Analysing blood and urine can provide lots of useful information to help us reach an accurate diagnosis. We can run some blood and urine tests in-house, which is particularly important in an emergency.

If we require a wider range of results or more specialist tests we send samples to an external laboratory, who email us the results very quickly (usually the next working day, but sometimes slightly longer for more specialist tests).

Monitoring blood pressure is essential in emergency situations, but also for several common chronic conditions such as kidney disease. It is non-invasive and in most cases can be done conscious during a normal appointment slot.

For animals with medical conditions that require ongoing monitoring of their blood pressure, this can often be done in the more relaxed setting of a nurse clinic, which is a good opportunity to discuss other aspects of your pet’s condition.

Unfortunately some conditions cause life-threatening blood loss necessitating a blood transfusion. In this case, we have a list of donor dogs who are able to provide blood for transfusion. Could your dog donate life-saving blood? They need to be 1-8 years old, healthy, weigh more than 25kg, be relaxed and calm, be fully vaccinated and never have travelled abroad.

If your dog meets these requirements, have a word with one of our nurses next time you’re here and we’ll put them on the life-savers list! In the rarer event of a cat needing a transfusion, several members of staff have cats who are able to donate.

We frequently submit X-rays to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), for scoring under the hip and elbow dysplasia schemes. The purpose of these schemes is to reduce specific abnormalities involving these joints in dogs used for breeding. In order to be eligible for the scheme, dogs must have a microchip or tattoo and be over 12 months old.

A useful website to look at prior to having your dog scored is the BVA website. If you wish to have your dog scored and subsequently use it for breeding, it is important to be aware of how the X-rays are scored and what interpretation may be taken from the results.

IV fluids are a mainstay of treatment for a wide range of conditions. They can help to correct dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities, support blood pressure, facilitate administration of IV medication, and support kidney and liver function.

We may also recommend your animal has IV fluids during an anaesthetic, particularly if they are older, have pre-existing health conditions or are likely to be under for a relatively long period of time.

Sometimes called cold laser, or Class IV laser therapy, our state of the art system uses laser light at specific wavelengths to treat such wide-ranging conditions as arthritis, muscle and tendon injuries and wound healing. Because the light penetrates fur, skin and subcutaneous tissues well, there is no need to clip the fur, and so it is a truly non-invasive treatment method.

There are no side effects from laser therapy, and many owners find that their pets will be more mobile – perhaps able to jump into the car again, or else more willing to play. They will often be able to reduce the levels of other arthritis medication after laser therapy.

More and more of our clients are now choosing to take their pets abroad with them. We have three registered LVIs (Local Veterinary Inspectors) at Crossways, so are able to offer sound advice on European travel as well as completing Pets Passports. Taking your dog, cat or ferret abroad is not a complicated affair, however, there are particular guidelines that must be followed. In the first instance, it is worth having a wander through the Government website.

This is a very useful site and also contains a Pet Travel Scheme helpline, e-mail address and telephone number to help deal with any queries you may have. Of course, most questions can be answered by one of our vets, who will assist in giving you updated information specific to your pet. In addition we have leaflets and up-to-date price-lists on display in all branches.