Fact Sheets - Davies Veterinary Specialists

Allergies in Cats and Dogs

Information from our Veterinary Dermatology Specialists on common allergies affecting cats and dogs including fleas, food allergies and atopic dermatitis.

Anaesthesia FAQs

All your questions about the Anaesthesia process - answered.

Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma Fact Sheet

Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumour of the anal sacs of the dog.

Antibiotics Resistance Fact Sheet

Why do we need to worry about antibiotic resistance? Our fact sheet explains why the responsible use of antibiotics is so important for veterinary medicine.

Brachycephalic Upper Airway Obstruction Syndrome Fact Sheet

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is an umbrella term for a number of anatomical abnormalities seen in dogs

Brain Tumours Fact Sheet

Brain tumours in dogs and cats are unfortunately as common as they are in people.

BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme Fact Sheet

We offer eye testing ('eye scores') for inherited eye diseases under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Testing Scheme.

Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours Fact Sheet

Mast cell tumours in dogs are common tumours of the skin.

Canine Insulinoma Fact Sheet

Insulinoma in dogs is a tumour of the pancreas.

Canine Osteosarcoma Fact Sheet

Osteosarcoma in dogs is a primary bone tumour.

Canine Unicompartmental Elbow Replacement (CUE) Fact Sheet

We've invested in the latest cutting edge surgical equipment to treat severe canine elbow dysplasia. CUE offers a promising alternative for dogs with this condition. We are one of only a few UK centres providing this surgical option.

Cardiology Procedures

An overview of the procedures and techniques available to our Cardiology patients.

Cardiovascular Intervention

Our guide to Cardiovascular Intervention and the procedures involved.

Chemotherapy in Dogs and Cats

The administration of chemotherapy to animals carries a certain stigma and not surprisingly so...

Condition: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (‘Dry Eye’)

‘Dry eye’ is an eye disease commonly found in dogs. It occurs when insufficient tears are produced from the tear glands.

Conditions of the Third Eyelid Factsheet

Dogs and cats have an extra eyelid called the 'third eyelid' or the nictitans or nictitating membrane, at the inside corner of their eyes.

Corneal Grafts

Information from our Ophthalmology team on the different types of corneal grafts available to treat deep corneal ulcers.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Failure Fact Sheet

Cruciate ligament rupture is a relatively common and debilitating knee injury in dogs.

Davies Veterinary Specialists Guide on How to Keep Hot Dogs Cool

Davies Veterinary Specialists guide on how to keep hot dogs cool.

Degenerative Valve Disease (Mitral Valve Disease) Fact Sheet

Degenerative valve disease or endocardiosis is a condition that leads to degeneration of the heart valves.

Diagnostics Nurses

Our Diagnostic Nurses care for your pet throughout the process of investigating their condition

Diarrhoea in Dogs and Cats Fact Sheet

As well as being potentially unpleasant for the pet owner, diarrhoea in dogs and cats can be associated with a number of potentially serious underlying conditions.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Fact Sheet

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle in which it becomes weak and is no longer able to contract properly.

Direct Claims – Q and A

All the information you need to make a direct claim.

Distichiasis or ‘extra eyelashes’ Fact Sheet

Distichiasis is a common condition in dogs. It occurs when eyelashes are abnormally positioned and emerge too close to the eyelid margin.

Elbow Dysplasia Fact Sheet

Elbow dysplasia means that there has been abnormal development of the elbow joint.

Electrophysiology Study / Catheter Ablation Fact Sheet

An electrophysiology study is a procedure used to study the flow of electricity in the heart...

Enucleation

Enucleation is the term given to describe the removal of an eye.

Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsy Fact Sheet

A seizure (also known as fit) is a non-specific short event with an abrupt start and termination.

Facial paralysis

Facial paralysis is quite common in dogs, particularly in middle to old-age.

Fact sheet for Veterinary Professionals on Guidelines for Feline Anaesthesia

Recent guidelines for feline anaesthesia. These provide comprehensive recommendations for current best practice.

Feeding an Exclusion Diet Fact Sheet

Dietary allergy or intolerance can underlie a number of diseases.

Feline Herpes Virus

FHV-1, feline herpes, is common in the UK cat population, and is one of the causes of cat 'flu'.

Feline Injection Site Fibrosarcoma

Feline ‘Injection Site’ or ‘Vaccine Associated’ Fibrosarcoma is a rapidly progressive and aggressive tumour affecting cats.

Feline Neurology Service

Our feline neurology service, specifically dedicated to cats, was the first of its kind in the world. Find out more here.

Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Fact Sheet

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a nasty disease in cats.

Fever Fact Sheet

Fever in dogs and cats is an increase in body temperature because of an increase in the body’s thermoregulatory set point.

