VCA Black Mountain Animal Hospital

Products And Services

• Echocardiography

  Our hospital offers echocardiography as one of our many cardiology services. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound (sonogram) exam of the heart. Many times both radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound of the heart are recommended for best evaluation of heart disease. X-rays show the size, shape and position of the heart and the ultrasound allows your veterinarian to see the internal structure and function of the heart. The power of echocardiography is the ability to look inside the heart at various structures. Wall thickness can be measured, valves can examined and the flow of blood can be evaluated. These, and other parameters, allow your veterinarian to diagnose and provide appropriate treatment recommendations for diseases of the heart. The hair on the chest wall behind their elbow area may be clipped to allow adequate visualization of the heart during the ultrasound. Gel is then placed on the skin in this area and the ultrasound probe to record images of the heart. Ultrasound produces a cross-sectional two-dimensional view of the heart by bouncing high frequency sound wave off the heart. The sound that is reflected back to the probe is used to compose an image. Echocardiography is non-invasive and well-tolerated by most pets.

  Link: Echocardiography

• EKG

  Our hospital routinely performs electrocardiograms as part of our cardiology services. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a readout of the electrical activity of the heart. If your veterinarian hears a heart rhythm abnormality (called an arrhythmia) in your pet's heart beat, they will recommend an ECG. Several clips (called leads) are placed onto your pet's skin at various body points in order to accurately record the information your veterinarian requires. This readout allows your veterinarian to accurately determine the cause and appropriate treatment for the arrhythmia. Although the ECG procedure requires that your pet hold very still for a few minutes to obtain the electrical data, it generally does not require sedation.

  Link: EKG

• Feline Hyperthyroidism

• Orthopedic Surgery

  Our hospital offers a wide range of orthopedic surgery services to cope with a wide range of injuries and conditions. In the case of a broken leg, for example, our surgeons can perform such procedures as bone plating, pinning and/or wiring to successfully mend the fractured bones. On the other hand, if your pet experiences a knee ligament injury, procedures such as a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) or extracapsular repair may be recommended. Dislocated knee caps may sometimes require surgery to minimize pain and improve your pet's quality of life. If there is a problem inside a joint, surgeons may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopy to remove the source of your pet's pain. In any case, be assured that our orthopedic surgical team will do their best to achieve the best outcome possible for your pet. Please call us for more information about our hospital's comprehensive orthopedic services.

• Tonopen

  Although the eyes are examined during routine wellness exams, sometimes, when problems develop, a more in-depth examination is necessary. When the doctor needs to perform this more detailed exam, he or she will often use a device called a tonopen. Through a processed called tonometry, the doctor is able to calculate and measure the intraocular pressure of the eye. This measurement is gathered by assessing the fluids within the eye. An imbalance in the production and drainage of the fluids however, can lead to ocular problems. • Signs your pet may need to have their eyes examined can include: • Red or irritated-looking eyes • When a pet has suffered head or orbital trauma • When monitoring drug therapy for glaucoma If you have any concerns about your pet’s vision or ocular health, please contact us today.

• Ultrasound

  Our hospital offers ultrasound (sonogram) examinations as a non-invasive diagnostic procedure to evaluate your pet's internal organs. Ultrasound can be used to examine the abdominal organs, reproductive organs, eyes and heart. Ultrasound is non-invasive and well tolerated by most pets. In most cases, ultrasound is relatively brief and your pet is able to go home the very same day.

