Pet owners
Every animal friend deserves the best chance we can give them of a pain-free quality of life, but we will never advise treatment just because it is possible, only if it is right for them at that moment in time.
Welcome to the Fitzpatrick family
Every patient who comes through our doors will be treated with the same love and respect as if it were our own family member. We help families understand the role they can play in choosing the right treatment for their animal companions, even before they are referred to a specialist.
When you do come to us, you are part of every step in your animal companion’s journey.
Your visit
All veterinary treatment can be a difficult time for both animal and family. We strive to make the experience as seamless, comfortable, and reassuring as possible for all concerned.
How to be referred?
If you and your primary care vet feel that your pet has a condition which is beyond the scope or expertise of what can reasonably be achieved in general practice, then a referral to a specialist is appropriate.
Referral by primary care vet
A referral can only be made by your primary care vet, who will provide us with all the medical information we require in order to treat your pet and discuss the possible solutions with you when an appointment has been made.
Further information
You will find some useful information about your time at Fitzpatrick Referrals below and some handy suggestions for local places to stay or eat, but do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you have.
Payment options
We are determined to deliver the best for every animal and their family. That does not make us exclusive, expensive, or elite. Our fees reflect the quality of our service and our expertise and are comparable to other practices.
Repeat prescriptions
Find out more about our prescription services.
Local places
In preparation for your visit to Fitzpatrick Referrals, here are our suggestions for places to stay and eat in the local area.
ENVIRONMENT OF HEALING
Our facilities
Advanced diagnostic imaging
Advanced imaging
Most of the patients we admit require some sort of imaging procedure, be it radiography or advanced diagnostic imaging e.g. MRI or CT. Our state-of-the-art CT and MRI scanners enable swift, accurate and detailed imaging; facilitating early diagnosis of both routine and potentially life-threatening conditions, minimising patient trauma and optimising recovery. By providing this easily accessible and advanced facility, our patients can be treated much more quickly.
Advanced imaging
Most of the patients we admit require some sort of imaging procedure, be it radiography or advanced diagnostic imaging e.g. MRI or CT. Our state-of-the-art CT and MRI scanners enable swift, accurate and detailed imaging; facilitating early diagnosis of both routine and potentially life-threatening conditions, minimising patient trauma and optimising recovery. By providing this easily accessible and advanced facility, our patients can be treated much more quickly.
Seven state-of-the-art theatre suites
Seven state-of-the-art theatre suites
We have seven theatre suites fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and patient monitoring facilities. We have advanced arthroscopy equipment that allows us to look directly inside the patient’s joints and treat problems in a minimally invasive fashion which massively decreases recovery time.
Seven state-of-the-art theatre suites
We have seven theatre suites fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and patient monitoring facilities. We have advanced arthroscopy equipment that allows us to look directly inside the patient’s joints and treat problems in a minimally invasive fashion which massively decreases recovery time.
No-bars wards
Wards
Our hospital features six specialised wards: three large dog wards, a cat ward, an ICU ward, a recovery ward, and two isolation areas, each designed to provide a safe, calm, and healing environment for every patient. Our dedicated team provides round-the-clock care, tending to each patient’s individual needs to support them throughout their recovery.
We follow a ‘no bars’ approach in our wards, using glass-door kennels that give our patients a wide, calming view of their surroundings, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable while in our care. Each kennel has a dedicated space for medications and notes, and a quick-reference daily guide is updated on the glass each morning, ensuring continuity of care and clear communication across our team.
Wards
Our hospital features six specialised wards: three large dog wards, a cat ward, an ICU ward, a recovery ward, and two isolation areas, each designed to provide a safe, calm, and healing environment for every patient. Our dedicated team provides round-the-clock care, tending to each patient’s individual needs to support them throughout their recovery.
