Newsletters
Keeping you up to date with all things at Avalon Vets.
April Newsletter
Veterinary News
Following the news of the CMA investigation into veterinary services, we would like to reassure our clients that here at Avalon Veterinary Clinic we are truly independently owned by husband and wife team George and Anna Pate. In fact, we have been known to refer to ourselves as "fiercely independent". We are so proud to provide veterinary services to our local community. We understand that many clients have concerns regarding veterinary fees. That is why we chose to publish our more common prices on our website. For treatment courses, our vets provide estimates of cost, and will keep you updated if the cost of treatment is likely to change. |
If you have any questions at all regarding the CMA investigation or our fees and services, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at anna@avalonvet.co.uk. I am more than willing to help in any way that I can.
If you think that we are doing a great job and love our veterinary practice, please spread the word. We are currently registering new clients if you have any local friends or family that may be looking for an independent veterinary practice. We offer a refer a friend discount - £10 for each of you, applied to the next visit.
Thank you for your continued support and loyalty, it means the world to us!
If you think that we are doing a great job and love our veterinary practice, please spread the word. We are currently registering new clients if you have any local friends or family that may be looking for an independent veterinary practice. We offer a refer a friend discount - £10 for each of you, applied to the next visit.
Thank you for your continued support and loyalty, it means the world to us!
Practice News
Student Veterinary Nurse Chloe is progressing well with the first year of her training. She has passed her first set of examinations with a mark of over 80%. Well done Chloe! Chloe is working on her Nursing Progress Log in practice and may ask you if there are specific tasks she needs to complete as part of this portfolio. If you do not wish for a student to be involved in any aspect of your pet’s care, simply let us know. Chloe has been attending the practice since the age of 14 so is very familiar with our procedures. |
Animal Care Assistant Eva Mailer’s application for the Veterinary Nurse course is well underway and we are hopeful that she will be accepted for a place to start after the summer.
Healthy Pet Programme
With complete transparency and openness about our prices in mind, we would like to advise you of an increase in the price of our health plans. These are all increasing by £1 per month, or £1.20 per month for those with the home delivery option. The increase is due to increases in veterinary wholesale prices for the products on the plan and due to an increase in cost of home delivery.
We would like to reassure you that the health plans still represent excellent value and savings for you. We will be updating our savings table as soon as possible and this will be displayed in the practice and also uploaded to the website.
We would like to reassure you that the health plans still represent excellent value and savings for you. We will be updating our savings table as soon as possible and this will be displayed in the practice and also uploaded to the website.
Pet of the Month - Poppy
Poppy was seen approximately 2 months after her last season as she was drinking and urinating excessively. Vet George Pate found that Poppy had a nasty discharge at her back end and quickly diagnosed her with pyometra, a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Poppy had surgery and her VERY large infected womb was removed. Poppy is a small dog and only weighs 5.8kg. The infected womb weighed 760g!!! Poppy was very lucky that she was treated on time. Poppy made an uneventful recovery. She wouldn’t say she enjoys coming to see us, and we sometimes need to watch our fingers, but she tolerated us really well. |
Pyometra is one of the reasons that we discuss neutering of bitches with our clients. At Avalon Veterinary Clinic we take a personal approach for each pet to help owners decide if neutering is right for their pet, and if yes, the best time to do it.
April Offers
- Tick hooks seem to be popular, so we will continue 10% off during April.
Finally, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support of our independent, family run veterinary practice.
If you need assistance with anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact practice manager Anna on anna@avalonvet.co.uk
George, Anna and all the team at Avalon
P.S. As a small, independent veterinary practice, word of mouth is our best form of marketing. With that in mind, if you love what we do, please write us a review. Your reviews mean the world to us!
Click here to review us on Google
Click here to review us on Facebook
If you need assistance with anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact practice manager Anna on anna@avalonvet.co.uk
George, Anna and all the team at Avalon
P.S. As a small, independent veterinary practice, word of mouth is our best form of marketing. With that in mind, if you love what we do, please write us a review. Your reviews mean the world to us!
Click here to review us on Google
Click here to review us on Facebook
March Newsletter
Happy Easter!
