Services

We take pride in offering comprehensive and compassionate health care and can see your pet at whichever of our three surgeries is most convenient for you. Our vets will often rotate between surgeries so please let us know if you would like to see anyone in particular and we will do our best to accommodate you.

All consultations are by appointment, except of course when you have an emergency. Please ring our friendly reception team to arrange a convenient time.

A medical examination is your chance to have us address your questions or concerns about your pet. We welcome your questions. No question is too small or too silly, and it is our pleasure to address your concerns. We strive to help you understand your pet's health conditions and make informed decisions.

Our consultations with a vet are scheduled for 15 minutes to allow a thorough examination and so you can discuss your pet's condition.

Why do I need to see a vet if my pet isn't ill?

We know you want to keep your pet healthy and one of the easiest and least expensive ways to do this is by bringing your pet to us for regular exams and vaccinations. This will help us identify medical problems early and any other problems that may affect your pet's health and quality of life.

Dogs and cats (and other pets) age far faster than people, so significant changes in your pet's health can happen in a short time and might go unnoticed by you until the condition increases. Your veterinary surgeon can help detect illness earlier which is best for your pet and more cost effective for you.

We look forward to seeing you and your pets!

We have an excellent nursing team with over 60 years combined experience. We offer nurse clinics at all three surgeries and our clinics are designed to help you support the health and care of your pets.

You can make an appointment to see a qualified nurse at any one of our surgeries for:

• Dental care advice and teeth cleaning demonstration
• Assistance with administering medications
• Microchip insertion for pet identification
• Nail clipping for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and small rodents
• Nutrition clinics advice, including weight management
• General health care and socialisation advice
• Flea and worm treatment advice and application
• Post-operative care, suture removal, bandage changes

Nurse Clinics

We have an extremely dedicated team of veterinary nurses whom provide the very 'backbone' vital to our busy efficient and forward thinking practice. Our nurses are here to help you take care of your pet no matter how big or small!

What Is Veterinary Nursing?

Read the article our senior nurse, Fiona Mullan, wrote.

Medical

When your pet needs medical assistance, you can feel confident turning to us. Our knowledgeable, caring team and modern facilities are equipped to handle a variety of medical conditions and emergencies. We can perform many diagnostic procedures in-house which allow us to give you immediate answers and start treating your pet immediately. In some cases, your pet may require hospitalisation and further diagnostic tests.

Your pet will receive kind expert care!

Surgery

Non-emergency routine operations are performed between Monday and Friday at High Wycombe, Hazlemere and Watlington surgeries. Our High Wycombe branch is equipped to perform more complex surgery, emergency care and when your pet needs overnight care.

Our experienced veterinarian team provide many surgical services, ranging from routine to advanced procedures. Our veterinary team ensures that precaution is taken to ensure that your pet receives the highest quality care and attention. We perform a physical exam and testing before surgery, monitor your pet during surgery, and provide appropriate pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery, taking exceptional care to ensure a safe and complete recovery for your pet.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery is surgery not associated with bone. Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (not harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is the medical treatment of injuries and disease of the musculoskeletal system; this includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons of the body.

Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery can provide many benefits to pets but we understand that surgery can be a source of anxiety and stress for many pet owners. Maybe you worry about whether your pet will be well cared for, or perhaps you have concerns about adequate precautions and monitoring. You have the right to know what goes on behind the scenes and what will happen to your pet.

Please feel free to talk to us about any questions or concerns you may have about surgery – we want to put your mind at rest!

Neutering your pet is a kind way to help them live a longer and healthier life. Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies, decreases marking, roaming and dominance behaviour, and can even dramatically decrease the risk of some types of cancer.

All pets are individuals and therefore the time at which they should be neutered can vary, so we would advise discussing neutering with your Vet or Veterinary Nurse who will be happy to advise you and help you make the decision to neuter your pet. You do not need to let your pet have one litter first.

Pet neutering surgery can be performed at all three of our surgeries.

What is castration?

Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles under general anaesthesia. This is a day case procedure for all pets.

DOGS: Following the castration surgery for dogs, he would come back 10 - 14 days later for the removal of the stitches (smaller pets usually do not need stitches).

What are the reasons to castrate my pet?

Castration greatly reduces the production of testosterone which is responsible for sexual behaviour and aggression. For example, a dog will lose sexual interest which prevents the urge dogs have for chasing bitches.

DOGS: Castration also helps to reduce the aggression levels in dogs which in turn will reduce antisocial behaviour.

CATS: Castration will help to stop your male cat from spraying to mark his territory around your home. Spraying can be smelly, difficult to clean off furniture, and unneutered male cats get into fights often causing nasty injures requiring veterinary treatment. Neutered cats tend to stay closer to home so are less likely to get lost or get hit by a car.

The incidence of prostrate disease in male pets can be reduced.

