Specialist Vets in Bristol

## Summary Fernlea Veterinary Clinic is described by reviewers as a practice that can handle thorough diagnostic work-ups (one owner reports “unusual symptoms” were examined comprehensively, diagnosed quickly, and the treatment plan was explained and agreed). It’s also explicitly listed as a **Veterinary Nurse Training facility**. Owners repeatedly mention clear communication (explaining a “path forward”) and support during difficult visits, including help with **euthanasia** for a long-term pet. There are also isolated negative reports: one owner describes a vet as rude/unprofessional during an appointment, and another highlights frustration about inaccurate/unclear opening-hours information. ## Services - **Veterinary Nurse Training facility** (explicitly stated in the clinic data). - **General consultations and diagnostic assessment**: a “comprehensive examination” with quick diagnosis and an agreed plan is described in recent reviews. - **End-of-life care/euthanasia**: one owner describes being supported through putting their dog down. - **Surgical/major treatment** (as described by an owner): one review references a dog adapting to “pain free, 3-legged life,” implying limb amputation was part of their care (the procedure itself isn’t detailed). ## People - Reviews refer to the wider team (“reception to nurses to vets”) being involved over time, with owners valuing: - **Clear explanations and shared decision-making** (diagnosis and “path forward” explained and agreed). - **Quality-of-life focus** during serious illness and longer-term management (“always putting [the dog] and his quality of life first”). - **Supportive handling of euthanasia** for a long-term pet. - Not all experiences are positive: one reviewer reports a **rude/unprofessional interaction** with a vet and said they wouldn’t return after that visit. ## Reviews **4.7 stars from 208 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Thorough assessment + clear plan:** owners describe comprehensive examinations, quick diagnosis, and the vet explaining options clearly before agreeing next steps. - **Support during end-of-life decisions:** one owner highlights staff support when euthanising a pet, describing it as making an extremely hard experience more manageable. - **Long-term care for complex cases:** one owner credits the team with preserving quality of life and “precious extra time,” including adapting well after becoming three-legged. - **Conflicting experiences with bedside manner:** alongside praise, one owner reports a vet being rude/unprofessional. - **Practical communication issue raised:** one reviewer complains about inaccurate/unclear opening-hours information being displayed.

## Summary Rowe Veterinary Group is a multi-branch veterinary group that describes itself as providing first-opinion care for dogs, cats, small furries, birds and exotic animals. It also states it has access to a 24-hour hospital and an MRI facility within the wider group, which shows up in reviews where advanced diagnostics (MRI and blood tests) were arranged promptly for a very unwell dog. From the latest reviews available, owners most often mention: - being seen quickly for urgent problems (including an appointment “within half hour” after a dog’s fall), - clear explanations and close monitoring during ongoing treatment (including repeat visits and follow-ups), - treatment pathways that included biopsies, antibiotics, pain relief injections, and ongoing steroids with regular rechecks. The practice is also listed as a veterinary nurse training facility. ## Services Based on the website summary and the written reviews available, Rowe Veterinary Group is referenced as offering/providing: - **First-opinion veterinary care** for dogs, cats, small furries, birds and exotic animals (as stated by the group). - **24-hour hospital access** via the wider group (as stated by the group), with reviews describing hospital-based care over multiple days. - **MRI diagnostics** available within the group (as stated by the group), with a review describing MRI arranged for the next day alongside blood tests. - **Investigations and medical treatment**, including: - biopsies and antibiotics for a cat’s infected foot following a bite, - pain relief injection after a dog’s leg injury/fall, - blood tests and ongoing steroid treatment with regular check-ups mentioned by one owner. ## Pricing - One reviewer reports a **free first appointment** when registering a pet (mentioned in an older review). ## People - **Jo (vet)**: mentioned in relation to a cat’s infected foot case involving multiple visits, biopsies and antibiotics; the owner highlights that Jo explained things in detail and “kept a close eye” on progress. - **Charles (vet)**: mentioned in a case involving a very sick dog; the owner says Charles arranged MRI and blood tests for the next day and has remained supportive through ongoing steroid treatment and regular rechecks. - **Robyn**: mentioned during a first appointment/check when registering pets; the owner describes receiving lots of information (including what to watch for with older dogs) and getting questions answered. ## Reviews **4.7 stars from 204 reviews.** The themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Speed for urgent issues**: one owner reports being seen within half an hour after contacting the practice about a dog’s sudden leg injury, followed by pain relief and advice. - **Diagnostics and ongoing care plans**: reviews describe MRI and blood tests arranged quickly via the group’s hospital, multi-day treatment, follow-up medication, and continued steroid treatment with regular (4‑weekly) checks. - **Step-by-step treatment for infections**: one cat case describes repeated visits, biopsies and antibiotics leading to resolution of a serious foot infection. - **Communication and support**: owners repeatedly mention detailed explanations from vets and helpful reception staff over the course of treatment.