Fleas and Ticks
Are you prepared for the season? Contact us on 0141 956 4234 if you need any preventatives for your cat or dog. Or why not save money and spread the cost of your routine preventative treatments by signing up to our Healthy Pet Programme? Full details and sign up available at www.avalonvet.co.uk. |
Pet of the Month - Bertie
Bertie has been made our pet of the month as February was Pet Dental Health Month. However, Bertie has a much longer story than just a visit for dental treatment. It all started back in August 2023 when Bertie was injured when out on a walk. He was seen by the out of hours team at Glasgow University Vet School, where x-rays showed he had a broken jaw. Bertie was internally referred for surgery at Glasgow Vet School and had his jaw fracture successfully repaired. |
Bertie was doing really well until his owners noticed an unpleasant smell on his breath. This did not improve as hoped with antibiotics and Bertie was found to have infection around the fracture site and also a broken tooth root. In January, Bertie was anaesthetised by the team at Glasgow Vet School and had the implants that had been used to repair his fracture removed (the fracture was now stable). Finally (phew!), the broken tooth was removed by George here at Avalon in February. Hopefully for Bertie this is the end of many vet visits, although you wouldn’t believe all he has been through as he is just the sweetest dog whenever he is in to see us! |
March Offers
- 10% off tick hooks. Get ready for the season!
- Refer a friend discount. £10 discount for each of you, applied to the next visit.
February Newsletter
Practice News
Veterinary News
I am sure many of you will be aware that the XL Bully ban announced for England will now also be applied to Scotland. Rest assured that we are here to support our clients with any concerns regarding this and can signpost to accurate sources of information.
Spotlight on ... Pet Dental Health Month
#animalcareuk
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Did you know that 9/10 adult dogs and 7/10 adult cats suffer from periodontitis? That means it is highly likely that your pet will suffer with some degree of dental disease during their lifetime – the key is catching it early and preventing it with an appropriate dental home care regime!
February is #PetDentalHealthMonth, and we will be on hand to discuss any concerns you may have about your pet’s dental health. Book a free dental check with our veterinary nurses. |
To support Pet Dental Health Month, we are continuing our dental offer throughout February, offering 5% off dental treatment if booked within one month of recommendation. Please note that this is the last month that we will be running this offer for a wee while.
Pet of the Month - Junior
Junior came to see vet Shi Ning due to a mass on one of his front legs at the end of November 2023. He was bothered by the mass and it was not healing so vet George performed biopsies at the start of December to find out the cause. Unfortunately, the results of the biopsy showed a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Due to the location of the mass, the surgery to remove it and ensure cancer-free margins was complex. Junior was referred to the specialist oncology and soft tissue services at Glasgow Vet School. He underwent surgery in mid January 2024, which involved removing his dewclaw to ensure a tension free closure of the wound and cancer- free margins. We feel so lucky that waiting times for our patients are minimal and proud to provide a great service to our clients. |
Junior is doing well and has been a super brave old boy throughout his treatment, which has involved multiple visits to see us for dressing changes.
January Newsletter
A very Happy New Year from all of us at Avalon Vets!
We have all enjoyed some well earned time off and even managed to get the whole team together for a lovely meal in December.
From bottom left clockwise – Shi Ning (vet), Phoebe (registered veterinary nurse), Judy (receptionist), Anna (practice manager and director), George (vet and director), Eva (animal care assistant), Kate (vet student), Sophie (vet student), Chloe (student veterinary nurse), Shona (registered veterinary nurse), Kate (vet), Fiona (receptionist), Alison (vet), Gill (care assistant).
Spotlight on ... Avalon Pet Slimmer Clinic
Image by Rafael Augusto Ferreira Cardos Reifous from Pixabay
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As we may be thinking about our own health and making New Year’s resolutions in January, we may also be thinking about our pet’s health.
At Avalon Veterinary Clinic our nursing team run fantastic free pet slimmer clinics. Our aim is to help you get your pets in the best shape possible, supporting long healthy lives. Please call us on 0141 956 4234 to arrange your first appointment. This will be a 20 minute appointment with a member of our nursing team. |
We can discuss your pet’s current diet and exercise regime, and help support you to make changes. We are happy to provide this clinic free whether you choose to continue a reduced amount of your pet’s normal diet or to purchase a specific weight loss diet.
