Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership.  It provides peace of mind that if your pet was to go missing, he or she would have the best chance of being returned safely.

When to microchip?

Microchips can be implanted at any time. It is often done in puppies and kittens at or around the time of initial vaccination, or when neutered. It is still a legal requirement for dogs to wear an identity tag on a collar even when microchipped.

If a stray animal is found it is always scanned. Vets, most rescue centres and local authorities have scanners.  When a microchip is found, the database can be accessed 24 hours a day and the owner informed.

What happens when your pet is microchipped?

The microchip is very small, about the size of a grain of rice, the procedure is very simple and no more painful than an injection. The microchip, which has a unique number, is placed under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. Your pet will not be aware of the microchip once it is inserted and the body will not react to it as it is coated in the same material that is used in human pacemakers!

Your vet will check the microchip with a handheld scanner. Your pet’s unique identity number, together with your contact details are registered by you or your vet onto a national database. This can be done online or by post. It is important to change your details should you move address.

Glasslyn Vets honoured its longest serving employee Pat O’ Donnell, who recently celebrated his 50th anniversary with the company. Glasslyn Vets held a celebration in the Innishannon House Hotel for Pat O’ Donnell, his family and work colleagues.

Glasslyn Vets Managing Director, Kevin O’ Sullivan, directors David McLaughlin, John Nyhan and John Healy, along with work colleagues commended Mr O’ Donnell’s dedication to veterinary life and thanked him for his five decades of service and loyalty.

“We’re excited to celebrate Pat reaching the 50th anniversary milestone,” said Kevin O’ Sullivan.  “Pat embodies the traits that help make Glasslyn Vets a leader in our industry: hard work, commitment, and putting animals at the heart of everything we do. We know from personal experience that Pat is a great role model for future generations of Glasslyn Vets’ veterinary teams.  He has supported some of our directors with their own career, helping them to progress from assistants to partners and we have benefited hugely from his knowledge and experience. I would like to personally thank Pat for his daily contributions to our company.”

Mr. O’ Donnell  came to Bandon in 1972 and became a partner in 1973.  Over the following fifty years, Pat supported a lot of positive change for the business; from building on a purpose designed veterinary clinic on Glasslyn Road, Bandon in the early eighties, to purchasing a new premise in Church Square, Kinsale.  In the mid to late eighties the practice acquired six other practices throughout Cork county. All of this has led to Glasslyn Vets becoming a leader in the veterinary industry, with a strong culture of investing in its employees and offering state-of-the-art facilities to protect and improve large and small animals’ health.

“Pat has played a very important role within our organisation and continues to set the example of hard work and dedication to our company,” said Glasslyn Vets director David McLaughlin. “His experience and talents are invaluable to us. He has a keen interest in people which really stands to his client relationships and is much respected by our clients.  He is simply the best!”

Speaking on this tremendous milestone, Pat O’ Donnell stated “It is hard to imagine that the roots of Glasslyn Vets began before the 1916 Rising, when in 1914 Con O’ Driscoll of Abbey Mahon, Timoleague qualified as a veterinary surgeon.  There has been a lot of transformation from back then to now with veterinary practices changing dramatically.  I would like to acknowledge the support and friendship of my former and present Glasslyn Vets’ colleagues. Also, my family have played an important role over the past fifty year.  I wish Glasslyn Vets all the best going forward”.

Some photos from the celebrations.

Every garden, no matter its size, can be a haven for hungry pollinators. In Ireland, there are 98 different types of bee: the honeybee, 20 different bumblebees and 77 different solitary bees. They along with other insects such as moths, butterflies & hoverflies carry out the very important job of pollination. Here are some tips to help encourage them into your space and help their numbers thrive.