• Cat Diabetes

  Diabetes mellitus, the clinical name for "sugar diabetes," is a condition that affects the concentration of glucose, a type of sugar, in a cat's blood. Diabetes in cats is rarely the result of a shortage of insulin (Type I Diabetes). More commonly, diabetes results when a cat's body has trouble using the insulin it has made properly (Type II Diabetes). Insulin affects the way a cat's body uses food. When a cat eats, food is broken down into very small components that the body can use. One component, carbohydrate, is converted into several types of sugars, including glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood. Once in the bloodstream, glucose travels to cells where it can be absorbed and used as a source of energy-if insulin is present. Without enough insulin, glucose can't enter cells and builds up in the bloodstream. So a cat may act hungry all the time and eat constantly, but still lose weight because its cells can't absorb glucose. Most cats develop Type II Diabetes, in which their cells no longer respond normally to the amounts of insulin produced by the pancreas. While many cats initially require daily insulin injections, the treatment goal is to correct the factors or conditions causing insulin resistance. If these factors, such as obesity, can be adequately controlled, many cats will experience temporary remission or permanent resolution of their diabetes. Many cats with Type II Diabetes will experience marked improvement in their insulin sensitivity when changed to a species-appropriate high protein, low carbohydrate food. However, not all cats with diabetes are suited to this type of diet. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate diet and treatment for your cat's diabetes. Diabetes Risk Factors for Cats: • Older Cats • Neutered Male Cats • Obesity • Physical Inactivity • Medications (Steroids and Progestins) If you think your cat may be at risk, make an appointment today to get your cat checked for diabetes. We’re here to help! Visit VCApetdiabetes.com to watch a video on how to give an insulin injection, monitor blood glucose with our eDiary, find expert advice and get support from our interactive community to help manage your cat’s diabetes. Diagnosis and Detection Diabetes is one of many conditions that can affect your cat and cause visible changes in behavior and other signs. That's why it's important your cat be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian at least once a year or more frequently, if your veterinarian advises. Cat Diabetes Symptoms Knowing the signs of diabetes is the first step in protecting your cat's health. If any of these statements describes your cat, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of diabetes: • Drinks more water than usual (polydipsia) • Urinates more frequently, produces more urine per day, or has "accidents" outside the litter box (polyuria) • Always acts hungry (polyphagia), but maintains or loses weight • Is less active or sleeps more (lethargic) • Has thinning, dry, or dull hair When evaluating your cat for diabetes, your veterinarian may ask about these signs and will check your cat's general health to rule out the possibility of other conditions or infections. A sample of your cat's urine may be tested first for the presence of glucose, ketones, and/or a urinary tract infection. If glucose is present in your cat's urine, your veterinarian will want to determine your cat's blood glucose concentration and fructosamine concentration. If the blood glucose concentration is consistently higher than normal, your cat's pancreas may not be secreting enough insulin or your cat's body is "resistant" to the insulin being produced. Regardless of the cause for increased blood sugar, your pet is suffering from diabetes mellitus. A diabetes diagnosis is considered definite when glucose is found at a persistently high concentration in blood and in urine. After the Diagnosis It can initially be overwhelming when your cat is diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that you can manage successfully and your VCA veterinarian is here to help. Once the diagnosis has been made, ask your veterinarian to schedule a specific "diabetes appointment" during which you can discuss all of your questions or concerns.

• Dog Diabetes

  What is Dog Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus, the clinical name for "sugar diabetes," is a condition that affects the concentration of glucose, or sugar, in a dog's blood. Diabetes in dogs is most often the result of a dog's body making too little insulin (Type I Diabetes). Much less commonly, dogs may develop Type II Diabetes in which their bodies don't process insulin properly. Insulin affects how your dog's body uses food. When your dog eats, food is broken down into very small components its body can use. One component, carbohydrate, is converted into several types of simple sugars, including glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to cells throughout the body. Inside cells, insulin helps turn glucose into fuel. If there's too little insulin available, glucose can't enter cells and can build up to a high concentration in the bloodstream. As a result, a diabetic dog may seem hungry constantly, but will lose weight because its cells can't absorb glucose. Diabetes Risk Factors for Dogs • Genetic Predisposition–certain breeds are more prone to diabetes • Middle-aged to older female dogs • Obesity • Unspayed Females–unspayed females may develop Type II Diabetes and spaying will often result in resolution of the diabetes If you think your dog may be at risk, make an appointment today to get your dog checked for diabetes. We’re here to help! Visit VCApetdiabetes.com to watch a video on how to give an insulin injection, monitor blood glucose with our eDiary, find expert advice and get support from our interactive community to help manage your dog’s diabetes. Diagnosis and Detection Diabetes is one of many conditions that can affect your dog and cause visible changes in behavior and other signs. That's why it is important that your dog be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian at least once a year or more frequently, if your veterinarian advises. Dog Diabetes Symptoms Knowing the signs of diabetes is the first step in protecting your dog's health. If any of these statements describes your pet, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of diabetes: • Drinks more water than usual (polydipsia) • Urinates more frequently, produces more urine per day, or has "accidents" in the house (polyuria) • Always acts hungry (polyphagia), but maintains or loses weight • Has cloudy eyes, cataracts or appears to suddenly lose vision When evaluating your dog for diabetes, your veterinarian may ask about these signs and will check your dog's general health to rule out the possibility of other conditions or infections. In addition, your veterinarian will test your dog's urine for the presence of glucose and ketones and, if indicated, will then measure your dog's blood glucose concentration. A diagnosis of diabetes only becomes definite when glucose is found in the urine and at a persistently high concentration in the blood. After the Diagnosis It can initially be overwhelming when your dog is diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that you can manage successfully and your VCA veterinarian is here to help. Once the diagnosis has been made, ask your veterinarian to schedule a specific "diabetes appointment" during which you can discuss all of your questions or concerns.

