Veterinary Services
Comprehensive Health Exams
The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy pet often goes unnoticed. Once symptoms appear, the condition may be more difficult or costly to diagnose and treat. Although age itself is not a disease, it can bring many conditions that if diagnosed early can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time. At least once and perhaps twice a year, your pet needs a complete physical examination. Remember, your pet's lifespan is shorter than a person's. A lot can happen in 12 months.
Laboratory
Rt. 516 Animal Hospital is equipped with sophisticated instruments that allow us to measure many laboratory values. The most common laboratory test is a blood chemistry panel. These tests are crucial for evaluating the function of the liver, kidneys, red and white blood cells, as well as electrolyte balance. Routine blood tests can detect serious problems at an early stage. As a compliment to our regular laboratory services, our in-house diagnostic capabilities allow us to get results pre-surgically, or in an emergency, within minutes.
Digital Imaging
Inherent to medicine is the necessity to "see inside the body." Digital Imaging (x-ray) in veterinary hospitals, as in human hospitals, is a vital tool in the diagnosis of disorders and treatment of patients. With our on-site modern digital imaging computers, we are able to take high quality x-rays and are able to have your pets results right away, so you don't have to wait.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that complements X-rays and allows us to better visualize internal organs in the chest and abdomen. This painless diagnostic technique is normally done without sedation of your pet. Ultrasound is invaluable for making treatment decisions for various types of heart disease. It also allows us to biopsy organs such as the liver, kidney and spleen through a tiny "keyhole" incision. Using the ultrasound image as a guide, major surgery is avoided and your pet can go home the same day.
Surgery
Our doctors perform most surgical procedures from spays and neuters to complicated intra-abdominal procedures. We take pride in our equipment and our modern patient monitoring systems. Prior to surgery, each patient receives a thorough physical examination to identify any existing medical conditions that might endanger your pet's health. Because not all problems can be detected on examination, we also recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing. These tests not only give us a more complete picture of your pet's health but also allow us to create an anesthetic protocol tailored specifically for your pet. Pain management is a part of our pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative anesthetic and medical protocol. All surgical patients including those undergoing routine procedures receive pain control medications.
Dentistry
Routine dental exams and dental care are important in your pet's oral health as well as your pet's general health. If left unmanaged, tartar and plaque buildup in your pet's mouth can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease and can send bacteria into the bloodstream and vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and even the brain. Prevention is the key to caring for your pet's oral health. Dental examinations should be performed every 6-12 months. Your pet's teeth should be brushed daily and dental cleanings are performed as needed. Our staff at the Rt. 516 Animal Hospital has been specially trained in advanced dental procedures and offers a full range of dental care including routine dental prophylaxis, digital dental radiographs, periodontal services and oral surgeries.