1. Plant trees, shrubs & flowers ( listed below) to attract bees, butterflies & moths throughout the year.

Spring: Willow, Dandelion, Gorse, Sycamore Blossom, Horse Chestnut, Bluebell, Snowdrops, Daisy, Elder, wild garlic

Summer: Hawthorn/Whitethorn, Fuchsia, Blackberry Blossom, White Clover, Foxglove, Lavender, Milk thistle, Poppy, Lobelia, Sunflowers

Autumn: Bell Heather, Ling Heather, Dahlia, Aster, Borage

Autumn/Winter: Ivy Blossom, Honeysuckle, Holly

2. Build or buy an insect hotel. These are readily available to buy now but are a easy and fun to make yourself
3. Create an insect friendly area by allowing a small part of your garden to go wild
4. Provide a shallow water source for insects to drink out of. This could also encourage dragonflies & damselflies to your garden.
5. Use non toxic pest control methods

We joined forces with The Southern Star to find West Cork’s Cutest Pet!

Glasslyn Vets Social Media and Marketing Administrator, Alexa du Plessis joined a panel of judges along with Southern Star editor Siobhan Cronin and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns to narrow it down to 10 finalists after a whopping 260 entrees.

The winner will receive a €100 grooming voucher, €100 pet food voucher and €50 health check, a professionally taken portrait, and a trophy.

Winner will be announced on 8 July 2023!

Go and Vote on : https://www.southernstar.ie/west-corks-cutest-pet?fbclid=IwAR0Xj6rStNg_vXcwqQHPLaVU8tm61WEXu-XwdkqLy34MBvG3mp-av6yTEoI

What to do when your cat has been diagnosticated with Feline Idiophatic Cystitis (FIC)? FIC is a complex syndrome that requires a multimodal management approach. Lets look at some tips:

ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION- REDUCING STRESS
Cats with FIC are more sensitive to stress than avarage cats. Often, it is difficult to detect signs of stress in cats, but we need to provide an appropiate and rich
enviornment for them.
The most important aspects to consider are:
– Provide safe and quiet places to rest, where the cat can not be disturbed.
– Provide hight places where they can climb and have a view of most of the “territory”.
– Provide scratching surfaces, horitzontal and vertical.
– Play with the cat every day; they need to express their predatory behaviour and stay active. We can also hide small amounts of food around the house to simulate predatory activities.
– In a multiple-cat house is very important to provide enough ressources to avoid conflict (water, food, litter boxes..).
– Litter boxes: there are several aspects to consider refering the litter boxes: Place the litter box in a quiet and safe place, away from the
windows/outsie, so it can’t be overlooked. The litter box has to be away from the water and food. In mutiple-cat houses, there must be 1 box for cat plus 1 extra ideally, in different locations. Litter should be cleaned regullarly.
– We can also use feromones like Feliway.
It is very important to have close attention to the preferences of our cat (toys, litter, food…) and provide him/her depending on them.
You have to notice that environmental enrichment is the most important aspect in FIC management.

DIETARY AJUSTMENTS
Another important aspect in the management of FIC is increasing water intake in order to diluate the urine. Some strategies to achive this are:
– Feed with wet food (canned food) but we need to be careful when changin diets, it can be a stress factor in some cats.
– Use pet water fountains.
– Change water regularly, the water must always be clean and fresh.
– We can try flavoured water (tuna, beef…).
– Add some water in the dry food (if your cat tolerates it).
– Be sure that your cat likes the water bowl. It is recommended to fill the bowl so the cat doesn’t need to put all his/hers head inside. We can try different
bowls.
Normally, no other changes in the diet are required. If you cat needs an special diet, we will adapt it with the descrived strategies.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Overweight and obesity are an important risk factor in FIC developement (and many other pathologies).
Some things we can try are:
– Increase activity: we can try playing more with the cat, with games that requieres running, jumping and climbing. If the cat stays alone long periods
of time, we can try with interactive toys.
– Diet management and diet changes: it’s important to feed the exact quantity that the cat needs and avoid giving him/her too many treats. If necessary,
we may change the diet into a specific weight management diet.

