London Vet Recommendations? - Cheek/Pouch Pulling

[Carla Gordon and Derrick]

My last post about Gordy's hair seems to have disappeared
Background:
He's been doing a weird thing with his mouth, and on closer inspection it looks like he's taking one of his pouches out and pulling on it before popping it back in. This is on the same side as where he's got a little bald patch on his chest which is worrying. I can't really get a good picture as every time he's doing it he pops his pouch straight back in as soon as he spots me!

So basically, the vet we saw (Vets4Pets at Old Kent Road) said he was in good physical health but seemed to have pulled a patch of his hair out due to anxiety. I think I need a 2nd opinion on his pouch health though.
Can anyone recommend a good hamster vet in London, preferably fairly Central / SE as travelling too far will stress Gordy out?

Heads up - we paid £35 for our first check at Old Kent Road which seems very high, but prepared to spend whatever we need to make sure our little man is OK.

[Coco61]

Without doubt the best vet in the London area is CJ Hall. Check out their website. The head vet is Matthew but Andy is good too. They are exotic specialists and take referrals from all over London and SE. The bad news is they are located in East Sheen. You can walk there from Mortlake station (Waterloo) or drive of course.
You can always try and telephone first. You may be able to speak to the vet during a quieter time. That way you can see if the trip is needed.

[Carla Gordon and Derrick]

Thanks Coco - I'll give them a call and see what they think!

[Pebbles82]

I was just going to say - Coco knows a really good vet! You'll get good attention there.

[BorisPasha]

There was a problem with the forum a few weeks back Carla and lots of posts disappeared so that's probably what happened to it!

Sorry to hear that Gordon is still not right. I think you're doing the right thing in getting a second opinion.

Hope Gordon is ok, let us know

[Drago]

Hope all goes alright with Gordon! Keep us updated

[Carla Gordon and Derrick]

Just to update everyone, Gordy's got an everted pouch. Although he pops it back in, he does pull it out to have a good little tug / scratch at it daily now. We've decided to go ahead with surgery, and on Monday Gordy will be having a stitch put in to keep his little pouch in place.

Please keep all fingers crossed for my little man. He's so tiny and general anaesthetic is a scary prospect. I'll let you know how he gets on.

I can also highly recommend our new vet for those interested in SW London: John Hankinson Vet.
We see Kate and John (they've both been there during our appointments at no extra charge just to make sure Gordy gets the level of care he needs!).

[Thin Lizzy]

Sorry to hear about Gordy's everted pouch and will keep my fingers crossed and be thinking of you on Monday. xxx

[cypher]

Hope all goes well on Monday, keeping fingers crossed for little Gordy, it is worrying having them go through anaesthesia but I'm sure it will be worth it & he'll be much more comfortable afterwards.

[CMB]

I hope Gordy has successful surgery.