Business Details
46 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Veterinary Care in Castle Donington
Dovecote Veterinary Hospital has been providing specialist veterinary care in Castle Donington since 1980, operating as a referral centre since 1990. Our RCVS-accredited facilities meet the highest standards for diagnosing and treating complex cases, supported by state-of-the-art digital imaging including MRI, CT, and digital x-ray. We offer multidisciplinary services across neurology, orthopaedics, oncology, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and dermatology, delivered by a team of internationally renowned specialists and advanced practitioners.With 24/7 nursing support and dedicated anaesthesia teams, we ensure continuous care for critical patients. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is recognised through Investors in Environment Bronze accreditation, while our Cat Friendly Clinic Silver status demonstrates expertise in feline care. We serve veterinary practices across the Midlands and beyond, combining decades of collective experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver gold-standard veterinary medicine.
Services
Neurology and Neurosurgery
Orthopaedics
Oncology
Soft Tissue Surgery
Internal Medicine
Ophthalmology
Dermatology
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- RCVS-accredited veterinary hospital status since 1995
- 30+ years' experience in specialist veterinary referrals
- 24/7 nursing support for critical care patients
- State-of-the-art imaging facilities including 1.5T MRI
- Multidisciplinary team of European Specialists and Advanced Practitioners
Associations and certifications
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- International Society of Feline Medicine
- Investors in Environment
Services
Orthopaedics
Our RCVS Specialist-led orthopaedic team manages complex musculoskeletal conditions using advanced imaging and surgical techniques. We offer TPLO surgery for cruciate ligament disease, angular limb deformity correction with 3D printed guides, and regenerative medicine treatments. With dedicated anaesthesia support and 24/7 nursing care, we provide comprehensive treatment for fractures, joint disorders, and developmental conditions in dogs and cats.
Neurology and Neurosurgery
Led by European Specialists, our neurology department provides 24/7 care for neurological conditions using a 1.5T MRI scanner and advanced electrodiagnostic equipment. We treat brain tumours, intervertebral disc disease, epilepsy, and neuromuscular disorders through medical and surgical interventions. Our team offers continuous support to referring vets while maintaining gold-standard diagnostic and post-operative care for complex neurological cases.
Oncology
Our European Specialist in Medical Oncology delivers multidisciplinary cancer care with dedicated chemotherapy facilities. We provide diagnostic staging using CT/MRI imaging, ultrasound-guided biopsies, and tailored treatment protocols. The service supports both in-hospital chemotherapy and home practice administration options, maintaining strict isolation protocols for immunocompromised patients while offering comprehensive support to referring veterinary practices.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Led by an internationally recognised Specialist, our soft tissue team employs advanced techniques like vessel-sealing electrosurgery and surgical lasers. We manage complex cases including thoracic surgery, portosystemic shunts, and oncological reconstructions. With expertise in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and urogenital surgery, we provide comprehensive care for both routine and challenging soft tissue conditions in small animals.
Dermatology
Our RCVS Recognised Specialist delivers comprehensive dermatological care for allergic skin disease and ear conditions. Using intradermal testing and video-otoscopy, we diagnose and treat chronic ear disease, allergic dermatitis, and complex skin infections. The service combines advanced diagnostics with up-to-date treatments to address both acute and chronic dermatological conditions in companion animals.
People
James Pratt
Head of Surgery
RCVS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) with expertise in advanced orthopaedic techniques including 3D guided surgery and regenerative medicine applications for musculoskeletal conditions.
Sergio Gomes
Senior Clinical Director
EBVS European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, leading our neurology department with expertise in complex neurological diagnostics and treatment protocols for canine and feline patients.
Shirley van Lelyveld
Medical Oncology Specialist
European Specialist in Medical Oncology directing our multidisciplinary cancer care service, specialising in chemotherapy protocols and collaborative treatment planning with soft tissue surgeons.
Rob White
Soft Tissue Surgery Specialist
Internationally renowned Specialist in Small Animal Surgery with particular expertise in portosystemic shunt management and complex soft tissue oncological reconstructions using advanced surgical technologies.
Stephen Shaw
Dermatology Specialist
RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology providing expert diagnosis and treatment for allergic skin conditions and chronic ear diseases using the latest dermatological techniques.
Questions
What specialist veterinary services do you offer?
We provide neurology, orthopaedics, oncology, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and dermatology services with RCVS Specialists and Advanced Practitioners in each discipline.
How can veterinary professionals refer a case?
Vets can refer cases through our online Advice Request form or by contacting our referral team directly during business hours for specialist consultation and patient transfer arrangements.
Do you offer emergency veterinary services?
Yes, our neurology and orthopaedics departments provide 24/7 emergency cover with dedicated nursing support for critical care patients requiring specialist intervention.
What payment options are available?
Payment arrangements should be discussed directly with our reception team. We work with referring practices to ensure appropriate financial planning for specialist treatments.
