Rutland & Kings Veterinary Centre - Oakham

05/06/2026

🚨Important Update:

Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that affects dogs. Symptoms include reproductive challenges like miscarriage, testicular inflammation, and infertility, but it can also manifest as back pain, lameness, or neurological signs. Some dogs, however, show no symptoms.

As a zoonotic disease, Brucella canis can be transmitted to humans, leading to flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue, and headaches. In some cases, it may result in serious long-term complications, including miscarriage, joint disease, and endocarditis.

With a rising number of cases in the UK, we strongly recommend testing for all imported dogs and dogs travelling abroad to higher-risk countries🔬

Brucella is common in Eastern and Southern Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. An up-to-date list can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hairs-risk-assessment-brucella-canis

🩸Testing involves a blood sample sent to a specialist laboratory. This test will cost £63 including the appointment to take the sample, postage, and the cost of running the test.

What happens following the test:

➖Negative Result➖
No restrictions; normal care can continue.

➕Positive Result➕
Care will still proceed, but for the safety of our staff:
🐾Please wait in your car until your appointment.
🐾Additional protective measures will be implemented, such as isolation, PPE (gowns, gloves, masks) and thorough deep cleaning.
🐾A surcharge will apply to cover the additional PPE and safety protocols which is currently £30.

🚨Please note testing is not a legal requirement, and emergency care will always be provided🚨However, our top priority is the safety of your family, our team, and other pets, if the Brucella status is unknown for a dog deemed high risk, then for the safety of our staff we will follow the same protocols as in the case of a positive test.

📞If you would like further information, or to book a blood test, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

More information can also be found on the government website:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners

01/06/2026

Don’t forget to enter our photo competition.

You can enter by attaching a photo underneath this thread or emailing it to [email protected].

Don’t forget there’s a prize to be won 🥰

31/05/2026

🐾 We’re at the Rutland Show today! 🐾

Come and say hello to the team!

We’ve got plenty happening on our stand, including:

🎉 Fun games with prizes to be won
🐶 Dog treats
🐱 Cat treats
🎁 Goody bags
🏆 Competitions and challenges

All donations raised from our games and competitions will be going to local charities that help support animals in our community.

Whether you’re bringing your dog, your family, or just fancy a chat, we’d love to see you!

Come find us, meet the team, and help us support some fantastic local causes. 🐾

Who’s joining us today? 👇

20/05/2026

🩺💚 Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month 💚🩺

May is Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the incredible work of our veterinary nurses within the practice team. Veterinary nurses play a pivotal role in every aspect of patient care, including:

💚Monitoring anesthesia
💚Assisting with procedures
💚Running adolescent and senior clinics
💚Providing weight, dental, diet, and lifestyle advice
💚Providing inpatient care
💚Performing laboratory work
💚Ensuring the practice is clean and safe
💚Helping the wider team with various admin tasks
💚Communicating with clients

Their clinical expertise and dedication are an essential part of the care we provide every day.

24/04/2026

EU Pet Passport Changes - Important Update

From Wednesday 22nd April 2026, UK residents will no longer be able to use an EU pet passport to travel to the EU. All UK residents will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to the EU with their pet.

EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.

Please note if you are currently abroad, you will still be able to return to Great Britain using an EU pet passport.

If you are planning on traveling with your pet, we would advise all pet owners to continue to check the latest information by going to www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

📞 For more information or to book an AHC, please contact the practice

21/04/2026

UPDATE TO OUR OUT OF HOURS PROVISION

We’d like to share an important update about our out-of-hours emergency care.

On the 11th of May 2026, our out-of-hours emergency service will be transferred to our new hospital in Melton Mowbray.

We understand that any change to how you access care for your pet can feel concerning, and we want to reassure you that this move is designed to enhance the level of care we can provide.

Our new hospital will offer:
✨Our own dedicated on-site veterinary and nursing team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
✨State of the art diagnostic equipment, including CT imaging.
✨Continuous monitoring and hospitalisation in a purpose-built environment

What this means for you:
🐾There will be no changes to our prices as a result of the move
🐾All our other practices will be remaining open as usual
🐾Whilst our Uppingham practice will no longer provide overnight hospitalisation, it will now be open all day on a Saturday for consultations as well as emergency day procedures.
🐾A transport service will be available where required for clients in Priors Hall, Market Harborough and Uppingham, ensuring pets who need hospitalisation can be conveniently and safely transferred.
🐾Our community nurse program is also nearly ready to launch which will provide a convenient at home care provision for all of our clients.

We also want to reassure clients that for many, the change in travel time is minimal, while access to significantly enhanced facilities and round-the-clock care will make a real difference when it matters most.

Please make note of the address below for any appointments due to take place at our Melton Mowbray practice or out-of-hours appointments on or after the 11th May 2026:

📍Rutland & Kings Veterinary Centre
Norman Way,
Snow Hill,
Melton Mowbray
LE13 1JE

02/04/2026

06/03/2026

We had a walking stick left behind in reception yesterday afternoon. Please get in touch with the branch if you are missing one. Thanks

27/02/2026

🐾 A little throwback to the beginning of the month…

This handsome boy came in for his appointment and immediately decided the sink was the place to be 💧🐱

We often see cats gravitate towards small, enclosed spaces when they’re feeling unsure — it helps them feel safe and secure. And apparently, our consult room sink was the perfect cosy spot!

He absolutely melted our hearts (and temporarily claimed the hand-washing station 😅).

Cats really do have the best personalities — does your cat have a funny “safe place” they always choose? Let us know below 👇🐾

26/02/2026

🐾 Well this was a first…

One very pampered kitty arrived for her appointment in a pink pushchair — and honestly, she looked completely at home being chauffeured in style! 💗🐱

It might have made us smile, but it’s also a lovely reminder that however you choose to bring your pets in — carrier, crate, blanket… or pushchair — what matters most is getting them the care they need.

Safe, stress-free travel can make vet visits much easier for some cats, especially nervous ones. And clearly this little lady knew she was VIP today ✨

We love seeing all your pets (and their personalities!) — keep the cute arrivals coming 🐾