We have assembled some wonderful advice and guidance to help provide you with some tips on socialising your kitten, as we want all our kittens to have a happy and healthy start in life. The effectiveness of socialisation provided to your kitten will be affected by their underlying personality type, genetic make-up and environmental influences.… Read more »

As of 7th October, it is now a legal requirement for any dog entering the UK from Romania to have tested negative for Brucella Canis before importation. This is definitely a step in the right direction the number of dogs being rescued and rehomed from overseas has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2022 the… Read more »

Christmas is an exciting period for everyone including our pets! Every year we bring lots of exciting new things into our homes, from gifts to decorations and of course, food.  All these new smells and fun things to play with are just as exciting for our pets! However, while we all enjoy the Christmas period,… Read more »

Most of you might know Alice as the lovely smiley face at reception. So, in our Autumn newsletter we thought we’d tell you a bit more about her! Alice is from a small village in Essex and was grateful to have the opportunity to grow up surrounded by the countryside.  As a child she always… Read more »

We ask that you take the time to read the risks associated with general anaesthesia and surgery prior to your pet being admitted for their procedure. Please note, we aim to minimise these complications as much as possible. Pre-operative risks associated with surgery: Minor side effects: Major side effects: Pre-operative risks associated with anaesthesia: Potential… Read more »

Back in July, our receptionists spent 7 hours during the hottest day on record sat on a bus learning how to improve your client experience. Whilst the roads melted, train tracks buckled and most people were told to stay at home – definitely no dog walking – our crew stoically sat in Fillpots Garden Centre… Read more »

Some of you might have seen Becky already, during some of our nurse appointments. Becky is part of our nursing team, as a student Veterinary Nurse, who in the very near future is soon to qualify! Back in 2014, Becky came to us to interview for a position as an Animal Care Assistant, in order… Read more »

Most of our clients love to holiday in Europe and for many of them, that holiday wouldn’t be complete without their beloved pet beside them. If you’re one of these owners then we know, like us, you’ve been concerned about what the Brexit outcome will have on your future travel plans. Now that Brexit has… Read more »

We’re all very much “lungworm aware” when it comes to dog lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum), but many people are unaware that cats have their own species of this parasite – Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Unlike the dog version, this is often “clinically silent”, meaning that no symptoms are apparent. However, if the infestation is heavy enough, it can be… Read more »

This time of year is all about spreading love and festive cheer. The team wanted to say a big thank you for all your well wishes, cards and gifts, they are always much appreciated. If there was one thing our team would really love for Christmas, it would be a review if you’ve appreciated the… Read more »

We love to shout out about the confidence clinics our nurses run here at Mayne Vets.  In these confidence clinics we provide shy and nervous dogs with some stability and reassurance through creating positive associations at the clinic and building a relationship with one of our veterinary nurses. We thought we would share with you… Read more »

Simple answer – yes, very easily! Stress is an important factor in the development of a number of feline diseases (particularly cystitis, “incontinence”, and some skin conditions). In addition, many cats will leave their owners and look for a new home if they live somewhere they consider to be too stressful… So if your moggy… Read more »

Ruptured cruciate ligament?! What is this? Compared to a human knee, our dog’s knees are an anatomically imperfect joint.  Due to the angle the bones meet, they naturally want to slide forwards and backwards during weight bearing and movement. The cruciate ligaments sit inside the knee joint stabilising it, preventing any movement and rotation, but… Read more »

We are aware that there is currently an apparent gulf between the cost of medication in veterinary practices compared to online pharmacies.  This can result in clients feeling that their vets are “ripping them off” in some way.  In reality, it is a comparison of two completely different business models.  At the minute, internet pharmacies… Read more »

Have you ever witnessed your cat struggling to go for a wee, popping in and out of the litter tray or passing small amounts of red coloured urine? These are all signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term describing conditions that can affect the urinary… Read more »

Christmas is a an exciting and often hectic time of year – but had you thought about how it impacts on your pets? In this blog, we’ll look at five pet-related Christmas disasters and how to stop them ruining your festivities! Tree Injuries A tree in the living room makes Christmas for many families… But… Read more »

