Extended Family
At Mochdre Vets we always aim to give you and your pet the very best advice and treatment, as we would want for our own pets, however we don’t know everything so on ocassions we will refer you to someone with expertise in their field. On this page we want to introduce you to some of the out of house specialists you may meet if you are referred. However we are thrilled by the fact that these specialists will come and see you at the surgery avoiding the stress for you and your pet of going somewhere new.
Catherine Sturgeon BVetMed CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS
Soft Tissue Surgeon
www.visitingvetspecialists.co.uk
Catherine is an RCVS and ECVS surgery specialist, with veterinary experience of over 20 years. Catherine offers a visiting service to Mochdre Veterinary Practice, for those patients with more complex needs. This presents an ideal situation as you can have your pet treated along side the vets, nurses and reception staff you know and trust, with most patients able to return home for recuperation the same day. Catherine has expertise in clinical conditions from nose to tail and will very much tailor the treatment required to your pet. Everything is explained and discussed with Catherine and then you can decide if the treatment plan is indeed the right thing for you and your pet.
Catherine has always had a deep respect and love for all creatures , enjoys walking and observing wildlife and currently has two much loved pets, Percy the black and white cat and Lady Bird the Lurcher.
Catherine’s first surgery at Mochdre Vets was a brachycephalic obstructive airway surgery (boas) on Dottie the pug!
Daniel Bell
Orthopaedic Veterinary Surgeon
Dan is a co-owner of The Sands Veterinary Practice. He graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016 following in his fathers footsteps. He worked for a short while in mixed practice in the heart of North Wales until following his passion in small animal practice, moving to Manchester. Shortly after, Dan became a director of his own company, along with his father, providing small animal locum services across the UK until settling down in a practice on the Wirral.
Dan achieved his Post Graduate Certificate in small animal surgery in 2021 and now provides an onsite Orthopaedic and Soft Tissue service as well as travelling to many other practices across the North West and North Wales.
Dan deals with all types of surgical cases, however, has a particular interest in fracture repair, cruciate ligament disease and the management of the arthritic patients. In his spare time, Dan has a keen interest in all sports including Sailing, Skiing and Tennis to name just a few!
Rachel James MA Vet MB Cert SAM Cert VC DVC MRCVS
RCVS recognised specialist in cardiolody.
Rachel (left), Amanda & Woody
Rachel graduated from Cambridge University in 1999 before working in small animal general practice for 4 years, she then undertook a residency in Veterinary Cardiology at Liverpool University achieving her Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology.
In 2007 Rachel established the cardio-respiratory referral service at Nantwich Veterinary Hospital and then in 2009 Rachel achieved RCVS recognised specialist status in Veterinary Cardiology before starting work at the University of Nottingham as an Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine. Rachel is the current supplements editor for the Journal of Small Animal Practice and has previously been the secretary for the European society of veterinary Cardiology.
Now working as a freelance cardiologist (James Specialist Veterinary Cardiology) in the north west where she visits veterinary practices seeing cardiorespiratory referrals.
Additionally, Rachel presents both nationally and internationally and has published widely in her field. Rachel’s research interests include syncope in dogs and feline cardiomyopathies.
Outside of work Rachel loves all outside pursuits with her family and animal
Rachel has always been passionate about cardiology and respiratory medicine, scanning hearts since 1999 and presenting her first abstract at BSAVA from general practice back in 2000. She aims to provide an experienced, personal and friendly service with 24 hour back up as needed whenever possible.
We are delighted to be able to offer Rachel’s services to our clients and she has already been looking at cardiac cases for us and is making a big impact on managing these difficult cases.
Amy Baxter BSc (Hons) MSc RVN MMAA
McTimoney Animal Practitioner
McTimoney animal manipulation therapy is a gentle hands-on technique used to realign and balance the musculoskeletal system. Built on the principles of chiropractic and used safely and effectively since the 1950s, I use precise and rapid adjustments to correct misalignments of the spine and pelvis, restoring full range of motion within the joints and relieving associated muscle spasms. I first discovered the McTimoney approach as the best solution for my own back problems when I was a university student, so I really appreciate first-hand the positive difference it can have on health and well-being.
