Our consultation allows time for you to express your concerns while our doctor examines your pet. This includes checking the mouth, eyes, ears, skin, glands, listening to the heart & lungs, palpating the abdomen, and giving special attention to any concerns you may have. After the exam, the doctor will explain any findings and provide recommendations and options as well as an estimate of any suggested services.

Ultrasound
We are offering our client ultrasound imaging, which has the ability to image vital organs otherwise unseen using digital x-ray, In addition, some conditions can only be diagnosed using ultrasound.

Digital Radiography
Digital X-rays allow us to see the skeletal system as well as internal organs to help us to determine if there are any fractures, masses, or abnormalities.

Laboratory
We have a state-of-the-art in-house laboratory that allows us to rapidly diagnose critical patients and screen patients for anesthesia as well as monitor closely our hospitalized patients. We can perform laboratory tests such as comprehensive blood chemistries, thyroid levels, feline leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (feline AIDS), heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, anaplasmosis, packed cell volume and canine & feline pancreatitis. We have complete diagnostic availability to perform a urinalysis, intestinal parasite tests, and countless other laboratory tests. An outside laboratory is used for diagnostic testing outside the scope of our in-house laboratory. Most of these results are still available within 12-24 hours.

We have the latest in technology when it comes to laser with Class IV Laser Therapy. Laser therapy works by using infared light to stimulate circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved. 

Preventive medicine or preventive care consists of measures taken to prevent diseases, (or injuries) rather than curing or treating their symptoms. The preventive care helps to increase the longevity and quality of the pet life along with lowering the total health care expenditure.
Preventive care/prophylactic measures are divided between primary prophylaxis (to prevent the development of a disease) and secondary prophylaxis (whereby the disease has already developed and the patient is protected against worsening of this process).

1. Vaccinations
2. Deworming
3. Heart and Flea preventions
4. Dental Prophylaxis

1. Comprehensive physical exams
2. Diagnostic work up/ nutritional and behavioral counseling to develop an appropriate strategy to cure or slow down the progression of the disease

We understand that surgery and anesthesia can be a stressful time for you and your pet. We will do all we can to minimize any stress and discomfort, and to maximize safety. Prior to surgery, pets are required to have an examination where the veterinarian and technician will discuss the upcoming procedure and answer any questions or concerns. From spay and neuter services to more complex surgical procedures, we at Riverside Animal Hospital always operate with safety in mind.

We recommend and believe that through performing comprehensive physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood work, we will be able to make sure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. Based on the pre-anesthetic comprehensive physical exam and blood work, abnormalities if any are addressed and anesthetic protocol are selected to ensure safety and well-being of the pet and if necessary, surgery is postponed or even canceled until it is safe.

Our surgical suite is fully equipped with modern anesthetic, surgery and patient monitoring tools used to measure your pet’s vital signs such as respiration, heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiogram and blood pressure before, during and after all procedures requiring anesthesia.  In addition our veterinary technicians regularly check all vitals at regular intervals to make sure your pet remains safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Sedatives and pain medications are administered during and after surgery to minimize stress and pain. After surgery, the pet is moved to warm and safe area where we closely monitor for vital signs to ensure the smooth and safe recovery.

Someone from our office will notify you when your animal is ready to be picked up at which point you will be provided with detailed discharge instructions.   Finally, after you’ve picked up your pet, we will generally follow up with you by phone to check on your pet’s recovery.

Our animal surgery services include:
• Spays
• Neuters
• Entropion/ Extropian Repair
• Bladder Stone Removal
• Growth Removals
• ACL Repair Surgery
• Exploratory Surgery
• Foreign Body Removal
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Laceration Repair

Remember – your pets need dental care too!  Your pet needs to have its teeth cleaned regularly.  According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.

Common signs of dental disease include:
• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face
• Loose teeth
• Depression

Bacteria that form as plaque on the teeth enter the bloodstream with each bite and swallow.  This bacteria can contribute to organ disease especially kidneys, liver, and heart. Regular dental care is one of the most important ways to promote pet health. We will help you develop the best dental plan for your pet. This includes professional teeth cleaning for dogs and cats, any necessary extractions, as well as diet, pet nutrition and recommendations for a good at-home dental care routine. Call today to have your pet’s teeth examined.

Nutritional Counseling/Prescription Diets and Neutraceuticals:

Some pets require special food, and all pets benefit from a balanced diet. Our veterinarians are able to help you choose the right diet for your pet to keep him or her happy, healthy and active. We also believe that helping pets with the least invasive treatments is ideal and usually more cost-effective. This is why we have a wide range of therapeutic diets that can aid with such ailments as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and food allergy, dental disease, hyperthyroidism  just to name a few.

Sometime the pets need neutraceuticals and supplements to maintain active brain functionality, strong joints, a healthy coat, and a healthy digestive system. The most common supplement given to pets is a multi-vitamin and fatty acids which reduce shedding and improve the pet’s coat. Other popular supplements are probiotics, and antioxidants. Vitamins and other supplements are also available if indicated.