Budget Vets has invested £70,000 in new laboratory equipment for its Newport practice enabling their veterinary team to test blood samples within minutes of them being taken to quickly diagnose animals it provides care for.

The new equipment includes two different blood analysers and a software station.

These will provide comprehensive information on blood biochemistry and electrolytes providing an essential starting point should an animal become unwell as there is a comparison for what that particular animal’s blood format is as standard.

Kate Richards, general manager of Budget Vets said: “We previously had in-house resources to perform basic blood tests but were inevitably having to send samples to an external laboratory for comprehensive testing.

"This meant that the pet owners faced an anxious wait for the results and necessary treatment could be delayed. Demand for these types of blood test has increased as the practice has grown in size and purchasing the laboratory equipment is of benefit to both the business and our patients.

"The new equipment will also complement our Baseline bloods offer with any booster for £8 to provide clients with the comfort of having a standard blood result on file should their animal be unfortunate enough to become unwell.”

The investment in the new equipment is part of Budget Vets long term strategy to provide the highest standard of veterinary care throughout its network of six branches across South Wales.

Kate said: “We are committed to providing affordable veterinary care to all animals. In the next 12 months we will be investing in new equipment and upgrade existing apparatus in our practices.”