Braid Vet

Un-BAA-lievable lamb survives car ordeal - May 11, 2013 (Sat)

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Un-BAA-lievable!!
Extreme sheep rustling?
Last night a vehicle travelling from Lanarkshire to Edinburgh hit "something" en route across the moors. Driver rushing so kept going. Arrived 40 minutes later at Edinburgh Airport to be told "there's a lamb on your bumper"!
Police called and lamb transferred to "e-vets Emergency Service" at 1am. Lamb treated overnight for shock and a fractured back leg. Back up and walking today - but it missed the flight!

Acupuncture at Braid Vets - May 06, 2013 (Mon)

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Veterinary Surgeon Rosalie Niemeijer has completed training in Western Veterinary Acupuncture. Braid Vets can now offer acupuncture alongside conventional Veterinary treatment for a range of conditions, from osteoarthritis to recurring cystitis & megacolon.

E-vet Alison Winkler has provided this service for a number of years and now that Rosalie is fully trained to the same level we can offer acupuncture at all three branches for dogs, cats and rabbits. This is an exciting development for the practice as we believe many pets with chronic or longstanding conditions can benefit hugely from the science of acupuncture, usually when given alongside conventional treatments.

Please contact any of our branches for more information and to ask about our special reduced rate bundle package when four treatment sessions are booked together.

For more information about Acupuncture, click here.

Pet Travel Month - Apr 19, 2013 (Fri)

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

During April, we are running a promotion on pet travel and, more particularly, the Pet Passport Scheme.

Dogs, cats, (and ferrets!) can now have Passports created that allow them to travel abroad and to re-enter the UK.

As the Spring weather improves many petowners will be planning Summer holidays, so we are promoting our Travel Advice service. During April, clients having Passports created for their pets will receive a 25% DISCOUNT off the normal Passport fee!

Make your appointment at RECEPTION.

iPad Competition Winner! - Apr 10, 2013 (Wed)

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We have a winner in our March Braid Vets Facebook iPad competition!

Karen Brown was thrilled and surprised to win, and she came in to our Mayfield Road Hospital yesterday to receive her prize from our team of Vet Nurses.

Win an iPad in our competition! - Mar 08, 2013 (Fri)

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We're running a very simple competition at Braid Vets.

Log onto our FACEBOOK page, and "Like" us to enter. It's that simple, here's the link:-

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Braid-Vets/286487398079454?fref=ts

Good luck!

Riding For The Disabled fundraising - Mar 04, 2013 (Mon)

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Many Thanks from "Riding For The Disabled" to all of our Braid clients who put money in their charity collection box at Reception at Mayfield Road. Xanthi Dunn reported that their very worthwhile charity profited by over £35 during February due to your contributions - enough to buy horseshoes for two front feet apparently!

e-mail address request - Feb 24, 2013 (Sun)

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In an effort to improve our communications with all of our clients, our Reception staff are moving with the times.

We recognise that the good old fashioned Post is no longer everyone's choice when it comes to how you would like to be contacted. Smartphones are becoming smarter at an incredible rate! Many clients would now prefer to hear from us by e-mail, or even SMS Text message.

Our staff will be checking the contact details we have on file for all clients when they attend our surgeries, and updating our records accordingly.

With up to date e-mail and mobile phone contact details, and being aware of your preferences, it is our intention to send out Invitations for Health Exams, reminders for Vaccination and Operation reminders, and Newsletters, electronically to clients who wish it.

However, we also recognise that there are many clients who would prefer to continue with mail by post so this will continue where appropriate.

We are very grateful to you for your co-operation in this initiative.

Rabbits - extra protection! - Feb 23, 2013 (Sat)

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Our Braid Vets Health Plan now offers extra protection for our Rabbit pets.

The commonest parasites that we eencounter in pet rabbits - including House Rabbits - are Fur Mites. Their official name is Cheylitiella, and they cause an itchy skin condition called Walking Dandruff.

Rabbits enrolled on the Health Plan receive two six-monthly health exams. At these exams we will now apply a treatment for Fur Mites as a preventative measure.

The best news of all is that, even with this extra treatment, the Health Plan subscription will remain the same for the next year!

Special FEBRUARY Promotion - Feb 01, 2013 (Fri)

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

For the cost of a KitKat a day you can enrol your pet on our Braid Vets Health Plan. This gold standard care package not only saves you money, but allows you to budget for fees by spreading the subscription over twelve months.

