NOAH for Pet Owners
For pet owners, knowing your companion is in safe, capable, and empathetic hands while ill is a must for your peace of mind. Here at NOAH, we blend specialist veterinary services with deep empathy to ensure a professional and effective veterinary service you can trust.
As well as dealing directly with serious veterinary cases, we operate as a second opinion and referral clinic, working with your usual vet to help treat more complicated issues relating to your pet’s health.
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Orthopaedic Surgery & Treatment
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MRI & CT Scans
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Fracture Repairs & Treatment
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Joint Surgery & Treatment
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Soft Tissue Surgery & Treatment
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Brain Surgery Services & Treatment
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Spinal Surgery & Treatment
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Limb Deformity Treatment & Surgery
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Pet Cancer Treatment
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Complicated Diagnostics
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Hyperbaric
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Oxygen Therapy
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Arthroscopy
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Joint Replacement
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Second Opinion & Veterinary Referral Services
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Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Why Does My Pet Have to Be Referred for Specialist Vet Treatment?
Just as your GP might refer you to see a consultant for very specific treatments, vets will refer cases to us.
- It’s normally in cases where the pet needs more specialised treatment.
- It’s always in the animal’s best interest.
- Pets that are referred to us usually have complex problems.
As in human medicine, there are many surgeries animals undergo that would need the attention of a Specialist. Your pet depends on you to find a veterinarian with sufficient experience and training to perform that surgery.
To help you and your pet, there is a network of veterinary surgical specialists ready to provide the special surgical care your pet needs. These specialists are the board-certified members of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS), www.ecus.org and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) www.rcvs.org.
If your pet needs surgery that is more than ‘routine’, be sure to ask your veterinarian the following questions:
- How often does the veterinarian perform this type of surgery?
- Does the surgery require special equipment? Is it available?
- Does my pet’s surgery require a specialist?
- What should I expect the outcome of the surgery to be?
- What follow-up care is necessary?
Find aSpecialist
Pet Owners FAQ
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What is a Board Certified Surgeon?
The term “ECVS Diplomate” or RCVS Specialist refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified in veterinary surgery. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the ECVS are Diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and/or the RCVS and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery. Veterinarians wishing to become board certified must complete a three-year residency program, meet specific training and caseload requirements, perform research and have their research published. This process is supervised by current ECVS Diplomates and RCVS specialists, ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. Once the residency has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination. Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of ECVS Diplomate or RCVS specialist.
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How do I find the right veterinary specialist near me?
No matter what orthopaedic surgery your pet needs, the most important factor in its success is the veterinary surgeon you choose. Although there’s no magic number (of years or procedures) that defines “experience”, you should feel comfortable that the surgeon you choose is well versed and up-to-date in the procedure you’re considering. Some questions you might ask the surgeons you are considering:
- If they perform the procedure frequently or only occasionally?
- When did they last perform the procedure?
If you needed lumbar back surgery for yourself, you probably wouldn’t choose a surgeon proficient at removing gallbladders. Similarly, you should seek a surgeon for your pet who is an expert in the particular type of surgery needed. NOAH is a specialist Dublin veterinarian offering a range of surgeries for small pets including cats and dogs.
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My pet is going into surgery. What do I need to know?
It is important that your pet fasts from solid food from 9pm the previous night of the appointed surgery. This means no food but they should have free access to water at all times, unless otherwise advised by the vet. Our clinic is open from 8:30am Monday-Saturday. Your pet should be admitted to us before 9am on the day of surgery unless otherwise advised.
After your pet has undergone surgery and is discharged, your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgery. Expect your pet to be drowsy with poor balance after surgery and anaesthesia. Do not allow dogs to jump in and out of the car. Sudden movements can damage stitches and cause serious pain.
Your pet will be given pain relief during their time in the clinic and normally you will receive pain relief tablets to administer at home. Every pet discharged from our clinics receives detailed instructions about wound management, home care, at-home physical therapy (if required), exercise restrictions, and timelines for recovery. These recommendations are based on the type of surgery your pet has received and individualised for each patient. If you are unsure about any details of post-operative care, please ask for clarification before leaving the clinic.
Following surgery, if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s well-being, we recommend you initially contact your local vet directly for assistance (the vet that initially referred you to NOAH). Your vet will contact NOAH if additional information or intervention is required.Wishing your pets the speediest of recovery.