In light of the current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, we have launched a new telemedicine service to remotely assess pets who are unable to come into the practice due to the current restrictions that have been put in place by the British Veterinary Association.
What Is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows our vets to evaluate, diagnose and treat your pet remotely using telecommunications technology, and without travel.
A consultation charge will apply for this service.
Why Are You Offering A Telemedicine Service?
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, we are no longer allowing clients into the practice. This is to maintain the safety of both our teams, as well as our clients.
A telemedicine service allows us to offer continuity of care to your pets for certain cases, with the restrictions on travel that are in place.
Will The Appointment Be With A Vet?
Yes, all telemedicine appointments are being conducted by one of our vets.
Is My Pet Eligible For A Telemedicine Appointment With A Vet?
We are able to see a number of cases for telemedicine appointments examples of which include:
- Mild trauma e.g. pulls
- Skin issues, including flea allergic dermatitis
- Anal glands/scooting
- Post-op checks
- Repeat medication checks (if your pet is stable)
- Vomiting / diarrhoea in an otherwise well animal
- Jaundice
- Pallor
- Dental complaints
- Lumps
- Wounds
- Non-acute lameness
- Eye complaints
- Anorexia
- Vaginal discharge
- Non-specific lethargy
Can I Choose Which Vet My Appointment Is With?
Unfortunately, you won’t have the option to choose which of our vets your appointment will be with.
Which Practice Do I Need To Call To Book A Telemedicine Appointment?
Please call your local practice to book a telemedicine appointment.
The following practices remain open for telemedicine appointments to be booked:
- Pride Veterinary Centre
- Park Farm (Allestree)
- Mickleover
- Oakwood
- Shelton Lock
- Langley Mill
- Wollaton
- Stapenhill (Burton)
How Do I Book A Telemedicine Appointment?
If you think that your pet requires veterinary care, please call the practice to speak to our team. You will be asked a number of questions, after which our team will decide whether it is an emergency and you need to bring your pet to the practice, or if a telemedicine consultation is an appropriate option.
Payment for the telemedicine consultation will be taken at the time of booking.
How Will A Telemedicine Consultation Work?
We are using video calling software called Whereby to provide these consultations. This can be accessed on your phone, a tablet, laptop or computer.
Once your appointment has been confirmed, you will be emailed a link to our virtual consult room, with the time of your consultation. Please make sure you are on time for your appointment.
Please ensure you are in a well-lit room, and that you have another person with you in case two hands are needed to show us specific parts of your pet.
You are welcome to send us any photos and videos in advance of the appointment – please discuss this with reception at the time of booking.
When your consultation begins the vet will confirm your, and your pet’s details before starting the consultation.
Based on your discussion, and the vet’s observation of your pet you will be offered one of the following recommendations:
- Whether your pet requires a consultation in person
- Advice on a solution to care for your pet at home
- Whether an emergency consultation is needed
You will then be advised on the next steps to take, and when you should seek further veterinary advice
What If The Vet Recommends That My Pet Needs Medication?
Due to the current situation with the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the RCVS has temporarily allowed us to dispense medication following a telemedicine consultation.
The vet will prescribe any medication your pet requires and let you know when you can come and collect this from the practice.
Please remember that we are no longer allowing clients into the building. Upon arrival at the practice, you will need to call reception to let them know that you are here and wait in the car until a member of our team brings the medication to your vehicle. Payment will be required to be made over the phone prior to collecting any medication.
I Have Been Asked To Bring My Pet To The Practice To Be Seen, Will I Have To Pay Another Consultation Fee?
Don’t worry. If you have been advised that your pet needs to be brought to our practice to be seen by the vet in person (as a direct result of the telemedicine consultation), the cost of the telemedicine consultation will be deducted from your bill.
