Medicine & chronic care
Many pets live with long-term conditions. With the right diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, most live comfortable, happy lives. We work with you on a plan you can follow at home.
Hormonal conditions
Conditions where the body produces too much or too little of a hormone. Most are very manageable with the right medication and monitoring.
Diabetes
The body can’t control blood sugar, causing thirst, weight loss and increased urination. Seen in dogs and cats.
How we manage it: Insulin injections at home, diet, and regular glucose monitoring. We teach you how to inject and what to watch for.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid in older cats, causing weight loss despite a big appetite, restlessness and vomiting.
How we manage it: Daily medication or a prescription diet, with regular blood tests to keep levels right and protect the kidneys.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid in dogs, causing weight gain, lethargy and poor coat.
How we manage it: Daily thyroid supplement with blood tests to fine-tune the dose.
Cushing’s disease
Overproduction of cortisol, causing thirst, a pot belly, panting and thin skin.
How we manage it: Daily medication with regular blood tests to adjust the dose.
Addison’s disease
Underproduction of adrenal hormones, which can cause vomiting, weakness and sudden collapse.
How we manage it: Lifelong hormone replacement with regular blood monitoring. Once stable, most dogs live normal lives.
Parathyroid disease
Over- or under-activity of the parathyroid glands, which control calcium. An overactive gland, usually from a benign tumour, causes high calcium; an underactive one causes low calcium. Signs include thirst, weakness, tremors or bladder stones.
How we manage it: Blood calcium and hormone tests and a neck ultrasound to find the cause. Surgical removal of an overactive gland, or lifelong calcium and vitamin D for low calcium, with close monitoring.
Phaeochromocytoma
A rare tumour of the adrenal gland that releases adrenaline-like hormones in bursts, causing episodes of panting, restlessness, weakness or collapse, and high blood pressure.
How we manage it: Diagnosis with ultrasound, blood pressure measurement and specialised tests. Medication to control blood pressure, and surgical removal through our specialist referral partners where appropriate.
Heart & kidneys
Common conditions in older pets, where early diagnosis and good long-term management make a real difference.
Mitral valve disease
The most common heart disease in dogs, where a leaking heart valve causes a murmur, especially in small and medium breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
How we manage it: Medication to slow progression and control fluid build-up, with home breathing-rate monitoring and regular rechecks.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
The heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges, often with an irregular rhythm. Common in large breeds such as Dobermanns, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, and linked to some diets. Dogs may show no signs until it is advanced.
How we manage it: Heart ultrasound and chest X-rays to diagnose and stage it, medication to support the heart and control rhythm and fluid, a diet review, and regular rechecks. Screening is worthwhile for at-risk breeds.
Heart disease in cats
Usually hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens. Cats often show no signs until it’s advanced.
How we manage it: Medication, monitoring and advice on recognising breathing problems and emergencies early.
Chronic kidney disease
Gradual loss of kidney function, especially in older cats. Signs include thirst, weight loss and poor appetite.
How we manage it: Kidney diet, fluids where needed, blood pressure checks and medication, with regular blood and urine tests.
Skin & ears
Itchy skin and recurring ear problems are among the most common reasons pets visit us. Carolyn Bermingham has a particular interest in dermatology.
Allergies & atopic dermatitis
Itching, licking, red skin and recurring infections caused by environmental or food allergies.
How we manage it: Identifying the cause through investigation and diet trials, then long-term itch control and skin care.
Chronic ear disease
Recurring ear infections, often linked to allergies or ear shape.
How we manage it: Cleaning, targeted treatment based on ear samples, and managing the underlying cause to stop flare-ups.
Autoimmune & nutritional skin disease
Less common conditions such as discoid lupus (DLE) and zinc-responsive dermatosis.
How we manage it: Diagnosis by biopsy and histology, then tailored long-term treatment.
Joints & mobility
Keeping older and arthritic pets comfortable and active.
Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness, very common in older dogs and cats and often missed in cats.
How we manage it: Pain relief including monthly Librela or Solensia injections, anti-inflammatories, weight control and exercise plans.
Weight management
Excess weight worsens arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, and shortens life.
How we manage it: A realistic diet and weigh-in plan, with regular checks to keep progress on track.
Senior pet care
Older pets benefit from catching problems early.
How we manage it: Regular senior health checks with blood, urine and blood pressure screening.
Gut, liver & pancreas
Long-term digestive problems that need careful diagnosis and diet management.
Chronic enteropathy / IBD
Long-standing vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss caused by inflammation of the gut.
How we manage it: Diagnostic work-up, diet trials, and medication where needed.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas causing vomiting, pain and poor appetite. It can flare repeatedly.
How we manage it: Treatment of flare-ups and a long-term low-fat diet plan to reduce recurrence.
Liver disease
Problems with liver function, often found on routine blood tests.
How we manage it: Investigation, liver-support diet and medication, with regular blood monitoring.
Brain, bladder & eyes
Other conditions that need ongoing treatment and monitoring.
Epilepsy
Recurrent seizures with no other underlying cause.
How we manage it: Anti-seizure medication with blood level monitoring and a seizure diary at home.
Urinary problems
Cystitis and bladder problems in cats, urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs, and recurring bladder stones.
How we manage it: Diet, medication and stress management, with urine tests to monitor progress.
Dry eye (KCS)
Reduced tear production causing sore, sticky, red eyes.
How we manage it: Lifelong eye drops to stimulate tears, with regular tear tests.
Competitive pricing on long-term care
Chronic conditions mean ongoing costs. We keep long-term care affordable with competitively priced care plans covering the rechecks, monitoring tests and medication your pet needs.
Ask us for a quoteWorried about a long-term condition?
Call us to book a consultation and we’ll examine your pet, explain the diagnosis and agree a plan with you.