As 2020 finally starts to draw to a close and an end to the Covid-19 nightmare suddenly seems to be one step nearer, it might be a good time to take stock and look forward to the challenges that still lie ahead.  While we will all be delighted to (hopefully!!) see some return to normality… Read more »

Here at Mayne Vets we never shy away from a challenge and Freddie has certainly given us one recently. Back in October 2018, Freddie presented to us as he just wasn’t himself. This normally bouncy, happy boy was lethargic with a cough as well as an increase in thirst and urination. Initial investigations of Freddie’s… Read more »

With the announcement of the new legislation regarding XL Bullies, we know a lot of you will be concerned about what the new laws are and what they may mean for you.  Unfortunately, there was no prior warning or information given to the veterinary industry as a whole as to what the legislation would entail… Read more »

We want to tell you a little story about a shy little dog called Gracie.  Gracie is a 3 year old Cocker Spaniel, very much loved by all her family. Back in July 2019 she visited us for her annual vaccination where the veterinary surgeon noticed that she had been gradually gaining weight. After a… Read more »

For many of us, we have different ways of deciding when the different seasons have arrived from the falling of leaves in autumn to the first snows of winter.  In the veterinary industry, we look for slightly different signs;  we know summer has truly arrived when we start seeing grass seeds stuck in ears and… Read more »

At Mayne Vets, we’re passionate not only about animal health but also about the health of our planet. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are always exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact—within the practice and in the wider veterinary profession. In June, our Practice Manager Keith attended the Webinar Vet’s… Read more »

Case Study One: Morris the British Shorthair Dental disease is commonly seen in cats when there is an accumulation of plaque and tartar on their teeth, if left overtime this causes damage to the tooth, gums and mouth. Bringing your pet in for their yearly vaccinations allows for regular health checks and monitoring of certain… Read more »

Throughout February and March, we are running our heart focus months and we’d like to share two success stories with you. Rhino visited us recently as his owner was worried about his breathing and general lethargy. Rhino is a vivacious Chihuahua Cross who we’re used to seeing full of life and feistiness, so it was… Read more »

Cats are creatures of habit and routine, so it’s no surprise if you haven’t found a change of diet to be easy. All that cajoling, smiling sweetly and pretending to eat the food yourself while exclaiming  ‘Yummy!’ might just not be cutting the mustard. Don’t despair, read on for a few hints and tips. Why… Read more »

This is one of those tasks that sounds like it should be really easy – but actually it can be surprisingly hard! Until they begin puberty (usually at about 6 months old), male and female kittens are incredibly similar. There are several different approaches that different people use to determine sex, and some are more… Read more »

We posted an article about pet insurance back in the wake of COVID-19 knowing that a recession was not too far away. Since then we have all watched a continued growth in food, fuel and energy bills with inflation rates not seen in decades.  Unfortunately the veterinary industry has been hit hard through this period… Read more »

Please let us introduce Keith, our not-so-new member of staff! Keith is Charlotte’s husband but, until recently, he could only be found assisting management in the background of the clinic.  However, he has (finally!) moved his clinical work to Bergholt Road so we’re pleased to announce you might be meeting him in a consult room… Read more »

We are aware that there has been some recent concerns about the use of Librela for the treatment of osteoarthritis and its safety. We thought it may be helpful to provide some information as to when and why it has been used, and what updated information we have with regards to its safe use. Osteoarthritis… Read more »

People will be petting their pet and find a lump or a bump, something that has popped up overnight, they then assume the worse – Its CANCER, sometimes we then avoid finding out more. Either though fear or worry or cost. During the first week of February (weekdays only) as part of our involvement with… Read more »

If you’ve visited us recently, you might have noticed a few new faces around the clinic. With some exciting additions to our team, we thought it was the perfect time to formally introduce the people behind the scrubs! At Mayne Vets we believe that trust begins with knowing who’s caring for your beloved pets. Whether… Read more »

