This website is for updates on
our response to COVID-19 only
** Update - 11am Tuesday 26th June
(ALMOST) NORMAL SERVICE RESUMED
I am very pleased to announce that we are now seeing non-urgent cases at the surgery again, including routine boosters and neutering. Video consultations and 'bespoke' arrangements are still available for anyone who is in a vulnerable group, shielding or unwell, or simply for any cases where it is useful to see the patient at home.
However, we are still working behind closed doors and so will come and see you outside for an initial chat and take your pet indoors for treatment. As this can take a little longer than usual, the appointment times have been extended to ensure we have plenty of time to be as thorough as always, clean up between patients and reduce contact between clients.
The next step will be to start welcoming you back into the practice at long last. When this happens we will ask you to do the following:
- Only come in if you are feeling well (no cough, fever, loss/change of sense of smell).
- Wear a face covering.
- Maintain a 'social distance' from staff and any other client.
- Wave and wait outside until the door is opened for you and thentake a seat.
Not got a face mask yet? Well, it's probably about time as they will soon become the norm. Why not buy one from 'Peep Inside' a few doors down from us and support another independent, local business into the bargain? Or else we can provide you with one for a small charge that will go to a relevant charity.
THANK YOU for your monumental patience and loyalty to the practice throughout this time. We literally wouldn't still be here without you.
** Update - 7pm Tuesday 14th April
VACCINATIONS- NEW GUIDELINES
As you know, like other practices, we have been postponing vaccinations during the initial 3 week period of 'lock-down'. Following the government's expected extension, we have reviewed our position regarding vaccinations of cats, dogs and rabbits, taking into consideration the revised guidance from our governing body, the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and also the BVA (British Veterinary Association), effective from today.
RABBITS-
With a 'reservoir' of myxomatosis and VHD infection in the wild rabbit population and the recent warmer weather (with consequent increased numbers of blood-sucking insects that can transmit the diseases), we will now be vaccinating rabbits as usual.
PUPPIES & KITTENS-
With the lock-down now likely to continue for at least another month, a growing population of cats and dogs vulnerable to contagious diseases (such as parvo virus) also increases the risk of 'outbreaks' of these diseases. Therefore we will resume vaccination of pups and kittens.
ADULT DOGS & CATS-
1st year booster vaccinations are essential for consolidation of immunity and also serve to 'catch' the small number of animals that did not develop full protection after the primary course, and so these will be resumed.
Booster vaccinations for dogs and cats from 2 years old will continue to be postponed for up to 3 months unless there is a compelling reason not to. The durability of immunity from previous vaccinations depends on a number of factors (not least the timely administration of those vaccinations) and we will make a decision on a case by case basis, so please call us for advice. It is worth mentioning leptospirosis in particular, because it has a 'wildlife reservoir', and dogs can acquire infection from standing water eg ponds and ditches in the countryside. It is also transmissible to people (Weil's disease) and so it is especially important that this annual vaccination is not allowed to lapse. Other vaccine components can then be given, when due, at the same time.
Kennel Cough is not considered a 'core' vaccine and there is little risk unless a dog goes into kennels or enters shows, neither of which is likely for some time yet.
** Update - 1pm Thursday 8th April
CATS and COVID-19
You may have seen reports in the media about COVID-19 infecting cats and causing mild symptoms (just two cases confirmed by PCR test according to one review by SYREAF published today). In both cases, the cats were living with owners with confirmed COVID-19 and the direction of transmission is most likely to be from owner to cat.
To date there is no evidence that cats (or other animals) can pass the virus to people. The following is from the WSAVA statement dated the week-ending 3rd April:
"...It should also be remembered that public health services around the world monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 [aka COVID-19], have again ended this week steadfastly stating that there is no evidence of transmission from companion animals to people. As recommended in our Advisory, however, individuals who know they have COVID-19 should minimize direct contact with their pets to avoid potential transmission..."
As the last sentence suggests, it is wise to be cautious which is why the BVA issued a statement today recommending that cats belonging to households where someone is self-isolating due to COVID signs should be kept indoors IF it does not distress them to be confined in this way. Unfortunately, this has been misreported to suggest that all cats should be kept indoors- not so!
It is, of course, advisable to practise good hand hygiene when handling all pets to avoid their fur acting in the same way as a door handle.
** Update 6pm Friday 27th March
Here's a summary of the 'status quo' regarding our service to you during the lock-down:
1) If your pet needs urgent 'hands on' care, and in an emergency, call us and we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. Please note, you will need to leave your pet with us and wait outside.
2) If your pet is unwell, but does not need emergency care, call us and we will arrange a video consultation after which, in some circumstances, the vet can prescribe any medication needed. Please note, supplying prescription-only-medication without a physical examination of the pet is illegal in normal times, but the RCVS and VMD are allowing vets a degree of discretion during the 'lock-down'.
3) If your pet needs ongoing medication, this can be supplied as usual- call us to order it and we will arrange a time for collection. Please allow us 24-48 hours notice. We still need to do prescription checks as usual, but these can usually be done via video consultation.
4) If your pet needs a vaccination, we regret that we have to postpone these until the government allows us to do them (they are not considered 'urgent' unless there is an imminent risk of getting the disease vaccinated against). In most cases, there will be ongoing protection for 2-3 months if previous boosters have been given on time, so try not to worry.
