The way we vaccinate cats has changed. A decade ago vets would vaccinate against all the important diseases every year regardless of the cats lifestyle, age or risk of infection. This has no doubt saved many a cats life but this blanket vaccination policy also resulted in many cats having vaccinations that may not be needed. In July 2009 a panel of specialists in feline medicine and vaccination published a series of recommendations for vaccination in cats.

UK animal welfare, behaviour, training and veterinary organisations are warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who has announced a UK tour. The article links to further information which is a well written explanation.

"Time spent with cats is never wasted." Cats are now Britain's favourite pet: there are 7.7 million cats as opposed to 6.6 million dogs. For thousands of years cats have lived with people, the ancient Egyptians even worshipped them as gods! Changes in our lifestyles have helped the cat increase in popularity, the cat's independent nature has proved advantageous as more and more of us live in homes where...

It's all to easy at Christmas for our pets to find something to eat that they shouldn't. I can picture myself feet up on the couch, stomach fully of wine and good food, drifting into sleep with the telly on in the background. That's the oppurtinuty my Spaniel has been waiting for and almost certainly the best time to do some counter surfing in the kitchen.

A humorous message from the RSPCA warning about the excesses of Christmas this year.  I know a few clients who need a gentle reminder........

Willows heart sounded completely normal and she showed no signs of weakness we would normally expect with heart disease. We suspected there was a blockage of blood flow back into the heart but struggled to see anything on a heart scan. We suspected a condition called Cor Tritriatum Dexter and referred her for a scan with a specialist. The cardiologist found a valve that had not formed properly between the chambers of her right heart but could not confirm a Cor Tritriatum Dexter. He recommended a 3rd opinion at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

At Purton Veterinary Group we are proud to say our clinical standards are amongst the best available and and you can rest assured that we put your pets first. A recent study published by a team at the University of Cambridge has shown there is a significant disparity between the clinical standards clients think their vets provide and what actually happens behind the scenes.