Christmas has arrived and at Mayne Vets that heralds the arrival of the “I’m really sorry but my dog has eaten…” calls.  Unfortunately, as much as we all love Christmas, it is a time to be extra careful around your pets. Mince pies have taken an early lead this year with the lovely Cody and… Read more »

We are very pleased to introduce our two newest team members, both of whom you may have already met as they are not all that new to the clinic! Sophie Sophie is our newest vet and joined the practice in August.  However, many of you may recognise her as she has been seeing practice with… Read more »

None of us like to start talking about next year before Christmas has even happened, but let’s face it, 2020 will be with us soon enough! And if you’re anything like the team at Mayne Vets, you’re looking forward to overindulging at Christmas, and thinking about starting afresh in the New Year… But does the… Read more »

In the summer months we routinely see seeds embedded in between pads, in ears and even up noses. Not a week goes by without an owner phoning to report that their dog has suddenly starting to shake their head after a walk, or that they’ve noticed a swelling in between their toes that their dog… Read more »

Just over a year ago, a little kitten was rejected by his mother and his owner wasn’t in a position to hand rear him, so we stepped in! Our nurse Ricardo and our work experience student Rebecca, took on the job of looking after this little lad. Splitting the week between them, they shared the… Read more »

We all know and love Julie therefore we have decided to tell you a bit more about her. Julie was born and raised in Colchester after her parents moved away from London hoping to find a quieter place to raise their family. One of her family friends was a veterinary surgeon and Julie used to go… Read more »

A huge number of medical conditions can be painful; in addition, some treatments (for example, surgical operations) can also lead to discomfort. However, pain is an enemy that we can combat – and we have wide range of options for minimising and managing pain. In this blog, we’re going to explore this essential aspect of… Read more »

PART ONE: Where are we coming from and where are we going? One of the more hotly debated topics in veterinary medicine at the minute is the use of parasiticides to protect our pets both from parasites and the diseases that these parasites may transmit to our pets and ourselves.  On one side of the… Read more »

Part Two: What are the risks? The purpose of this part of our article is to provide you with some information regarding the parasites we routinely treat in veterinary medicine and consideration of any potential risks when not treating for them. As mentioned in Part One, parasite treatment is an area of veterinary medicine currently… Read more »

2024 is well and truly in full swing, January is when resolutions are made, goals for the rest of the year are set and here at Mayne Vets is no different! We want to continue being an example for what veterinary practices can achieve, play our part in reducing our carbon footprint and continue striving… Read more »

So, way back in 2020 we had “Review Pet Health Club” on our to-do list, and then Covid happened, and life got a little more complicated for us all for a while! But as we begin to (hopefully…. new variants aside) return to normality, we have been looking to see how we can improve our… Read more »

The day before your pet’s procedure Coming in for surgery: Coming in for a dental procedure: Small Furries: Brachycephalic Breeds: A veterinary nurse will aim to call you the day before your pet’s surgery to run through the admit form and answer any questions that you may have. This allows us to admit patients promptly… Read more »

What should I feed my dog? Good nutrition plays a vital role in your puppy’s daily life. Depending on their breed, puppies can take anywhere from 8 to 24 months to reach their full adult size and weight. Throughout this important growth period, it’s essential to provide a diet that supports healthy development. Puppy food… Read more »

Now that your puppy is settling into their new home, we’d like to share some key points to keep in mind as you begin their training journey. As your puppy’s guardian, it’s important to make training a regular part of daily life. Training helps your puppy learn how to behave in different situations, keeps them… Read more »

Brushing your puppies teeth Did you know that a large number of dogs over the age of three develop dental disease? Starting preventative dental care early can make a huge difference in keeping your puppy’s mouth healthy and pain-free as they grow. The best way to protect your puppy’s teeth is through daily brushing—the gold… Read more »

During these colder months of winter and early spring it is more important than ever to consider whether your pet rabbit is suffering from stress of inactivity and boredom.  Don’t worry if you think your pet may have had a dull few months of winter; in this article we have discussed some simple ways of… Read more »

