Farm & Large-Animal Vets near Swindon

## Summary Drove Veterinary Hospital appears to operate as part of a wider “Drove vet group/clinics” (as described by a reviewer), with both routine care and more involved cases discussed in recent reviews. Owners mention structured preventive-care schemes (“kitten club” progressing to a “cat club”), cat-friendly facilities at the main hospital (a separate cat area for carriers and blankets), and inpatient care where owners were allowed to visit in the evenings and receive updates. Recent reviews also show mixed experiences: examples of strong communication (phoning for consent after finding a hernia during a neuter and explaining potential complications) sit alongside reports of issues being missed (one owner says blindness in a cat wasn’t identified until too late) and dissatisfaction with parts of the out-of-hours experience. ## Services Services and capabilities mentioned in the latest reviews include: - Preventive-care schemes: “kitten club” and “cat club” (described as a money-saving plan that helps keep cats in good health). - Cat-friendly handling/facilities: a separate cat area with carriers/blankets at the main hospital. - Neutering, with intra-operative discovery/management of a hernia (owner reports being called for consent and given an explanation of possible complications). - Emergency/urgent care and hospital admission (one cat admitted with kidney failure; another dog seen out of hours after an accident). - Inpatient care with communication: evening visiting allowed for pets staying overnight, plus updates. - Wound management discussed in detail by one owner: an initial plan to debride and suture, later changed to stapling with the possibility of returning if closure wasn’t satisfactory. - End-of-life care and cremation/ashes collection (one owner describes being given time to say goodbye; another review focuses on the experience when collecting ashes). ## People No clinicians are named in the reviews provided, but specific staff interactions described include: - A vet who supported a family during the loss of their dog, being described as friendly and sympathetic and explicitly telling them to take as long as they needed to say goodbye. - Clinical communication that owners valued: a call during a neuter when a hernia was found, asking for consent and explaining potential complications. - Front-desk experience is mixed: one owner collecting ashes describes feeling ignored and then spoken to abruptly, which they found especially difficult in a bereavement context. ## Reviews **Google rating: 4.6 stars from 546 reviews.** **Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.** - Preventive plans and routine care: one long-term client highlights “kitten club” and “cat club” as saving money and supporting ongoing health. - Cat-focused setup: separate cat area for carriers/blankets at the main hospital is called out as helpful. - Communication and consent: a reviewer appreciated being phoned mid-procedure for consent and a clear explanation when a hernia was found during neutering. - Inpatient/emergency support: positive mentions of emergency help, admission for kidney failure, being allowed to visit in the evenings, and getting updates. - Out-of-hours and consistency: multiple reviews raise concerns about out-of-hours experiences (including one describing their pet being “traumatised”), and another describing a change in treatment plan for a wound as disappointing. - Missed issue reported: one owner says their first cat’s blindness wasn’t identified until sight was lost. - Bereavement handling varies: one review praises the vet’s support at euthanasia; another strongly criticises the reception experience when collecting ashes.

## Summary Animal Physiotherapy Ltd is an independent animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation provider led by animal physiotherapist **Donna Wills** (no corporate group is mentioned). The clinic focuses on **non‑invasive physiotherapy to restore or maintain mobility**, backed by a **physio gym and treatment room** noted on the website. It also offers owner-support tools such as a **free “mobility checker” questionnaire with advice**, and provides **education/CPD** for professionals. From the latest reviews, owners most often describe: - **Post‑surgery rehabilitation support**, including a cat recovering after knee surgery and subsequent procedures. - **Exercise plans tailored to the pet and the owner’s lifestyle**, with clear explanations of what to do at home. - Ongoing **massage and stretching for older dogs**, plus help with “difficult” mobility cases. ## Services - **Animal physiotherapy** (non‑invasive) and **rehabilitation support** aimed at restoring mobility (website). - **Post‑operative rehabilitation** mentioned in reviews (e.g., physiotherapy following knee surgery in a cat). - **Massage and stretching sessions** referenced for an older dog (reviews). - **Individualised home exercise programmes**, adapted to the dog and owner’s lifestyle (reviews). - **Free mobility checker** (questionnaire-based assessment with free advice) (website). - **Physio gym** and **treatment room** (website). - **Education/CPD and teaching** related to animal physiotherapy, including training to build confidence with **exotic patients**; and education for veterinary professionals and physiotherapy students (website). - **Puppy massage DVD** (website). ## People - **Donna Wills (animal physiotherapist)**: Frequently mentioned for guiding owners through rehabilitation step‑by‑step—one owner describes her support through a cat’s recovery across multiple surgeries, and another highlights how she **adapts exercises** and **explains them clearly** so they “make sense.” Reviews also describe her work providing **massage and stretches** for an older dog, and helping with a **relatively difficult mobility case**. ## Reviews **Google: 5.0 stars from 9 reviews.** “Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us.” - Rehabilitation support described as practical and ongoing, including **post‑surgery physiotherapy** for a cat with knee issues. - **Exercises tailored** to both the animal and the owner’s routine, with owners valuing clear explanations. - Use for both **mobility problems** and **preventative/maintenance** work in active dogs (to keep them “fit and supple”). - **Hands-on treatments** like massage and stretching mentioned for an older dog, with owners noting their pets enjoy the sessions.

## Summary Drove Farm Vets Limited is an **independent farm-animal veterinary practice** focused on **livestock health and productivity**. The website emphasises **first-opinion farm work**, **preventative whole-herd consultancy**, and **client education** (discussion groups and training days). It also states a **24-hour emergency service, 365 days a year**. In the latest reviews available to us, owners repeatedly mention **helpful, approachable staff** and vets who are **happy to answer lots of questions**. ## Services - **Farm animal veterinary care (first opinion)**, with service areas on the site organised around: - **Dairy cattle** - **Beef cattle** - **Sheep** - **Smallholders** (species not specified) - **Emergency veterinary services** (the practice states this is available 24/7, 365 days a year) - **Preventative whole-herd consultancy** (aimed at health and productivity) - **Client discussion groups** - **Client training days** - The website lists the practice as an **“RCVS Tier two specialist farm animal practice.”** ## People - **Reception staff** are specifically praised in a review as “fantastic.” - Multiple reviews describe the vets and team as **friendly and approachable**, including being willing to help with “lots of” questions. ## Reviews **5.0 stars from 3 reviews.** Themes below are drawn from the latest written reviews available to us. - Staff are described as **helpful** and **friendly**, including reception. - Owners mention vets being **easy to talk to** and **welcoming of questions**, even when the client feels they’re “stupid questions.” - One review frames the practice as a good option “if you have any problems with farm animals.”