CONSULTATION & GENERAL HEALTH

Animal Health Examinations – include a review of previous history, a thorough physical examination and an update on preventative programs including, vaccination, dental care and general healthcare counselling.

Geriatric Checks

Geriatric checks – as patients age their need for regular check-ups increases.  To recognize this we offer 6 month check-up for pets aged 10 years or older.

Disease Screening Programs

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (BVA)

Microchipping

Micro chipping is an essential way of linking your pet to you.  A Microchip is about the size of a grain of rice.  It consists of a tiny computer chip housed in a type of glass made to be compatible with living tissue.  The microchip is implanted between the dog’s shoulder blades under the skin with a needle and special syringe.  The process I similar to getting a shot.  Little to no pain is experienced – most dogs do not seem to feel it being implanted.  Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately and a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip.  This device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique alphanumeric code.  Once the microchip is placed, the dog must be registered.  Then, the dog can be traced back to the owner if found.

  1. Microchips are designed to last for the life of a dog.  The do not need to be charged or replaced.
  2. A Microchipped dog can be easily identified if found by a shelter or veterinary office in possession of a scanner.

Nurse Clinics

We have a very experienced team of nurses who provide a range of nursing clinics to help advise you on dental care, weight control, puppy advice and much more.

DIAGNOSTICS AND MEDICAL

Laboratory In-House

  1. Biochemistry
  2. Haematology
  3. Urinalysis and sediment Exam
  4. Cytology
  5. Semen Assessment
  6. Parasitology    
  7. FELV/FIV/Parvo serology/Giardia
  8. Diabetic Monitoring

Laboratory Referral

An extensive array of laboratory services are sourced for several different laboratories

Radiography

Sate of the art digital X-radiography

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound provides a non-invasive and low risk assessment that compliments radiography in imaging our patients.

Blood Pressure Measurement

In human medicine measurement of blood pressure is a routine component of any health check. However until recently technical difficulties have mad blood pressure measurement difficult in cats and dogs.

Studies have shown that blood pressure management is a very important component of many disease states especially in cats. Pets with kidney disease, heart disease and thyroid disease all need to have BP managed effectively. Regular BP checks are now an important part of health management of older cats.
We use this equipment every day now, not only in cast but also dogs. It is useful in helping manage some disease but also in critical care of trauma patients and the seriously ill. It enables us to continue to improve the level of care we provide your pets. 

Chemotherapy 

Through better health care and nutrition our pets are now living longer, but we are also seeing more and more cases of cancel in pets as they age.

The appropriate treatment of cancer is complex involving both medical and surgical disciplines. Many companion animal cancer patients can benefit from chemotherapy and other medical treatments. Our goal with chemotherapy is to maximize the benefit without the adverse effects seen with high doses in human medicine. Most of our patients show no adverse effects to the treatment.

REFERRAL

Sometimes in the best interest of you and your pet’s health, we may recommend referral.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The sciences of medical diagnoses and treatment are expanding at an exponential rate.  To ensure the services being provided are modern and appropriate Abbeyville Vets and nurses regularly attend training and courses both in Ireland and overseas.  This enables our Vets to provide you with the best options and choices for your companion animals.

Professional development is not just about attending conferences and courses however.  It is about continually striving to provide the best care possible.  The continual development of knowledge of staff ensures that options available at Abbeyville are both broad and up to date.

 

SURGERY AND ANAESTHESIA

Surgery and general anaesthesia have progressed significantly in modern times and are now not something to be worried about.  With investment in modern medicines, equipment and training, surgical procedures should be safe, successful and comfortable.  We invest heavily to ensure this happens.

Our surgical team has a breadth of experience and are will equipped to perform a range of routine and advance surgical procedures including:

  1. Neutering
  2. Eye Surgery
  3. Ear, Nose and Throat
  4. Plastic surgery
  5. Cancer surgery
  6. Abdominal surgery
  7. Orthopaedic surgery
  8. Urinary and reproductive tract surgery
  9. Dental surgery

Patients have individual tailored Pain Management Programs and are assigned a Veterinary Nurse to ensure they are comfortable at all times.

We practice Gold Standard Anaesthesia using the most up to date medicines and constant and continuous monitoring from induction to full recovery.

PASSPORTS

Please call us for the most up to date requirements.

OPERATION THEATRE

We have well equipped operating theatres with up to date anaesthetic equipment to ensure your animals are carefully monitored throughout their surgery. The theatre is thoroughly cleaned by the nurse daily to reduce the risk of contamination.

SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT

The hospital is equipped with several ultrasound scanners and a new digital Xray system allowing high quality imaging including echocardiography. We also have fibro-optic endoscopes and an ECG machine.

HOSPITAL WARDS

We have separate cat and dog wards. These provide accommodation for day cases and longer term inpatients. Our kennel nurse will be caring for your pet and those animals recovering from anaesthetic. Should you wish to visit your pet in hospital this can be arranged with the duty nurse or vet in charge of the case.

ISOLATION WARD

This is available for animals which we suspect may be suffering from an infectious disease. These patients are carefully barrier nursed to prevent spread of disease t other animals.

CREMATION SERVICES

When the time comes to say goodbye, we can make an appointment at the hospital or at your home. Should you wish we can arrange with our pet crematorium to carry out an individual cremation and your pet’s ashes can be returned to you in a scatter box, urn or casket with an inscription of your choice. This can be a very difficult time and we also offer support if needed.

HOME VISITS

We are happy to arrange a consultation in your own home should it be needed. This does involve an additional charge.

EXOTICS

I you have a pet which is not he furry kind we have several vets in the practice who have an interest in the slightly unusual, from tortoises, snakes and fish we can arrange a consultation with a vet who can help you.

ACUPUNCTURE

Veterinary Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is originally a Traditional Chinese Medicine but is now used all around the world, either alone or in conjunction with Western medicine. Clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions in every species of animal. 

For Which Conditions is Acupuncture Indicated?

For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:

  • Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or traumatic nerve injury
  • Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
  • Skin problems such as lick granulomas and allergic dermatitis
  • Management of pain, acute, chronic and post-operative pain in muscles and joints
  • Recovery from paralysis (Bladder, bowel, limbs, larynx)

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In terms of Western medicine it is considered that acupuncture may work by:

  1. Stimulating nerves in a painful area to decrease the feeling of pain 
  2. Increase blood circulation to the nerve and muscle to aid healing
  3. Relieve tightness, pain, and spasm in muscles
  4. Cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid) to increase the feeling of wellbeing. 

Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown. Further research must be conducted to discover all of acupuncture’s effects and its proper uses in veterinary medicine.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

For most animals, acupuncture is virtually painless. Most animals become very relaxed during an acupuncture session and some may even fall asleep. The most common side effects is sleepiness for 24hours, and in some cases an animal’s condition may worsen temporarily for 48 hours, but then improve as a result of acupuncture.