Practical Lambing Dates: 28th February 2024 29th February 2024 1st March 2024 We are delighted to be running our Practical Lambing courses again this year. You will spend the day with one of our specialist Farm vets who will take […]
Changes to the prescription of anti-parasitic treatments. On September 1, 2023, our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), changed the Professional Code of Conduct that applies to all Veterinary Surgeons. The specific part of the new ‘under […]
Winter Talks 2024 We are delighted to be hosting three equine client evening talks during January, February and March again this year. Our first two winter series talks are on January 17th and February 13th. Signs of Sore Tummies On […]
North Oxfordshire Cluster Pilot Scheme – New Dates As many of you may be aware, Amy Brant (TB tester) and Charlotte Harrison (Senior Farm Vet) are key members of the North Oxfordshire Cluster Pilot Scheme, sitting as chairs on the […]
January is Thyroid Awareness Month! Did you know that feline hyperthyroidism is most common in cats over 9 years old? Please watch this short animation to raise awareness of the signs to look out for.
How to help prevent colic during Winter months As we’re sure you’ve all noticed, temperatures have (finally) started to plummet! We always see several impaction colics when this happens, usually due to horses drinking less – either because their water […]
Lambing List 2024 Please note: If you would like to take advantage of 5% off for payment on collection this MUST be stated on the form when it is completed. Also, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to […]
Please note that our Christmas and New Years opening hours are as follows: Saturday 23rd December – Open as usual Christmas Eve – Sunday 24th December – Emergencies only Christmas Day – Monday 25th December – Emergencies only Boxing Day […]
Equine Vaccination Intervals The interval between 1st and 2nd vaccine is now 21-60 days (3 weeks to 8 weeks 4 days). The interval between 2nd and 3rd vaccine is now 120 – 180 days (5 months to 6 months 21 […]
XL Bully Information – Certificate of Exemption, Insurance and Muzzle Clinics Certificate of Exemption In line with new government legalisation, all XL Bully owners must now have a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog. This must be […]
Antibiotic Amnesty Awareness Month Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing problem worldwide, affecting both human and animal health. But what is AMR? Antibiotics are essential when treating many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many […]
Fireworks and how to help your pet Many pets are afraid of fireworks, due to the loud noises (e.g. bangs and whistling) that they make. How can I help if my pet is feeling scared? Dogs: Ensure they are kept […]
Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease Virus WHAT IS IT? This viral cause of bleeding and ulceration originated in North America but has been found recently in Southern France and Italy. It is spread by midges, so it is expected to become a […]
Cattle Worming – Waking up to gut worms in cattle Vets have been advocating the use of tests to monitor worm burdens in ruminants for years. Unfortunately, the big pharmaceutical companies have shouted louder, and many farmers are still under […]
Veterinary Health Attestation Many of you will sell finished stock at market or send animals directly to slaughter. These animals will then frequently be exported into the EU. Since leaving the EU, we must now certify that vets are regularly […]
STOP PRESS, our Equine Winter Good-Do-er Program has landed! We are delighted to announce that we have just been accepted to host a Winter Good-Doers Support Programme! Working with qualified, independent Equine Nutritionist Jennifer Little, the programme runs from October […]
The Oxfordshire Bovine TB Cluster Project steering group is working hard to lead initiatives and respond to local stakeholders’ concerns relating to bTB. A concern that has been raised is the potential increase in wild deer numbers. Wild deer have […]
Farmers are urged to beware, take action and be vigilant for a new strain of Bluetongue virus Following reports of a new strain of bluetongue virus (BTV-3) emerging and spreading rapidly in the Netherlands, there is increasing concern about the […]
On Sunday, 24th of September, 17 staff members of HNVG took part in the annual Dragon Boat Race hosted by The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford Upon Avon. 24 teams took part during the day, each rowing 3x 250 meters, to […]