DRUG THERAPY
There are few drugs proved to be effective against FIC, but we can use some to improve clinical signs and recurrence.
– Glycosaminoglycan replacers: might be beneficial in some cats.
– Analgesia and anti-inflamatory drugs: they can’t resolve the episode by themselves, but can reduce the severity of signs.
– Amitriptyline: it can be usefull in severe recurrent cases

1. Make the cat comfortable with the chamber . Before applying any medication, we need to make sure the cat tolerates the Chamber. We will start with short sessions, using snacks -or similar-, to associate the chamber with good input. We can start by showing the chamber to the cat and giving her/him a snack. Then, we will place the snack inside the face mask, so the animal puts the head voluntarily into the mask. Every session, we will increase the time that the face is inside the mask.
2. Use the Chamber. Once the cat is comfortable, we can introduce the medication. After adding the medicine, you must count 15 breaths before releasing the cat, to make sure all is inhaled.
3. Remember to always make it a positive experience, either through play or snacks!

Tips for weight loss in cats

Obesity in cats are common, especially those who are kept indoors. Obesity is a serious problem that can predispose cats to different complex pathologies. These pathologies can put the cat’s life in risk, like hepatic lipidosis, diabetes, cystitis, skin problems or lameness.

A cat with perfect body condition-and weight- should have marked waist, the ribs should be palpated easily (but not seen) and shouldn’t have a lot of abdominal fat.

The pillars for a successful weight loss in cats are:

• Diet: if the cat is overweight or obese, switch his/her diet to a specific one for weight loss and maintenance.
• Exercise: it is very important to keep the cat moving! Try different things to promote exercise. Some of them are:
  • Play with the cat: it will help on the weight loss journey, but it is also important to simulate hunting behaviours in cats that are kept indoors. Every cat will prefer a different toy, some prefer rat-like toys, others prefer playing with balls. Try to play with your cat at least 30-60 minutes a day.
  • Change the place of the water or food bowl every few days (carefully so the cat doesn’t get stressed).
  • Hide some food in different places of the house, so the cat must look for it (a small part of the cat’s food ration).
  • Make your cat jump on surfaces (putting the food on high surfaces, playing…).
• Treat any kind of mobility issues.
• Ambiental enrichment: it is possible that the cat is eating more than he/she should because he is getting bored. Ambiental enrichment is an important part of the weight loss program (and also important in every cat we have home!). Some things that we can provide our cats with, are:
  • Scratching posts. Both vertical and horizontal.
  • High places where they can climb.
  • Hiding places.
  • Interactive toys
  • Litter trays must be away from the food and water, in a quiet location. In multi-cat houses, it is important to have 1 more litter tray than the number of cats we have.
  • If we have more than 1 cat, it is important to provide them with enough resources, so they don’t have to fight for them (food bowls, water, resting places…).
• Follow-up consults: it is important to control the evolution of the weight loss program to make sure that it is working.

1. ADAPTIL Transport is clinically proven to help your dog cope when travelling:

Studies have shown:

· 85% reduction of shaking.

· 71% reduction of panting*.

Easy to use:

· Spray in the car or on your dog’s blanket/bedding just 15 minutes before your dog gets in. They will then receive up to 5 hours of comforting pheromones.

2. You need to build up your dog

You need to start small. Start with a stationary car and reward them for relaxed body language. When you feel they are comfortable, progress to having the engine one and when happy with this stage progress to taking short drives.

3. Safety tips

· Make sure your dog is properly restrained for their (and your) safety.

· Options include a seatbelt harness, dog carrier, crate or dog guard.

· Introduce your dog to the appropriate restraint so they have positive associations with it beforehand.

4. Travel tips

· Stop for exercise and toilet breaks every 2 hours.

· Bring water for your dog with you.

· Keep the car well ventilated.

· Don’t leave your dog unattended in the car.

5. Sign that your dog is uncomfortable or anxious

Dogs have super sensitive hearing and can hear noises earlier and much more acutely than humans. If they have not yet acclimated to the sound of car horns, or cars passing by on rainy days, these sudden noises could make them nervous and, therefore, show signs of being uncomfortable or anxious when you take them outside.

