


Specialist Surgery at Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital
At Gilabbey we provide specialist surgery in several areas. We have a comprehensive soft tissue referral service for dogs and cats with a wide variety of surgical problems, including:
- Ear, Nose and Throat disorders.
- Urogenital conditions.
- Oncological surgery.
- Gastrointestinal surgeries (foreign body removal, colorectal surgery).
- Wound management and reconstruction.
- Vascular surgeries (portosystemic shunts).
- Cardiothoracic surgery (congenital or acquired disorders).
- Endocrine surgery (thyroidectomy and adrenalectomy).
- Hernia/rupture surgeries (Perineal ruptures, diaphragmatic surgery).
Orthopaedics: We are a centre of excellence for orthopaedics. Led by Ciaran Jones and Shane Guerin, our team offers the finest of orthopaedic care and specialises in fracture management. We have a dedicated orthopaedic theatre, specialised theatre nursing staff and equipment at our disposal.
We can treat many orthopaedic conditions, but some of our most common procedures include treatment of:
- Cranial cruciate ligament tear
- Patellar luxation
- Bone fractures
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteaoarthritis
- BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique which permits a thoughtful and detailed inspection of all the major joints in dogs. The considerable magnification of joint structures, alongside the mobility of the instruments within the joint space, permits accurate observation of intra-articular structures and their pathological changes. Arthroscopy can reveal discrete or early articular lesions when radiography fails to demonstrate evidence of disease. There is little morbidity and minimal risk of complications.
Spinal Surgery: The most common spinal surgery performed in the dog is for intervertebral disc disease and it is increasingly recognised in cats. The intervertebral discs are cushions between the vertebrae (except the first two cervical vertebrae) that allow movement, they are supportive and act as shock absorbers.
Chondrodystrophic dogs, for example the Bassett Hound, Dachshund, Lucas terriers, Sealyhams and Shih Tzus are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease.
Respiratory Medicine and Surgery: Heart and lung disease is a complex area of veterinary medicine, one which may require specialist knowledge and experience for successful diagnosis and treatment.
Laparoscopic spays (often referred to as lap spays) or keyhole surgery is carried out by Tom Conway. This is neutering performed using small incisions and a camera inside the abdomen to remove the reproductive tissues. Lap spays have been shown to be less painful compared to the traditional procedure and the return to normal activity is faster.
Tel: 021 496 2799 Email: gilabbeyvetreception@gmail.com