Welcome to Spring!

 Welcome to Spring and all the wonderful things it brings! New lambs in the countryside, the birdsong and of course, less rain. With the change in seasons, it can bring new challenges for us as pet owners. Parasites are a year-round problem, but with pets spending more time outdoors, they become more of a concern. Our pet health plans offer everything you need to keep your pet healthy in the most cost-effective way! If you are considering neutering your pet, we are offering free nurse consultations to discuss the options available, and also free registration health checks for rabbit owners. We also have an interesting feature on the magnificent Maine Coon, Reggie, from our Cat Clinic, and an exciting competition for the opportunity to win a professional pet portrait. 

Read on to find out more...

At Thameswood Vets, we believe pet owners deserve choice!

Earlier in the year, we launched our Eco Health Plan, but we are proud to also still offer our original Gold VIP Health Plan, so you can choose the option that best suits you, your pet and your pocket. Our pet health plans are a monthly package of everything your pet needs to stay healthy, in the most affordable way for you.

Our plans cover:

Which plan is right for me and my pet?

Our VIP Health Plan is our original  'one stop shop' for essential preventative care. If your pet is of relatively good health and not accident-prone, this plan is for you, with up to 20% discounts on preventative treatment, plus nurse consults and nail trims. They will have everything they need to stay healthy.

If you are worried about needing to take your pet to the vet, don't! Our Eco Plan includes UNLIMITED FREE veterinary consultations, and costs only £20 per month, making it the most affordable plan around! We understand that excellent pet preventative care comes in the form of peace of mind. We do not want you to delay seeking reassurance when your pet does not seem right. Early diagnosis means early intervention and the ability to treat problems before they get worse, which is kinder to your pet and more economical to your pocket!

Spring has sprung, and that means our pets' hormones are kicking in. Have you considered the benefits of neutering your pet?

We regularly neuter dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even ferrets. Neutering is a day procedure at our clinics, including our branches. They all have fully functional operating theatres and dog and cat wards. Spaying a female dog is a slightly more complicated procedure, but we offer the option of carrying out this procedure laparoscopically at our main clinic, on any weekday.

What is a laparoscopic spay?

A laparoscopic spay is a minimally invasive surgical technique and an alternative to the traditional “open” spay. Because it uses small incisions and specialised equipment, it is generally associated with less post-operative pain, a quicker recovery, reduced tissue trauma, and a lower risk of complications. Many owners prefer this advanced approach for the added comfort it can provide their dog, in particular if they have a high-energy pet who would benefit from a faster return to exercise.

This procedure is not routinely available at all practices, as it requires specific training and dedicated equipment. You do not need to be registered with us to book your free check-up — we’re happy to advise you. We’re here to make life better for you and your animals. Be sure to get in touch with our team if you'd like to take advantage of our FREE check-up and consultation offer. 

We have had the pleasure of seeing more and more Maine Coon cats registering with us, and they are an amazing breed. Reggie recently visited our team for a dematt and weighed 10kgs!  Maine Coons are very playful and friendly. They often chat loudly with their owners, and although they love to be around people, you won’t often find them curled up on your lap, as they prefer to be running around on the floor rather than jumping up.

Did you know?

Owners are, understandably, upset when their cat develops a health problem linked to its breed. Often, they wish they’d known what problems the breed was prone to have. The potential health problems that Maine Coons are prone to include:

• Hip dysplasia – an abnormality of the hip joints causing lameness in the hind legs, which can make walking difficult.
• Patellar Luxation – a condition in which the patella (knee cap) moves out of its normal location, resulting in limping or difficulty walking on the back legs. May require surgery to correct the problem. This also makes them more prone to developing osteoarthritis. 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a condition where the volume of blood that the heart pumps with each contraction is reduced. This can cause fainting, tiredness and other signs of heart disease.

We’d recommend discussing the medical history of your potential kitten’s parents and grandparents, and think very carefully before taking on a cat with any of the health conditions listed above, evident in the family line.

Also, their long coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, particularly around the belly and behind the ears. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, although more frequent grooming may be needed during seasonal shedding. Ideally, their coat needs daily attention to reduce the chance of knots and tangles. If this is introduced at an early age, they will enjoy this as part of interactive play. Of course, should you need any support, our team are here to help!

Thameswood Cat Clinic

Did you know that our Thameswood Cat Clinic is Swindon’s only cat-only veterinary clinic — your feline friend benefits from a calm, quiet environment designed entirely around cats. As a Gold Accredited clinic by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the highest level of feline-friendly recognition, the clinic meets exceptional standards in facilities, handling, and clinical care. Separate from dogs and tailored to reduce stress at every stage — from waiting areas to consulting rooms and hospital wards — the clinic provides a gentler experience for cats and peace of mind for their owners, with a team specially trained in feline health and behaviour.

Don't just take our word for it - our wonderful feline patients explore our clinic at their own will, ensuring comfort and safety at every stage. A firm favourite is watching the wildlife just outside the window. 

Throughout March & April, we are offering free registration health checks for rabbit owners!

Meet our Rabbit advocates who help ensure exceptionally high standards of care for rabbits, who are a species with complex welfare and medical needs. They support our wider team with training, promote rabbit-friendly handling and hospitalisation, and improve client education on diet, vaccination, neutering, and preventative healthcare in line with guidance from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association.

Nick MRCVS | Yagmur MRCVS | Stacey RVN | Dani RVN |  Siobhan ANA

If you love the thought of a professional portrait of your pet to treasure forever, be sure to enter our competition! 

We will soon be posting our competition on our socials, so be sure you're following us (links below!).

1. Follow our page (Facebook, Instagram or both!)
2. Ensure you are signed up to one of our health plans
3. Comment on what you love most about the health plan.

The winner will be decided at random by our team in April.