Your current yearly vaccination protocol covers for myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD 2. You may or may not be aware that a new strain of RVHD2 that has been detected in the recent months which is highly virulent. This strain has primarily been detected in Europe (Hungary, France, Netherlands and Italy), with over 50% of the… Read more »

September is here and then the next thing we know is it will be time to get the fire on, slip on those cosy slippers and enjoy nights inside in front of the TV. It also means that Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year are just around the corner and of course, this means FIREWORKS.… Read more »

The number of dogs being rescued and rehomed from overseas has increased dramatically in recent years. This increase in popularity has occurred for various reasons, some people are drawn to a particular animal seen on social media whilst others adopt as they perceive that stray pets abroad suffer more and have a higher chance of… Read more »

On 23rd January, we were having our usual Wednesday meeting when we received a rather panicked phone call from a client who was concerned that her 9-month-old French Bulldog Rose had eaten up to 58 bits of sugar-free chewing gum. Now to some people, this seems like silly puppy behaviour and nothing too much to… Read more »

Recently you might have seen a couple of new faces at the practice. We are proud to officially introduce Dr. Rebecca Hart and Dr. Ros Doyle as part of our veterinary surgeons team!  Let’s start by introducing Rebecca Hart.  She has actually been working for us since mid 2018 as a locum veterinary surgeon but… Read more »

This is a condition that can affect both dogs and cats. It can be very distressing for both our pets and owners alike. Separation anxiety in pets is triggered by distress from being separated from their owner with whom they have a strong bond. Dogs especially are very social animals so being alone does not… Read more »

As part of ‘National Pet Dental Month‘ we are offering our patients a FREE dental check with our wonderful Veterinary Nurses. What will be included in the nurse dental check? During a nurse dental check we can discuss with you the signs of dental disease, along with the treatment we are able to provide to treat… Read more »

Spike Whitbread, 2yo British blue RTA cat Spike’s year did not start the way he hoped! On the 1st January, he was found at the side of the road by a member of the public, following a suspected road traffic collision. He was rushed to VetsNow by these good samaritans and received stabilisation treatments for… Read more »

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species we have living here on Earth, from plant life to mammals, insects to fungi. However, our pet’s love of the great outdoors could be having a negative impact on biodiversity. This blog as part of our Pet Owner Sustainability series will focus on possible adaptations and considerations that… Read more »

Our ‘Pet Owner Sustainability Series’ is going to cover many topics, hopefully sparking curiosity and allow us to consider how we can embrace the joys and benefits of our furry friends, in a more sustainable way. Have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of owning a pet? We’ve all heard the term carbon… Read more »

We all love to treat our pets, whether it’s with a frothy puppacino or even a new toy this Christmas season. We have to work out ways we can live more thoughtfully and deliberately to create a better world for the future. Next time you dive in your bag for your wallet, have a think… Read more »

We have been very fortunate to welcome the arrival of a number of new team members over the last year.  Our wonderful reception team has been joined by Cat and Tracy.  Both very experienced veterinary receptionists who are proving to be fantastic additions to our team.  They have they allowed Rachel to make a move… Read more »

We all know cats love to eat grass and handsome Seve is no exception!  One day Seve’s owners noticed that he was retching violently and in doing so brought up several pieces of grass. Following this incident, Seve developed a harsh cough so his owners booked an appointment for us to check him over.  Despite… Read more »

What is “titre testing”? A titre test involves a taking a blood sample from your pet to assess the level of antibodies present to some of the diseases we routinely vaccinate against. The level of antibodies detected will help us gauge the level of immunity your pet currently has, thus guiding our decision for vaccination… Read more »

Summer can bring many happy pet memories, but it can also bring some extra challenges. Here we highlight some, so while still enjoying summer with your pets you can make sure they stay healthy too.   Heatstroke and sunburn   Heatstroke is common and potentially fatal. Because our pets have a fur coat and are… Read more »

As we are approaching the time for your pets booster, we wanted to update you on some changes we have made to our vaccination protocol for dogs. At the Mayne Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your pets, which includes staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.… Read more »

