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Specialist Care for dogs and cats
At Veterinary Specialists Ireland, we provide the most advanced and comprehensive veterinary care for small animals. We help dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes. Chat to our specialists today to see how we can help your furry friend.
Can your pet donate blood to save lives?
We are actively seeking pets to be blood donors at Veterinary Specialists Ireland. We have locations in Meath and Cork. Animals in our care often require blood transfusions. If you think your pet is eligible for blood donation please contact us today.
The Leading Destination for Exotic Pet Care in Ireland
At Veterinary Specialists Ireland, we provide the most advanced and comprehensive veterinary care for exotic pets, zoological companion animals, wildlife, and zoo species.
PET OWNER FAQ’s
Here we answer some common questions asked by pet owners in our hospitals.
Does my pet need to fast for their appointment?
How do I find the Cork hospital?
How do I find the Summerhill hospital?
How do I get a referral?
How do I make an appointment?
How much will my visit cost?
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
MRI versus CT: what is the difference?
What types of payment options are available?
Spinal problems are common in Dachshunds. 🐶🐾
Today, Dr. Bronach McClean, Surgeon Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, explains why and what owners need to know. 🩺
Skip to the question you’re interested in:
• 00:00 — 00:15 : Why are Dachshunds so prone to spinal disease?
• 00:15 — 1:00 : What warning signs should owners look out for?
• 1:00 — 1:41 : What does spinal surgery involve?
• 1:41 — 2:04 : What does recovery look like after surgery?
If you suspect your pet or patient may have a spinal problem, contact Veterinary Specialists Ireland :
📞 046 955 7551
✉️ info@vetspecialists.ie
#Dachshund #SpinalSurgery #VeterinarySpecialists #VeterinarySurgery #VetIreland
Dr. Sparrow is going to be a grandad ! 💙🐶
We have some exciting news… our Head of Surgery, Dr. Tim Sparrow, is going to be a grandad! 🐾
His Labrador, Teasel, recently paid a visit to Veterinary Specialists Ireland for an ultrasound and she is officially five weeks pregnant. 🐶
We could clearly spot at least two little puppies on the scan… and there may even be a third one hiding in there. 👀
Teasel is due in November, so it won’t be long until we find out exactly how many tiny paws are on the way.
For now, the count is 2… maybe 3? 🐾
#vethospital #vetmed #ultrasounds #dogpregnancy #VeterinaryImaging
🐾 A little Ally update 💙
You may remember five-year-old Jack Russell Ally from a few months ago, when she was being treated at Veterinary Specialists Ireland following suspected poisoning.
After her initial response to fluid therapy was not as promising as hoped, Ally received two dialysis sessions and was closely monitored by our ECC (Emergency & Critical Care) team.
We’re delighted to share that Ally made a great recovery and is now back home and doing well ! 🐶💙
These lovely photos are recent updates shared with us by Ally’s family, a few months after her time at VSI and we couldn’t resist sharing them with you.
It’s always so special to see our patients happy, healthy and back to doing what they love. 🐾
Keep going, Ally ! 💪💙
#dialysis #vetlife #vethospital #ecc #vetemergency
Ever wondered what a CT scan can tell us about your pet ? 🩻
Sometimes, finding the answer means taking a closer look. 👀
Our advanced CT scanner creates detailed, 3D images of the body, helping our team investigate areas that can be difficult to assess with other imaging techniques.
From diagnosing complex conditions to planning surgery and treatment, CT imaging gives our specialists the detailed information they need to provide the best possible care for each patient. 🩺
All part of our advanced diagnostic imaging service here at Veterinary Specialists Ireland. 📍
#VeterinarySpecialistsIreland #VeterinaryImaging #CTScan #SpecialistVet #VeterinaryCare
Darcy’s second chance. 💙
At 9 years old, Darcy was referred to Veterinary Specialists Ireland with a large liver mass.
Surgery successfully removed the hepatocellular carcinoma but her fight wasn’t over.
When severe kidney injury followed, our Emergency & Critical Care team stepped in, with dialysis giving Darcy the time her kidneys needed to recover.
Today, she’s heading home to the family who never gave up on her. 🐾
This is what referral care can make possible.
#VetOncology #Surgery #ReferralCare #SpecialistVet #EmergencyAndCriticalCare
Having a bit of a rough day ? Feeling a little low ? Had a difficult case or just need a moment of comfort ? 💙🐾
Rita, our very own Welcome Concierge and Chief of Moral Support, is always ready to offer a cuddle, a wagging tail and a little unconditional love. 🥹
No appointment needed. Just ask Rita for a hug. 💙🫂
#VetHospital #VetLife #MoralSupport #dachshund #dachshundlove
🦎 Happy Reptile Awareness Day !
