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Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists

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Hillsborough
Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists

Based in Hillsborough Co. Down, Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists (NiVS) provides expert veter

02/06/2025

🐾 Is That Heart Murmur in Your Feline Patient Significant? 🐾

Heart disease in cats is often subtle, and interpreting the clinical significance of a heart murmur can be challenging — even for experienced vets. Many murmurs in cats are innocent, but others may indicate serious underlying cardiac conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

At NIVS we offer advanced feline cardiology referral services led by RCVS & EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology Julie Hamilton Elliott. With years of experience in feline heart disease, Julie provides:

🔬 Specialist echocardiography
📊 Expert interpretation of complex cases
💊 Tailored treatment and long-term management plans
🤝 Support for referring vets navigating difficult diagnoses
🐱 As an ISFM Silver Cat Friendly Clinic, we ensure a low-stress, feline-focused environment — because we know cats need special care.

Early and accurate diagnosis can make a critical difference in your feline patients' lives. Don’t leave it to chance — refer to a trusted specialist.

01/06/2025

🐾 We’re Hiring – Referral RVN Wanted! 🩺

Join our friendly and dedicated team as a Referral Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)! If you’re passionate about providing top-tier care and thrive in a fast-paced, specialist environment, we’d love to hear from you.

✨ Experience in referral practice preferred but not essential — just bring your enthusiasm and love for nursing!

📩 Apply now or get in touch to find out more!

https://www.careerswithcvs.co.uk/referrals/vacancy/rvn-crom-hill0040/21394/description/

31/05/2025

🐾 Winnie - 1 day post surgery! 🐶💪

Sweet little Winnie recently underwent spinal surgery after developing back problems—a condition all too common in her breed. She’s recovering well and getting all the love and rest she needs. 💕🏥

Q: Why the Rush?

A: Dachshunds are especially prone to spinal issues due to their long backs and short legs. The most common problem is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)—where the discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. 🧠

🛑 Time is critical!
If your dachshund suddenly shows signs like:
• Back pain or yelping
• Wobbliness or dragging legs
• Reluctance to jump or move
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

…it’s an emergency. Prompt veterinary care can make all the difference, sometimes even saving their ability to walk. The sooner treatment or surgery is started, the better the outcome.

Winnie’s story is a reminder to always listen to your pup’s signals—early action can lead to a much happier tail-wagging ending! 🐾❤️

30/05/2025

🐾 Betty the Bulldog 🐶

Lovely Betty was in recently for corkscrew tail removal — her tightly curled tail was causing her quite a bit of bother and discomfort. The procedure went very smoothly, and she’s already much more comfortable. Betty is now on the road to recovery and ready to enjoy a happy, tailless life 💕🐾

Q: What Is Corkscrew Tail?

A: It’s a congenital deformity of the tail bones (vertebrae), where the tail is twisted tightly into a spiral or corkscrew shape. In some dogs, this is purely cosmetic, but in others, it causes significant health issues.

29/05/2025

🐾✨ Exciting News from Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists! ✨🐾

We’re thrilled to share the recent collaboration between our own Julie Hamilton Elliott, RCVS & EBVS® Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology, and Will Davis, Cardiology Specialist from Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists. Together, they successfully performed two ACDO (Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder) procedures on dogs diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) – a life-threatening congenital heart defect.

The ACDO procedure is a ‘keyhole’ intervention that allows us to close the abnormal vessel between the aorta and pulmonary artery, restoring normal blood flow and significantly improving quality of life — all without the need for open-heart surgery!

We are proud to say that NIVS is one of the only centres in Ireland offering this advanced, life-saving procedure. 💙

Huge congratulations to Julie, Will, and our dedicated team – and of course, best wishes to our brave canine patients on their journey to better heart health! 🐶❤️

27/05/2025

RVN Position ⭐️

We are seeking an RVN to join our friendly, busy and expanding team. Please apply using the link below ⬇️

https://www.careerswithcvs.co.uk/referrals/vacancy/rvn-crom-hill0040/21394/description/

16/05/2025

🐾 Meet Roxy! 🐾

This sweet 3.5-year-old Rottweiler came to us with lameness and instability in her hind leg. After a thorough exam, we diagnosed a torn cranial cruciate ligament (similar to an ACL injury in humans).

