Small animal services provided by Danforth Animal Hospital for the continued care of your pets

	General surgery Our state-of-the-art surgical suite is fully equipped and has been designed for the comfort and safety of our patients. As a safety precaution, a pre-anesthetic blood workup is performed on all pets undergoing general anesthesia. This blood work "snap shot" provides us insight on the animal's current health status allowing us to select the safest anesthetic for your pet. If the blood work indicates a problem, we will postpone the procedure and contact you right away. Pain medication may be sent home when needed. A doctor will discuss these options with you before the procedure. When your pet is taken off anesthesia and moved to recovery we will give you a phone call to let you know how he or she is doing. We can then schedule a convenient pick up time so the doctor may discuss postoperative care instructions with you.
	Orthopedic surgery While we do offer many orthopedic surgical procedures, we may refer complex cases, like hip joint replacement, to specialized orthopedic surgeons in the area. Early evaluations for orthopedic surgical cases can be initiated in our hospital by our skilled veterinary surgeons. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a new tool recently made available for our patients.
	Laser surgery In 2003 Danforth Animal Hospital added a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser to our practice to provide the best quality care for our patients in need of an alternative to traditional surgical methods. The CO2 laser produces an invisible beam of intense light that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because the veterinarian can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding area unaffected. Cauterization is instantaneous resulting in a virtually bloodless procedure. In many procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery when necessary. With laser surgery pets tend to experience less pain, less swelling and less bleeding. As a result laser surgery patients typically heal more quickly which can speed recuperation times. Generally, a faster recuperation means returning to normal activities sooner. Feline de-claws, soft palate re-sectioning, repair of stenotic nares (narrowed nasal passages), as well as many other specialized procedures are also available. Many common conditions such as cysts, tumors, warts (papillomas) and other lesions can be quickly and safely removed utilizing the precision of the laser.
	Radiographs (x-rays) OFA Penn Hip Dental Diagnostic Digital Imaging (xrays) With the ultrasound unit we can see into the abdomen and examine internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, prostate, urinary bladder, and uterus. This painless, non-invasive diagnostic approach allows for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis in many cases. Ultrasound examinations are also the safest and earliest method of pregnancy detection.
	Ultrasound With the ultrasound unit we can see into the abdomen and examine internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, prostate, urinary bladder, and uterus. This painless, non-invasive diagnostic approach allows for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis in many cases. Ultrasound examinations are also the safest and earliest method of pregnancy detection.
	Dental cleanings/treatment In addition to routine dental cleaning, Danforth Animal Hospital provides specialized dental procedures such as endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), repair and restorations as well as dental radiographs (x-rays). Symptoms of Serious Oral Health Issues Persistent halitosis (bad breath) Sensitivity or pawing around the mouth Difficulty chewing food or crumbs left around food dish Loss of appetite Gingivitis or pyorrhea - bleeding, inflamed or receded gums Tartar (cream or brown colored hard material deposits on teeth) Loose or missing teeth Effects of Oral Health on General Health When periodontal disease is present even the simple act of chewing can release a shower of bacteria into the animal's bloodstream. These harmful opportunistic bacteria can then spread to critical internal organs where they can cause varying degrees of damage. Documented case studies have proven that certain heart, liver and kidney disease are associated with these bacteria. This concept is also recognized in human dentistry. Professional Dental Cleaning After a thorough oral examination, the veterinarian may recommend a professional cleaning for your pet. Some pet owners become concerned at this suggestion because anesthesia is involved. A proper dental cleaning for animals can only be done under general anesthesia due to the fact that the cleaning procedure involves high frequency sound, high speed polishers, and sharp instruments. The equipment in use in our hospital is of the caliber you would expect to find in your own dentist's office. Diseased teeth and gums can be quite painful. In some cases a compromised tooth may require extraction. Within a few days after a dental cleaning your pet should be much more comfortable than before the procedure. As a safety precaution, a pre-anesthetic blood workup is performed on all pets undergoing general anesthesia. This blood work "snap shot" provides us insight on the animal's current health status. The blood work also provides a health status baseline allowing us to select the safest anesthetic for your pet. If the blood work indicates a problem, we will postpone the procedure and contact you right away. Animals with a satisfactory physical and blood workup proceed on to general anesthesia. Each patient's vital signs are continuously monitored during the procedure. A staff of trained technicians and assistants attends the doctor and patient at all times. New anesthetics such as Propofol and Sevoflurane minimize the risk associated with general anesthesia. The newer inhalation gas anesthetics have a rapid recovery rate and patients are conscious within minutes after the procedure. After the dental procedure we will call you with a status report to let you know how your pet is doing and to schedule a convenient time to stop by and pick your pet up. Upon your arrival, the doctor will be available to answer any questions you may have about after care. The majority of dental patients are wide awake and active after the procedure so you won't be taking home a groggy or sleepy pet. Sometimes a pain reliever or antibiotics are sent home if necessary. Home Dental Care In between routine dental cleanings, there are many products available to assist in keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy. No chew toy is fail safe, so always supervise your pet's chewing activities. Common chew toys such as American made rawhide chews (foreign types from other countries may harbor unwanted chemicals or impurities) or Kong toys usually provide enough action to help ward off plaque. Other chews such as C.E.T. chews are saturated with an enzyme that helps dissolve plaque formation before it can stick to the tooth. There are also safe pet breath fresheners as water additives and even an enzymatic gel for weekly application to prevent plaque formation. Special pet tooth pastes are also available with the added taste of beef or chicken to facilitate easier cleaning sessions at home. Baking soda is sometimes not a good alternative to pet toothpaste because its high sodium content can present problems for animals with kidney or heart problems. Another popular alternative to chew toys and tooth brushing is an innovative pet food made by Hills Science Diet that uses the pet's chewing action to help remove plaque. Unlike regular dry pet foods, this product 'rides' the tooth all the way to the gum-line before disintegrating. In effect, it provides a unique kind of "squeegee" action. It also provides the exceptional nutrition you've come to expect from Hills pet foods. There are also some other premium brands with dental health properties incorporated and you may wish to do a little "label research" next time you are shopping for pet food.
