I AM sorry to read of N Hillen's disappointment with the treatment of his/her cat (Letters, December 6).

Veterinary surgeries these days are expected to provide facilities akin to a cottage hospital with X-rays, ultrasound, anaesthetics, endoscopes, blood analysers, 24-hour emergency service etc. This list is endless.

All these need to be paid for and, as a result, the consultation fees have to increase.

However, there is a scheme whereby clients do not have to pay for them. It is called the PDSA scheme; it is limited in what it covers, but it provides free veterinary treatment to the pets of people who can't afford it. I recommend anyone with a pet (no matter what species) who is on council tax benefit or housing benefit to visit their local vet and get their pet registered before it becomes ill. It costs £3 for six months' cover.

S T Stead,

Veterinary surgeon,

Plantation Drive,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:21 Friday, December 21, 2001