XLVets Ireland

30/07/2026

Yesterday, we held Module 9 of the XLVets Graduate programme, delivered by trainers Jeremiah O Sullivan MVB Cert VR Cert ISELP MRCVS, Clinic na gCapall and Michael O’Connor, MVB, O'Connor Julian Veterinary.

This module covered common equine emergencies in mixed practice. The morning session consisted of a theory session on various topics, followed by an afternoon practical session in O’Connor Julian practice in Cashel. Graduates will have come away from the session with the confidence to deal with handling equine calls in day to day practice.

This module was kindly supported by Duggan Veterinary Ltd.

The XLVets Graduate Programme is a two-year comprehensive mix of 13 practical and theory-based modules, providing essential CPD for a new graduates first job in practice.

28/07/2026

Cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN) is a frequent neurological diseases in cattle where rapid recognition and treatment can make the difference between complete recovery and death.

Although the terms CCN and polioencephalomalacia (PEM) are often used interchangeably, PEM simply describes the pathological lesion, i.e the softening of the grey matter of the brain. Several diseases can produce this characteristic lesion, including thiamine deficiency, sulphur toxicity, lead poisoning and salt toxicity. Distinguishing between these causes relies heavily on history, diet and management practices.

In this month’s farm animal article, Tadhg Gavin, Killaloe Veterinary Clinic looks at the causes of PEM, the clinical signs and how it’s diagnosed.

Read the full article here ➡️ https://xlvets.ie/cerebrocortical-necrosis-polioencephalomalacia-in-cattle-understanding-a-treatable-neurological-emergency/

23/07/2026

Lungworm disease,is the most common cause of coughing in dairy cows. It is caused by the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparous. Traditionally it was a disease of calves in their first year on grass, and possibly in yearlings in their second grazing season. Now we predominantly see it in dairy cows.

In his recent article as part of our Farm Animal series, Donal Murphy, Sliabh Luachra Veterinary gave an insight into Lungworm disease, highlighting the causes, symptoms and how to protect the herd against infection.

Read the full article here ➡ https://xlvets.ie/lungworm-in-cows/

20/07/2026

XLVets Skillnet is proud to be one of Skillnet Ireland's 73 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives.

Skillnet Ireland's 2025 Annual Report highlights the impact of industry-led workforce development, with 23,142 businesses investing in upskilling through Skillnet Ireland programmes, supporting 84,515 workers across the Irish economy.

As part of the Skillnet Ireland network, we're proud to deliver industry-led upskilling that provides businesses in veterinary sector with the skills they need to innovate, grow and stay competitive.

Download the 2025 Annual Report ➡️ https://bit.ly/skillnetireland-annual-report-2025

Read the full news story ➡️ https://bit.ly/skillnetireland-annual-report-2025-news

Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation & Science

15/07/2026

The Vet's Corner is a weekly article, located on the inside back page of the Irish Farmers Journal where a vet from an XLVets member practice offers advice and insight to farmers on timely animal health topics.

Previous topics covered include uterine torsion in cows, scour in calves, body condition as a success factor for breeding and pre-breeding scanning.

Check out the Vet’s Corner weekly on the inside back page of the Irish Farmers Journal or visit www.xlvets.ie/vets-corner to view previous articles

13/07/2026

Established in 2010, XLVets Ireland is a member-owned group of independent veterinary practices across the country. Each practice is locally owned and managed, with its independence at the heart of everything we do, and we work together to realise the clinical, economic, cultural and social potential of our members and their communities.

With a commitment to achieving excellence, we aim to help our members deliver the highest standards of compassionate, quality veterinary care using our five fundamental pillars to deliver “Excellence in Practice”.

10/07/2026

Bike or Hike for a Great Cause – Join Wheels N' Heels Without Borders! - 12th September 2026

Vets Without Borders Ireland are you to get involved in their charity Wheels N’ Heels event on 12th September 2026. Either cycle 60km/ 100km along the Copper Coast or join the 8.5km guided Hike through the Nire Valley.

To get started:
- Set up a personal fundraising page on iDonate when you register ▶️ https://www.idonate.ie/event/wheelsnheelssbikeorhike
- Share why you're taking part
- Inspire friends and family to support your journey

By taking part you are funding life-changing animal health and farming projects around the world. Every euro raised helps deliver veterinary care, training, and support to communities that need it most.

More info ▶️ https://www.vetswithoutbordersireland.ie/wheels-n-heels-without-borders.html

08/07/2026

Killaloe Veterinary Clinic are hiring a full time Registered Veterinary Nurse to join their team in county Clare.

➡️ Clinic is well equipped with modern equipment including dr X-ray Idexx analysers etc.
➡️ Role is mainly clinical based in patient monitoring, nurse consultation and surgery management.
➡️ Access to great CPD, that is encouraged and if there is an area of specialty interest this can be supported.
➡️ Candidates must be registered with VCI.
➡️ Remuneration dependent on experience.

For more information and to apply, contact [email protected] or 0857150396.

07/07/2026

Last week, XLVets attended the “Building the Equine Partnership of Choice - XLVets Equine Focus Day” at the Irish National Stud. The day, kindly hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, aimed to make equine work easier and more attractive in the practice for mixed-practice and equine-interested vets. The session was led by James Carrier, Boehringer Ingelheim and Simon Hennessy, Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital and covered topics including parasitology, endocrinology, preventative medicine, colic and field based procedures. The day concluded with a guided tour of the National Stud.

03/07/2026

XLVets Skillnet is proud to celebrate 15 years of supporting Ireland's veterinary and agri-business sectors through skills development, leadership and innovation.

Over the past 15 years, we have worked alongside veterinary practices and industry partners to strengthen skills, leadership and capability across the sector, building a more skilled, resilient and future-focused profession that helps businesses adapt, grow and continue delivering the highest standards of care.

“The success of XLVets Skillnet is rooted in the commitment of veterinary businesses across Ireland, that have recognised that skills development is critical to delivering high standards of care and driving sustainable growth.” said Fiona Leamy, Network Manager, XLVets Ireland Skillnet on the celebration of the networks 15 year milestone.

XLVets Skillnet supports businesses of all sizes in the veterinary and Agri-business sectors. It provides specialised initiatives aimed at both veterinary professionals and farmers.

Read more about XLVets Skillnet - https://www.skillnetireland.ie/skillnet-business-network/networks/xlvets-skillnet

L-R: Fiona Leamy, Network Manager, XLVets Skillnet; Peter Lennox, Development Advisor, Skillnet Ireland; and Mike Curran, Chief Executive, XLVets Ireland.