1. Examination
Our most basic service is a full clinical and musculo-skeletal examination of the dog which takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Based on the experience gained in examining many thousands of dogs over the past 20 years this can hopefully find the source of a dog’s lameness or poor performance.
2.Blood Testing
We have in-house facilities for haematology (routine examination of red and white cells) which give results in approximately 3 minutes. Results of this will reveal the presence of infection, dehydration or anaemia as well as many other problem conditions. Many greyhound trainers like to regularly test their dog’s blood to assess its’ state of health and level of fitness. Haematology is best carried out at least 3 days after a race.
For more complex tests of heart, kidneys, liver and muscle function as well as hormone assay including thyroid we use a local laboratory who email results to us the same day.
3. X-Ray
We have recently upgraded our xray facilities by purchasing a Poskom PXP60 high frequency xray machine and an Agfa CR30X digital xray system. This system digitises the xray image and displays it on a specialised medical computer monitor. The advantages are huge: no more dealing with messy chemicals to develop xrays, xrays can be adjusted to compensate for being over or underexposed, we can zoom in on areas of interest to detect small fractures and xrays can be emailed to clients or other vets if we need to get another opinion.
Since installing this system before it is already proving its worth by allowing us to quickly and accurately diagnose the most subtle of problems in the delicate bones and joints of our patients. Greyhounds are fantastic patients which makes the taking of x-rays with the animal conscious a possibility, keeping costs down.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy which has been around for thousands of years but gained popularity in the West after the publicity surrounding Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972.
It is now widely used in human patients and is becoming more common in the treatment of animals.
I completed the certificate in veterinary acupuncture in 2001 and have used it most days of my working life ever since.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin stainless steel needles into specific points on the body in order to produce a therapeutic effect. Chinese medicine describes treating various meridians controlling the flow of "chi" in the body but most western practitioners tend to focus on points local to the problem and ones they have had success with treating particular problems.
Most dogs do not mind the insertion of needles and stand quietly for the duration of treatment.
I have treated many different conditions with acupuncture but have had particular success with conditions related to muscles, joints and bones, especially arthritis, lameness of unknown origin and spinal disc problems.
Please call us if you think your dog has a condition you feel might benefit from acupuncture and we will be glad to advise you.
Our normal procedure is to carry out four treatments at intervals of a week- if a response is not seen by then we are unlikely to persevere.
5. Orthopedic Surgery
We have a full range of instruments for dealing with most fractures and can tackle most things at this stage. We try and keep costs reasonable to clients.
We have successfully repaired many broken hocks, removed chips from wrists and repaired long bone fractures with external fixators and plates.
6. Supplements and Tonics
We carry a full range of Nutriscience products and many other supplements for general health.
We also stock Replenolyte, the best electrolyte solution for greyhounds on the market.
We obviously stock a full range of wormers and vaccines at competitive prices.
7. Corns in Sighthounds
Corns in the pad are a common affliction especially in older sighthounds.
My good friend Mike Guilliard
in England developed a revolutionary new surgery for this condition a few years ago. I have corresponded
with him extensively about it and we have both done many cases at this stage with excellent results.
The surgery is relatively simple but requires a general anaesthetic. Your dog will have a light skin
dressing for 10 days before removal of stitches. Most dogs walk better within 2 weeks. More than one
corn can be operated on at one time.
Please ring us if you require more information.
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