White House Vets's home page
  • Call our surgery01684 560940

Services

View the White House Vets services below

Below, you'll find a description of some of the services we offer as well as some good advice for keeping your pet happy.

Remember, if you have any questions at all, you are always welcome to get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help!

  • Alabama Rot
  • Chickens
  • Collection and Delivery
  • Dental Care
  • Fireworks Advice
  • Kittens
  • Laser Therapy
  • Microchipping
  • Nurse Clinics
  • Taking Your Pet Abroad
  • Puppies
  • Rabbits
  • Saying Goodbye

Alabama Rot

Alabama Rot

Cutaneous and Renal Vasculopathy, better known as Alabama Rot, was first diagnosed in dogs in the UK in 2012. Since then 20-40 cases have been reported annually mainly in the autumn, winter and spring, and often associated with dogs being exercised in woodland. There have been 216 confirmed cases since 2012.

Breeds or Genetics?

Recent investigations have shown that hounds and gun-dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with disease. It has been found to be rare in Terriers, GSD’s, and cross-breeds, and it has never been diagnosed in toy dogs. 
Is it genetic? Or is it just that these breeds are more likely to exercise in the typical woodland areas?

Female dogs and neutered dogs were also found to be more likely to contract the disease. However, these findings need to be interpreted with caution. 

What to do?

We are still no further on with finding a cause, so we can give no definite advice on prevention. Thorough cleaning of your dog's paws after walks is a good thing to do.

Chickens

Chickens

Love chickens? We do! One of the fastest growing hobbies, keeping chickens is simple and rewarding.. plus the bonus of nice fresh eggs.

However it is not all plain sailing as they are susceptible to various diseases

Anyone keeping 50 or more birds is required by Defra to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register, in order to help the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency get in touch in the event of any disease outbreaks. We highly recommend that anyone with any number of birds, even one or two, registers in order to receive any disease alerts and guidance. This is particularly important because of Bird Flu (Avian Flu). The nearest outbreak has been in Eastnor (March 22).

External parasites

Lice are flat, yellow and fast moving, and usually seen around the vent or under the wings. Louse eggs look like clumps of granulated sugar attached to the base of the feathers; it is usually worse in the autumn and winter. They are not life threatening but can lead to itchiness, loss of feathers, weight loss, depression and decreased egg laying.

Red-mites live in the coop during the day, coming out at night to suck the blood of the birds. About 0.7mm long, they crawl out pale grey and after a good feed go back a reddish brown colour. Control is based on removing them from the cracks and crevices of the woodwork (they can live for six months with no food). The symptoms are very similar to lice infestations.

Internal parasites - worms

Intestinal worms are not always visible in the faeces and infection often does not cause any obvious symptoms. However they can affect growth and egg production, and cause general poor condition, anaemia, and, in severe cases, death.

There are also Gape worms that cause respiratory problems.

Contact us to get a suitable wormer that can be added to the food, and you can still eat the eggs.

Feather pecking

This usually occurs around the tail, but it can occur on other parts of the body such as under the neck or under the wings. Often it is one bird that is doing this, and this may be the only one with all her feathers intact. She will particularly like the young feathers which are blood filled, and these will therefore never get a chance to grow.

There are some effective anti-feather pecking sprays on the market, but this will have to be used daily.

Egg Peritonitis

This is probably the most common condition affecting individual laying hens. It may cause sudden death or the hen may stop laying eggs, have a swollen abdomen, and possibly a creamy discharge from the vent. They can survive for weeks in this condition. Early treatment may bring about a cure, but generally the outlook is poor.

Moulting

This is a normal occurrence that usually takes place in the late summer or autumn and can last for three to four weeks. The hen replaces her entire compliment of feathers. Unfortunately, egg production usually stops at the same time.

Acting strange?

Is she spending more time in her nest box? Maybe become a bit aggressive? Not eating much? Her feathers a bit fluffed up? She's probably gone broody. If you can, separate her from the others, and put her somewhere where there will be no comfortable nest-box to sit in. It may take a few days for her to get back to normal.

Collection and Delivery

Collection and Delivery

If transport is a problem, one of our staff can collect you and your pet.

