Our day included 2 surgical presentation lectures by the head nurse, a tour of the facility and a chat with Sam - a Melbourne veterinary science student doing a 1 year research placement at the referral centre.
There was only limited opportunity to take photos due to client privacy but what we saw was impressive. Well thought out ward set ups (glass doors on all cages), great equipment (every surgical and diagnostic toy imaginable) and fabulous facilities for clients and staff (think gym, conference room and virtual tours in waiting room).
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| Just one of the amazing plating procedures! |
The practice has grown from a staff of approx 10 to over 50 in approximately 4 years. They mainly offer orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery's, hydrotherapy and physio. They also employ 3 physios who run the rehab programs with the surgeons.
Their vision is to remove or improve pain levels in their patients either by surgery or physical therapy. They look at the whole picture for the patient and make their recommendations according to what is in the best interests of the pet. Besides vets, residents, interns and nurses, they also have auxiliary staff who are dedicated to hand feeding, grooming and sitting with the patients in the wards. They are responsible for sending the patients home in the best possible condition as this is so important to the owners.
As the UK has a very high incidence of owners/patients with pet insurance, they are able to treat many cases that would be unaffordable in Australia. During our visit we saw 2 dogs with prosthetic limbs and Eric Clapton's dog was in for treatment! Definitely a facility for the rich and famous :)
When driving on to our accommodation (Manor House in Farnham - gorgeous!) we saw our first squirrel dash across the road, canal boats and an amazing old pub. Fabulous day - even with lots of rain!
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| Sheila and Joey with canal boats. |
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