SURGERY
At the BVC, our experienced surgeons collaborate as a team to offer our patients the very best care we can deliver.
Having access to advanced in-house diagnostic facilities such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and a comprehensive in-house laboratory for patient-side results, allows our team to provide the best options for you and your pet.
We use state of the art anesthetic monitoring systems and protocols to minimize risks involved in both routine or more advanced surgeries. Additionally, capnography, pulse oximetry, blood pressure and ECG monitoring are used for every surgery performed.
Customized pain relief and 24-hour hospital care allows us to ensure your pet receives the best care before, during and after a surgical intervention.
Our multi-disciplinary team of surgeons offer advanced surgeries in the following fields
- Soft tissue surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Spinal surgery
- Cardiac surgery
- Intrathoracic and respiratory surgery
- Ophthalmic surgery
- Oncology
Advanced surgical procedures that have been performed at the BVC include
- Diaphragmatic hernia repair
- Cruciate surgery repair
- Advanced fracture repair surgery
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) repair
- Biliary surgery
- Sub Ureteral Bypass (SUB) device placement>
- Inter-Vertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) surgery
Our medical team consists of experienced staff who are trained in providing the safest and most effective forms of anaesthesia.
We use a multimodal approach where a combination of chemical and inhalation anaesthetic drugs is used. This greatly enhances the safety for the patient by reducing the amount and number of drugs needed. We are well equipped with different machines and monitors equipment to provide effective yet safe anaesthesia for various species.
INTERNAL MEDICINE
At the BVC, we know your pet is a part of the family, and this means our team is driven by compassion and trust to deliver the very best care. Our vets work together to make informed, collaborative decisions regarding treatment options.
We want owners to feel comfortable, and we offer different ways to help guide them through every decision-making process. We combine experience and compassion to build trusted relationships with pet parents. To provide your pet with the best treatment options and care, we rely on the following key features:
- Working as a team to draw on expertise in different fields.
- Access to our comprehensive in-house laboratory to obtain accurate and reliable and rapid results.
- Dedicated, experienced staff and a well-equipped hospital allows us to go the extra mile when needed – such as performing blood transfusions and access to supplemental oxygen therapy.
- Access to advanced diagnostics such as digital radiography, ultrasonography (abdominal and cardiac), CT and high-resolution endoscopy
- 24-hour on site patient care
DENTISTRY
Did you know that by the age of 3, your pet will likely have some form of early dental disease, and this increases to 85% in dogs and cats by the age of 6. Dental disease is easily and often overlooked and can be a significant cause of pain in pets. Therefore, we take dental health very seriously at the BVC.
- We use local anaesthetic nerve blocks and devise a pain management protocol for each patient.
- Pets undergoing dental work require general anaesthesia, and we use the same high standard anaesthetic protocols and monitoring systems as we do with all our procedures.
- A free post op check is offered to all patients undergoing dental extractions, to ensure recovery is going as expected.
- Our vets are experienced in working with rabbits and other rodents suffering from dental issues and are happy to accept referrals in this field.
IN-HOUSE LABORATORY
At the BVC, we know the importance of getting accurate, reliable, results quickly to provide the best treatment and outcome possible for your pet.
Our experienced in-house microbiologist and lab manager Nibu is on site to handle and analyze samples as efficiently as possible. With access to high-definition digital microscopy, his specialist opinion can be sought when needed for the more challenging cases.
Our in-house laboratory is well equipped with analysers and testing kits from international market leader Idexx.
In-house bacterial culture and sensitivity testing is also available, providing the fastest possible turnaround time to diagnose bacterial infections and select the most appropriate antibiotics to treat them.
As always, our goal is to diagnose and the treat your pet as quickly and as effectively as possible, and our well-equipped in-house laboratory is key to helping us achieving that goal.
The BVC in-house laboratory is equipped with
- A dedicated experience in-house microbiologist and lab manager.
- Comprehensive biochemistry panels
- SDMA measurement
- Comprehensive haematology or complete blood count (CBC) profile
- Electrolyte profile
- Blood gas analysis
- Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing
- Patient side ‘snap’ testing for infectious diseases
- Canine and feline ‘snap’ pancreatic lipase testing
- Thyroid hormone measurement
- Fructosamine measurement
- Cortisol hormone measurement
- Ammonia measurement
- High-definition digital microscopy for cytology
- Blood typing and cross matching for blood transfusion
- Measurement of antibody levels for diseases commonly vaccinated against
EMERGENCY/CRITICAL CARE
We know that emergencies can happen at any time – which is why, at the BVC, we are here for you and your pet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Emergencies can be a stressful and confusing time for both pets and their families. Our experienced veterinarians and staff are dedicated to treating life-threatening conditions and emergency situations to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet.