Ongoing appointments to monitor progress continue to be free. We feel strongly that this is an area we can support and do not want to make cost a barrier to success.
Ongoing appointments to monitor progress continue to be free. We feel strongly that this is an area we can support and do not want to make cost a barrier to success.
New for 2024 - Puppy Parties
We have previously run puppy parties prior to Covid, but until recently have been unable to get these back up and running again. Assuming we have enough interest and participants, our animal care assistant Eva is looking to start running these again in the New Year.
Puppy parties will run on a Tuesday evening from 7.15pm to 8.15pm. A block of classes will last 4 weeks and will cost £20 and will be for puppies under 13 weeks of age. Puppies can attend from 1 week after the 1st vaccination. The aim of the puppy party is to aid with socialisation. If interested, please contact us on 0141 956 4234. |
Pet of the Month - Issa
Issa has earned the accolade of Pet of the Month and poster girl for the Avalon Pet Slimmer Clinic due to her remarkable weight loss.
Issa’s owner reports that she is more active around the house and is overall a happier cat. I think you will all agree that she is looking great! Issa’s owner only hopes that the stardom won’t go to her head (or belly)! Well done Issa and family! |
December Offers
- We are continuing our dental offer throughout January, offering 5% off dental treatment if booked within one month of recommendation. Book a free dental check with our veterinary nurses.
- To reward your loyalty we also have our refer a friend discount. £10 discount for each of you, applied to the next visit.
December Newsletter
Staff News
As promised, here is a photo of our newest team member, RVN Phoebe Potter. Phoebe holds a first class honours degree in Veterinary Nursing. During her training, she worked at a busy first opinion and referral hospital which offered her a huge range of experience. Outside of work Phoebe enjoys hillwalking and photography and is aiming to try rock climbing and arial arts in the new year, as well as joining an orchestra in Glasgow. At home Phoebe has a working cocker spaniel, a cat and a crested gecko. |
Spotlight on ... Nurse Clinics
Did you know our talented nursing team offer a variety of nurse clinics? To name a few, these include nail clipping, dental check ups and the Avalon Pet Slimmer Clinic.
Our nurses are also great for advice, from puppy behaviour to advice on how to give medication.
Many of our nursing clinics are free of charge, so if you are in need of some help or advice, please phone and ask to speak to the nurse.
Our nurses are also great for advice, from puppy behaviour to advice on how to give medication.
Many of our nursing clinics are free of charge, so if you are in need of some help or advice, please phone and ask to speak to the nurse.
Pet of the Month - Meg
Who ate all the pies?...unfortunately it was Meg, mince pies!!! Being a typical Labrador, Meg likes her food. Unfortunately she managed to get hold of the first packet of mince pies of the season and ate the lot!
Mince pies are toxic to dogs as they contain raisins, currants and sultanas. These can make dogs very ill, potentially causing kidney failure. The toxic dose seems to vary between patients, with some pets becoming severely ill after only ingesting a small amount. Luckily, Meg’s owner realised the danger and brought her in to see us, where she saw vet Shi Ning and received treatment, including intravenous fluids and monitoring of her kidney function. Thankfully for Meg, she showed no ill effects and lives to tell the tale, although I am certain she would eat the whole lot again if given half a chance! |
Christmas Hazards to be aware of…
- Raisins (and currants, sultanas and grapes)
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Christmas decorations (especially cats and tinsel!)
- Anti-freeze
January Offers
- Back by popular demand, we are once again offering 5% off dental treatment if booked within one month of recommendation. Book a free dental check with our veterinary nurses.
- Don’t forget we also have our refer a friend discount. £10 discount for each of you, applied to the next visit.
November Newsletter
Staff News
We have said a sad goodbye to Registered Veterinary Nurse Julie Osmond, who is moving on to pastures new.
On a more positive note, we are adding full time RVN Phoebe Potter to our team. Photo to follow.
On a more positive note, we are adding full time RVN Phoebe Potter to our team. Photo to follow.
