Karl, our Cardiologist, is one of the only vets in the North East accredited to carry out breed heart screening in dogs via Echocardiogram – offering expert care to help protect future generations. Karl sees many different heart conditions — some that dogs acquire as they age, and others they are born with (congenital). Acquired conditions can sometimes be caused by other diseases or infections, but many have a genetic component, just as most congenital heart diseases do. When a disease has a genetic component, it can be passed on to future generations, perpetuating the problem. Naturally, we want puppies…

What are glucocorticoids?  Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones naturally produced by the adrenal cortex but can also be given as medications e.g. Prednisolone and dexamethasone. How do they affect lymphoma? Glucocorticoids help destroy lymphoma cells in dogs and cats primarily through inducing apoptosis— a form of programmed cell death — especially in lymphoid cells, including B and T lymphocytes. There are several mechanisms by which they destroy lymphoma cells: Binding to Glucocorticoid Receptors Glucocorticoids enter lymphoma cells and bind to cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). This complex moves into the nucleus and affects gene transcription. Altered Gene Expression They upregulate pro-apoptotic genes…

  The handsome Cruz Cruz presented to our orthopaedic department after becoming acutely non–weight-bearing lame on his right forelimb. A CT scan of the forelimb confirmed a lateral condylar fracture, along with a non-displaced medial condylar fissure (a break on the outer part of the elbow joint—and a small crack on the inner side). Image on the left shows the fissure line through the medial epicondyle (red arrows) and the extensive epicondylar remodelling (blue arrows). Image on the right is a 3D CT reconstruction of the lateral condylar fracture. Surgical repair involved making an incision over the outer aspect of…

At Bridge Referrals, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By bringing together experts from different disciplines, we’re able to offer truly comprehensive care — especially in complex cases that require more than one area of expertise. In this blog, we’re sharing the journey of Jasper, a much-loved patient who recently benefited from our unique multidisciplinary approach. With the combined knowledge and skill of our ophthalmology, oncology, and soft tissue surgery teams, Jasper received a tailored treatment plan that not only targeted a serious condition but also gave him the best chance of keeping his eye — and…

Janette recently joined the Bridge Referrals team as our lead anaesthesia nurse. She brings with her a wealth of experience and will be working to ensure that our patients receive the most up-to-date care during their anaesthesia, as well as providing advanced pain relief techniques. Janette Bailey Woods RVN, NCert (Anaesthesia & ECC), VTS (Anaesthesia & Analgesia) Janette qualified as a RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) in 2001 and initially worked in mixed animal practice in Cumbria for 15 years. Between 2013 and 2025 she worked in two large referral hospitals, during which time she gained a certificate in Emergency &…