To get Roxy back on her paws, we performed a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)—a surgical procedure that stabilizes the knee by changing the angle of the tibia, allowing her to walk without putting strain on the torn ligament.

We’re thrilled to say that Roxy was up and walking with her tail wagging the very next day! 💪🐶

Here’s to a smooth recovery and many more happy zoomies ahead! ❤️

Thanks to our colleagues at Vets4Pets Lisburn Longstone for their referral 🏥

14/05/2025

A word of Appreciation for Rachael – Our Incredible Veterinary Receptionist!

Today we’re celebrating someone truly special – Rachael, our incredible veterinary receptionist!

Rachael is the heart of our front desk and the first friendly face our clients see. She coordinates referrals with such precision, handles insurance like a pro, and somehow always manages to do it all with a warm smile and a genuine love for animals.

She’s not just organized and efficient—she’s a calming presence in the whirlwind of a busy clinic day. Rachael is the one who remembers clients’ names, knows every pet’s story, and makes sure no detail slips through the cracks. Her ability to balance professionalism with heartfelt care makes her an irreplaceable part of our team.

Whether she’s welcoming a nervous new pet parent, reassuring someone during a difficult moment, or helping coordinate a complex case behind the scenes, Rachael brings compassion, dedication, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. Her presence lifts everyone around her, and her impact reaches far beyond the front desk.

Thank you, Rachael, for being the glue that holds it all together ❤️🐾
We’re so lucky to have you—our team, our clients, and our furry patients are better because of you!

07/05/2025

Remember Freddie from The Barn Animal Rescue Newtownards?

Look at him now—officially signed off and full of life! After being rescued following a road traffic accident, Freddie underwent surgery and today came bounding through our doors. We could hardly believe the transformation. 💙

Thanks to the expert surgical work by Andrew Burns, the dedication of our amazing RVNs, and the tireless care from his incredible rescuers, Freddie is on his way to finding the loving home he truly deserves. 🐶

Stories like Freddie’s remind us why we do what we do—every animal deserves a second chance.

04/05/2025

Huge congratulations to RVNs Holly and Sarah (and Sam) for smashing the Belfast Marathon in support of Concern Worldwide UK! Your dedication and energy are truly inspiring.
There’s still time to donate if you’d like to support their incredible effort! 🏃‍♀️ 👏

https://www.justgiving.com/page/holly-madill-1739715082536?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=FB&utm_campaign=009&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5clBZmqgc5KE2DqQamx29nUyccPW8NAunlMdrrOFOi47cF402Jjn9myUtUlw_aem_n1LrX1YGeD94CAY0_d1lDA

02/05/2025

Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) Holly and Toni closely monitor our patient Jasmine to ensure she’s stable, calm, and comfortable before undergoing her general anaesthetic, while RVN Margo oversees her recovery with the same attentive care. 🩺🐾

Veterinary nurses are essential at every stage of an animal’s treatment. From monitoring vital signs and handling medical equipment to offering gentle reassurance, their expertise and compassion make a world of difference. 💚 Their dedication helps ensure each patient receives the highest standard of care from start to finish.

01/05/2025

🐾💙 Meet Blue – Our Brave Little Heart Hero 💙🐾

This is Blue, the fluffiest cockapoo pup with a heart that’s extra special in more ways than one. 🐶💕

Blue recently visited our Puppy Murmur Clinic, where he was seen by cardiology specialist Julie Hamilton Elliott because of a loud heart murmur detected at his first vaccination appointment. After a thorough echocardiogram, Blue was diagnosed with a restrictive left-to-right shunting VSD (ventricular septal defect) – a small hole between the heart’s lower chambers.

The good news? Because it’s restrictive, it’s considered a mild form of the condition — and Blue isn’t letting it hold him back one bit! 🐾💨 he’s snuggling like a champ, and stealing hearts everywhere he goes. 💙

We’re so grateful to Julie for her expert care and to our puppy murmur clinic for helping little ones like Blue get the best start in life. 🩺🐶

Blue might have a small heart defect, but he’s overflowing with cuteness. Follow us for updates on other NIVS patients! 💙

Address

50 Old Coach Road
Hillsborough
BT266PB

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442892680681

Website

https://nivetspecialists.co.uk/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=Yext

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