With 24 hours nursing care available at both branches, access to advanced diagnostics, and extensive experience in emergency procedures, our team is well equipped and prepared to handle the most critical of situations.
ONCOLOGY
Before Diagnostics
A definitive diagnosis is performed at the BVC, to diagnose cancer and furthermore to estimate the “stage” of the cancer. This may involve biopsies, imaging & blood samples. Our specialists make use of our in-house radiography, ultrasound, CT scan and laboratory where needed to achieve a faster and definitive diagnosis.
After Diagnostics
Diagnosis of cancer in your pet can be a traumatic situation. Our specialist vets and visiting oncologists will present and take you through all treatment options available and the quality and quantity of life expected with each of them, thus making this decision-making step easier on you. Our cancer management and treatment includes either one or a combination of surgery,
radiotherapy and chemotherapy at our clinic. We aim at providing the best quality of life to the pet, while keeping the pet owners and referring vet informed at all stages.
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS
With our specialist veterinary orthopedic surgeons, the use of cutting-edge technology, and world-class surgical infrastructure, the British Veterinary Centre is proud of being recognized as the best place for orthopedic care in the UAE. All forms of lameness, fractures from accidents, and limb deformities are diagnosed and treated effectively under our pragmatic team of orthopedic surgeons. Accurate diagnosis is ensured through our in-house facilities for Xray, ultrasound, CT scan, and other invasive and non-invasive techniques.
NEUROLOGY
Tremors, seizures, brain and spine disorders, unusual behavior, abnormal gait and balance issues, to name just a few are common symptoms of neurological abnormalities. Here at the BVC, our vetsare experienced to treat and manage disorders of the nervous system in pets. Using various methods to diagnose abnormalities of the nervous system we are able to help animals that have maladies of the spine and nervous system.
We are one of the very few hospitals in the UAE that performs corrective spinal surgery in pets. Dr Jonathan Hale specializes in corrective spinal disk compression surgeries in dogs. Pets who loose mobility or are unable to walk due to complications of the spine have made successful recoveries and are able to walk once again. In addition to having a CT machine we are able to diagnose and treat neurology cases.
OUT OF HOURS CARE
We offer round the clock emergency service. Besides this, our nursing team works shifts to make themselvesavailable 24.7. During non-clinical hours, even on public holidays, we have a vet on call who is available at any time should an emergency arise. Both our branches have 24 hour nursing care which means your pet is monitored 24/7.
CARDIOLOGY
Heart disease is a common finding in pets and the British Veterinary Centre sees a large number of cardiac cases every year. Congenital cardiac defects are present from birth and detected at an early age, usually at the time of examination for first vaccinations. Older animals can acquire heart disease over time. X-Rays and ultrasound (echocardiography) are used to accurately categorise heart disease involving structural abnormalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) studies assess the electrical rhythm and timing of heart beats. All these data are important when diagnosing, treating and monitoring heart disease.
Specific congenital defects require surgical intervention, and The British Veterinary Centre is equipped for thoracic surgery where this is indicated.
LASER THERAPY
This powerful non-invasive treatment uses modulated infrared light rays to penetrate tissues. Once tissue cells absorb the light energy they release endorphins that help to reduce pain and speed up healing of inflamed and damaged tissues. Endorphins are twenty times more powerful than any analgesic drugs we can offer your pet. In simple terms laser therapy accelerates the body’s own mechanisms for healing and promotes the most powerful pain relief we can give them- their own endorphins!
It is an excellent way to provide pain relief to your canine companion. Laser therapy reduces pain by reducing inflammation through “vasodilation” (the opening of blood vessels) and also by activating the lymphatic drainage system, thus draining swollen areas. The result is a reduction in swelling which reduces pain. The lasers also stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, thereby decreasing nerve sensitivity. Because there is less
inflammation, less swelling and an interruption of pain signals to the brain, the dog will experience less pain. Laser treatments for dogs also stimulate the production of high levels of naturally-produced endorphins which further counteract your dog’s pain.
Is Laser Treatment For Dogs Painful Or Uncomfortable?
Are There Any Side Effects Of Laser Therapy For Dogs?
Laser treatment for dogs has no known side effects, and is considered both safe and effective across the veterinary industry.