If your dog seems restless when they are around cars and they start panting, trembling, salivating or even vomiting, you need to take action to allay their fears.

Helping them to get used to cars may take some time, but with patience, gentle training and support, you’ll soon be travelling around.

6. Other tips for travelling with your dog

As well as using ADAPTIL Transport to support your pooch, these tips should help you travel safely and calmly!

· Train them to use and be comfortable in a carrier, or wearing a car harness before you start using them in the car.

· Before the journey, help your dog get used to being around the car. Let them sniff and explore the car when it is stationary; show them their ‘space’ in the car, whether it’s a crate, or where they will be restrained with a harness; put some familiar items like their blanket or favourite toy beside them; sit in the car together with the engine running, but don’t drive; after a few times doing this, start taking short trips. Always reward your dog when they are calm with quiet praise during the process.

· Make sure you give yourself enough time before the journey to go at your dog’s pace they may not be ready for a car journey straight away, but need a couple of times just sitting in the car without the engine on to adjust.

· Associate their first journeys with pleasant things, like going to the park.

· Keep the first journeys short. When on longer journeys, stop at least every couple of hours for exercise and to allow them to go to the toilet.

· Only feed them with a light meal before you travel. This will help limit car sickness if they are prone to it.

· Take plenty of water with you on the journey and make sure they have a drink when you stop for a break.

· Keep the car well ventilated and never leave your dog unattended in the car.

· You can also try playing music in the car that helps calm your dog after all, it’s proven that certain types of music can help put your dog at ease.

· Training your dog from a young age to accept that travelling by car is a normal part of life, will enable them to join you in all sorts of adventures and activities and build their confidence.

Happy travels!

Glasslyn Vets has been awarded the EcoMerit Environmental Certification in recognition of their commitment to ongoing environmental improvement. The award recognises that the company has successfully put in place a programme of energy, waste, and water efficiencies to reduce their environmental footprint.

The Certificate relates to Glasslyn Vets two clinics in Bandon and Kinsale, and to its Carbery Vets clinic in Dunmanway. Glasslyn Vets’ environmental improvement plans include reviewing its procurement procedures to establish to what extent environmental considerations inform purchasing decisions, implementing a waste prevention programme, increasing segregation for reuse and recycling, and investigating ways to conserve water.

On receiving the EcoMerit Certification, Kevin O’ Sullivan, Managing Director, Glasslyn Vets said: “I believe this accreditation is a positive start to Glasslyn Vets’ sustainable journey and we are keen to play our part. We want our business to perform in a sustainable way and show others that it is possible to make changes for the better, which will have a positive impact on the environment. We believe vets play an important role in promoting more sustainable farm practices and Glasslyn Vets will continue to implement changes that demonstrates our commitment to environmental improvement”.

The pace of climate change has picked up significantly in recent years. As a community, Irish veterinary practices are steeped in rural life through agriculture and have a finger on the pulse of everyday life in towns and cities too. This unique position enables vets to recognise the role sustainable thinking and action can play in their businesses in the face of this major challenge.

Mike Curran, CEO of XL Vets added “We are delighted to announce that our XLVets Ireland member, Glasslyn Vets in Cork, are the next veterinary practice in Ireland to have achieved an EcoMerit Certification. Glasslyn business principal Kevin O’ Sullivan, a key leader of our sustainability project, is also Chair of XLVets Ireland. Following on from the XLVets Ireland and XLVets Skillnet (Skillnet Ireland) certification last year, Glasslyn joins us with other sites who complete their certification journey in the coming weeks, with more to follow. An EcoMerit Certification commits us to an annual independent audit every year for five years in order to ensure sustainability targets are met in-house.”

