Services

At Cherrywood Vet Clinic, we recommend that you spay or neuter your pet if you don’t plan on entering them in a breeding program.

Spaying and neutering your pet has many benefits for them. Apart from the benefit that they won’t be able to reproduce, it also has medical benefits. In female dogs, it reduces the risk of pyometra (womb infection) or mammary gland tumours. For male dogs, it reduces the risk of prostate infections and prostate cancer significantly.

In cats, it will minimise hormone-induced behaviour. Like roaming, fighting, spraying, etc. For female cats, spaying reduces the risk of mammary gland tumours and ovarian cancers. With male cats, neutering reduces testicular and prostate cancer

When should you get your pet spayed or neutered?

With dogs, we first look at their size. With large breeds, we recommend waiting until they are fully grown, which is usually around 1 – 1.5 years old.
For small and medium-sized breeds, we can spay and neuter them earlier. Usually, we recommend spaying 3 months after the first heat.

In cats, we would prefer the spay or neuter them at 4 – 5 months old or before they go outside.

What is laparoscopic spaying? What are the benefits?

A laparoscopic spay, also known as a minimally invasive ovariectomy, is a modern surgical technique used to sterilise female animals. Unlike a traditional spay, which involves a larger abdominal incision to remove the ovaries and often the uterus, a laparoscopic spay is performed through two or three small incisions.

Through these incisions, the veterinarian inserts a tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments to view and remove the ovaries with precision. This approach typically results in less tissue trauma, reduced postoperative pain, minimal bleeding, and a quicker recovery time for the patient.

In many cases, only the ovaries are removed (ovariectomy), which is sufficient to prevent pregnancy and eliminate heat cycles, while still achieving the same long-term health benefits as traditional spaying.

Are you planning to spay or neuter your pet? Book them in for a pre-surgery check, call 01 282 6464 or email us info@cherrywoodvetclinic.ie

Because heart health matters for dogs and cats, too!

Just like humans, pets can experience high or low blood pressure — often linked to other health conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, or hormonal imbalances.

At Cherrywood Vet Clinic, we offer gentle, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring to help detect these issues early. It’s a quick and stress-free procedure, and especially important for:

• Senior pets
• Pets with kidney or heart conditions
• Cats with hyperthyroidism
• Pets undergoing anaesthesia
• Pets on long-term medication

Regular monitoring helps us keep your pet safe, healthy, and feeling their best. If your pet needs a blood pressure check, we’re here to help!

Call us to learn more or book an appointment: 01 282 6464

What is Veterinary Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure that allows veterinarians to examine and treat internal organs without the need for large incisions. A small, flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light (called an endoscope) is inserted into the body to visualise internal structures in real-time.

Why Might My Pet Need an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is often used when non-invasive imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) is not enough to confirm a diagnosis. It can be used to:

✅ Investigate chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or coughing
✅ Examine the stomach, intestines, oesophagus, or colon
✅ Retrieve swallowed foreign objects (e.g., toys, bones, string)
✅ Take biopsies from internal organs without open surgery
✅ Inspect nasal passages, airways, or ear canals
✅ Evaluate abnormal bleeding or suspected tumours

Types of Endoscopy Procedures in Pets

Depending on the condition, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: To view the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines
• Bronchoscopy: To examine the airways and lungs
• Rhinoscopy: To explore the nasal passages
• Otoscopy: To inspect deep ear canals
• Laparoscopy: To examine the abdominal organs (can also be used for spays, liver biopsies, etc.)
• Cystoscopy: To view the bladder and urinary tract

Benefits of Endoscopy

• Minimally invasive with faster recovery times
• No or very small incisions
• Less pain and reduced risk of complications
• Allows for accurate biopsies and targeted treatment

What to Expect

• Your pet will need to be under general anaesthesia to ensure safety and comfort.
• The procedure is typically completed within 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity.
• Most pets go home the same day.
• Recovery is usually quick, with minimal discomfort.

Is Endoscopy Safe?

Yes - endoscopy is considered very safe when performed by trained veterinary professionals. As with any procedure requiring anaesthesia, there are some risks, but these are generally low and will be discussed with you beforehand.

Questions or Concerns?

If you think your pet may benefit from endoscopy or if you have questions about the procedure, our veterinary team is happy to help. We’re here to guide you through every step and ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Fast, Accurate Results — Right Here at Our Clinic

At Cherrywood Vet Clinic, your pet’s health is our priority. That’s why we offer in-house diagnostic testing, including blood analysis (haematology and biochemistry) and urinalysis. With these tools, we can quickly and accurately assess your pet’s health — often with results available during your visit.