Fixed price TPLO

Fixed Price Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) now available from Davies Veterinary Specialists.

Flea Control Measures Fact Sheet

Fleas are parasites. As they are currently ubiquitous in the UK it's important to take adequate flea control measures. Read on for our Dermatology Specialist's advice.

Fungal Nasal Disease Fact Sheet

Fungal (mycotic) infection of the nasal and paranasal sinuses is a well-recognised cause of chronic, mucopurulent discharge in the dog.

Glaucoma Fact Sheet

Information for Pet Owners on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Glaucoma in cats and dogs.

Haematuria (blood in the urine) Fact Sheet

Haematuria is the medical term used to describe blood in the urine that occurs due to bleeding in the urinary system.

Hip Dysplasia Fact Sheet

The term 'dysplasia' means abnormal development of a tissue or organ.

IMHA (Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia) Fact Sheet

IMHA is a disease where the body’s immune system destroys its own red blood cells.

Inflammatory CNS Disease Fact Sheet

Inflammatory CNS disease is a broad term used to describe a number of neurological disorders in dogs and cats causing inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS).

Insurance and RSA Customer Claims Fact Sheet

Your guide to how we can help with RSA Group insurance claims and payments.

Intervertebral Disc Herniation or “slipped disc” Fact Sheet

A slipped disc is the most common cause of paralysis in dogs.

Ischemic Myelopathy Fact Sheet

Ischemic myelopathy in dogs is a vascular disease of the spinal cord (myelopathy) caused by a lack of its blood supply (ischemia).

Kennel Cough

Learn more about Kennel cough and why vaccination is important if your pet needs to stay with us.

Kennel Cough Information for Referring Vets Fact Sheet

We are trying to refine our policies for protecting referred canine patients against kennel cough.

Laryngeal Paralysis and Collapse Fact Sheet

Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the vocal folds are unable to abduct (open) in response to exercise or respiratory demands.

Lens Luxation

Information from Davies Veterinary Specialists Veterinary Ophthalmology team on the causes, symptoms and treatment for lens luxation in cats and dogs.

Living With A Blind Cat Fact Sheet

Advice on helping your cat adapt if they have recently lost their sight.

Living With A Blind Dog Fact Sheet

Advice on how to help your pet adapt if they have recently lost their sight.

Lymphoma in Dogs Fact Sheet

Lymphoma in dogs is primarily a cancerous condition of the lymph glands.

Lymphoma in the Cat Fact Sheet

Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. In cats there are multiple manifestations of this disease and they are typically distinguished by the anatomical site that is affected.

Maintaining a healthy weight for our pets

Our guide to helping your pet maintain a healthy diet and body weight.

Megaoesophagus/Megaesophagus (MO/ME) in Dogs Fact Sheet

Information from our Veterinary Internal Medicine team on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment available for megaoesophagus (MO/ ME) in dogs.

Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) literally means grave (gravis) muscle (my-) weakness (asthenia).

Myositis Fact Sheet

Myositis is an inflammation of the muscle. Myositis in dogs can be a serious and painful condition. It can be an early indicator that the animal is ill in some other way.

Neuro-Diagnostic Tests Fact Sheet

A definitive diagnosis is essential to the optimal management of patients with neurological disease. This is achieved through the application of a range of diagnostic tests.

Neurological Examination Fact Sheet

Our Fact Sheet explains what to expect during your pet's neurological examination.

Neuromuscular Disorders Fact Sheet

An overview of the neuromuscular system in animals and common disorders affecting it.

Neutraceuticals – Dietary Supplements

We look at the evidence behind using supplements to help promote joint health in dogs.

Non-Healing (‘indolent’) Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Our Veterinary Ophthalmology team discuss the causes, symptoms and available treatment for non-healing or indolent corneal ulcers in dogs.

Osteoarthritis

Information for Pet Owners on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats.

Our ‘Green Group’ Environmental Policy

We recognise that all businesses impact on the environment in a variety of different ways. We are committed to the continual improvement of our environmental performance in relation to our services and operations.

Our guide to Amantadine

Information on the use of Amantadine for pain relief in cats and dogs.

Our guide to Ice and Heat Therapy

We examine how ice and heat therapies can be used to aid healing.

Owner Information Sheet for Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye.

Pacemaker Fact Sheet

Pacemakers are used when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or even stops for prolonged periods of time.

Pain Management and Acupuncture

At Davies we take a holistic approach to pain management with the aim of maintaining a pet's quality of life when surgery is not an option. Find out how Pain Management Clinic can help.

Paroxysmal Dyskinesia Fact Sheet

Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are episodic movement disorders in which abnormal movements are present only during attacks.

Paroxystic Events Fact Sheet

A paroxystic event is a non-specific term used to define an abnormal event of the body with an abrupt onset and an equally sudden return to normal.