As vets we are really excited about utilizing this new therapy for the benefit of our client’s and their pets. Of particular interest are those pets on long term arthritis medications (Petcam/Rimadyl/Previcox). Studies have shown that most patients can half their doses of anti-inflammatory drugs or stop them completely, once they start laser therapy.
What Can I Expect At My Dog's Laser Therapy Appointment?
A technician will hold the laser wand directly over the affected area for somewhere between 3 and 10 minutes. There is no pain associated with the treatment and most dogs will relax during this time. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your dog to be comfortable and any anxiety he or she initially experiences will quickly dissipate. Occasionally, some dogs actually fall asleep during their therapy sessions.
Laser Therapy Packages at the BVC
To encourage and promote Laser therapy we are currently offering a free consultation and health check-up for each patient and a course of 6 sessions for 1200 AED.
The length of each treatment course will vary depending on the condition treated and the response to therapy. Most dogs and cats benefit form 6 initial session over the first 2-4 weeks and then regular maintenance sessions each month. Your vet will tailor the program as needed.
PREVENTIVE CARE
Routine Medical Care
Yearly or six monthly veterinary health checks by our highly trained doctors are one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and detect problems early. Complete veterinary health examinations are the foundation of any preventative health program. Our veterinary health examinations routinely include a check of the patients weight, temperature, ears for ear mites and fur for ring worm.
Parasite Control
Two general types of parasite need to be controlled for our pets’ sakes as well as for public health concerns:
- Endoparasites – the internal ‘worms’ including various roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms. Each has a different life-cycle and can cause a variety of problems.
- Ectoparasites – live on or near the skin surface and cause problems such as skin irritation and allergies or can carry diseases and other infections. Control is thus vital for the well-being of our pets.
Vaccination
- For dogs and cats
- A veterinary health examination is performed on your pet prior to any vaccinations.
Vaccination Protocols
The policy of the British Veterinary Centre is that prevention is better than cure, and as such we recommend routine vaccination for all pets where possible.
We aim to use the minimum vaccination needed whilst providing the maximum cover. We regularly review our protocols as new vaccines are developed or as more information becomes available as research is carried out. The results are the following recommendations:
The diseases we protect against routinely are-
- Distemper Virus (D)
- Viral Hepatitis (H)
- Parvo Virus (P)
- Leptospirosis Bacteria (L)
- Parainfluenza Virus (Pi)
The Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza vaccinations need annual injections to provide full immunity.
Immunization begins with the primary course of vaccinations whether as puppies or adults.
The primary course of vaccinations involves an injection which can be started at 8 weeks of age for the earliest full protection for puppies and is then repeated every 2-4 weeks up to the age of 16 weeks. In adult dogs just two vaccination 2-4 weeks apart are needed.
Thereafter annual vaccinations are necessary to maintain full protection.
A common scenario encountered in the UAE is the pet bought from the pet shop that comes to the veterinary clinic with a “completed” vaccination record but when examined we find that the age in the vaccination book is not appropriate with the actual age of the pet infront of us. We believe this situation arises because pet retailers desire to import and sell the pets younger than the legal age of entry in the UAE – which is 4 month of age. To get around the age limit, the vaccine book date of birth is dated as older than the actual age and the vaccines are “given”. We say given because once one part of the document can be falsified then one wonders if any part of it can be trusted? Infectious pet viral diseases are all too common in Abu Dhabi and we therefore recommend that if the paperwork looks doubtful that the pets is vaccinated at the BVC and a BVC Pet Vaccine Book issued.
Other diseases we can protect against include:
Kennel Cough – The Bordetella Kennel cough vaccine needs annual booster vaccinations to give continued protection. It is administered by way of nasal drops. It is a requirement of kennels in the UAE that this vaccination is given prior to the pet entering the kennels. Failing to give it can mean a spell in quarantine at the kennels.
Rabies – primarily for all dogs and for pets travelling abroad and for the Pet Passport scheme. The initial vaccination should be at 12 weeks of age or older and then at least every three years. For pets likely to travel it may be better to give the vaccination annually to avoid unwanted delays in the case of travel to countries requiring annual vaccination. Pearl of Wisdom, annual vaccination also almost completely takes away the risk of inadvertently voiding a PETs travel document through being late on a three-year vaccine booster.
We recommend vaccination against:
- Cat Flu
- Feline Infectious Enteritis
These two are combined as one injection. Kittens need to be 9 weeks of age or over to start the primary course, which involves injections at a 2-3 week interval up to the age of 16 weeks. Once an individual has been fully protected annual single booster injections are necessary to maintain protection. We recommend this vaccination even for indoors only cats as the viruses are very prevalent in the UAE and can be brought indoors on articles of clothing from the street.