From the 1st September 2023, our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), changed the Professional Code of Conduct that applies to all Veterinary Surgeons. The key changes that affect you as clients and animal owners are as […]
It’s that time of year again – time to get your Equisal Tapeworm Saliva kits out! There are 3 different types of tapeworm that are known to affect horses: > Anoplocephala perfoliata, > Anoplocephala magna, and > Anoplocephaloides mamillana Tapeworm […]
The EquiSal Test The EquiSal Tapeworm Test uses saliva (collected by yourself) to accurately diagnose tapeworm burden. It tells us if your horse has a burden and whether you need to deworm or not. Once you have taken the sample, […]
Hi! I’m Chloe, HNVG’s Vet Tech and one of the TB testers. My love for farming began after working on a family friend’s dairy farm, relief milking during holidays. I decided to study Bioveterinary Science at Harper Adams University, during […]
We hope you enjoy the fast-approaching Bank Holiday, read on to find out our opening hours. We are available for emergencies only on Bank Holiday Monday. Our Reception Team will be available on the phone between 8 am and 12.30 […]
Many farm shoots will be buying in game bird poults this month and placing them in release pens. Here are a few tips to help you. 1. Prepare the pen well. Both pheasant and partridge pens should be vermin-proof with […]
As we head into the latter end of summer, many of you may be considering buying in replacement ewes for your flock. Here are some things you may want to consider before purchasing. Vaccination status. It is highly advisable to […]
The small animal team at the Hook Norton Hospital cares for many patients, many of whom undergo invasive surgery and require intensive nursing care. However, Dearest Danny (or Danny version 2.0, as his lovely owners now call him) has left […]
Did you know that vaccinating for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) can be done when it is most convenient for you? · EWE LAMBS – vaccination can be done from 5 months of age · SHEARLINGS (1 YR OLD +) […]
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. All the staff at Hook Norton Veterinary Group work hard to support our clients and the pets, horses and livestock in our care. Sadly, they are increasingly experiencing rudeness and […]
The final May bank holiday is upon us, and we hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend with your families, pets/horses and livestock included (if you’re on-farm)! Here is a quick reminder of our hours this weekend: Saturday: 8.00 am […]
Thank you for your patience during the renovation of our Small Animal Reception at Hook Norton. It has been a journey – one we are happy to say we are at the end of! We have made significant changes, including […]
We are pleased to announce that we have re-opened the books for small animal client registrations, and we can’t wait to welcome lots of new paws through our doors! If you would like to register with our practice, you can […]
The Animal Health & Welfare Pathway (AHWP) is a government initiative aimed at supporting the gradual and continual improvement of farm animal health and welfare. Through this pathway, DEFRA seeks to form a partnership with farmers and vets by providing […]
Lungworm (‘Husk’) What is it? Dictyocaulus viviparous is a parasitic roundworm which directly affects the lungs causing tissue damage and inflammation. It has a severe effect on both beef and dairy production, affecting welfare, BCS, impaired growth rates, milk production […]
Join the Oxfordshire TB Cluster Pilot on a Farm Walk to learn practical ways to improve on-farm biosecurity and better protect your herd from bTB. WHEN: Wednesday 22nd February WHERE: from 2 pm WHERE: Whistlow Farm, Middle Barton, Chipping Norton, […]
As you may know, some of our Farm Team are part of the TB Steering group covering the North-West Oxford Cluster Pilot Scheme. Charlotte Harrison (Senior Farm Vet) and Amy Brant (ATT) have been actively involved in the scheme’s steering […]
Our vet practice is very busy, so to help us give you the best appointment experience – please arrive in plenty of time for your appointment. Arriving 5 minutes early will give our Reception Team a chance to weigh your […]
Some of you may already be aware of other TB pilot schemes, such as the Thame/Chinnor pilot. The APHA has now identified the ‘Deddington Area’ as a new cluster area that may benefit from a similar scheme. The APHA has […]
Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the announcement of the State Funeral on Monday, 19th September, as a mark of respect, Hook Norton Veterinary Group will be closing all practice sites for routine appointments. Emergency appointments will […]
