Blood sampling is carried out by the vets and the nurses. Samples are usually taken from a vein in the neck or front leg. It is used for diagnosis of problems, pre-anaesthetic checks, and for monitoring long term conditions and medications.

We analyse some samples in our practice lab, but many are sent to a specialist laboratory. The use of couriers means we usually have the results back the same day or within 24-hours.

Dental disease is common in animals from the age of 5-6 years on, sometimes earlier. Untreated dental problems are a source of infection and pain to our pets. We are able to perform extractions and ultrasonic scaling and polishing, and advise on the best ongoing care to maintain your pet's oral health.

Digital dental x-rays mean we can quickly assess any problems with teeth below the gum line, in the same way our own dentists do with our teeth.

ECG traces are used to look at the heart rate and rhythm and to look for any abnormalities which can give valuable information on the function of the heart. These are obtained without sedation of your pet.

We can use an endoscope to look into the larger airways of our pets, and to obtain diagnostic samples.

Our x-ray facilities have to be housed in a special room to avoid the danger of exposing staff and other animals to excessive radiation. X-rays are often taken in conjunction with ultrasound scans to gain optimal information.

Some x-rays can be taken of conscious animals, but frequently sedation or a light anaesthetic is necessary. X-rays are taken using specialised plates and are then processed by a digital processor which gives very high quality images. The process is rapid, which minimises the length of anaesthesia. Digital images can be enlarged or adjusted to look for extra details, and can easily be forwarded to specialists if another opinion is advisable.

We carry out surgical procedures in our operating theatre. Operations range from routine procedures such as removing a wart or neutering, though to major surgery such as repairing fractures or caesareans.

Animals are anaesthetised, and the hair is clipped prior to surgery in a dedicated prep room. Once in theatre the vet carrying out the surgery is assisted by a qualified veterinary nurse who will clean and prepare the skin for surgery and monitor the anaesthetic using specialised equipment.

Ultrasound is a way of looking at the internal structures of the abdomen and the heart. It can give very useful information, and is often used in conjunction with x-rays.