The Downs Veterinary Practice

The Downs Veterinary Practice is set up for cases that need advanced diagnostics and rapid intervention, with multiple reviews describing referral MRI scans and same-day surgery. The clinic is also listed as providing emergency veterinary services and as a veterinary nurse training facility.

Concrete examples owners mention include

•MRI in the morning followed by surgery the same afternoon for dogs with slipped discs and sudden loss of back-leg function, with discharge the next day.
•Clear, practical handover on rehabilitation and medication after surgery, plus being “on hand” for questions afterwards.
•MRI work-up for seizures, followed by a phone call to discuss results and options (including a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy when no tumour was found).
•Adaptations for a rescue dog that historically struggled at vets, helping the dog cope without being overwhelmed.

Services

Services and capabilities mentioned in the available information and reviews include

•Emergency veterinary services (listed by the clinic).
•Veterinary nurse training facility (listed by the clinic).
•Referral diagnostics: MRI scans are specifically mentioned for suspected spinal disc disease and for seizure investigation.
•Surgery: same-day spinal surgery for slipped discs is described in several reviews.
•Post-operative support: guidance on rehabilitation and medication; progress updates while pets are hospitalised.
•Neurology-style case management (as described by owners): seizure work-up leading to an idiopathic epilepsy diagnosis.

People

•Damien/Damian (vet, as referred to by reviewers): repeatedly described as seeing referred cases quickly (including same-day), explaining options clearly, and performing same-day surgery for dogs with mobility loss. One owner also highlights how he supported a very distressed family member during an emergency presentation.
•Jenny (vet, per review): described as explaining MRI results and the diagnosis clearly after a seizure investigation, and discussing next steps by phone.
•Penny (staff member, role not stated): credited with patience and practical adjustments for a nervous rescue dog, helping the dog tolerate vet visits over time.

Reviews

Google rating: 4.7 stars from 106 reviews. - Speed for urgent/referral cases: owners describe being told to come in “asap,” getting Monday-morning appointments after weekend deterioration, and having MRI + surgery completed the same day.

•Advanced diagnostics and outcomes discussed plainly: multiple accounts of MRI findings (e.g., two slipped discs; no brain tumour) and follow-up conversations about options and next steps.
•Strong peri-operative communication: progress updates during hospital stays and detailed instructions for rehab/medications at discharge.
•Handling stressed pets and owners: reviewers mention patience with anxious/difficult dogs and supportive communication with worried families.

Reviews for The Downs Veterinary Practice

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 106 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

Kieran Hickman

in the last week

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

a month 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

5 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.

2 months ago

Mark Willcox

6 months ago

Great vets

Neil Yarde

4 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

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

7 months 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

8 months ago

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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