Laurence Doddy and Victoria (Vicki) Foster are married with 2 children, a Border terrier and a cat. They bought Shipley and Idle Vets in 2003 (previously Beamsley Vets). They moved up from Bristol having both been working there since 1996. Laurence qualified from University College Dublin in 1993, Vicki from Bristol University in 1990. Laurence went on to do an extra qualification in small animal internal medicine whilst working in Bristol. With this qualification he takes referrals of difficult medical cases from other vets in the region especially if the patient requires in depth ultrasound or endoscopic investigations. Vicki has a particular interest in dermatology and is very happy to see any particularly challenging skin or ear problems.
The practice is now equipped with an extensive laboratory meaning we can run extensive investigative blood profiles including blood electrolytes, proteins, liver and kidney factors, cholesterol, glucose, and red and white blood cell analysis. We have a high powered x-ray machine enabling us to take highly diagnostic detailed x-rays of pets from tiny rabbits to Great Danes. We are able to examine samples of cells from suspicious lumps and bumps (called fine needle aspirates) with the ability to prepare, stain and examine slides in the Shipley laboratory.
We have a good quality ultrasound scanner to allow non-invasive examinations of internal organs. A full range of endoscopes are used for examining the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines (biopsies are often taken this way instead of having to surgically open up a pet to get samples) and for examining airways. The endoscopes are also used occasionally to retrieve items that have been swallowed and may be too dangerous to leave making their own way through the body (again instead of surgically opening up an abdomen of a dog or cat for instance).
Our hospital area is divided into separate dog and cat rooms and kennels are set along one wall only in each room to minimise stress.