Commenting on Glasslyn Vets accreditation Phil Walker, Managing Director, EcoMerit stated “EcoMerit is delighted that Glasslyn Vets has achieved EcoMerit Certification. In so doing it demonstrates its commitment to sustainable practice and in particular to effective environmental improvement, with external support and verification, combined with measurement and monitoring. With this certification, Glasslyn has now become part of the EcoMerit Sustainable Energy Community, whose members have delivered average emissions reductions of over 60% in a 10-year period. We particularly welcome this as part of the XLVets broader commitment to its sustainability journey and look forward to developing our partnership in this regard.“

Diabetes is a problem that can affect both dogs and cats. It is a condition where there is a higher than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine. This article will explain how the disease can be identified and what can be done to manage it.

Which animals are most at risk of developing diabetes? 

• Overweight or obese cats and dogs
• Animals on long term steroids
• Entire (unspayed) bitches
• Elderly dogs and cats

What are the signs?

1. Increased drinking and increased urination
   This happens because excess glucose is lost from the body into the urine. It takes water with it which causes the animal to drink more and urinate more. 

2. Weight loss and lack of energy
   Glucose is an important energy source which is lost from the body. Affected dogs and cats tend to lose weight and feel more tired even though they are often hungrier and eat more. 

1. 3. Collapse
      If diabetes is left untreated, the body will start to use fat as an energy source instead of glucose. This process produces compounds called ketones, which are poisonous. The animal may become very sick and dehydrated and need intensive veterinary care.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

There are a few ways of checking if your pet has diabetes generally a combination of at least two tests plus the appropriate clinical signs will be used to make diagnosis.

Urine Test
This is a quick and easy test to do to see if there is glucose in the urine. If you suspect your pet may be diabetic, bring a fresh urine sample to the surgery to be checked. Use a clean jar or sample pot which can be obtained from the practice.

Blood test

1. Blood glucose levels
2. Blood fructosamine levels – Fructosamine is a protein which increases in the blood stream when an animal has uncontrolled diabetes. It is a much more reliable way of checking for diabetes in cats who can sometimes have high blood glucose levels as a result of stress!

Treatment and Management

Insulin injections – Insulin helps reduce the amount of circulating glucose in the bloodstream and is the main factor in controlling diabetes. Injections may be given once or more commonly twice daily depending on your pet’s individual requirements. They are given under the skin usually at the scruff of the neck and are generally very well tolerated by most patients. The vets and nurses will show you how to carry out these injections so that treatment can be maintained at home.

Diet – Use of a diet designed for diabetic patients may help reduce the quantity of insulin required and achieve faster control of the disease. In dogs food must be given at set times during the day however cats will be allowed to graze.

Exercise – Regular exercise is good for diabetic patients but should be carefully controlled to help stabilise insulin requirements.

Correction of underlying factors – Weight management, spaying and reduction of steroid administration may all help improve the condition of a diabetic patient.

What can I expect when my pet starts treatment?

If your pet is very unwell when their diabetes is identified they may need to be hospitalised for a few days for the vet to get the symptoms under control.  It may take some time to fully stabilise a diabetic patient, however improvements in your pet should be seen within a few weeks of starting treatment.  Blood, urine and weight checks will be carried out periodically to monitor your pet’s response to treatment. Occasionally the vet may also carry out something called a ‘glucose curve’ to check your pet’s response to insulin over a 12-24 hour period.

 Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
One potentially dangerous complication that you should be prepared for is “hypoglycaemia”; this is when blood sugar falls too low. This may happen if your pet refuses to eat or too much insulin is given. The early signs include unrest or lack of energy, and weakness or shivering which may progress to fits and unconsciousness.  If you suspect any of these signs try and feed your pet. If they will not eat straight away syringe or rub something sweet into the mouth and call your veterinary surgeon for advice.

The aim of treatment is to control blood glucose levels and restore a good quality of life for both you and your pet. Diabetes can usually be controlled by simple injections, exercise and dietary management. Regular monitoring is essential to maintain good control of all diabetic patients.

If you have any further questions about diabetes please contact one of our team for more advice.