PET owners across west Wales now have improved access to fast, high-detail diagnostic imaging after Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital installed a new in-house CT imaging suite.

The investment brings advanced diagnostics directly into the local community, helping pets receive quicker answers, earlier diagnoses and faster access to treatment.

CT scanning is an important tool in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including chronic lameness, orthopaedic problems, cancer screening and staging, nasal and dental disease, thoracic and abdominal masses, spinal disorders and suspected foreign bodies.

For pets with unexplained or ongoing health issues, CT can provide a level of detail and accuracy that standard X-rays or ultrasound scans cannot always offer. This can be crucial in identifying subtle problems earlier, allowing for more targeted treatment plans and improving long-term outcomes.

Until now, many families needing this type of advanced imaging have faced long journeys to specialist hospitals and lengthy waiting times. With the scanner now available in a primary care setting in Carmarthenshire, pets can be scanned closer to home, reducing stress for both animals and owners and speeding up the path to diagnosis.

The scanner also offers reassurance for owners seeking answers about their pet’s condition. It can produce clear, high-resolution images within minutes, meaning pets spend minimal time under anaesthetic, while results can be shared quickly with the family vet or a specialist where required.

Michelle Kirk, Practice Director at Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital said: “We’re incredibly proud to offer this level of advanced imaging within a primary care environment.

“A CT scan can make a huge difference in understanding complex conditions, whether it’s chronic pain, cancer staging, internal masses or difficult-to-diagnose problems. Our goal is to help pets receive timely, accurate diagnoses without delays.”

In addition to supporting its own clients, Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital is also offering the CT scanner to other primary care veterinary practices across the region. Local surgeries can refer patients directly for a fixed-price CT scan package, which includes pre-anaesthetic blood tests, general anaesthesia with IV fluids, pre- and post-contrast imaging, and a specialist interpretation report.

The hospital said this collaborative approach will strengthen veterinary care across the region by giving more pets access to advanced diagnostic technology while offering owners greater choice.

The procedure is typically quick and requires only a short period under anaesthetic. Each patient is assessed by a vet at Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital on the morning of the scan to ensure the procedure is safe and to answer any questions owners may have.

Carmarthen Veterinary Hospital is at Llysonnen Road, Llanllwch, Carmarthen, SA31 3SA.

CVS Healthy Pet Club patients receive a 10 per cent discount, even if they are registered at a different CVS practice.

A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has submitted plans to the national park to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, seeks a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to front façade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the  appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.”

It adds: “The applicant has recently purchased the small retail unit on the ground floor. This was a single room, situated in between the two entrances into the Inn and with its own entrance door from the street.

“The current proposals include integrating this unit into the public house bar area and consequently the application includes a change of use from retail to the serving of food and drink.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas.

“The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year; amended plans being later submitted.

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

CALLS to allow the permanent siting of an award-winning Pembrokeshire seaside village outdoor sauna, which has been featured in the national press, have been submitted to the national park.

Back in June 2024, a temporary two-year permission for a mobile wood-fired sauna at Saundersfoot harbour was granted by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee.

Since then, a further application by Kerry Evans of Hwyl Outdoor Sauna to make the siting permanent has been submitted to national park planners.

A supporting statement says, since its introduction the sauna has “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focussed on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

It went on to say: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot,” adding: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.

“Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has been featured in two books on the best saunas in the UK.

“The business has also been recognised through tourism and hospitality awards, further demonstrating the quality of the experience provided and the positive contribution it makes to the local visitor offer.”

Back in February, the business, set up by former superyacht worker and mum-of-two Kerry won Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards.

At the time Kerry said: “I could not be more proud of what I have achieved with Hwyl. I am so grateful to my wonderful team, who have made this journey not only possible but genuinely so much fun.”

Kerry ploughed a legacy from her beloved late father into the venture of a Pembrokeshire seafront sauna.

The application for allowing the sauna to be permanent added: “Through the Welsh Government I have been able to secure the funds to install a cold-water shower on Saundersfoot Harbour, which will be open year-round. This will be achieved via Hywel Outdoor Sauna and a weather proofing fund, from the Welsh Government. This facility has also a GoFundMe to raise the remaining costs.”

It concludes: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has established itself as a valued wellbeing facility that benefits both residents and visitors. It enhances the amenities available in Saundersfoot, supports the local economy by encouraging additional visitor activity, and contributes positively to the community through charitable support and engagement.

“The permanent siting of the sauna would allow this successful local small business to continue operating and provide these benefits to the village in a stable and sustainable way.”

The application for a permanent facility will be considered by park planners at a later date.