All those enrolling on Braid Vets Health Plan during February will be offered a free KitKat!

It really is a "no brainer"!

Christmas Appeal Thanks - Jan 19, 2013 (Sat)

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Many THANKS to all who donated to our Christmas Dinner Appeal in aid of Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home.

We were delighted by the generosity of our clients at all three Braid Vets branches, and were able to make a substantial donation of foods and treats for dogs and cats to a very worthwhile charity cause.

Happy New Year on behalf of all here at Braid Vets - and the residents at the Dog & Cat Home!

Braid Vets pass RCVS Inspection - Dec 14, 2012 (Fri)

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Head Nurse Jolene and Director Chris Ross look relieved at the end of our Inspection by the RCVS as part of the Practice Standards Scheme.

Our three premises were inspected, Braid Vets Hospital at Mayfield Road, recognised under the Scheme as a Veterinary Hospital, and Braid Vets Leith and Dalkeith, both recognised as Accredited General Practices.

Well done to all staff for all of the work that is involved in maintaining all three branches to such high standards!

Click here for details of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme.

Christmas care for pets - Dec 12, 2012 (Wed)

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CHRISTMAS HEALTH TIPS

There are a number of potential hazards to be mindful of during the festive season, so read on and feast your eyes on all the tips to ensure you and your pet have a happy, safe and stress free time at Christmas…..

Holiday Hazards

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested can upset the animal’s stomach
Electrical cords.
Ribbons and tinsel (can become lodged in the intestine and cause intestinal obstruction- this is most common in young playful kittens and puppies)
Batteries
Glass ornaments.

Visitors, feeding and treats.

Christmas can be a busy time with visiting friends and relatives so make sure your pet doesn’t make an escape during the commotion, some pets find this fairly stressful and it is important that they can have a place which is their own space if needed. Adaptil and Feliway diffusers are also useful to eliminate stress. Try to stick to usual routines feeding and walking patterns as this will help eliminate stress also.
When you have a houseful of people they can be tempted to give your animal treats, try to resist feeding your pet lots of extra’s as this can result in dietary upset, it is very important not to give pets bone’s as they can get stuck in the gullet or digestive tract causing an obstruction and shards can also cause damage to the digestive tract.
There are also foods that are toxic to our pets, here is a list of the most common foods.
Alcoholic Beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Mouldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast Dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with Xylitol (chewing gum, baked goods, jams)

Cold Weather Hazards

Antifreeze
Salt/Grit and other ‘ice melting products’
Rat and mouse bait

Festive Foilage

Certain types of plants are highly toxic and can even cause death. Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe, Amaryllis, Lilies and Yew tree are poisonous to pets and must be kept well out of reach.

Poinsettia can cause drooling, oral pain and vomiting, Mistletoe causes vomiting, laboured breathing, shock and in severe cases death from cardiovascular collapse if ingested.

Rabbits and Small Animals

Indoor animals

Small pets who are indoor and house rabbits should be fine in the cold weather as the temperature indoors tends to be regulated, be careful though if you are turning heating down when away as these small pets may get cold. Make sure their living area isn’t in a draught, if temperatures are going to dip very low then you could give them a ‘Snugglesafe heatpad’

Outdoor animals

If possible bring your rabbits/guinea pigs indoors for the winter or move the hutch into a shed or garage. Do not put the hutch in the garage if you park your cars in there as the exhaust fumes are toxic to them, if it isn’t possible to move the hutch to an indoor area then move it to somewhere sheltered such as close to a wall or trees facing away from the wind. A cover over the front of the hutch and extra bedding is also a good idea.

Braid Vets QR code - Nov 20, 2012 (Tue)

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets now has a QR code!

If you are wondering what on Earth a QR code is, well, here is ours!

If you are now wondering what on Earth a QR code does, well, (here goes...) it's a personalised identity badge for the practice, and if you scan the code with a "smartphone" that has an "App" that is a "QR Code Reader", then you're phone will automatically open up the Braid Vets website on your phone screen! (are you still with me?). That will allow you to access all of our website information on your phone!

How amazing is that?

Now all we have to do is work out how we will use our QR code!

Perhaps look out for it appearing on adverts for Braid Vets, and on any reminders, invitations or other mailings that we may send you.

