If you are looking to book a cat vaccination, please be aware that there is an ongoing shortage of some cat vaccines affecting all UK Veterinary practices. Find out more here.

Our Pet Clinics

We offer a range of clinics to help you and your pet

Book online for Wellness/Seniors, Juniors, Dental, Weight, Pre neutering and Pet Planning Clinics, as well as for post-operative checks, microchipping, anal glands and nail clipping.

For Arthritis, Diabetic, Kidney and Behaviour Clinics please call us on 01525 373329.

Appointments with our qualified Veterinary Nurses are available every day and are very popular.

Our Nurses will clip nails, remove sutures, insert microchips, change dressings and bandages and administer worming treatments. They also perform second vaccinations.

In addition to the general nursing appointments our nursing team of 7 offer Junior Clinics, Wellness/Senior ClinicsDental Clinics and Weight Watchers clinics.

Debbie Culley RVN also offers specialised Arthritis Clinics and is available for consultation as part of our Behaviour Service. She runs our immensely popular Puppy Playgroups on Wednesdays.

Our nurses also coordinate our Well Pet Blood testing and are available to advise you on any aspect of your pet’s wellbeing.

Book An Appointment
  • Arthritis Clinic
  • Dental Clinic
  • Diabetic Clinic
  • Junior Health Consults
  • Wellness/Senior Health Consults
  • Kidney Clinics
  • Weight Watchers Clinic

Arthritis Clinic

Osteoarthritis is a common problem, particularly in our older pets. About 70% of both dogs and cats will have some degree of arthritis by the age of 8 years. In dogs, 4 out of 5 older pets are affected. Sometimes the early signs can be very subtle. Over time the signs will get more noticeable, as the discomfort increases.

Each animal’s needs can be different and there are a variety of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help. Changes to weight, diet, exercise and medication can all be of huge benefit, and enable your dog or cat to live a happy, comfortable life for much longer.

If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis please book a complimentary appointment with Debbie Culley our Pet Health Adviser who runs our Arthritis Clinics to discuss the many ways in which we can help your pet to live with this disease.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a term for inflammation in one or more joints. This causes stiffness, pain and discomfort, particularly after resting. Wear and tear throughout your pet’s life can damage the cartilage covering of their joints, leaving areas on the underlying bone exposed. New, irregular bone may develop around the joint, which becomes sore, swollen and inflamed, and the range of movement may be reduced.

Joints that have been damaged in a previous injury are especially prone to becoming arthritic a few years down the line. Dogs with specific problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia often also start showing signs of arthritis at a surprisingly young age.

Why is it important?

Once arthritis has started, it cannot be cured, but if we notice the signs early and manage it carefully, we can slow down the progression of the disease and greatly reduce the symptoms.

Animals can’t grumble about their aches and pains, but arthritis causes ongoing pain in our dogs and cats, in the same way that it does in people.  It is important to recognise the problem so that it can be addressed, to allow your pet to have a good quality of life.

What are the tell-tale signs?

  • Limping or stiffness (even just for a few steps), especially after a period of rest.
  • Difficulty with stairs.
  • Becoming less keen to go for walks.
  • Playing less.
  • Trouble getting to his or her feet.
  • Excessive licking of limbs or feet.
  • Change in character (anxious, restless, withdrawn, clingy or grumpy).
  • Change in appetite.
  • Panting in dogs.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Examination by a veterinary surgeon together with the owner’s description of the symptoms, is often all that is needed to diagnose arthritis and identify which joints are affected.  X-rays may be recommended to give extra information, confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems.

My pet has arthritis – what should I do?

Firstly, we recommend you book a free appointment at our Arthritis Clinic to chat about all the things you can do. They include:

Check your pet’s weight

Even being slightly overweight has a big effect on the symptoms and progression of arthritis, by putting more strain on the joints. Ask a vet or nurse for advice on the correct weight for your pet. We run ‘weight watchers’ clinics free of charge for overweight pets, where we can devise a structured weight loss programme.

Exercise sensibly

Short, frequent walks (several times a day) for dogs will keep them mobile without making them more sore or stiff. It is important for them to do some exercise to stop them getting overweight or losing muscle tone. Gentle play is good for both dogs and cats.

Check your pet’s diet

Is it appropriate for their age? Some diets contain higher levels of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and supplements specially aimed at pets with joint problems. Please speak to a vet or nurse for more information.

Discuss with your vet whether medication is needed

The choice of drug is carefully considered to suit each individual pet. Sometimes all that is required is a dietary supplement such as glucosamine and chondroitin (which helps to protect and rebuild joint cartilage). Sometimes anti-inflammatory painkillers or a course of injections may be more appropriate. There are also some useful herbal diet supplements. One of the vets will be happy to discuss all the options with you in detail.