From 1st August 2022, Spring Paddocks Equine will be integrating with Hook Norton Veterinary Group. We are really excited to be able to welcome Spring Paddocks Equine into the HNVG family. We have all the services Spring Paddocks Equine clients […]
This time of the year is a good time to test the trace element status in sheep and cattle. We have diagnosed trace element deficiencies on several farms over recent months with a range of farmer concerns from general ill […]
Body condition scoring of adult sheep is a simple, effective and cheap management tool for all flock owners to use to evaluate the body reserves of adult sheep. It allows the adjustment of ewe nutrition to try to maximise productivity […]
A horse’s normal body temperature is between 37°C and 38°C. When a horse exercises, the muscles produce heat which can lead to heat stress when combined with hot environmental temperatures. Very high body temperatures (those exceeding 41°C) can lead to […]
Gastroscope Clinic – 16th June Is your horse showing any of these signs? > poor performance > negative changes in attitude > abdominal discomfort/girthiness > grumpiness > poor coat > poor appetite > low-grade colic symptoms The only way to […]
Opening hours for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Our vets are on-call if you need us, 24-hours a day and only a phone call away. > Wednesday 1st June All departments, normal opening hours > Thursday 2nd June All departments, EMERGENCY […]
As of the 1st of May, we removed the requirement to wear masks at all HNVG sites. However, if you still wish to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so, and if you feel it necessary (in a […]
We are delighted to announce Tom Righton as the newest member of the Hook Norton Veterinary Group Partnership. Tom joined the Practice in 2014 and has developed key interests in lameness and equine sarcoids, including laser surgery. Tom is also […]
We have continued to welcome a large number of new Small Animal clients into the HNVG family, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have you – welcome! We take great pride in the gold-standard level of veterinary care we […]
For the month of February, Hook Norton Vets will be able to offer £15 neuter & microchip to eligible cat owners in partnership with Cherwell Cats Protection. You do not need to be registered with HNVG, but you must live […]
In addition to February’s Cherwell Cats protection £15 neuter and Microchip scheme, our Moreton-in-Marsh branch is part of the Cats Protection West Midlands Neutering Campaign (£5 neuter & microchip). This campaign is ongoing and encompasses many postcodes in our Moreton […]
Before Christmas, Aston and James, one of our brilliant suppliers, teamed up with Oxford Homeless Movement to reach the target of collecting #100coats to help the homeless of our community keep warm through the harshest season of the year. Whilst […]
There is an increased risk of transmitting the bacteria that cause footrot and scald whenever we gather sheep. Reducing lameness prevalence on farms to 2% can save you on average £10 per ewe put to the ram due to increased […]
Vet practices across the country face increasing pressure due to staff shortages and the huge surge in pet ownership. The Pet Food Manufacture’s Association calculated in its most recent survey that roughly 3.2 million households acquired a pet since the […]
As of 4 am, 30th November, it is a legal requirement for the public to wear a face mask/covering unless you can provide proof of exemption. Farm & Equine For farm and equine clients, whilst you are not permitted back […]
Hosted by HNVG, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim, we will discuss all the factors surrounding pneumonia in calves: > sourcing > buildings > nutrition > bedding > stocking > vaccination & treatments The meeting will partly be a presentation, but […]
Elanco has launched a replacement for their Danilon Equidos. The Active substance remains the same (1.5g suxibuzone) but the new product has a stronger concentration. This new product, Danilon Equidos Gold 1.5g Granules for Horse and ponies now comes in […]
We have made the decision to close the booking of online appointments for both Hook Norton and Charlbury, as we are currently experiencing a high volume of appointment requests. Closing online booking will allow us to actively manage our diaries […]
Unfortunately, the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) has removed the access PCHS had, which enabled them to produce barcoded labels and paperwork. So to grant PCHS access and make them an agent, you have to log onto BCMS and follow […]
