Trinity Vets Maidstone

[Wizzy]

Both my piggies have had a uri since May and after 5 weeks of Baytril and 3 of Sulfatrim- they aren’t much better. Our vet said they were the only two antibiotics they could have- which i know not to be true. I’m thinking about going to trinity vets in maidstone which is only about 30 mins away (if i can convince my mum, that is...) and was wondering if anyone had any experience here and could tell me about the costs/ how good they were? I’m hoping to get a culture to finally see which antibiotic would clear up their uri, and hopefully a stronger antibiotic than what my current vets are giving us.

 

[Marlee and Fluffy]

I’ll tag @Wiebke @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns since no one responded yet

 

[Wizzy]

I’ll tag @Wiebke @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns since no one responded yet

Thank you!

 

[Claire W]

I haven’t used them personally but my friend has. She was pleased with the service and care that her guinea pig received. I can’t comment on the cost though

 

[Wiebke]

Sorry - I am entirely in the wrong part of the country to give recommendations. However if they are listed in our vet locator on the top bar, then somebody must have obviously given very positive feedback.

Baytril and sulfatrim (better known as bactrim in the USA) are the antibiotics that are officially licensed for guinea pigs in the UK. Any other antibiotics are used without licence and you have to sign a consent form re. responsibility for any risks before they can be prescribed.

General vets that are not experienced in small rodents (which are classed as exotics) will be vary using unlicensed medication. There is also the issue that no frills clinics keep their cost down by stocking only a small range of the most frequently used medications; you'd be amazed how much of what you pay extra at an exotics vets goes towards stocking small amounts of a much wider range of products!

I hope that this helps you understand the situation a bit better.
A guide to vets fees, insurance and payment support.
Pet costs - why do vets charge so much?

 

[Wizzy]

Bit of an update everyone:
Trinity vets quoted me £48 for a consultation, £160 for culture, and £215 for x-ray, anesthesia and dental exam
My original vets said they’d charge £37 for a culture, and then if an unlicensed antibiotic such as zithromax, doxycycline or marcobyl they will order from an exotic vets. Sounds a lot more promising!

 

[eileen]

ive used these vets in the past,though expensive are very knowledgeable with exotics and guinea pigs .i think you pay more due to the expertise.i understand that budgets are important !

 

[Siikibam]

We prefer all replies to be kept to the forum for everyone to see.

I’ve never used them but there is one in Paddock Wood - Putlands. My boys are registered there and the times I’ve been there (twice for minor things) they’ve been fabulous. There’s another in Bromley (Anderson vets) where my girls are registered. Although I’ve only taken them once I really liked the vet who gave them the once over. He seemed knowledgable.

 

[Wizzy]

I agree. Nicola Logan at Putlands is also great for more complex GP issues, although getting an appointment is sometimes tricky as she's much in demand! I've seen another vet, Maria, for a minor issue and she was lovely too.

Plenty of excellent options which are not Trinity!

I emailed Putlands, and they quoted me £31 for a consultation and £75 for a micro bacterial culture- more than my original vets but definitely less than trinity! So that is always an option if needed... paddock wood is only about 20 minutes away from me.
I’ve booked a culture at my local vets for 5pm on Monday. A vet named Jane rang me and explained in detail how it would work and also that the result might not be completely clear without sedation.
She seemed very experienced with piggies and knowledgable, which is reassuring. Fingers crossed this will clear everything up!

 

[Claire W]

I emailed Putlands, and they quoted me £31 for a consultation and £75 for a micro bacterial culture- more than my original vets but definitely less than trinity! So that is always an option if needed... paddock wood is only about 20 minutes away from me.
I’ve booked a culture at my local vets for 5pm on Monday. A vet named Jane rang me and explained in detail how it would work and also that the result might not be completely clear without sedation.
She seemed very experienced with piggies and knowledgable, which is reassuring. Fingers crossed this will clear everything up!

Fingers crossed that you can get to the bottom of things x

 

[Wizzy]

Fingers crossed that you can get to the bottom of things x

Hi Wizzy

Good job! I'm really pleased to hear that you're able to get your piggie to the vet for a culture. I hope all goes well for you both.

Thank you both! x

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hi Wizzy

In my experience I would not take my piggies to Trinity under any circumstances - happy to respond privately. Your local vet sounds a better option at the moment.

I'm also in Kent but travel as it's worth it. If you need to seek further treatment and can travel my advice would be to see Anne O'Meara at Goddard's Vets in Ewell (phone 020 8393 6049). You may pay a little more (much cheaper than Trinity's prices though) and she specialises in piggies.

Alternatively, Simon and Kim Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic in Northampton is also awesome. A piggy of mine used to happily have fortnightly dentals with them for £25 a time. I paid £200+ at Trinity a time and ended up with a piggy who couldn't eat and being told "there's nothing else we can do".

Either vet would be happy to speak with your vet over the phone.

Good luck!

As Trinity appear on our recommended vet list this comment really does worry me. I will PM you for more information as the staff team will need to decide whether they remain on the list in light of your reasons.