Radiology

Radiography or X-rays are used to diagnose bone injury or disease, disease of the lungs or heart and for other diagnostic tests where barium or dye mediums are used to show up defects in internal organs.

Patients often require sedating to get a good picture. For health and safety reasons holding animals still during X-ray is not permitted.

It may be necessary to withhold food for several hours prior to the X-ray. The Vet will advise you of any preparations you need to observe before you bring in your pet for this procedure.

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine solid needles into the body to give pain relief or in some cases to help the body deal with other diseases.

It works through the nervous system - the needles block pain messages and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers. In conditions that are not painful acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.

Will it hurt my pet?

No. Acupuncture needles stimulate nerves that send messages to the brain which over-rides the messages of pain that their nerves are sending. Sometimes animals may react to this sensation as though they are expecting pain, but then they relax because it does not occur.

Most of the time they accept the fine needles very well and become relaxed and sleepy during the treatment. Often they even appear to look forward to treatment when they next come back to the practice. It is uncommon for animals to be sedated for acupuncture - this would only be necessary where the underlying condition is extremely painful.

Acupuncture is very safe in the right hands. Legally it must be performed by a veterinary surgeon. There are only a few cases in which we would have to be very cautious about using acupuncture and your veterinary acupuncturist can advise you if these are relevant for your pet.

How often would my pet be treated?

The usual course is once a week for four to six weeks. After four weeks we will know whether acupuncture is working for your pet and then, depending on the condition and how they have responded, we will work out a plan that usually involves tailing off the treatment so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.

For more information, or to make an appointment please contact us on 01282 423640.

Annual checkups and vaccinations

Our policy is to encourage preventative care so that your pet can enjoy the best health possible.

For this reason we strongly advise puppies should be vaccinated against Parvo virus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and for pets entering kennels or doggie daycare centres - Kennel Cough Vaccine.

For kittens we carry out vaccinations against Cat flu, Enteritis, and perhaps most importantly Feline Leukaemia. Vaccinations start from 9 weeks with a second vaccine 3 - 4 weeks later.  They should be kept isolated until at least 1 week after this second vaccination to allow the protection to build up.

For puppies the vaccinations can start from 8 weeks of age with a second vaccination 2 weeks later. They should be kept isolated until at least 1 week after this second vaccination to allow the protection to build up.

Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular as pets and like all pets, your rabbit needs to visit us from time to time for routine health examinations and vaccinations.

Myxomatosis is a distressing viral disease spread by rabbit fleas and other blood sucking insects. The first symptoms are usually swollen eyes rapidly progressing to blindness. Affected rabbits become very ill and even with medication and nursing care, most will die as a result of the disease. A vaccine is now available and can be given at 6 weeks of age.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) is a very infectious disease that spreads easily between rabbits or via contaminated hutches, bedding, food and contaminated ground. It can also be inadvertently transported by people or birds, fleas, flies and mosquitoes and can survive for many months on clothing and contaminated ground. Affected rabbits are usually very unwell and sadly most will die. There are two strains of this disease RHD1 first diagnosed in 1984 and RHD2 first diagnosed in 2010. Both strains are found in rabbits in the UK. Vaccines are available for both strains of the disease. Nobivac Myxo VHD can be given from 5 weeks of age, a single combined vaccine providing 12 months of immunity against RHD1 and Myxomatosis. Filavac VHD KC +V can be given from 10 weeks of age, a single vaccine providing 6 months immunity against RHD2. Oakmount Veterinary Centre have both these vaccines in stock, helping keep your rabbits safe.

Racing Pigeon owners requiring their pigeons vaccinated against Paramyxovirus (Newcastle Disease) are invited to contact the surgery to arrange this service.

Rabies vaccinations are carried out under the requirements of the Pet Passport scheme and for animals being exported.

We follow the manufacturers recommendation based on their extensive testing that an annual booster vaccination should be administered to all dogs, cats and rabbits.

We take this opportunity to check your pet and you may ask any questions concerning your pet's health at this time.

Please contact the surgery for more information on this and other required treatments.

Operations

Operations are by appointment.

We have a fully equipped operating theatre at our premises in Burnley.

Patients requiring a general anaesthetic may be allowed food until midnight the previous day and water until the morning.

A short comfort walk is advisable before coming to the surgery.

Pets can be left with us between 8:00am and 9.00am.

As our pets get older, their bodies start to slow down and subtle changes can occur. Whilst our pets age faster than us, they do experience many similar body changes.

The clinic is designed to help you identify and understand age related changes, ailments and illnesses in your pet. By examining your pet more frequently, not only can we detect any changes early, but we can also offer advice, support and treatment where necessary.

Prior to your appointment you will receive a senior pet questionnaire to complete and bring along. This will help highlight any problem areas to discuss during the health check.

At the Senior Clinic a thorough medical history will be taken and the questionnaire discussed, followed by a detailed examination. A free urine test will also be performed and we offer a discounted blood pressure monitoring and blood sample checks. Taking all these findings into account, the nurse will then discuss any appropriate follow up care, which may sometimes require a follow up appointment with one of our Veterinary Surgeons.

We hope that the Senior Clinic will help your pets as they progress into their senior years. By making subtle changes to exercise and feeding regimes, as well as recommending tips to help you manage any underlying conditions and prescribing medication (where required), our nurses can help you improve your pet’s quality of life.

Please ask any of the team for details of current clinics and to make an appointment for your senior pet