Services
Anesthesia
Diagnostic Services
Cardiology
Anesthesia
Modern anesthetic monitors make surgery much safer than it used to be. At (insert practice name), your pet will be examined thoroughly before any anesthetics are administered, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't cause a problem. The amount and type of anesthetic used will depend on the health of your pet. If you have any questions, our health care team is here to answer them for you!
Even seemingly healthy pets can have organ system problems that can only be detected through blood testing. Pre-anesthetic blood testing to make sure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthesia is an important step to reduce the risk of anesthesia complications. The results of your pet's blood testing will help us determine if extra precautions are needed for minor issues, or if the surgery should be postponed until the problem is corrected.
For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well. Your veterinarian will discuss any issues that arise with you and explain the necessary procedures.
It's also important that your pet's stomach is empty when they undergo surgery to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You must withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery, but your pet can have water until the morning of surgery.
Additional resources:
How Does Anesthesia Work? - Veterinary Partner
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
RADIOGRAPHY
X-rays can be extremely useful in diagnosing a variety of health problems. At (practice name) our technicians are trained in safe, proper techniques for taking radiographs using only the amount of exposure necessary to produce excellent diagnostic images. Your pet might need to be sedated in order to ensure the procedure is performed accurately without stress or further injury. For difficult diagnoses, we may need to consult a specialist or another veterinarian for a second opinion.
OTOSCOPY
The endoscopy procedure can also be used to view and thoroughly cleanse ear canals, known as an otoscopy. Your pet will be sedated and a small tube with a camera inserted into the ear canal which can then be viewed on the monitor. The ear canal will be flushed and suctioned for a thorough cleaning, which is particularly helpful for chronic otitis infections that won't clear with regular ear cleaning or when the ear has become too inflamed to successfully treat with medication.
Additional resources:
Imaging Tests (Radiology Options) for Pets - Veterinary Partner
Blood Work is a Basic Evaluation Tool - Veterinary Partner
Histopathology in Pets - Veterinary Partner
Cardiology
Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.
Behavior Counseling
Vaccinations
Dentistry
Behavior Counseling
We understand that some pet behavior issues can have a significant impact on their quality of life, as well as yours. We provide advice and education to help correct problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling, and aggression. We also encourage our clients to look at the resources available from CattleDog Publishing.
Additional Resources:
Vaccinations
We follow the UC Davis Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats in recommending certain “core” vaccines. We may make suggestions for additional vaccines based on an individualized assessment of your pet's risk factors, life stage, and lifestyle.
We currently stock the following vaccines:
- Dogs: DA2PP, Rabies, Leptospira, Bordetella (oral), and Canine Influenza.
- Cats: FVRCP, FeLV, Rabies. We carry recombinant FeLV and Rabies vaccines without adjuvants for our feline patients
Dentistry
Dental disease is one of the most common diseases we see in dogs and cats. Tartar and plaque can quickly lead to health issues such as kidney, liver, and heart disease. Oral exams are an important part of a pet’s annual check-up, allowing the doctor to personalize the necessary dental care. We offer advanced dentistry procedures as well as routine dental cleanings and consultations. Our dental services include teeth cleaning and polishing, dental X-rays, tooth extractions, and minor oral surgery.
Additional Resources
Puppy & Kitten Care
Geriatric Pet Care
Laboratory
Puppy & Kitten Care
Vaccinations are vitally important for puppies and kittens, your new pets visits are about much more than vaccinations! Your new pet will receive a complete "nose to toes" physical examination by a veterinarian to make sure he or she is completely healthy. We will test and treat your new pet for intestinal parasites, a very common problem in young puppies and kittens.
In addition to taking care of all your pet's health needs, we have information about relevant topics like house training your puppy or teaching your rambunctious kitten to play nicely.
When you entrust your new little one to the care of Highlands Pet Hospital, you can be confident we will do all we can to make sure your pet will be a healthy and happy companion for many years to come!
Geriatric Pet Care
Today, many veterinarians recommend that senior pets have a veterinary exam every six months. In human terms, it's still equivalent to having a checkup every three years and a lot can certainly change in three years. The check-up should include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Your pet's veterinarian may also recommend other tests to ensure a total progressive workup. Watch your senior pet for any changes in appearance or behavior that may signal illness. Bring these changes to your veterinarian's attention. Early detection of many disorders can facilitate their cure or delay their progression.
One of the most important things you can do for your senior pet is to make sure they maintain their proper weight. Many senior pet problems have been linked to obesity and inactivity. Specially formulated senior pet foods that are lower in calories and have high-quality protein sources can be helpful. However, watch your pet for any negative reactions anytime you introduce a diet change. Do not give your pet vitamin supplements unless approved or prescribed by your veterinarian. Maintain a schedule of regular exercise but remember that your pet may not be able to move as quickly or agilely as he or she used to. Be on the lookout for progressive limping, problems getting up from a lying position, or climbing stairs. These may be signs of arthritis. Be sure to alert the veterinarian during your pet's next visit. Our goal is to provide the best quality of life to our senior patients.
Laboratory
We are able to quickly diagnose a variety of diseases including diabetes, kidney failure, pancreatitis, and parasite infection with the help of our in-house laboratory. Using only small amounts of blood drawn from your pet, we can have results on the same day. This is especially important if your pet is scheduled for surgery or if we suspect an illness that needs to be treated immediately.
If your pet is having surgery, the pre-anesthetic blood work can help us identify underlying problems, so we can adjust our anesthetic protocols appropriately.
Our testing equipment is kept up-to-date and maintained according to AAHA standards with regular quality control checks performed by our animal health technicians.
Additional resources
Flea Programs
Surgical Services
Nutrition
Flea Programs
While fleas, ticks, and other parasites are most bothersome during certain seasons, at Highlands Pet Hospital we believe all pets should receive regular heartworm/flea/tick prevention all year long.
These stealthy hitchhikers can slip into your home through a tiny tear in a window screen, on your pets, or even on you! Mosquitos only need a split second to dive in through an open door. Even if your pet does not go outdoors, you can bring flea eggs on your shoes and clothes. Each flea can produce 50 to 100 eggs daily! Monthly prevention for the pet, as well as environmental control such as spraying, is needed to successfully control fleas and ticks.
Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. In addition to itching and other skin problems, fleas can transmit diseases to animals and people. The majority of the flea population (i.e. eggs, larvae, and pupae) are found off the pet and around the home.
A wide variety of parasite prevention products for the pet are available, such as monthly topical liquids and oral medicines, veterinary-approved collars, shampoos, sprays, and powders. We also recommend regular bathing and grooming as part of a continuous preventive protocol to maintain complete protection year-round.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you determine the proper plan of treatment for your pet and your home, as well as show you how to safely use each product. Keep in mind that canine-only products are not designed for felines and could cause serious health issues and even death. Age and weight are also factors to consider in determining which products are best for your pet.
Additional Resources
Surgical Services
Dr. Condon spent many years working emergency, where she performed critical surgeries on a regular basis. Having an experienced surgeon is just as important for a spay as it is for an abdominal exploratory surgery. We also have a board certified Surgeon work with our staff on complex surgical cases.
With state-of-the-art equipment in our surgical suite, we're able to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures. Regardless of the size and scope of your pet’s surgical procedure, their safety always comes first. We offer general and specialized surgical services.
With state-of-the-art equipment in our surgical suite, we're able to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures. Regardless of the size and scope of your pet’s surgical procedure, their safety always comes first. We offer general and specialized surgical services.
- Spaying and Neutering
- Dental surgery
- Castration
- Mass removal
- Laceration Repair
- Advanced orthopedics
- Ophthalmic surgery
Nutrition
If your adult dog or cat is healthy, you may have chosen a pet food based simply on whether or not your pet will eat it. Cost may also play a factor in your decision. However, not all pet foods are equal. And feeding the right amount is not as simple as following the directions on the package (they’re just guidelines). Choosing an appropriate diet can set your pet on a path of lifelong good nutrition and help prevent many problems, including allergies, nutritional deficiencies, skin and coat disorders, and obesity. Nutritional requirements for dogs and cats vary depending on a variety of factors, including age, breed, and health. For instance, senior pets have different requirements than puppies or kittens, and animals with diabetes, kidney disease, and other health conditions can benefit from specific diets. Our veterinarians can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet.
Obesity in pets can be a common issue. Overfeeding (how can you say no to that face?!) and under-exercising (so much to do, so little time!) is usually the cause. But being overweight is just as harmful to animals as it can be for humans, and can cause more health problems as they get older. With the proper diet and plenty of exercises, your pet can maintain a healthy weight range.
As your pet ages, its nutritional needs change. We'll evaluate your pet's current diet and daily routine to help determine the best way to make sure your pet’s nutritional and activity needs are being met. A proper diet is vital to the overall health of your pet. At Highlands Pet Hospital, we evaluate your pet’s current diet to determine if there are any beneficial changes you can make. If your pet needs a prescription diet, we can help you find out how and where you can purchase or have it delivered to you.
Additional resources
Pain Management
Microchipping
Internal Medicine Consults
Pain Management
We offer Laser Therapy to help with pain and inflammation.
Dr. Condon is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists and is experienced in relieving your pets pain through multiple routes.
We also offer the most effective medication for pain management to work with these alternatives.
Dr. Condon is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists and is experienced in relieving your pets pain through multiple routes.
We also offer the most effective medication for pain management to work with these alternatives.
Microchipping
Microchipping is an important health decision for all of your pets. Because keeping your pet healthy and safe is our priority at Highlands Pet Hospital we provide microchipping for the permanent identification of dogs, cats, and birds.
Internal Medicine Consults
We have a board certified Internal Medicine specialists work with our staff to perform cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds for patient's in need of advanced imaging. We also offer referrals to an internal medicine specialist who performs endoscopic procedures and helps us with the diagnosis of more complicated cases. Having worked with the specialists at Carolina Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Condon knows how to navigate referrals to your pets advantage.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization
Hospitalization for ill patients may occur at one of several levels, from simple Medical Boarding & Observation all the way up to Intensive Critical Care. Although hospitalizing for illness or injury can be a stressful experience for all involved, we strive to make it as comfortable and comforting as possible (for everyone!). You are welcome to visit with your pet, with the possible exception if he or she has been placed in an Isolation area, and you are welcome to bring blankets or other items from home although we can not be responsible for soiling, damage, or loss. Updates may come via phone call or text message, and feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions. As our hospitals are not staffed after hours, the doctor will discuss with you options for overnight or weekend care.