One of our nurses can visit you for repeat injections or post operative checks

We can also deliver pills and potions to your door.

Collection and delivery costs £17.51 in Malvern.

Please get in touch for details.

Dental Care

Dental Care

Don’t delay dental problems - phone us now on 01684 560940 and make an appointment with the nurse for a free teeth check up.

This is also a good time to discuss other matters such as feeding, chipping, worming, and flea control. Get a pack of free samples at the same time.

Pets benefit from regular dental hygiene just like we do. Without proper care, your pet will not only have bad breath, but is also at risk of developing periodontal disease, abscesses, and other common tooth and mouth problems.

Prevention of plaque build-up is the first step in prevention of periodontal disease:

  • Brush regularly with a vet-recommended toothpaste
  • Supplement the diet with dental rasks or chews
  • Use an Oral Hygiene Gel (we can advise you which one to use)
  • Feed a tooth diet, formulated to remove plaque (we can advise you which one to use)

When the amount of build-up signals that it's time for professional treatment, we can remove plaque or tartar by ultrasonic scaling and polishing. The procedure requires a general anaesthetic, which we can administer after an optional in-house blood test to check your pet's health.

Check our standard dental prices on our price page.

Fireworks Advice

Fireworks Advice

Make sure that dogs and cats are indoors, and any pets that live outside, such as rabbits, are covered up with thick blankets or old carpet.

On the day of the event, feed your dog a good meal rich in carbohydrate and fat late afternoon so he has a full stomach over the evening.

Make the room as dark as possible. Give him some toys (and have some things for you to do as well!). Blacking out the room removes the potential for additional problems from flashing lights. Make a den with a nice comfortable bed in it to act as a “safe haven”. Get him used to this at least two weeks before the event. Provide pheromone support (see below). Cats will require a litter-tray.

  • Put some music on, preferably something with a lot of constant drum beats. It should not be too loud as this might cause additional stress.
  • Ignore the noises of the fireworks yourself and, if he isn’t in his den, try to engage him in some form of active game.
  • Favourite chews and toys can provide a distraction.
  • Make sure your pet is in a safe and secure environment so that he doesn’t bolt or escape if a sudden noise occurs.
  • Tire him out during the day so that he is more likely to be sleepy in the evening.
  • Consider purchasing a "Thunder Jacket"        

Don’t fuss or try to reassure your dog when he is scared as this rewards the behaviour and actually reinforces it. Stay relaxed and carry on as though nothing is happening. However, sometimes a little reassurance will help to relieve the stress. Rewarding calm behaviour with some fuss or a treat can be helpful.

There are also some products that can be used to help your pet relax when they are stressed. Please get in touch and we can advise you on what to use and how to use it.

Read more about Fireworks Phobia in this leaflet.

Kittens

Kittens

Much joy, much work, and so much to learn - for everyone! White House Vets recommend you bring in your new kitten for a check-up as soon as possible. We'll check their physical health and discuss feeding, worming, and any other concerns you may have.

Vaccination

This can be started from nine weeks of age, with the second injection at twelve weeks. We advise you keep your new kitten indoors until after the second vaccination to allow the immune system to develop fully. We recommend that your kitten is vaccinated against cat flu, feline enteritis, and leukaemia, but there may be instances, particularly in older cats, where just the flu and enteritis vaccine will suffice.

Neutering

The best time for neutering is 5 months of age.
 
Advantages of neutering males:

  • Less likely to roam
  • Less aggressive
  • Less likely to develop annoying and destructive tom-cat habits such as urine spraying

A female kitten can come into season from six months of age (generally in the spring). She will then remain in season until she falls pregnant. Advantages of neutering females:

  • No unwanted pregnancies
  • Eliminates the risk of uterine problems later in life
  • Eliminates behavioural issues when she is in season

Check the prices for our kitten services on our price page.

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy

We have a Class IV Laser Therapy Unit (pictured below). Many of our patients (and some of our staff!) have reaped its benefits. Laser Therapy uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate body tissues without damaging them. It induces a response in the body’s cells called photo-bio-modulation, which results in reduced pain and inflammation as well as faster healing.

