Services

We provide a compassionate and caring service for all small animals with our team of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses. We endeavour to provide continuity of care with the vet and the client/pet wherever possible. This enables a good relationship between the vet, client and pet, and also allows the vet to monitor accurately the progress of the pet.

Consultations are arranged by appointment for your convenience. A wide range of appointment times is available throughout the week and also on Saturdays. Please contact the clinic to arrange an appointment to check times and availability.

An appointment system is used to reduce your waiting time. It also allows you to plan your time effectively. Routine appointments are approximately 10 minutes long.

Certain procedures require a longer period of time and the nurses on reception will arrange this accordingly and allocate a time that is convenient for you.

Please make sure if you have an emergency that the nurse on reception knows the situation so that she can arrange a time for you to be seen as soon as possible.

Fleas

One of the most common parasites afflicting pets is fleas, with every cat and dog suffering from them at some stage in their lifetime. Fleas are the cause of Flea Allergic Dermatitis in pets and in severe cases, fleas can cause anaemia.

Fleas breed throughout the year in centrally heated homes. It is extremely important to treat all cats, dogs and rabbits and to maintain a flea control programme throughout the year. Please consult us on the most effective flea control for your pet.

Worms

Dogs may be infected with many types of intestinal worms. It is not always easy to spot the symptoms, which are why it is best to treat for worms every 3 months to prevent any serious worm infection.

It is extremely important to follow veterinary advice on a specific worming routine before symptoms become obvious and damage your pet’s health.

Ticks

Ticks are particularly active in autumn months. They live in long grass and woodland areas and can easily attach themselves to dogs or cats as they brush past. Ticks pierce a hole through the skin of your pet and feed on its blood. They can cause a reaction at the site or anaemia if there is severe infestation. The greatest risk is that they can transmit Lyme Disease. Always make sure that your flea control programme has the ability to kill ticks.

A ‘microchip’ is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, which is injected under the skin. Each chip carries a unique identification code which can be scanned, using a device called a ‘Scanner’.

Vets, dog wardens and other animal organisations are all equipped with these scanners.

When the pet receives the implantation by means of straightforward injection the owner’s details and microchip codes are registered at a Central Database.

Lost pets can be easily reunited with their owners on identification of the microchip, and the owner’s details. We strongly recommend that all pets are microchipped.

One of the most important things you can do for your pet, to ensure that they have a long and healthy life is to have them fully vaccinated against all common diseases.

For the first few weeks of life the mother passes on immunity by providing disease fighting antibodies in her milk. Then it is up to you to make sure your pet is vaccinated. The immunity that your pet has at birth gradually diminishes between 6 and 12 weeks.

It is advisable to begin the vaccination course as soon after 6 to 8 weeks. The initial vaccination is followed by a second injection 4 weeks later. Your pet can be vaccinated at an early stage if they are at risk of contracting a virus infection. During their vaccination course it is advised that they are kept away from other animals and given exercise in selected areas.

It is extremely important from an early age that you are aware of your pet’s teeth, and how to develop good dental care throughout their life so as to prevent unhealthy teeth and gums. Good dental health begins with a proper diet. Feeding your dog dry food rather than moist, through its mild abrasive action on the teeth can help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides them with adequate chewing exercises and gum stimulation. Table scraps and sweets should be avoided as they may also increase plaque and tartar formation. Dogs need to have their teeth brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque, which can cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. It is important to introduce regular brushing at an early age, 6 – 8 weeks.

Encouragement, praise and reward after brushing their will make it a positive experience for your pet.

Good Dental Care requires:

• A nutritious diet
• Chew treats such as bones
• Regular brushing
• Regular dental checkups at the Veterinary Clinic

Neutering is a routine procedure which has very definite health and behavioural benefits. Female cats, dogs and rabbits are spayed. This operation involves the surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus (womb) and part of the cervix. Castration for males involves the surgical removal of both testicles.

Neutering has many advantages, the main ones being:

It prevents unwanted kittens female cats have the risk of a pyometra, womb infections or problems giving birth.

In the male cat it helps prevent urine spraying and reduces the strong tom cat odour, making their urine less smelly. And also it greatly reduces the risk of your cat being exposed to potentially fatal diseases. In the male it prevents testicular cancer.

Imaging

This involves the use of various techniques to build a ‘picture’ or image of an area of concern. Radiography (x-rays) and Ultrasonography (scans) are the most commonly used techniques. At Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic we use ‘state of the art’ digital equipment, and also have vets who are experienced and trained in Radiography and Ultrasonography.

Radiography

This involves the use of x-rays to create 2 dimensional ‘shadow’ pictures of tissues.  X-rays are absorbed to different degrees by bodily structures, bones, tissues, fluid and air can be separately identified. A few x-rays are often taken at different angles to allow the vet to acquire a clearer ‘picture’ of the situation.

With digital technology it allows us the best opportunity of achieving a diagnosis in complicated medical situations. 

Ultrasound

High frequency sound waves are emitted from a handheld probe placed in contact with the skin to produce an image. This 2 dimensional image is produced on the screen. It is possible to move the probe and gain an overall 3 dimensional assessment. An important advantage of Ultrasonography is that it allows us to see into the tissues, especially in the abdomen. The ultrasound probe needs direct skin contact which means a small patch of fur may need to be shaved over the particular area. Radiography and ultrasound are not painful procedures but require the patient to be relaxed and co-operative. A sedation or general anaesthetic is given in order to achieve high quality diagnostic x-rays.