We have a position for a part time registered veterinary nurse available at Mayne Vets! Does working part time work fit into your schedule? Are you looking to work at an independent veterinary clinic, who prioritises environmental sustainability and team wellbeing? Are you looking to work for a clinic that values their nurses and utilises… Read more »

You may have seen posts on the Mayne Veterinary Clinic Facebook page, or you may have received a WhatsApp message from our number advising we are now offering a free veterinary advice service that is available any time of the day or night, but you must be wondering more!  So please let us explain what… Read more »

As the holiday season comes upon us once again many of you are planning on taking your pets abroad this summer. We wanted to give you a quick update and some tips for travelling with your pets. UK pet travel has increased since the Pet Travel Scheme relaxed in 2012 going from 140,000 dogs travelling… Read more »

The hairy members of our family (yes I am talking about the pets) rely on us to keep them nice and slender, with a balanced diet giving them all their nutritional needs. Now, being a bit of a foodie myself (especially when it comes to cake, chocolate, crisps, cheese…. maybe I should stop before I… Read more »

Please allow us to make a long overdue introduction to our new team members for 2021, just in time for 2022!! Let us start with our lovely not-so-new reception team member Rachel.  Rachel joined us way back in February and has done an amazing job at mastering all the complexities of life behind the front… Read more »

With the sudden growth in “anaesthesia-free” dental cleaning offered by groomers and other non-veterinary professionals, it is important to understand the health risks involved within these procedures and why they have been banned by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons with support from the British Dental Veterinary Association and the European Veterinary Dental College. What… Read more »

Kidney disease is one of the most common degenerative conditions in cats, especially in the elderly. However, it can also occur in younger animals exposed to certain toxins or infections. In this blog, we’re going to have a brief look at the more common causes of kidney failure in cats, and the symptoms that they… Read more »

Cushing’s Disease, or Hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition caused by excessive production of natural steroid hormones (mainly cortisol) in the adrenal glands. It is most common in dogs, but does also occur (rarely) in cats (it’s also fairly common in horses and ferrets, but those are separate blog articles!). What causes it? There are three forms… Read more »

Most pet owners anticipate spending at least part of the night of 5th November attempting to coax their dog or cat out from under the bed. It is an evitable response to the loud bangs, whistles and crashes of fireworks. However, many pets react equally as badly to more year-round sounds such as thunder or car… Read more »

You may recently have read the scary headlines in the newspapers about “deadly new ticks” and “fatal dog diseases” new to the UK – especially if you live in the South East, where local media have picked it up and run with it. But what’s really going on? Is there really anything to worry about,… Read more »

While fireworks displays can really brighten up an autumn evening for us, for our cats, they can be really, really stressful! Unfortunately, the way a cat responds to sudden fear is all too often to run away and hide – but in a busy city, running away from home can result in becoming lost, attacked… Read more »

Summer time… Blue sky, bright sun, lush green foliage, grass waving in the wind like a green-gold sea… Well, perhaps not the first two in Britain! But there is one constant threat to our dogs in the summer months and that’s those pesky grass seeds. The waving heavy heads of ryegrass, timothy, fescues and cocksfoot… Read more »

When we’re looking at urine samples down the microscope, we often see pretty little patterns forming, like snowflakes or tiny jewels. Unfortunately, these bladder crystals can cause serious disease in dogs and cats – but the good news is that by looking at their shapes under the microscope, we can often determine how best to… Read more »

This is a question that often comes up, because the WSAVA Vaccine Guidelines (issued by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association) are periodically updated, recommending longer vaccination intervals. This gets a lot of press coverage, and as a result, people often think that the standard vaccine protocols are in some way harmful; or that they can delay… Read more »

Examining a patient from the outside can be really useful – we can pick up a lot of information. Even more useful is what we call “obtaining a history” – finding out what they’re doing or not doing!) when they’re at home, what their symptoms are, when they started, and if there are any obvious… Read more »

As 2020 quickly approaches, so does Valentine’s Day! So, we have been thinking, what better time to focus on heart health than Valentines Day itself.  Throughout February 2020, our vets will be offering free heart assessments available for all our beloved patients! We’re all aware that heart disease is prevalent in people but did you… Read more »