Month: March 2020

Changes to services in response to the Covid 19 outbreak

Posted on by Rachel Allen

It is with great relief that we can confirm that Veterinary Surgeries are exempt from closure during the Covid-19 lockdown. However, as is the case across the country, it is necessary for us to alter the way in which we provide our service to reduce face to face contact, and so reduce the risk of viral exposure to both staff and clients. Based on guidance from our veterinary governing bodies we will be:

  • Reducing our consulting times to 9-5 Monday to Friday, with appointments only for sick, injured or distressed pets.
  • We will continue to provide 24/7 emergency care.
  • Home visits will only be carried out after careful consideration of individual need and personal risk assessment.
  • Where possible we will provide advice and, where appropriate, prescribe medication remotely.
  • We will continue to supply essential repeat prescriptions.
  • We will only be carrying out critical and emergency operation proceedures.

Please click here to see the  government Covid 19 guidance for people with animals .

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the surgery if you have any problems or concerns.

We, at Holmer Veterinary Surgery, wish you all stay safe and well in these unprecedented times, and hope to reassure you that the health and welfare of your pets is, as always, of upmost importance to us.

Holmer Veterinary Surgery update on developments during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Puppy, kitten and rabbit.

We at Holmer Veterinary Surgery are dedicated to the care of your pets. As the Covid-19 pandemic has been developing we have endeavoured to take, what we deem to be, sensible precautionary steps to help reduce the risk of exposure to our staff and clients. It has been necessary for us to make some adjustments to our consulting structure so as to help protect members of staff who are considered to be in the higher risk category, so it may be that you may not be able to be seen by your pets usual case vet, for this we apologise. Also there has been a reduction in the number or deliveries we are receiving due to the outbreak, whilst there is no issue with the availability of veterinary medicines themselves, at this time, we do recommend that, as a precaution, owners give us 3-4 days notice when requesting repeat prescriptions.

As a profession we, as many, are concerned about our ability to continue to provide the critical care to our patients. The British Veterinary Association and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have determined that vets working in emergency care can be considered key workers meaning  that in the event of the government initiating a wider lock down vets will be able to continue to provide emergency care to sick or injured pets. This will mean that animal owners are able to focus on their own health, and not need to worry about their pets. We, at Holmer, will do all that is in our power to continue to provide care to our patients during these troubling times.

Practice update on precautionary measures during the Covid 19 outbreak.

Posted on by Rachel Allen

Due to the ongoing virus pandemic, we are putting in place provisions to try and reduce the risk to our staff and our clients. We will endeavour to provide the best service possible under the circumstances. We are currently operating as per normal apart from the following:
• If you are in self isolation, either down to having the virus, being in contact with an infected person or are in one of the at risk groups, we ask that you do not attend the practice at this time. Please ask a relative or friend instead to bring the pet to us. Where this is not possible please phone us and we will advise on what action to take.
• Where possible we will be asking if clients can wait in their car to avoid overcrowding in the waiting room. If you wish you can call us from the car to let us know you are here.
• We are no longer accepting cash payments at this time and where possible will be asking people to pay by card over the phone. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
We will be monitoring the advice given by the government and health service and may need to take further actions over the coming weeks. We will be posting updates as and when they happen to our website and facebook page.

Alabama rot case confirmed in Hereford

Posted on by Rachel Allen
News Alert rubber stamp. Grunge design with dust scratches. Effects can be easily removed for a clean, crisp look. Color is easily changed.

It is likely that, through local press reports, dog owners have been made aware that, at the end of last month, a case of the life threatening disease known as Alabama rot was confirmed in a dog in Hereford. At best the details of the case have been vague with various rumours spreading. Whilst the case was not referred to the specialists by Holmer Veterinary Surgery, we promise you that we are endeavouring to find as many relevant details as we can, to share with you as soon as possible.  As we previously stated in our Autumn 2019 Newsletter, very little is known about Alabama rot, what cause it or exactly how it is spread. Whilst the number of cases reported across the country has been rising since 2012 generally these cases have been sporadic, and it seems even some dogs in contact with confirmed cases have been unaffected. If you have any concerns about your dog, particularly if he/she develops unexplained skin lesions along with a fever, inappetence and lethargy please get them in to see your veterinarian without delay.

WSAVA advice and guidance on coronavirus for pet owners.

Posted on by Rachel Allen
Viruses-Photo-Download

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has given advice that currently there is no evidence that pets or other domestic animals can be infected with Covid-19. It is also highly unlikely that dog, cats and other companion animals could transmit the virus to people or other animals. However, as the WSAVA describe this as 'a rapidly evolving situation' the following sensible precautions have been recommended:  if an owner/s are self quarantined it is advised that they keep their pet with them, including keeping cats indoors; if an owner is hospitalised then it is recommended that the pet/s is/are kept at home and cared for by a friend or relative; if an owner has any concerns to contact their doctor or veterinarian. Please click on the following link if you would like to view the full WSAVA guidance document.

site by Beeches Web Design