Our Comprehensive Veterinary Services

We specialize in a wide range of veterinary services to safeguard your companion’s total well-being.

Dermatology

Acute and chronic skin and ear problems are very common in dogs and cats. Signs typically seen include:

• Itching
• Licking of the feet
• Redness
• Hair loss
• Swelling
• Rashes
• Foul-smelling discharge

These signs can be due to allergies, parasites, infections, hormone imbalances, or immune system abnormalities.

We offer a systematic, knowledgeable approach to diagnosing and treating skin and ear diseases and always use the safest, most effective medications for your pet.

Allergies are a primary cause of many dermatologic conditions. We provide allergy testing and allergy management to give your pet relief and comfort.

Pet Laboratory Services

We offer both in-house testing and testing through outside laboratories. These tests can provide valuable information that is not detectable on a physical exam. Our in-house lab provides immediate results, allowing the veterinarian to diagnose and treat your pet without delay. Tests we perform include:

• Blood Tests
• Urinalysis
• Fecal Tests
• Cytology
• Histopathology
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood Pressure Measurement

Pet Ultrasounds

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a detailed moving image of a pet’s internal organs. It is often performed as a complement to X-rays. Ultrasound is a painless procedure that does not require anesthesia or sedation in most cases. It is especially helpful to evaluate heart disease and better visualize the abdominal cavity.

Pet Radiology

Radiographs (i.e., x-rays) can demonstrate broken bones, potentially detect foreign bodies (e.g,. toys, bones) in a pet’s stomach or intestines, or evaluate the size and shape of organs such as the heart and lungs. This procedure can be done quickly and comfortably at our hospital. Digital images are assessed immediately by the board-certified Radiologists.

Does your pet have bad breath, reddened gums, and/or discolored teeth? These are all common signs of dental disease in animals. Because most pets do not undergo daily tooth brushing, soft plaque easily accumulates and hardens into tartar. The gums become inflamed, a condition called gingivitis, and periodontal disease can develop, leading to gum recession, looseness of teeth, and tooth root abscesses. If left untreated, infection can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys and liver.

All pets should be examined annually by a veterinarian, who can check for signs of dental disease and determine if a dental cleaning is needed. Thorough cleaning of a pet’s teeth requires general anesthesia. All animals undergoing a dental cleaning receive pre-anesthetic bloodwork, an intravenous (IV) catheter and intravenous fluids, an antibiotic injection, a short-acting inhalant anesthetic, and pain medication (if needed) to minimize risk and maximize comfort. Advanced technology such as ECG, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and respiratory capnographs are used to measure your pet’s vital signs. A high-tech Bair Hugger heating system safely and effectively keeps your pet warm during and after the procedure. Throughout the dental cleaning, a specially trained veterinary technician is present to assist and closely monitor your pet.

An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar, and careful attention is paid to each tooth, both above and below the gum line. Each individual tooth is also examined closely for gum recession, loosening, discoloration, enamel wear, and fractures. The teeth are then polished and given a fluoride treatment to protect the enamel surface. If x-rays and/or extractions are needed, we will contact you and discuss recommendations and costs of more extensive dental work.

With every dental procedure, owners are also instructed on the various aspects of home dental care. Regular brushing is most effective at preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Please feel free to inquire about the various components of successful dental care for your pet.

Your pet’s safety and well-being are our highest priority, and we take specific measures to ensure that the surgical experience is as safe and as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

Pet Surgical Monitoring

We employ extensive monitoring to make sure your pet’s vital signs are stable during surgery. We place intravenous catheters and administer intravenous fluids to every pet, and we utilize advanced technology such as EKG, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and respiratory capnographs to detect any subtle changes. A high-tech Bair Hugger heating system safely and effectively keeps your pet warm during and after the procedure. Throughout the surgery, a specially trained veterinary technician is present to assist with the procedure and to closely monitor your pet.

Pet Anesthesia

We perform a thorough physical examination of your pet and conduct blood tests prior to administering anesthesia. These screenings are important to detect possible underlying diseases that may affect the use of anesthesia. Based on your pet’s health status and test results, we formulate a unique anesthetic protocol for your pet.

Pet Pain Management

Your pet’s comfort is very important to us, and every surgery includes appropriate pain medications administered before and after the procedure. We thoroughly examine your pet prior to their operation to rule out even the most remote possibility of side effects from medication. Following surgery, we may also provide additional pain medications to be given at home. Our knowledgeable staff will advise you on post-operative care and recommend ways to make your pet’s recovery quick and comfortable.

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” No statement could be truer when it comes to veterinary care. We ffer a comprehensive preventive program intended to keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy.

Pet Nutrition and Prescription Diets

Nutritional demands vary greatly depending on the life stage of your pet. Medical problems such as diabetes, kidney, and liver disease can complicate dietary requirements even further. In addition, obesity is a growing issue in dogs and cats. We can assess the health of your pet and recommend a balanced, palatable diet that best suits your pet’s needs.

Pet Microchips

A microchip is a tiny computer chip about the size of a grain of rice that is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades of your dog or cat. It is a safe, effective form of identification that is very useful if your pet were to ever get lost. Each chip contains a unique number that is associated with both your pet’s information and your contact information. This number is stored in a national database. Shelters and veterinary hospitals use special scanners to detect and read microchips so you can be promptly reunited with a lost pet.

Pet Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

Fleas can cause serious skin problems and allergies. Ticks can transmit many debilitating diseases. Heartworms, which are spread by infected mosquitoes, can cause severe, even fatal, damage to the heart and lungs. All of these parasites are prevalent in Southern California and can easily be prevented with the proper topical and/or oral products. We can recommend the safest, most effective preventive protocol based on your pet’s lifestyle and environment.

Pet Deworming

Your pet’s stool should be submitted for a fecal exam at least once annually. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are all common parasites that can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Roundworms and hookworms are also transmissible to humans, especially children. If parasites are present, we deworm with the appropriate medication. We also offers parasite prevention products specific to your pet’s needs.

Pet Vaccinations

Vaccines are necessary to prevent many serious, often fatal diseases. However, they are not without potential side effects. We follow American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccination guidelines, and we customize our vaccine recommendations to each individual pet based on his/her health status, lifestyle, environment, and other risk factors.

Pet Wellness Exam

Every dog and cat should undergo a thorough physical exam at least once a year. During an exam, the veterinarian evaluates your pet’s weight; inspects the eyes, ears, and oral cavity; listens to the heart and lungs; palpates the abdominal organs; assesses the coat and skin; and checks for tumors and enlarged lymph nodes. If any abnormalities are noted, the veterinarian will explain the possible causes and offer recommendations for testing and treating the problem. The exam also provides an opportunity to discuss any changes in your dog’s habits and behavior.

Although life expectancy varies with size, cats and dogs are considered senior at the age of 7. Just like people, older pets are much more likely to develop conditions such as cancer, heart/kidney/liver disease, arthritis, diabetes, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and cognitive dysfunction. Common signs of a problem include:

• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in appetite
• Increased water consumption and urination
• Repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Decreased activity
• Persistent coughing or excessive panting
• House soiling
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Blood in stool or urine
• Foul breath
• Poor coat quality
• Lameness or stiffness
• Changes in behavior or attitude
• New lumps and bumps

Even if these symptoms aren’t visible in your senior pet, regular pet geriatric care is essential to understanding their underlying health and changing needs. Schedule an appointment with us today and start investing in your senior companion’s continued health and happiness.