Our Services

We strongly recommend that all dogs are kept up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases.

Dogs are routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis.

• The initial course consists of two injections, given 3–4 weeks apart, starting from 8 weeks of age.
• Leptospirosis boosters are required annually.
• Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus boosters are given every 3 years.

We also offer an additional vaccine for Contagious Cough, previously known as ‘Kennel Cough’ (caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza).

• This is administered as a nasal drop once a year.
• It is strongly recommended, and often required if your dog attends kennels or daycare.

We strongly recommend that all cats are kept up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases.

Cats are routinely vaccinated against Feline calicivirus and Feline rhinotracheitis (cat flu), Feline enteritis (panleukopenia) boosters are required annually, and for outdoor cats, Feline leukaemia.

• The initial course consists of two injections, given 3–4 weeks apart, starting from 8 weeks of age.
• Feline calicivirus and Feline rhinotracheitis (cat flu), Feline enteritis (panleukopenia) boosters are required annually.
• Feline leukaemia is given every 3 years.

We strongly recommend that all rabbits are kept up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases.

Rabbits should be vaccinated annually against Myxomatosis and Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD).

• A single injection can be given from 5 weeks of age.
• Booster vaccinations are required annually.

Worms

Dogs and cats commonly carry roundworms and tapeworms, which are often not visible in faeces.

• Worms can cause digestive issues, particularly in puppies and kittens, and can pose a risk to human health.
• We recommend routine worming every 3 months.

Lungworm

Lungworm can be contracted by eating slugs and snails.

• While the North East is considered a low-risk area, prevention is available via monthly treatment. This is not routinely prescribed but can be discussed if needed.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are increasingly common and can affect both dogs and cats.

• Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, so worming is important if your pet has had fleas.
• Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis, both of which can be serious.

Due to milder winters, we now recommend year-round flea and tick prevention.

Our health club for dogs and cats allows you to spread the cost of preventative treatment over a 12-month period whilst benefitting from great savings. You must be a registered client to sign up for our health care plan. If you are not already registered, get in touch.

Dogs

Due to ongoing research the guidance on the age and reasons for neutering dogs has changed over the last few years.

We also offer a temporary alternative to surgical castration in dogs through the use of an implant.

Please get in touch to discuss the most up-to-date advice to ensure the type of castration and the timing is right for both you and your pet.

Cats

To prevent unwanted litters we recommend neutering cats from 4 months old. Females can be neutered while in season and as early as 3 weeks after a litter. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

We also accept Cats Protection League (CPL) vouchers to encourage neutering. Please contact the CPL directly if you need a voucher.

Dental disease is reported in 60-80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 and a poorly mouth can be painful to live with.

We offer dental procedures under general anaesthesia as even just a routine scale is uncomfortable when we clean under the gum line and both sides of the teeth need examining.

When under general anaesthesia we can fully visually assess the mouth and determine if extractions are required. This is why we give ranges for dental estimates as your pet’s mouth cannot be fully assessed conscious - things may be worse than expected.

We currently do not offer dental radiography.

We have both radiography and ultrasound to aid in the diagnosis of conditions.

We have our own lab machines for running blood samples in-house. We can look for kidney and liver disease, abnormal red and white blood cell counts and check for thyroid disease and diabetes. For more complicated tests we send samples to an external laboratory. You will be notified of the expected turn-around time and contacted when the result is received.

Our highly skilled nursing team is here to provide support to you and your pet(s). They are trained to undertake a range of procedures including:

• Second vaccinations
• Dental checks
• Post operative checks
• Microchipping
• Nail clips
• Anal gland expression (routine only)
• Monthly injections of Librela, Solensia and Cytopoint (as long as your pet is stable, a vet check is required every 6 months)
• Tick removal

Other clinics our nurses can run to support your pet include:

• Weight clinics, shedding those extra pounds can be more difficult than you would expect. Our nurses can advise on diets and calorie intake to help with the journey.
• Diabetic clinics – blood and urine tests as well as a health check to ensure your animal’s diabetes is as well controlled as possible.
• Renal clinics – blood, urine and blood pressure checks to ensure we are keeping your pets as comfortable as possible.
• Geriatric clinics – check ups on arthritis, weight monitoring, blood pressure. Blood tests, urine screening or blood pressure tests may be advised to make sure we are keeping your pets as healthy as possible as they get older.
• Behaviour clinics - advice on puppy training or problem behaviours.

Nurses are unable to alter treatments or make an initial diagnosis, this requires a veterinary consultation. We cannot guarantee there will be a vet available on the same day as your nurse consultation.

The team at Metrovets are here to support you when it is time to say goodbye to your cherished family member. We are here to guide you through this emotional time and discuss the options available to you. We want you to have the time you need to say goodbye so offer 30 minute appointments for this and, where possible, will book the beginning or end of consultation blocks so the practice is less busy.

We can discuss cremation options when you phone to book or during the appointment. We offer ink paw prints and fur clippings as a keepsake.

If you are looking for further support theralphsite and bluecross are excellent sites to access bereavement support.

We have the facilities to perform a range of procedures including: mass removals, amputations, enucleations, ear surgeries and many more. Please contact us for more information. You will be provided with an individualised estimate before any treatment is booked.