We follow a ‘no bars’ approach in our wards, using glass-door kennels that give our patients a wide, calming view of their surroundings, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable while in our care. Each kennel has a dedicated space for medications and notes, and a quick-reference daily guide is updated on the glass each morning, ensuring continuity of care and clear communication across our team.
Rehabilitation with hydrotherapy
Rehabilitation with hydrotherapy
Fitzpatrick Referrals’ state-of-the-art rehabilitation and hydrotherapy centre is one of only a few in the UK with an in-house team of chartered physiotherapists providing care for both in-patients and outpatients. We also have a dedicated team of hydrotherapists and collectively work closely with the clinical team and specialists at our referral centre to support of each patient’s recovery with tailored programmes.
Our facilities include a hydrotherapy pool and underwater treadmill, a range of physiotherapy gym equipment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Class IV laser therapy, an outdoor exercise arena, and veterinary acupuncture.
Rehabilitation with hydrotherapy
Fitzpatrick Referrals’ state-of-the-art rehabilitation and hydrotherapy centre is one of only a few in the UK with an in-house team of chartered physiotherapists providing care for both in-patients and outpatients. We also have a dedicated team of hydrotherapists and collectively work closely with the clinical team and specialists at our referral centre to support of each patient’s recovery with tailored programmes.
Our facilities include a hydrotherapy pool and underwater treadmill, a range of physiotherapy gym equipment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Class IV laser therapy, an outdoor exercise arena, and veterinary acupuncture.
Thanks to the dedication of everyone at Fitzpatrick Referrals, Ralphie’s quality of life is now second to none.
Cat blood bank
Could your cat be the lifeline one of our feline patients needs by donating blood in an emergency?
Due to our usual feline blood supplier closing and a shortage of cat blood in Europe, Fitzpatrick Referrals is building a register of local cats we can call on to donate blood in an emergency situation.
CASE STUDIES
Latest patient stories
Our stories give an insight into some of our patients and their journey while having treatment at Fitzpatrick Referrals.
PATIENT STORY
Luna’s skull fracture repair
PATIENT STORY
Truffle’s intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
PATIENT STORY
Grace’s ankle fusions
PATIENT STORY
Eddie’s fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
PATIENT STORY
Dougie & Milly’s identical back problems
PATIENT STORY
Pichu’s split paw (ectrodactyly)
PATIENT STORY
Boe’s elbow replacement
PATIENT STORY
Barney’s partially ruptured cranial cruciate ligament
PATIENT STORY
Archie’s atlantoaxial subluxation
PATIENT STORY
Bonnie’s custom hip surgery
Explore veterinary glossary
Unfamiliar with your veterinarian’s terminology? Look no further than our Veterinary glossary! Explore our vast collection of frequently used veterinary terms, accompanied by concise and easily understandable explanations. It’s the perfect resource to help you decode and make sense of the jargon used by your vet.
QUESTIONS
FAQs
Here are some of the common questions we receive at Fitzpatrick Referrals – if your question is not answered, please get in touch and we will be happy to help!
Can I contact Fitzpatrick Referrals directly to treat my pet?
No, referrals can only be arranged through your veterinary surgeon and we are unable to accept a referral directly from members of the public or to give advice to pet owners on cases that have not been referred to us for review or treatment.
If you feel that your animal friend might benefit from a specialist opinion then you should contact your own veterinary surgeon/practice who can help you arrange a referral. It may be that your vet feels referral is not necessary, but this does not mean that we cannot be of help to your primary care vet and you as we offer an advice service to veterinary surgeons as well as radiograph reporting and case reviews.
I have an appointment booked. Can I choose who I see?
Due to the number of referrals we deal with on a weekly basis, we are unable to guarantee exactly which clinician you will see. All cases are triaged and organised according to severity of the case, which will also dictate who the most suitable clinician is to treat your animal friend. Please be assured that all our specialists are world-class in their speciality and all our clinicians work collaboratively, so though you may only see one clinician, most patients will benefit from the skill and knowledge of multiple practitioners.