Facilities

We have the facilities to manage almost all types of surgery in-house

We have the facilities to manage almost all types of surgery in-house. Types of surgery regularly undertaken include:

  • Skin surgery including mass removals, reconstructions, skin flaps, anal gland removal

  • Abdominal surgery including reproductive, gastrointestinal, bladder, liver

  • ENT surgery including laryngeal paralysis, brachycephalic obstruction, ear canal ablations, thyroid gland removal

  • Orthopaedics including fracture repair, arthrodesis, cruciate ligament (including TTA)

Our RCVS Surgery Certificate holder is able to perform many of the non-routine surgeries at our Haverfordwest surgery, whilst all members of the team perform our routine surgery. Where a surgery cannot be performed in-house (spinal surgery for example) prompt referral to an appropriate specialist can be arranged.

Our general anaesthetics are all monitored continuously by a qualified veterinary nurse. More complicated anaesthetics can be arranged.

Anaesthesia is the production of freedom from pain with relaxation. A local anaesthetic produces anaesthesia in one area of the body. General anaesthesia is far more useful in veterinary practice as it also produces a state of compliance in the patient. Under general anaesthesia the patient is rendered unconscious.

Many clients have great concerns regarding anaesthesia. However, with proper patient assessment, the use of appropriate modern anaesthetics, close patient monitoring and support, anaesthesia can be conducted safely.

At The Oak Veterinary Group, a veterinary surgeon conducts each and every pre-anaesthetic examination and may recommend further tests before deciding on an anesthetic. The anaesthetic is administered by veterinary surgeons and is monitored through to recovery by qualified veterinary nurses, so that any problems can be acted on immediately.

Sometimes sedation will be used to conduct certain procedures.  A sedation calms the patient, and can be used with an analgesic to provide freedom from pain.

Many operations involve a degree of discomfort to the patient. Modern anaesthesia incorporates the use of pain relief before, during and after anaesthesia so that the patient can recover in a pain-free environment.

  • Diagnostics are a key part of our surgery process
  • Ultrasound
  • Radiography
  • ECG (Electrocardiography)
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood Pressure Measurement
  • Referrals

Diagnostics are a key part of our surgery process

We have a comprehensive in-house laboratory in our Haverfordwest premises, giving us the benefit of fast diagnosis when your pet needs it! 

This includes:

  • Haematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Electrolytes
  • Urinalysis
  • Microscopy
  • Basic Cytology. 

We also use Snap tests for rapid results on FIV/FeLV, pancreatitis and canine parvovirus. 
We have expert back up with an external lab, Idexx, with their team of specialists in small animal medicine.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the internal structures of the body. It produces a different range of information to radiography, and the two often complement each other as diagnostics tools. 

We have also just upgraded out ultrasound machine to include colour and doppler, giving us much better images of the heart and other structures.

Radiography

Radiography involves making radiographs using X-rays. It is one of the oldest and most frequently used diagnostic tools in veterinary practice, and ours is no exception. 

We have recently installed a state-of-the-art digital x-ray system, enabling faster and clearer radiographs.

 

ECG (Electrocardiography)

ECG (Electrocardiography) is an image of the electrical activity of the heart. The impulses generated when the heart contracts are collected by electrodes on the limbs, and displayed as a paper trace.

ECG is mostly used in the diagnosis of arrhythmias (disturbances of the heart’s normal rhythm), though may also be used to detect changes in heart shape and size, as well as electrolyte disturbances.

 

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is the use of fibre-optic ‘magic eyes’ to look into various body areas, such as the nose and throat, oesophagus, stomach and parts of the intestinal tract.

Using the endoscopes we can visualise areas of abnormality and biopsy if required. It is also possible to retrieve foreign objects from parts of the gastrointestinal tract or upper respiratory tract.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood Pressure Measurement can be a useful tool to indicate high blood pressure associated with many diseases common in our pets, such as:

  • Kidney Failure
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cushings Syndrome
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Liver Disease
  • Obesity

Is is usually a very simple procedure, in a compliant patient.

Referrals

We are happy to see second opinions from other veterinary practices. However, it is professional etiquette that we contact your previous vet for the clinical history up to that point. For this reason we will ask for your vet’s details so that we may obtain relevant notes prior to our first examination. There is an additional charge on top of the normal consult fee for organising second opinion consultations.

Within the practice we have dedicated small animal vets with interests in certain areas, such as orthopaedics and cardiology, so we are often able to work as a team, giving you access to several areas of expertise, without additional cost.

We also make use of specialist referral centres when the case necessitates, providing the specialist vet with all the information they need about your pet. We will also help you find your way to these centres, and to prepare your pet for the referral.