Patellar Luxation Fact Sheet

The patella or ‘knee cap’ is a small bone (sesamoid bone) situated within the tendon of insertion of the quadriceps group.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Fact Sheet

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs.

Patient Care Nurses

A day in the life of our Patient Care Nursing team.

Payment Policies – All Your Questions Answered

Our Finance team answer all your questions about insurance claims and payment.

Perianal Fistulae (anal furunculosis) Fact Sheet

Perianal fistulation (anal furunculosis) is frustrating and well-recognised condition in the dog.

Pericardial Effusion

Pericardial effusion refers to the presence of fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart - the pericardium.

Perineal Rupture Fact Sheet

Perineal rupture occurs almost exclusively in the male dog, although rare cases are reported in the bitch, and the cat.

Pets in their home environments

Our Therapy Centre team offer advice on how to ensure your home provides an appropriate and safe environment for your pets.

Polydipsia in Dogs and Cats (increased drinking) Fact Sheet

When a pet starts drinking more than usual, there may be serious underlying disease.

Portosystemic Shunts Fact Sheet

Portosystemic shunts (PSS) are abnormal single or multiple blood vessels which directly join the blood supply from the intestines to the main circulation.

Pre-authorisation and Insurance claims

What you need to do if your Insurance Company requires pre-authorisation before treatment at Davies.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Fact Sheet

Progressive Retinal Atrophy describes an inherited disease of dogs that causes slowly progressive blindness over a period of months or years.

Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic stenosis is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs.

Radiotherapy in Dogs and Cats Fact Sheet

Radiotherapy means the administration of radiation, typically x-rays, to achieve a medical benefit.

Ranulas, Mucocoeles and Salivary Gland Disease Fact Sheets

A salivary mucocoele is a benign swelling of the head or neck which can usually be surgically treated.

Recognising signs of pain in your pet

Useful tips from our Therapy Centre team on identifying signs of pain in your pet.

Regional local anaesthetic techniques

A major role of the anaesthetist is to ensure management of any pain a patient may experience. Regional local anaesthetic techniques offer one of the most effective ways of doing this.

Stroke Fact Sheet

Until recently, it was thought that strokes in dogs and cats were very rare.

Sustainability Initiatives at Davies: Your Questions Answered

Find out more about why and how we became iiE Accredited and what we mean by CSR

Syringohydromyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) Fact Sheet

Syringohydromyelia is also known as Chiari-type malformation (referring to human disease) and caudal occipital malformation syndrome.

Theatre Nurses

Our Theatre Nurses play a vital role in ensuring that each and every surgical procedure runs as smoothly as possible.

Thiamine Deficiency (Vitamin B1) Fact Sheet

Initially most cats will show anorexia and some degree of vomiting preceding neurological signs which include fairly rapid onset of impaired vision, dilated pupils, ataxia, vestibular signs, tremors and seizures.

Third Eyelid Gland Prolapse (‘Cherry Eye’) Fact Sheet

The third eyelid is the membrane that sweeps over the surface of the eye and functions to spread tears across and protect the eye.

Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy or “TPLO” Fact Sheet

TPLO is a surgical technique used for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament failure in dogs.

Total Elbow Replacement

The main indication for total hip replacement (THR) in dog is osteoarthritis (usually as a consequence of hip dysplasia).

Tracheal Collapse Fact Sheet

Tracheal collapse is a form of tracheal obstruction caused by flaccidity and flattening of the cartilaginous rings which support the trachea.

Treatment for Epilepsy in Dogs Fact Sheet

Advice from our Veterinary Neurology team on treatment for epilepsy in dogs, including side effects of common drugs and options for long-term treatment.

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in dogs and cats

Our Veterinary Dermatology team provide information on the different anti-itch treatment options available for atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats.

Vestibular Syndrome in Dogs and Cats Fact Sheet

Vestibular syndrome refers to a group of diseases that affect the balance system which is also known as the vestibular system.

Veterinary Interventional Procedures (Interventional Endoscopy and Interventional Radiology) Fact Sheet

Interventional radiology (IR) is a subspecialty of radiology in which minimally invasive procedures are performed usually using fluoroscopic image-guidance.

Vomiting in Dogs and Cats Fact Sheet

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the stomach contents through the mouth.

Warming up and cooling down

Our Therapy Centre team offer advice on warm-up and cool-down routines for dogs.

What to do if you experience a road closure on Higham Road…

What to do if Higham Road is closed when visiting Davies

Wobblers in Dogs Fact Sheet

Wobblers in dogs is a descriptive name given to a number of conditions affecting the cervical spine of large and giantbreed dogs.

Your Pet’s Journey

What to expect when you visit Davies Veterinary Specialists.