When should we castrate my pet?

Castration can be done at any age although we recommend that we wait for puberty to begin. A dog's sexual puberty is when they get their secondary sexual characteristics (increased size and muscles, bigger head) and the bone growth plates have started to close. A suggested date is around 12 months of age but this may be younger for small dogs and older for large breeds. All puppies are offered a free check-up at 6 months of age at which time we discuss the benefits of neutering.

Cats and Rabbits can be castrated from 4 months of age.

What is the cost of castrating my pet?

The cost varies depending on the size, weight and type of pet, so please speak with us to get an estimate. Included in our price is pain medication, post operation check and suture removal. Pet Health Club members receive a 20% discount off the cost of neutering.

Common misconceptions

"If he is castrated, he will get fat"
A pet will only get fat if he is fed too much. For example, on average a castrated dog will need 10% less food than a non-castrated dog.

"If I castrate him it will change his personality"
We often hear this concern but rest assured this is not the case. A pet's personality is not driven by sexual hormones whereas antisocial behaviour is.

What is spaying?

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus (Ovario-hysterectomy) under general anaesthesia. This is a day procedure followed by removal of the stitches 10 – 14 days later.

What are the reasons to spay my pet?

A female pet in season bleeds from the vulva which can cause staining of carpets, beds and furniture. The female also attracts males of their species which causes unwanted mating to occur.

Spaying prevents seasons from occurring. A spayed pet prevents risk of misalliances, unwanted pregnancies and womb infections (pyometra). The risk of mammary tumours will be greatly reduced. False pregnancies, which are common, will also be prevented.

When should we spay my pet?

BITCH SPAYING: As a guideline for most breeds of dogs we recommend spaying at 6 months of age before the first season. If a bitch has had a season, we would recommend spaying during her "quiet" phase of her sexual cycle which is 3 – 5 months after the season.

All puppies are offered a free check-up at 6 months of age at which time we discuss the benefits of neutering.

Cats and Rabbits can be spayed from 4 months of age.

How much does it cost to spay my pet?

The cost varies depending on the size, weight and type of pet, so please speak with us to get an estimate. Included in our price is pain medication, post operation check and suture removal. Pet Health Club members receive a 20% discount off the cost of neutering.

Common misconceptions

"I was told that I should let her have a litter"
There is no evidence to suggest that pets are happier and healthier having had a litter.

"If she is spayed she will get fat"
A pet will only get fat if she is fed too much. For example, on average a spayed bitch will need 10% less food than a non-spayed bitch.

"My cat is only a kitten so can't have babies yet"
A female cat starts to attract tomcats who will want to mate with her. To prevent her from being pregnant while she is only a kitten herself the recommendation is to spay her before she is 4 months old.

We strive to prevent illness whenever possible.

The time and effort invested in wellness has long-term rewards for both pets and owners. Your pet can benefit greatly from regular check-ups, vaccinations and parasite treatment.

Pets today can live longer, healthier lives than ever before largely due to the advances in veterinary medicine, diagnostics and vaccines that help protect them from deadly infectious diseases. Over the years, vaccines against dangerous diseases have saved millions of pets and virtually eliminated some fatal diseases that were once common. Unfortunately, many infectious diseases still pose a significant threat to dogs and cats that are unvaccinated so unless properly vaccinated, your pet is at risk of contracting a possibly fatal disease. A young animal will receive some antibodies from its mother's first milk. This immunity falls rapidly and if not vaccinated, your pet could succumb to a serious illness.

There are a number of vaccines available but not every pet needs every available vaccine. Vaccines may be recommended for pets based on a variety of factors, such as their risk for exposure to disease. Vaccine recommendations can also change throughout a pet's life, as travel habits and other variables change. We will consider all these factors as we determine which vaccines your pet should have.

Vaccinations for Puppies/Dogs

Puppies require their initial vaccinations at 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Following this course your dog will need a Booster vaccination annually.

Dogs are vaccinated against Distemper, Viral Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis.

Additional vaccinations against Rabies and Kennel Cough are available if required, your vet will be happy to discuss your requirements for these.

Vaccinations for Kittens/Cats

Kittens require their initial vaccinations at 9 and 12 weeks of age. Following this course your cat will require a Booster vaccination annually.

Cats are vaccinated against Cat flu (Herpes and Calicivirus) Viral enteritis and Feline Leukaemia.

Vaccinations for Rabbits

Rabbits can be vaccinated from 5 weeks of age and then require a Booster vaccination annually. Rabbits need vaccinations to prevent and protect them against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) which cause intense suffering to them.

Latest vaccine for VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE now available! Call us to book your appointment with one of our vets to vaccinate your rabbits against this devastating disease.

