A GUESS the X-ray challenge, a chance to try keyhole surgery, and a fun dog show are among the activities on offer at a Knutsford independent vet surgery open day.
Knutsford Veterinary Surgery, owned and run by husband-and-wife team, Paul and Charlie Adams, is throwing open its door to the public on Saturday, April 20, to mark the end of their first decade in business.
The surgery opened from scratch in March 2014, and has grown from a single-vet practice to a thriving five-vet concern, with special interests ranging from ophthalmology to dermatology, keyhole surgery, and animal dentistry.
Paul and Charlie both studied at the Royal Veterinary College in London, but met later at a professional conference, where Goostrey-born Paul was receiving an award.
The open day is a chance for residents to catch a rare glimpse of what goes on inside a forward-thinking, independent veterinary surgery, with a little bit of family fun thrown into the bargain.
It’s also a great opportunity for younger people thinking about a career in veterinary surgery to find out more about the profession, says co-founder Paul.
He added: “The practice is our baby, and we’ve always aimed to do a great job for pets and clients. We have some who drive more than an hour to come to us, and pass lots of other vets’ surgeries on the way.
“What we can do in the profession now just keeps going up and up, and on our tenth anniversary, we thought it’d be fun to showcase it.
“We strive to provide a really good level of care at more of a general practice price, than a specialist referral hospital price.
“As a profession, it’s getting to the point where what human surgeons and medics can do, we can do too.
“When I qualified 16 years ago, CT scanners were only in referral hospitals, but now they’re becoming quite commonplace. Keyhole surgery was rarely done, but it’s now something we do regularly.
“The open day is a celebration of our independent family business, and our profession, and a chance showcase everything we have to offer here at Knutsford Vets.
"And, just to avoid confusion, the won't be letting people do keyhole surgery on a real animal. We have a simulator."
The open day will be running from 1pm to 4pm, and the dog show, judged by local celebrity Katy Rickitt, begins at 3pm.
There’s ample parking, and everyone is welcome to attend, including pets.
Paul added: “We’re also holding pet bandaging classes, and guests can have a go at learning how to ultrasound.
“Independence is very much alive and kicking in Knutsford, and we want as many people as possible to come along and lend us their support.”
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