Broom Cottage Veterinary Surgery

08/09/2025

🍄Fact of the day! 🍄

There are over 4000 species of UK mushrooms, which are completely harmless but are not dangerous to our pets. However, the small number that are harmful look pretty much indistinguishable from those of the non-toxic species.

Therefore, with this in mind, we advise that all contact with any mushroom or fungi is stopped, as it may be possible that ingestion of a toxic mushroom could occur.

If there has been any potential toxin ingestion, the signs can vary but include -
🍁Early onset vomiting and/or diarrhoea
🍁Neurological effects
🍁Liver and/or kidney damage (These signs are often much later after ingestion)

If you have any concerns regarding potential ingestion. Please contact your Veterinary practice straight away!

06/09/2025

We have had another very special Birthday to celebrate at Broom 💛

Our RVN Lucy’s dog Alfie turned 11 this month. He is a very well known member of the team and one who has been coming to work with Lucy since he was 2 years old. Often found with his Winnie the Pooh toy in his mouth waiting to parade round to show everyone🧸
Alfie spent his birthday on the beach and eating his cake at his little ‘pawty’🎁

Ageing doesn’t have to be done with stiff joints and pain. Alfie is on supplements and pain relief, alongside physio to support his ageing joints.
Ageing is inevitable but aging with pain or discomfort doesn’t have to happen🧡

05/09/2025

⭐Bowie⭐

Bowie recently visited to see our vet Sophie for his annual vaccines and Kennel Cough. He is a very happy boy, but he does require some extra time and support during his visits to ensure he feels comfortable. The added support of peanut butter often helps him settle in!

Did you know the action of dogs licking releases pheromones to include dopamine, and the prolonged action of concentrating on something else, along with the action of licking, will promote oxytocin release in which helps to reduce stress and anxiety!

We are always happy to promote the use of licki matts and offer desensitisation clinics if your pet is particularly anxious during vet visits.
Please contact us to discuss this further💛

04/09/2025

🌸Primrose🌸

Primrose came in for her 6-month health check with our RVN Lucy. Primrose is 12 years old now, and although she is looking amazing for her age, there were some aspects of her ageing care her owners wanted to discuss to help ensure she had the best quality of life.

Following on from her 6-month health check, Primrose was able to take advantage of the 50% discount on a full comprehensive blood panel, including haematology, and the benefit of one free vet consult per year to further investigate these concerns!

There are always so many avenues in which the Pet Health Plan can support dogs from as young as 8 weeks old to well into double figures!
We are glad to report that Primrose is doing well, and she is enjoying life with her lovely family 🩷

03/09/2025

As we are now into the Autumn months, we begin to approach colder nights and darker evenings, mixed with cosy mornings by the fire and crisp walks at dawn🍁🍂

As we progress these months, we want to take the time to address some of the potential seasonal dangers that can arise, too.

Our aim is to ensure we enjoy the seasons in a safe manner for our pets 💛

We will be posting 2 new dangers each week, so keep a look out! 🍄

01/09/2025

Happy Veterinary Receptionist Day to our two wonderful receptionists!
✨Debbie & Eleanor✨

They really are the forefront of our practice, the first people you see as you enter. Always approachable, understanding, and compassionate. There really is not much that our lovely reception team does not have covered. We are so very grateful for their presence, support, and endless talent!

We wish to say an extra thank you today to you both! Happy Receptionist day, today is about you🩷

01/09/2025

Mia's Story 🩷

Mia first came to see us in December 2024 after her owners noticed she was drinking and urinating more than usual. They also observed that she had lost some weight during this time.

At her initial consultation, we discussed Mia’s new symptoms thoroughly and put together a plan to investigate the potential causes. The following day, Mia was admitted for a day hospitalisation, where we collected a urine sample. An in-house test revealed a high level of glucose in her urine - this can be indicative of diabetes.

To confirm the diagnosis, we sent off a fructosamine blood test to the lab. This test measures average blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 weeks. In Mia’s case, the results confirmed Diabetes Mellitus, meaning her blood sugar had been consistently high and insulin would be needed to manage it.

With a definitive diagnosis, we began Mia’s treatment: twice-daily insulin injections and a gradual transition to a diabetic-specific diet. Managing diabetes isn’t a quick fix; it requires time, precision, and ongoing monitoring. Mia’s care includes regular glucose checks at the clinic, close observation of her urine output and behaviour at home, and careful insulin dose adjustments based on our findings. Alongside the very careful and thorough care provided by Mia's dedicated owners🩷

Through it all, Mia has taken everything in her stride. She’s always a star patient during her visits — and without fail, strikes her signature 'Superman' pose to claim the comfiest spot 😆

31/08/2025

A very special little girl turned 12 in August! 🎂🎉

Holly is our Head Nurse, Alison's Border Terrier. She celebrated in style with her little family and cake!
Holly had a very special Birthday with her family, and we hope you have a very happy and healthy 12th year.

Holly has been coming to the practice with Alison since she was 8 weeks old!🩷

30/08/2025

Thinking of taking your pet abroad this summer? 🏖☀️

We're here to show you just how simple pet travel can be!

Our Head Nurse, Alison, recently travelled to France with her two gorgeous pups, Lola and Holly. She documented the journey to help our clients better understand the process of travelling with pets.

Travelling from the UK 🩺
Step 1:
Book a general health check with your vet. During this appointment, your pet's microchip status will be confirmed, and they will receive a rabies vaccination.

Step 2:
Wait 21 days after the rabies vaccination before travelling

Step 3:
Book an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) appointment with a veterinary practice that has an OV-qualified vet (Official Veterinarian).
This visit includes:
- A full health check
- Confirmation of your pet’s microchip
- Completion of the AHC paperwork

You’ll need to send us your pet’s details and travel destination in advance (we’ll provide the necessary forms). At the appointment, after the health check, we will ask you to return after an hour to review and sign the completed documents 📑

📅 Important: The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your departure and is valid for one trip to the EU. Once issued, it allows travel within the EU for up to 4 months.

On your return to the UK ⭐

Step 1 - Locate a veterinary practice in your destination country.

Step 2 - Book an appointment for administration of tapeworm treatment; this must be administered by a vet. It should be provided no less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK.
This will then be recorded in the AHC with date/time, product name, and vet's stamp/signature.

Step 3 - Have a safe journey home! 🚘

Thank you so much to Alison and family, along with Lola and Holly, for documenting your journey, and we are so glad you all had a lovely family holiday! 🩷

29/08/2025

27/08/2025

Little Luna 🐝

At just 12 weeks old, Luna has recently had an allergic reaction of unknown origin. She’s received an injection to help manage her symptoms, and we’re all hoping for a speedy recovery so she can get back to playing with her trio of dachshund friends at home!💛

We were all admiring Luna's bumblebee fleece as she waited so patiently for her treat! 🐾

26/08/2025

🩷Ruby🩷

Ruby came in to see our lovely locum vet Gondai recently for her general health check and annual vaccine and infectious bronchitis vaccine (previously known as kennel cough).
Gondai was very happy with Ruby's general health and ensured she got an extra treat or two before leaving the consult!

As a part of our Pet Health Plan (PHP), Ruby's owners were able to receive all the following for no cost at consult as it is all included in their monthly payments!
✅Annual Health Check
✅Annual Vaccine
✅Infectious bronchitis vaccine
✅3 months parasite treatment
✅ 6-month tapeworm treatment

If you would like to also look at how PHP may benefit your pet, be sure to check it out on our website and sign up!
https://www.wilmslowvets.co.uk/pet-health-packages/pet-health-plan