Park Pets Veterinary Clinic Kinnegad

29/05/2026

We were looking after two lovely pets from one household for some elective procedures this week. With any anaesthetic we always recommend pre operative bloods and fluids for a thorough risk assessment and increased patient safety under anaesthetic.

With this case; we were doing a routine procedure to remove an eyelid tumour and to take radiographs to investigate a chronic intermittent lameness.

I was surprised with an incidental finding. When we used our layngoscope to visualise and illuminate the pharynx to safely pass an endotracheal tube supplying oxygen and anaesthetic gases to the lungs; we discovered an anomaly.

There was a lump growing on the epiglottis. We immediately took steps to get some images (very tricky) and we added survey chest radiographs to the procedures list to check the lungs and heart for any signs of abnormalities.

We discussed the options with the owner at length. We’ll be referring this doggo for further imaging and laser surgery and follow up at a specialist centre. At the moment he probably feels like he’s got a marble lodged in his throat and his airflow is harsh and disrupted around that. The danger would be that if it continues growing it could obstruct his airway.

It’s important to know our normal anatomy so that we can identify the abnormal!

We’re so so hopeful that this is an inflammatory polyp and not a tumour. There’s a really good chance that’s the case. Fingers crossed!

29/05/2026

Maki is the most beautiful cat. He’s a Singapura. This is the world’s smallest cat breed. They’re playful and affectionate. They have big eyes and ears and a distinctive coat and they’re really fun. Truly loyal, affectionate and sweet.

Maki won first prize for being the most beautiful boy in the pedigree cat shorthair category at the GCCFI Dublin show held this month. His owner Amy knows how to bring out the best in him and they definitely deserve the accolades! He’s fabulous. And he knows it.

As he left my consulting room a gorgeous ragdoll had arrived so we were all admiring both cats and we got very little work done.. When we are blessed with pedigree cat visits we just have the best days..

Congratulations to Amy and Maki!

26/05/2026

This little dote got stung by a bee. On the mouth. It swelled up and he was drooling and off his food. Bee stings can be dangerous if they’re around the airways. Best to get them checked!

14/05/2026

Winston only comes to see us because he has to 🤣. He sticks very close to his mum. He’s very dramatic. We understand him 🥰

Winston’s owner and I wanted to highlight issues we have had of late to warn other vets and owners. He is under treatment for a disease called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This means he can’t produce enough digestive enzymes to digest his food.

We have been treating him for years successfully, with exogenous pancreatic enzymes sourced under license from a reputable company.

Suddenly, for no reason, Winston wasn’t well. He was losing weight and he was really sad.

We tried a lot of interventions with mixed success. We had to double his dose of enzymes and give lots of other medical supports over a period of weeks.

After a frustrating number of weeks with relapses; we became aware of online groups of owners of dogs with EPI encountering the same issues.

It turned out it was a batch issue with the drug. We switched him to an alternate and he was immediately better.

The drug company involved wasn’t great! We won’t name them here. They didn’t really help us. We had to figure it out ourselves. They didn’t follow up…

14/05/2026

Having the best day meeting and greeting some really special puppies! Tara on the left has the most wonderful owner who is the definition of a responsible and reputable Burnese mountain dog breeder. Tara is a firm favourite from a very special litter; and she’s staying with her family.

Ace is so stunning and I was so taken with him I almost forgot to give him his vaccine! We were chatting about his breed; and their difficulties with hip and elbow disease; and a general chat about the best way to keep them protected against diseases. We recommend delaying neutering in large breed doggies where possible; until they are about two years old.

We’re so happy to be registering such gorgeous dogs; and we’re so looking forward to watching over them as they grow.

13/05/2026

Kaja and Co were peeping in for a ‘lil puppy health check with us…

09/05/2026

I’ve been warning my clients about climate change and the explosion in the tick population all year.

They’re highly dangerous. The Lyme disease prevalence is probably very high ; but alarmingly last time I checked nobody had done a field study.

Lyme disease is a really horrible and sometimes latent disease that can affect many species including humans and dogs.

