Other Services
Home Visits
The vets are happy to make home visits, but please be advised that, in the home, there is no trained help, nor the equipment or materials that are available at the surgery.
Dogs in particular are territorial and may be reluctant to be examined by a stranger in their own domain. Cats can be particularly apprehensive and will know the most inaccessible place in their own home.
Home visits are consequently time-consuming and charged accordingly, in addition, unless there is a real need or emergency, home visits are given less priority in the practice workload. Except under exceptional circumstances it is not possible to make home visits outside normal working hours.
All the Taunton taxis will take well-behaved, accompanied animals and this is more economical than the vet making a home visit.
Out of Hours
A 24 hour emergency service is provided. In the first instance, always telephone 01823 271042 which, if not answered personally, will be connected to an answering machine. Please listen carefully, it will either tell you to ring another number or to leave a message. Your case will be dealt with promptly if you leave a concise message and your telephone number. The duty vet will then be paged so that he is aware that there is another case to be dealt with once he has completed the one in hand
Laboratory Work
Most routine blood tests are carried out in the practice lab. Other blood tests, cultures and other investigative tests are sent to a laboratory dedicated to veterinary work. We are lucky to get rapid, reliable results, however because of postal deliveries, we try to avoid taking samples on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Operations
It is important that all instructions are strictly adhered to for the maximum safety and best prognosis for your pet
Your animal is admitted early in the day so that it can receive its pre-med and become accustomed to its hospital cage before undergoing anaesthesia. If you are late it also means that the nurses may have to interrupt important procedures in the operating theatre to admit your pet.
On collecting your animal following the operation, it is pleased to see you, and you will be relieved to see it, but PLEASE listen to the nurse regarding post-operative care and return check-up visits to the surgery. Also take time as soon as possible that evening to read any further fact sheets you are given.
General anaesthesia or surgery in completely healthy animals will always involve, albeit extremely slight, an element of risk. If you are unsure as to what is being done to your pet please ask.
Referrals
If it is necessary to refer your pet to a specialist then this will often be at the University of Bristol Veterinary Department, Langford House, near Churchill. This is about 45 minutes drive away. There are increasingly more specialists in private practice and these are often more convenient both in waiting time and distance.
X-Rays (Radiography)
Under current legislation, owners or members of staff cannot be in the vicinity of the X-Ray machine when it is in use. Unfortunately, this means that in most cases a general anaesthetic is necessary.
Euthanasia
This is a difficult and emotional time for all concerned, but please be assured that all animals left at the practice are sent for cremation. Other arrangements can be made – please ask.