Frequently Asked Questions
Our vets are willing to be as helpful as possible when it comes to a worried owner, we are open to any questions you have concerning the condition or safety of your pet.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Just call any of the surgeries, they are all linked by a computer network. Consultations are by appointment,
if you would like to see a specific vet just ask. At Abbeydale Vets we think that seeing the same vet through a course of treatment is
important and we try to arrange this when ever possible.
What do I do in an emergency?
Just call the surgery as normal if it’s out of normal hours there will be a answer phone message giving the number
of Armac Vets which is 0161 7644618. They are in Bury. We appreciate that this may involve some inconvenience in getting there but it is the closest clinic which offers a genuine
24/7 emergency sevice. By genuine we mean one that is staffed with vets and nurses on the premises 24/7.
What is the pet travel scheme?
The pet travel scheme enables you to travel to various, mainly European, countries with your pet.
There are several steps in the process. Please see the main menu entry.
Should my pet be insured?
Abbeydale Vets recommend pet insurance. Veterinary medicine is becoming increasing advanced, pet insurance enables your pet to
benefit from the latest diagnostics and treatment without the additional worry of costs at what can be a troubling
time. See the main item for details
Should I have my pet neutered?
The simple answer is yes!
There are many long term health benefits from this. Female animals that are spayed when they are about 6 months old do not go on to develop the animal equivalent of breast cancer in old age. This is a very real bonus since breast tumours are the commonest type of growth we see in unsprayed bitches. Male cats make much better pets and are less likely to get involved in cat fights which can lead to problems including life threatening infections such as leukaemia (a type of cat aids).
Male dogs usually make better pets. There are main reasons why we neuter male dogs the principle ones being aggression, wandering and unwanted behaviour. Owners, usually the male ones for some reason, are some times reluctant to have their male dogs neutered, in these cases it is possible for us to implant or inject your dog with a compound which does the job on a temporary and reversible basis to allow you to see the effects.
There are many long term health benefits from this. Female animals that are spayed when they are about 6 months old do not go on to develop the animal equivalent of breast cancer in old age. This is a very real bonus since breast tumours are the commonest type of growth we see in unsprayed bitches. Male cats make much better pets and are less likely to get involved in cat fights which can lead to problems including life threatening infections such as leukaemia (a type of cat aids).
Male dogs usually make better pets. There are main reasons why we neuter male dogs the principle ones being aggression, wandering and unwanted behaviour. Owners, usually the male ones for some reason, are some times reluctant to have their male dogs neutered, in these cases it is possible for us to implant or inject your dog with a compound which does the job on a temporary and reversible basis to allow you to see the effects.
Do you make home visits?
Yes we do but we would appreciate a call before 10am requesting a visit on that day. Generally we find that seeing the animal at the surgery is a much better option since we have the full range of diagnostics and treatments available at the surgery and if we need to do anything such as taking a blood sample it is so much easier when we have nurses on hand. If when the time comes you would like to have your pet put to sleep at home this can be arranged, please call the surgery.
My pet needs to be put to sleep, what are my options?
This is obviously a very emotionally distressing time with several decisions to be made.
Euthanasia is a last act of kindness which we can offer our pets.
It is performed by the administration of a large overdose of an anaesthetic.
A lot of owners want to be present when this happens but others don’t, we are guided by your decision.
The process is pain free and most owners are surprised how little time it takes. Some animals can make a gasp or two even after the heart has stopped, it's as well being prepared for this.
If you would like us to make a home visit for this service please call.
Afterwards your options are either home burial or cremation at a pet crematorium. We use the Leyland pet crematorium.
If you opt for cremation it is possible to for you to receive the ashes back. As this is an individual service there is an extra cost. This is variable depending on size and type of casket but it is usually in the £70-£140 range.
Euthanasia is a last act of kindness which we can offer our pets.
It is performed by the administration of a large overdose of an anaesthetic.
A lot of owners want to be present when this happens but others don’t, we are guided by your decision.
The process is pain free and most owners are surprised how little time it takes. Some animals can make a gasp or two even after the heart has stopped, it's as well being prepared for this.
If you would like us to make a home visit for this service please call.
Afterwards your options are either home burial or cremation at a pet crematorium. We use the Leyland pet crematorium.
If you opt for cremation it is possible to for you to receive the ashes back. As this is an individual service there is an extra cost. This is variable depending on size and type of casket but it is usually in the £70-£140 range.
What Vaccinations does my pet need?
Vaccinations differ between all animal types. Refer to our Vaccinations
page in 'Information' for more specific deatails.
My pet is afraid of fireworks, what should I do?
Many pets are afraid of fireworks, there are several available strategeies to help, please refer to our 'fact sheet' and call the surgery for a nurse appointment do discuss the problem.