• Nutritional Counseling

  Our hospital is happy to offer a variety of nutrition services for your pet. Obesity is the number one nutritional problem facing pets today and can lead to severe health problems if not addressed. If your pet is overweight or obese, contact us today for a full evaluation. Pets with certain medical conditions such as liver, kidney, bladder, heart disease, or obesity often require specific nutritional therapy to minimize symptoms of their disease. If your pet has any of these conditions, contact your veterinarian to discuss possible dietary recommendations or alterations. Other pets that may benefit from nutritional services include new kittens or puppies and geriatric (senior) pets. We are happy to discuss different types of nutrition and supplements that may benefit your pet and allow them to reach or maintain their optimal health level.

• Adult and Senior Wellness

  Because our pets age at a quicker pace than we humans do, it is important that they receive appropriate preventative care, along with early detection screenings to identify any health concerns or diseases in their earliest stages. Pets aged 7 years or older should visit their veterinarian twice a year for wellness exams. These exams are the key to detecting any health problems that could endanger your pet. Our pets are susceptible to some of the ailments that aging humans face, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney complications, liver and intestinal disorders, arthritis, dental disease and vision impairment. You can be your pet’s best advocate when it comes to their health. Keep a watchful eye for anything unusual or out of character for your dog or cat. Some warning signs to watch out for include: • Unexplained weight loss • Excessive drinking or urination • Loss of appetite • Lethargy • Behavioral changes • Diarrhea or vomiting • Skin lumps, growths or irritation • Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums • Ear odors, ear redness, or scratching at the ears

• Flea and Tick Control

  Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and ticks. It is imperative that owners prevent these parasites by using one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from fleas and ticks. Our staff and veterinarians will help you choose the correct product based on your pet's risk factors and health status. Our hospital carries a wide variety of flea and tick control products. Our doctors and staff will help you determine which product(s) best suit your pet's needs. We carry topical flea/tick prevention for cats and dogs and topical tick repellent for dogs, as well as oral flea prevention for dogs. Many of our flea and tick prevention products provide additional benefits, as well, including internal parasite control and even heartworm preventative. If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are not prevalent, but you travel with your pet, it's important to consider what diseases and parasites might be common where you're going that you don't need to worry about at home. Your pet may need vaccinations or preventives that should be started well in advance of your vacation.

• Immunizations

  Vaccines and regular health exams are key preventive care measures and are critical to the wellbeing of your pets to help protect them from potentially deadly infectious diseases like Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs; and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) and Rabies in cats. Vaccines protect pets from disease by exposing their body's immune system to inactive or parts of a type of bacteria or virus. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet's risk factors. Proper administration and giving a vaccine at the correct age and time interval is critical for proper protection. Vaccination is particularly critical in young animals that have naive immune systems. Vaccination typically starts at 6-8 weeks of age and the puppy and kitten series is completed around 16 weeks of age. Vaccinations are generally accompanied by doctor consultation and examination to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the vaccines. We will keep you up to date when your pets will be due for booster vaccinations during their adult years.

• New Kitten and New Puppy Packages

  The decision to bring a new kitten or puppy into your life can be a momentous and life changing one. Like any new parenting, however, it can be both joyful and stressful at times. Our aim is to educate and support new owners during this critical time.

• Parasite Control

  Our hospital offers guidance on a number of parasite control programs. The most common parasites that afflict pets are fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and ticks. Internal parasites such as worms are also capable of causing severe illness in pets. It is imperative that owners use one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from these parasites in order to maintain their pet's health. Our staff and veterinarians can help you choose the correct product based on your pet’s risk factors and health status. In addition, because of the damages posed by intestinal parasites to both pets and people, all dogs and cats should have at least one fecal examination per year to test for intestinal parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, Giardia). In some parts of the country where intestinal parasites are known to be more common, several fecal exams per year are recommended. There are specific treatments available for pets with GI (gastrointestinal) parasites. If you travel with your pet, it's important to consider what diseases and parasites might be common where you're going that you don't need to worry about at home. Your pet may need vaccinations or preventives that should be started well in advance of your vacation.

• Preventive Medicine

  Our hospital offers and encourages preventive medicine services through early disease detection and wellness programs for adult and senior dogs. Because pets are living longer, they may experience increased problems with chronic illnesses and cancer. The earlier a problem is diagnosed and a treatment plan started, the better the outcome. These programs recommend twice yearly exams by a veterinarian in order to detect any changes or illness in pets as they age. In addition to a physical examination, other diagnostic tests (laboratory work, urinalysis, fecal exam, x-rays, etc.) are often recommended if a problem is detected. Ask your veterinarian which tests are appropriate for your dog.

