Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic
Friendly professional care for your best friends in County Down
Exceptional standard of care for your pet
Dedicated to providing a professional service designed to fulfil the needs of our clients and their pets by offering a friendly environment with committed staff trained to care for all your pet’s needs.
Appointments available to see Dr Billy McCartney
MVB, Dipl ECVS, DSAS (Orth), C Eng, MIMeche, FRCVS.RCVS & ECVS Recognised Specialist
Find out more about Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic

VETERINARY SERVICES
At Bessbrook, our range of services include vaccinations, dietary advice, prescription food, pet passports, therapeutic grooming, hydrotherapy, surgical procedures, cardiology, dentistry, micro-chipping and pet cremation.

FACILITIES
We have a range of professional facilities at our disposal, including: Haematology, microscopy, endocrinology, ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, arthroscopy, cryosurgery, oncology, cytology, X-ray including myelogram, ECG, Endoscopy and MRI.

AFTER HOURS CARE
We understand that emergencies do not always fit into ‘normal’ work hours. When the unexpected happens, do not panic, our after hours service will be available for you and your best friend to ensure they receive the very best care possible in their time of need.
We provide the highest standard of care for your pet
Animal welfare is our first priority for the animals of the local community. We run a flexible rotating appointment system with surgeries throughout the day and evening to enable you to bring your pet to our surgery at a time convenient to you. Get in touch with us to book your appointment or to register your pet today.
How to make an appointment
Our surgeries are based on an appointment system. Please call ahead to book an appointment and avoid disappointment or an unnecessary wait.
Tel: 028 3087 7037
Email: info@bessbrookvet.co.uk
In a case of an emergency
Please contact Minight Vet on 02892680680
Frequently Asked Questions
When Dr. William McCartney, a specialist veterinary surgeon at Bessbrook Vet Clinic, provides his services, it represents a significant benefit for both cats and dogs. As a highly trained professional, Dr. McCartney brings expertise, precision, and compassion to every aspect of pet care, ensuring that animals receive the highest standard of treatment. His specialist knowledge allows him to handle complex medical cases, perform delicate surgeries, and offer tailored health solutions that general veterinary care may not provide.
For cats, his service means early detection and treatment of common and rare feline health issues, ranging from dental problems to internal organ conditions. Cats, known for masking pain, often need careful observation and advanced diagnostic skills to identify problems early, something Dr. McCartney is well-equipped to provide. His ability to perform precise surgical procedures minimizes risk and promotes faster recovery, which is crucial for a cat’s well-being and comfort.
Clients registered with Bessbrook vets have access to not only the specialist expertise of Dr McCartney but also the services of CT and MRI scanning within the clinic group. These state of the art services are unmatched in Northern Ireland.
Dogs similarly benefit from his expertise in preventive care, treatment of injuries, and management of chronic conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. With his specialist skills, Dr. McCartney ensures that surgical interventions are safe and effective, reducing stress for both pets and owners. Additionally, his compassionate approach fosters trust, helping animals feel more secure during visits, which can be particularly important for anxious or nervous pets.
Beyond medical expertise, his presence at Bessbrook Vet Clinic strengthens the overall quality of veterinary care in the community. Owners can be confident that their pets are receiving thoughtful, professional attention, combining technical skill with genuine care. Ultimately, Dr. McCartney’s services contribute to healthier, happier lives for cats and dogs, promoting longevity, comfort, and quality of life. Pets benefit not just from treatment but from the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in expert hands.
At Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Billy McCartney, a specialist in small animal surgery, enhances the lives of dogs through advanced CT and MRI scanning services within the same vets. This technology provides detailed, three-dimensional images that surpass traditional X-rays, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Key Benefits of CT Scanning for Dogs:
- Accurate Diagnosis: CT scans offer high-resolution images that help identify complex conditions such as tumors, fractures, and internal injuries. This precision leads to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
- Non-Invasive Procedure: Unlike exploratory surgeries, CT scans are non-invasive, reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery times.
- Enhanced Surgical Planning: The detailed images assist in planning surgeries, ensuring that procedures are as effective and safe as possible.
- Early Detection: CT scans can detect issues in their early stages, allowing for prompt intervention and better outcomes.
Under Dr. McCartney’s expertise, the registered clients of Bessbrook have access to CT and MRI scanning service to play a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of dogs, providing them with the best possible care.
While Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic in County Down offers a comprehensive range of services, including MRI scans as part of the McCartneyVet clinics, it’s important to note that the clinic’s MRI service gives registered Bessbrook clients and their pets fast track access to MRI scanning.
Dr. McCartney is a European and RCVS-recognised specialist in small animal surgery with over 30 years of experience. His clinic provides advanced MRI and CT scanning services for dogs and cats, enabling precise diagnosis and treatment planning for various conditions.
MRI scans are particularly beneficial for diagnosing neurological issues, joint problems, and soft tissue injuries in pets. By offering detailed images of internal structures, MRI scans allow for accurate identification of conditions such as intervertebral disc disease, brain tumours, and ligament injuries.
Access to these advanced diagnostic tools can lead to more effective treatment plans, potentially reducing recovery times and improving overall outcomes for your pet. This contributes to a better quality of life, allowing your dog or cat to enjoy their daily activities with less discomfort and greater mobility.
For pet owners in County Down, while Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic provides excellent general care, accessing with priority scanning services that may be necessary for specialized diagnostic needs. Consulting with your local veterinarian can help determine if a referral to Pet CT & MRI is appropriate for your pet’s condition.
Dr. William McCartney, a European and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, performs cruciate ligament rupture surgeries at Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic in County Down. His expertise is supported by his background as a pioneer and leading expert in cruciate ligament surgery and veterinary orthopaedics.
The high success rates for Dr. McCartney’s procedures for cruciate repair are very well known throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland his extensive qualifications and experience mean a high level of proficiency in this area. Generally, surgical interventions for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures in dogs, such as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), have demonstrated success rates ranging from 90% to 95%.
The likelihood of your dog returning to full normal running or working post-surgery depends on several factors, including the surgical technique employed, the dog’s age, weight, activity level, and adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols. In general, with appropriate surgical intervention and rehabilitation, many dogs can regain near-normal function. However, some may experience limitations in high-impact activities or may develop intermittent knee stiffness over time.
For the best outcome, it’s crucial to follow Dr. McCartney’s post-operative care instructions meticulously. This typically includes strict rest during the initial healing phase, gradual reintroduction to activity, and possibly physical therapy to strengthen the affected limb. Engaging in a discussion with Dr. McCartney about your dog’s specific needs and recovery goals will provide a clearer understanding of the expected outcomes.
In summary, under the care of Dr. McCartney at Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic, your dog has a strong chance of returning to full normal running or working, provided that all medical and rehabilitation guidelines are diligently followed.
There are a number of factors that may affect the recovery. Check out our detailed blog post that explains all the important information you may need. See https://www.bessbrookvet.co.uk/what-affects-chances-of-recovery/
Dr. William McCartney, a veterinary specialist in small animal orthopaedics, is well-equipped to address your dog’s hip or elbow dysplasia at Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic. He holds a Diploma in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) from the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) and is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Recognised Specialist. Dr. McCartney has over 30 years of experience in veterinary orthopaedics and neurology, with a history of pioneering surgeries such as total hip, elbow and knee replacements and joint surgeries in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
At Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic, Dr. McCartney offers advanced diagnostic and surgical services, including arthroscopy, X-rays, which are essential for assessing and treating hip dysplasia. The clinic’s facilities support comprehensive care for joint conditions (Bessbrook Vet).
While hip dysplasia cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense, it can be managed effectively. Treatment options may include weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and surgical interventions such as triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Dr. McCartney’s extensive experience and specialized training enable him to perform the most any of the surgical treatments for your dog’s specific needs.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. McCartney, you can contact Bessbrook Veterinary Clinic at 028 3087 7037 or email info@bessbrookvet.co.uk. It’s advisable to consult with your regular veterinarian first, as referrals are typically required for specialist consultations.
For more information on hip dysplasia and its treatment, you might find this video informative: