Vet consultation
Our Consulting Services:
At Orchard House veterinary practice we offer our clients longer surgery consultations to give us ample opportunity to properly understand and discuss the health concerns of our clients and their pets.
Our highly experienced clinicians take the time to outline the range of effective medical options and procedures available.
If we feel your pet requires more specialist care we refer to local referral centres including Moorview Veterinary Referrals, Wear Referrals, Veterinary Vision as well as Glasgow and Edinburgh Veterinary Schools. We can also provide a second veterinary opinion, in these cases we will always request full clinical history ahead of the appointment.
Your vet consultation
Our appointments are 20 minutes so your experience is more personal. Our friendly Veterinary Surgeons will discuss all your concerns and of course care for your pet as if they were our pet!
Service Price
Vet Consultation (Dog, Cat & Rabbit) £55.80
Post-operative consultion (first appt free then) £55.80
Medication review £48.00
Small Animal (Hamster, Guinea pig) £45.00
Nurse Consultation £27.50
Nurse clinic with nail clip / empty anal glands £22.00
Emergency Out Of Hours Consultation
We hope you never need to see our Veterinary Surgeons out of hours, but in the event that you need us, we are here for you. Our veterinary surgeons cover our own on call between the hours of 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
If you have an emergency, please call 01434 607677 immediately.
**Important information regarding Out Of Hours (as of 24.09.2024)**
Between the hours of 10.01pm and 6.59am our emergency out of hours service is provided by Moorview Referrals, a Veterinary Referrals Centre in Cramlington. Moorview Referrals is a dedicated 24 hour referral and emergency centre with overnight care facilities.
Please ring our usual emergency number (01434 607677) between 10.01pm and 6.59am. Your call will be transferred to Moorview Referrals via our call handling service. Please note, there maybe occasions when your call is passed to Moorview Referrals before 10pm.
Service Price
Consultation outside of normal consulting hours £108.00
Vet attendance 8am-10pm £168.00
Vet attendance 10pm-8am N/A
Non-registered out of hours client surcharge £80.00
Home visits are available, prices available on request
Nurse Appointments
Our fully qualified veterinary nurses offer an extensive range of services that complement our veterinary care. Our nurses and are on hand to answer any question you may have and offer:
- Weight clinics and weight loss programmes
- Nail clipping and anal glands
- Parasite prevention advice
- Post-operative checks
- General pet advice
Vet Consultation FAQs
How often should I take my pet for a vet consultation?
Generally, it's recommended to take even healthy pets for a wellness check-up once a year, typically this is combined with your yearly booster. However, pets with chronic conditions or those more at risk may need more frequent visits.
Are the cost of vet consultations covered by pet insurance?
Every insurance policy is different, and whether the cost of your consultation and treatment will depend on your coverage and your policy excess.
What happens during a vet consultation?
During the consultation, the vet will perform a physical examination of your pet including checking their paws, skin and teeth, look at their medical history, and any current symptoms.
The vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work or X-rays, or even dental care treatment, but they will discuss their findings with you and suggest options.
Can I stay with my pet during the examination?
In most cases, yes, you can stay with your pet during the examination and this will not only help to keep your pet calm, but will also allow you to discuss concerns directly with the vet.
What should I do if my pet is anxious during the consultation?
If your pet is particularly anxious during their consultation, the vet can use techniques to help calm them, such as a gentle approach, treats, or pheromone sprays. Some pets might benefit from anxiety medications prescribed before the visit.
What if my pet needs specialised care?
If your pet needs specialised care, the veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary specialist, such as a cardiologist, dermatologist, or surgeon, who has advanced training in specific areas.
In most cases, we can provide this care in house, however, with some health issues, we may recommend a referral for your pet.
What should I do after the vet consultation?
Follow the veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes. Schedule any follow-up appointments if needed, and monitor your pet for any changes in their condition.
How do I get in touch with the veterinarian if I have questions after the consultation?
Our team is available to offer you expert advice year round. So, if you have any follow up questions or concerns after your vet consultation, don't hesitate to call our practice.
Do you provide home visits for vet consultations
In some cases, one of our vets can visit you in your own home. However, it's important to remember that many treatments will need to be conducted in a veterinary practice. If you're interested in a home visit for your pet, contact our team for more information.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency?
If your pet has a medical emergency, contact our emergency team immediately.
How do I know if my pet’s condition is an emergency?
Signs of a pet emergency include difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden collapse, seizures, or ingestion of toxic substances. If in doubt, it’s best to contact our practice anyway for peace of mind.