We provide an emergency on call vet, please call us
Vet Consultations
A daily clinic is run for consultations by appointment where every issue from itchy skin to arthritis and everything in between is dealt with. We endeavour to make this as comfortable as possible for you and your pet. We understand a lot of pets do not relish the idea of seeing the vet so we do our best to put both of you at your ease. Your pet can be booked in at a time when the clinic is quiet if they are nervous around other animals. This is especially important for cats. Sometimes, with more complicated cases, we may need to perform further tests such as bloods or an ultrasound but will make sure to explain the plan as much as possible.
Vaccinations
As soon as you get a new puppy or kitten it is very important that you get them fully vaccinated before they head out into the big bad world. The primary course consists of 2 shots being given 3-4 weeks apart. After that the vaccine is boostered either once annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine.
At Moate Veterinary Hospital we vaccinate dogs against four types of leptospirosis as well as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. A kennel cough vaccine can also be administered at any time. Cats receive a vaccine against flu and enteritis as well as a leukaemia virus vaccine.
The first visits give us an opportunity to give as much advice as possible and to answer all your questions regarding your new pet. At the annual vaccine your pet will also have a full health check including nail clip, anal glands and dental exam so that we can help you prevent some of the common conditions that often affect our pets. Flea and worm treatments are also discussed at this time.
Anaesthetic and surgery
Almost all pets will have at least one surgery during their lives. Neutering (castration/spay) is done most commonly on young dogs and cats as well as rabbits and ferrets. This is done to prevent unwanted offspring or behaviours as well as preventing certain cancers. Female rabbits for example are prone to cancer of the womb if they are not neutered so even if they are an only bunny it is very important to get them treated.
Orthopaedics and advanced soft tissue surgery such as chest and abdominal surgeries are also performed here. We are accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies. At Moate Vet Hospital, we use gold standard anaesthesia (gas) to make sure that your
pet gets the safest anaesthetic possible and also receives a complete pain plan to ensure they are kept as comfortable as possible before and after their surgery. All our anaesthetics are carefully monitored by our team of vets and nurses. We provide a 24 hour emergency service to all our clients.
Dentistry
It is quite common for even the most attentive owners to be totally unaware of what is happening in their pets mouth and a dental problem often only comes to light when they are in for their annual check up. Dental disease is unfortunately quite common, quite painful and frequently requires an anaesthetic and extractions.
We endeavour to do this as painlessly as possible. A full descale and polish is performed under GA and if extractions are necessary we perform nerve blocks to reduce pain in recovery. Extractions are performed using an iM3 dental system ensuring surgical extractions are performed with minimal trauma. We will provide you with pain relief at home for your pet for the next few days. Often the gum is sutured post extractions and this will need to be checked after a few days. This service is included in the dental exam.
It is often only after a full dental has been performed that owners remark how much happier their pet is. The only way to prevent dental disease in your pet is to train them to have their teeth brushed regularly. We can show you how to do this at any visit.
Hospitalisation
If your pet needs to stay at Moate veterinary hospital for a night or a few days, please be assured that we will make it as stress-less as possible. Our cattery is located at one end of the building away from barking dogs so that they can recover in peace. These are specially designed feline pods with an internal shelf for a higher perch, and access to a bigger space if your cat is staying in for a longer time. Warm bedding, heat pads, boxes for hiding and a variety of foods help to make your cat feel at home.
Our new full height dog kennels with underfloor heating mean that the smallest to the biggest canine is catered for fully and kept as comfortable as possible.
We also have isolation facilities for infectious cases where necessary.
Ultrasound
This is an invaluable piece of equipment in any hospital and is often used in emergency situations to diagnose bleeding or respiratory issues quickly. It is also used to image internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and bladder often allowing us to take samples from these areas without the need for a costly and invasive surgery.
Heart ultrasounds (echocardiography) are really helpful in deciding what medications to use in cardiac patients and to evaluate how well these drugs are working. Our favourite use is in showing owners an ultrasound of their pregnant bitch or queen complete with tiny heart beats. It is often used prior to a caesarian section to ensure that everything is ok.
Digital X-ray
Xrays/radiographs are one of our most useful tools to diagnose and treat your pet. We can almost instantly get an image of your pet in the hospital enabling us to quickly and effectively treat their condition.
Broken bones and foreign bodies (swallowing toys!) are among the more common reasons for taking radiographs but they also help us diagnose and treat chest conditions such as diaphragmatic hernias and respiratory issues.
These images can be rapidly emailed to referral hospitals if necessary so that your pet can be treated efficiently. This is especially important when it comes to spinal injuries or catastrophic trauma from road traffic accidents.
Laboratory
Our in house laboratory means we can get almost instant results when investigating your pets health issue. We also use pre-anaesthetic bloods to ensure that your pet is fit for an anaesthetic where necessary.
Biochemistry, PCV, blood smears, urinalysis and skin scrapes are all run ‘in house”. Other samples such as tissue samples for histopathology or hormonal tests are run through Idexx laboratories so that we, at Moate Vet Hospital, can provide you with a comprehensive service.
Through this service we also have access to an on call pathologist to ensure your pet receives the most up to date medical care.
Passports
Moate Vet Hospital can provide you with a passport should you need one for travelling abroad with your pet. This is a very simple and quick procedure. All we need are your details, your pets microchip number and vaccination history and you can leave with a passport on the same day.
Please check with the embassy of the country you are heading to for up to date information regarding requirements for entering the country. We will help in any way we can to reduce the stress of travel!
Microchipping
Since 2016 all dogs must be microchipped. This is a very simple and quick procedure where a small chip is inserted under the skin which can then be read using a microchip scanner. The number associated with the chip is then registered by us on a database so that if your pet goes missing, and they are brought to a vet/dog warden for scanning, they can be quickly reunited with their family. Cats can also be microchipped.
Remember, if you are buying a puppy they must be microchipped on the premises of origin-by law. Please do not purchase puppies that do not
have a registered microchip.
Saying goodbye….
Unfortunately there will come a time when you have to say goodbye to your beloved pet. We will do this as sensitively as possible. It can be performed at a time that best suits you and your pet. Euthanasia/putting to sleep is simply an overdose of an anaesthetic and is quite quick and painless for your pet. They will simply fall asleep.
After it is performed we encourage people to spend as much time as they like saying goodbye to their pet. It is a good idea to discuss with us in advance what you would like to happen to the body. We provide a service through Cranmore Crematorium whereby your pet can be cremated privately and ashes returned to you in a small casket or urn.
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CONTACT MOATE VET HOSPITAL
Emergency Calls
We provide an emergency on call vet, please call 090 648 1963.
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9.00-6.00
Saturday: 9.00-5.00
Closed Lunchtime Saturday: 1.00-2.00
Clinic times
Monday-Friday: 4.00-6.00
Saturday: 11.00-1.00
Clinic times are appointment only!