Now - relax!

Fireworks time is here! - Oct 31, 2012 (Wed)

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Edinburgh, between October and January must surely be the Fireworks capital of the World!

A recent survey by the PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing Report revealed that over 9 million cats and dogs suffer fear and anxiety due to fireworks. The leading veterinary charity is advising owners to take steps to help their pets on Bonfire night.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley, says: “Many people don’t seek help for their pets’ fears, perhaps believing nothing can be done. But with a little preparation, owners can make a big difference in minimising the anxiety that many pets suffer during the fireworks season.”

To help owners, PDSA has produced a ‘pet firework guide’ to ensure pets stay safe and calm when fireworks are going off over the coming weeks.

Preparation

· Make a cosy den for your pet with blankets, pillows and cushions. For dogs this could be behind a sofa or inside a wardrobe, while cats feel more secure when high up, so a cat bed safely placed on an accessible shelf or cupboard may be better.

· Reward your pet when they spend time in the den to help build a positive association, so it will then be a reassuring place to hide if they get scared.

· Start using pheromones near to the den – calming scents available as plug-ins or sprays that we can’t smell, but that can help to reduce anxiety in pets.

· Get your pet microchipped, so if they do panic and manage to run away, you are much more likely to be reunited.

On the night

· Never take your pet to a fireworks display, and walk dogs early before fireworks start.

· Bring in any outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs and give them extra bedding to hide in so they feel safe.

· Keep all doors, windows, cat flaps and curtains closed, and play music with a repetitive beat to help mask the noises.

· If your pet gets scared, act normally and ignore the fireworks and any fearful behaviour. Even though it is tempting to reassure them, this will just reinforce their fear and teach them that it is the appropriate response.

· Allow your pet to hide in the den, or somewhere else if they prefer, but don’t try to coax them out. This is a place they feel safe and allows them to take control of the situation.

· Don’t pick up or restrain a cat that is scared, as cats prefer to control how they cope.

Owners should be aware of signs of stress. Dogs may tremble, pace, pant and become ‘clingy’, while cats may try to hide behind furniture, or attempt to run away. Both dogs and cats may refuse to eat and may soil the house because of firework-related stress. Rabbits may freeze and remain motionless, or may panic and try to escape their hutches.

It is worth imagining what Bonfire Night must be like for our pets – we know why there are lots of loud bangs outside, but our pets don’t, which is very distressing for them. Many of our pets have very acute hearing, so the range of sounds adding to their anxiety may also be greater than we can appreciate.

If your pet is very fearful, contact us about long-term behavioural therapy. This can take weeks or months, but with time and patience it teaches noise-phobic pets that loud noises are nothing to be scared of. These evidence-based behavioural techniques can achieve excellent results to improve your pet’s quality of life.

Braid Bake Off! - Oct 11, 2012 (Thu)

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support's biggest fundraising event. People across the UK - and sometimes further afield - hold a coffee morning, where donations on the day are made to Macmillan. In 2011 51,000 people signed up to coffee morning, raising a record £10 million.

Braid Vets clients helped raise a whopping £289.11 for the charity this year. We would like to thank everyone who came along and made the morning such a success.

Great Run by Braid - Oct 08, 2012 (Mon)

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Well done to three Braid staff who took part in the annual Great Edinburgh Run yesterday. Vet Nurse Helen Clark, and vets Catherine Davidson and Scott Dickson, all braved the glorious sunshine to master the 10km course around Arthurs Seat and Regent Road.

Helen and Catherine used the event to raise money and awareness to support Carers for Ward One at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital.

Well done to all!

Braid Salon takes off - Aug 30, 2012 (Thu)

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our Braid Pets Salon in Dalkeith is becoming firmly established, with a growing number of dogs, and cats too, returning on a regular basis for baths and styling.

Here's Snowie, a great wee Bichon Frise, just out from the Hydrobath, enjoying warm air blow dry, before having his coat trimmed.

Grooming appointments can be made by phoning 0131 654 1232

Olympic Torch at Dalkeith! - Jun 16, 2012 (Sat)

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Crowds gathered outside our Braid Vets Dalkeith surgery & Braid Pets Salon on Thursday 14th June to see the Olympic Torch procession. The Torch is being carried by 8000 people over a distance of 8000 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, en route to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 27th.