It can be used for a variety of conditions such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Sprains and strains
  • Fractures
  • Traumatic wounds
  • Speeding the healing of surgical wounds
  • Speeding the healing after tooth extractions
  • Ear infections
  • Lick lesions

The laser is delivered through a hand-piece to treat the affected area (see examples above and below right). Your pet might feel a gentle and soothing warmth. Most treatments take a matter of minutes but protocols vary and are unique to each patient and condition. For cases of arthritis or sprained joints we normally recommend five treatments over a two week period, at a total cost of £143.00 (incl VAT).

For more information, ask one of our vets or nurses or get in touch here.

 

Microchipping

Microchipping

A microchip is permanent for the life of your pet. It is no bigger than a grain of rice and has a unique number that's held with your contact details in the Petlog database. All dogs over eight weeks old must be chipped by law.

If the dog warden picks up your "escapee" or your cat wanders off and ends up at a rescue centre, or worse still at a vets, the chip is scanned and then you can be contacted by phone, text or email. Microchipped pets are reunited with their owners more quickly.

Microchips are implanted into the scruff of the neck. For your pet, it's a procedure similar to getting a vaccine. The microchip is made of nonreactive material and is totally inert.

Considering the cost of a stay at the dog pound, microchipping is one of the most cost-effective means to ensure your pet is always by your side. White House Vets are firm supporters of microchipping. Just phone us on 01684 560940 for an appointment or book an appointment online here.

Nurse Clinics

Nurse Clinics

To free up the time of our vets, and to reduce the costs to you, there are many procedures that a fully trained veterinary nurse can perform.

These include:

  • Second vaccinations
  • Repeat injections
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Blood sampling
  • Dressing changes
  • Post operative check-ups
  • Suture removal
  • Lasery therapy

These clinics are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:00am - 6:00pm.

Appointments can be made at other times to fit in with you - just ask us.

Taking Your Pet Abroad

TAKING YOUR PET ABROAD

Dogs, cats, and ferrets can travel to the EU but they will require an Animal Health Certificate, or AHC. If you are taking your pet elsewhere contact DEFRA for specific advice relating to that country.

To obtain an AHC:

Pets must be microchipped

They must have had a Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travelling. The vaccine lasts for three years

The AHC can then be issued by an Official Veterinarian in the practice within ten days of travelling.

Dogs (not cats or ferrets) going to

  •     Finland
  •     Ireland
  •     Malta
  •     Northern Ireland
  •     Norway

will also require a tapeworm treatment, which has to be given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (5 days) before travel.

If travelling to other countries in the EU, dogs will need to be given a tapeworm treatment by a vet in that country between 24 and 120 hours before returning home.

The AHC lasts for four months, enabling travel throughout the EU in that time. A new one has to be issued for each trip from the UK to the EU.

Pet Passports issued in the EU can still be used instead of an AHC for travel to and from Britain. However Pet Passports that were issued in Britain prior to Brexit can no longer be used.

For more information on taking your pet abroad, check the pet site of DEFRA and be sure to review their travel tips.

Please download and complete our UK to EU Pet Travel Form at your convenience and please allow the practice plenty of time for preparation of the forms - thank you 

Phone us to discuss it further

Puppies

Puppies

Much joy, much work, and so much to learn - for everyone!

White House Vets recommend you bring in your new puppy for an appointment as soon as possible.

Vaccinations 

We like to give a puppy a thorough health check at about eight weeks of age. We can also discuss feeding, worming, socialisation, and any other concerns you may have.

We then start the vaccinations at 10 weeks of age (though it can be started at six weeks), with a second dose at 14 weeks. Your puppy will have enough immunity 10 days after the first vaccination to go out into the big world, and attend puppy training classes.

Although your puppy will not be fully immune until ten days after the first dose, it is not necessary to totally isolate him until then. The first few months are important for developing good socialisation skills both with other dogs and their human companions, and for getting used to new experiences such as loud noises and travelling in the car.

We suggest you introduce your puppy to as many other dogs as possible. It's best if you arrange the meetings at your home and make sure the other dogs are healthy, vaccinated, and good-tempered. Similarly, arrange for your puppy to meet many different people, including children, and expose your new family member to as many different experiences as possible.
 