Feline Leukemia (FeLv) Vaccination We don’t routine advise Feline Leukemia vaccination. There is a nonexistent risk for exposure to the disease in indoors only cats. It may be something to consider for an outdoor cat. People who have imported a cat from a country where Feline Leukemia Virus Disease is more prevalent, like the UK or mainland Europe and who intend to return may wish to maintain the leukaemia vaccination while in the UAE.
When kittens or adult cats of unknown history are introduced into a household already with a cat or cats we strongly recommend testing the new individual for FIV and FeLV to protect those already present. The test is run in-house at the BVC and the results can be ready as early as 15 minutes after the blood sample is collected. The test can be run before vaccinations are given. It’s also not a bad idea annually for those outdoor cats that are scrappers.
We do not routinely vaccinate for Chlamydia although this can be arranged.
At this time in the UAE we do not routinely vaccinate rabbits since we have not seen any of the two common rabbit disease – Myxomatosis or Viral Hemorrhagic Disease – that have available vaccines.
IMAGING
Imaging techniques allow our vets to see inside of your pet in a non-invasive way. This information allows us to create the optimal treatment plan for your pet, whilst minimizing risks. Our team has access to some of the most advanced diagnostic services in the country, including ultrasonography (cardiac and abdominal), high-definition endoscopy, digital x-ray imaging (including dental x-rays) and computed tomography (CT).
Ultrasound
Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to produce images of internal organs and other tissue. This imaging modality provides a ‘window’ into what is going on inside of your pet’s body. Because images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through vessels. In most
patients, ultrasound imaging can be performed with minimal manual restraint, and is completely non-invasive, safe and pain free.
Dr Nick has more than 10 years of ultrasound experience and accepts both in-house and external referrals for abdominal ultrasonography.
Ultrasound is used to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:
- Pregnancy diagnoses and management
- Liver disease
- Gall bladder issues such as inflammation, obstruction or stones
- Kidney disease, including kidney stones and obstructions to the kidneys
- Intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and protein losing enteropathy
- Intestinal obstruction or foreign bodies
- Cancer in the abdominal or thoracic space
- Bladder issues such as cystitis or bladder stones
- Pancreatitis
- Adrenal gland disease such as Cushing’s disease
- Heart disease
- Ascites and pleural effusion (fluid in the abdomen or chest)
- Muscle and tendon injuries
Veterinarians often use ultrasound to guide a fine needle to diseased areas of tissue for biopsy. Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate:
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Liver and gall bladder
- Pancreas
- Adrenal glands
- Lymph nodes
- Intestinal tract
- Urinary bladder
- Prostate
- Uterus and ovaries
- Muscles and tendons
- Heart
- Blood vessels
Xray
X-ray studies, or radiographs, use a very short burst of x-rays to create an image of the body. The BVC is equipped with digital radiography, including dental radiography. Digital radiography allows accurate measurements to be taken, which is essential in certain conditions -such as fracture repair.
Radiographs are also used to diagnose diseases in the chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. Our vets are additionally experienced in performing contrast studies of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts to evaluate abnormalities.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the use of a rigid or flexible fiberoptic camera to assess internal organs and body cavities.
Using our state-of-the-art endoscopy units, our experienced vets can not only examine internal structures or body cavities, but also obtain biopsies, collect samples for bacterial or viral culture, or remove foreign objects. This is achieved via the use of specialized equipment inserted through a biopsy port or channel in the endoscope. All this is done in a minimally invasive way, without any surgical intervention.Types of endoscopy:
- Endoscopy – evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, namely eosophagus, stomach and small intestine
- Colonoscopy – evaluation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, namely the colon and rectum
- Bronchoscopy – evaluation of the airways, namely the trachea and bronchi
- Rhinoscopy – evaluation of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx (the junction between the nasal area and the back of the throat
- Arthroscopy – evaluation of the soft tissues and cartilage a of joint
Common applications of endoscopy:
- Removal of foreign objects from the nasal cavity, trachea, eosophagus or stomach
- Diagnosis of causes of vomiting such as gastric ulcers, helicobacter gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer
- Diagnosis of causes of coughing such as pneumonia and asthma
- Diagnosis of causes of diarrhoea or defaecation problems such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic polyps, and cancer
- Diagnosis of tracheal collapse
- Diagnosis and removal or nasal or pharyngeal polyps
- Diagnosis of cause of rhinitis
- Diagnosis and treatment of degenerative joint diseases