South Downs Emergency Vets

19/08/2025

Meet Lubo, a 10 year old Labrador, who was rushed in for an emergency consult after his owner noticed something wasn’t right — his gums were extremely pale.

Further investigation by our night team revealed a bleeding mass on his spleen, causing life-threatening anaemia. For reference, a healthy dog’s PCV (packed cell volume) sits between 37–55%. Lubo’s was just 8% 😰

Fortunately, he wasn’t actively bleeding when he arrived, so we were able to stabilise him overnight with a life-saving blood transfusion, sourced thanks to the brilliant work of Pet Blood Bank UK. By morning, his PCV had risen to 17%, and our day team Arun Veterinary Group safely performed a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) 🙌

We’re happy to report that Lubo recovered well and was back home with his family just a few days later 🤗

A huge thank you to the dogs who donate blood and the amazing team at Pet Blood Bank UK— you really do help us save lives like Lubo’s.

Moments like this highlight the importance of quick action and expert emergency care. If you're ever unsure whether something is serious — always call. With Pet Emergency+, you can reach us 24/7 for free telephone advice and unlimited emergency consults 👇

https://southdownsemergencyvets.co.uk/petemergencyplus/

05/08/2025

We're recruiting for a Night Veterinary Surgeon at our busy Storrington hospital! This vacancy has 2 openings.

For more information or to apply, please follow this link to our website: http://arunvetgroup.co.uk/jobs/nightvetstorrington/

31/07/2025

Did you know that the adder (Vipera Berus) is the UK’s only venomous snake? 🐍

Adders are usually found in heathlands, woodland edges, and grassy areas during the warmer months. They are generally very shy and not aggressive, but sometimes we do get pet's come in with suspected bites.

What to look for:
- A distinctive zigzag pattern along its back
- Usually around 60-80 cm long
- Often basks in the sun on warm days

If you come across one:
- Stay calm and give it space — they’ll usually slither away
- Don’t try to handle or disturb the snake
- Keep dogs on a lead
- If your pet is bitten, seek emergency veterinary care immediately

Adders play an important role in the ecosystem, helping control rodent populations. Adders only bite if provoked, but the effects can be serious — rapid treatment gives your pet the best chance of a smooth recovery.

At South Downs Emergency Vets, we’re open when your daytime vet is closed — and Pet Emergency+ members benefit from free emergency consultations and phone advice, so you’re never left worrying about the next step 🙌

28/07/2025

Grass seeds are not your animal's friend, especially in the summer months!

The barbed shape of foxtail grass seeds is perfect for embedding them into your animals skin, fur, ears, nostrils and paws! This can cause intense irritation and often they do not come out easily. As a result an infection can form, requiring a visit to the vets.

What symptoms should you look out for?
- Licking and chewing paws
- Persistent head shaking
- Scratching ears
- Discharge from ears
- Eye discharge and irritation
- Swelling my be noted at the site of a potential grass seed site, especially between the toes

Risks:
- Infection if not removed
- Severe pain, discomfort and potential trauma to the area the grass seed has entered

To prevent your dog picking up grass seeds, avoid walking in long grass, especially when the weather is warm or the fields have been freshly cut. Make sure to check your animal thoroughly after your walk, this includes eyes, ears, paws and looking through your animals fur! For those long haired breeds, regular grooming can ensure the grass seeds are removed before they become stuck.

If you suspect your animal has a grass seed, call your veterinary practice or out of hours provider if your vets are closed, seek advice and book a consultation. All animals can present differently if experiencing a grass seed, its really important to obtain professional adivce from your veterinary practice. If your animal is exhibiting signs of pain or distress, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Chichester: 01243 978 800
Storrington: 01903 746 028

With Pet Emergency+, you’ll have access to our out of hours emergency team — including free unlimited consults and emergency phone advice at our hospitals in Chichester and Storrington: https://southdownsemergencyvets.co.uk/petemergencyplus/

25/07/2025

At South Downs Emergency Vets, our team is here when others aren’t — caring for your pets through the night, dealing with everything from the weird to the truly urgent. But working nights has its challenges, and looking after our team is just as important as the care we give.

Recently, our night shift crew enjoyed a well-deserved evening of rest and reset with a sound bath session led by our very own emergency vet, Rachel 🧘‍♀️✨ It was a peaceful chance to pause, recharge and support one another outside the busy hospital.

We wrapped up the evening with great food and drinks from the amazing local vineyard, Tinwood Estate. It’s all part of how we invest in our people — because a supported team is a stronger team, especially when it comes to emergency care 💚

24/07/2025

We're recruiting for a Night Veterinary Surgeon at our busy Storrington hospital!

For more information or to apply, please follow this link to our website: http://arunvetgroup.co.uk/jobs/nightvetstorrington/

14/07/2025

A Green Woodpecker was brought in for assessment at our out of hours vets in Chichester after being found stunned.

Thankfully, after a thorough check-up, the bird was healthy and ready to be released back into the wild! Woodpeckers have strong skulls and beaks designed for their drumming, but sometimes they can get temporarily stunned from collisions or falls.

If you ever come across a wild bird that seems off balance, not flying properly or has visible wounds, it’s best to give Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital or your local vet a ring. Quick care really can make all the difference. We’re here 24/7 at South Downs Emergency Vets — and we care for all creatures, great and small.

