EAR INFECTIONS:

Many ear infections are treated medically over protracted periods, despite a steady deterioration of the ear canal(s). Surgical correction is often chosen as a belated "last resort".

In my experience, I have always found an early surgical approach to give the best long term result. For that reason, I do not have any chronic ear infections in either my canine or feline patients. Once again, this approach saves both repeated examinations/medical treatments and the associated cost. Most importantly, the patient obtains rapid and mostly permanent relief from painful ear infections.

The average cost of ear surgery is £150 per ear.

DENTISTRY:

In my view, modern veterinary practice too often undertreats or fails to treat this very common condition, primarily because the patient shows no clear symptoms until the mouth is in advanced infection.

Dental problems are particularly common in cats and can be evident as as young as seven months of age. Many types of mouth infection are progressive unless treated effectively by early extraction of the offending teeth.

As the symptoms develop gradually, the patient tends to show little outward symptoms, other than poor coat. However, extraction of offending teeth causes instant relief. The patient becomes immediately happier and both coat quality / bodily condition improve.

Many owners are simply unaware that their pet has bad teeth/ gum disease and will remain so unless their vet is thorough and identifies the problem through routine examination.

The average cost of dental surgery is £100 -£150.

This practice has a full in-house laboratory and same-day blood testing service, which both assists diagnosis and screens patients for hidden health problems before undergoing general anaesthesia.

AGE CONSIDERATIONS:

In my experience, too many patients are denied required surgery on the grounds that they are too old and "would not survive the anaesthetic".

I consider that an old patient already has enough to cope with the problems of age, without having to carry an untreated illness as well!

I believe that quality of life is critical to all my patients and especially so for the elderly. By using a reversible general anaesthetic technique, I continue to treat all my patients as they merit and age is rarely a barrier to administering the correct surgical treatment.

PET INSURANCE:

We advise that every patient be fully insured as soon as possible after purchase.

By law, we can no longer recommend any particular policy, but on request, we are happy to give general advice and access to the proposal forms of all the leading pet insurance providers.

IN CONCLUSION:

My philosophy in the above cases and in general is that every patient deserves the treatment which gives the fastest and best long-term result and cost-effectively to my client.

I explain all prospective treatments fully and each patient remains under my direct care until a complete resolution of the condition.

Email:Mr Holmes

ON SITE PET CREMATION SERVICE.

We offer a private pet cremation service to both our clients and by direct access from the general public. Please read the following Q&A for further information.

Q:  If I ask for an individual cremation, will I receive only my pet’s ashes and no other?

A: Yes, our crematorium can supply both individual and general cremations. You will only receive your own pet’s ashes from an individual cremation and our on-site vet will certify that to be the case.

Q:  Must I use my own veterinary surgeon’s cremation service?

A: No, you may choose any service you wish, irrespective of which veterinary surgeon may be involved? Simply telephone us to arrange an appointment, so that you may bring your pet’s body directly to our crematorium at Waltham Veterinary Clinic.

Q: How much will a cremation cost?

A: It depends on the body weight of the pet and whether or not you request an individual cremation with return of ashes in a wooden urn. We will always give you a cost estimate over the phone.

Q: How long will it take to get my pet’s ashes back?

A: Our crematorium operates on a cyclical basis, involving a continuous heating/cooling process. Consequently, your pet will be cremated in a sequence that depends on input volume. At most, we expect to return ashes no later than 4 weeks after submission for cremation, but it will often be within 2 weeks. We will ring you when your pet’s ashes are ready for collection.

Q: I am concerned about the cost of cremation. Why does it cost so much?

A: Our crematorium is a very advanced facility and is therefore costly, both to install and run. We offer the unique opportunity to have your beloved pet cremated locally in a professional manner, allowing you direct access to a service that can only normally be obtained through your own veterinary surgeon. We believe in choice.

Q: How will I get my pet’s ashes back?

A: Your pet’s ashes will be returned as a fine grey ash, presented in an attractive wooden urn. Our veterinary surgeon will also issue a personal “Cremation Certificate”.

Q: Why should I not just bury my pet at home?

A:  Home burial is an option, but the law requires that you bury your pet in a deep grave to prevent exhumation by wild animals. If you pet is any other than a small dog breed/ cat, grave digging can be burdensome and you may not have adequate space at your property. Also, if you move house, you will be leaving your pet’s remains behind.

Q: I am concerned about the environment. Does cremation cause smoke and smell?

A: No, not at all. Out crematorium is within a residential area and our after-burner facility ensures that all waste gases are both clear and odour-free, to the legal standard required by the latest E.C. Legislation. 

Q: Why can I not just ask my Local Authority to take my pet’s body away for burial?

Cremation is the modern alternative to Local Authority landfill burial of pet bodies, which is both a potential long-term land polluter and a distressingly impersonal disposal method for your beloved pet’s remains.

Q: I would like to learn more before I decide to use your service. How may I do so?

A: We are always very happy to answer all your questions, clearly and sensitively. You may either phone us on 01472 220720, or you may arrange an appointment for a personal visit, during which you may view our crematorium facility.

COPYRIGHT: WALTHAM PET CARE LTD.