We are delighted to announce that from the 1st of November 2021, we will be re-opening our doors to all new small animal client registrations. If you would like to register, you can do so by either: >> registering online […]
We are happy to announce that as of Monday the 11th of October, we will be welcoming clients back into our Small Animal waiting rooms. We have adjusted our waiting room layouts to enable to you sit distanced from other […]
From the 1st of October, we began opening Small Animal registrations for new clients in stages. First, we will be accepting new clients with puppies and kittens up to the age of 1 year. If you have put your name […]
Oxfordshire will host the Grand Départ of the event for the first time in Women’s Tour history on Monday 4 October when Bicester and Banbury welcome nearly 100 of the world’s best riders to start the prestigious race. The Tour […]
Today, we have been made aware of a scam that targets the owners of missing cats that have been posted as missing online. Someone pretending to be from the PDSA has contacted the worried owner/s asking them to pay a […]
Do you want to know how The Five Point Plan can reduce lameness in your flock? Read on. Vaccinate animals to stimulate immunity. Vaccination forms part of a whole-flock approach to disease control, as raising flock immunity helps increase the […]
Over the past year, we’ve welcomed a large number of new Small Animal clients into the HNVG family, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have you. We take great pride in the gold-standard level of veterinary care we give […]
Did you know it is estimated around 1 in 200 cats and 1 in 300 dogs have diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus occurs when then the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to control the level of glucose that is in the […]
MKJ Group, which are completing works in Charlbury to bring the Gigaclear Ultrafast Broadband to the area, will be closing part of the Enstone road in Charlbury, delaying access to the branch from the 10th of April, for 8 days. […]
Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the feet which causes lameness in horses and ponies (and donkeys!). The laminae that bond the hoof wall to the pedal bone become inflamed, causing excruciating pain. This can result in the pedal bone […]
Hook Norton Veterinary Group has been crowned Best in Oxfordshire in the Best UK Vet 2021 Awards, after achieving the most top-rated client reviews over the past 12 months in this category. They have also been voted in the Top […]
Are you thinking of putting your mare in foal? This blog covers the different stages when getting your mare in foal, and also the care and wellbeing of your mare once in foal. If you have any further questions or […]
As one of our valued customers, we want to make you aware of improvements we want to make to our invoicing delivery. We are asking customers to receive future invoices via e-mail rather than Royal Mail to save paper, the […]
It has come to our attention that a number of issues have arisen since Petlog updated its website on the 22nd of March 2021. We have only just been made aware of these issues, and whilst they aren’t directly related […]
How can I help prevent my dog from being stolen? There are many ways to help reduce the likelihood or desirability of your pet being stolen. Firstly, it is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped before they leave […]
Equine specific biosecurity measures should be implemented on your yard to ensure effective disease prevention and to help reduce the spread of viruses in horses. > Regularly clean and disinfect stables and equipment between horses, and if possible, have dedicated […]
We will probably never forget Spring 2020 and the impact of a virus on our daily lives, but remember infectious viruses such as flu and equine herpes virus (EHV) are circulating in our horses every year. Contact with other horses […]
On average, a dog giving birth to an entire litter takes 3-12 hours (from the beginning of contractions/straining). Exact timing varies, but the process should never take longer than 24 hours because, after that, the risk of a problem becomes […]
As your dog’s body prepares to give birth, her birth canal relaxes and widens, while her puppies turn around into the correct position for birth. The preparation stage of whelping often lasts between 6-12 hours but can be as long […]
Yes, it’s already time to be thinking about Sweet Itch in your horses and ponies! What is Sweet Itch? Sweet itch is caused by an allergic response to midge saliva – however other insect bites can also provoke an allergic […]
WITH THE WEATHER RAPIDLY CHANGING AND HORSES OFTEN ON RESTRICTED TURNOUT IMPACTION COLIC SOON BECOMES MORE FREQUENT IN THE EQUINE WORLD. WHAT IS IMPACTION COLIC? The term impaction refers to the accumulation of feed or other dry matter that causes […]
