COVID-19 update: Client advice on what to do during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Please see our latest client guidelines below
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association, following Government announcements, have advised that farm animal veterinary surgeons are key workers.
We are working, but our services are limited to what is considered essential. In addition, each job is triaged by our staff and vets (essential or not) and a risk assessment is conducted at the time of making the appointment and on arrival of our vets at your premises. It is vitally important to both you and our staff that we observe the 2-metre (“length of a cow”) social spacing while we work together.
We request your patience in these difficult times as the above draws out the usual process of making an appointment and completing a call on farm. If we do not all observe the Government’s guidelines on social spacing and cutting out unnecessary travelling, our categorisation could be revoked!
We are observing Government guidelines. If staff suspect they have any symptoms of Covid-19, they will self-isolate at home. This may affect our day-to-day work and is another reason for triaging calls.
Yes, when they have been pre-ordered. Due to limited staff availability, try to phone a minimum 48-hours’ ahead. You will be advised at this time on our current pick-up protocol. Ring us as early as possible to add to existing orders or if necessary while you are sitting in your vehicle at our premises.
Each case will be dealt with individually. Our farm vets may be able to give telephone or video calling advice that allows you to carry out the treatment required. The use of photographs or short video clips sent to the vets can help with this. Please ring the practice with any enquiries.
Yes. Staff will ask if anybody on your farm/premises is self-isolating, has COVID-19 symptoms etc. We must minimise risk of transmission when on farm by observing the 2-metre social distance rule. A single farm staff member to assist vets when on farm - there may be exceptional circumstances where more help is required, but our vets will risk assess this when on your premises.
Yes. We are following current APHA guidelines on TB testing during the Covid-19 outbreak. It may be necessary to leave some animals untested (between 42 and 180 days) if we are unable to maintain adequate social distancing and test them safely. Further advice is available from the practice.
We are following the Red Tractor guidelines. Please check www.redtractor.org.uk for further guidance and updates. If you have any concerns, contact the practice and/or Red Tractor for advice.
Yes, we will continue to supply vaccines for you to administer. We ask you to plan ahead, allowing wherever possible more than the standard 48 hours.
If you still have questions that weren't covered above, please contact us directly.
We are open and have resumed services with social distancing measures in place.
Our preferred payment method is via our website or by card.
Due to the ways of working we have had to adopt to keep our staff, you and your animals safe, things are taking us a bit longer, reducing the number of horses we can see in a day. Please bear with us while we continue to prioritise appointments and operations, and offer video or telephone consults for some cases.
Can my horse receive it's vaccinations?
Yes. Please contact the practice to arrange an appointment and instructions on how we will keep you and our staff safe to enable us to carry out this treatment for your pet.
Can my horse’s routine dental care be carried out?
Yes – but this will require risk assessment and due to the need to maintain safe working practises SEDATION will be mandatory.
Can mares be scanned to see if they're in foal?
Yes – we will risk assess this – but generally we are now able to perform fertility work, AI and other services.
Can my horse get COVID-19?
There is currently no evidence that a horse or pony, can suffer from or transmit COVID-19. The World Health Organisation continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics.
Can I get my horse’s feet trimmed or shoed?
The Farriers Registration Council confirmed on Tuesday 24 March that its farriers can continue to provide essential services to equines, using their judgement as to matters of priority and/or urgency, with appropriate social distancing, hand washing and equipment cleaning. Many are using a traffic light system for assessing essential care. Routine shoeing should be delayed for three weeks. Please check with your vet if special remedial shoes are fitted, as it may be necessary to reshoe within the current period. Please note this position is subject to change.
Can I get repeat prescriptions?
Yes. It would be required normally that an animal is seen every six months to allow us to write the prescription for you. As this would not be deemed essential contact, the prescription is likely to be issued subsequent to a video or a phone call.
Can I be there to say goodbye, if my horse needs to be put to sleep?
Yes. You can be close to your horse whilst adhering to government advise on social distancing and hand washing to keep our vets safe.
Will my horse insurance be affected if my horse can’t get their routine care?
Insurance companies are reviewing their policies regarding routine care to reflect the current period and reasonable adjustments. Leading equine insurers have assured the British Equine Veterinary Association that policies will continue to be honoured in circumstances such as delays in annual boosters being administered or treatment plans not being completed prior to 12 months cover ending, directly resulting from COVID-19 restrictions. Please check directly with your insurance company for specifics.
Practice information
Kingston House (Sherborne)
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Grove Dene Vet Clinic (Yeovil)
Woodlands Equine Clinic
Shavehill Equine Clinic
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