Our Torch-carrier - Shafiq from London - appeared thrilled to be in the spotlight and waved to all and sundry, although why they could not have awarded the task to a more relevant local person is a bit baffling.

Our picture shows him giving the "thumbs up" when asked if Braid Vets is THE place to have your pets treated!

Braid Vets Dalkeith OPENS - Apr 30, 2012 (Mon)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce that Braid Vets have opened a new branch at 21 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith. A veterinary practice has been present at this site since 1996, previously named Esk Valley Veterinary Practice, and this was owned and run by Veterinary Surgeon Mandy Elgin.

Having provided Esk Valley's out-of-hours care through our e-vets Emergency Service, Braid Vets were delighted to be given the opportunity to take over this practice and we will endeavour to offer a high standard of veterinary care for your pets and a high level of service to you, our valued clients. Clients of Esk Valley can be assured of complete continuity of care, with all medical records now fully integrated into our computer system.

Whilst Mandy has retired from general practice, her veterinary support staff, Elaine Crombie (Veterinary Nurse) and Jill Graham (Veterinary Receptionist) continue in their roles. We look forward to meeting you and your pets over the coming weeks and months, and again are delighted to provide veterinary care at 21 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith, telephone 0131 654 1232.

The care provided to your pets will also benefit from the support of our hospital practice and the out of hours emergency care continues to be provided by e-vets. As a hospital practice we have a Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse on site 24/7 ready to look after your pet, whether as a hospitalised case or if you require an out-of-hours emergency consultation.

Braid Pets Salon has been opened as a grooming suite within our new branch in Dalkeith. We offer grooming services for dogs and cats, including bathing in our HydroBath spa, clipping and styling. Our groomer is Karen Roberts, an experienced, qualified Veterinary Nurse. Grooming is available Monday- Friday, 8:30am -5pm.

To arrange an appointment for Braid Pets Salon, please call 0131 654 1232.

BRAID PETS SALON OPENING SOON! - Apr 16, 2012 (Mon)

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets are excited about our own Pets Salon which will be opening soon, in Dalkeith. One of our Registered Veterinary Nurses, Karen, is starting her training this week with Amy English, the current Pro Grooming Champion in the UK. Karen will be doing all of the grroming in our new Pets Salon, when it opens at the end of April.

We will be exclusively using John Paul Pet Products in our Salon, and these are also available to purchase in our surgeries.

The following services will be available at the Pets Salon: Bathing, Styling, Grooming and Clipping

During the month of May we are offering a £10 discount on all the the above services.

Vets visit Braid - Mar 19, 2012 (Mon)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It was on with the kilts, and out with the whisky and shortbread last weekend, as the partners played host to a group of vets from around UK.

Our Mayfield Road hospital was one of the practices chosen by the BVHA (British Veterinary Hospitals Association) as part of their weekend tour of Scottish vet practices.

Touring other practices gives BVHA members the opportunity to see how others do it, and we understand the party left well satisfied following our guided tour and couthy hospitality.

Big thanks to Grannie Ross for the shortbread which hit the mark with the whisky and Irn Bru.

Broken wrist "Disney" stop Lynne running! - Mar 16, 2012 (Fri)

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to e-vets Nurse Lynne Zabek for her incredible running achievement in January!

Lynne took part in and completed the Walt Disney Half Marathon and the Walt Disney Marathon - on consecutive days!

This, despite starting each race at 5:30am in Orlando, Florida,

despite finishing in 90 degree heat each day, and

despite breaking her wrist just two weeks before the event!

Our photo shows Lynne complete with stookie and her two medals at the end of the big event. Well done Lynne!

Braid Vets sponsor Buckstone Primary School's running club - Feb 27, 2012 (Mon)

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets are delighted to sponsor a local primary school's running club by providing running t-shirts resplendant in the school colours and bearing the school's crest.
The club enter teams in the Edinburgh schools competitions and also compete in the annual Scottish Schools cross country championships.

Good luck!!!

Two pass Vet Nursing exams!! - Jan 20, 2012 (Fri)

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Liz McAlpine and Paula Gallagher on passing their Veterinary Nursing exams! Both will now become Registered Veterinary Nurses, under the auspices of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The Veterinary Nurse qualification takes a minimum of three years to complete, and is an arduous course involving college or university study and practical work in vet practices.