We are committed to advancing our skills and knowledge to provide the very best care that we can. Here are some of the things our team has been up to lately…
Vet Kate attended the World Veterinary Congress in Lisbon, Portugal.
Vet Shi Ning has completed a course in cardiac ultrasound scanning. Actually... she is now looking for patients to practise her skills on. If you would like a free heart scan for your dog, please contact Shi Ning on shining@avalonvet.co.uk. It would mean a small patch of hair would need to be shaved on the side of the chest.
We are super proud of vet Alison who has gained a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Integrated Care in Veterinary Practice. She worked so hard and gained a merit in all elements of the examination. Well done Alison!!!
Practice Manager Anna has completed training to allow her to become a Clinical Supervisor for Student Veterinary Nurses.
Vet Kate attended the World Veterinary Congress in Lisbon, Portugal.
Vet Shi Ning has completed a course in cardiac ultrasound scanning. Actually... she is now looking for patients to practise her skills on. If you would like a free heart scan for your dog, please contact Shi Ning on shining@avalonvet.co.uk. It would mean a small patch of hair would need to be shaved on the side of the chest.
We are super proud of vet Alison who has gained a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Integrated Care in Veterinary Practice. She worked so hard and gained a merit in all elements of the examination. Well done Alison!!!
Practice Manager Anna has completed training to allow her to become a Clinical Supervisor for Student Veterinary Nurses.
Staff Training
Want to spread the cost of your annual preventative treatments and save money at the same time? Take a look at our Healthy Pet Programme, designed to provide the very best quality preventative treatments through a monthly Direct Debit.
The Healthy Pet Programme includes annual core vaccinations for dogs, cats and rabbits and year-round flea, worm and parasite treatment as appropriate. You can also benefit from numerous other discounts, including 10% off neutering and dental procedures, and discount on pet food.
Full details available here https://www.avalonvet.co.uk/healthy-pet-programme-brochure.html
Sign up here https://avalonveterinaryclinic.plansignup.co.uk/Sign up online today!
The Healthy Pet Programme includes annual core vaccinations for dogs, cats and rabbits and year-round flea, worm and parasite treatment as appropriate. You can also benefit from numerous other discounts, including 10% off neutering and dental procedures, and discount on pet food.
Full details available here https://www.avalonvet.co.uk/healthy-pet-programme-brochure.html
Sign up here https://avalonveterinaryclinic.plansignup.co.uk/Sign up online today!
Spotlight on ... Healthy Pet Programme
Pet of the Month - Dylan
Ruby had been struggling with joint pain, lameness and arthritis over a prolonged period of time. Medication was helping but her owner felt she could still be better. In March 2023 vet George started Ruby on acupuncture treatment, alongside her conventional medicine. She showed a great response to the acupuncture, showing an improvement in her lameness, increased mobility and less pain. Monthly treatment was continued and by August Ruby was running in front on walks! Ruby continues to have monthly acupuncture to maintain her mobility. She is a delight to have in the practice and is always pleased to see us! |
November Offers
- Dare I mention the “C” word in November? Get organised and buy your furry friend their Christmas present with 10% off all Christmas toys during November.
October Newsletter
Staff News
We are growing our team by adding another Registered Veterinary Nurse! Experienced RVN Shona Smillie will be joining the practice this month. Photo to follow!
Vet Shi Ning has now completed her first year in veterinary practice here with us at Avalon and is working towards completing her portfolio for her Graduate Development Programme. If you haven’t met Shi Ning yet, why not come and see her next time you need a vet. She has proved popular with clients and animals alike! |
Spotlight on ... Acupuncture
We are lucky to have two vets, George and Alison, trained in acupuncture. It can be used for various different conditions, mainly musculoskeletal, but including others (have a look at our Facebook page for a post about a cat having treatment for a non-healing wound).
