Veterinary Services
There are times when your pet needs more than the tender care and love you give them, and for that, the team at All Pets Animal Hospital is here to help. We have served Northwest Arkansas since 1990, and have been privileged to serve some amazing people and pets in our years here.
Our team offers you the best in veterinary medical and surgical services. Trust the compassionate caregivers and experts at All Pets Animal Hospital! Read more below to learn about other services we can provide to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Preventive Care Services
Congratulations on your new kitten! Thank you for choosing us to help protect and care for your new addition to your family.
Our kitten wellness program is designed to help get your kitten started on the right path to a long and healthy life. The first few months are a critical period in your kitten’s development, and we can give you the support and tools necessary to help him or her grow into a well-mannered, healthy cat, including information and advice on nutrition, litter box training, and behavior.
Schedule your kitten for his or her first exam as soon as possible. Until your kitten has received a series of vaccines, he or she is susceptible to many serious but preventable diseases. We will make sure your new pet is protected against rabies and panleukopenia (distemper). Depending on your cat’s risk, we may also advise vaccinating him or her against other diseases, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In addition, your kitten will need to be tested and treated for parasites, which are common in young cats.
Most kittens have roundworms, which are intestinal worms that can cause coughing, weight loss, and a potbellied appearance in cats (although they may not cause any symptoms). It is important for kittens to be treated for roundworms. Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means they can be transmitted from pets to people. By ensuring that your kitten is properly treated, you can keep your entire family safe.
Kittens should receive a series of three boosters to ensure they are completely protected. We typically begin the booster series at 6-8 weeks of age, but sometimes your kitten is older or younger when you get it. We will discuss your kitten’s individual needs at your first visit with the veterinarian. Remember to bring your questions! Our trained veterinary nurses will provide you with lots of information and free samples to get you and your kitten off to a healthy start.
We look forward to meeting your new kitten!
Congratulations on your new puppy! Thank you for choosing us to help protect and care for the newest addition to your family.
Our puppy wellness program is designed to help get your puppy started on the right path to a long and healthy life. The first few months are a critical period in your puppy’s development, and we can give you the support and tools necessary to help him or her grow into a well-mannered, healthy dog, including information and advice on nutrition, training, behavior, and socialization.
Schedule your puppy for his or her first exam as soon as possible. Until your puppy has received a series of vaccines, he or she is susceptible to many serious but preventable diseases. We will make sure your new dog is protected against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other infectious diseases. Your puppy will also need to be tested and treated for parasites, which are extremely common in young dogs.
Most puppies have roundworms, which are intestinal worms that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal signs (although dogs can have worms without showing any symptoms). It is important for puppies to be treated for roundworms — not only to rid them of the infection, but also to prevent you and the rest of your family from becoming infected. Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means they can be transmitted from pets to people. By ensuring that your puppy is properly treated, you can keep your entire family safe from these and other parasites.
Puppies should receive a series of four boosters to ensure that they are completely protected. We typically begin the booster series at 6-8 weeks of age, but we can adapt the series if your puppy is older or younger when you get it. We will discuss your puppy’s individual needs at your first visit with the veterinarian. Be sure to bring your questions! Our trained veterinary nurses will provide you with lots of information and free samples to get you and your puppy off to a healthy start.
We look forward to meeting your new puppy!
Bringing your pet in for an annual diagnostic and wellness checkup can help reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy or help us detect hidden diseases or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and help your pet live longer. Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health or behavior might be easy to overlook. Moreover, some pets don’t show any symptoms depending on the disease.
Dogs and cats age far quicker than humans, so it is even more crucial for our companion animals to receive regular exams. In addition, the risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney or liver problems all increase with age.
During your pet’s wellness exam, we will perform a physical assessment, checking your dog or cat from nose to tail. We will also make sure your pet receives appropriate vaccinations and preventives. We will perform a diagnostic workup, which may include blood, fecal, and urine tests to check for parasites and underlying diseases. We may also advise that your pet receive dental care. When your pet is nearing his or her senior years, we will recommend a baseline exam and diagnostic workup so we’ll know what’s normal for your pet. This will enable us to keep track of any changes.
Because you spend the most time with your pet, you are your pet’s expert, as well as his or her greatest advocate. Please let us know if you’ve noticed any physical or behavioral changes in your pet, as well as any other concerns you might have.
Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam! If you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss our adult wellness program in more detail.
As dogs and cats get older, they need more attention and special care. Our senior wellness program can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier, when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can actually help your pet live longer, too!
Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet’s life, but it becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters his or her senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, as well as kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats may not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are quite advanced.
Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in when you bring your pet into our office in Rogers or Bentonville.
