News and events

After a thorough risk assessment and review of our protocols, we're pleased to announce that clients can once again enter our waiting room when attending for an appointment.
Either 2 or 3 clients (site-dependent) can wait at a time.

We must advise that only one client with one pet can be accepted at this time.

The hip scoring scheme was established in the UK in 1965 to reduce the incidence and severity of hip dysplasia in the UK. Essentially it involves assessing an X-ray of a dogs hips taken before breeding takes place. The hip is a ball and socket joint and the better the fit, the lower the score. Scores are then compared to the average (median) for that particular breed aiming to breed from dogs with as low a score as possible.

Dogs with poorer hip scores have a greater degree of Hip dysplasia, because the joint is a poorer fit than it should be this leads to greater wear and damage to the joint and progression to painful arthritis later in life. It can be challenging to manage and from a veterinary point of view if it can be avoided it can lead to a much happier and healthier life.

Whilst many people are aware of the scheme and know to ask if the parents have been scored, it is also important to check what the scores were. For example the median for a Labrador Retriever is 9 according to the 2018 figures, so in line with the recommendations from the British Veterinary association (BVA) only dogs with a score less than 9 should be used for breeding.

If a breeder did wish to breed from a dog with slightly worse than average scores, because for example they had many other outstanding traits, then the advice would be only to pair with a dog with significantly better than average hip scores.

In summary check the scores, not just whether they have been done and if in doubt phone us up for advice before purchase.  Further information can be found on the BVA website at https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme/. If you are looking to purchase a puppy, consider using the Puppy Contract (https://puppycontract.org.uk/). 

There are further health schemes for elbows, eyes and other genetic tests, further information for which can also be found on the BVA website, and also the Kennel Club website.

Following three confirmed Equine Influenza outbreaks in vaccinated horses in a British racing yard on 6 February 2019, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has taken the decision to cancel racing at all British racecourses until Wednesday 13 February 2019. This is a precautionary measure and is a standard contingency in the event of an infectious disease within UK racing.

Horse owners are being urged to remain vigilant and should be aware of the clinical signs of Equine Influenza which include harsh, dry coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and an increase in temperature (>38.5°C). These clinical signs may be mild and not all horses will present with all of these. If you are concerned, consult your vet as soon as possible who can take a swab and blood sample.

Equine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the equine influenza virus. The virus is spread from horse to horse via coughing and respiratory droplets; and via indirect contact where appropriate biosecurity is not being followed. One of the most notable features of flu is the very quick spread of clinical signs in groups of horses and its ability to spread large distances in the air. Therefore horse owners are encouraged to consider their existing biosecurity arrangements in their yard. This includes ensuring they practice good general hygiene and isolating any horses showing flu-like signs.

The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket is recommending horse owners re-vaccinate their horse if their vaccination was carried out over 6 months ago, in order to maximise the chance of having protective immunity.