Services

Acupuncture at Avondale

Dr’s Reagan and Jordan Carnwath are twin sisters, who run Herbal Vet Scotland. They are both qualified vets, who then went on to specialise in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles, into specific areas in the body to alleviate pain, improve recovery rates and increase resistance to disease. It has been practiced by the Chinese and other Eastern cultures for thousands of years and may be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Adding acupuncture to a treatment plan can help to reduce the patient’s requirements for some medications. Acupuncture is extremely safe when practiced correctly and is well accepted by the majority of animals. Acupuncture can be of great benefit to medical conditions in pets, such as pain, osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal disease, urinary disorders, epilepsy and much more.

During your pet's first consultation with Herbal Vet Scotland we will build up a picture of your pet's health to help us to support them optimally. We always work alongside your regular vet at Avondale, to allow a truly holistic approach to your animal's health.

Your pet's individual treatment plan may include herbal remedies and, where appropriate, dietary changes or nutritional supplements. Most herbal medicines are given in the form of a liquid tincture that is taken in doses of two or three times daily.

To find out if your animal could benefit please get in touch. They provide a clinic at Avondale once a week.

We will try and accommodate home visits where possible but they may not always be appropriate for your pet’s condition. We have many more resources and equipment at the surgery to be able to treat your pet’s thoroughly and efficiently.

All our nurse clinics are by appointment and are held by qualified veterinary nurses, or those who have qualifications in  specialist areas. All appointments are free of charge, but there is sometimes a small fee if there is a product bought or a procedure carried out.

Diet Clinics

As we all know, you are what you eat, and this too is important in respect to our furry friends! The diets we recommend are balanced and scientifically designed, tailored specifically to the needs of your pet, depending on age, sex, size and breed. We are able to weigh your pet and to work out accurate feeding guides for their nutritional and exercise needs.

Weight Loss Clinics

We can act as calorie counters for your pet! In the UK it is estimated that almost 50% of dogs and 25% of cats are obese (meaning over 15% more than they should weigh). This can lead to many problems which include joint and arthritis disorders, heart problems, respiratory problems, diabetes and general deterioration in overall health.

Diets designed for pets needing to lose weight are available.

Dental Clinics

We advise routine dental checks every 3 months. At these clinics we are able to demonstrate dental care for your pet, including tooth brushing, enzymatic toothpastes, supplements, dental foods, dental chews and toys. We are also able to formulate a dental care plan to prevent dental disease, which reduces the need for expensive dental treatment and an anaesthetic later on in your pet’s life.

Post Operative Clinics

If your pet has had surgery or wound management then afterwards an appointment with the nurse will generally be given to assess and manage your pet’s condition. Our nursing staff are trained in minor medical procedures and can undertake a variety of non invasive procedures.

Microchipping

Microchips are an excellent and modern way to identify your pet, and for them to be returned safely to you if they decide to take a trip on their own!  Each microchip has an individual number, and this number can be found by scanning the pet (which is routinely done at Vets, Pet Rescue Centres, Police Stations and the Dog Warden). The number is linked to your details on a national microchip database.

Flea & Worm Clinics

This clinic is designed to inform pet owners of parasites that can cause problems to our loved pets and to advise of the best anti parasitic treatment for them.   From spot-ons, to injections; pastes to tablets, the broad spectrum of products available makes it easy to ensure your pet gets the best possible care.

Medication Clinics

We know just how hard some pets are to medicate. We also know just how important it is that pets take the medication your vet has prescribed. So, save yourself the hassle of the soggy tablet, the mountains of wasted tuna and the loss of your digits trying to medicate your pets. Take advantage of our skilled (and patient) nurses to medicate your pets for you, for free! Just call the surgery and book your appointment.

6 Month Puppy and Kitten Checks

At 6-9 months old your pet starts making the transition from puppy to adult. Our nurses are able to perform a physical examination, but if you are concerned that your pet may be ill or has a medical condition, they are not allowed by law to diagnose an illness or prescribe treatment. Our nurses can discuss with you some of the important changes you may need to make such as diet, exercise, parasite control and neutering to ensure your pet lives a very long and happy life.