When your dog or cat reaches senior status, we recommend that you bring your pet in for a senior wellness exam and diagnostic workup. In most cases, we suggest this checkup when your dog or cat turns 7 years of age.
Our Senior Wellness Profile is a comprehensive group of tests which includes:
- Comprehensive Physical Examination – checking general appearance, temperature, weight, respiration, ears, skin, etc.
- Blood Pressure Evaluation – detects hypertension
- Urinalysis – checking kidney function and evidence of infection
- Thyroid (T-4) Test – thyroid problems are the #1 hormonal abnormality diagnosed in dogs and cats
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – to help diagnose cancer, infection, anemia, and evaluate immune system
- Intraocular Pressure Test – tests for glaucoma
- Electrocardiogram – detects heart
arrhythmias, changes in heart size, or other heart problems
We so strongly believe that the information we receive from a Senior Wellness Profile can help us increase the length and quality of your pet’s life, that when your pet receives the entire profile, we discount the price by 15%.
Now that your pet has earned senior status, we encourage you to discuss how we can make these the best years of your life together.
We can treat many symptoms that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life in many ways: by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending an appropriate nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications to keep your pet comfortable.
We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss our senior wellness program in more detail. Call us today to schedule your pet’s exam!
Schedule a Spaw treatment for your pet! Choose from the Pawsh Wash, the S'Wagger, the La-Di-Dawg, or the Ulti-Mutt. Each package comes with a deep-cleansing bath that removes loose hair and cleans inside the ear flap. You can also choose additional services like pedicures, anal gland expression, sanitary clips, nail polish, and extra de-shedding brush-outs. All Spaw treatments come with optional, complimentary bandanas or bows.
To ensure a proper diagnosis, we will need to examine your pet. We begin a medical examination by looking at your pet’s eyes, ears, and skin as well as checking his or her cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and skeletal systems for any abnormalities. We will perform blood and/or urine tests as necessary to check your pet’s kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. Based on your pet’s condition, we may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as radiography (x-rays), endoscopy (internal scoping), ultrasound, or biopsy.
If you’re concerned that something may be wrong with your pet, please call us to schedule a medical examination. Depending on the symptoms, we may ask you to bring in your pet right away.
Fleas and ticks can create problems ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. Worse yet, fleas don’t just stay on pets — they can bite people, too. Mosquitoes can transmit deadly heartworms. If left untreated, these parasites can cause permanent damage to internal organs, and eventually, death. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention for Northwest Arkansas pets.
You don’t want these blood-sucking and potentially deadly parasites on your pet or in your home. We can help keep them away or help you get rid of them if they’ve already found their way inside. We carry a variety of oral, topical, and injectable medications to meet your needs. Call us to find out how to eliminate internal and external parasites and get your pet started on a preventive today.
Imagine if your dog or cat got lost. You’d certainly want to give him or her the best chance of getting home. With microchipping, you can accomplish just that.
Microchipping is a safe, permanent way to identify your pet in case he or she becomes lost. A microchip, which is a tiny device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is placed just under the loose skin at the back of the neck. When a lost dog or cat without an ID tag is found, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will use a handheld microchip scanner to check for a chip. If the pet has one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. The veterinary hospital or shelter then calls the chip manufacturer, retrieves the pet owner’s contact information, and calls the owner.
Even the most responsible pet owners can’t always guarantee their pet won’t get lost. A leash could break or slip out of your hand, a pet could push through a screen door or window, or someone might accidentally leave a door or gate open.
We recommend that you use a microchip, along with a collar and ID tag, to identify your pet. An ID tag is still a reliable identification method. Pets that have tags with current contact information are more likely to not end up in shelters and tend to get home faster than those without tags. However, collars and ID tags aren’t permanent and can be removed or lost. With a microchip, your pet will have a much better chance of being identified and returned to you. Pets without microchips that end up in shelters may be adopted out to another family or even euthanized.
The microchips we use are ISO-compliant, which means they meet international guidelines. In addition, our one-time fee is all you ever pay. There are NO annual fees or penalties for updating your information. When your pet receives a microchip at our clinic, your contact information is updated overnight so your pet is immediately entered into the microchip database without you having to do a thing.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment to microchip your pet. Although we hope your pet never becomes lost, we want you to be prepared just in case.
Receiving a diagnosis requiring chronic care, hearing that your pet’s condition cannot be reversed, or learning that your pet may be facing a terminal condition can all be startling, unsettling, and often scary. Our team understands these feelings, and we want you to know that we can provide help in very practical ways.
In addition to the veterinarian handling your pet’s medical care, our Comfort Care Specialists are available to communicate regularly with owners of pets who are experiencing chronic conditions in order to answer questions or provide advice and resources. We can also provide support and guidance for pet owners struggling to know when it’s time to let go of their beloved pet.
