Westville Veterinary Hospital

THE THIN VET by: Dr Steve Wimberley I was a young vet, very wet behind the ears, and hadn’t been at the practice very long. One morning one of our receptionists came to me to say that there was a lady on the phone requesting a house call. However there was a condition – it had to be a thin vet. I had always had the physique of an Ethiopian famine survivor so was not surprised that our receptionist had approached me. I was very intrigued though, so collected the visit bag and set off. Upon my arrival at the house I was met by a distraught woman. Somewhere in the distance I could hear the wail of a dog in distress.  “Somehow my dog has got under the house and is trapped. He’s been howling like that all night.” said the woman. She showed me to the side of the house and parted some bushes to reveal a three foot by three foot opening in the foundation wall. The dog had got in there and was trapped somewhere under the floor boards. It then dawned on me. The thin vet was expected to go in...

To my favourite vet at WVH, Woof! Meow! Hello! It's me, your furry patient, writing to you on World Veterinary Day! I just wanted to take a moment to paws and say thank you for all the care and kindness you show me each time I visit your hospital. You always make me feel safe and loved, even when I'm feeling a little under the weather. Your gentle touch and soothing words make all the difference. Whether it's a routine check-up or a scary trip to the operating table, I know I'm in good hands with you. On this special day dedicated to vets like you, I want to express my deepest gratitude for everything you do. You not only keep me healthy but also make sure I'm happy and comfortable. Your dedication to animals like me is truly pawsome! So here's a big wag of the tail and a purr of appreciation just for you. Thank you for being the best vet I could ask for! With love and lots of wet kisses (or gentle headbutts, if I'm a cat), Your patient and their famil...

A content and joyful cat is a remarkable sight, and achieving this blissful state requires more than just the occasional chin scratch. Just like us, our feline friends have specific needs and desires that must be fulfilled. Here are five essential ingredients to ensure your whiskered companions happiness: Just like humans, cats thrive when they eat well. Providing your cat with high-quality, nutritious food tailored to their age and health needs is paramount for their overall well-being. Look for food that lists a protein source as the first ingredient. A mix of wet and dry food is ideal for dental and coat health. Proper hydration is also essential, so ensure your cat always has access to fresh water. Cats are natural hunters and engaging them in playtime activities satisfies their instinctual need for mental and physical stimulation. Interactive toys, laser pointers, and even homemade cardboard forts can keep your cat entertained and active. Regular exercise not only helps prevent ob...