Understanding Bloat: The Silent Killer in Dogs If you have a large-breed dog, you have good reason to stay alert. What would you do if your dog’s abdomen suddenly swelled, and they began pacing, drooling, or retching without producing vomit? These are classic signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat- a life-threatening condition [...]
Stopping Foot Rot Before It Spreads in Sheep Foot rot, or “foul in the foot” is a painful and contagious disease that damages the hooves of sheep, leading to lameness, reduced productivity, and serious welfare concerns. Wet, muddy conditions often trigger outbreaks, and once infection takes hold, it can spread rapidly through a flock. Prompt [...]
At The Vale Veterinary Group in Cullompton, UK, we know how upsetting it can be to see your dog limping, in pain, or hesitant to run, jump, or even stand. One of the most common causes of hind leg lameness in dogs is a torn ACL—technically referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) [...]
When Your Dog Seems Tired All the Time: Understanding Lethargy If your normally playful dog suddenly seems listless, uninterested, or reluctant to move, it is time to pay attention. Lethargy can stem from infection, pain, heart disease, or toxin exposure. Because this symptom is often the first clue that something serious is wrong, prompt veterinary [...]
Understanding Feline Heart Disease Feline heart disease is a serious yet often silent condition that can affect cats of all ages. Because cats are adept at masking illness, early detection is crucial for managing the disease and improving long-term health outcomes. At The Vale Veterinary Group, we are committed to providing pet owners with the [...]
Smart Parasite Control: Strategic Deworming and Fecal Monitoring in Cattle Herds Anthelmintic resistance is on the rise across the UK, making traditional “routine” worming far less effective than it once was. Strategic, evidence-based programs- guided by faecal egg counts, targeted timing, and good pasture management- help preserve drug effectiveness while protecting herd health. A data-driven [...]
The Hidden Danger of Bite Wounds in Pets Even a small puncture from another animal’s teeth can cause serious tissue injury or infection. Bite wounds may look minor on the surface, but bacteria introduced beneath the skin can quickly spread, forming abscesses or even life-threatening systemic infections. Prompt veterinary attention is essential to clean, treat, [...]
When Labor Becomes Dangerous: Recognizing Birthing Complications in Pets Most pets give birth smoothly, but sometimes labor takes a dangerous turn. Long delays between deliveries, visible distress, or weak contractions can signal a medical emergency. Knowing what’s normal- and when to call your veterinarian- can make the difference between a safe delivery and a crisis. [...]
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Managing an Overactive Thyroid Older cats that lose weight despite a hearty appetite may be showing signs of hyperthyroidism. This hormonal disorder speeds up metabolism and can stress the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most cats regain energy, maintain a healthy weight, and return [...]
What is Anemia in Dogs? Anemia is a serious hematologic disorder in dogs characterized by a decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, or both. Since RBCs are responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body, anemia can result in tissue hypoxia, fatigue, and systemic complications if left untreated. It is important to note that [...]
