Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital

Our Services

The "Dog Room"


The "Cat Room"

Routine Preventative Health Care Check Ups

Many pet health problems can be treated more easily if identified early. 1) For adult animals, we recommend a yearly examination and vaccinations. A thorough physical examination can reveal many health problems before they progress to serious problems. Commonly detected health concerns during routine examinations include: Heart disease, tumors, dental disease, musculoskeletal problems, and dermatology problems. In most situations, when problems are detected early, we can medically manage the patient eliminating discomfort and improving their quality of life. 2) Young animals and sometimes older pets may need to be seen more frequently. Pets under a year old are seen several times while receiving their vaccination series. Since their immune system is immature, young pets are more prone to some of the infectious diseases and intestinal parasites. Preventative health care is essential for a healthy, long life. 3) As pets reach 7 years of age they are considered seniors. They are at an increased risk of health problems due to their increasing age. For senior pets we do recommend biannual visits and yearly blood work (Senior Wellness Blood Work). This will allow us to detect problems early. Routine blood work on older pets that appear healthy identify treatable diseases in 1 out of 5 pets. By treating disease in the early stages before our pets are showing us problems, we can extend their life. Commonly identified problems from blood work include: diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushings Disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering is ultimately a personal decision. Unless a pet is to be used for breeding, we recommend spaying or neutering. This helps with population control, and studies have shown that you will probably have a healthier, more suitable animal companion. We are available to provide you with information needed to make the right decision for you and your pet. You will need to call ahead for an appointment for the surgery and we will give you information about admission, the procedure, cost and going home instructions. Pets need to be completely vaccinated prior to surgery.

Diagnostics

Animals have many of the same diseases as humans, and we are able to perform most of the same laboratory and other tests available in human medicine. Some common tests and procedures can be done in our in-hospital laboratory including: X-rays, EKG, Ultrasounds, CBC, urinalysis, blood chemistry, intestinal parasite test, heartworm test, and cultures. Some tests are sent to outside laboratories. Results are available within minutes or in a day depending on the test. We will share results fully with you.

Surgery

With our modern surgical facilities, we are equipped to perform all minor and most major surgeries. Gas anesthesia, including the very safe Sevoflurane used in human neonatal surgeries, is available as well as intravenous fluids and other support therapy. We monitor carefully during and after surgery using EKG, respiratory monitor and blood oxygen level monitor. We recommend a pre-surgical screening that includes X-rays and blood work prior to any anesthetic induction to minimize anesthesia risk. These tests enable our veterinarians to further assess each animal's general health, further evaluate their heart and lungs, and also evaluate kidney and liver function prior to anesthesia. If problems are identified, we can then make a decision with you to change our anesthesia protocol and proceed with surgery, or delay surgery while we treat identified problems.

Dentistry

Preventive dental care is emphasized, and we can advise you on proper care of your pets' teeth. If necessary, we offer cleaning and extractions under safe gas anesthesia. Your pet's dental cleaning will begin with a physical examination. This is important to evaluate your pet's general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an injection; and then a gas anesthesia is administered for a safe and painless sleep during the dental cleaning. The first part of the dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar with a dental hand scaler. Next a periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gumline where periodontal disease and bad breath starts. A mechanical scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smooths the teeth under the gumline in the crevice. Your pet's teeth are polished, creating a smooth surface. The gums are washed with an antibacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up both under the gumline and on the crown of the tooth. Finally, the veterinarian may find it necessary to take one or more x-rays to evaluate your pet's oral health. Some teeth may require extraction if badly infected to prevent the spread of infection. Gas anesthesia gives you the peace of mind that your pet will be safe during the procedure and allows for a very quick recovery so your pet can go home the same day without being drowsy. The frequency of dental cleaning/polishing varies with each individual and the amount of preventive dental care provided.

X-rays and Ultrasounds

Our modern x-ray machine takes the highest quality x-rays to help our doctors diagnose internal problems of your pet. X-rays are done while you wait and our doctors review the x-rays with you in the examination room. Ultrasounds are scheduled ahead of time since in most cases pets need to be fasted (food withheld a certain amount of time) prior to the procedure for best results. Dr. Severio travels to Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital to perform the procedure. Dr. Severio is a veterinarian specially trained in ultrasound techniques. She travels to clinics throughout the Pensacola area providing this service. Ultrasounds can be performed while you wait for your pet.

Referral Services

As with any health profession, as general practitioners we understand we cannot provide all services that your pet may require. We know when it is in the best interest of your pet to get an expert involved and we will help set up referrals to specialists when needed. For non-emergency orthopedic referrals we can refer patients to the monthly orthopedic clinics with Dr. Montgomery here in Pensacola. Dr. Montgomery is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who travels from Auburn once a month. For Ophthalmology referrals we can refer to Destin with Dr. Carter. Dr. Carter is a board certified ophthalmologist retired for Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Carter now has a referral clinic in Destin. We can also refer in Pensacola to ophthalmology clinics similar to the orthopedic clinics run monthly. A board certified ophthalmologist runs the clinics. For other referrals clients are referred to specialist in the area of expertise for their pet's specific problem.

AVID FriendChip Microchip Implantation Identification

AVID FriendChip is the professional way to identify your pet, and it's proven safe and effective. It is a small microchip that is injected, just like a vaccination, under the skin of your pet where it remains safely for life. The microchip contains a one-of-a-kind identification number that distinguishes your pet as a special member of your family. Then if your lost pet is found by a shelter or another hospital they will use a scanner to detect whether or not he/she has a microchip. When a chip number is detected, AVID's 24 hour hotline at 800-336-2843 is called for your phone number, your veterinarian, or your alternate contact, and your pet comes safely home. To encourage everyone to microchip their pets, at the time your puppy or kitten is spayed or neutered, Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital will pay the microchip registration fee for your pet. All you will be required to pay is for the microchip.

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