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Blood Transfusions

Dogs and cats, just like in people, have different blood types. We utilize a blood banking system to ensure availability of safe blood products. In this program, we separate blood into its separate components: red blood cells, plasma containing clotting factors and protein. Many disease states may affect one of these components. By separating these different segments, we can replace patients deficiencies in one or more area without exposing them to unnecessary products, reducing cost and potential side-effects.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique to visualize structural changes within various thoracic or abdominal organs. It is often used in conjunction with x-rays to provide additional information about certain disease processes.

We can often provide information about specific diseases which are not available with other methods including gall bladder disease/rupture, abnormal fluid accumulation, heart function, abdominal or thoracic masses, lymph node enlargement, cancer metastasis, pancreatitis, kidney disease, stones within the urinary system, intestinal obstructions, amongst a variety of other conditions.

In some instances, we may also have the ability to non-invasively collect tissue biopsy samples without needing surgery. This can allow for a more comfortable and less costly way of obtaining a diagnosis with minimal anesthesia.

The process: Dogs and cats lie on their backs while ultrasound gel is applied to their abdomen. To provide the best images, the abdomen is shaved and ultrasound gel applied to the skin to ensure proper probe contact. This can be a very relaxing process for animals and some dogs may even fall asleep during their exam.

Emergency Surgery

Some diseases may require urgent surgical intervention. Examples may include intestinal obstructions, bleeding abdominal masses, bloat, difficulty giving birth, ruptured gall bladders, neurological back problems and many other conditions.

At the AHSC, we have a dedicated team of 24/7 on-call specialists, surgical technicians, radiologists and anesthetists to ensure that any patient requiring emergency surgery receives immediate care with the 1-on-1 monitoring.

CT Radiography

A CT scan can substantially assist in imaging difficult regions of the body such as the lungs, nose and brain. Additionally, we administer a special contrast material, which can outline blood vessels with exquisite detail to detect some abnormalities, which can be present. As the contrast material enters various tissues, we can also outline different tumors or obstructions that may not be visible with other methods.

Trauma Stabilization

Trauma, specifically vehicular accidents are unfortunately common problem, particularly in densely populated areas.

There are a variety of potential complications which can occur as a result from this type of trauma including lacerations, fractures, collapsed or bruised lungs leading to respiratory distress, concussion, hemorrhage or internal organ damage.

At the AHSC, we actively stabilize these patients and proactively search for complications which can delay or worsen recovery.

Some animals may require repair of their collapsed lung, supplemental oxygen, aggressive IV fluid support, antibiotic and pain medication therapy, laceration repair or transfusion administration. We also have the ability to place and monitor specific IV and urinary catheters to improve patient comfort and rapidly identify and problems or deterioration in their status.

Heart Disease Management

There are a variety of forms of heart disease which can result in difficulty breathing, weakness, collapse, pale or blue gum color, arrhythmia, heart failure, or abnormal fluid accumulation.

We utilize digital x-rays, ultrasound, echocardiography and real-time ECG to rapidly diagnose and stabilize any heart disease.

We work closely with cardiologist, Dr. Carrie Van der Willie to ensure the highest level of acute and chronic heart disease identification and management without needing to transport your patient to or from the Animal Hospital Specialty Center. Dr. Van der Willie is available at the AHSC for any patient requiring complete echocardiography or special cardiac procedures.

Our large oxygen cages house animals requiring supplemental oxygen. In this way, we can provide exact amount of additional oxygen required to animals of various sizes.

Managing Toxin Exposure

Unfortunately, dogs frequently have access to a number of potential toxins including grapes/raisins, antifreeze, sugarless gum, prescription medications, poisonous plants, mushrooms, amongst a myriad of other possibilities.

The AHSC has an extensive database of possible side effects associated with a variety of toxic substances. We also utilize veterinary toxicologists at the Animal Poison Control Center allowing for rapid identification and treatment.

Early identification, decontamination techniques, supportive therapy and proactive monitoring give animals the best chance for a successful recovery.

Seizure Control and Management

Seizures can be a scary and unnerving event for any owner to witness in their dog or cat. There are a wide variety of causes for seizures including inheritable conditions, metabolic derangements, brain tumors, strokes, toxins, alterations in electrolytes, hypoglycemia or epilepsy.

At AHSC, we focus on identifying and treating the underlying cause of the seizure and work with you to avoid or minimize future seizures in your pet.

Acute seizure management is accomplished by controlling the seizure, complications associated with prolonged seizure activity along with serial neurological and cardiovascular monitoring.

A number of medications are utilized to treat animals with recurrent seizures. Often, a combination of drugs is tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient to allow for adequate seizure control while avoiding some of the know side effects.