 12 years, cats about 14 years, and rabbits roughly 6 years. However, many pets go well beyond these averages—we’ve even seen rabbits reach an impressive 11 years old! By giving your pet the right care and attention, you can make sure they enjoy their mature years to the fullest.

Keeping Your Senior Pet Comfortable

As pets get older, their bodies and energy levels naturally change. Making a few adjustments at home can help your pet stay comfortable day to day:

Plenty of rest: Senior pets need more downtime. Give them a quiet space with a soft, supportive bed that’s away from draughts and household noise.
Toilet breaks: Your pet may need to go to the toilet more frequently. While this is often normal, sudden changes in toilet habits should always be checked by a vet.
Easy access: Keep essentials like food, water, and bedding close by so your pet doesn’t have to struggle to reach them.
Safe footing: Slippery floors can be challenging for older pets. Adding rugs or mats will help your pet move around safely and confidently.

Feeding a Senior Pet

Nutrition is especially important as your pet ages. Their dietary needs change, and feeding them appropriately can make a big difference to their health and quality of life.

Specialist diets: Many pet food brands offer specific life-stage diets tailored to senior pets. These diets are designed to support joints, maintain a healthy weight, and aid digestion. If you’re unsure which food is best, our veterinary nurses and vets can advise.
Monitor food and water intake: A pet that suddenly eats less, drinks more, or loses weight could have an underlying medical condition. Keep an eye on their eating habits and contact us if you notice any changes.
Separate feeding areas: In multi-pet households, make sure your pet has access to their food without competing with younger pets.

Changing Needs

Even though they may slow down, senior pets still need stimulation and regular activity to stay happy and healthy.

Exercise: For dogs, short but frequent walks help maintain mobility and prevent weight gain.
Enrichment: Toys, puzzle feeders, and gentle games provide mental stimulation for all pets.
Grooming: Regular grooming sessions help you bond with your pet, keep their coat in good condition, and allow you to check for lumps, bumps, or sore spots. We recommend Dotty Dogs Grooming Salon.
Warmth: Dogs especially may benefit from a coat in cold or wet weather, as senior pets often feel the chill more.
Mobility support: If your pet struggles with stairs or rising from bed, ask us about treatments or supplements that can help.

Health and Welfare

Older pets may experience gradual changes to their senses and general wellbeing. Being aware of these changes helps you adapt their care.

Vision and hearing: If your senior pet doesn’t respond as well as before, they could be losing their hearing or eyesight. A vet check can confirm this and offer advice on management.
Nail care: Senior pets often exercise less, which means their nails don’t wear down naturally. They may need trimming more often, which our vet nurses can do for you.
Behaviour changes: Confusion, restlessness, or anxiety shouldn’t be dismissed as “just old age.” These can be signs of treatable conditions—please mention them to us.

How Orchard House Vets Can Support Your Senior Pet

Our team is here to support you and your senior pet every step of the way. We can carry out thorough health checks, run in-house blood and urine tests, and recommend treatments tailored to your pet’s individual needs.

Routine check-ups are especially valuable for senior pets. Much like a health clinic for people, these checks allow us to detect potential problems early and monitor your pet’s wellbeing behind the scenes.

If you notice changes in your senior pet’s behaviour, appetite, or mobility, don’t wait—early intervention can make a big difference.

Preventative Health

Sometimes owners think preventative care—like vaccinations or parasite treatment—isn’t necessary once their pet reaches old age. In fact, preventative health is just as important for senior pets, unless a vet advises otherwise.

Our Well Pet Club makes keeping up with preventative care simple and cost-effective. Membership includes:

Annual health check and booster
A second check-up six months later
Year-round preventative treatments
Free nurse clinics, including nail clips

Starting at just £9 a month, it’s a great way to keep your senior pet’s healthcare up to date while spreading the cost.

In Summary

Growing older is part of life, but with the right care, your senior pet can continue to live comfortably and happily. By making small adjustments at home, feeding an age-appropriate diet, and keeping up with regular vet checks, you can ensure they thrive in their golden years.

At Orchard House Vets, we’re dedicated to supporting you and your senior pet every step of the way. If you have any concerns, or simply want advice on caring for your older companion, give us a call—we’re always here to help.

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Adder bites in dogs

Graham — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:01:56 +0000

Adder bites in dogs are quite rare and whilst we are lucky in Northumberland to be surrounded by beautiful countryside, the adder is a rarely seen but ever present member of our countryside. Every year, we see an increase in the number of dogs who are bitten by the only venomous snake native to the UK, the European adder (Vipera berus).

The adder is a relatively small, stocky snake that prefers woodland, heathland and moorland habitats. It hunts lizards and small mammals, as well as ground-nesting birds. Adult adders are roughly 50-60cm long and have a black/brown zigzag pattern along their back and V or X shaped marking on the back of the head.

Adders are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; this means that it is an offence to kill, harm, injure, sell or trade them.

