|
|
|
SURGERY
Our operating room is fully equipped. We match various anesthetic protocols to the condition and age of each of our patients. Pre-operative blood testing can be performed on-site, just minutes before anesthesia begins. Safety of anesthetic procedures is enhanced with the use of pulse oximetry and blood pressure monitoring. Because routine operations are generally performed early in the morning, many surgical patients are ready to go home on the day of surgery. |
|
| |
|
CHECK-UP
Our policy is to allow 20 minutes (or longer) for office visits requiring physical examination. It is important to us that our clients understand what we say, what we are doing, and why we are doing it. We even draw pictures on the wall-board when we feel that it can help a pet owner understand our diagnostic or therapeutic thoughts. Treatment options are discussed in full, and we encourage the asking of questions. Pets need educated owners to help them make the most of life. |
|
| |
|
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
One visit per year is our goal. Most of the diseases that threaten our pets are 100% preventable with routine care. Many viral diseases, heartworm disease, Lyme Disease, and even flea and tick infestation, can be removed from the long list of troubles that our pets must face. Our experience and advice can also help you prevent many of the common injuries and accidental ingestions that, unfortunately, are treated every week. A pet that is owned by an informed owner has a healthier, happier, and longer life. |
|
| |
|
LABORATORY
Our laboratory is equipped to run most of our routine (and not so routine) testing. Serum chemistry, blood cell counts, fecal parasite tests, skin scrapes, and routine cytologic examination comprise much of our in-house testing. For the less commonly run tests, our samples are taken by courier service to a nearby laboratory. Endocrine (hormone) testing, pathologic exam (biopsy), and stone composition analysis are performed regularly. |
|
| |
|
PHARMACY
Our pharmacy shelves are stocked with almost all of the medications we use in treating our patients. (Less commonly prescribed medications are available by prescription at local pharmacies.) We take every advantage of coupons and "free-goods allowances" that our suppliers have available, to help keep the cost of your pets' medication reasonable. |
|
| |
|
DENTISTRY
Oral health is far more important to the health of pets than most pet owners think. Pets' teeth, like our own, are meant to be kept for life. And pets with poor teeth can absorb bacteria and toxins directly into the bloodstream, contributing to other illnesses. Consciencious preventative dental care (and timely intervention in cases where prevention has been lax) can help pets live long, pain-free lives. Dr. Smith has particular interest in the field of veterinary dentistry and has received specialized training from experts in this field. |
|
| |
|
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
Known as ECG, or EKG, the examination of the electrical activity of a pet's heart can be crucial, not only in determining a diagnosis, but in following the progress being made when a pet is being treated for cardiac disease. A hand-held electrocardiograph unit allows recordings to be made in any area of the hospital, or even outside the building. |
|
| |
|
RADIOGRAPHY
Our Xray unit provides us with quality exposures of pets of all sizes. Automatic processing produces dry images in as little as 3 minutes. Contrast imaging, both with barium and with injectable dyes, helps us with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal, vascular, and kidney diseases. Our dental Xray unit aids in the staging of oral tumors, and in the identification of diseased teeth before painful conditions can develop. |
|
| |
|
PENNHIP PROCEDURE
Hip Dysplasia is a disorder that often leads to debilitating arthritis. It has its basis in a poor fit between the hips's socket and the round head of the femur, or thigh bone. For many years we have been able, with the help of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), to diagnose hip dysplasia in dogs. Using X-ray films, dogs can be certified by the OFA at any age beyond 2 years. We have added PennHIP, a specialized procedure that applies distracting forces to the hip joints as the xray is taken. This allowing us to detect the disease in dogs as young as 16 weeks. Recent published studies have allowed us to more quantitatively predict a pet's risk of developing hip arthritis when PennHip radiographs are analyzed. |
|
| |
|
ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Because our Aloka 600 Ultrasound Unit operates on entirely different principles, it opens diagnostic windows that our X-ray machine can not. Irregularities that lie within the abdomen or chest, or within organs themselves, can be detected and measured with ultrasound imaging. Echocardiography enables us to examine the heart and its internal structures in real-time motion and to measure the heart's ability to perform. From the detection of tumors and stones to the diagnosis and evaluation of pregnancy, ultrasonography has proven itself to be an extremely valuable, and safe, tool. |
|
| |
|
ENDOSCOPY
Fiberoptic telescopes permit us to view and perform surgical procedures in places too small for fingers and standard surgical instruments. They enable us to perform some types of surgical procedures either without, or with extremely small, incisions. Photographs can be taken of, and biopsy samples obtained from, very difficult-to-reach places, such as ear canals, nasal passages, urinary tracts, etc. |
|
| |
|
TONOMETRY
Measurement of the pressure of fluid within the eyes is the way we diagnose glaucoma in dogs and cats. If detected early, glaucoma does not necessarily cause blindness, or even pain. Monitoring intraocular pressure during treatment for glaucoma helps us fine-tune the types and frequency of medication. |
|
| |
|
|
