Claire’s Veterinary Nurse Services

02/05/2026

All done 🥰

02/05/2026

02/05/2026

My horse Henry had his routine dental check today—and while he was on his best behavior, you could definitely tell he wasn’t entirely convinced about the whole experience. If you look closely, you can see the whites of his eyes showing, a classic sign that he’s feeling a bit unsure or anxious. It’s a small detail, but one that says a lot about how horses communicate their feelings.

That said, he handled it like a champ. Even with a few worried moments, he stood patiently and let the dentist do their work, which is always something to be proud of. Routine dental care is so important for horses—not just for their comfort, but for their overall health, digestion, and performance. Sharp edges, uneven wear, or hidden issues can cause real problems if left unchecked.

The good news is Henry got a clean bill of health, so all that worrying was for nothing in the end. No major issues, just a standard check and tidy-up to keep everything in great shape.

A little bit of stress, a lot of good behavior, and a healthy horse at the end of it—can’t ask for much more than that.

I highly recommend J Paterson Equine Dental Services

26/04/2026

I met Button the angora rabbit this evening for a nail clip 🐰✂️

Angora rabbits like Button need regular grooming—not just for their beautiful coats, but also for routine care like nail trimming. Keeping nails short helps prevent snagging, discomfort, and mobility issues.

Button was a star patient, and with gentle handling and the right approach, his nail clip was quick and stress-free. Regular checks and trims are a simple way to keep rabbits happy, healthy, and comfortable.

26/04/2026

Appointments available today and Monday
PM to book

18/04/2026

Luna enjoying the last day of her holidays at ours 🥰, home from home

16/04/2026

Hedgehog with Strimmer Injury

This little hedgehog was brought in to the vets after being found with a severe injury to the top of its head, most likely caused by a garden strimmer.

Strimmer injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence during the warmer months when hedgehogs are active but often hidden in long grass, undergrowth, or garden edges. These injuries can be devastating, frequently involving deep wounds, trauma to the skull, and a high risk of infection.

On presentation, this hedgehog had:
• A significant open wound on the crown of the head
• Evidence of soft tissue trauma
• Risk of contamination from garden debris

Immediate veterinary care is essential in these cases. Treatment typically involves:
• Careful cleaning and debridement of the wound
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Ongoing supportive care and monitoring

⚠️ Prevention is key
Before using strimmers or lawn mowers, always:
• Check long grass and hedgerows thoroughly
• Create a “safe zone” sweep before starting
• Consider leaving a small wild area undisturbed for wildlife

Hedgehogs are a vital part of our ecosystem but are increasingly vulnerable in urban and suburban environments. A quick check before gardening can truly save a life.

If you find an injured hedgehog, contact a local wildlife rescue or veterinary practice as soon as possible.

Permission to post from Hindley Hedgehog help

14/04/2026

Did You Know? Pet Health Edition 🐾

A lot of common pet health issues can be prevented with simple checks at home 👀

Let’s see how much you know 👇

❓ How often should you check your pet’s nails?
A) Once a year
😎 Every few months
C) Every 2–4 weeks

👉 Drop your answer in the comments!

⸻

💡 Answer:
C) Every 2–4 weeks

Overgrown nails can cause:
⚠️ Pain when walking
⚠️ Changes in posture
⚠️ Risk of nails splitting or curling

If you can hear that “click-click” on the floor—it’s definitely time! 🐾

👩‍⚕️ As a mobile veterinary nurse, I can help with:
✔️ Stress-free nail clips at home
✔️ Handling nervous pets
✔️ Regular maintenance plans

📩 Message me if your pet is due a trim or you’re not sure where to start

10/04/2026

Meet Kenny! I have been helping to look after him at the vet surgery, he belongs to one of the nurses.
2 weeks ago he had gut stasis and was very poorly, luckily he’s made a full recovery, he’s the cutest little Guinea pig! 🥰

Gut Stasis in Guinea Pigs: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Gut stasis (also called gastrointestinal stasis) is one of the most serious health conditions that can affect guinea pigs. Because their digestive systems are constantly moving, any slowdown or can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What is Gut Stasis?
Gut stasis occurs when the normal movement of food through a guinea pig’s digestive tract slows down or stops completely. Guinea pigs rely on a steady intake of fiber to keep their gut functioning. When this process is disrupted, harmful bacteria can build up, causing pain, bloating, and further slowing digestion.

Common Causes
Several factors can trigger gut stasis, including:
• A low-fiber diet (especially lack of hay)
• Dehydration
• Dental problems that make eating painful
• Stress or sudden environmental changes
• Underlying illness or infection
• Pain from other conditions

Signs to Watch For
Guinea pigs are very good at hiding illness, so early detection is crucial. Symptoms may include:
• Reduced or no appetite
• Smaller, fewer, or misshapen droppings
• Lethargy or hiding more than usual
• A bloated or firm abdomen
• Weight loss
• Teeth grinding (a sign of pain)

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly.

Why It’s an Emergency
Gut stasis can worsen rapidly. Once a guinea pig stops eating, their digestive system slows even more, creating a dangerous cycle. Without intervention, this condition can become fatal within a short time.

Treatment
Treatment should always be guided by a veterinarian. It may include:
• Fluid therapy to combat dehydration
• Pain relief medication
• Assisted feeding (such as syringe feeding critical care formula)
• Medications to stimulate gut movement
• Treating any underlying cause

Prevention Tips
The best way to protect your guinea pig is through proper care:
• Provide unlimited high-quality hay (this is essential)
• Offer fresh vegetables daily
• Ensure constant access to clean water
• Avoid sudden diet changes
• Schedule regular health checks
• Monitor eating habits and droppings daily

Final Thoughts
Gut stasis is a serious but often preventable condition. By staying attentive to your guinea pig’s behavior and maintaining a proper diet, you can greatly reduce the risk. If something seems off, trust your instincts—quick action can save your pet’s life.