Pictured here is Jack, who like most pets, is actually remarkably unfazed by the acupuncture needles. Jack was being treated for his arthritis, as part of a multimodal approach including both medication and acupuncture. If you feel that acupuncture could benefit your pet, or if you want to know more, please contact us on 0141 956 4234, or email us on info@avalonvet.co.uk. |
Pet of the Month - Dylan
Vet Shi Ning saw Dylan with crusty lesions on his ear. Lab tests showed that the underlying cause of the crusting was an infection with ringworm. Dylan goes outside so it is presumed this is where he got the infection. Ringworm is an infectious disease and a zoonosis. This means it can be transmitted to humans and cause itchy skin disease. For this reason it is important that Dylan is treated. Dylan is receiving medication, but unfortunately, it is also recommended to shave as much hair off as possible to physically remove the source of infection. Dylan was sedated for this so as to avoid too much stress. We think you still look cute Dylan but hope your hair grows back soon! |
October Offers
- We are thinking ahead to fireworks season. If your dog or cat is scared of fireworks, consider seeking help early. With this in mind, we are offering 10% off all Feliway and Adaptil products, available in our reception area.
September Newsletter
Staff News
We are delighted to announce that Chloe starts her student veterinary nurse training on Monday 4th September. Chloe will be training via a modern apprenticeship, combining full time work in the practice with block release for college placements. You will notice that Chloe will now wear a green uniform rather than the blue animal care assistant uniform. |
Practice News
Spotlight on ... Local Relationships
We are very proud to support local Bearsden cat rescue charity Catflap, providing veterinary care for cats rehomed via the charity.
Catflap are always grateful for donations of food, bedding, blankets, litter and other cat supplies (unfortunately they are unable to accept donated medication). If you wish to make a donation, this can be done directly or we are happy to pass on any items on your behalf. For more information about rehoming a cat, volunteering for the charity or making a donation, please see the Catflap website www.catflapcharity.org.uk |
Pet of the Month - Kali
Kali came in to see George on 25th July as she was not putting any weight on her left hind leg after slipping at the bottom of the stairs. Under sedation, George was able to diagnose a ruptured cruciate ligament.
George operated on Kali on 31st July, removing damaged tissue from within Kali’s knee joint and stabilising the joint with a surgical procedure known as a lateral suture. Kali is doing incredibly well after her surgery and is now bearing weight well on her leg. Her owner is working with her to gradually rebuild the muscle in this leg. We hope you are back to your prime soon Kali! |
September Offers
- 10% off all items for sale in our reception area. This includes pet food, treats, grooming products, toys, toothpaste etc.
- Vaccine Amnesty!!! We are continuing the vaccine amnesty during September. If you have a previously vaccinated cat or dog with lapsed vaccines, we are offering to get you back up to date again for the price of the booster. Please phone us on 0141 956 4234 to book an appointment.
- Refer a friend discount. £10 discount for each of you, applied to the next visit.
August Newsletter
Staff News
Spotlight on ... Herbal Medicine Clinics
As well as running pain clinics, experienced vet Alison also runs herbal medicine clinics in the practice. Herbal medicine is something that can be used alongside conventional treatments. In particular, these treatments can be helpful to help support the body when dealing with chronic disease.
A consultation lasts 30-40 minutes and costs £60. Herbal tinctures cost £15. If you have questions or think this is something that could benefit your pet, please contact Alison at alison@avalonvet.co.uk. |
Pet of the Month - Molly
Molly was seen on 10th July for her annual vaccinations. Our vet Shi Ning examined inside Molly’s mouth as part of her check-up and found her cheek teeth to be overgrown. Rabbit teeth grow continually and if they are not worn down when chewing can cause problems.
Molly was admitted for dental treatment on 19th July. Shi Ning anaesthetised Molly and was able to file down some spikes on Molly’s lower cheek teeth. If these had been untreated and continued to grow they could have caused trauma to Molly’s tongue. |
August Offers
- Vaccine Amnesty!!! If you have a previously vaccinated cat or dog with lapsed vaccines, we are offering to get you back up to date again for the price of the booster. Please phone us on 0141 956 4234 to book an appointment.
- Refer a friend discount. £10 discount for each of you, applied to the next visit.
- 5% off dental treatment. As this offer continues to be popular, we are continuing it throughout August. Book a free dental check with our veterinary nurses.
Newsletter September 2023 |
Newsletter August 2023 |
Newsletter July 2023 |
Newsletter June 2023 |
Newsletter May 2023 |
Newsletter April 2023 |