Cold-blooded. Complex. Often misunderstood.
From snakes and lizards to tortoises and turtles, reptiles have highly specific needs when it comes to nutrition, temperature, lighting and environment. 🐍🐢
And because they’re experts at hiding signs 😶🌫️ of illness, subtle changes in appetite, behaviour or activity can be the first indication that something isn’t right.
This Reptile Awareness Day, we’re putting reptile health in the spotlight, because knowing what’s normal can make all the difference.
#ReptileAwarenessDay #ReptileHealth #ExoticsVet #VeterinarySpecialistsIreland
🐾 While You Wait : Explore Around VSI
If your pet is staying with us for a few hours, you don`t have to spend the whole time at the hospital. ⌛️
Here are a few of our team`s favourite local spots to grab a coffee, have a bite to eat or simply take a little break. 😊
☕ 2 Chubby Gingers — A Summerhill favourite for coffee, lunch and something sweet (around 3 min drive / 10 min walk).
🥐 J Foxy & Co — Another local go-to for a relaxed coffee or bite to eat, just a short distance from VSI (around 2 min drive / 8 min walk).
🏰 Trim Castle — Around 13 min drive, explore the historic town of Trim, take a walk around the castle and enjoy the River Boyne. Fun fact: scenes from the famous film Braveheart were filmed here!
🌿 Hill of Tara — Around 22 min drive, this historic site is steeped in Irish history and offers a peaceful spot for a walk, fresh air and beautiful views across the Meath countryside.
Whether you need a coffee, a change of scenery or simply some fresh air, we hope these local suggestions make your time with us a little easier.
Travel times are approximate and based on the journey from Veterinary Specialists Ireland.
Opening hours may vary, so we recommend checking before visiting.
#VetHospital #Summerhill #CountyMeath #MeathIreland #PetOwners
Congratulations to Dr. Patricia Carvalho and Dr. Laura Cuddy on their latest publication! 👏
Dr Patricia Carvalho, Clinician at Veterinary Specialists Ireland, has authored an article for the October 2026 edition of Veterinary Ireland Journal, co-authored with Dr Laura Cuddy, Director of Veterinary Specialists Ireland and Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation.
This is the most recent article co-authored by Patricia and Laura, exploring objective gait analysis and how advanced technology, including pressure walkway systems, can transform the way we assess lameness.
By providing measurable data on weight distribution, pressure points and gait asymmetry, this technology can be particularly valuable in subtle cases and when monitoring recovery following orthopaedic procedures. 🦴
We are proud to use advanced diagnostic technology to support more precise patient care. 🔍
A fantastic achievement for both Patricia and Laura, congratulations! 🐾
#VetMedicine #VetHospital #Orthopaedics #VetArticle #VetSurgery
🎙️ Tune in this Sunday !
Laura Cuddy, Director at Veterinary Specialists Ireland & Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, will be on air this Sunday, 18 October, talking about small animal health, healthcare solutions and what pet owners need to know.
📻 @newstalkfm | Sunday, 18 October | 9–10am
❓️ Got questions about your pet’s health ?
Tune in on Sunday morning to hear Laura share her insights ! 💡
#Newstalk #VetHospital #AnimalHealth #HealthCare #VetMedicine
Lacey has completed chemotherapy ! 🐾🎉
Six-year-old Boxer Lacey received her certificate after completing all eight doses of chemotherapy for a high-grade mast cell tumour.
Throughout her treatment, Lacey has done brilliantly, maintaining an excellent quality of life. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with her and everyone who has been part of her journey. 💙
Here’s to plenty more happy days, cuddles and tail wags ! 🐶
#VeterinaryHospital #VSI #VeterinaryOncology #CancerCare #ChemoComplete
✨ Dr. Brónach McClean wins prestigious research award ! ✨
Specialist surgeon Dr. Brónach McClean was an invited guest at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Annual Surgical Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she received a prestigious award recognising her outstanding research publication on knee injections in dogs. 🏆
We are incredibly proud to have talented and dedicated surgeons like Brónach on our team, driving research that tackles real clinical challenges and helping veterinary surgeons around the world enhance their clinical practice. 🙌🌎
A fantastic achievement and very well-deserved recognition for Brónach and her co-authors from Veterinary Specialists Ireland, the University of Zurich, and the University of Minnesota.
#vetresearch #vetsurgery #specialistsurgeon #vethospital
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Latest News & Updates
Case Study – Bobby Ortiz and Princess the Scarlet Macaw
Coming to Veterinary Specialists Ireland VSI in 2025
New staff member: Dr. Olga Amorós
New staff member: Dr. Poppy Bristow
