SMALL ANIMALS SERVICES

At O’Connor Julian Vets we have developed a busy small animal practice over many years. This growing part of our practice culminated in us moving into our new state-of-the-art purpose built veterinary hospital in 2016 which achieved hospital status on the VCI Practice Accreditation Scheme. Our new premises and facilities have allowed us to further enhance the level of care we provide.
We have a dedicated team of specialised small animal vets and nurses who are focused on providing a premium veterinary service to our clients and their pets. The health, welfare and comfort of your pet is our primary concern.

Medical and surgical consultations

All our non-emergency consultations are by appointment only. Our consultation times are Monday – Saturday from 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30.

Digital x-rays

We have a designated imaging suite with a digital x-ray system giving us instant detailed x-rays allowing us to accurately diagnose medical and orthopaedic conditions. Digital x-rays have been a major part in the development of our orthopaedic service in the assessment and treatment of these case pre and post surgery.

Routine surgical procedures

Non-emergency operations are carried out weekday mornings with most pets discharged home by the evening. All patients are to be fasted from 8pm the night before having an anaesthetic. You will be asked to drop off your pet at 9am on the morning of the surgery and your pet will be admitted by one of our nurses. Your pet’s safety is our priority – each patient is given a full clinical examination before undergoing any sedation or anaesthetic. In addition to this a preoperative blood test is offered where appropriate (e.g. older or sick pets) to ensure there are no problems that may complicate the procedure. Each anaesthetic is monitored by a veterinary nurse, and each anaesthetic is tailored to suit your pet ensuring minimum anxiety and maximum comfort during their stay with us. Post surgery either a nurse or vet will contact you to arrange discharge from the hospital. Your will receive pain medication and discharge instructions for your pet. Some pets require a bandage and/or Elizabethan collar to protect the surgical site. We usually see your pet back for a follow-up appointment to check on their recovery. This is included in the surgical fee.

ultrasound

Ultrasonography

We have a dedicated ultrasound machine for small animal abdominal imaging, pregnancy diagnosis and echocardiography (heart scan).

In house laboratory

Using our state of the art Idexx analysers and SNAP tests (www.idexx.eu) we can provide in-house haematology and biochemistry blood testing. These blood screens allow us to accurately assess your animals health and make evidence-based decisions of how to best treat your pets’ individual needs. We also have microscopy in-house to make diagnostic decisions on aspirates from lumps and perform full dermatological work-ups

Microchipping

Losing a beloved pet is a traumatic experience that all animal owners hope will never happen to them. Pets can get lost no matter how responsible an owner you are. Collars and tags are an ideal first line of identity, but these can very easily be lost or misplaced. Microchipping is a quick, simple and painless one off injection that involves the placement of a tiny chip into the skin between the animal’s shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number and this is linked via an online database with the owners contact details. Therefore, if your pet should get lost their microchip number can be read by a scanner and this will allow you to be contacted and reunited with your animal. In addition, it is also an integral part of the pet passport scheme allowing your pet to travel abroad and return to the Ireland without the need for quarantine. As of April 2016, microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs in Ireland from the age of 12 weeks.

Sports-animal medicine and surgery

Our practice has a longstanding tradition in greyhound medicine and surgery. We provide specialist and experienced treatment of racing and coursing greyhounds. Repair of fractured hocks and other injuries are common procedures at our practice.

Pet Passports

If you are taking your dog, cat or ferret out of Ireland to another EU country, or if you are returning to Ireland, you must get an EU pet passport. We can provide this service in an easy straight forward manner. Entry requirements to other EU destinations and non-EU countries will differ from country to country. Check with the Embassy of the country you are travelling to for details.

Advanced soft tissue & orthopaedic surgeries

Michael and Emma have both undergone further training and education to develop their surgical skills. We now provide a comprehensive surgical service for more advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic cases. For example:

Cruciate disease: We offer both Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) and lateral fabellar suture techniques. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions seen in small animals. TTA is an advanced method used to correct the condition, which gives higher rates of success compared to more traditional techniques. All our cruciate surgeries involve an arthrotomy (joint exploration) to ensure that there are no other complications.

Fracture repair: As each fracture is different, we create an individual plan on a case-by-case basis. This includes both internal and external methods of fixation, such as External Skeletal Fixation (ESF), lag screws, intramedullary pins and bone plates (including the latest locking plate systems).

Soft tissue surgery – We offer a wide range of soft-tissue procedures e.g. Total ear canal ablation and lateral wall ostectomy (TECA-LBO) and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO) for advanced ear disease, anal sacculectomies, perineal hernias and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) correction in breeds such as pugs and bulldogs.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of an animal’s life to give them the best protection against disease and illnesses. Puppies and kittens can receive their primary vaccinations from 7 weeks of age and are given a course of 2 injections 3 weeks apart. Older pets that have completed their full primary course still need a booster injection annually to maintain their immunity. At O’Connor Julian Veterinary we offer a special puppy/kitten package which includes all their vaccinations, worm and flea treatment all at a discounted rate of 65 euro for a puppy and 70 euro for a kitten. Click on the button down bellow to learn more about vaccinations for your pet.

Saying Farewell to your Friend

Saying goodbye to your loved pet can be a very difficult and emotional time. We provide a very compassionate and pain free service making the process as peaceful as possible. In conjunction with Pets To Rest we offer a cremation service if required and also allows for your individual pets ashes to be returned to you in either a tribute box or casket if requested. Please ask any member of our team for more information.

Dental Care

We have a dedicated dental machine with an ultrasonic descaler, electronic burr and polisher for performing in-house dentals. Dentals are performed under general anaesthetic. Extractions are sometimes needed but we may not be able to predict the number until your pet is under anaesthetic.

Brushing:

This is the best way of preventing dental disease and should be started from a young age. In our practice we sell special toothbrushes and paste for pets. Alternatively, you can use a very soft bristled child’s toothbrush but it is important to note that human toothpaste should never be given to an animal. Human toothpaste contains both fluoride and xylitol both of which can be toxic to pets.

Diet:

Studies have proven that feeding a dry diet in contrast to moist food significantly reduces plaque and tartar build up. The action of the kibble over the surface of the tooth mimics that of brushing and the food is less likely to stick to the surface of the teeth. There are also now special formulated dental diets that contain similar constituents to our toothpaste that help prevent teeth and gum disease.

Dental Toys:

These can also be used as an additional tool to help prevent plaque build up but are not as effective as diet and brushing at preventing dental disease. We recommend regular dental checkups to ensure your pet maintains good oral hygiene. Why not book in with one of our nurse’s for a free pre dental assessment?