Burnham House News
DECEMBER 2009 - SNOW DOESN'T STOP US!
The snow didn't stop us running a normal service including our full 24-hour emergency service.
Burnham House staff were up early clearing pavements for those patients who braved the cold to come and see us; and our nurses pulled on their wellies to continue caring for our wildlife inpatients.
DECEMBER 2009 - APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BIOLOGY APPLIED 2010
If you are studying A-Level biology and would like to take part, course details are available here along with the application form, which should be returned to the Practice Manager at the Castle Street surgery by the end of December.
NOVEMBER 2009 - OUR BUZZARD MAKES HEADLINES
The buzzard with pellet wounds treated at Burnham House last year is featured in Sanctuary magazine - the Ministry of Defence's annual estates magazine:
OCTOBER 2009 - PREPARE YOUR PET FOR BONFIRE NIGHT!
The RSPCA estimate that up to 45% of dogs in the UK show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks. Cats and "small furries" also have sensitive hearing and can be frightened.
So how can you prepare your pet family for bonfire night?
During the firework season keep windows and doors closed and put on some sound to muffle the noise - the TV, radio or music. Try to ignore any signs of fear and certainly don't get angry with them - this will convince them there really is something to be afraid of! Don't walk your dog in the evening or leave them outside around bonfire night - and make sure they are microchipped in case they do bolt.
Don't forget about the pets you may have outside. Try to put cages in a garage or shed or bring them into the house where they can be quiet. If you cannot move them, try to turn cages around or put a substantial cover over them (carpet is good) to give them peace and protection. Give them extra bedding and plenty of places to hide.
Extreme cases
If your dog is very scared of any loud bangs but especially fireworks there are a number of ways we can help - but please don't leave it until November 4th!
"Sounds Scary"
The RSPCA produces a CD which can help dogs learn to be less frightened of loud bangs. The "Sounds Scary" CD aims to get your dog used to loud noises gradually so that the positive effect on their behaviour will be long-lasting. After increasing the sound levels owners can then associate the playing of the CD with something nice such as food or play. More details are available on the RSPCA's website, and you can order the CD directly from us.
SEPTEMBER 2009 - BHVS CELEBRATES EXAM SUCCESS
This month we're celebrating exam success with our fantastic nursing team.
Jo Francis RVN has completed her training, passed her final exams, and is now a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. She has had written and practical exams this year, as well as compiling a portfolio of case reports and clinical skills which is assessed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Jo is now entitled to use the letters "RVN" after her name.
Fay Millar has successfully completed the first year of her VN training, passed her exams, and is now able to move on to Level 3 - the final year. Like Jo, Fay has also been compiling a caselog of skills she has gained over the year, by working in the practice, being taught by our experienced nurses, and attending college one day a week. Fay should be joining Jo as an RVN this time next year!
Kim Pressnell RVN has been putting her teaching skills to good use by helping Jo and Fay with their practical training and has now herself completed the course required to become an official Nursing Assessor. This means that she is qualified to train our students and is a great support to all our Nursing Assistants.
Congratulations to all!
Nursing qualifications are explained here.
MARCH 2009 - CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STARS OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION
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We are absolutely thrilled to announce that THREE of our staff have been nominated for the prestigious "Oscars" of the veterinary world - the Petplan Veterinary Awards.
Kim Pressnell has been nominated for Vet Nurse of the Year; and Iain Cope and Jeremy Stattersfield both for Vet of the Year. The nominations are anonymous so they came as a complete surprise!
The Petplan Awards are held every year and pet owners vote for practice staff they think are the best in the country. This year the 
organisers were not disappointed in the search for veterinary staff that go far beyond the call of duty. Burnham House’s Leasa Neame was also nominated for Vet Nurse of the Year in 2008.
Practice Manager Hannah says, “To have so many of the team nominated in one year is incredible. It was lovely to get the news; our huge congratulations go to those nominated for awards, and our thanks to whoever it was that sent in the nominations.”
JANUARY 2009 - NEW A-LEVEL BIOLOGY COURSE
We will be starting a new Biology Applied extension course for students of A-level biology at the beginning of February. Information and application forms have been sent to local secondary schools or you can contact nurse Fay Millar or vet Chris Basu at the surgery.
AUGUST 2008 - NEW ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
We are pleased to announce an extension of the services we offer our clients to acupuncture. A clinic will run weekly at our Castle Street (Dover) and Bewsbury Cross (Whitfield) surgeries - find out more here.
JULY 2008 - MEETING THE STANDARD
We've been a little bit nervous for the last few weeks as at the end of June we had an inspection from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The RCVS is the UK governing body for Vets and they run the national Practice Standards Scheme - to prove that Accredited Practices offer the best in Veterinary care.
We've been members of the scheme since it began. Practices are rigorously inspected to ensure that they continue to maintain their high standards and keep up to date with techniques, equipment and training. Out inspection was a few weeks ago and we're thrilled to say that we've been re-awarded RCVS Accreditation at Tier 2 - the highest standard available to a general practice - and, this year, our branch surgeries have also been Accredited for the first time. Practice Standards Accreditation means that you have the peace of mind that your pet is receiving the highest standards of care - both in the parts of the Practice you can see, and those you can't!
