Consultations Consultations are by appointment only to avoid excess waiting times. However, in the case of an accident or emergency, help is on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
We think it is best for you and your pet to try and see the same vet where possible, please feel free to ask to see a particular vet when booking an appointment.
Vaccinations and health checks
It is important that all dogs, cats and rabbits are vaccinated. A general health check is carried out at every vaccination appointment. Dogs Dogs should be routinely vaccinated against the following diseases: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis and coronavirus. At Meopham, Sevenoaks and Swanscombe, we use a combined vaccine providing protection against all of the above diseases. Dogs initially require two injections two weeks apart. Following this, annual boosters are required to maintain immunity. Following a dog's first annual vaccination paraininfluenza, leptospirosis and coronavirus are given annually. Distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus are vaccinated against every three years. This protocol ensures adequate protection against these serious diseases, whilst avoiding any potential side effects. Vaccination of puppies can be carried out from 8 weeks of age, the second from 10 weeks. The puppy will have protection 2 weeks after their second injection. We also recommend vaccinating against kennel cough. A single dose of vaccine is administered into the dogs nostril. Annual vaccination is required to provide immunity. Kennel cough is a form of infectious bronchitis and can be caught by contact with an infected dog. Cats Cats should be routinely vaccinated against the following diseases: Cat Flu, Feline Enteritis, Calicivirus and FeLV. At Meopham, Sevenoaks and Swanscombe, we use a combined vaccine providing protection against all of the above. Cats initially require two injections three weeks apart. Following this, annual boosters are required to maintain immunity. Vaccination of kittens may be carried out from 9 weeks of age.
Rabies If you want to travel with your pet, your pet will need to have a rabies vaccination and a passport. Please see our section on PETS Travel Scheme for more information.
Rabbits
Rabbits should be vaccinated against two major pathogens: Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Myxomatosis is a very common and horrific disease and affects both wild and domestic rabbits. It is transmitted by the rabbit flea and other blood sucking insects. The virus attacks the skin of the face, ears and anus causing large swellings and the majority of rabbits affected will die. Prevention of the condition is dependent on vigilant flea prevention and regular vaccination. Meopham, Sevenoaks and Swanscombe surgeries are all in high risk areas and booster vaccinations are recommended on a six-monthly basis. Rabbits can be vaccinated from six weeks of age and a single injection will provide immunity for 6 months. Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is caused by a virus which attacks the liver and causes severe bleeding. Unfortunately the most common first sign is death. It is a particularly persistent virus and survives for a long time in the environment. It is easily transmitted on shoes, clothes and insects. There is no effective treatment for this disease and the only way to ensure your rabbit is protected is to vaccinate. Rabbits need to be vaccinated from the age of ten weeks and one vaccination will provide immunity for twelve months. The vaccines for these disease must be administered at least two weeks apart.
Nurse Clinics Our qualified nurses run appointments every day at all of our surgeries. Appointments include: Stitch Removal Weight Clinics Second Vaccinations Dressing changes Nail Clips Wound checks Post Dental Check ups Emptying Anal Glands Nail clips Identichip Implantation Many of our nurse clinics are free including our weight clinics. You may be referred to a weight clinic if the vet is worried that your pets weight is affecting their health. The nurse will discuss your pets health, diet and excercise at these appoinments.

 

 

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