We have been fortunate to have remained fairly untouched by covid, and haven’t had to close our doors at any point. That’s in part due to the protocols we have in place (thanks you to all of you for following these for us), and also due to the continued hard work and care taken by our team.

Moving forward, while the risks are reducing, they have not gone away and so to ensure that we remain open and available we will still be requiring that anyone who enters the surgery wears a face mask. We also ask that you apply hand sanitiser on entry into the practice and that only one person comes into the consulting room with the pet as it is a small space with limited ventilation.

Finally we would ask that if you feel unwell (even only slightly) you do not enter the surgery, either ask someone else to come in for you, or wait outside and we will come out to you.

I appreciate that as the hospitality sector etc appear to be returning to normal our measures may seem slightly excessive to some. However, an outbreak of covid in the practice could result in us closing our doors to everyone for at least 5 days. I am aware that the other practices in the area have limited reserves to cope with an influx of new or urgent appointments, so for the sake of our pets we need to be careful.

Take care and keep well

Bird flu is rapidly spreading across the UK, It is not only a highly infectious and highly fatal disease, it is also notifiable, meaning that if any animal is suspected of it, government vets will be dispatched to examine, test and euthanise any infected birds or in contact birds. It is essential that all poultry is kept under cover with food & water that can not be accessed by wildlife, to minimise the risk to them from this horrible virus.

When I was out with the dogs on Sunday on the north downs near Dorking, I saw several sick and dead pigeons in the undergrowth which makes me concerned it is in this area, so keep your birds protected, there is no vaccination or treatment for it.

For more information have a look at the government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

Sinead

At Ark Vets our priority is the health and wellbeing of our patients, their owners and our team. With this in mind and to try and minimise the risks of covid on our staff and practice we will be continuing our present protocols.

These are:

• Temperature check on arrival of all clients entering the building
• Face masks must be worn at all times in the practice
• Hand sanitising on entry into the practice
• Only one client to accompany the animal in the consult room
• Maximum 15 minute appointments

If anyone in your close contacts has any signs of illness / covid, and you need to book an appointment for your pet, please make reception aware of the situation and we will do all we can to ensure treatment of your pet while maintaining the safety of our staff.

The rising levels of covid are concerning and the chances of the practice being temporarily closed through test and trace are very real, so we appreciate you all supporting us during these difficult times.

Keep safe everyone

Over the last month there have been an alarming number of cats presenting to veterinary practices across the UK with a condition called pancytopenia.  This means a lack of all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets).

• Lethargy (tiredness)
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding
  • from the mouth
  • in the poo
  • in the urine
  • in vomit
  • passing black poo
• Collapse

To date over 200 cats have been reported with this condition but the actual number may be more, and so far it shown to have had a death rate of over 70%.

While we don’t know the exact cause, there has been a link suggested to certain cat foods and so while these are being investigated further, a recall of these products has gone out.

For the latest Government Advice see https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-36-2021?dm_i=3VUQ,1AXGC,1ZBJGG,4PPEO,1

If you have any concerns or your cat has been eating any of these please call the surgery for more advice

So another lockdown is upon us, but I hope you are all keeping ok and looking forward to new starts in 2021

At Ark Vets we are still open, fully staffed, and available to see your pets. We have hygiene protocols in place to protect both you and our staff – see the details in Clients allowed back in the building

So keep in touch and let us know if you need anything

Clients are now allowed to come into the consulting room with their animals but we ask that only one of you comes in as the room is not that big. When you arrive at the surgery, can you wait outside and the receptionist will confirm when you can enter (there is shelter and seating outside the surgery). You must wear a face mask at all times on the premises, we will check your temperature with an infrared forehead thermometer before you come in, and then ask that you apply hand gel in the reception area. You will then be directed into the consulting room after it has been cleaned thoroughly.

If your pet needs a procedure eg blood sampling, we will take them into the prep area where a nurse will assist the vet and they will then be brought back to you in the consulting room.

If your pet is being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, then we will email you (generally in advance) with a consent form, along with an estimate and information about feeding etc. We ask that you reply to this email giving consent, or any questions you have. You do not need to print and sign the form.

If you or anyone close to you is unwell or has any signs of COVID and your pet needs to come and visit us, please inform our receptionists and we will do all we can to arrange appropriate treatment while not exposing any of our staff to unnecessary risk.

We are putting these procedures in place to try and ensure the health and wellbeing of both staff and clients, while trying to continue to offer the best possible treatment to your pets.

Hope you are all keeping well.
You may have noticed a few stories in the news about animals testing positive for COVID 19. I want to reassure you all that to date there has been no confirmation that animals are able to transmit this virus to humans, despite a huge amount of testing. As always we advise you to follow basic hygiene precautions for the health of both you and your pets. For those that want more info, this is information produced by the International Society of Feline Medicine.
Keep safe, keep well and we are here if you need us
Sinead x