We are delighted at their success and this brings the number of RVNs at Braid Vets up to SIXTEEN!

NEW Pet Travel Scheme requirements - Jan 12, 2012 (Thu)

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From January 1st 2012 the rules for taking pet dogs, cats and ferrets abroad, and for bringing them into the UK changed.

This brings the UK into line with other EU Member States, and will make it easier for pet owners to take their pets abroad and then return them to the UK.

All pets entering the UK will still need to be microchipped and vaccinated against Rabies.

However under the new regulations pet dogs, cats and ferrets coming from other EU Member States, and listed approved countries, will not need a blood test and can enter the UK 21 days after their Rabies vaccination (rather than having to wait six months and provide proof of a positive titre blood test).

Previously pets were also required to be treated against Ticks and Tapeworms. The new regulations state that pets should be treated against Tapeworms 1-5 days before entry into the UK, but the Tick treatment is no longer necessary.

Pets entering the UK from non-approved countries will still require a blood test, which should be taken 30 days after Rabies vaccination, and 3 months before entry into the UK.

The upshot of this is that owners planning to take their pets to Europe, for holidays for instance, can now do this at much shorter notice (21 days as opposed to 7 months), and at less expense (no Rabies bloodtest required).

The concerns of the veterinary community however are that the risk of Rabies entering the UK has been increased, and the risk of tick-borne diseases not currently seen in the UK has also been increased.

For further details of the new Pet Travel regulations click the following links:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13582-bringing-pets-to-uk-111212.pdf

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/

If you are considering taking your pet abroad, please contact us and we will guide you through the regulations.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times - Dec 14, 2011 (Wed)

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our opening times are as follows -

Friday 23rd December - as normal

Saturday 24th December - 8.30am-12noon

Sunday 25th & Monday 26th December - closed

Tues 27th December - 8.30am-12noon

Wed 28th, Thurs 29th, Fri 30th December - as normal

Saturday 31st December - 8.30am-12noon

Sunday 1st & Monday 2nd January - closed

Tuesday 3rd January - 8.30am-12noon

Wednesday 4th January - as normal

In an emergency - please contact our e-vet emergency service by telephoning - 0131 662 1689

Please place orders for food and drugs by 5pm Thursday 22nd December if required for Christmas day and by 5pm Thursday 29th December if required by New Year.

Helen is the cat's whiskers! - Nov 29, 2011 (Tue)

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Helen Clark, our Senior Vet Nurse at Leith Walk, as she has recently passed her "Advanced Award in Feline Friendly Nursing". Better still, she passed with credit!

Well done Helen - we love our cats!

Congratulations to Alison Dye, our Office Manager - Nov 09, 2011 (Wed)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Alison Dye, our Office Manager has successfully passed her exams to gain the "Veterinary Administration Certificate". The training undertaken will help improve the running of the practice and the service we can provide to you, our valued clients.

Braid Vets get new Laboratory Blood Analyser machines - Nov 08, 2011 (Tue)

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets Hospital have new Blood Analyser machines in the practice laboratory. The new equipment allows blood samples from our patients to be run quickly and accurately in-house.

Bloods are often taken from patients prior to General Anaesthesia, especially if the pet is older or unwell, and for the investigation of many illnesses.

We can run a number of different tests in the practice laboratory. Biochemistry samples assess some of the major organs in the body e.g. the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Haematology samples check the red and white bloods cells and give useful information regarding conditions such as anaemia or inflammation.

Other specific tests that we can run in-house using our new equipment include Cortisol levels, electrolytes and some viral infection tests e.g. Canine Parvovirus and Feline Leukaemia Virus. A common condition affecting older cats is overactive Thyroid glands and our in-house test not only allow rapid diagnosis but also monitoring the individual patients response to treatment.

If you would like any more information regarding the laboratory tests we can offer then please feel free to ask next time you are visiting the practice.

Braid team run Edinburgh 10k - Oct 06, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets staff members took part in last Sunday's "Great Edinburgh 10k Run", raising money for Marie Curie Cancer charity in the process.

Vets Scott Dickson, Peter Sharp and Mike Hall, along with Vet Nurse Rosie Waller, braved the rain in the race against the clock.

Three members posted personal best times, special mention going to Scott who broke the 40 minute barrier, and Rosie who completed her first 10k.