✨ Woodpecker facts you might not know:
• They can peck up to 20 times a second!
• Their strong skulls help protect their brains from injury
• They play a big part in natural pest control (they love bugs hiding under bark!)
• Old woodpecker nests are often reused by owls, bats and other wildlife

Want to help them out? Leave deadwood in your garden or install a wildlife friendly nesting spot.🤗

11/07/2025

It’s forecasted to be another hot weekend, so here is everyone’s reminder to walk your dog either first thing in the morning or later in the evening. Be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke, and contact your vet if you suspect heatstroke. We hope everyone has a lovely weekend 🌞

☀With a hot weekend ahead and yellow heat warnings across parts of the UK, it’s vital to remember how quickly dogs can overheat. In fact, around 75% of heatstroke cases in dogs happen simply from being exercised on a hot day 🥵. Flat-faced or overweight dogs (like the chunky Labrador in the picture!) are particularly at risk.

❌Please avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, plan walks for early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. And never leave your dog in a parked car — even for a short time ❌

If you suspect heatstroke, act immediately — it can be life-threatening:

- Move your dog to a shaded, cool area as soon as possible.
- Gently start cooling them with water — use a hose, shower or sponge, focusing on their paws, belly and underarms. Avoid using iced water as this can cause shock. If they are small enough you can immerse them in water but you must be able to hold them with their heads well above the water to prevent inhalation.
- Create airflow with a fan or open windows to help lower their temperature.
- Offer small amounts of cool drinking water — never force water into their mouth.
- Call your vet straight away. Even if your dog seems to improve, heatstroke can cause serious internal complications, so veterinary care is essential.
- While travelling to your vet, keep your dog wet and cool and ensure good airflow in the car.
- You can use a damp towel underneath your dog for them to lie on but don't cover them with it as this actually traps heat and makes it harder for them to pant.

Taking quick action and knowing what to do can save lives. Keep your pets safe this weekend and throughout the summer 🙏

For any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

04/07/2025

This is Rodney, an 8 year old Labrador x Springer Spaniel who recently visited our Chichester hospital after scavenging an unknown food source — resulting in a painful stomach impaction and bloat.

Fortunately, his stomach hadn’t twisted (a life-threatening emergency), so we were able to manage his case medically rather than surgically. Rodney was admitted for fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea medication, and close monitoring with repeat x-rays.

After two days in our care, we’re pleased to report Rodney was back to his usual happy self and ready to head home. A reminder to all pet owners: scavenging can be dangerous — always keep an eye on what your dog might be picking up on walks 🙏

30/06/2025

Do you have a new furry addition to your family?

Why not try out our state of the art underwater treadmill at our Storrington hospital! The perfect activity for growing pups, with sessions carried out under the expert guidance of our veterinary hydrotherapists.

Register your interest today: https://southdownsveterinaryreferrals.co.uk/register-your-interest-in-our-rehabilitation-services/

🐾💦 Puppy Paddle! 💦🐾
Did you know hydrotherapy isn't just for senior dogs or those recovering from injury? It’s paw-fect for puppies like Angus too!

Hydrotherapy helps:
✅ Strengthen growing muscles & joints
✅ Burn off that endless puppy energy in a safe, low-impact way
✅ Boosts coordination and balance
✅ Improves proprioception (body awareness)
✅ Burns energy in a low-impact, fun environment
✅ Builds water confidence early on

Proprioception is key for developing pups — it helps them understand how their bodies move through space, which means fewer tumbles and better coordination as they grow! 🐾🧠

📅 Book their first session today with South Downs Veterinary Referrals!
📍 Storrington
📞 Call: 01903 947598
📧 Email: [email protected]

26/06/2025

Did you know that all veterinary professionals must undertake continuous professional development (CPD) every year to stay registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons?

CPD is vital — it keeps our skills sharp, our knowledge up to date, and ensures we deliver the very best care for your pets, whatever the situation.

Lara, one of our Advanced Practitioners here at South Downs Emergency Vets, has recently returned from Croatia, where she attended the 2025 EVECCS Congress – VECCUS Symposium 🙌

This specialist event brings together critical care specialists, radiologists and veterinary professionals from around the world to advance the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency and critical care medicine.

Lara is passionate about pushing the boundaries of emergency care — and we’re so proud to have team members like her continually expanding their expertise to benefit our patients 🥰

24/06/2025

Oakley, a lovable Labrador, was rushed to our Chichester night team after his owner suspected he’d swallowed a 12-15 cm metal BBQ skewer! 😱

Once investigations were started, an X-ray confirmed a metallic foreign body lodged in Oakley’s stomach. During surgery under general anaesthesia, our emergency vets performed a gastrotomy to carefully remove the skewer. To our surprise, we also found and removed an entire chicken leg and bone fragments.

Despite the sharp, dangerous nature of the skewer, Oakley’s gastrointestinal tract was thankfully intact with no perforations. Thanks to prompt action and skilled overnight surgery, Oakley is now on the mend and recovering well 🙌

This prompts a vital reminder: Foreign body ingestion is a genuine emergency. If you suspect your pet has swallowed something sharp or inedible—like metal, bones, or skewers—please contact your vet immediately. We always offer telephone triage and advice to help guide you 24/7.

For peace of mind, consider our Pet Emergency+ subscription service. Designed for critical situations just like Oakley’s, it offers priority emergency care and can save you up to £310 per emergency consultation for only £7.95/month 👉https://bit.ly/PetEmergencyPlus2