Surgery Facilities

An ultrasound scan allows the vet to look at the organs and soft tissues inside your pet's body. They can be used to diagnose pregnancy in your pet also. These are sometimes used instead of or alongside x-rays to get a clear picture of what is happening. Ultrasound scans are exactly the same as those used on pregnant women, and are completely non-invasive. Your pet will usually not need sedation for this, although a small amount of hair may need to be shaved to get a clear picture.

Mintlaw Vets has an on-site x-ray machine, meaning we can check for fractures and internal abnormalities. If your pet requires an x-ray, they will be sedated, but not usually require a full general anaesthetic. The vet will discuss their findings with you, but sometimes it may be necessary to send the x-rays to our orthopaedic specialist for a second opinion.

Mintlaw Vets have a Class 4 Laser Machine, a very powerful laser, which is available to our clients. Laser therapy works by ‘photobiomodulation’, the infrared light interacts with tissues at the cellular level leading to a cascade of beneficial effects. These effects include improved healing time, reduction in pain, increased circulation and decreased swelling.

We are using the laser routinely immediately after surgery to help wounds heal faster and with less chance of infection. We are also using laser for acute injuries, small cuts and muscle sprains where there can be a dramatic improvement and reduced use of prescription medicines.

We are also using laser treatment  in our arthritis clinics, seeing benefits in many of our arthritic dogs and cats including improved movement, reduced pain, and again a reduction in the prescription drugs used.

Blood tests can be used to diagnose a number of conditions, and having an in-house blood testing facility means necessary treatment can be given more quickly. Although we can do routine blood tests in-house, others are sent away to an off-site lab, and results are usually received back within 7 days. Routine blood tests can also be used to ensure your pet is fit and healthy prior to routine surgery such as neutering.

Our vets are trained in the use of our endoscope, which is routinely used for examining the nose, trachea and respiratory tract, examining the gastrointestinal tract and taking biopsies. The endoscope can also very useful for removing foreign bodies both from the respiratory tract and the intestines without the need for invasive surgery.

We have separate cattery and kennel areas for dogs and cats, and also two large walk-in kennels which can be used for very large dogs, or occasionally for cases which need isolation. Separate cattery and kennels leads to less stress for your pet, as cats and dogs are not in close contact.

In most cases, bringing your pet to the surgery is best, however occasionally you or your pet may not be able to travel to the practice. If this is the case, we may be able to arrange a home visit for you. Home visits require the vet to be out of the surgery for an extended period of time and so are usually used if no other option is available. If your pet needs to come into the surgery we can also arrange a van collection, and deliver your pet home once treatment is complete. Both these options do carry an additional charge, and arrangements should be made as far in advance as possible.

More information coming soon!

Vet Monica Wallace has a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery and has been taking surgical referral clients from local practices for soft tissue and orthopaedic cases for 10 years.

Here at Mintlaw Vets, we can offer acupuncture with vet Emma for the treatment and management of chronic pain. If you would like to find out more or discuss the possibility of acupuncture for your pet do not hesitate to contact us.