Stone Lion Veterinary Centre has specialists in Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dermatology, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology and Oncology.

Use the menu on the left to view more detailed information about the referral services we offer.

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Referral services at Stone Lion

Stone Lion Veterinary Centre has long been known for its ophthalmology referrals since Raymond Long established this service in the 1970s. This discipline is now admirably continued by Sally Turner who holds a Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Stone Lion Veterinary Centre underwent a major rebuilding programme in 1996. This gave us the facilities to expand the range of referral disciplines.

We were able to welcome Clare Rusbridge (neurology), Norman Johnston (dentistry and oral surgery) and Ewan Ferguson (dermatology).

With the appointment of Sean Henney, our referral service gained an expert in internal medicine. Also on the team is Pauline Sell, who offers soft tissue surgery referrals.

Our newest members of the team are: -

• Robert Thomas - Cardiology
• Roger Baker - Oncology
• Bernard Walsh - Diagnostic Imaging

Stone Lion prides itself on its rapid reporting service - with reports being made on the day of the referral appointment - and on its understanding of the problems facing veterinary surgeons in practice.

We have excellent facilities - with diagnostic imaging backup, a strong nursing team and a superb in-house laboratory.

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Making a referral

Stone Lion Veterinary Centre is open from 8am until 7.00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 8am until 1.00pm. Please call during these hours to make referral appointments or to discuss a case, unless it is an emergency.

Our receptionists, Caroline, Kathryn or Debbie will make an appointment or take a message and arrange for the specialist to call you back as soon as possible.

When making a referral appointment we may need to ask you various questions, depending on the specialist being referred to.

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Availability and waiting lists

The referral specialists are usually available for appointments on the following days:

Most of the specialists are able to see referral cases within a week, at their next clinic. However, all the specialists will try to accommodate emergencies. For non-urgent ophthalmology cases the waiting list can vary between one week and one month depending on the time of year and the workload.

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Common Questions

If the client is insured with PetPlan, can a direct claim be made?

No... in exceptional circumstances we will make a direct claim, but the client must have a letter of authorisation from PetPlan saying they will pay the amount owing or have a pro-forma claim which has been filled in.

Other insurance companies do not offer this facility.

We accept payment by credit card, debit card or guaranteed cheque.

How much will it cost?

This is difficult to gauge. We can only supply a very rough estimate at reception for common procedures. All the specialists will give an estimate at the first consultation.

When can I expect the results?

Letters are typed the day of the procedure; the referring practice will be faxed that day if at all possible, depending on the time of day. Please always quote your fax number on any referral letter.

Hard copy will be put in the post first class the following day. We often seem to experience delays in both incoming and outgoing post, so this report may not reach you that quickly.

If you have an email address please quote this as some specialists prefer to email you.

X-rays sent by yourself will be returned by post.

Can clients visit their animals?

Clients are encouraged to visit their animals if they are in hospital for a long time and especially if they will require nursing when they go home.

Last updated 06/10/02