Pennine Veterinary Referrals

14/10/2026

For referring vets: not every luxating patella needs surgery, but some need it sooner than you might think.

Surgery is indicated if there is:
• Grade III and IV luxations
• Grade II with persistent or recurrent lameness
• Young, growing dogs, where luxation can drive progressive limb deformity
• Large breeds and lateral luxations
• Dogs with concurrent cruciate disease
• Revisions or cases not progressing after previous surgery

Where angular or torsional deformity is suspected, we use CT to plan correction precisely.

Our MPL surgery is fixed price and covered by our complication guarantee, which makes the conversation with clients easier.

Refer on 01748 343 381, [email protected] or penninereferrals.com/refer-a-pet-form

12/10/2026

Watching your pet have a seizure is frightening. Knowing what to do helps you and them.

During a seizure:
1. Stay calm and keep your hands away from their mouth. They are unlikely to swallow their tongue.
2. Move furniture and other pets away so they can't hurt themselves.
3. Note the time it starts and stops.
4. Film it on your phone if you can. A video is one of the most useful things a neurologist can see.

Call your vet straight away if a seizure lasts more than 2 minutes, if your pet has several in a day, or if they don't recover between them.

Our neurology service uses an on-site 1.5 Tesla MRI to find the cause, from epilepsy to inflammation of the brain. Ask your vet about a referral if your pet has had a seizure.

12/10/2026

🐾 Rocky's Lucky Escape! 🐾

What started as a normal day out very nearly ended in tragedy for Rocky.

Whilst running with a stick, Rocky accidentally impaled himself. The stick entered beneath his tongue, travelled through his neck and extended into the thoracic inlet, the area where the neck meets the chest.

Despite the dramatic injury, Rocky was incredibly fortunate. The stick narrowly missed several vital structures, including the carotid arteries, jugular veins, trachea (windpipe), oesophagus (food pipe), major nerves, and the large blood vessels supplying the heart and lungs.

Following advanced imaging (stick marked in Green) and careful surgery with specialist Surgeon Jonathan Bell, the stick was successfully removed, and we're delighted to report that Rocky is recovering well.

This case serves as an important reminder that stick injuries should never be underestimated. What may appear to be a small wound can conceal significant damage beneath the surface. If your dog suffers any injury involving a stick, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.

We're all rooting for you, Rocky! ❤️🐶

09/10/2026

Does your Frenchie, pug or bulldog snore, snort or struggle on warm days? Noisy breathing is common in flat-faced breeds, but it is not normal.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) means the nostrils, soft palate and throat are too narrow for easy breathing. Signs include:
• Loud breathing or snoring, even when awake
• Tiring quickly on walks
• Struggling in warm weather
• Restless sleep or sleeping sitting up
• Gagging, regurgitation or vomiting

Surgery to open the airway can transform their quality of life. Our BOAS surgery is a fixed-price package, so you know the full cost up front.

Worried about your dog's breathing? Ask your vet about a referral to Pennine Referrals.

07/10/2026

For referring vets: acute disc extrusion is one case where hours matter.

Please call us the same day if a dog with suspected IVDD:
• Can no longer walk unaided
• Is deteriorating despite rest and analgesia
• Has reduced or absent deep pain perception
• Has had repeated episodes of back or neck pain

Our on-site Siemens 1.5T MRI means we can often scan and operate on the same day.

We send same-day reports and keep you updated throughout.

Refer by phone on 01748 343 381, by email to [email protected], or through the online form: penninereferrals.com/refer-a-pet-form

05/10/2026

Is your dog suddenly limping on a back leg after a run or a jump? 🐕 Cruciate ligament disease is one of the most common causes of hind-leg lameness we see in dogs.

Signs to look out for:
• Limping or toe-touching on a back leg, often after exercise
• Sitting with one back leg stuck out to the side
• Stiffness getting up after rest
• Muscle loss on one thigh

Unlike in people, the ligament usually wears out gradually, so a "sudden" injury often has a longer story behind it. Many dogs go on to damage the other knee too.

The good news: surgery such as TPLO gives most dogs an excellent return to normal walks and play. At Pennine Referrals our TPLO is fixed price and covered by our complication guarantee.

If your dog is limping for more than a few days, speak to your vet and ask about a referral to us.

17/09/2026

Meet Bluebell. She came to us with a femoral fracture malunion, leaving her leg twisted and unable to function normally.
Surgery has now straightened the femur and restored proper alignment, giving her the chance to walk, run, and enjoy life the way she should.
So proud of her progress — and excited for her future.

16/09/2026

Next week! There’s still time to register 🔗 Link is in the comments ⬇️

📣 We are hosting another exciting CPD Supper Club! 📣

On Tuesday 22nd September, it will include a lecture covering the following subject:

A Practical Approach to Neck Pain
by Hana Gunovska MVDr MRCVS Clinician in Veterinary Neurology

⭐️ What can be managed in general practice
⭐️ Recognising neck pain
⭐️ Working through differentials
⭐️ Identifying neurological red flags
⭐️ Knowing when to refer

The lecture will last one and a half hours. All attendees will receive one and a half hours of CPD certification.

7.00pm - Hot Supper and Beverages
7.30pm to 9.00pm - Lecture

🔗 Link to sign up in the comments!