This disease is a variation of the already known Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD). The vaccines used to protect rabbits against RVHD do not appear to work to prevent them against this new strain of the disease. It is important to vaccinate your rabbits against this new strain known as RVHD2. We are here to help you and have the new vaccine in stock.

Every year thousands of pets go missing and unfortunately when they have no identification they are not reunited with their owners. Microchipping your pet can change this!

AS OF APRIL 2016, IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR ALL DOGS TO BE MICROCHIPPED AND THEIR RECORDS KEPT UP TO DATE.

We at Crossroads Veterinary Centre feel that microchipping your pets is very important as we ourselves return home many stray cats, dogs and even rabbits brought into the surgery throughout the year. Without their microchip we would not have been able to make that wonderful call to reunite them with their owners!

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small sterile implant, approximately the size of a grain of rice, which holds a unique 15 digit number that can be read by an electronic scanner. Once implanted, the number is registered to a national pet database with the owner's name, address, telephone numbers and pet's description.

When a stray pet is found the veterinary practice or animal welfare organisation will contact the pet database to find the owner's details and the pet is reunited with their owner.

Where is the microchip implanted?

In small animals (dogs, cats, rabbits) the microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck. This doesn't hurt and only takes us a few minutes to do. It is much like giving an injection and does not require a general anaesthetic.

Why should I microchip my pet?

Microchipping is inexpensive and the best way to ensure your pet is returned to you should they go missing. Collars and tags are easily removed, whereas a microchip is a permanent form of identification.

If your pet is found 'straying', veterinary practices and local authorities can easily scan their chip, and a quick phone call to the database will ensure they are returned to you rather than potentially be rehomed.

Without a microchip your pet will be held with the warden or animal charity for which you will be liable for the costs during the period of boarding until they are returned home. If your pet is held for an extended period of time it may be rehomed.

Is it a legal requirement?

Whilst currently it is not a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped, it is strongly recommended that they are because they can cover vast distances when they roam. We also recommend that indoor cats are microchipped as they may escape and become lost and without identification they are unlikely to be reunited with their owner.

Under the new law, as of April 2016 all dogs MUST be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old. There is no maximum age, and dog owners could be fined £500 if they do not keep their records up to date.

Do I have to microchip my cat?

For further information about microchipping speak to our Nurses or Vets, or visit Petlog.

If you are planning on taking your pet abroad with you, we recommend you check the travel requirements for your chosen destination on the government website.

Pets must meet travel requirements or they might be refused entry to the holiday destination. This can be costly and stressful for all concerned so we encourage you to do your research and make sure the information you receive is current. A useful link about "Pet travel entering and returning to the UK".

Requirements vary from country to country, and are frequently being updated, so always refer to www.gov.uk for the most up to date information for your desired destination and other relevant important information.

Pets can be exposed to diseases that are not common in the UK and specific inoculation is required. To learn more about potential diseases you can visit this website.

Plan ahead! Please allow yourself plenty of time well ahead of your departure date to bring your pet in for a vet health check, any necessary vaccinations and for us to complete any paperwork to generate your pet passport. Depending on the country you are visiting it can be quite involved and may take longer than you expect to have your pet ready to travel. Please allow us plenty of time to help your pet be ready to travel.

Quick Useful links

• Pet travel: entering and returning to the UK
• Welcome to GOV.UK
• Animal Welfare Foundation - Pet Travel

Do you have a new puppy? Congratulations and we wish you many years of joy with your new member of the family.

Join our weekly puppy socialisation class for a fantastic opportunity for your new puppy to interact with other puppies and different people in a relaxed and safe environment.

Why is socialisation so important?

Early socialisation is key to ensure your puppy grows up to be a relaxed, well behaved and non-fearful dog. Dogs that are not exposed to a variety of dogs, people and situations when they are younger may grow up to be nervous or aggressive when they are older.

Why attend our classes?

Our classes are held by Registered Veterinary Nurses who will provide information and support on a variety of topics and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Also by attending classes in our surgeries, your puppy is getting that all important 'vet socialisation' so they will not be anxious about coming to us for future visits.

Where, when and how much?

• Puppies need to be between 8-12 weeks at their first class and had their first vaccination
• Classes are held every Wednesday at our Hazlemere surgery 6.30 - 7.30pm
• Classes run for 3 consecutive weeks and cost £18

What's included in our classes?

• Socialisation leaflets
• Introductions to the puppies, puppy play and habituation in the consult room
• Discussions on socialisation, habituation, body language, toilet training, mouthing, play biting, chewing, jumping up, handling and health checking, dental care and grooming
• Information on flea/worming treatment, microchipping, insurance and neutering
• Basic training - sit, down, stand and recall
• Puppies will also be weighed at each class

These classes are really popular so please don't hesitate to book your puppy in before they have seen the vet.

For further information please contact Megan Allison RVN at Hazlemere on 01494 718700 or enquire at one of our surgeries.