Kielder forest, the North Tyne and Slaley forest have a known number of adders, and they are of course popular dog walks in Northumberland and Tynedale. Adder bites in dogs happen more than you may think which can be surprising as many of us have never seen an adder before.

We stock anti-venom at our vets in Hexham, Stocksfield and Bellingham. However, if you are travelling away from the area please be aware that not all vets stock anti-venom, so if you are travelling to an area with forest and grassland that you know who your nearest stockist of anti-venom is.

If you are think that your dog may have been bitten by an adder, please contact us as soon as possible.

Is my dog likely to be bitten?

Whilst it is rare, we see around a dozen or so cases of adder bites in dogs cases every year. Snakes generally only bite in self-defence, so normally bites occur when a snake is stepped on or disturbed by your dog. Puppies and young dogs can be especially curious and can unintentionally provoke an adder into biting.

The majority of snake bites in Northumberland seem to occur between April and July, most commonly in the afternoon when the adders are most active. Bite cases are most commonly seen in woodland and grassland, but do be aware adders are known to be around the Northumberland coast too.

What are the symptoms of adder bites in dogs?

Adder bites can result in swelling around the wound, usually within a couple of hours, and this can be severe. You might be able to see the 2 puncture wounds in the centre of the swelling but this is not always possible.

Other than swelling your dog may show others signs of an adder bite, such as;

Pain
Bleeding
Bruising
Lameness and may appear nervous.

If you suspect your dog has been bitten by an adder it is very important that you remain calm and keep them as still and as calm as possible. Venom spreads quicker when a heart rate is increased, so stillness and being calm is very important.

How serious is adder bites in dogs, and how long will my dog take to recover?

Adder venom when absorbed into the rest of the body can cause a widespread inflammatory reaction leading to symptoms such as fever, lethargy, drooling, increased heart and respiratory rates, vomiting and a wobbly gait. In severe cases animals may collapse, have blood clotting problems, organ failure, tremors or convulsions. Adder bites most commonly occur on a dog’s legs or face. If your dog is bitten on the face, it could lead to swelling of the face and muzzle and may result in breathing difficulties.

The severity of the clinical signs and the speed of recovery can vary and depends on:

The speed of veterinary treatment (It is important to tell your vet the bite location if known, how long ago the bite happened, and any changes in your pet)
The location of the bite
The size of the patient (small patients can be more severely affected)
The amount and potency of the venom
The amount the patient moves after it’s been bitten
Any pre-existing disease within the patient (this may make them more likely to develop severe clinical signs)

We have an emergency out of hours veterinary service and each of our practices stock anti-venom. Please call us immediately if you suspect your dog has been bitten by an adder.

Are only dogs affected?

No! – Whilst adder bites in dogs is much more common, we do see the occasional cat who has wandered into the path of an adder. So whilst you cannot control where your cat wanders if they are an outdoor feline, but you can follow the same advice as above, and remember as a cat is smaller than most dogs that contacting your vet as soon as possible is very important.

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What do Vet Nurses do?

Graham — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 10:36:54 +0000

Just about everything! Vet nurses are a staple to the vet practice and they offer many services which a client would not see, but they also offer clinics which can be a great benefit to you, our clients.

It can be easy to forget when you take an animal to the vets that there is a whole team of people, beyond the veterinary surgeon, working to help you and your animal. One you should be familiar with is a veterinary nurse. However, you may not be familiar with nurse clinics, a separate consultation from a purely veterinary one.

Different to that of veterinary clinics (though they often work in tandem), vet nurses can offer a more personal chat about your animal and their welfare. We look at what our vet nurse clinics do, their roles, and some things to consider before you book a nurse clinic. The next time you have to bring your pet into us, consider whether a nurse clinic would be more helpful to you.

What is a Nurse Clinic?

A nurse clinic is operated by one of our veterinary nurses. Unlike a vet, who is usually seen when your animal is poorly or for routine veterinary care, our nurse clinics are more focussed on preventative care. This means that the nurses will work with you to devise the optimum healthcare, welfare, environment and life for your pet, to prevent the sort of diseases that require help from a veterinary surgeon.

We encourage our clients to make use of our nursing team as animals quickly form bonds to people, so seeing a nurse more regular is obviously a lot easier than seeing a vet. It’s important to remember that if your pet spends 6 hours with us, they’ll see the vet for a very small amount of that time, they will however see the vet nurse for the entire time they are with us.

It is best to get started from when you first get your animal, and continued until they are elderly, as care requirements will change as your animal gets older. Common areas focused on are weight gain/loss, helping maintain mobility in elderly patients, advice for first time owners, care of puppies or kittens, behavioural training, keeping up flea and worming, and improving dental hygiene.

A vet nurse doesn’t just look after your pet when they are healthy, but also when they are in need of veterinary care, such as post-surgery or during an illness. Vet nurses will be advised by the vet surgeon on post-operative care, and a plan for recovery. It is normally the vet nurse who will give you this advice, plus pain management advice.