Ultrasound Scanning

Ultrasound is an invaluable tool for imaging soft tissues. It is used extensively in breeding programmes to determine number, size and visibility of pregnancies, or alternatively having the capacity to identify a positive pregnancy or negative.

Dr. Isabel Buehler Med. Vet. M.R.C.V.S ‘Animal Eye Doctor’, attends at our clinic every Monday, or any other day that is arranged to carry out Veterinary Specialist Ophthalmology Services. As well as carrying out consultations for our registered clients she also arranges appointments for referrals from surrounding Veterinary Practices.

Isabel offers a personal, dedicated and compassionate high quality service by using specialized ophthalmic equipment, testing procedures and surgical techniques. She also undertakes major eye surgery operations including cataracts.

You can view/download more information by clicking on the following links:

Cataract surgery animal eye doctor

A pet owner's guide to cataract surgery

Who is PDSA?

PDSA is the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals. It is one of the UKs leading Veterinary Charities.

You must be registered as a PDSA client to benefit from the free Veterinary Care Service, at a PDSA registered Veterinary Practice, Clinic or Hospital.

Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic is a registered PDSA Veterinary establishment, for the catchment areas Londonderry/ Derry, Claudy, Strabane, Castlederg and Limavady - Post Codes BT47, BT48, BT49 and BT82.

Eligibilty

PDSA Cet Care Services are available to pet owners who receive means tested help with their rent or council tax. – Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support / Reduction.

Registration

Members of PDSA must sign up via the PDSA website and pay a monthly direct debit payment. This entitles them to 20% off vet bills, a free annual booster and one free consult per year. For more details please see https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/our-services/pdsa-pet-care/pet-care-scheme-faqs.

Eligible pet owners living within the catchment areas can register their pets at Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic.

Please Note:

• Don’t wait until your pet is sick or injured. Find out today if PDSA can help you.
• All popular pets are treated, dogs, cats and those described as ‘small furries.’
• PDSA only treats one pet per household.
• All PDSA clients are invited to make a voluntary contribution for treatment provided.

We strongly advise you to register, if you meet the necessary requirements.

We have invested in the latest equipment for our laboratory in Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic.  We can carry out the following tests:

General Health Profile
This tests the function of major organs and allows us to monitor early indicators of disease, and to diagnose problems with your pet's health.

Haematology
This test provides us with an in-depth picture of your pet's white and red blood cells. Conditions such as infection can be diagnosed quickly and accurately.

With our own equipment we can access the results on the same day, and with modern technology the results are transferred immediately the tests are completed unto the pet's record card.

We also have links with a lot of our external laboratory providers which avoids delay in the notification of the results of pending blood tests. These results can be transferred unto our computers, giving instant access.

With the latest technology we have access to vital information to assist us in the diagnosis of your pet’s condition. This instant access to these results allows us to treat your animal without delay and give your pet the best opportunity to make a full recovery.

As anyone with an elderly dog or cat will know, the passage of time stiffens the joints and slows things down as arthritis sets in. While some would simply take this for granted there are many therapies that are available to help the dog suffering from various musculoskeletal problems. These include traditional medications, joint supplements, acupuncture, massage, and hydrotherapy. A new form of therapy that also can be extremely helpful if your pet is suffering from various aches and pains is laser therapy.

Laser therapy, more correctly referred to as “Low Level Laser Light Therapy”, is rapidly being assimilated into the treatment regimens used by veterinarians to help pets with a variety of problems. While laser therapy can be used to assist pets and healing from almost any medical condition, it is most commonly employed for dogs with diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as arthritis. 

How exactly does laser therapy assist healing? Laser light in the red and near-infrared range triggers a photochemical reaction in the body that increases blood flow to tissues. This in turn promotes improved function in the growth, replication and repair of cells.

The end result of the biological interactions between the laser and the cells is healing. The exact nature of the healing depends upon the condition being treated. For example, with musculoskeletal problems, healing results as a reduction of inflammation and pain.

As is true with all natural therapies, it's important to understand that laser therapy by itself is usually not the sole form of therapy. Remember that the ultimate goal is healing and anything which allows us to reach that goal should be used. We often use laser therapy in conjunction wtih massage, physiotherapy and pain-relieving medication. 

Companion Laser TherapyIn addition to arthritis we have used it to treat wounds, skin conditions, lick granulomas and even dental disease. It is inexpensive, painless, and induces healing naturally rather than simply hiding symptoms as is often the case with conventional medications.

When you lose your precious pet it is a traumatic time for everyone in the family. We sympathise with you and understand that your pet has been part of the family. There is a very special bond with your pet and the loss of such unconditional love can be devastating.

We offer this exclusive private cremation service in our Clinic to provide your pet with the dignity and respect it deserves. After we have received your pet’s remains at the Clinic for Private Cremation you can choose whichever container you wish to use for the ashes of your precious pet.

There are a variety of containers to choose from. A Scatter Box is a simple but attractive box usually cylindrical in shape. The Caskets are made of mahogany in a range of sizes to cater for the different sizes of pets, which look very impressive. More extravagant Urns are available depending on your taste.

You can choose to put a label on the Box to identify your precious pet or a brass plaque on the caskets or urns with your choice of inscription.

We make every effort to return the container completed to your wishes at the earliest possible date. We realise that this is an extremely difficult time and so we endeavour to assist you to make this event as painless as possible, and that you will have something very special to cherish the wonderful memories of your special friend and pet.

Please contact the practice for further details.