White Hills Surgery, Sibford Road, Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 5DG

Small Animal: 01608 730501 (Option 2)
Equine and Farm: 01608 730085 (Option 1)
Fax: 01608 730439

* Routine neutering
* Orthopaedic surgery
* Cautery to assist tumour removal
* Ultrasound scanning
* Endoscopy
* Electrocardiograms
* Digital X-Ray system
* Nurse Clinics
* Behavioural clinics
* Dentistry
* Microchipping
* Acupuncture
* Pet Health Counselling Service
* Weight clinics
* Dental checks
* Dietry advice
* Advice Flea and Worm prevention
* Monthly puppy parties
* In-house Laboratory
* First Aid Kits

Kennels and Cattery
We have separate kennels and cattery therefore reducing inpatient disturbance and stress. Spacious walk-in kennels are available for larger breeds. To the rear of the kennels is an exercise yard for our canine inpatients.

Isolation Unit
We have recently completed build of a new Isolation Unit for inpatients with infectious diseases.

Dispensary
Our dispensary is well stocked enabling you to collect your pet's medication immediately. We have a wide range of competitvely price wormers and flea preparations. Prescriptions are available on request. Please allow 24 hours for repeat prescriptions.

BVA Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Screening
The surgery is able to offer radiography at competitive prices for clients wishing to breed from certain breeds of dog which are prone to hip and/or elbow dysplasia. The radiographs are taken under reversible sedation which can be performed whilst you wait, with prior arrangement. We can give clients an idea of the possible score before sending the xrays to the BVA where they are scored officially. Our digital xray system makes this a quick and efficient process.

Acupuncture Clinics
This is a unique veterinary service within the local area. The clinics are run by Veterinary Surgeon, Pauline Tolhurst, who is a member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncture (ABVA). The sessions are run at the Hook Norton and Charlbury surgeries by prior appointment and involve an initial 20 minute consultation so that your pet can be examined thoroughly, then the needles are left in for the appropriate length of time which is generally 10-20 minutes. The treatment involves the stimulation of specific points in the body by the insertion of very fine, pre-sterilised needs. With superficial stimulation this can generate many responses within the animal's nervous and endocrine system and increase the body's release of natural painkillers.

Treatable conditions which can respond well to Acupuncture are; neck and back pain (eg spondylitis), trapped nerves, muscle and ligament pain due to sprains, arthritis, paralysis (muscle weakness) resulting from trauma or a slipped disc, and even some stress related disorders. Most animals respond gradually over a period of time and on average 4 to 6 treatments are required.

For more information or to make an appointment please contact the Hook Norton surgery on 01608 730501 or the Charlbury surgery on 01608 811250.

Dog & Cat Vaccination
We recommend yearly dog vaccination and use a alternating full and partial dog booster system. This means that the dog receives yearly Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza vaccination and every three years receives Parvo, Hepatitis and Distemper vaccination.
For cats, we recommend yearly boosters for Cat Flu and Enteritis as well as Leukaemia as standard.

Rabbit Vaccination
We recommend that all rabbits are vaccinated against Myxomatosis. Vaccination can be started from 6 weeks of age or older. The initial vaccination is just one injection, followed by a booster vaccination every 6 months. The disease can also be controlled by flea prevention treatment, as this is how the disease is transmitted from one rabbit to another.
A vaccination against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease(VHD) is also available, but fortunately VHD is not very common. Vaccination can be started from 10-12 weeks of age. This consists of one vaccination annually. The VHD vaccination has to be given 14 days apart from the myxomatosis vaccination.

Worming
We recommend that adult cats and dogs are treated with a complete Round and Tape Wormer every 3 months. The Surgery is able to supply the most effective complete wormers available at competitive prices. Spot on wormers are also available for animals that aren't easy to worm with a tablet.
For more information on worming adult cats and dogs as well as puppies and kittens, please refer to our advice sheets on the Pet Health page.

Microchipping
Microchipping your pet is a safe and effective way of identifying you pet if it was ever to go missing or was stolen. The procedure involves an injection under the skin in-between the shoulder blades where a small microchip is inserted with your pet's unique ID number. These details along with your name, address and telephone number are stored on a national database.

Small Animal First Aid Kit
Following the success of our Equine First Aid kit and the popular interest shown in her Companion Animal First Aid seminars, Small Animal Vet Kathryn Gander has launched a first aid kit specifically for small dogs and cats.
Like the equine equivalent, the kit comes with a check list to help you re-stock once items are used, along with a quick guide to normal temperature, pulse and respiration rates. The kits includes a range of pads, bandage, Vetrap, sterile swaps, 2 sizes of syringe, antibacterial Hibiscrub, 4 antihistamine tablets, 2 sizes of tick remover, curved blunt ended scissors and a digital thermometer. The handy 3 litre carry box has room for your own additions and replacement items can be purchased from the surgery. Each kit costs £30.00 (including VAT).
The kits are usually available from stock at Hook Norton, or can be collected from the Charlbury or Deddington branch surgeries if arranged in advance.

Pet Insurance
We recommend insurance for all of your animals. Insurance will allow you to provide the best care possible during the distressing time of your pet's illness, without the worry of finances. There are several different policies available, research is recommended to find the right policy for your animal. However we do recommend you get a life insurance policy which covers all medical conditions.

Pet Travel Scheme
For your pet to travel out of the United Kingdom, you must have either:-
A Pet Passport for countries recognised in the scheme (EU countries) which lasts for three years; or
An export health certificate required by countries outside the scheme.
Because the requirements for different countries and pets vary we suggest contacting the practice on 01608 730501 or the PETS Helpline at DEFRA, Reading on 0870 2411710 (email: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk) for specific information.

Basic guidelines for the Pets Travel Scheme:-
* Dogs and cats must be microchipped before vaccinations start.
* The Rabies vaccination involves two injections given 2-4 weeks apart.
* A Blood test needs to be taken approximately 21 days after the second Rabies vaccination.
* Dogs and Cats may not re-enter the United Kingdom for six months after the blood test is taken.
* Issue of a Pet Passport by your Veterinary Surgeon which is valid 21 days after vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination
A single Rabies booster vaccination is due every three years for dogs and every three years for cats. SOME COUNTRIES REQUIRE A YEARLY RABIES VACCINATION BOOSTER.