01254 53622(24 hour emergency)

What To Do With A Poorly Animal When We Are Closed

sick dog on white background

The veterinary world is changing rapidly, with big corporate companies buying up veterinary practices. This in turn is affecting how practices provide "Out Of Hours" emergency services.

Here in the Blackburn area, ourselves and Springfield are now the only remaining independent practices, all the others are now owned by corporate companies. This means we have had to change our emergency cover as Oakmount in Burnley (who used to provide this service) have now also joined the corporate group IVC.

As such, we have returned to using the service provided by Armac in Bury. 

Please familiarise yourself with what to do in the event of an emergency and the location of these services should you need them.

If you have an urgent medical problem but feel that it can wait until we are open, then please just turn up at the surgery without making an appointment at 8.30am on Monday - Saturday. We will see your pet as soon as we can.

If you have an emergency or a medical issue which can't wait until our practice is open, we advise you to contact Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice in Bury (approx. 25 minutes drive from our practice). They will give advice or ask you to bring your pet to them.

We advise all our clients to familiarise themselves with the location of Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice, to reduce anxiety or stress should you ever need to access this service. If you do visit Armac out-of-hours please contact us first thing the following day to let us know, so that we can liaise with them to ensure the best treatment for your pet.

Why do we use and recommend Armac?

 Along with other vets in Blackburn, we consider Armac can provide a much higher level of emergency service during out-of-hours. Armac is a fully staffed night service with vets and nurses specifically trained in emergency care. They have all the facilities needed to deal with emergencies during the night, bank holidays and weekends.

We pay Armac daily for them to be available for any help you require - you pay Armac only when you use their services, which can be claimed for on your pet's insurance. Phone advice is free of charge.

We understand that you may prefer to take advantage of a nearer veterinary practice for your emergency treatment, but please be aware that you are under no obligation for your pet to remain with them or to return for a follow-up appointment. You are welcome to see us at Daisy Street Veterinary Centre the following working day if you wish us to continue your pet’s treatment.

If you cannot get your pet to Armac in Bury please ask them to direct you to our back-up arrangement (we participate in a rota of local vets) if a visit is necessary. However, please be aware that they may not be equipped to deal with your emergency as effectively as Armac.

Click here for direct link to Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice website

Avoiding Emergencies

Most medical issues can be dealt with during our opening hours before it escalates into an emergency.
If you have any concerns over your pet’s health or wellbeing during the course of the day please contact us for advice or reassurance.

Why does Daisy Street Veterinary Centre use Armac instead of doing the emergency work themselves?

We would love nothing more than to provide the Blackburn area with a fully staffed 24 hour emergency service like Armac. Unfortunately, to enable us to provide and sustain an out-of-hours service for this relatively small local area, we would have to charge around £350 per consultation, which we feel to be an unacceptable amount of money.

Veterinary medicine has come a long way in the last 20 years and a tired vet, working at night on their own is no longer acceptable. European working regulations only allow people to work a certain number of hours, meaning we would need to employ an additional two to three vets and four nurses to run this service. To make it an affordable and sustainable service we would require the out-of-hours work from 25 local vets. 

How to transport your sick or injured pet to the vet

  • Try to keep calm.
  • Contact Daisy Street Veterinary Centre on 01254 53622 or outside practice hours contact Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice 0161 764 46 to obtain first aid advice. This also allows preparation for your arrival should your pet need to be seen.
  • Keep your pet warm (unless you suspect heatstroke), as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum to prevent further injury.
  • Be careful when moving pets who are in discomfort. Even the frendliest animals may try to bite or scratch when in pain.
  • If the pet is small enough, try to transport them in a suitable container such as a cat basket, cardboard box or plastic storage container.
  • If you have a large dog that is unable to walk, use a blanket or thick towel as a stretcher. Do not use a stretcher if the dog is resisting it or struggling as further injuries may be sustained. If the dog is only unable to use its back legs, a towel can be used as a sling under its abdomen to take the dog’s weight and assist it to walk.

F.A.Q's

What can I do if my pet needs medical attention and I can't get to Bury?

If you have an urgent medical problem but feel that it can wait until 8.30am then please just turn up at the surgery without making an appointment at 8.30am on Monday - Saturday. We will see your pet as soon as we can. If you have an emergency or a medical issue which can't wait until our practice is open, you can ring Armac 24/7 for advice - this service is free of charge. If your pet needs to be seen urgently and you cannot get your pet to Bury please ask them to direct you to the local practice on call but please be aware that they may not be equipped to deal with your emergency as effectively as Armac can.

How far is it to Armac?

Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice is just a 25 minute drive from our practice.

How do I contact Armac in an emergency?

Armac's direct number is 0161 764 4618. If you ring Daisy Street Veterinary Centre on the usual number -01254 53622, our answer machine message will give also give you the number.

How do I get there?

Directions to The Armac Emergency Veterinary Practice, 147 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND. Phone: 0161 764 4618

Park on the Armac parking bays outside surgery.

If parking is difficult ask for assistance inside Armac.

If you would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact us on 01254 53622, we are always happy to answer any queries you may have.

24th June 2018, 8:46
Page updated 24th Jun 2018, 08:47
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