15 minute consultation with a veterinary surgeon - £59.95

What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs, and is also the most common form of arthritis – a painful disease which affects your dogs’ joints. Arthritis occurs when the protective layers of cartilage that cushion the joints begin to deteriorate causing inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and the effects tend to worsen with age. What are the Common Signs of Osteoarthritis? Dogs with osteoarthritis tend to display the following clinical signs: Limping Stiffness after exercise Exercise intolerance Difficulty rising, sitting or climbing stairs Changes in general behaviour Loss of appetite How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed? If your veterinary surgeon feels that your dog is displaying any of the common clinical signs, they may recommend carrying out some x-rays, along with a thorough clinical examination. X-rays will involve a general anaesthetic and a stay in the hospital for the day. This can be booked in at any Vetsure clinicand most x-ray results are usually ready by the time your pet is ready to go home. What Treatment Should I Choose? Your veterinary practice will provide a complete overview once a diagnosis has been made and they will work with you to provide a treatment plan that is best for your pet. The treatment recommended is generally daily medication or in some cases a special clinical diet and weight loss where appropriate. Exercises and supplements can also be used alongside medications, however your veterinary surgeon will advise you on the best treatment tailored to your pet’s needs. The following options may be available for the treatment of this condition: Daily medication – this is a highly effective method of treatment and will be required long term to maintain your pets comfort. A medication called an anti-inflammatory will often be prescribed. Your pet will need to have occasional blood tests just to check their kidney and liver function whilst on long term anti-inflammatories. A clinical diet can also be used to replace your dog’s normal pet food. Diets come in both wet and dry formulas and are made to be extra tasty for your dog. These diets tend to contain fish oils to maintain joint health. You can also use supplements such as cod liver oil, or a specific joint supplement can be purchased from your vets. Dogs with Osteoarthritis can live a long and healthy life following the correct treatment. This condition does require long term management and observations, and they will become a regular visitor at your Veterinary Practice.

Here are 3 tips that may help you, your family and your dog all have a happy and safe celebration this Easter. 1) Easter Eggsplination Chocolate is toxic to dogs and the increase in chocolate available at this time of year means even more care should be taken to prevent your dog consuming it! It is important to educate your children not to feed your dog chocolate. In addition, curious canines will sniff out the remnants of chocolate in foil wrapping due to their fantastic sense of smell. Explaining this to your children will help keep chocolate and empty packets out of reach! TIP: If you are hosting an Easter Egg hunt this year – make sure the dog doesn’t join in! Ensure you know where each egg is hidden and make sure they are all recovered… by your children, not the dog! If your dog wants to play too, why not get the kids to set up a dog treat hunt? Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include: Dehydration or excessive thirst Diarrhoea Drooling High temperature and blood pressure Hyperactivity and excitability Vomiting containing blood In severe cases, epileptic-type fits If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms then take them to your local vet immediately. Find your nearest Vetsure Vet. 2) Hot cross blunder Many people aren’t aware that vine fruits such as raisins and sultanas are even more toxic to dogs than chocolate! If your dog eats even a small quantity of these dried fruits (and grapes), they can suffer severe kidney failure which may be fatal. You shouldn’t share any of your scraps with your pet but take particular care to keep Hot Cross Buns out of sight and keep them clear from curious sniffing noses. TIP: If you can’t resist giving your pet a little Easter treat, give them something safe and pet friendly – a new toy or a long walk is a great alternative way to treat your dog. Dog friendly fruit and vegetables: Apples Bananas Blueberries Strawberries Broccoli Carrots Green beans Sweet potatoes Introducing new foods into your pet’s diet may cause stomach upsets, so be cautious and only introduce small pieces, one new fruit or vegetable at a time. 3) Spring bulbs Weather permitting, you may be spending the long weekend out in the garden. After all, Spring has sprung and it is the perfect time to clear up your garden in preparation for Summer! Be aware that some bulbs can be poisonous if your dog eats them. Be especially cautious if they like to dig! Daffodils and tulip bulbs can be poisonous so make sure they are kept out of harm’s way and ensure they are buried deeply enough your dog won’t find them. For any keen gardeners out there is it also worth noting that fertilizers can also be harmful to your dog. Avoid the following fertilizers - Blood meal: contains nitrogen which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even inflammation of your pet’s pancreas. Bone meal: contains animal bones ground down to powder. This powder is very attractive to many dogs but is harmful if ingested. Rose and plant fertilizers: can contain disulfoton or another type of organophosphate. This can be fatal for dogs.