• Vaccinations

  Our hospital offers Vaccination Examinations because vaccinations are critical to the well-being of your pets. Vaccines protect against potentially deadly viral diseases like Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs, and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus and Rabies in cats. Dogs Annual Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal (in both animals and humans). Since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution Lifestyle Vaccination Plan - Your dog's lifestyle determines his risk levels for various diseases. Our doctors will individualize a vaccination plan for your dog based on his health and these risk factors. The recommended vaccinations may include Canine Distemper, Adenovirus/Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella and/or Lyme and Rattlesnake Cats Annual Rabies Vaccination - Rabies is always fatal (in both animals and humans). Since there is no cure, prevention by vaccination is the only solution. FVRCP Vaccination - (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) This yearly vaccine protects and maintains your cat's antibody levels to protect them from these common viral diseases Feline Leukemia Vaccination - This vaccine protects cats from the number one cat virus in our area. While it is more common in outdoor cats, it is often seen in indoor cats as well. Your cat is considered "at risk" for leukemia if he spends ANY time outdoors, supervised or not. Yearly boosters comprise the best prevention program. We recommend vaccinating indoor cats as well to maintain high enough antibody levels to protect them in case they get outside, have to stay in the hospital or kennel, or you decide to adopt another cat.

• Weight Management Program

  Our hospital offers a specialized Weight Management Program for your pet. Just as in people, obesity contributes to many preventable life-threatening diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, heart disease and high blood pressure. Weight management is a very important part of maintaining the health of our pets. In fact, pets that maintained their ideal body weight throughout life are noted to live 15% longer than overweight or obese pets. Please contact our staff or veterinarians for an in-depth evaluation of your overweight pet. First your pet's current weight and ideal body weight will be determined. Next, your veterinarian will create a program unique to your pet and your pet's lifestyle. Changes usually involve a plan for calorie restriction and exercise. It is important you tell your veterinarian about all foods and treats your pet eats as well as their daily opportunities for activity. Your pet's doctor will also recommend a weight recheck schedule to make sure your pet is losing weight at a safe rate and monitoring them for any problems. If it looks like your pet might need to lose a few pounds, we'll discuss the steps you can take and provide the tools you need for successful pet weight loss. And we'll be there every step of the way offering support and encouragement to you and your pet.

• Wellness Exams

  A wellness exam is an overall general health assessment that may include blood tests, urinalysis, and parasite screening. In many cases, a wellness examination can help detect the early stages of disease. Wellness exams are recommended for most pets at least annually, but often at least every 6 months for senior pets and pets with chronic health issues. A wellness exam can help ensure your pet's health and detect early stages of disease. A wellness examination is a complete physical examination along with diagnostic testing that may include blood work, urinalysis, and checking a stool sample for parasites. In many cases, a wellness examination can help detect the early stages of disease. Your veterinarian may ask you to fill out a preliminary checklist along with a complete medical history of your pet. The checklist will ask about any issues that your pet may have. Make sure to fill out the forms thoroughly and bring a list of questions that you may have about your pet's health.

• Wellness Testing

  Wellness tests are important to assist the veterinarians in creating an overall portfolio of your pet's health. By including blood tests in your pet’s routine exams, it is possible to create a wellness “baseline” against which future testing can be compared. This can help to make any potential abnormalities or concerns be more easily detected. Blood tests can be used to check for a number of problems, including organ function, blood sugar monitoring and heartworm disease. Wellness testing may also include a urinalysis and intestinal parasites screening.

• Allergy and Itchy Skin Relief

  Did you know that your pets can have allergies to common environmental factors just like you? Do you ever notice your pet’s skin becoming uncharacteristically red or itchy? This could be an allergic reaction. Pets can suffer from allergies to elements in the environment around them, as well as certain ingredients in their foods, just like people can. Some signs your pet may be suffering from an allergy can include: • Itchy, or red/pink skin • Unusual scratching or itching • Discharge from the eyes or nose • Hair loss • Vomiting • Diarrhea If you suspect that your pet could be suffering from an allergy, it is recommended that you schedule to have an examination and consultation with your veterinarian. Your doctor will be able to assess your pet, discuss his or her symptoms, and conduct any necessary tests to help isolate the allergy. Together, you can decide on which course of medication, or diet will help restore your pet to good health.