How does my puppy learn?

Here's an excellent article by John Rogerson on the topic.

Neutering

Both males and females can be neutered at any age but at six months of age is the best time.

Benefits of neutering males:

  • Stops him wandering off after bitches in season
  • Reduces "sexy" behaviour such as mating cushions and reduces frequent "leg-cocking"
  • Reduces aggression

Benefits of spaying females (ovaro-hysterectomy):

  • Prevents her coming into season (every six months is normal) and thus getting pregnant
  • Eliminates the risk of uterine problems such as pyometra later in life
  • Prevents mammary cancer when the surgery is carried out before her first season

Check out the prices for vaccinations and neutering on our price page.

Rabbits

Rabbits

Neutering

This can be done for the obvious reason to stop breeding where rabbits of both sex are kept. It also stops fighting in male rabbits, and in females it stops nest building, etc., and prevents womb problems later in life.

It can be done from four months of age.

Feeding

Free choice of good quality timothy or grass hay. Hay should be made available all the time.

Controlled access to grass or lawn - when lush spring grass is present, the rabbit should be introduced to this very gradually to allow the gut flora to adapt to this change in diet.

Small quantities of rabbit pellets - protein levels of 14% should be adequate.

Small quantities of greens and root vegetables can be offered as treats. Vegetables may include collard, mustard, carrot tops, beet, broccoli tops, clover, parsley, lettuce and cabbage.

Worming

Rabbits should be wormed every three months using Panacur Rabbit. This is an oral palatable paste that controls Encephalitozoon cuniculi and intestinal worms. It has to be given daily for 9 consecutive days.

Fly Strike

With the warm summer conditions, fly strike is very prevalent. It is caused by flies which are attracted to damp fur, urine, or faeces around the rabbit's back end. They then lay their eggs where they hatch within hours into maggots that eat into the rabbit's flesh. Often the first thing that you will notice is that he is very quiet and not eating.

On closer inspection you will see the maggots around his tail. Get off as many as you can and bring him in to us as soon as possible.

Rabbits most at risk are ones that are overweight and hence have difficulty cleaning themselves properly, and those with teeth problems. The pain from this stops them eating the soft faeces that is passed overnight and it then becomes stuck to the rabbit's fur.

Prevention is based on keeping your rabbit as clean as possible with plenty of clean dry bedding. If he gets himself dirty, as many rabbits do, then his back end should be shampooed daily. We can also provide you with a fly repellent which once applied lasts for eight weeks.

Vaccinations

Your rabbit should be vaccinated from five weeks of age against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). There is now a combined vaccine for these two diseases - one injection lasting for 12 months. This can be done any time from 5 weeks of age.

We also now recommend that the RHDV2 vaccine is given two weeks later to give more comprehensive protection against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.

Check our prices for vaccinations and neutering on our prices page.

Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye

As pet owners, we endeavour to make sure that our faithful companions stay fit and healthy, enabling them to live to an old age. Unfortunately, our pets do not live as long as us and at some point, we will have to prepare to let them go. Sadly, few of our pets pass peacefully away in their sleep. Therefore, we all wish to do the right thing at the right time, fulfilling our responsibility and commitment in their final days. We hope these words will help you and your family in a time of conflicting emotions.

Nobody knows their pet better than you and your closest family and friends, so let them help and share in making a reasoned judgement on your pet’s quality of life.
 
Indications that things may not be well may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • A reluctance to play and move around as normal
  • Restlessness or becoming withdrawn from you

When the time is right to put your pet to sleep, you may see evidence of a combination of all the above indicators and your pet may seem distressed, uncomfortable or disorientated within your home.
 
Is there nothing more I can do?

As your vet, we will discuss all treatment options available for your pet to relieve their symptoms, but there will come a time when all forms of treatment have been exhausted, we have discovered the disease is incurable, or you feel your pet is suffering too much. You and your family may wish to talk with your Veterinary Surgeon to help you all come to this final decision; in this case, we will arrange an appointment for you.
 
When and where can we say goodbye?