Our advice is NOT to remove ticks. Please use a really good licensed prescription only product on your pets and use the products to kill the pests. Also use a prevention spray (like jungle spray) on your ankles when walking in high risk areas; like long grass near water. Ideally keep your skin covered where you think you might be at risk of exposure.

Lyme disease can attack your immune system causing joint pain; lethargy; polyarthritis. In humans if it becomes chronic it can cause psychiatric disease.

It’s endemic in Europe; and highly prevalent in Germany and France. With our weird monsoon season now and definite change in the weather; we can expect a new range of parasites and disease. Lungworm is also an issue… that’s carried by slugs. Nice!

Call your local vet for the best advice on what works; and what doesn’t work; in terms of prevention.

The HSE has issued a fresh alert about ticks and the risk of Lyme disease, warning they are active across Ireland this summer. The advice is particularly important for anyone spending time outdoors.

25/04/2026

This week brought some very intense cases to the practice.. it’s been a week filled with lots of complex medical issues. We have been looking after a dog suffering from sepsis from an acute prostate disease . He’s doing well but we’ve had him in intensive care for several days now. Thank goodness I live on site otherwise I’d be sleeping in the clinic!

We had an old dog with a womb infection also; and when we went to surgery; we found a cyst the size on her left o***y the size of a grapefruit along with an infected uterus. We considered all her risk factors; but she was otherwise healthy and strong and her blood work was good; and so we went ahead successfully removed everything and she bounced out of her anaesthetic and she’s home now convalescing.

We had several spinal cases for acupuncture; and lots of second opinions on complex issues from other practices.

Our brilliant nurse Avril has gone on maternity leave; and we had a lovely farewell party for her. We’re also recruiting for more team members.

Along with Ciara, Katie, vet Katie, Bethany and Killian, we are busy regrouping to organise new team members and to make sure we have plenty of great people to service our wonderful clients and their pets. We are actively interviewing for wonderful nurses and animal care assistants; along with more vet cover for the busy summer months.

I hope you’re all enjoying the beautiful sunny spell. After a long winter filled with uncertainty; and bad news on the geopolitical world stage; it’s lovely to see the sun shining.

It’s easy to become despondent if we listen to the news cycles; but we are strong people. We are more resilient than we think. We have a great sense of what’s right and what’s decent.

We could all learn a lot from animals; who live in a state of mindfulness; and who are masters at enjoying the present. There’s very little point in worrying about the future; because things have a habit of turning out in unexpected ways. There’s no point regretting the past; because every challenge taught us something.

I have great trust in the younger generation; and some of the most important work we do is in making them stronger; making them feel positive about the world; and reassuring them that they can shoulder the burdens of their generation. Hard work pays off; and stability and structure are so important to be able to perform well. Everything will be all right. Above all, don’t let the sunshine pass you by!

20/04/2026

🐾 Dreaming of a Career in Veterinary Nursing? 🐾

We are looking for a bright, kind and hardworking Animal Care Assistant to join our team at Park Pets Veterinary Clinic with an exciting future opportunity in mind.

This role would suit someone who loves animals, enjoys helping people, and would like to work towards applying for the Distance Veterinary Nursing Course in Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) Athlone Campus in 2027.

☀️ Paid Summer Programme Available ☀️
We are offering a paid summer placement where we can get to know each other and assess suitability for a long-term role. This is a fantastic chance to gain real experience in a busy, caring veterinary clinic and see if this career path is right for you.

🐶 What the role may involve:
• Caring for pets in hospital
• Cleaning and maintaining high standards throughout the clinic
• Assisting nurses and vets with daily tasks
• Helping clients feel welcome
• Learning how a modern veterinary practice runs

💚 What we are looking for:
• minimum age 18
• applicants from animal care assistant courses preferred
• Genuine love of animals
• Friendly, reliable and mature attitude
• Strong work ethic
• Good communication skills
• full clean drivers license
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team

This could be the first step towards a rewarding career caring for animals.

📩 To apply, please email your CV to [email protected] and a short note telling us why this role interests you.

Please share with anyone who may be perfect for this opportunity. 🐾

17/04/2026

Too cute! Happy Friday!