• Anesthesia

  Our hospital offers a variety of anesthesia services for your pet. The term anesthesia indicates the use of medication to block sensation, typically resulting in unconsciousness. Anesthesia is induced using a variety of medications, both injectable and inhaled. It is used for procedures that require an unconscious animal, such as surgery, certain imaging studies (e.g., x-rays, MRI, CT scans) or medical procedures (e.g., endoscopy). Pets undergoing anesthesia are typically pre-medicated with an injectable drug. This pre-medication helps the pet relax so that full anesthesia can be induced more smoothly and safely. Next, the pet receives intravenous medication to cause loss of consciousness. A tube is then placed into the pet's upper airway, and gas anesthesia keeps the pet comfortably anesthetized during the course of the procedure. While a patient is under anesthesia, he or she will be monitored in much the same way as a human undergoing anesthesia would be. This monitoring includes listening to your pet's heart and lungs, visually assessing your pet's reflexes, and using equipment to monitor your pet's blood pressure, level of blood oxygen, and temperature. Your pet will also likely be monitored using an ECG machine. Trained staff act alongside veterinarians to ensure that your pet's procedure goes smoothly. There are several forms of gas anesthesia available. A newer gas, called Sevoflurane, allows very precise control of a pet's anesthesia level. Since it leaves the bloodstream very quickly, pets often experience a very quick recovery. Ask your veterinarian if our hospital currently offers sevoflurane gas anesthesia and if it may be right for your pet.

• Animal Quarantine Approved Hospital

  Our hospital is an Animal Quarantine Approved Hospital. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has strict regulations about the importation of dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, and other animals capable of causing human disease. Pets taken out of the United States are subject, upon return, to the same regulations as those entering for the first time. If your pet requires quarantining after international travel, we are here to help. Basics of international travel are that the CDC does not require general health certificates for pets entering the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states, or may be required by airlines for pets. Check with officials at your destination and with your travel carrier prior to your travel date for any regulations you need to be aware of.

• Dental Care

  Dogs and cats don't often get cavities. But they do frequently suffer from other types of dental disease. Periodontal or gum disease, in fact, is the number one illness found in both dogs and cats. What you need to know about dental care for your pet Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet, ranging from gum inflammation and tooth loss to infection and even organ damage. Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that don't receive proper dental care will develop signs of dental disease by the age of three. Dental disease can be easily prevented by following your veterinarian's advice regarding dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings. The dangers of periodontal disease - Without proper dental care, your pet will most likely suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, missing, loose, or broken teeth, and all of the pain and discomfort such problems can cause. Dental disease can also lead to systemic health problems in dogs and cats. The good news, however, is that dental disease is easily prevented by regular dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. It often begins with discoloration on the teeth. Without regular dental cleanings, this plaque builds up and turns into tartar. Tartar can dig into the gums, where bacteria can become trapped and cause infections. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to serious pain, infection, and tooth loss. The infection can also result in bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging other organs or body systems in your pet. It can also complicate other underlying diseases, such as diabetes or chronic sinusitis. Prevention is the best answer While the damage caused by periodontal disease is sometimes irreversible, it can be halted with antibiotics and regular cleaning. The wisest solution is to stop the disease before it starts. Annual cleanings - Beginning at age one, your pet should have an annual dental examination and cleaning performed by your veterinarian. A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining the natural oral defenses so that periodontal disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established. A good home care program can tremendously extend the positive effects of the professional cleaning. Brushing - The best form of oral home care is daily brushing with a soft toothbrush. There is no better way of removing the disease-causing dental plaque. Your veterinarian can show you how to do it, and provide special brushes, toothpastes, and oral gels specifically made for pets; We can also tell you about special treats that help control dental plaque. Dental diets - Dry food is generally better than canned for tooth health. However, you'll get the best results with specially formulated foods that have been proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Signs of poor dental health • Bad breath • Visible tartar on the teeth • Swelling under the eyes • Loose or missing teeth • Difficulty eating • Discharge from the nose • Drooling or excessive salivation • Pawing at the teeth or mouth • Discoloration or staining of the teeth • Red, irritated, swollen, or bleeding gums • Weight loss or loss of appetite • Lethargy and loss of vitality What should I do about broken teeth? Broken teeth can be extremely painful for pets and can lead to chronic infection, abscess formation, and loss of secondary teeth. Immediate treatment is vital. Performing a root canal will save what's left of the broken tooth and prevent it from being reinfected. Where root canal is not an option, the tooth should be extracted. I'm not sure I can afford dental cleanings every year. While dental cleanings may seem like an added expense, they're actually a very cost effective investment in your pet's health. Caught early, dental problems are easy to treat. Neglected, they can turn into serious, costly, and painful problems. Does my pet need to be anesthetized during cleanings? Yes. Unlike with human patients, we can't explain to your pet what's happening and why. For that reason, we need to anesthetize pets in order to access the entire mouth and gums and perform the necessary work thoroughly and safely. Your veterinarian will recommend pre-anesthetic testing to make sure there are no hidden health problems that could affect your pet's ability to undergo the procedure. VCA Pet Tips: • Older or ill pets may need dental cleanings more frequently than once a year. • Smaller breeds of dogs seem to be particularly bothered by dental disease. • Dental problems can cause loss of appetite and weight loss, especially in older pets.

