Comprehensive exams
Our doctors feel that the most important part of a veterinary visit is a complete comprehensive exam of all the organ systems. A comprehensive examination is more important in veterinary medicine than it is in human medicine since our patients cannot talk. A comprehensive exam should be performed on all puppy/kitten visits, adult wellness visits and medical visits.
Drop offs and emergencies
Drop off appointments and emergencies are welcome during business hours. Although it is ideal to schedule an appointment and be with your pet during the exam, we understand that emergencies arise and scheduling challenges exist.
Internal Medicine and Surgery
All of our doctors have completed an internship program in small animal medicine and surgery. A veterinary internship is an optional educational program offered only at veterinary schools or specialty referral veterinary hospitals. There are only a limited number of programs available in the United States and acceptance in to these programs is very competitive. The programs provide the doctors additional and more specialized training beyond the basic DVM degree. Our doctors not only perform minor surgery and treat minor illnesses but also commonly perform more complex surgeries and treat more complex illnesses. Our hospital is equipped with state of the art diagnostic equipment. Even though our doctors have the training to offer the most current and best veterinary care, they are also realistic about the financial implications of veterinary care and will offer alternate treatment options to best fit your pet care budget.
Laboratory
Our hospital has the Idexx Vet Lab Station that utilizes the most recent state of the art technology to perform complete blood cell counts and organ function tests. The availability of in-house lab equipment allows our doctors to obtain your pet’s results the same day, usually within 15- 20 minutes. Various other tests such as urinalysis, internal parasite exam and cytologies are performed in-house. The doctors also utilize two large, veterinary laboratories for some diagnostic tests.
The Lasercyte CBC machine utilizes laser flow cytometry to analyze red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These tests are important for detecting infection, inflammation, anemia, bleeding problems and some cancers.
The Catalyst DX is used to evaluate internal organ function. These tests evaluate kidney function, liver function, glucose levels, proteins and electrolytes.
The Snapshot DX performs more specialized tests such as canine pancreatic lipase (cPL), thyroid level and cortisol levels.
The Idexx Coag DX performs coagulation tests (prothrombin time and activated partial thromoplastin time).
The Vet Lab Station connects all the laboratory equipment together allowing the results to be printed or saved in an electronic format in your pet’s electronic chart.
Digital radiology
All of our radiographs are performed utilizing the latest digital technology. Digital images provide more detail than standard radiographic film. The images can be manipulated (lightened, darkened, magnified, etc) to improve the diagnostic capability. The digital images can also be sent to board certified radiologists for interpretation.
Radiography (commonly called X-rays) has been the most common imaging test used in veterinary medicine. It is used to evaluate the shape and size of organs, bone problems, foreign objects, fluid accumulations and other abnormalities that may aid in the diagnosis of disease. The traditional radiograph was recorded on an X-Ray film.
Digital radiography is the latest technology that records the images in a digital format. Although digital systems are more expensive than traditional film systems, they offer many advantages. The digital images are much clear and detailed. The images can be manipulated many ways (magnified, darkened. lightened, etc). These images can also be easily sent to board certified radiologists for consultation.
Ultrasound
The Mindray DP-6600 uses the latest digital ultrasound technology. Our doctors perform various ultrasounds such as general abdominal ultrasounds, kidneys, liver and bladder. There other ultrasound that our doctors may refer to a specialist.
Ultrasonography is an imaging method that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the body. An abdominal ultrasound helps in the evaluation of abdominal organs including the liver, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, lymph nodes, bladder and prostate gland. The exam can also detect abdominal masses, abdominal fluid or abnormal lymph lodes. The ultrasound can be used to guide biopsy instruments. The ultrasound is one of the best tests to diagnose heart disease (echocardiography). Our doctors usually refer heart ultrasounds to a local veterinary cardiologist.
Dentistry/Dental Radiography
Dental disease is one of the most common diseases in our pets. Dental disease is much more than a cosmetic disease. It can be a source of chronic pain and cause harm to internal organs, especially the kidneys. Unlike other sources of pain, your pet cannot tell you when their mouth hurts. Our doctors utilize the latest ultrasonic technology for dental cleanings and air-driven dental instruments for extractions (VetPro 1000) as well as digital dental radiography to aid in the diagnosis of dental disease.
High-frequency ultrasonic scaling is the safest and most effective method for removal dental calculus.
