Services

 

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best:

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services:  Our hospital is equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pet's complete health care needs.  
      
Surgical Services:  Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures.
   
Anesthesia:  We utilize very modern and safe anesthetics to provide an extra margin of security, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, each pet's vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures.
    
Internal medicine consults: We offer in-hospital referrals to an internal medicine specialist who performs ultrasounds, endoscopic procedures and helps us with the diagnosis of more complicated cases.
   
Radiology Services:  Our on-site, modern X-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the quick diagnosis of many disorders.
   
Electrocardiography Services:  We provide ECG services on-site as well as scheduling consultations with cardiology specialists that can come in to our hospital.
   
Dentistry:  Dental care is an important part of your pet's health care, as eighty-five percent of pets have tooth and gum disease by age three.  Home care, including brushing, proper diets, sealants or chews, along with regular professional cleanings keep your pet happier and healthier longer.  Our dental cleanings include gas anesthesia, IV fluids, antibiotic injections, ultrasonic cleaning and polishing, and sealant.  Dental disease, if left untreated, causes pain and loose teeth and can lead to infections elsewhere in the body.    

Laboratory:  Our lab is staffed by certified veterinary technicians.  We are equipped to do blood chemistry profiles, red and white blood cell counts, urinalyses, cultures, stool exams, heartworm tests, needle aspirates of lumps, and microscopic exams of ears and skin for mites or yeast.  If we are not able to perform the test while you wait, we make it a priority to call you with results within 24 hours. 

Birds and Exotic Pets:  In addition to dogs and cats, we see birds and other exotic pets.  These unique pets need annual wellness exams to review housing and feeding practices, and to discuss any medically appropriate tests.  Please seek help immediately if you notice any symptom of illness.  In addition, we carry rabbit pellets and two types of hay for your small animal friend.

Permanent Identification: We offer microchip identification placement.  The microchip is placed while the pet is under anesthesia, frequently during spay/neuter procedures, to minimize the discomfort of insertion. 
    
Pharmacy:  We maintain a large inventory of pharmaceuticals, supplements, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet. We also carry a full line of prescription diets.  If we don't have the item your pet needs, we can call it in to another pharmacy, such as Walgreens, Target, Snyders, etc.  Please allow us 8 business hours to refill a prescription so it can be ready when you arrive.  A refill request consists of locating the pet's medical file, a doctor reviewing the prescription request and the currency of exam and lab work, and counting and labeling the medication.  Thank you for your understanding as we strive to better serve you.
   
Individualized Flea Control Programs:  We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

Dietary Counseling:  We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance.
    
Behavioral Counseling:  We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression.  Also see about our Bach Flower consultation below.

Emergency Care:  During hospital hours, our staff will see medical emergencies immediately.  If necessary, the doctor will attend to the pet right away and an emergency exam fee will be charged.  Please call ahead whenever possible so we can prepare for your visit.  If you have an emergency after hours, please call South Metro Animal Emergency Care in Apple Valley at (952) 953-3737.  You can also visit their website at www.smaec.com.