"Old age comes to us all" is an adage with which many of us (including myself) are all too familiar. Unfortunately, for our pets it can arrive all too quickly. Their lives are a concentrated microcosm of our own in which middle age and senility are u...
Even after 26 years in the job I still occasionally come across a patient or a condition that I have never seen before and leaves me shaking my head in disbelief. My colleague Geraldine examined "Bella" when she came to Fairfeld for her puppy vaccina...
I was just settling down to watch Arsenal on the television one Saturday lunchtime when my relaxing weekend off was interrupted by my mobile phone. My colleague Aga was in the middle of surgically resolving a twisted stomach in a German Shepherd pati...
When Charlie's owners came to see me it was always likely he was going to be a difficult case as he had been unsuccessfully treated elsewhere. I was however somewhat taken aback when his owners suggested that the reason why he had such a hideously ul...
Back in February of this year I drove North to Scotland to be with my mum when she recieved the news from her consultant that she had lung cancer. The consultant was very open and honest about her illness and when my mother asked the question "How lo...
With the advent of the internet it is not unusual for clients to make a tentative diagnosis of their pet's symptoms. In this instance, the odd appearance of "Ace's" eyes drew the owner, not unreasonably, to assume that his dog was suffering from bact...
The term boisterous could well have been coined with "Boxer" dogs in mind and "Max" one of our patients was no exception to that description. It was because his owners were so accustomed to seeing him charge around madly that they became quite shocke...
There is no doubt that in this advanced technological age our life can be greatly enhanced by a variety of electronic devices. That is of course provided their batteries have been charged! I am not sure as to the exact reason why "Rainy" the Shih Tzu...
"If it ain't broke don't fix it", goes the saying. Whilst this motto may well seem self evident it can sometimes require a more complex decision to be made. It is often the case that I am faced with patients who have significant orthopaedic problems....
For most people and their dogs a walk alongside the Ashby canal constitutes a leisurely stroll as the narrow boats chug by. Not so for "Polly" the springer spaniel. Having forgotten her favourite toy for a moment whilst crossing one of the canal brid...
At this stage in January most people's New Year resolve will already be foundering. Certainly, "Danny's" ambitions of becoming slimmer still have some way to go before they are fully realised. However, whilst his owners may wrestle with this perennia...
As the long nights and cold weather appear to engulf Hinckley in their winter grip it would appear that ill health follows. Just as the "lurgy" has decimated staff members at Fairfield a dramatic rise in cases of haemorrhaegic gastroenteritis appears...
It has always been a problem in my particular profession to convince my patients that I am interested in their well being! Unable to comprehend the benefits of a clinical examination with the tools of my trade, a thermometer and a stethoscope, it is ...
Many people often express surprise when I tell them that our "line of business" does have some seasonal fluctuations. Joint pain from arthritis is clearly more evident in winter whilst pruritus or itchy skins are far more prevalent during the summer ...
The English springer spaniel acquired its name from the process by which it flushes game- they are known to "spring" forward to drive birds away from their hiding places. Even today this breed still honours its name with its bouncy and "springy" char...
When "Bobby" went for his routine "short back and sides!" he got more for his money from the groomer than he bargained for! Whilst attending to his usual bouffant hairstyle "Tina" his regular beautician made her routine inspection of his testicles! A...
West Highland White terriers are a very popular breed of dog and with good cause! Originating from Scotland (always a good start!) they are generally more friendly and manageable than other more tenacious terrier types. Generally confident, they will...
Someone once said "A good man takes care of his animals" and this has certainly been my experience over the years. The level of effort and support that some owners are prepared to commit can be a humbling experience. At Fairfield, we are extremely fo...