	In-house laboratory Heartworm blood checks - Knotts and Occult Intestinal worm checks Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) blood tests for cats Complete blood counts Blood chemistry profiles such as screening organ function tests - for liver, kidney, pancreas, blood sugar, and pre-operative blood work, etc. Urinalysis testing Cytology of ears, tumors, vaginal smears Fungal assays to check for ringworm, etc.
	Pharmacy Our large well-stocked pharmacy allows us to offer convenience to our patients and competitive prices when compared with local and mail order pharmacies. Having an in hospital pharmacy also gives us the ability to begin earlier treatment for many medical conditions, including skin, metabolic (such as diabetes), heart, liver, and kidney disease, along with a wide variety of infectious disease processes.
	Preventive health care We stock the latest in heart worm preventives, flea and tick control, in addition to safe and effective intestinal de-worming products.
	Vaccinations As part of preventive care, when properly boosted, vaccinations have become one of veterinary medicine's best defenses against diseases. Many diseases can easily be prevented in our canine and feline companions through proper vaccination. Medically hospitalizing and treating these diseases is far more costly than preventing them or reducing their severity through vaccination. Feline vaccines are currently leading the wave of the future in how vaccines are administered. Traditionally, chemicals called 'adjuvants' have been added to vaccines to enhance the animal's immune response when administered by needle and syringe. Recently, focus has been placed on some adjuvants, which may cause injection site inflammation in cats. After years of research and rigorous testing, Purevax by Merial introduced its VetJet vaccine delivery system, which offers an adjuvant free vaccine. The VetJet system delivers a low-volume dose of vaccine through an orifice comparable to the diameter of a human hair via an air-powered applicator. In the future we are likely to see more vaccinations delivered in much the same way. For more information on the VetJet system see: http://purevax.us.merial.com/ Call our office for more information on primary vaccinations and the proper sequence of vaccination schedules for your pet's protection.
	Reproduction counseling We are certified by the International Canine Genetics Association to provide artificial reproductive services, which includes trans-cervical insemination. Our doctors also attend reproductive continuing education courses around the country in order to stay on the cutting edge of information and techniques available.
	Nutrition counseling We carry Hills Science Diet and Hills Prescription Diet foods as well as a complete line of Pet Tabs and vitamin supplements to assist in your pet's complete nutrition. All of our doctors have training in nutrition which also includes experience with food allergies, special dietary needs, weight reduction, conditioning diets for athletic and show performance, breeding and lactating dietary needs, puppy and kitten nutritional care, etc.
	Behavioral counseling Some behaviors are learned while others are simply a part of the pet's genetic makeup. We can help you to determine which is which and offer some guidelines to hopefully improve the situation.
	Cancer treatment Limited cancer treatment with referral to experienced specialists is available. We are capable of administering chemotherapy agents and monitoring progress on an outpatient basis when possible. Some treatment regimens require hospitalization and lab work until stabilized. Aggressive pain management is applied if necessary. Each case is unique and our doctors and staff strive to provide individualized care with compassion and a quick eye for detail.
	House calls House calls are available within the immediate local area for minor problems and routine health care. Please call our office for details.
	Grooming All breed dog and cat grooming is performed by our caring staff of experienced professional groomers. A full line of grooming services is available by daily appointment, or an appointment for grooming can be scheduled with boarding. Humane techniques and a gentle approach help to set pets at ease. Call our office for more information. Bathing Medicated baths Show clips Breed standard clips Bath and tidy - includes minor clipping to enhance hygiene and appearance De-matting or complete shave Hygienic clips and shaves Cat grooming Nail trims Puppy clips All pets should be vaccinated before attending any professional grooming facilities.
	Retail Center We carry Hills Science Diet Foods and Treats. We also have A full line of shampoo and conditioners as recommended by our professional groomer.