Nail clipping

Over long claws mean that owners can be scratched when handling their pets. Not only that but they can grow inwards into the pads if left unchecked and can become very painful and cause lameness and infection. It is extremely important to keep your pet’s nails at a suitable length. Our nursing staff can help and advise you on this.

Pre Vaccination Clinics

These clinics are made prior to your pet’s 1st vaccination. They give you the opportunity to discuss all your pets needs from Feeding, Flea & Worming, Neutering, Basic Behaviour & Training and Pet Insurance.

New Pet Clinics

If you are thinking of taking on the responsibility of a pet for you or your family but are unsure what kind will fit in with your lifestyle and you would like some advice on the care, feeding and exercise or just in general about the different breeds, then come along and have a chat with our nursing staff who can help you make the right decision.

Our Ophthalmology service is run by visiting Ophthalmologist George Peplinski MA VetMB CertVOphth MRCVS. 

George qualified from Cambridge and after a brief spell in mixed practice moved into small animal work where he obtained his ophthalmology certificate early in his career. He has extensive experience of general and emergency small animal work and has for the last six years run the ophthalmology referral service at the Glasgow Vet School.

George consults at Avondale Vet Group by appointment, please call us on 01357 520251 for enquires.

We run Puppy Socialisation classes, once they have completed their full puppy vaccination course (two vaccines).

Our RVN’s (Registered Veterinary Nurses), run these classes within the practice during the week.

These classes allow your puppy to socialise and have fun with puppies their own age and get to know the practice and staff in a friendly environment.

It also gives you the chance to chat to other owners who are training their puppies and you may also pick up some helpful tips.

These classes go over everything from basic puppy care to training to any behaviour issues.

• Food and toy guarding
• Recall
• Excessive barking
• Aggression in cats
• Separation anxiety
• Unwanted chewing
• House soiling (cats)
• Compulsive behaviours
• Walking to heel
• Fearful behaviour
• Attention seeking

Please give us a call on 01357 520251 if you would like any more information on Behaviour or Puppy Socialisation.

Time to say goodbye - what should I expect?

The decision to put a pet to sleep may have to be made for a great number of reasons and we will always take great care to discuss your pet’s treatment and welfare and will help you make the right decision for your pet when the time comes.

Once the decision has been made it can be performed in the surgery or at home.

You will be asked to sign a euthanasia consent form which is a legal document and must be signed by the owner or agent who must be over 18 years of age.

At the surgery we will arrange, where possible, for euthanasia to be performed at quiet times of the day, to allow plenty of time both before and after for you to say goodbye. You will be given the opportunity to spend time alone with your pet following euthanasia if desired.

Some owners prefer us to come to the house for what is a very distressing time for all the family who would prefer to say their goodbyes in the privacy of their own home. It can also be less traumatic for an elderly or unwell pet. Some owners prefer not to be present while their pet is put to sleep, some prefer to come back into the room once their pet is asleep, some simply like to say goodbye and leave remembering them as they were. This is entirely your own decision.

The euthanasia itself is in most cases very peaceful, painless and takes only a few moments.

In some instances, it may be necessary to sedate a dog or cat prior to euthanasia. This is only necessary if the pet is fractious, aggressive or particularly wriggly. We prefer not to sedate pets prior to euthanasia as it may slow the process of euthanasia by lowering their blood pressure.

Following euthanasia, you will need to consider what you want to do with your pet’s body. You can take your pet home to bury in the garden. We will wrap the body in a blanket or towel in which it can be buried. The grave needs to be about two feet deep.

You may prefer for your pet to be cremated and our staff can assist you in this decision.

In some situations, you may not be able to make a decision straight away. We can keep your pets body for a limited period while you make a decision.

We are all pet owners at Avondale Veterinary Group and understand that the death of a beloved pet can be very upsetting. We are here to help and support you through what can be one of the most difficult parts of owning a pet, saying goodbye.

If you have any questions on this sensitive matter please do not hesitate to contact us.

Further information can be found here