Originally from South Wales, I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BSc (Hons) degree in biomedical sciences. I then went on to train and qualify as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in 2009. After establishing my veterinary nursing career, I obtained my MSc in animal manipulation from the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Oxford in 2014. I now spend part of my working life as a locum veterinary nurse and the rest of my time treating animals with the McTimoney animal manipulation technique.
When I do manage to find some spare time I enjoy being outdoors, walking and exploring the UK’s beautiful countryside and coastline. My entire family are classic vehicle enthusiasts and I have two classic motorcycles and a classic car of my own to keep me busy. I also sing in a local community choir and am part of a ballroom and latin dance club. Sadly, the nature of my work and the hours of travel it involves means that it is not possible for me to have my own dog. Instead, my husband and I are utterly devoted to our two very friendly and very spoilt guinea pigs – Ozzy and Gloria.
Graham Scott Taylor
Photographer
I became a graphic designer in the early ’90s. This background has provided me with a very strong sense of composition, form and colour, and has had an obvious influence on my photographic images. They are often graphically related in concept and can contain bold elements with vibrant colours, that sometimes appear to be deceptively simple compositionally. I find myself drawn to an eclectic mix of subject matter which appeals due to its visual content and aesthetic distinctiveness.
Being in the United States for over a decade, gave me an understanding of how powerful photography can be. In order to create images that would work in a commercial arena, and because I needed imagery to compliment my design work, I shifted from commissioning photography to working behind the lens myself. This was the only way I could fulfil my own very specific vision and maintain creative control from start to finish.
In late 2009, I became a member of the Professional Photographers of America, (PPA).
Upon my return home to Wales in late 2014, I began a new love affair with my homeland, this time with a camera. Becoming reacquainted with it’s breathtaking landscapes and rich history. I began discovering new dimensions to the home I used to know so well. Seeing it now with a greater appreciation and a bold creative insight.
My work covers nearly the whole gamut, from Portraits, Products, Architecture, to finally fine art and of course to Pet Portraits. Everything has a story to tell and hopefully there is something in all my work.
Available for Pet Portrait sessions from £70.00
commercial: gstphotography.co.uk
general: dadaimages.com
email: gst@gstphotography.co.uk
Boundless Dog Training and Behaviour
Dog Trainer
Hi, I’m Kim – founder of Boundless Dog Training and Behaviour, with over 20 years experience training and supporting a variety of domestic and no-domestic animals. I have three working breed dogs, Quill, Rocket and Loki – and there’s also Super Hans the cat, somewhere…!
I believe in the benefits of life-long learning for dogs, there’s no such thing as ‘fully trained’!. I train and challenge my own dogs every day, whether playing scent work, herding or gun dog games, undertaking some canine conditioning exercises or just a bit of trick training – it’s great for keeping brains and bodies healthy and continually grows our relationship.
I train and undertake CPD with The School of Canine Science and Marka Training Academy, whilst working towards achieving a L3 diploma in canine nutrition. I advocate a science-based approach to training, using reward-based methods and games to aid learning and build positive relationships between dogs and their guardians.
I have a holistic approach to behavioural support, with a particular interest in the links between nutrition, general health and behaviour.
I provide dog training and behaviour support across Conwy and surrounding areas, offering 121 support and group classes from puppies and adult dogs.
Consultation Times (by appointment only)
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 20:00
Saturday 09:00 – 12:00
Sunday 10:00 – 13:00
Mochdre Vets is the trading name for Heywood and Heywood Limited
and is registered in England and Wales. Registered Number 10654839.
Registered Office Williams House, Conway Road, Mochdre, Conwy. LL28 5HE.