## Summary Highcroft Veterinary Group Whitchurch Veterinary Hospital operates as part of the Highcroft Veterinary Group, with an on-site out-of-hours service branded as MiNightVet Bristol. Based on its website, it’s set up as a small-animal hospital with in-house diagnostics (lab, X‑ray, ultrasound) and multiple referral services (including cardiology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and keyhole/laparoscopic surgery), alongside a dedicated exotics GP service. Owners most often mention exotics care (especially rabbits and guinea pigs), surgical cases, and end-of-life support. Recent reviews include specific positives such as next-day scheduling for surgery after an initial consult (guinea pig abscess removal), detailed explanations from the vet team, and a bereavement follow-up letter with scanned paw prints. There are also serious negative accounts describing inflexible processes and, in one case, a complaint about inadequate aftercare/advice during an out-of-hours situation following an anal gland procedure. ## Services Services and capabilities mentioned on the clinic website and in reviews include: - **Consultations** (including exotics consultations mentioned in reviews) - **Exotics GP service**, with reviews specifically referencing **rabbits**, **guinea pigs**, and a **parrot** (necropsy enquiry) - **Surgery**, with reviews referencing: - **Guinea pig abscess removal** (scheduled for the next day after consultation) - **Puppy surgery** with post-op care discussed - **Anal gland procedure** (described by an owner as an operation to clean anal glands) - **Dentistry** - **Diagnostic tests & imaging** (website also lists **in-house lab**, **X‑ray**, **ultrasound**; a review references “scans” for a rabbit) - **Referral services**: cardiology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and **keyhole/laparoscopic surgery** - **Therapeutic laser therapy** - **Nurse clinics**, **six-month health checks**, **blood pressure checks** - **Vaccinations**, **microchipping**, **neutering**, **parasite control** - **Grooming & nail clipping**, **anal sac expression** - **Pet travel documentation (GB)** - **Home visits** - **Emergency/out-of-hours care**: stated on the website as **24-hour emergency and out-of-hours support** via **MiNightVet Bristol** (on-site dedicated emergency service). One review disputes the quality of out-of-hours care received in their case. ## Pricing - A necropsy was quoted at **£400** in one review (the reviewer notes this was “not even with samples sent off”). ## People Named staff mentioned in reviews: - **Sonya** (exotics/rabbits vet, role inferred from context): owners describe rabbit-focused investigations and scans that helped them make an informed end-of-life decision, including arranging euthanasia **at home** (as described by the reviewer). - **Carolize** (vet, role inferred from context): praised for explaining a guinea pig’s abscess removal plan “thoroughly” and for how the pet was handled during care. - **Hendie** (role not stated): mentioned in relation to a puppy’s surgery and post-op care being explained in an informative way. ## Reviews **4.5 stars from 323 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - **Strong exotics reputation in the reviews**, particularly for rabbits and guinea pigs (owners describe informative exotics vets, “scans,” and being able to investigate further than other practices). - **Clear communication and thorough explanations** are repeatedly mentioned (e.g., exotics consults described as informative and reassuring; surgery plans explained thoroughly). - **Aftercare and follow-up experiences are mixed**: some owners describe helpful post-op care, while one detailed review describes perceived inadequate aftercare/advice after an anal gland procedure and dissatisfaction with how their complaint was handled. - **Emergency/end-of-life support is frequently referenced**, including phone guidance during an emergency and being given time to say goodbye; one owner mentions receiving a **handwritten condolence letter with scanned paw prints**. - **Process and flexibility concerns appear in negative reviews**, including being “passed from one person to another” and rigid procedures. - **Pricing concerns appear in at least one review**, specifically around a necropsy quote.

