NO CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP!

You may notice over the coming weeks that our signage and logos will be changing.  This will be followed by a change to the website as we have a new site in the pipeline allowing online booking and registration and a more modern refreshed look.

Please be assured that there has been no change in ownership, we are the same practice and we just felt it was about time that we updated our website and logos as a refresh. We are still your locally owned independent Veterinary Surgery and will remain so.

The colours in the waiting room at Yelverton have been updated and soon to be followed by a repaint and refresh at the Tavistock branch and new signage for the van.

BUT TO REITERATE, WE HAVE NOT SOLD TO A CORPORATE, WE JUST FELT THAT WE NEEDED A REFRESH TO THE LOGO AND COLOURS.

Andrew has now started using the new equipment which we have been waiting so long for.  We will be booking in patients for laparoscopic female neutering and this equipment can also be used for the removal of abdominal testicles in cryptorchid males. There are many more uses of this equipment from organ biopsies, elective gastropexies (suturing the stomach to the body wall in larger dogs to prevent a torsion) to examining inside the bladder in females and we will be able to book patients in for these procedures now. Andrew is very experienced in laparoscopic surgery and will be helping the team develop this area more fully.

From 1st September 2023

From 1st September the Royal College of veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, the regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK) is introducing a new guidance on prescribing prescription only medicines.  The full guidance can be found on :   https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/under-care-new-guidcance/

The new guidance requires that a physical examination of the pet has to be performed every time any antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.  This includes topical preparations such as ear and eye drops, and all prescription flea/worm/tick products.

The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible use and reducing the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline of insect populations.

What this means in practice is that your pet will need to come in for an in-person consultation every time 

we need to prescribe medication for an ear infection (contain antibiotics)
we need to prescribe antibiotics for any skin problem, even if its a chronic problem.
we/you decide to change from one flea/worm/tick product to another
we suspect a urinary tract infection (remote / online consultation and urine analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)
we suspect a gastrointestinal infection (remote / online consultation and faecal analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)

We also can no longer prescribe prescription deworming products on the basis of a laboratory report alone, we will need to see the pet for a consultation and physical examination first.

For long term prescription medication that is not an antibiotic/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring an examination every 3-6 months (depending on the medication used) continues to apply.

initial consultation charge – £46

follow up consultation charge – £35

Prescription check charge – £32

Flea/tick/wormer check charge – £0 (any other issues – consultation fee applies strictly for flea/worm products only)

Generally this changes little with how we work except for having to re examine the animal if we/you decide to change the treatment needed.

If you have any questions or concerns about the new guidance, the RCVS can be contacted on:

02072020789 or advice@rcvs.org.uk

We are open on Monday 19th September for urgent cases.  We will be operating on skeleton staff to enable as many staff members as possible to be at home for the funeral.

If you have an urgent case then please call us on our normal number for an appointment.

Tavistock surgery will be open from 0900 to 1030 and 1630 to 1730 only

Yelverton surgery will be open from 0800 to 1130 and 1300 to 1830

Due to the recent increase in bird flu cases reported locally we are advising clients with sick birds to telephone first and we would likely have a telephone consultation with the vet and decide on medication from there.  In the instances where we may need to see the bird we will advise on the particular biosecurity measures that we will have in place.

An Avian Influenza prevention zone has been declared across Devon and Cornwall due an increase in cases.  There are a number of measures that everyone must now follow to prevent the spread.  If you find dead wild birds, do not pick them up.  Report them to the Defra helpline on 03459335577.

Anyone who keeps birds must also take biosecurity measures to protect them.

• keep captive birds separate from wild birds.
• make sure wild birds cannot access feed or water used by captive birds.
• cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear and equipment before and after contact with birds
• Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect bird housing on a continuous basis

The UK Health Security Agency has advised that the risk to the public is low but the prevention zone will be in place until further notice. and kept under regular review.

Health Plan – Vets Deliver.

Spread the cost of your pet’s vaccinations and parasite control over the year with some fantastic savings with our new Vets Deliver Health Plan.

Rather than having to remember to come in to collect your flea and tick or worming medication, have it delivered to you through Vets Deliver.

Included –

vaccinations (including kennel cough for dogs)

Flea and tick medication (monthly or quarterly treatments available) – delivered

Quarterly worming medication – delivered

Free nail clipping

Free insurance claim processing (normal cost £5)

10% off neutering

Free micro chipping

6 month health check with a nurse

Discounted wellness blood screen at the time of the health check

If you are interested please call us on 01822 854255 or pop in for a chat.

terms and conditions apply.

As of March 2022 we have begun re opening our doors and restarting face to face consultations in a drive to get back to normal.

We still require face coverings inside the building and if you don’t have one we can supply one.  Consultations are normal, face to face and in a private room.

We are available for all routine and urgent cases on our normal practice number 01822 854255.    If you need an appointment or medication please call us and we can fit you in.

It is good to see you all back inside again in a more normal setting,  we will reconsider the wearing of masks later in the Summer as we all become more confident.

Best wishes

The Drake vets Team.