Antibiotic usage on-farm is increasingly under the spotlight and is only likely to become more so in the future. Overall, as a sector, we have vastly improved in reducing our antibiotic usage. Pigs and poultry have led the way with […]
For the month of February, our Deddington Branch is working with the Cats Protection and is running a £15 Neuter and Chip campaign. You do not need to be registered with HNVG, but you must live in one of the […]
This year we want you to help us create a charity calendar for 2022. We will be holding monthly competitions on Facebook, whereby you can submit pictures of your beloved pets, horses and farm animals. HNVG will draw up a […]
Working with our XLVets member practices we are looking into the prevalence of sheep scab across the UK. Please help us by filling in our anonymous short survey, whether you have seen scab on your farm or not. Here ➡️ […]
Following the latest COVID-19 announcement from the Government, we want to assure you we are open and the welfare of your pets, horses and livestock remains our top priority. All HNVG branches will remain open and we continue to follow […]
Horses and ponies are easily spooked by fireworks, but with preparation and planning, you can keep them safe and calm throughout fireworks season. If you would like any veterinary advice please contact us, we are here to help. Top Tips: […]
Whilst public fireworks display will have been cancelled, fireworks may still be let off on private land for Bonfire Night, and the surrounding days. It is still important to make our pets feel safe and secure in their home environment.
For our second virtual client evening, we are incredibly lucky to be joined by the amazing Dr. Jessica Kidd, who will share her incredible knowledge and experience on Sports Horse Injuries. Sports Horse Injuries Wed 18th Nov at 7.30 pm […]
We are now able to offer our Lifetime Care Club members the option of two Direct Debit dates. Currently, the Direct Debit date is the 20th of the month. We can now offer the optional date of the 5th of […]
Next Wednesday, the 16th of September, we are holding a Blood Donor Clinic at our Moreton-in-Marsh branch. We are always on the lookout for canine blood donors to help save the lives of other dogs in critical situations where we […]
We are currently operating as normally as possible; however, we would like to remind clients of the following COVID-secure measures. You MUST NOT visit any of our sites if you > are experiencing any COVID symptoms; > have been told […]
This year Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) are going digital to help raise awareness around the 5 Welfare Needs of rabbits, in the form of a Rabbit Awareness Festival, #RAWfest2020! RAW are hosting live streams, Q&A’s, how-to guides and virtual events […]
Today is #Farm24, a great initiative to raise awareness of the fantastic work UK farmers do to put food on our tables, in our cups of coffee, for the bedding our animals use, and so much more!! We couldn’t, and […]
We often post the success stories on Facebook and Instagram, to highlight the fantastic work our vets, nurses, and support staff do, day in, day out, for all the animals under our care. There is another side to looking after […]
Meet Florence, the adorable Rottweiler (who, according to her owner, still hasn’t learnt from her ordeal!) Florence presented during the COVID lockdown as an emergency in status epilepticus. The team of vets and nurses had to act quickly and calmly […]
Last Friday was Will Davey’s last day on the farm team before a short sabbatical. He plans to get stuck in with harvest at home and (if allowed) cycle around Europe. Fear not, he will be back with us in […]
This (big) puppy got his lower jaw stuck in a horse treat toy, as he managed to get it wedged behind his canines. Our fab team sedated him and used an electric saw from our Farm Vet Team to cut […]
Sky presented as an emergency after being kicked by a cow, she had significant, life-threatening injuries; including a flail chest and pneumothorax. A flail chest is when a section of the ribs break and then becomes detached from the rest […]
After months of continual change and adaption to COVID-19, we have decided on a new course of action, a ‘new normal’. From Monday the 20th of July, clients attending Small Animal appointments will be allowed in the consultation room with […]
PPID/Cushing’s vouchers for new cases of PPID and on-going monitoring of PPID. New cases of PPID: If you suspect your horse or pony may have Cushing’s Disease, and he/she has never been tested or hasn’t had a test for over […]