At the end of 2016 the Cats Protection were looking for a veterinary centre in North London to provide them with veterinary care, neuterings and surgeries. At the Arc we were already providing charity care for the dog charity All Dogs Matter. This is work we find very fulfilling, so much so that we decided to provide the same service for the Cats Protection. Cats Protection is now considered the UK’s largest feline welfare charity and helps over 200,000 cats and kittens every year through their national network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 32 adoption centres. #charity #catsprotection

Get 5 Weeks Free Pet Insurance with Vetsure Get insurance Welcome to Arc Vet Centre Based in Muswell Hill Learn More About Us Register With Us The Arc Philosophy We're an independent practice, owned by Will and Rich, combining traditional values with modern techniques and facilities. We put your pet's health at the heart of everything we do and take great pride in providing expert, compassionate care to all our patients. We make sure that you always see a friendly face and we promise we won't ever pressure you into performing unnecessary tests or treatments. We sell all medications at cost price with no mark-up and help out the local charities All Dogs Matter & Cats Protection with low-cost consultations and surgeries. Word of mouth recommendations from happy customers has been our best marketing tool and helped us grow to the size we are today. Dr Richard Harper & Dr Will Woodley Read More More Our Services The most advanced facilities would mean nothing without the ability to empathise with the animals under our care. Travel Abroad Read More Vaccinations Read More Surgical Procedures Read More Keyhole Surgery Read More Xray & Ultrasound Read More In House Blood Tests Read More Meet our Vet... Dr Richard Harper Partner Rich graduated from the Royal Vet College and has also undertaken a Masters Degree in Clinical Oncology so he can provide a greater level of expertise particularly to animals suffering from cancer. Richard has recently returned from sabbatical in Latvia where his wife Sarah was busy running the Embassy. They welcomed their daughter Evie into the family this March who joins big brothers Billy (Human), Joey (Canine) and Duke (Feline). Email Richard Meet our Vet... Dr Will Woodley Partner Will is a graduate of the prestigious Royal Veterinary College and joined the partnership in early 2015 to help Rich out as the practice became busier. Will has worked in various practices throughout the UK including mixed practice (cows/horses/sheep/cats/ dogs) and small animal hospitals. Will's interest is in all aspects of veterinary medicine as well as being one of the few vets currently performing veterinary key-hole surgery. Email Will Why Choose Arc Vets? Take a look at some of our key facts below Independent Practice Free Parking Modern Facilities Highly Qualified Vets Want to learn more about our key facts? Read More... What our Customers Say... For the first time we have found a truly wonderful vet in Richard...he looks after our Black Lab ,"Chaos" beautifully. He came highly recommended by our dog walkers, he is very patient ( with us!!)...and has a fantastic way with the dog. We have never felt rushed when we are in there..he gives honest, straightforward advice, prices are very reasonable for a North London vet...he doesn't patronise. He is not at all pushy , unlike a number of vets , and doesn't push expensive medication , procedures or treatment. He is a real find and we hope that he does very well.he deserves it. SIOBHAIN & CHAOS

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Services Home > Services & Prices > Services List Service Description Price Image Ultrasound Pregnancy scans, abdominal scans & visiting specialist scans From £60 Digital Xray Modern FujiFilm digital radiography From £100 In House Laboratory Results available with in 20 minutes From £75 Keyhole Cryptorchid Castration The minimally invasive way to remove un-descended testicles From £750 Keyhole Spay Surgery Visit www.kind-spay.co.uk for more information From £600 Advanced Surgical Procedures TPLO's BOAS surgery, Patellas, Laryngeal tiebacks From £3000 Soft Tissue & Orthopaedic Surgery All routine surgeries available at the practice From £300 Travel Abroad - Certificates etc. Rabies vaccinations, blood tests, document certification, From £185