Blood and urine tests are essential in veterinary care. They help us:

• Detect early signs of illness — even before symptoms appear
• Monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes
• Assess organ function (liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.)
• Screen before anaesthesia or surgery
• Track the progress of treatment or recovery
• Establish a baseline of health during routine checkups

Even if your pet seems healthy, routine testing can catch hidden issues early.

With our advanced equipment, we can quickly perform:

Haematology – Blood cell analysis

• Evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets
• Helps detect infections, anaemia, inflammation, and immune disorders

Biochemistry – Organ and metabolic function

• Measures liver and kidney values, blood sugar, electrolytes, and more
• Crucial for diagnosing internal conditions and monitoring long-term health

Urinalysis – Urine testing

• Assesses kidney function and hydration
• Detects urinary tract infections, crystals, or bladder issues
• Helps diagnose conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

Urine testing is especially helpful when paired with blood work for a full picture of your pet’s internal health.

Whether your pet is in for a wellness check, showing signs of illness, or preparing for surgery, our in-house diagnostics help us make informed, timely decisions about their care.

Just like humans, pets can develop cancer. At Cherrywood Vet Clinic, we understand that a cancer diagnosis in your beloved dog or cat can be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the information, support, and treatment options needed to make the best decisions for your pet’s health and comfort.

Oncology is the branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may form tumours or spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer in pets can affect many areas of the body, including:

• Skin
• Lymph nodes
• Bones
• Organs (such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen)
• Blood or immune system (such as lymphoma or leukaemia)

While not every lump or change in behaviour is cancer, it's important to be aware of warning signs. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Unusual lumps or bumps
• Unexplained weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Sudden changes in behaviour
• Persistent lameness or swelling

Early detection is key to successful treatment.

If cancer is suspected, our team may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Blood work
• Fine needle aspiration or biopsy
• X-rays or ultrasound
• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI)
• Lab testing of tumors or tissue samples

These tests help determine the type of cancer, its stage, and the best course of treatment.

We know that every pet and every family is different. Our approach is always compassionate and focused on giving you the information you need to make informed decisions.

Whether you're seeking aggressive treatment or supportive care to keep your pet comfortable, we’re here for you every step of the way.

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer or you're concerned about symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate the journey with empathy, knowledge, and support.

welcome to come in with their pet and have their weight checked. We have both a large and a small scale available. This is a complimentary service we provide to all our clients.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s weight, please don’t hesitate to book a weight consultation with our nurse by following the link.

Find out what treatments are needed for your pet’s lifestyle and administration of treatments for those hard to handle pets.

A great opportunity to socialise your new puppy. Advice given on many new topics including training. Contact clinic for upcoming dates and bookings.

At Cherrywood Vet Clinic, we know that surgery can be a stressful thought for pet owners. Whether your dog or cat needs a simple procedure or a more complex operation, our veterinary team is here to provide safe, compassionate, and professional care every step of the way.

Here’s a helpful guide to understanding the difference between minor and major surgery in pets.

What Is Minor Surgery?

Minor surgery includes procedures that are typically:

• Less invasive
• Short in duration
• Performed under local or light general anaesthesia
• Low-risk with minimal recovery time

These surgeries often don’t require an overnight stay, and pets usually return home the same day.

Common minor surgeries in dogs and cats:

• Lump or skin tag removal
• Abscess drainage
• Wound repair (stitches)
• Dental extractions (in some cases)

Recovery from minor surgery is usually quick, and pets are often back to their normal selves within a day or two.

What Is Major Surgery?

Major surgery involves more complex procedures and may require:

• General anaesthesia
• Internal surgery (opening the abdomen, chest, or joints)
• Longer time in surgery and recovery
• Hospitalisation for monitoring and pain management

These surgeries are carefully planned and monitored to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout.

Common major surgeries in pets include:

• Spaying or neutering (especially in older or larger pets)
• Tumour removal (especially internal)
• Bladder stone removal
• Gastrointestinal surgery (for blockages or foreign body removal)

Major surgeries often need a longer recovery period and post-operative care.

Is your pet over the age of 7? Then you can call them a senior!

Help them live happier and healthier lives by bringing them in for a second health check with our vets or by booking them in with our nurse for a wellness screening.

Why does my pet need a second health check after 6 months?

With older age comes a greater risk of Arthritis, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, Liver disease, kidney disease and more!

These diseases often go unnoticed in their early stages; early detection is a key factor for a good prognosis.

Are you part of our Pet Health Club? Your second health check, 6 months after the yearly vaccinations, is fully included in your plan.

With the wellness screening, you get a full health check, a full senior blood panel, a urine test and your pet’s blood pressure will be measured.

If you are part of the Pet Health Club, you get a 25% discount on the wellness screening.