Puppy vaccination and socialisation

As part of the primary vaccination course, your puppy will be vaccinated against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis at 8 weeks old; followed by a Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis booster at 10 weeks and a Leptospirosis booster at 12 weeks.

Technically, your puppy will not be fully immunised against those disease until 2 weeks after their final puppy vaccine; that is at 14 weeks old. However, it is also vitally important to socialise your puppy during this time.

Socialisation is a vital process during which a puppy learns how to interact with other dogs, with people and with their environment. The key sensitive period for socialisation occurs between 3 and 16 weeks of age. As we live in a relatively low risk area for the diseases that we vaccinate dogs against, we therefore recommend waiting 48 hours after their first vaccine, then starting 'lead walking' on pavements and in wooded areas.

It is safe for your puppy to socialise with other vaccinated dogs, and we strongly encourage attending our puppy parties during which they will learn to interact and play with other vaccinated puppies of a similar age. It is advised however to stay away from waterways, farmyards and marshland areas until two weeks after the final Leptospirosis vaccine has been given, as this disease is known to be transmitted via waterways and rodent urine.

Please feel free to talk to one of our vets or nurses if you have any questions.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer home visits at this stage. We have sadly taken this decision in order to protect the health and safety of our staff, and ensure the continuing ability of Crossroads to remain open for pets even in the face of rising Covid cases. We are truly sorry to have to suspend this service, and we know many people will be understandably disappointed, but I hope our clients will understand that we are trying to make the best decisions in what are strange and unprecedented times. We will update as soon as we feel able to lift this restriction. Thank you so much for your understanding.
 

Home visits are available when circumstances require this service. We prefer to see animals at one of our surgeries due to the availability of equipment, drugs and additional nursing staff should your pets circumstances require this. Some treatment cannot be performed at home and we will always assess the situation carefully and do what is safest and best for you and your pet.

We appreciate in some circumstances travelling to the surgery can be difficult and we're happy to arrange a home visit. This may be especially relevant when an owner decides it's time to have their pet euthanised, in an effort to reduce stress for both pet and owner, we will perform the euthanasia within the pet's familiar surroundings.

You may obtain Prescription Only Medication, Category V (POM) from your Veterinary Surgeon OR ask for a prescription and obtain these medicines from another pharmacy.

A prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or immediate treatment is necessary.

All written prescriptions issued will incur a fee plus VAT. Contact the surgery for details or see our notice board in reception for the cost involved. You will be informed, on request, of the price of any medicine that may be prescribed for your animal.

Medicines on prescription will be issued for a maximum of 3 months (28 days for controlled drugs). This is in line with guidelines issued by the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons.

The general policy of our practice is to re-assess the animal requiring repeat prescriptions every 3 - 6 months. This may vary with individual circumstances.

Please contact reception to enquire into the cost for a re-examination.

If your pet comes in for a surgical or medical procedure it is highly likely they will require a general anaesthetic or deep sedation.

Anaesthesia is an induced state of temporary unconsciousness, causing deep muscle relaxation, unawareness (memory loss) and relief from pain.

Even non painful/minor procedures may require a sedation or anaesthetic if the patient is particularly wriggly or highly stressed, as you can't explain to them what you're doing or expect them to stay still!

Is it Safe?

Every anaesthetic carries some risk. However with modern drugs, constant monitoring and pre operation blood testing, we can minimise this as much as possible and tailor each anaesthetic to the animal's individual needs.

Many of the drugs that we use in veterinary anaesthesia are also the same drugs used to anaesthetise people.

What is the pre anaesthetic blood profile?

We recommend that animals over 8 years old have a pre anaesthetic blood test before they undergo an anaesthetic.

This carries out a screen of liver and kidney function, and a full haematology (blood count) which tells us if your pet has kidney or liver disease, is dehydrated or anaemic.

Monitoring

All animals under anaesthesia have their vital signs constantly monitored by a Veterinary Nurse, acting under the direct supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon. An experienced nurse who is literally 'on the pulse' is the most valuable piece of monitoring equipment you can have!

Anaesthetic Equipment

We have the following anaesthetic equipment available to us:

• Pulse Oximetry - A measurement of Oxygen saturation in the blood
• Blood Pressure
• Bair Hugger - Patient warming device with special blankets to maintain a constant temperature
• ECG - Electrocardiogram, traces the electrical activity of the heart
• Oesophageal stethoscopes - a tube that allows us to constantly listen to the heart/lungs without disturbing the surgical drapes

Pet Euthanasia

Pets give us so much throughout their lifetime; they are our companions and members of our family.

As a pet owner, there is no harder decision to make than choosing the time to say goodbye. The death of a pet is a significant and very emotional time and we may mourn at their death as if we have lost a human friend. The memory of this event will therefore be a long-lasting one.

Read more here.