The Downs Veterinary Practice

The Downs Veterinary Practice is set up for cases that need advanced diagnostics and rapid intervention, with owners frequently mentioning referral MRI scans and same-day surgery for acute spinal problems. The clinic is also listed as providing emergency veterinary services and as a veterinary nurse training facility. Recent reviews also highlight clear communication, supportive aftercare, and a calm approach with anxious dogs as well as routine cat appointments.

Services

•Emergency and referral care: The practice is listed as providing emergency veterinary services, and recent owners describe being seen quickly after referral for sudden loss of mobility and other urgent concerns.
•Advanced diagnostics: MRI scans are specifically mentioned for suspected slipped discs and for seizure investigations.
•Surgery: Several owners describe same-day spinal surgery after MRI confirmation of disc problems, with pets discharged the following day.
•Post-operative support: Reviews mention progress updates while pets are in hospital, followed by practical guidance on rehabilitation and medication after discharge.
•Neurology-related case work described by owners: Examples include seizure investigations, discussion of scan findings, and a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy after MRI ruled out a brain tumour.
•Handling nervous pets and general pet care: Owners mention thoughtful adjustments for a rescue dog that found vet visits difficult, and gentle, informative care for cats.
•Training role: The practice is listed as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Pricing

No published pricing information is currently available for this clinic.

People

•Damien (vet): Repeatedly praised for seeing referred cases quickly, explaining options clearly, discussing scan results, and carrying out same-day surgery for dogs with mobility loss.
•Jenny (vet): Mentioned positively for explaining MRI results and the diagnosis clearly during a seizure investigation.
•Penny (staff member, role not stated): Credited with patience and practical adjustments that helped a nervous rescue dog cope better with visits.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.7 stars from 106 reviews.

•Strong feedback on urgent referral care: Several owners describe being advised to come in quickly, getting prompt appointments after deterioration, and having MRI and surgery completed on the same day.
•Clear communication around diagnosis and treatment: Reviews often mention vets explaining scan findings, options, next steps, and discharge instructions in a thorough, reassuring way.
•Caring support before and after treatment: Owners highlight progress updates during hospital stays, helpful answers to follow-up questions, and good rehabilitation guidance after surgery.
•Kind handling of pets and owners: Recent comments praise the team’s patience with anxious or difficult dogs, gentle care with cats, and supportive manner during stressful situations.

Reviews for The Downs Veterinary Practice

Note: Showing the 10 most recent Google reviews out of 106 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Kieran Hickman

3 months ago

So we got recommended Downs / Damian by a friend when our Dachshund (Dash) back legs went. Our local vets set up the referral then Downs rang us, we explained the symptoms and they said get him here asap. He had an MRI in the morning which showed 2 slipped discs, they operated on him in the afternoon and we had him back the next day (albeit drowsy and unable to move). The staff were great, they explained thoroughly how to give Dash rehab and his medication, Damian was awesome with my very stressed out partner who was besides herself and the practice has been on hand with any questions afterwards.... there a hard few weeks / months ahead with rehab but he's already standing after 7 days which is such a relief! Great vets, cant thank them enough.

Janine McManus

Beth Baker

4 months ago

Got referred to Damien after I took my dog to my vets due to him struggling to walk, Damien saw him that same day explained all the options to me very clearly and performed the surgery all on the same day, we are only 1 week post op now but I have to say Damien and all the team at The Downs did such an amazing job taking care of my dog before, during and after his surgery they kept me up to date with all his progress and I could rest knowing he was in good care. Thank you so much to all of you!

Lucy Clarinettist

8 months ago

Always helpful and thoughtful staff welcome us. The vets have always been friendly, informative and gentle with our kitties! Highly recommend this vet.

Mark Willcox

9 months ago

Great vets

Neil Yarde

10 months ago

Although the outcome in the end was an extremely sad one for us as a family we can not thank the Practice enough for their care and efforts in trying to help our beautiful dog Buster. We drove down from South Wales after a referral and it was well worth the journey. All of the team are fantastic. Thank you.

Jessica Bartlett

11 months ago

I cannot recommend the Downs vets highly enough. We were first referred to them a few years ago when one of our dachshunds needed surgery. All of the team were excellent and she made a full recovery. Unfortunately, she recently lost the use of her legs and we knew straight away where we needed to take her. It was a Sunday afternoon but we managed to get an appointment for Monday morning. Damien was brilliant with her and following a scan he phoned us to discuss options and next steps. She was taken in to surgery that afternoon and we were able to pick her up the following day. All of the team were amazing and nothing was too much trouble when it came to questions and you could just tell that every one of them genuinely cared. Just over 6 weeks on and she is doing brilliantly. We really can't thank Damien and the team highly enough. Thank you all so much! xxx

Ellen Phillips

1 year ago

Super team, exceptionally patient and caring with my dog. He is a rescue and historically been very difficult at the vets but with time and Penny and the team's expertise he's much better now. The adaptations and help provided has meant we've still managed to get the best care for our dog without overwhelming him. The whole team are friendly and helpful. Best vets ever! ❤️

C B

We visited The Downs Veterinary Practice today after a referral from our local vets. Our 4 year old lab, Winston, has been having seizures and we were advised to get an MRI scan. We chose this vets because of how knowledgeable and kind they were on the initial telephone call, and when we got there, everything went smoothly. The staff were just as kind and caring as they had been previously and they looked after Winston so well! I'm a needy pet owner (they are my babies) and nothing was too much trouble! Jenny, the vet explained everything to us and luckily Winston is free of tumours on his brain so has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. The reception and back office staff were also lovely, provided us with information, and even sent him home with special food! You can really tell they love animals at this practice and I would recommend them to anyone! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