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With the development of specialist qualifications there is now much more opportunity to refer patients to vets who specialise in certain fields of diagnosis and treatment, much as happens with humans. Ron tends to refer difficult eye cases to a specialist in Leeds and orthopaedics (bone and joint problems) to a specialist in Halifax. He will always suggest referral if he feels a case would be best served by specialist attention, but cost and transport problems may prevent some owners from managing to get to specialists. Insurance makes it affordable. There may be situations where pet owners would like to see a specialist but he has not suggested it: it is perfectly acceptable to ask if you feel this yourself. All specialists will require that patients are referred by their own vet, so Ron must contact the specialist first.
Ron offers a referral consultancy for pet cancer patients, the only one in the North-east of England.
click here to closeRon qualified in 1970 and has spent most of the last 30 years in small animal practice. He came to Knaresborough in 1987. In 1989 he started Knaresborough Pet Day, which is an annual charity pet show held in the town in May.
Over the years he has become especially interested in veterinary oncology (the treatment of tumours) and cardiology (the treatment of heart disease).
In October 2000 Ron organised a meeting to found the British Veterinary Oncology Study Group. This group will meet twice a year to share expertise in the treatment of cancer in animals. Most of the specialists in the country have expressed an interest as well as about 20 vets from practices as far afield as Aberdeen and Somerset. In November 2000 Ron was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society. Having been a founder member and Secretary for several years in its early days, the Society presented him with this honour at its 25th Anniversary meeting.
As a general practitioner he treats most things himself and has built up a fairly complete set of diagnostic equipment (see facilities page). There are certain types of case which may be best served by referral to a consultant outside the practice.
Go to top of pageGill started in October 2003. Her background is in catering, but she is making a new career in animal care. She has a Golden Retriever and a Dalmatian.
Kate began in June 2004. She is the proud owner of a St Bernard. She ran in the 2005 London Marathon. In August 2006 she went on maternity leave. Emma has replaced her on a part-time basis.
Both nurses are undergoing nutritional training using the Hill's Petfoods scheme.
Jenny is practice manager and keeps the place working. She is also available for grief counselling (as are all members of the team). She is co-owner (with her daughter) of Charlie.
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