Domestic Pets 3

Spaying and castrating of dogs and cats, is usually done when they are about six months of age.There is evidence that spaying bitches at this age (before they have had a season), markedly reduces the incidence of mammary tumours later in life. The age is not so critical for male dogs, but if male cats are castrated after a year of age, they (and their urine) may already be smelling quite strongly!

Weight watchers clinics for overweight pets are run by our Head Nurse Miranda Priest.The pets' progress is charted over a period of months following a scientifically chosen and regularly monitored diet regime.

Six month dental check reminders are sent for pets, who received dental treatment six months previously. This consultation gives us an opportunity to assess the pets' current state of oral health. We can assess the need for any further dental treatment, examine the gums for any sign of gum disease and especially in older animals, examine the oral cavity for any signs of malignancy.

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the relevant rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their pets to other European Union (EU) countries, and then return with them to the UK.

The practice can advise clients about the rules regarding the export of pets and also the regulations relating to

their re entry into this country. We can do the necessary microchipping , rabies vaccination, blood testing and the issuing of Pet Passports.Tony Ross, one of the partners is our expert on the regulatory minefield !

When your pet has reached the end of his or her life, we will do our utmost to make the euthanasia consultation as stress free as possible. Our receptionists will book you a longer appointment and will try to arrange for you to

see the Vet at a quieter time, so that you shouldn't have to spend too much time in the waiting room.

Of course if you prefer, we can carry out a home visit, to euthanase your pet in familiar surroundings at home.

Euthanasia involves a painless injection of an overdose of anaesthetic. If your pet is nervous about having injections or being held, we can administer a sedative first.

All deceased animals that are left at our premises are cremated at the Penwith Pet Crematorium. Visitors are welcome to visit their gardens of remembrance. Their personal service includes, if you wish, the return of your pets' ashes in a casket of your choice

Owners of pets undergoing sugery (especially older pets), are given the option of agreeing to their pet having a pre-operative blood sample analysed in our haematology and biochemistry analyser. We use these test results to rule out conditions such as anaemia, infections, renal disease, liver disease and diabetes. These are some of the conditions that may complicate anaesthesia and may necessitate postponement of the operation, or for example additional intravenous fluids during the surgery.