For example, our vets may ask you to change your pet’s feeding, exercise, or environment, as well as to administer drugs. This can be a lot to take in, so visiting a nurse clinic regularly after seeing a vet can help make sure you are doing the best you can to get your pet well again. Regular reminders to administer medication too are always useful, and any questions you may have on welfare can be answered by our nurses.

There are a number of minor procedures our nurses can perform as well, including clipping nails, removing matted fur, giving microchips, emptying anal glands, treating parasites, and so on. If you are only bringing your pet in for one of these, ask if a nurse could do it instead, to save the time of the veterinary surgeons, and to give you a chance to check your animal’s welfare. Nurse clinics are 20 minute appointments also, but cheaper than a vet appointment!

The Benefits of Nurse Clinics

Visiting our nurse clinics has a number of benefits to you and your pet, the biggest being that you can have a double check that everything you are doing is suitable for your pet, and if not, what you can do to improve things. Our main goal is always to improve animal welfare, so having a nurse work with you as an individual owner to improve welfare will always yield some results. Even experienced owners may find something they can change, or discover new ideas.

As mentioned above, vet nurse clinics are also great for post-operative care. It may be a lot to take in during a veterinary consultation, post-operation, so seeing one of our nurses soon after means you can ask about anything you are unsure of, and discuss a plan to manage healthcare from that point. Nurses can also administer drugs that have been prescribed by a vet, so if you are having trouble getting those tablets down a grumpy cat’s throat, a nurse clinic may help you learn the best technique.

During this stressful time, regular care may be forgotten in favour of the post-operative care, so seeing a nurse who can talk about maintaining walks, grooming or anything else may make the job easier.

A Vet Nurse vs a Vet – Some Considerations

While vet nurse clinics are a great and essential part of our veterinary practice, there are a few considerations you should make before booking one. The main thing to remember is that a nurse is not a vet – as such, they cannot legally diagnose your animal. If your animal is looking unwell, or injured, a nurse can only advise you see a vet, so it is better to see a vet in the first place. Should a nurse notice something during their consult, they will also refer you to the vet. Try not to push for an answer from them, as their role is not to diagnose illness.

A nurse also cannot prescribe drugs, meaning you cannot bring your sick animal into a nurse clinic and expect to receive drugs afterwards – in this case too, a vet must be seen. This extends to regular patients who might want to change a drug or dose. A nurse cannot change a prescription without seeing a vet first. By all means, discuss the drug, what it does, the best way to administer it, and so on. However, just be aware any changes will have to be made by a vet.

Vet Nurses – A true professional

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Mental health and pets

Graham — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:48:10 +0000

Many of us know about the joys and impact our pets have on our lives, many of us are unaware of just how many mental health benefits having a pet can bring us. Over time pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to human behaviour and emotions. For example, dogs are now able to understand many words of the human language as well as our body language and even the emotion in our tone of voice. So how else can our pets help and understand us?

Loneliness

Loneliness can affect many of us and can be a huge driving factor in our mental health. One way pets can improve our mental health is by providing companionship. Pets not only offer a sense of security and company, but they can also be a great source of conversation and an easy crutch when making new friends.

Research has found that animals help build social connections in both children, teens and adults. This is because they can help relieve social anxiety. It was also found that children who shared an emotional attachment to their dogs found it easier to build relationships with other people.

Confidence

Research has found that pet owners have improved well-being, are more physically fit, are less fearful, and are more extroverted/confident. The results depicted that pets can help adolescents feel more confident and can also help them to feel better after experiencing rejection. Similarly, a report conducted by the Pet Health Council, corroborated that children who grew up around pets had higher confidence and self-esteem as they could confide in their animals.

Healthy Habits

Alongside, acting as emotional support, pets can also help create healthy habits and help build routines, which again can help improve mental health. Pet care helps to support our own self-care, for example, studies have found that teens who groom horses for Equine Assisted Therapy were also better at remembering the importance of their own self-care and health needs.

Not only this but some pets, in particular dogs, are a great motivation for keeping fit and making us spend more time in nature. Most pets also require feeding first thing in the morning or on a regular schedule – this is a great reason to be motivated to get up and start the day, no matter what mood you are in. Having this sense of purpose and daily routine can help us feel more grounded and focused.

Mental Health Recovery

Pets are also great to help people recovering from mental health issues. Studies have found that playing and petting your pet (even just for 5 minutes) can raise our serotonin and dopamine level. Both these ‘happy hormones’ help calm, and relax the nervous system.

Research has looked into how dogs, cats, hamsters, goldfish, and finches affect the well-being of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. Overall, it was ascertained that pets helped their owners manage their emotions and offered a distraction from symptoms.

Last but not least, pets provide unconditional love. This kind of unconditional love is great for mental health and can stimulate the brain to release dopamine – making you happier and healthier!

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