Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture is an established treatment that can support pain relief and recovery for a variety of conditions - especially those involving the joints, muscles, and chronic pain.
How It Works
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate natural healing responses. It works by:
- Releasing endorphins (natural painkillers)
- Reducing pain perception via nerve modulation
- Supporting physiological balance
When Is It Useful?
Acupuncture can be helpful when:
- Pain isn’t fully controlled with medication
- Drug side effects are an issue
- Other treatments haven’t been successful
What to Expect
- Sessions last around 20 minutes
- Most pets tolerate treatment well and may even relax or fall asleep
- Mild stiffness or sleepiness may follow, typically as a positive response
A typical course involves four sessions, with progress usually seen within this time.
Interested?
To learn more or refer a case, please call Sarah Colegrave on 01553 771457.
Dermatology
Our dermatology service is led by Alison Shearer, who visits the practice every three weeks. She accepts referrals for a wide range of dermatological and ear-related conditions.
Diagnostic & Treatment Services
- Full dermatological work-ups
- Hair and skin microscopy
- Cytology of ears and skin
- Intradermal allergy testing
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
- Skin biopsies
- Allergy clinic follow-ups
- Internal medicine support
Before Referral – Medication Withdrawal Guidelines
If possible, please follow the guidance below:
- Steroids – 1 month
- Antihistamines – 2 weeks
- Ear drops – 7–10 days
- Apoquel (Oclacitinib) – 2–4 weeks
- Antibiotics – 5–7 days
- Avoid bathing for 2 days pre-consult
Alison is happy to discuss difficult cases or offer advice in advance.
Emergency & Critical Care
Our experienced veterinary surgeons are available for emergency cases - often same day - with full intensive care facilities on-site. We also offer out-of-hours care in the same building, avoiding the need to transfer pets overnight.
Facilities include:
- State-of-the-art ICU equipment
- Separate cat and rabbit wards
- Large kennels for giant breeds
- Incubators and warm air beds
- Soft Vetbeds and one-to-one nursing care
- Calming pheromone diffusers throughout
We aim to provide a safe, comfortable environment for all patients, day or night.
Imaging & Diagnostics
We offer a full range of advanced imaging services available 24/7, with rapid turnaround and high-quality digital results.
Radiography
- Sedecal 300mA X-ray generator with automatic exposure control
- Digital CR system (Konica Regis HD) with PACS
- Dental X-ray unit with Durr digital processing
- Contrast study facilities
- Sedation/anaesthesia used where appropriate for comfort and accuracy
Ultrasound
- Two ATL 5000 Doppler ultrasound machines
- Sector, linear, and curvilinear probes for all sizes
- 2D and M-mode imaging
- Colour, pulse, and continuous Doppler
- Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy
Advanced Procedures
- Laparoscopic biopsies
- Laparoscopic spays, cryptorchid neuters, gastropexies
- Thoracoscopy
Imaging appointments can usually be arranged within one to two weeks of recommendation.
Internal Medicine
Our internal medicine referrals are supported by comprehensive on-site diagnostics and lab testing.
Diagnostics Include:
- Haematology & biochemistry
- Blood gases and electrolytes
- Clotting profiles
- Digital endoscopy
- Colour-flow Doppler ultrasound
- Digital x-ray
Biopsies
For ultrasound-guided or laparoscopic biopsies (e.g. liver), we must first ensure normal clotting function. Tests can be carried out at Mill House or by the referring vet prior to the appointment.
Laparoscopy
We offer laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery - a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery that offers faster recovery and less pain for pets.
Ideal for:
- Bitch spays
- Biopsies
- Retained testicle removal
- Gastropexy
Benefits:
- Small incisions = less discomfort
- Quicker recovery
- Lower risk of complications
A small additional cost applies due to the advanced equipment and expertise involved.
Clinical Insight:
“I’ve pioneered laparoscopy here to minimise discomfort for pets. Recovery is often faster, and the feedback from owners has been excellent.”
Dr Sarah Colegrave, MA VetMB BSAVA PGCertSAECC MRCVS
Clinical Director
Ophthalmology
We provide full ophthalmic assessment and treatment using advanced diagnostic equipment, including:
- Direct & indirect ophthalmoscopy
- Slit lamp examination
- Tonovet for intraocular pressure measurement
- Specialist surgical instruments and binocular operating loupes
Contact: For referrals or advice, please call and ask for Michael Morter.
Surgery
Our surgical referrals are led by Dr Sarah Colegrave, MA VetMB BSAVA PGCertSAECC MRCVS, who has been with Mill House since 1990.
We accepts referrals for:
- Total ear canal ablation
- Perineal hernia repair
- Perineal urethrostomy
- Thoracotomy
- Gall bladder removal
- Abdominal mass removal
- GDV surgery and gastropexy
- Enterectomies
We also welcomes referrals for laparoscopy, acupuncture, and critical care.
Please call to discuss any surgical case directly — we are always happy to offer advice.