• Dental X Rays

• Dentistry

  Our hospital offers a variety of dentistry services. At your pet's yearly examination it may be determined that they require a dental cleaning. Routine veterinary dentistry involves prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), polishing and a full oral examination. Dental prophylaxis is performed with your pet under general anesthesia. It involves cleaning the surface of each tooth and scaling below the gumline, where food, bacteria, and tartar build up. To ensure the safety of your pet, pre-operative blood work will be performed prior to the anesthesia. During a dental procedure, your veterinarian evaluates your pet's teeth for fractures, caries (cavities), excessive wear, and other abnormalities. Your veterinarian will also examine around the gums to detect periodontal disease. Sometimes teeth need to be pulled (extracted). Dental x-rays, if available, aid in selection of teeth to be pulled and to aid in evaluation of periodontal and other oral diseases. If your pet is found to have more advanced dental or periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend more specialized procedures.

• Ear Checks

  Our hospital offers thorough Ear Exams as one of our many services. Symptoms like head shaking, scratching and pawing at the ears, rubbing the ears on the floor or furniture, whining, and abnormal odors are common. Conditions of the ear occur frequently in dogs and cats and result from a variety of causes. As with any other health issue, gathering a detailed history and performing a full examination of the patient is critical in determining these causes and is vital to the long term resolution of the symptoms. Careful examination of the ear with an otoscope, visualizing the full length of the ear canal and the ear drum, provides information important to the diagnosis. Conditions of the ears can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. Some patients will require sedation or anesthesia to be properly evaluated. Additional diagnostic tests are often warranted. Rechecking the ear after each stage of the treatment is critical to providing a long term resolution.

• Euthanasia Services

  Our staff will help you cope with euthanasia and end of life decisions. Unfortunately, there comes a time in the life of all pets when the possibility of a recovery to a comfortable existence is highly unlikely. Caretakers of an animal must at this time consider all possibilities to relieve the pet's suffering. One option is the palliation of symptoms. Proper nursing care is critical when patients cannot care for themselves. Providing proper nutrition, hydration, warmth, and skin care provide comfort. Pain, nausea, digestive irregularities, respiratory congestion, and movement limitations should be medically addressed. When proper care is provided, the final days of life can provide solace to the caretakers. Often medical intervention may not provide a level of comfort acceptable to the animal's caretakers. Euthanasia is often considered in these circumstances to hasten the pet's death. The decision to euthanize a beloved pet is among the most difficult choices a pet owner ever has to make. Consultation with a veterinarian will help owners determine whether euthanasia is appropriate and when that might occur. In a quiet and comfortable environment, euthanasia is performed by a veterinarian with the injection of an anesthetic overdose into a vein through a IV catheter. Because an anesthetic is used, no discomfort is perceived by the patient. The patient passes quickly. The veterinarian will insure that the heart, pulses and breathing have stopped. Pet owners are free to be present or leave depending on their preference. Prior to euthanasia, pet owners should decide how the pet's body will be cared for. This reduces the emotional stress at the time of the procedure. Our hospitals provide a range of respectful options, from burial to private cremation. Through consultation with the veterinarian and the hospital staff, the last days of a pet's life can be comfortable and can reflect the care and love that the pet has experienced throughout its entire life.

• Full Diagnostics

  Our hospital is proud to offer our clients a complete diagnostic laboratory. Our in clinic laboratory machines can perform complete blood cell counts, complete chemistry panels, including liver, kidney, and pancreatic enzyme function tests, glucose, and electrolytes. Additionally, our hospital can send samples out to a diagnostic laboratory ensuring that we have a wide range of diagnostic capabilities.

• General Surgery

  Our hospital offers many general surgery services that include a variety of common and elective procedures performed under general anesthesia. Examples of common surgeries include: spay (ovariohysterectomy), neuter (castration), lump removal and biopsy, laceration repair, abscess and wound repair, exploratory surgery, removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies, enucleation (eye removal), cystotomy (removal of bladder stones), and skin biopsy. As these procedures usually require general anesthesia, please refer to our Anesthesia Services for a detailed description of our offerings. We routinely use pain management medication in our general surgeries to ensure your pet's comfort. Please refer also to our Pain Management Services for a detailed description.