A lot of people seem to have just acquired puppies and kittens, obviously requiring primary vaccination. In most cases this too, unfortunately, must wait which is particularly upsetting. However, the risk is small if they are not allowed where other cats/dogs have been, and you are careful about not wearing outdoor shoes into the house. Call us, and we can offer our usual 'meet & greet' consultation via video to discuss a lot of their ongoing care and any concerns you may have. Best of all, its free!
The RCVS will be issuing new guidance on this on the 13th of April so watch this space.
** Update (6pm Tuesday 24th March 6pm)
As you might expect, yesterday's announcement was a game changer. As a result, and for good reasons, we can now only see urgent and emergency cases that justify leaving the isolation/safety of your (and our) homes.
The practice is staffed, but the door is locked. PHONE US first and we will make arrangements to see you IF the vet decides an 'in person' consultation is required. If not, we can still help you via a video consultation, and will send you an invitation.
Please note- we are maintaining this service to you and your pets with the minimum staff so please be patient if your call is not answered straight away.
Best wishes, SWVC.
18th March 2020
Dear Client,
Like everyone, we are adapting to the unprecedented situation regarding Covid-19. It is our hope and intention to continue offering the care your pets need throughout this difficult time. To do this we need to stay healthy and, equally, we want you to stay healthy if you need to visit us, and we need your help.
What We Are Doing:
1) From today we will space out consultations to minimise contact between clients in the waiting areas. As we have separate cat and dog waiting rooms, we will alternate cat and dog appointments. We may contact you to rearrange some appointments already booked.
2) There will be a full wipe down of all public areas (door handles, desks etc) with disinfectant between each client. Staff wash hands with the same frequency.
3) Fresh air ventilation is in operation at all times and the extraction rate has been increased.
4) Hospitalised pets will be kept in isolation with standard disinfection between patients in the treatment rooms. Staff will wear gloves and masks.
What We Need From You:
1) Please be punctual to your appointment so that we can maintain spacing and allow time for disinfection between clients.
2) Use the alcohol hand sanitiser on entering.
3) The vets will endeavour to resolve all your concerns in the allotted 15 minutes and reception will request some information over the phone at the time of booking to assist with this.
4) Please do not come if you are feeling unwell or if you are in a 'risk' category (over 70, pregnant, pre-existing health concerns). Send a friend or relative in your place or telephone us and we will make necessary arrangements. In these circumstances we can offer a collect-and-return service if your pet needs urgent treatment. Also we will shortly offer video consultations as an alternative to coming to the practice when appropriate.
5) Please send just one person per pet to minimise the risk of transferring infection.
6) Please note that we will only be taking card payments throughout this period.
We will keep you informed of any developments by email and thank you for your assistance.
With our best wishes, from all of us at SWVC.
Phill
Small World Vet Centre
** Update (11.15am Thursday 19th March)
Near Normal Service
We are still providing a near normal service and can see your pets for routine vaccinations etc.
Medication
We currently have open channels for ordering medication and food and although some stock is taking longer to arrive, we are monitoring our stock levels to ensure we maintain as close to normal service as possible.
We are encouraging our clients to order only usual or necessary medications to allow others to also do so.
If are ill or “at risk” (over 70, pregnant, pre-existing health concerns) please contact us as we may be able to arrange delivery.
When you arrive
You will find our front door locked so we can limit how many people are in the practice at any one time. Please let us know you're here by tapping on the window or telephoning us and we will let you in.
** Update Monday 23rd March 4pm
Dear all,
It is estimated that the number of C19 cases doubles every 2-3 days and so the risk of encountering the virus increases accordingly. For that reason, we are taking further measures to protect clients and staff alike.
This includes reducing the number of staff coming to work to a minimum. To achieve this we will, from tomorrow, CLOSE AT 5PM. However, any NHS STAFF working irregular shifts should contact us directly as we will try to fit around your schedule.
Rest assured, we will be available to see emergency cases as usual from 5pm until 7pm, after which calls will divert to Milford Veterinary Hospital as usual.
In addition we will only see 'in person' cases that are urgent, necessary to prevent poor welfare and cannot be effectively dealt with via a telephone or video consultation. Please phone us as usual and the vet will decide how best to proceed. For the time being, we will still give puppy/kitten vaccinations, and rabbit vaccination boosters, as there is a higher risk of infection in these animals.
We will imminently be able to offer VIDEO CONSULTATIONS- probably by tomorrow- so that we can help pets owned by anyone who is in isolation, or those for whom an in person consultation is not needed. Just call us as usual to book a slot and we will send you an invitation link. These are paid for in advance of the appointment by card.
For those that need to be seen at the surgery, please note the following measures in place:
- Strictly only one person to accompany the pet.
- Do not come if you or anyone in your household is unwell.
- You will be asked to stay seated in the waiting room and to not approach the desk or staff.
- We will take your pet from you, and examine them in the consultation room without you. We will discuss the details of the problem and the treatment with you at a distance.
Apologies for this rather impersonal choreography but I'm sure you understand the reasons.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS:
Please order your medication at LEAST 48 HOURS in advance due to slower deliveries from our suppliers. Please note that, to reduce contact at the time of collection, payment must be made at the time of ordering by card over the phone.
The interval between prescription health checks will remain 3 months, but the consultation will most likely be conducted by video. In some cases, a physical examination may be required in person, at the vet's discretion.
The prescribing of parasite prevention medications will continue as usual except that the 6 month free-of-charge health check will not take place until circumstances allow.
Best wishes from us all.