Medical and Surgical Services
Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.
A teeth cleaning will begin with a look inside your pet’s mouth to assess the area. We recommend full-mouth dental radiographs annually to allow our veterinarians to see conditions under the gumline and undetectable any other way. Your pet will be anesthetized during the entire teeth-cleaning procedure. While supervised by a Veterinarian, one Veterinary Nurse will monitor your pet’s vital signs, while another is performing the procedure which includes scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment. Extractions may be performed when necessary. We admit our dental patients between 7:15 am -8:00 am; they can usually be dismissed anytime after 3:00 pm the same day.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also help show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
Spaying your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents female animals from becoming pregnant and reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Spaying will not change your pet’s personality.
By spaying your female pet, you are protecting her against potentially deadly diseases, including bacterial infections, reproductive tract diseases, and several types of cancer. You also won’t have to worry about her going into heat. This means avoiding the mess that often accompanies the heat cycle in female dogs and the pacing and crying that happens with female cats. In addition, spaying your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.
Spaying, which involves removing the ovaries and uterus, is a surgical procedure and performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure her safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe.
To set up an appointment to have your pet spayed or to learn more about this procedure, call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to spay your pet, please call us so we can discuss your concerns.
Neutering your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents male animals from reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Neutering will not change your pet’s personality.
By neutering your pet, you’re reducing or eliminating his risk for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Neutering will also reduce or eliminate undesirable and embarrassing behavior, including roaming, fighting, humping, and spraying. In addition, neutering your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.
Neutering, which involves removing the testicles, is a surgical procedure and that is performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe.
To set up an appointment to have your pet neutered or to learn more about this procedure, please call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to neuter your pet, please call us or stop by so we can discuss your concerns.
Most animals give birth without any complications. However, mothers occasionally need help with delivery. We usually attempt to resolve the problem using medical therapy first, but when that doesn’t solve the issue, we will perform a cesarean section.
During a c-section, the mother is given an anesthetic. An incision is then made along her abdomen and through the uterus to retrieve unborn puppies or kittens. In some situations, we may recommend that the mother be spayed during this procedure, usually to prevent future problems of this nature. A team of nurses is on hand to stimulate the puppies, clean them up, and make sure they are breathing other own until they can be reunited with momma after she wakes up from surgery.
We monitor our patients closely to keep them as safe as possible during procedures that require general anesthesia. Your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are continually monitored to help prevent any anesthetic risk.
Prior to any anesthetic procedure,we recommend a Pre-Anesthetic blood test to alert us to any potential risks to your pet. Please feel free to ask us about our patient monitoring protocol or any concerns you might have about your pet’s procedure. We would be happy to discuss these matters in more detail.
For some procedures, your pet will need to be administered general anesthesia so that he or she will be unconscious and not feel pain. We can assure you that modern anesthesia is generally quite safe. To further lower any risk, we perform a physical examination and advise blood work ahead of time to catch any underlying health issues. In addition, we follow a specific anesthetic protocol, including monitoring vital signs during and after the procedure, to ensure the safety of our patients.
We begin most general anesthetic procedures by administering a sedative to help the pet relax and decrease any anxiety. We then administer an intravenous drug to provide complete anesthesia and place a breathing tube into the patient’s trachea (windpipe). To maintain the state of unconsciousness, we deliver a gas anesthetic in combination with oxygen through the breathing tube.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving general anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.
If your pet is having a minor surgical or diagnostic procedure performed, we often use a local anesthetic to help control pain. For example, when we perform a biopsy (in which a small portion of tissue is surgically removed so it can be examined), we use a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics cause a loss of sensation in the area where the procedure is being performed. We sometimes use a sedative and/or anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication) in combination with the local anesthetic to keep pets calm during a procedure.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet receiving local anesthesia or about the procedure for which your pet is scheduled.
If travel, thunder, or fireworks upset your pet, he or she may benefit from tranquilization or sedation. While sedated, the animal will stay awake or sleep lightly and can be roused when stimulated. To minimize any potential risk associated with tranquilization or sedation, we need to assess each animal individually before we dispense these medications.
We can also discuss over-the-counter options for “taking the edge off” stressful situations. All-natural, and non-narcotic, these are good options for many pets.
Please contact us if you would like to set up an assessment or discuss sedation with us.
We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets.
Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.
Surgery can also help resolve several problems related to the eyes. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or may be a sign that the cornea (outer layer of the eye) has been damaged. Surgery may allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring, improving your pet’s ability to see. In some pets, the eyelashes may actually damage the cornea. Surgical intervention improves comfort in these pets, reduces the chances of corneal scarring, and enhances the pet’s vision in the long term.