• Geriatric Medicine

  Our hospital offers geriatric (senior wellness) medicine services for your older pet. When your pet reaches his or her "golden years" they require special care and your veterinarian will recommend certain screening tests. The tests enable your veterinarian to provide an early diagnosis for some of the common diseases that affect older pets, so that they can manage those diseases more effectively. In addition to this testing, twice-yearly examinations will be recommended to ensure your pet receives the best care as he or she ages. This is because each year of an older animal's life is roughly equivalent to 4 human years. Our pets age much faster than we do. Therefore, we need to do all we can to watch carefully and frequently for any developing problems. The earlier we find them, the more we can do to control these problems. If your pet is already facing an illness or disability that can come with old age, your veterinarian will work with you to maintain the highest quality of life for your pet.

• Health Certificates

  There are two types of health certificates available, one which approves pets for travel within the continental United States, and another which approves them for international travel. Acquiring a health certificate will require you to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet will receive an overall exam during which the doctor will be able to certify that your pet is healthy and safe for travel. The doctor will also verify that the rabies vaccination is current, as this is mandatory.

• Health Exams

  Wellness exams not only help flag any potential problems with your pet's health, but they are also important in creating an overall medical history for your pet. By meeting regularly with your pet, your veterinarian is able to become better acquainted with his or her personal history, and is able to offer more personalized care. For pets who are 6 years and younger, Wellness Exams are recommended at least once a year. Because pets age much quicker than humans, for pets over 6 years of age, Wellness Exams are recommended at least twice a year, to screen for any sign of illness or diseases. A Wellness Exam will include the following: • A consultation with your veterinarian during which you will discuss your pet's day-to-day routine as well as any health concerns or questions you may have. You might be asked questions about his or her activity level, personality and nutrition. • A hands-on examination performed by your veterinarian, which will assess your pet's overall health from nose to tail. Areas examined will include the abdomen, head and neck, eyes, ears, mouth and skin. In addition, the doctor will also evaluate your pet’s musculoskeletal system, as well as listen to their heart and lungs. Other, additional annual procedures also typically performed at the time of a Wellness Exam include: • Vaccines ̶your veterinarian will update any necessary vaccines. • Intestinal Parasite Exam ̶a stool sample will be sent off to the lab to check for any worms or other intestinal parasites • Additional Diagnostic Testing ̶any additional diagnostic testing pertinent to your pet's life stage. This could include blood tests, urinalysis, or radiographs as needed.

• Hospitalization

  Our hospital offers hospitalization services. Hospitalization involves admitting your pet into the hospital for monitoring or necessary medical care. Your pet will have their own cage or kennel within the hospital building and will be monitored closely by technicians and veterinarians throughout their stay. Your pet will receive medical treatments (such as medications, fluid therapy, and physical therapy) as directed by your veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian about the best time to call each day to receive an update on your pet. Once your veterinarian determines your pet is well enough to go home, you may be given verbal or written follow-up instructions to continue at home.

• In-House Laboratory

  Our hospital is equipped with an In-House laboratory that enables our veterinarians to quickly perform diagnostic tests on a variety of body fluids (ear swabs, blood, urine, feces, etc.) to achieve an accurate and rapid diagnosis. This is especially important in very ill animals and those requiring immediate or emergency treatment. While not all samples can be analyzed in-house; when this capability is combined with our outside laboratory services, a full comprehensive laboratory evaluation is obtained. Feel free to contact our staff or veterinarians if you have questions about our in-house laboratory capabilities.

• In-House Pharmacy

  For your convenience, our hospital has an in-house pharmacy, enabling you to pick up your pet's medications at the time of your visit. While no hospital carries every medication, we keep the most commonly prescribed medications in stock. If your pet requires a medication that we do not carry, call ahead and we may be able to order it for you. Otherwise, your veterinarian may be happy to provide a written prescription for you to use at a local pharmacy.

• In-Office Surgical Suite

  Our hospital features a dedicated surgical suite. Surgical suites are rooms designated for use during surgery only. These rooms are kept as clean as possible to minimize bacteria and other infectious organisms that would be capable of contaminating a surgical wound. Many surgical suites are designed with separate ventilation from the rest of the hospital as this helps maintain cleanliness of the room. All people entering the room must wear a cap and surgical mask to prevent spreading outside germs into the room. Surgical suites contain an operating table (sometimes more than one), surgical lighting, equipment tables, and anesthesia equipment.