Below, three vets with a Sunday morning thirst!

Lynne runs Moray Half Marathon - Oct 04, 2011 (Tue)

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to e-vets Nurse Lynne Zabek who recently completed the Moray Half Marathon, in a new personal best time!

Not only a star in the hospital.......

Kennel Cough again! - Sep 30, 2011 (Fri)

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We are again seeing sporadic cases of Kennel Cough in dogs in Edinburgh.

The cases seen recently have not been in dogs from kennels, so it is a reminder that the condition is badly named!

Kennel Cough is NOT a disease of kennelled dogs,

- it's a disease of ALL dogs that meet other dogs on their daily walks,

- or at training classes,

- or when with dog walkers,

- or at daycare centres.

You can ensure your dog is protected against this unpleasant infection by having him/her vaccinated with a simple, single dose of nasal drops. The vaccine protects for up to 12 months.

To make an appointment contact Reception.

Pet Passport changes for 2012 - Sep 16, 2011 (Fri)

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There are changes to the Pet Passport Scheme for travel in Europe from 1st January 2012.

Rabies bloodtest:

There will no longer be a requirement for a blood test after your Rabies vaccination when entering the UK from Europe or certain listed countries such as USA & Australia. You will also only need to wait 21 days from the Rabies vaccination date.

You still need to be careful as there are other countries such as India & Brazil where a blood test is still required as well as a 3 month wait. For full details see the website link below.

Ticks & Tapeworms:

The requirement to have treatment for Ticks prior to entering the UK is being dropped. However, the requirement to have treatment for Tapeworms prior to entering the UK will continue. The period for this treatment is being changed however - it will need to be done 1-5 days before entering the UK (compared with the current requirement of 1- 2days).

So, for most UK pets travelling for holidays in Europe, the process will be much simpler, and also less expensive!

Click this link to see the details on the Government DEFRA website.

Success at LovePets Show - Sep 09, 2011 (Fri)

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets were principal sponsors of the inaugural LovePets Show at Ingliston.

Our exhibition stand enjoyed a prime position and we were visited by many of the 5000+ show-goers over the two days. We had over 800 entries in our "Feed your Pet FREE for a Year" competition, and our demonstartion of our Online Vetshop was very well received.

Many thanks to all who visited and supported us at the Show.

Click here to browse our Online shop.

LovePets Show, Edinburgh, 3rd & 4th September 2011 - Jun 23, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets and e-vets are delighted to sponsor the Love Pets Show. This is the first event of its kind in Scotland and is being held on the 3rd and 4th September 2011 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. Love Pets will be a spectacular celebration of all pets great and small.

Special attractions include:

Kate and Gin, from Britain's Got Talent
Hedwig and Errol, the owls from the Harry Potter Movie
Dog Grooming and Training Demo's
and much, much more ....

You are very welcome to visit us at our exhibition stand - we shall be located near the main entrance to the show. Please drop in and browse our exhibits, meet our staff and have a chat. We shall have goodie bags for you and a selection of fantastic gifts to purchase to spoil your pets with.

Staffie Rescue Scotland - Jun 16, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The first awareness day for this newly formed group is this Saturday, June 18th, 10-4pm at Pets at Home, Livingston.

Paintballing success - Jun 13, 2011 (Mon)

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sixteen of Braid Vets' finest endured and enjoyed a day's Paintballing yesterday in woodland in deepest West Lothian. We are happy to report that all survived and returned to work today, with many stories and a few bruises!

Well done to all who took part, and a big thank you to Owen and Purina Petfoods who were our hosts and sponsors for the day. Owen received special mention for his impersonation of Rambo in the swamp!

£5 off Microchips - Jun 01, 2011 (Wed)

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

June is National Microchip Awareness Month

Microchipping is the most reliable and safest method of permanent identification for our pets. Vets are in favour of all UK dogs, cats and horses being microchipped.

Braid Vets are offering a £5 discount off all Microchips implanted during June 2011. Give us a call to arrange an appointment.

Kate's 25 Years at Braid - May 06, 2011 (Fri)

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Would you believe it - it only seems like yesterday!

Kate Ramsay, Reception Manager at our Mayfield Road Hospital, has now been with us for 25 years! She joined way back then from Avis Car Rental and their loss was certainly our gain, She has been adding her own personal charm to our front-of-house ever since and is the weel-kent caring face so many of our clients like to see.