## Summary Medivet Whitchurch Barclay Moore Partnership is part of the Medivet group. Based on the information available, it handles both routine care (e.g., nail/claw trims, microchipping) and ongoing medical monitoring (e.g., senior cat blood tests for thyroid/kidney levels), and it also states it provides 24/7 emergency care with an overnight consultation fee. Recent reviews include detailed praise for gentle handling (including taking time with nervous rescue dogs) and clear explanations during consults, alongside concerns from a small number of reviewers about cost for overnight care and one account alleging a lack of urgency/examination in a breathing-difficulty case with a poor outcome. Concrete specifics mentioned by owners include: - Nail/claw trims and “toe-nails done” visits described as calm and kind. - Microchipping for a nervous rescue dog, with the vet sitting on the floor to settle the dog beforehand. - Six‑monthly blood tests for an almost‑20‑year‑old cat’s thyroid and kidney monitoring, with a vet suggesting an additional full blood count via an external lab and promising a call when results arrived. - Overnight emergency pricing explicitly referenced in the clinic’s information (and also discussed in reviews). ## Services - **24/7 emergency care**, with an **overnight consultation fee** stated as applicable between **7pm and 9am** (see Pricing). - **Routine preventative care** mentioned in reviews: - **Microchipping**. - **Nail/claw trims** (“toe-nails done”, claws trimmed during a blood-test visit). - **Diagnostic monitoring and lab work** mentioned in reviews: - **Repeat blood tests** for thyroid and kidney level checks. - **Full blood count** recommended, with testing by an **outside agency** (as described by a reviewer). ## Pricing - **Overnight consultation fee:** **£130** for consultations between **7pm and 9am** (stated in clinic information). - One reviewer specifically described out-of-hours pricing as “absolutely ridiculous” despite good service at **2am** (no additional amounts given beyond the stated overnight fee). ## People - **Helen (vet)** is named in a detailed review: she identified weight loss during a routine weigh-in, suggested an expanded blood test plan (including an external full blood count), reassured the owner, and promised to call as soon as results were received. - Reviews repeatedly mention **reception staff** as friendly/helpful on first contact, and vets/nurses as gentle with nervous animals—examples include a vet sitting on the floor to comfort a scared rescue dog before microchipping, and staff describing a cat as a “perfect gentleman” after bloods and a claw trim. ## Reviews **Google rating:** 4.8 stars from 207 reviews. “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Gentle handling, especially with anxious pets:** a vet sat on the floor giving cuddles to a scared rescue dog before microchipping; nail/claw trim visits described as kind and “wonderful.” - **Communication and follow-through:** owners describe vets taking time to listen and explain; one review notes a promise to call promptly with blood-test results after recommending additional testing. - **Ongoing care for older pets:** one detailed account covers regular six‑monthly blood monitoring for an elderly cat, including attention to weight changes and adjusting the testing plan. - **Cost and urgency concerns exist alongside praise:** one reviewer felt overnight care was very expensive (despite “great” service), and another alleges inadequate urgency/examination in a respiratory case with a fatal outcome; these contrast with multiple recent 5‑star experiences.

## Summary Companion Care (Vets for Pets Abbeywood) describes itself as a **locally owned practice** that has been operating **since 2008**, with a **modern, fully equipped clinic** including **digital X‑ray, ultrasound, an in‑house laboratory and an on‑site pharmacy**. The website lists capabilities that go beyond routine consults—**surgery, imaging, anaesthesia, and emergency/critical care**—and notes **out‑of‑hours support is provided via Vets Now**. From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often mention **continuity (seeing the same vets over years)**, **reception and admin efficiency**, and small but meaningful touches such as **sending a sympathy card after a pet death**. A minority of reviews raise concerns about **consult value/handling of fearful dogs**, and an older review alleges a serious clinical error relating to **misread blood results** (presented as the reviewer’s account). ## Services Based on the clinic website summary and what reviewers describe, the practice offers: - **Routine health checks** - **Dental care** - **Surgery** (including reviews referencing surgery for an **exotic pet** with a lump; risks explained beforehand) - **Emergency and critical care** (with **out‑of‑hours care via Vets Now**, as stated on the website) - **Imaging** (website lists **digital X‑ray** and **ultrasound**) - **Anaesthesia** - **In-house lab testing** (in‑house laboratory listed) - **Pharmacy** (on‑site pharmacy listed) - **Species seen:** **dogs, cats, rabbits** (website), plus reviews indicating **small exotics** are also treated (e.g., **gerbil**, **hamster**) - Website-listed areas of interest/specialties include **dentistry, ophthalmology, neurology, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia, exotic pets, and emergency/critical care** - **Repeat prescription requests** via an **online form** (website) ## People - **Paul Guckian** (Veterinary Surgeon & Practice Owner) is listed on the website as a **joint owner** who has owned the practice since **2008**. - **Augustin** (vet; surname/role not specified beyond “vet” in the review): mentioned by name in a review about **gerbil surgery**, where the owner valued that the team was **explicit about risks** and **supported them through the process**. - Reviews also repeatedly mention **reception staff** being particularly helpful and efficient (e.g., praised as “first class” and “lovely and very helpful”). ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.5 stars from 423 reviews.** “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - **Continuity and rapport over time:** one owner notes they’ve seen “the same vets” for around **8 years**. - **Kindness around end-of-life:** a reviewer describes receiving a **sympathy card** after their hamster died. - **Clinic experience and front-desk support:** multiple reviews highlight **efficient service** and **notably helpful reception staff**; one mentions the clinic being **clean**. - **Exotic-pet care and surgical discussion:** a gerbil owner says the team could treat **exotics**, and appreciated **honest risk discussion** and support around surgery. - **Handling of fearful/reactive dogs can be inconsistent:** one reviewer reports a poor consult where they felt the vet did not help manage a **muzzled, fearful dog**, and that **sedation** was suggested to examine the dog (which the owner viewed as unnecessary/added cost). - **Serious complaint in an older review:** one reviewer alleges **blood results were misread** leading to incorrect medication and deterioration; they also report being referred out due to **staffing issues** (this is presented as the reviewer’s experience).