The tartar is removed without causing damage (scratches) to the enamel that can occur with hand instruments or rotary scaling. After cleaning, the teeth are polished with a fluoride paste and have the OraVet sealant applied. Digital dental radiography is the latest technology for imaging of the teeth.
Dental radiographs allow the doctor to evaluate the entire tooth including the root. Sometimes a tooth can have a normal crown but an abnormal root. Without a radiograph, this abnormality would be missed. Digital dental radiographic images provide much more detail than standard radiographic film. The images can be manipulated (lightened, darkened, magnified, etc) to improve the diagnostic capability.
Video Otoscope
Chronic ear infections are some of the most common medical problems in our pets. Up to 50% of all chronic ear infections have an underlying middle ear infection that must be diagnosed and addressed to resolve the problem. The video otoscope (Vetscope) is similar to a rigid endoscope but is made specifically for the ear canal.
Normal ear drum
Wax PlugTonometry
This instrument is used to measure the intraocular pressure of the eyes. It is commonly used to diagnose and manage diseases such as glaucoma and anterior uveitis.
Tonometry is a quick method of evaluating the intraocular pressures of the eye. This can usually be performed under a topical anesthetic. Gluacoma is a condition that results in elevated intraocular pressures and could lead to blindness if not treated. Anterior unveitis is a condition in the eye that usually results in low intraocular pressures. The Tonopen allows our doctors to quickly asses the pressure in your pet’s eye and is an important tool used in the diagnosis of eye conditions.
Vaccinations
Our doctors’ philosophy on vaccination is conservative and tailored to meet the individual needs. Vaccinations are important to a pet’s overall health, but more vaccines are not better. The doctors discuss your pet’s risk factors and formulate an individual vaccination protocol that best suits your pet’s needs.
Pharmacy
Our hospital has veterinary pharmacy on-site to meet many of your pet’s needs. We also utilize a VIPPS certified on-line pharmacy for medications that are not available in the in-house pharmacy or for those clients that want at-home delivery service. Your pet’s medical record is linked to this pharmacy to allow prescriptions to be sent electronically. This electronic link also allows for all of your pet’s medications to be stored in a single site within the medical record.
Pain management
Pets experience pain and discomfort just like humans but are not always able to communicate the pain with their owners. Our doctors are trained to recognize pain and are very proactive in pain management. Your pet will receive preemptive pain medication (before surgery), peri-operative pain medication (during surgery) and post-operative pain medication (after surgery). The doctors also utilize various pain management protocols for diseases that result in chronic pain.
Anesthesia
There are inherent risks with any anesthetic procedure. However, performing pre-anesthetic lab testing, choosing the most appropriate anesthetic protocol and utilizing anesthetic monitoring equipment during the procedure significantly reduces the patient’s anesthetic risks. Our hospital utilizes the Scil 5 Anesthetic Monitoring Unit. This monitors the ECG, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, core body temperature, respiration rate and expiratory capnography. In addition to the to latest anesthetic monitoring technology, a veterinary nurse is present to provide continuous monitoring while the doctor is performing the surgical procedure.
Our doctors perform a complete physical exam the morning of the procedure on every anesthetic patient. We have an in-house lab to perform organ function tests to help detect any underlying medical conditions that could affect the anesthetic procedure. Anesthetic protocols and pre-emptive pain management protocols are designed for each individual pet. Patients undergoing general anesthesia are induced with propofol, intubated and maintained with isoflurane. IV catheters are recommended for all pets undergoing anesthesia.
The IV catheter allows to doctor to administer IV fluids during the procedure as well as allowing an easy port to administer drugs in the event of an anesthetic emergency. It is critical that vital signs are monitored during anesthesia. Technology allows for us to monitor many things such as ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure and temperature but it still does not replace the human eye. Our hospital utilizes a combination of an anesthetic monitoring machine (Scil 5) and a veterinary nurse to monitor anesthesia while the doctor performs the procedure.
Small exotic mammals/reptiles
In addition to treating dogs and cats, our doctors also treat other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats and some reptiles.
Behavior
Your pet’s emotional and behavioral health is just as important as their physical health. Our hospital staff is proactive discussing behavioral training at each of the puppy/kitten visits. Our doctors can provide behavioral counseling on various behavioral issues and can also refer your pet to a behavioral specialist if needed.