JULY 2008 - NEW PUPPY PARTY COURSE
Back by popular demand... Nurse Kim will be running a new series of Puppy Parties covering all aspects of puppy care, socialisation and, of course, a lot of fun, at our Whitfield surgery starting at the end of July. If you have a puppy who is fully vaccinated and under 6 months old, call to book your place.
JUNE 2008 - BLUETONGUE VACCINATIONS
We are now taking orders for Bluetongue vaccines - please contact Kim at the Castle Street surgery to reserve stock. Vaccines that have been pre-ordered have now been delivered from our wholesaler and are available to collect. Further vaccine can be ordered if needed. Dosing guns are available for the 50ml vials only. If you will be using the 20ml vials you will need ordinary syringes. Link to the latest DEFRA advice here.
| We have again seen a lot of oiled sea birds (gannets, guillemots and razorbills) during February and March; and this season into April as well. This period has seen oiled birds washed up along the South and Southeast coasts and is becoming a yearly occurrence. The oil may be from damaged ships, old wrecks or illegal dumping and bilge pumping at sea. If you find an oiled bird please contact your nearest Veterinary Surgery or the RSPCA as soon as possible so that it can receive treatment. Time is critical - the sooner they are treated the greater their chance of survival. Oil affects the water resistance of feathers, causing birds to be unable to hunt, fly or swim; and the oil is highly toxic if ingested as the bird preens. At Burnham House we treat all wildlife free of charge.
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March 2008 |  A very lucky visitor
Burnham House has successfully treated a Daubenton's bat this month which had been brought to the surgery having been caught by a client's cat. The bat is now continuing its rehabilitation with the local branch of the Bat Conservation Trust, who were vey excited by the find. Daubenton's are one of the medium-sized bats in the UK, weighing around 10g. They live and hunt near water which gives them their common name of the water bat. Bats can be found having been caught by cats or other predators, hit by cars, disorientated following storms, or simply too young to be out alone! If you find a sick or injured bat, please contact us or your local veterinary surgery as they can carry disease transmissable to humans if bitten.
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| February 2008 | Sneezer is Patient of the Year 2007 
As voted by the entire practice staff for showing great temperament and the will to get better. Bedlington Terrier cross Sneezer with nurse Kim, vet Iain, his owner John Anderson and nurse Leasa.
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| February 2008 | Are you a little bit overdue...? Throughout February we will be running a vaccination amnesty for any cat or dog whose vaccinations have lapsed and need re-starting. The course requires two injections to regain immunity and we are offering a discount for those who need to get back in the habit! With a bit of luck (in the nicest possible way!) we may not see you and your pet too often, so annual vaccination also provides a great opportunity for a full health check and talk through any questions you may have regarding your pet's health and care. Contact reception for more details.
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| January 2008 | New Biology Applied course starts at the end of January Our hands-on biology course for sixth-form students will be running this term. This year we will be looking at microbiology, haematology, anatomy, ecology, pharmacology and many more topics that will bring biology to life and be a real extension of the A-level biology course. Information has been sent to local schools so if you are studying biology A-level and would like to be considered for this or next year's course, please contact vet Chris Basu at the Castle Street surgery.
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| December 2007 |  Treatment complete for Sandgate's dolphin
"Dave" appeared off the coast of Folkestone in summer 2006 and was closely monitored by the BDMLR in consultation with Burnham House vet Iain Cope. She (yes, she) was a single juvenile bottle-nosed dolphin, a breed with both inshore and offshore populations. Numbers are unknown, but  their inquisitive nature often leads to injury in fishing nets and boat propellers. Having left the area in late 2006, she reappeared the following spring and gradually became more socialised as swimmers and boats ignored advice to leave her alone. Unfortunately, the inevitable happened, with two fishing hooks through her dorsal fin and a quarter of her tail fluke sliced off by a propeller. Antibiotics were administered by Iain and the hooks removed. She continued to heal and do well until leaving the area in late 2007.
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September 2007 | Pet Smile Month at Burnham House September 2007 is National Pet Smile Month. At Burnham House we are offering free dental health checks with our vets and nurses, with lots of advice on the best way to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy. We also have dog and cat goodie bags to give away with free samples of dental food and chews. Contact reception to make a free Pet Smile appointment.
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January 2007 | New Biology Applied course starts Our hands-on biology course for sixth-form students has just started for the Spring term. This year we will be looking at microbiology, haematology, anatomy, ecology, pharmacology and many more topics that will bring biology to life and be a real extension of the A-level biology course. If you are studying biology A-level and would like to be considered for next year's course, please contact nurse Louise Dewing at the Castle Street surgery.
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| November 2006 | Pudsey's Pantry Opens at Burnham House Burnham House in conjunction with BBC Radio Kent will be supporting Children In Need by opening a 'Pudsey's Pantry' in reception at Burnham House today. Pop in on 17th November and buy from a selection of hand-made cakes and biscuits!
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| Autumn 2006 | Staff on screen Burnham House staff have been filmed over the summer for a new children's BBC show called Roar. Based on the popular Animal park, the series follows animals, keepers and vets at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks. The show is on from 7.30-8.30am every weekday morning on BBC2.
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