Here at Fairfield we receive many calls regarding local wildlife, including hedgehogs, rabbits, and even sometimes the odd bird of prey! We can treat sick or injured wildlife here at Fairfield, which we do to ensure animal welfare standards extend to...
Two young hedgehogs around 10 weeks old were recently brought to Fairfield. They had both been caught up in gardener's netting which had cut through their skin and muscles as they had struggled to break free. Sadly, my head nurse was only able to sav...
I was walking into Hinckley town centre last week intending to watch one of the football internationals at a local hostelry when my phone beeped indicating I had received a message. Such is the situation with modern technology that no matter where yo...
Since the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act a few years ago there is an increased burden of reponsibility on owners to provide a legal duty of care for the welfare needs of their pet. It is therefore vital that should someone acquire an animal w...
I can imagine that there are quite a few readers who have "had their fill" of eggs over the last couple of weeks but spare a thought for one of our most recent patients. Her owners had become aware that she wasn't quite right. She had appeared uncomf...
Some time ago a regular client at the Fairfield Veterinary Centre rescued a badly injured pigeon. The poor bird had become entangled around wires and cables at the factory where he worked. Undaunted by the fact the bird was unable to escape from its ...
Whilst the festive season is more traditionally associated with rejoicing and reflection it is sadly also a time of the year which sees a big increase in disease, pain and misery! A large number of these ailments are associated with big population mo...
As someone who had the privilege of a childhood in the countryside at the foot of the Campsie Fells, 12 miles North of Glasgow I developed a keen interest in Scottish wildlife. This in fact played a large part in my chosen career as a veterinary surg...
Guinea pigs and humans are two of only a handful of species in the world to-day whose bodies cannot manufacture Vitamin C. Consequently, they have to obtain Vitamin C from their diet in order to survive. "Daisy" the guinea pig was brought to me by he...
Whilst I was in Sicily earlier this year I had the rare pleasure of 2 unforgettable experiences. Firstly, I was on the side of Mount Etna whilst this active volcano was erupting. Standing only a few yards from the lava flow and listening to the main ...
It has been said that the best thing about living in Hinckley is that 'It is close to a lot of other places!' Whilst this may be true for many destinations because of it's central location it is also as far away from any coast as practically any othe...
At this time of the year we receive lots of enquiries regarding what appears to be orphaned or abandoned young birds. In most instances these fledglings are usually not abandoned and "rescuing" them can do more harm than good. Their parents are usual...
Whilst playing golf in Scotland earlier in the year I had an unexpected surprise. After hooking my tee shot into the woods on the 7th hole (not unexpected!) I ventured into the undergrowth to search for my ball when I came upon a red squirrel, the fi...
In August I was presented with a quite unusual patient. Tia, a Minorca chicken, had been brought in by her owners because she was straining, and they were worried she might be egg bound. On examination a large red mass was visible at her backend, ind...
Despite what a lot of people think we do, our patients recover through an inherent ability of the body to heal itself. We simply help to create an environment in which that healing process can occur. If a patient has lost that ability to heal or reco...
Most people will have no doubt heard or read about the current concerns regarding avian influenza. This is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds.It may also affect people and other anima...
Caged birds are a very underrated pet in my opinion. Whilst their initial cost can vary in price from £15 up to £2000 their daily maintenance requires much less investment both in cost and time. Additionally, they can provide hours of endless enterta...
Hedgehogs are one of only a few British animals which truly hibernate over the winter. Unable to sustain their bulk with sufficient insects over the cold winter period they must resort to the dangerous metabolic feat of prolonged periods of unconscio...
When Mrs Johnson became aware of her pet Cockatiel squatting on the floor of its cage looking very lethargic and subdued she clearly knew that there was a problem. Telephone advice from our practice soon advised her that she should bring "Chloe", the...
It is a fairly frequent occurrence for hedgehogs to be brought into our surgery.Usually they have been found injured or unwell, and are brought in for medical attention. Our head nurse and a number of other clients also keep hedgehogs as pets - usual...