• Intensive Care

  Hospital offers an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treating your pet during times of critical need. Pets requiring ICU are often very ill and require specialized nursing staff and veterinarians to pull them through a crisis. The nursing staff are also often trained in advanced techniques and monitoring and may also have undergone additional certification. Special equipment to help critically ill pets, such as blood pressure monitors, ECG machines, pulse oximeters, incubators, oxygen cages and ventilators are available at these facilities. Jugular catheters, chest tubes, arterial blood pressure lines, on site blood analysis, special nutrition services (placement of feeding tubes, total parenteral nutrition provided intravenously), and a variety of therapies to control pain are just a few of the things that will be available for your seriously ill pet. Life resuscitation equipment is also available if needed.

• Internal Medicine

  Our hospital offers a variety of Internal Medicine services. Internal Medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, management and nonsurgical treatment of disease affecting the lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, intestinal tract, urinary tract, endocrine system and neuromuscular systems. Management of these conditions is typically done with diet, exercise and medications. If your veterinarian feels your pet has a more advanced or specific problem, they may recommend referral to an Internal Medicine Specialist who has additional internship and residency training beyond veterinary school and has taken a set of examinations certifying them as a specialist within that field.

• Isolation Ward

  Our hospital maintains an isolated area to prevent the spread of contagious disease from potentially infectious patients to others in the hospital. These procedures include the appropriate use of disinfectants, the proper disposal of infectious materials, and the wearing of disposable gloves, boots, masks and gowns while handling infectious patients. All these measures are meant to keep our patients and staff healthy. Please contact our staff if you have questions about isolation procedures.

• Oxygen and Transfusion Therapy

  Our hospital offers oxygen therapy for the treatment of many acute cardiac, respiratory and blood disorders. Oxygen may be provided to patients by a nasal catheter, oxygen cage, hood or mask. Close veterinary monitoring of these patients is required to maintain oxygen flow, avoid potential complications of oxygen usage and to insure that the expected therapeutic goals are met.

• Pain Management

  Keeping your pet pain-free is crucial to maintaining his or her quality of life. Our veterinarians use a multi-modal approach to pain management that includes anti-inflammatories, opioid drugs, local anesthetics, general anesthetics, and even epidural anesthesia to effectively combat pain at all levels. Some of our veterinarians even offer alternative services such as acupuncture or chiropractics for additional pain relief options. If your pet is dealing with acute pain, our goal is to prevent the nerves from perceiving and remembering this pain so that it does not become chronic pain. For this reason, pain-management protocols are a part of the treatment plan for all invasive procedures, such as surgeries. If your pet is already dealing with chronic pain, our veterinarians can create a customized pain management plan based on your pet's individual needs and medical issues.

• Radiology

  Our hospital offers routine radiology services. Radiology is the study and science of x-rays. X-rays are used to help your veterinarian diagnose a problem or a disease in your pet. X-rays are capable of detecting arthritis, fractures, bony tumors and other forms of cancer; heart enlargement and congestive heart failure; bladder and kidney stones; stomach or intestinal foreign bodies; pneumonia and other lung diseases and much more. X-rays are part of a diagnostic work-up if your pet is having a problem or as part of a general wellness examination in an older pet to detect potential problems early. Ask our staff or veterinarians if you have questions about our Radiology Services.

• Routine Surgeries

  In our continuing efforts to offer the highest quality veterinary medicine, we are pleased to provide a wide range of surgical services for our patients. From routine surgical procedures, such as spaying and neutering, to more complex surgeries, we look forward to the opportunity to care for your pet's surgical needs. Our staff is highly skilled in performing veterinary surgeries and will make every effort to ensure that your pet receives the very best care. Our focus on patient safety, pain management, and employing the most current surgical practices is designed to exceed your expectations and put your concerns to rest. Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals will monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery and will take exceptional care to ensure a safe and complete recovery for your pet. We will also address any questions or concerns you may have about surgery, including concerns about anesthesia, pain management, or postoperative care. When your pet is ready to go home, we will review your postoperative care and medication instructions. If any questions arise after your pet returns home or at any other time during the postoperative period, call us for assistance.

• Spays and Neuters

  Our hospital routinely performs spays and neuters, the surgical sterilization of female and male dogs and cats. Spaying involves removal of the uterus and ovaries of female dogs and cats and is called ovariohysterectomy. Neutering involves removal of the testicles of male dogs and cats and is called castration. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision. Pain management medications are used routinely to insure your pet's comfort. These surgeries are performed most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians recommend and perform this procedure at a younger age. Ask our staff about spaying or neutering your pet to help prevent unwanted sexual behavior and pregnancies and to decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life.

• Urology

  There are several problems that may affect your pet's urinary tract, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder crystals or bladder stones, kidney disease, incontinence, and even cancer. Finding a comprehensive solution to those problems, whether that be dietary changes, medications, or surgery, our team of veterinarians are here to help your pet with successful treatment.