Kate has certainly seen some changes over the years. On first joining in 1986, Braid was a three vet practice, still providing service to horses and farm animals in Midlothian. In 1989 the practice decided to focus entirely on companion animals, with the buildings being extended and Hospital status being achieved. Further extension was completed in 2007 creating a much more spacious Reception and waiting area - and a much improved working space for Kate and her colleagues.

Celebrations started on Friday morning and continued with an evening out with the team (by all accounts going on into the wee small hours!).

Many thanks to Kate for her efforts and dedication over the years - and here's to the next twenty five!

Parvovirus confirmed - Apr 29, 2011 (Fri)

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We recently had a dog admitted by e-vets suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Tests on the dog's faeces confirmed the cause to be Parvovirus. The little dog was very ill and required several days of hospitalisation and intensive care.

Parvovirus is one of the deadly viruses that we recommend ALL dogs are vaccinated against. Young dogs are especially susceptible and many will die if unprotected. Vaccination is highly effective (>95%), is both safe and simple, and saves money as well as lives.

This is the first confirmed case of Parvo seen a Braid Vets for over one year but is a timely reminder to all dog owners that the disease is in our environment, and that vaccination protection should be kept up to date.

We routinely vaccinate dogs against Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough, as well as Parvovirus. All dogs should be seen once a year to have boosters of the appropriate vaccines administered.

If you are unsure as to whether your dog's protection is up to date, call us and we will check your records.

Karen becomes a Registered Veterinary Nurse - Apr 14, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Karen Roberts joined Braid Vets in March 2005 as a Kennel Assistant. We are delighted that Karen has now qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and has now swapped her trainee nurse striped uniform for the dark green uniform of a fully qualified RVN.

Well done!!

Cat Neutering Recommended - Apr 12, 2011 (Tue)

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Animal charity The Blue Cross saw a record number of homeless and unwanted kittens last year. A massive 1,175 kittens were dumped, given up or born at the charity in the last year and are recommending pet owners to have their cats neutered.

Mayfield Make-Over - Mar 24, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Reception Area at our Hospital at Mayfield Road has just received a make-over, with new display stands, new colour scheme and smart new graphics.

Come and see for yourself, we'd love to know what you think!

Chris Ross returns - Mar 21, 2011 (Mon)

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Chris Ross returns to the team after a two month spell on the sidelines with a back injury. His return is very welcome at this busy time, and he is again available for consultations by appointment,

Our Online Shop is now open! - Mar 14, 2011 (Mon)

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

You can now order pet foods, collars, leads, bedding, toys, etc for your pets, choosing from a huge range of items much larger than we could hope to stock in our surgeries.

Items bought through the shop will delivered to your home or address of choice, and delivery on all purchases over £29 is Free of charge!

Click on the Online Shop tab to open the doors!

33% OFF ALL PROPLAN FOODS! - Mar 03, 2011 (Thu)

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We are currently selling all PROPLAN Dog and Cat lifestage foods at 33% below RRP.

If you have fed your pets on PROPLAN before, you will be aware of the nutritional value and excellent palatability. If you have not, then this is the ideal time to try it!

You are not restricted to the muber of bags you buy, or number of purchases you make. And all purchases at these greatly reduced prices will still qualify for our unique LOYALTY SCHEME - saving you another 16% !!

PROPLAN Foods are available at both of our surgeries and the offer continues until the end of April!

Digital Xray now at Braid Vets Hospital - Feb 14, 2011 (Mon)

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We have installed a state- of-the-art digital xray system at our Hospital at Mayfield Road.

Previously we processed our xrays (radiographs) using convential xray film and an electric processor containing chemicals.

With our new digital system we load the xray cassette into the digital processor and,30 seconds later,we can view the images on a special computer monitor.

Advantages of this system to the patient are:-

less time spent under general anaesthetic or sedation as the xray processing time is reduced from 5 minutes per xray film to just 30 seconds
much improved image quality leading to increased diagnostic capability
ability to send xray images to remote sites e.g. to specialists for their opinion
digital storage of images allowing easy reference to previous archived xrays. This is important when monitoring the progression of some diseases e.g. osteoarthritis

Environmental advantages include:

no further need for developer or fixer chemicals - both require special, and expensive, disposal as these fluids are potentially damaging to the environment

VAT rise, January 4th - Jan 04, 2011 (Tue)

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Government have today raised the rate of VAT.

The rate has risen from 17.5% to 20%. We sympathise that this will mean an increase in the size of your total vet bill.

Weather- what weather? - Dec 24, 2010 (Fri)

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Well done to our delivery man, Simon.
He drives the van that brings our essential daily supplies of medicines, stock and food, from our wholesaler, Dunlops, in Dumfries. Despite all of the bad weather during the last five weeks, he has never missed a delivery. In fact, he was quite apologetic one morning when he arrived fifteen minutes late!
Head Nurse Jolene, and fellow Vet Nurse Teri take the morning air with Simon on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas tail - Dec 07, 2010 (Tue)

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On a cold winter’s night a long time ago, before Braid Vets was a Hospital, before Edinburgh Trams were reinvented, and when Cameron Toll was still Savacentre, a young vet was about to see the last case of evening surgery.

‘Judy’ was a little Jack Russell bitch- the proud mother of five new puppies- belonging to a long-standing client named Jimmy. Jimmy had brought her for a post-whelping check-up and to get her puppies’ tails docked. This was a procedure that both he and Judy had been through before - they both knew the ropes!

It had been a long day at the coal-face of small animal practice and the young ‘vitnery’ was not looking forward to what would likely be a painful and distressing 20minutes cutting the tails off baby pups!

In those far-off days it was practice policy to dock puppies’ tails - but not without lecturing the owners about our growing objections to docking tails. The young-guns (as we were then) deemed it an unnecessary and painful procedure of little or no long term benefit to the dogs.

Jimmy took his seat in the consulting room and ‘Judy’ was clinically examined and found to be in good condition with plenty of milk for her pups. The vet launched into the merits and demerits of tail docking which Jimmy listened to with a resigned look of scepticism. Maybe it was the fact that he’d heard it all before, or maybe he had just had a long and tiring week; either way Jimmy had had enough;
‘If ye dinnae want tae dock tails, dinnae dae it. I can get it done doon the road and no' get an earful for ma’ trouble. I’m no payin’ fer a lecture’.

The vet apologised and the procedure was performed, but for the very last time at Braid Vets. Jimmy was right- he didn’t deserve to have his ear bent. He was paying good money for a professional job.

We lost a number of breeder clients on the basis of that early stand against tail docking. It is now against the law to dock the tails of puppies in Scotland, and in England the procedure can only be carried out if the puppy is to be used as a “working” dog. Sadly this remains a convenient loophole for the pro-docking lobby. However, each time I see a Cocker Spaniel, or Boxer, or indeed a Jack Russell wagging their tail in the waiting room, I know we were right to make a stand all those years ago. I’d like to think that most dogs are likely to live happier ever after with their tail.

Chris Ross

Snow is falling..... - Nov 29, 2010 (Mon)

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

..... but we're open as usual!

Both our centres, the Mayfield Road hospital and the Leith Walk surgery, are open during normal working hours despite the snowy weather.
8:30am - 6:00pm Monday - Friday
9:00am - 12 Noon Saturday

And our "e-vets emergency Service" team are on-site as usual, every night from 6pm, ready to take your calls.

If you find that you will be unable to make your appointment, we would be grateful for a phone call to let us know, and then we can re-arrange for an appropriate time.

We look forward to seeing you and your pets - whatever the weather!

Saphalhos Rosie! - Jul 06, 2010 (Tue)

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We would like to wish our Veterinary Nusre Rosie "Saphalhos" (good luck) as she heads off to Nepal for 3months. Rosie is taking a 3 month sabbatical to work as a Volunteer for HART (Himalyan Animal Rescue Team), an Animal Charity in Nepal that wiorks with the street animals. We wish her well, and a safe return at the end of her trip, when she returns to continue working with us.

New pet tag service available! - Mar 03, 2010 (Wed)

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets are now able to offer our clients a Pet Tag Engraving service while you wait, in our Hospital on Mayfield Road.

We have various shapes eg. circles, rectangles, bones and hearts in both small and large sizes.

Articles in Local Paper - Mar 01, 2010 (Mon)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Braid Vets now have a Weekly Article in the Edinburgh Herald and Post - you can access this by clicking on the following link : www.the-ehp.com