HEXHAM’S oldest veterinary practice has undergone a major revamp.

Hadrian Vets now boasts the latest state-of- the-art technology following a £15,000 investment in equipment and facilities.

Poorly pets can now benefit from a newly-upgraded digital x-ray, a new anaesthetic machine, a multi-parameter ECG monitor and a suite exclusively for the treatment of rabbits.

The investment in new technology comes after Hadrian Vets joined the VetPartners group, which owns a number of veterinary businesses across the UK.

It’s all part of an overhaul of the Dene Avenue surgery – Hexham’s longest-established veterinary practice – following the arrival of new vet, Honor Etherington, which she hopes will benefit clients, their pets and staff.

Honor took over three months ago following the retirement of long-serving vet Eric Nelson, who ran the practice with wife Wendy.

“We have made major changes at the practice and really modernised it to provide the best pet healthcare,” said Honor.

“The new equipment brings a new dimension to the service we can offer. Clients are going to see a better range of diagnostics and treatments for their pets, while pets will have the benefit of being closely monitored by the latest technology as they undergo treatment.”

The digital x-ray enables vets to view images in seconds, and will be used to diagnose fractures, abdominal problems and cancerous tumours.

Honor took over running the well-known practice in June and has also introduced an ultrasound and endoscopy service every Monday.

“We will be introducing more veterinary nurse-led clinics, with nurses doing more procedures, and also running weight clinics to tackle pet obesity,” she said.

“We are forward thinking and always looking at ways to improve what we do.”

Honor is working towards her Advanced GP Certificate in small animal mixed medicine from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to further improve her skills.