Acupuncture

This is very useful to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. It can be used alongside medication or may be sufficient on its own. Acupuncture is performed at Ark House Veterinary Surgery by Sarah Priggen, a Veterinary Surgeon who has received training in Acupuncture. Please ask for further information.

Hydrotherapy

This can enable a pet to exercise without putting weight on the painful joints, helping them to become more mobile and less painful. It can reduce muscle wasting and can also help with weight control. There are several hydrotherapy facilities in the area, please ask for further information.

Small alterations can make your pet’s life much easier

Dogs may appreciate a ramp to help them get in and out of the car, non-slip flooring and a special orthopaedic bed. Cats may need help with grooming, an easily accessed, low sided litter tray, and furniture positioned to make it easy for them to get to their favourite places (e.g. a chair next to the window to allow a couple of easy jumps onto the windowsill, rather than one big leap).

Dental Clinic

Dental care is as important for pets as it is for us

Without regular brushing we should all expect our pets to get some level of dental disease. Imagine if you didn’t brush your teeth:

  • How badly would your breath smell?
  • How dirty would they look?
  • How much dental treatment might you need?

Why should your pet visit the dental clinic?

  • 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three need dental treatment.
  • Many loving pet owners don’t realise the extent of their pet’s disease – after all it’s a hard place to look at.

What’s the problem?

Dental disease is a health and welfare issue. Poor dental hygiene in pets can, just as in humans trigger a series of health problems:

  • Pain of toothache. Pain often goes unnoticed because pets carry on eating even when in pain.
  • Inflamed gums (Gingivitis) and of the deeper periodontal space (Periodontal disease) leads to the spread of bacteria from the mouth through the blood stream to affect other organs such as the kidneys and heart valves.
  • In addition, little showers of bacteria are carried into the lungs with every breath.
  • Bad breath or ‘halitosis’ may be noticed.

What are we looking for?

When we examine your pet’s teeth we are looking for:

  • Redness of the gums associated with inflammation
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose or fractured teeth
  • Calculus or ‘tartar’ build up on the teeth
  • Pus in the pockets around the teeth
  • Swelling of the face and gums
  • Fur staining

How can it be prevented?

  • Brushing with pet toothpaste and appropriate toothbrushes is the best – after all, that’s what we do ourselves.
  • There are also special chews, foods, plaque reducers and other ways to reduce your pet’s chance of developing serious dental disease.
  • We can advise you on the best way of protecting your pet at your free dental check-up.

How can it be treated?

  • A tooth is like an iceberg – most of it is under the gum. Dental x-rays allow us to see the ‘whole tooth’ – particularly important in cats who are very likely to develop FRLs or ‘holes’ in the teeth below the gum. Dental x-rays are routinely performed in cats and as appropriate in dogs.
  • Diseased teeth need extracting – oral surgery.
  • Sound teeth need the tartar removing and polishing.

What is the likely cost of treatment?

To ensure dental treatment is accessible we now run a popular Dental Fixed Price Offer all year round. This includes:

  • Pre-operative blood screening
  • General anaesthetic
  • Dental x-rays
  • Professional examination of the mouth
  • Scale and Polish
  • Oral surgery for extractions *
  • Post-operative check
  • Antibiotics and Pain relief as required
  • Intravenous fluids as required

There are 3 tiers:

  • Routine scale and polish
    £324 (Paws Club) £360 (non-members)

  • Band A – Up to and including 3 extractions
    £481.50 (Paws Club) or £535 (non-members)

  • Band B – More than 3 extractions
    £661.50 (Paws Club) or £735 (non-member)

*Please note advanced oral surgery will incur an extra cost – your vet will advise you if this is likely.

How do I book my pet for a dental check?

Call us on 01525 373329 or book online.

Diabetic Clinic

A support service for our diabetic patients and their owners

Diabetes mellitus is a surprisingly common disease in both cats and dogs.

Therapy includes daily insulin treatment and monitoring, some diet and lifestyle changes and regular check-ups to look for possible urine infections and changes in weight, as well as proactive disease management.

To be told that you need to inject your pet once or twice daily can be a little daunting, but with our support we know that many pet owners settle into a comfortable routine with their furry friend. Our new Diabetes Clinics offer guidance and support both for owners beginning their journey with a diabetic pet, as well as for seasoned injectors!

What happens at the clinic?

At the free clinic, which is bookable throughout the day, our qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse Sophie Green will assess your pet’s weight, treatment, routine, lifestyle, diet and medicine handling. Any concerns can be discussed, and a personalised plan is then made. You will always see the same person, as Sophie is the Diabetic Clinic Coordinator, so your pet’s individual circumstances can be fully taken into account. We’ve found that many of the hiccups in treating diabetic pets can be prevented both by regular monitoring and excellent communication between pet owners and the veterinary team. For this reason, we know Diabetic Clinics have been a really positive addition to our range of Nursing Clinics.