Quality of life may be improved for brachycephalic breeds by undergoing a nares procedure to improve their ability to breathe. Acute conditions like GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus), gall bladder symptoms, lacerations or injuries caused by fights or accidents may also require surgical intervention.
If your pet becomes injured or critically ill (seizures, collapse, difficulty breathing, etc.) during our normal business hours, call us immediately at (479) 273-9299, if possible, to let us know you’re on your way – or just show up at the door! Patients in life-threatening situations are always seen immediately, appointment or not.
We confidently refer after-hours emergencies to the Animal Emergency Clinic of Northwest Arkansas located in Springdale at the Hwy. 412 exit. They may be contacted at (479) 927-0007.
When we need to do more than a physical examination to determine what’s wrong with your pet, we routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of the problem, rule out possible problems, or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.
X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We may use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools.
We offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This state-of-the-art technology allows us to have a clearer picture to evaluate, uses less radiation that traditional x-rays, and provides you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet.
If you have any questions about our radiology service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.
In some cases, an ultrasound will be recommended when we need to take a closer look internally. Our trained veterinarians can evaluate the abdominal area or heart with this painless, non-invasive procedure with no side-effects.
Ultrasonography (also called ultrasound or sonography) is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body. It can be used to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and bladder; to detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy.
We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis. Images are then evaluated by our skilled veterinarians to help form their diagnosis.
The patient's fur will be shaved in the area being evaluated and then gel is applied. The gel helps the transducer slide more easily and creates a more accurate visual image. A transducer (a small handheld tool) is moved methodically across the skin to record images of the area of interest. .
The transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves, which are directed into the body toward the structures to be examined. The waves create echoes of varying degrees depending on the density of the tissue and the amount of fluid present. Those waves create detailed images of the structures, which are shown on a monitor and recorded for evaluation.
Ultrasound does not involve radiation, has no known side effects, and doesn’t typically require pets to be sedated or anesthetized.
If you have any questions about our ultrasonography service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We know the issue of pain management is of great concern to pet owners today. As in human medicine, we have a variety of medications available to manage your pet’s pain both before and after surgery and in the event of trauma or chronic conditions. We would be pleased to discuss the options available to you to help ensure the highest quality of life for your pet.
Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is sometimes a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.
Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen. Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF.
Call us if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising. We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and cardiac ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure.
Identifying endocrine problems as early as possible is important in dogs and cats. These serious, potentially life-threatening conditions are much more manageable when caught early, allowing us to begin proper treatment.
The endocrine system is made up of a group of tissues (mostly glands) that release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction and are dispersed to different areas of the body, depending on the hormone’s function. When a hormonal balance is disturbed (by a tumor or autoimmune disease, for instance), an endocrine disorder can develop. “Hyper” refers to an excess of hormones, and “hypo” refers to a deficiency in a hormone. Treatment varies depending on the disease.
There are several common endocrine disorders found in dogs and cats:
- Diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency in or resistance to the hormone insulin.
- Hypothyroidism, which is often diagnosed in dogs, indicates that the animal has low levels of thyroid hormone.
- Hyperthyroidism, which frequently affects cats, indicates that the animal has high levels of thyroid hormones.
- Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can also affect both species, although Cushing’s disease is rare in cats.
Contact us if your pet begins panting excessively, develops any skin issues (such as hair loss or dull coat), or shows any changes in behavior, energy levels, appetite, weight, water consumption, or urination.
It is crucial for your pet’s vision that we detect and treat glaucoma and other problems with intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) as quickly as possible. We can test your dog or cat’s eyes for excess pressure easily and safely. The test, performed with a device called a tonometer, is not painful and does not require sedation.
If not treated immediately, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or even blindness. Pets that have suffered eye injuries should have this test performed. In addition, we recommend that breeds that are prone to developing glaucoma come in for regular measurements so we can monitor eye pressure and begin treatment before any problem becomes irreversible. Please call us to discuss whether your pet may be at higher risk for glaucoma.
Call us right away if you notice any of the following problems in either or both of your pet’s eyes: dilated (enlarged) pupils, clouding of the cornea (the normally clear outer layer of the eye), red or bloodshot eyes, one eye protruding or appearing larger than the other, squinting, or tearing. Because glaucoma is painful, your pet may react by rubbing or pawing at the eyes or rubbing his or her head against the floor or furniture more than normal.
Our experienced team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians provide many services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures. Although we handle the majority of your pet’s medical and surgical needs in-house, we occasionally refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when specialty training or equipment will be beneficial.
Board-certified specialists, such as oncologists, ophthalmologists, dentists, and neurologists, have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. Specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centers have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely performed by general veterinary practitioners.
We make referral decisions because we want to ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of care and best possible outcome. Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.
We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.
Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.