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Annual Examinations/Preventive Health Care
We feel strongly that every pet should be examined at least once a year. Since pets age much faster than humans, an annual exam is even more important. Every exam includes a dental checkup to be sure your pet's teeth and gums stay healthy. As your pet grows older, we may suggest bloodwork to screen for kidney, liver and thyroid diseases.
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Weight check/Nutrition Counseling
We weigh every pet at every exam -- weight loss can signal the start of many diseases. Weight gain or obesity is no healthier for our pets than it is for us. Purina recently concluded a 15 year study that showed healthy-weight dogs lived an average of 2 ½ years longer than their overweight littermates. If your pet is obese we can give you advice on how to improve his diet.
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Eye exams and screenings
The eyes are checked at every visit, and if necessary screened for glaucoma with our state-of-art Tonopen.
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General surgery
Dr. Niebojeski and Dr. Aylward are both experienced surgeons. They routinely perform surgeries such a spaying, neutering, declawing, mastectomy, cyst and tumor removal, cystotomy, and others. Dr. Aylward has a specialized interest in Veterinary Dentistry and is skilled in more advanced dental procedures and surgery. When a case requires more specialized care or equipment, such as orthopedic or neurological surgeries, we have several larger facilities where we routinely refer cases.
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Anesthesia
We use both injectable and gas anesthesia protocols, depending on the patient and the surgery. While under anesthesia, all pets have their temperature, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates constantly monitored, and are connected to a pulse oximeter to monitor their blood oxygenation levels.
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Radiographs and ultrasound
We have an on-site Xray machine and automatic processor that can give us results within 5 minutes. When an ultrasound is necessary, we call in a mobile specialist who comes to our practice. This gives us the benefits of state-of-the-art equipment, as well as consultation with an internal medicine specialist regarding the patient's case.
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Dental cleanings/extractions
Good dental health is important to the overall health of your pet. Infection in the mouth can cause pain, and can spread infection to other organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver. A clean and healthy mouth has been shown to add 2-4 years to your pet's life. We sedate your pet and clean his mouth with an ultrasonic scaler, polish the teeth, apply fluoride, and then coat with Oravet, a new product that provides a slippery surface to each tooth, making it much harder for plaque to stick in the future.
Our Digital Dental X-ray machine allows us to take state-of-the-art digital x-rays of your pet's teeth, therefore allowing us to perform a superior oral exam. The added information the x-rays provide can aid in deciding whether a tooth can be saved or is causing pain and needs extraction. We will also give you advice on at-home care to keep those teeth shiny.
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On-site laboratory
We are able to run most blood tests in house within an hour, in situations that require a rapid response. We can also do pre-surgical blood work on the day of surgery, for the most accurate information. Routine work can be sent to a large veterinary laboratory capable of running a wide variety of tests.
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Pharmacy
We stock a full supply of medications intended to keep your pet healthy. Our staff also understands the proper use of everything we sell. If you have trouble remembering your dog's once-a-month heartworm medications, we can offer suggestions or alternatives. If you want to know the best and safest products for keeping your pets flea and tick-free, we have the answers -- sound advice from trained staff, that you can't get at the grocery or discount store.
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Vaccinations
Our doctors consider each patient individually. We will discuss your pet's lifestyle and habits, and recommend a vaccine plan that we think best. For many diseases, we are now recommending revaccination every three years, instead of the old idea that everything was given every year. We will be happy to discuss these new ideas and recommendations with you at your annual visit.
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Microchip Pet Identification
This is a permanent identification system and is a quick, simple, and affordable way to protect your pet from getting lost. A tiny microchip with your pet's personal identification number is injected under the animal's skin. Your pet's ID number, along with your contact information, is entered into an international database. If your pet is found and is taken to a clinic or shelter, they can be scanned and ultimately returned to you.
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