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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 shave 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.

Endoscopy

Have you ever thought you could fix sommething if you could only see inside of it? Some medical conditions are exactly like this. Endoscopy uses a tinny fiberoptic camera that can be used to peer inside or a patient. Looking in the urinnary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, or even up the nose can often provide us with very important information regarding your pet's condition, and ultimately treatment.

Endoscopy is becomingn more common, but while a very powerful tool, it is best used by sommeone specificaly trained to use it best. Dr. Hilling has trained for extensive periods of time and has some fo the latest equipment right here at AHSC. In Addition to looking and taking pictures, Dr. Hilling's scope allows her to collect very small biopsies of tissues which can ultimately lead to the right diagnosis the first time.

CT Radiography

A CT scan can substantial assist in imaging difficult regions of the body such as the lungs and brain. Additionally, we can 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 obstruction that may not be visible with other methods.

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.

a.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.

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.