The newest and largest animal hospital in London is already gaining accolades for its exceptional facilities and care.
Linnaeus-owned London Vet Specialists (LVS) only moved into its 12,000 sq ft new state-of-the-art hospital in Hammersmith in May and has already picked up a prestigious national award.
The LVS team are celebrating after the hospital was recognised as a Dog Friendly Clinic by the Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).
LVS dog advocate Jessica Atkins is delighted with the award and highlighted the recent case of a dog who had previously displayed aggressive behaviour at the vet as a prime example of the hospital’s ability to respond to all kinds of canine care.
Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) Jessica, who holds a number of qualifications in animal behaviour and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour, explained: “The dog was repeatedly displaying severe aggressive behaviours and was referred to LVS for investigations of medical complaints that were thought to be contributing towards the dog’s undesirable behaviours.
“Our first move was to have detailed conversations with the owner and referring vet before the dog arrived to ensure we were fully aware of the dog’s behaviour and potential challenges to ensure we could provide medical care with as little stress as possible for the patient and owner. He was also given pre-visit anti-anxiety medications, which the owners administered ahead of the visit.
“On arrival, he underwent a thorough examination and medical review, with his owner present to help reduce any stress to the family pet, and this meant he felt at ease and his behaviour was very well managed throughout.
“Our investigations highlighted a severe gastric disease which could have been a contributing factor in his behavioural concerns.
“The patient has now been placed on a home management plan and everything is going very well for him at last.”
Jessica, who is also business relationship manager at LVS and subject matter expert in behaviour nursing within the Linnaeus clinical board, played a key part in devising and designing the new hospital’s plans and facilities for canine care.
She added: “I have drawn on all my experience and expertise, especially the knowledge gained from my qualifications in animal behaviour, to ensure we are able to offer the lowest-stress hospital visits possible for our canine patients.
“Our new hospital includes a wide range of dog-specific measures including a designated waiting area, consult rooms, hospital wards and exercise area as well as enrichment plans for hospitalised patients to ensure they are mentally stimulated.
“In addition, our expert team is highly trained in canine behaviour and handling, which is designed to reduce stress and to directly improve the welfare of our patients.
“To this end, we use canine pheromonal diffusers in all clinical areas for calming and reassurance purposes.
“Our dog kennels are provided with soft bedding and orthopaedic padding and there are even dog park stations for patients that won’t tolerate kennels.”
All this has clearly helped prove that LVS is top dog for canine care across the capital, something hospital director Emma Laws is understandably keen to emphasise.
Emma said: “We are extremely proud to have been accredited as dog-friendly clinic by Dogs Trust and the BVBA.
“It is an important guarantee of our commitment to our canine patients and gives extra confidence to the capital’s dog owners and primary care vets who are both seeking the highest level of canine care.
“LVS is also the only veterinary centre in London to offer a dedicated multidisciplinary referral service, so we are able to deliver an outstanding level of care and extensive range of treatments all under one roof.”
Dr Rachel Casey, Recognised Specialist in veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Dogs Trust Director, says: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.
“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”
The new LVS hospital boasts impressive facilities and cutting-edge equipment across its new 12,000 sq ft home, including nine consult rooms, a surgical suite containing three surgical theatres, a separate intensive care ward and an isolation ward.
The multidisciplinary veterinary referral facility offers expert care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, ophthalmology and soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery.
