We hope everyone is staying safe during this difficult time.
We have set out below a further update on the services we are currently able to provide whilst operating within the restrictions imposed by Government and our governing and regulatory bodies. All veterinary practices have had these restrictions placed upon them. The position remains fluid and we will update you about any material changes to this.
- Our Free Visit Zone Scheme is now suspended until further notice.
- Due to social distancing and current restrictions, we do not have the administrative capabilities to run our usual accounting facilities. We are therefore now taking payment at time for all visits excluding insurance cases. For insurance cases we will take your excess at the time of the first visit.
- Invoices will now be emailed only.
- We are no longer accepting cash or cheques.
We understand it will be tempting for you to ask us to vaccinate your horse if we are visiting your yard. We politely ask that you keep social distancing and do not request us to vaccinate your horse. All appointment requests must be made through reception via a telephone call. Please also be aware at this time we can only treat our client’s horse during a visit and we will politely refer owners back to their regular vets.
Whilst on a visit we request that only one person be present (owner or agent acting on the owners behalf). We understand that members of the same yard will be emotionally invested in horses other than their own but it is imperative we comply with social distancing advice.
Vaccines:
For the next 3 weeks all routine vaccinations are to be suspended EXCEPT those which are naïve or are due the second injection of the primary course. If you are unsure if your horse or pony falls into this group please feel free to contact us.
Routine Dentals:
For the next 3 weeks all routine dental examinations and rasps are suspended EXCEPT those who are showing signs of oral pain when not ridden (quidding – dropping food, food packing, swollen face and/or jaw). For those horses only showing signs during ridden exercise we advise the horse is not ridden until a time when the restrictions are lifted and an examination performed.
Medications which require injection:
Where deemed necessary these will continue to be performed. Medications for performance reasons are suspended (for example joint medications, Cartrophen, HY-50 and OS-PHOS).
Prescription Checks:
These are now being performed using a telemedicine platform. Please telephone the clinic and enquire with reception for further details. Repeat prescriptions that do not require a prescription check can be obtained in the same usual way. As always this is at the discretion of the treating veterinary surgeon.
Routine Blood sampling:
Routine blood sampling for conditions such as Equine Cushings is suspended until restrictions are lifted.
Telemedicine Consults:
Conditions which do not require immediate examination can be dealt with by telemedicine consultation. Conditions which would be appropriate for this include lumps and bumps, sarcoids, minor wounds and a mild cough. During a telemedicine consultation we may decide a visit is required for further examination or administration of injectable medications. Please be aware a telemedicine consult charge will be added to your bill.
Essential and Emergency Visits:
Essential visits include: colic, diarrhoea, cellulitis, difficulty breathing, difficulty eating, significant lameness, laminitis, conditions involving the eye, neurological conditions, sick/lame foals and euthanasia.
These visits can be booked in the usual manner.
We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during these times.
