Latest news from the practice

Welcome to the summer edition of our newsletter.

I would like to begin by saying congratulations to Anna, our Head Nurse who became Mrs Hollis in May; Jim is a very lucky man! Anna was also recently nominated for the Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award, sponsored by Petplan, so a wonderful year for her so far!

Good Luck to our nurses sitting exams this summer; Maria Harmer is sitting her 1st year exams and Sarah Randell is hoping to pass her finals and earn the title 'Registered Veterinary Nurse'. Christina Johnson recently sat her 1st year exams and at the time of going to press we are still waiting results for her - Good Luck Christina.

Staff Development

Our staff development programme has expanded into departments other than the Veterinary Nurses in the past year. Jan Matthews, our senior receptionist, has completed her NVQ level two in customer care. Lyndsey Smith has completed a BTEC in Veterinary Reception and Annie Burden has completed a modern apprenticeship in Business Management, encompassing an NVQ level 3 and a BTEC. Well done to you all.

25 Year Anneversary

 
Next year Shield Veterinary Centre will be celebrating

25 yrs. We are hoping to organise some fund raising events and would like suggestions for Charities to benefit. Also if anyone has suggestions for events do please get in touch with our Practice Administrator, Annie Burden VN.
 
 
Teeth - Time For A Check-Up?

HAVE YOU flipped your pet's lip recently and has a look at his teeth? Did you know that gum disease is probably the single most common long term disease that our pets will suffer from in their lives?

A healthy mouth usually has pale pink gums, and bright white teeth. However, over time, accumulation of plaque bacteria on the surface of teeth can lead to inflammation of the gums - a condition called gingivitis. This is frequently accompanied by the accumulation of calculus (tartar) on the surface of the teeth, and also very bad breath!

If you would like any further information, or a dental check-up for your pet, please contact us to arrange a suitable time.

Beat The Heat This Summer!

As WE enjoy the warm sunny summer weather it's worth sparing a thought for our four legged friends. Here we look at a few steps you can take to keep them fit and well!

• Make sure fresh clean water is always available to all pets - you may even need to take some on walks and avoid exercise in the heat of the day - particularly with old, overweight dogs with heart problems; stick to early mornings and evenings.

• Cats are natural sun bathers, but cats with white noses and ear tips are particulary vulnerable to sun burn and subsequent skin cancer. This risk can be reduced by keeping them out of the sun, or by applying sunblock to these areas during the summer months.

• Watch out also for grass seeds (awns) of the meadow grasses. They commonly become trapped in dogs ears - causing violent head shaking, or may become embedded in the feet or other areas.

• Bee and wasp stings are another seasonal problem. Some pets are allergic to their stings and may need prompt veterinary attention.

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  If your pet is going into kennels this summer, don't forget to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations!

• Don't forget to keep treating your pets regularly against fleas, ticks and worms and never ever leave a pet in a car on a hot day.