Diabetic Clinics are now available to book Monday – Saturday with Sophie Green RVN. Please call 01525 373329.

Junior Health Consults

Junior consultations are complimentary for all puppies aged around 7-9 months and kittens and bunnies at around 6 months.

Once your cute bundle is out of that baby stage, thundering through teenage times and approaching adulthood, we recommend you bring him or her along to the Surgery for a junior check-up.

The consultation is designed to give you time to chat about any problems you may have and to give you advice on the best way to make sure that he or she continues to develop into a well-adjusted, healthy, happy adult.

In addition, all clients attending will be given a discount voucher for use if your pet is neutered.

Junior Checks are performed by our Registered Qualified Veterinary Nurses who have around 40 years of experience between them!

They will be happy to give you advice on any health-related issues such as neutering, worming, dental care, diet and coat health as well as behaviour or training issues.

Adolescence is a very important stage in your pet’s life, and it is vital that we
continue to keep on the right track towards adulthood.

Please telephone the Surgery on 01525 373329 to make an appointment for a junior check-up or Book Online.

Wellness/Senior Health Consults

Wellness/Senior consultations are complimentary and are offered to all dogs aged 7yrs and older and all cats 9yrs and over.

Dogs and cats are now living much longer than they used to and it is not unusual for cats to reach 20 years old and dogs 15. As our pets reach middle age and beyond it is wise to keep an eye out for potential health problems that are better tackled in the early stages. Prompt attention to any problems help to smooth the way for a fit and happy middle and older age.

Sometimes it’s hard to think that one’s pet is of an age when it makes sense to be more pro-active, but experience has shown us that a professional eye can often spot a problem early and early intervention can really benefit an animal’s quality of life.

When a dog is over 7 yrs and a cat over 9 yrs it is advisable to closely monitor things such as mobility, water intake, diet, coat condition, eyesight, hearing, weight, dental health,and any lumps or bumps. Annual Vaccination provides an opportunity for yearly health checks but we would invite you to take advantage of this free health check to ensure he or she is examined every 6 months.

If your pet is in this age group simply call 01525 373329 to book an appointment with one of our Qualified Veterinary Nurses for a Wellness/Senior check up or Book Online.

Our Qualified Veterinary Nurses examine your pet, particularly looking for problems affecting our older animals such as lumps, weight problems, oral health and stiffness.  If possible please bring a fresh urine sample with you (quite easy in dogs, less so with cats!) for a complementary urine test.

In addition, blood tests are available at special rates if requested to detect early signs of kidney, liver or thyroid disease.

We do hope you will take advantage of this chance to help to give your pet the best possible quality of life in his or her senior years.

Book a Wellness/Senior Clinic online now.

Kidney Clinics

Our Kidney Clinics support clients and their pets with renal disease.

Chronic renal failure, sometimes referred to as kidney disease, is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats. It can occur in younger cats but is most commonly seen in middle to old-aged cats, becoming increasingly common with age. It can also affect dogs but is much less common.

It has been estimated that around one in five cats aged over 15 years has renal failure.

In most cases, chronic renal failure is progressive over time, with gradual advancement and worsening of the disease.

The rate of progression varies considerably between individuals.

Appropriate support (dietary management) and treatment can both increase the quality of life of affected cats and prolong life by slowing down the advancement of the disease. Cats with renal disease are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, so this is measured and managed if elevated.

Initial signs can be quite vague – a reduced appetite, lethargy, weight loss and often thirst and more urine production. Diagnosis is confirmed with urine and blood tests to measure any build up of toxins and check the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine.

Our Kidney Clinics support clients with pets that are dealing with renal disease – providing regular weight, urine and blood pressure checks as well as blood tests as recommended by your vet, support with food choices and general advice to ensure that cats with renal disease are living life to the full.

You can book an appointment at the Kidney Clinic by calling 01525 373329.

Weight Watchers Clinic

Many pets become overweight, just like we do. Being overweight makes it more likely that pets will suffer from diseases like arthritis, bladder disease and diabetes.

Weight Watchers appointments offer a weigh-in for our larger pets and dietary advice and help from our qualified Veterinary Nurses.

During our free appointment our experienced Veterinary Nurses will weigh and measure your pet and give you professional advice on an ideal weight and how to achieve it.

We have a host of suggestions to help improve the health of your pet including a range of diets and activities.

We will support you all the way with regular weight checks – and it’s all free!

Book online.

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