We hope this section will help you and your family understand your pet’s end-of-life journey. This is known as ‘euthanasia’ but often referred to as ‘putting to sleep’. After discussing with your family and your vet, and having decided that the time has come, you can contact your surgery and make an appointment. We will always try to make this appointment at a time that is convenient for you – usually at a quieter time of the day.
 
It is also possible to arrange this appointment to be performed in the comfort of your own home. If this is an option you would like, we will do our best to arrange a home visit. In these cases, a vet and a nurse will visit your home. When they have put your pet to sleep, they will either take the body back to the surgery for cremation or leave them with you to bury at home. Additional charges will apply for this service and certain times of day may be restricted.
 
Will I be able to stay with my pet?

Being present when your pet is put to sleep will be both emotional and distressing, but the majority of owners feel that they give comfort to their pet during their last moments, and can make their final goodbyes. But this is not comfortable for everyone; we understand if you do not want to stay in the room with your pet but make your goodbyes afterwards. We will always make time for you and your family to do this.
 
What will happen?

Initially, your vet or another member of our team will ask you to sign a consent form to give us permission to put your pet to sleep. You may have already discussed with your vet what you then wish to do with your pet’s body, but we will confirm this on the consent form.

Many owners are surprised by how peaceful euthanasia can be. Euthanasia involves injecting an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein of your pet’s front leg. Some of our vets would have previously inserted a catheter into the vein or sedated your pet if they are particularly nervous or uncomfortable.
 
After the anaesthetic has been injected, your pet’s heart will stop beating and they will rapidly lose consciousness and stop breathing. Your vet will check that their heart has stopped beating and confirm that they have passed away. On occasion, the pet’s muscles and limbs may tremble and they may gasp a few times, these are reflex actions only – not signs of life – but may be upsetting. If they occur, they are unavoidable. Your pet’s eyes will remain open and it is normal for them to empty their bowel or bladder as the body shuts down.

What happens next?

There are several options available for your pet. Your Veterinary team can discuss these with you and give you an idea of costs involved.

  • Communal Cremation – Leave your pet with us to be cremated with other pets. With this type of cremation, no ashes will be returned to you. For the majority of our clients, this is the most appropriate form of closure.
  • Individual Cremation – A private cremation for your pet at our nominated crematorium company, Pet Cremation Services (PCS). Your pet’s ashes will then be returned to you in either a sealed casket of your choice or a scatter box, for you and your family to scatter their ashes in a location of your choice. Our team will have several options you can choose from.
  • ‘Taking them home’ – You can also take your pet home for burial, but please bear in mind this may not always be practical.
  • Some surgeries also have a local pet cemetery company that will arrange everything from collecting your pet from the vet, preparing a grave and performing the burial. Our practice team will be able to give you further information.

When will I need to decide?

We would encourage you and your family to discuss these options before your pet is put to sleep, and to let your vet know. We will keep a note of your wishes with your pet’s notes. However, in some cases the euthanasia may have occurred after an accident and you will need more time to make this decision. It is possible for us to keep your pet for a short time afterwards, to give you and your family time to reflect before making a decision.
 
Coping with the loss

Everyone deals with grief in different ways. When grieving for a much-loved pet, you or other members of your family may experience a range of emotions from shock, denial, disbelief and, very often, guilt. Should you wish to talk to anyone at your Veterinary surgery, we can offer support and advice.

If, after reading these pages, there are still facts you would like to know, we will be more than happy to help. Please contact us at the surgery.

The following organisations can provide further help and support:

My Family Pet - Coping with the Death of Your Pet

My Family Pet - Helping Children Understand Pet Loss

The Blue Cross also offer a bereavement support line if you would like to talk to someone. The number is 0800 0966606.


A anonymous poem written for a dog

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.
 
You will be sad - I understand,
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
 
We’ve had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You’d not want me to suffer so,
The time has come to let me go.
 
Take me where me needs they’ll tend,
And please stay with me ‘till the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
 
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you do for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.
 
Please do not grieve it must be you,
Who has this painful thing to do,
We’ve been so close we two these years,
Don’t let you heart hold back its tears.