This delightful 4 year old Bulldog first came to see us having been very sick. Buzz was also straining to urinate.

An ultrasound scan showed he had numerous stones in his bladder, necessitating urgent surgery.

Surgery proved more extensive than expected as Buzz not only had 50 stones in his bladder but he also had 18 stones wedged tightly in his urethra, the tube connecting the bladder to the outside world. His bladder had to be opened and evacuated and his urethra had to be incised on the underside of his penis to release the obstacles.

Buzz is recovering really well and we are extremely pleased with his progress to date!

Firstly may we say a massive thank you to all our customers for being so understanding and accommodating at this difficult time.

And a huge thank you to all our amazing vets, nurses and receptionists for pulling together to find the best possible means by which to provide local pets with the care they need.

Small teams are working 24/7 on a roster to provide emergency care and urgent treatment where animal welfare would be compromised by delay.

Our main Littlehampton hospital REMAINS OPEN however as you would expect we have put in place all the necessary steps to ensure that we reduce the risk of virus transmission, and are keeping the main door closed. We need to keep everyone safe.

Concerned about your pet’s health but don’t think it’s an emergency?

If you are worried about your pet, phone us and explain your situation. We’ll arrange a suitable way of conducting your appointment that is in everyone’s best interests.

There are a variety of options available to everyone – the important thing is to let us know and we’ll work together!

To respect social distancing rules, we are replacing our standard consultation service with video and telephone consultations. Please contact the practice to arrange an appointment and discuss suitable communication platforms (eg Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp). Payment can be made over the phone.

What constitutes an emergency that needs immediate care?

If any of the below apply to your pet, contact us IMMEDIATELY:

• Breathing difficulties
• Open wound injuries
• Trauma (e.g. car accidents)
• Male cats struggling in the litter tray to pass urine
• Rabbits neglecting food
• Swallowing hazards ie.toys/clothes
• Ingestion of poisonous/harmful substances
• Eye problems
• Vomiting or diarrhoea especially if your pet appears quiet or depressed or if it is going on for a long time (more than 24 hours)
• Swollen abdomen or retching (especially large dogs)
• Loss of thirst & appetite
• Struggling to give birth
• Seizuring/fitting
• Collapse

If the recommendation is to come into the practice, please follow the advice given by our staff. 

• We will ask that you telephone us when you arrive in the car park. 
• A member of staff will come out and take your pet into the clinic. 
• After making an assessment we will ring you on your mobile to discuss the necessary treatment and way forward.

COVID-19 FAQ’s

Can I bring my pet in for an INITIAL VACCINATION COURSE?

A vaccination is not deemed an emergency and we will not be offering an initial vaccination course. If you have a puppy, we recommend that they are kept inside and not exposed to other dogs. You should book a vaccination course as soon as possible after normal service resumes.

We will review this and provide a further update if the government extends the initial three weeks of enhanced measures to slow the spread of the virus.

Can I bring my pet in for their ANNUAL VACCINATION BOOSTER?

We can postpone this vaccine for up to 3 months after the due date without requiring a restart. During these exceptional times, we ask that you delay the booster until up to a maximum of 3 months after the due date.

Can I bring in my pet for a HEALTH CHECK?

Not at this moment in time because this is not deemed critical. However, if your pet is ill we will be able to conduct a consultation via a video or telephone consultation. Please ask the practice for further information.

Can I bring my pet in for NAIL CLIPS? Or to have their ANAL GLANDS expressed?

This should be postponed if your pet is not in any danger of feeling discomfort. If you are uncertain whether this is the case, please arrange a video or telephone consultation with the vet.

How can I get my REPEAT FOOD or MEDICATIONS?

It is important that you continue to give your pet the appropriate food and medication. We are looking at ways of getting these to clients who are due them and postal / delivery services may be an option. Please contact us to make suitable arrangements.

How can I get my FLEA, WORM, TICK and FLYSTRIKE treatments?

It is important that you continue to give your pet the appropriate treatments. We are looking at ways of getting these to clients who are due them and postal / delivery services may be an option. Please contact us to make suitable arrangements.

Can my pet still have ELECTIVE OPERATIONS such as Neutering and Lumps removals?

These operations are not deemed to be critical during these extraordinary times and we therefore ask that you postpone these procedures, until government guidelines on social distancing change.

What about ULTRASOUNDS and BLOOD TESTS?

It depends whether these are deemed critical or not – please contact us to discuss.