MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE:
Hamilton Road Animal Hospital provides a full range of health care services for your pet. These include regular examinations, vaccinations, parasite control, blood tests, radiology, ultrasound, dentistry, major surgery including orthopedics, minor surgery and emergency care.
The hospital facility includes examination rooms, an x-ray room, a treatment and pre-surgical area, a fully equipped operating room, a pharmacy, a laboratory, and an isolation room for animals with contagious diseases.
Our surgical room is equipped to handle all routine surgical procedures. Most surgical and dental procedures are done under a general anesthetic. Sterile procedures are followed in all cases. Surgical caps, masks, gowns, and gloves are worn for all major surgeries. Each patient is monitored during surgery and recovery.
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HAMILTON ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Dr. Michael E. Turley ~ Dr. Laurie B. Kennedy
Dr. Carol J. Naculich
1129 South Hamilton Road ~ Columbus, Ohio 43227
Tel: 614-239-0027 E mail: hrah1129@sbcglobal.net
The hospital laboratory is equipped to perform many of the blood, urine and fecal tests that some animals require. More detailed tests are sent to a local veterinary diagnostics laboratory with most results available within 24 hours
.BATHING: We provide bathing services for those pets that may need it. This is provided for pets that may have medical skin problems. An appointment is required for this service.
PREVENTIVE CARE VACCINATIONS:
Dogs: All dogs should be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus, combined into 1 injection and against Rabies. Puppies require a series of vaccinations starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continuing until they are 16 to 18 weeks old. We recommend annual revaccinations for all dogs. Additional vaccinations may be suggested if your pet goes to training classes or dog shows or in other special situations.
Cats: All cats should be vaccinated against Feline Distemper, the Contagious Upper Respiratory Infections and against Rabies. Kittens require a series of injections starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continuing until they are 12 to 14 weeks old. We also recommend vaccinating your cat or kitten against Feline Leukemia. An initial series of 2 injections are needed. We suggest annual revaccinations for all cats.
PARASITES: Both cats and dogs can become infected with a variety of intestinal parasites. An annual stool or fecal analysis is recommended.
HEARTWORMS: Heartworms, a blood parasite, are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Every dog should be heartworm tested annually. Fortunately most dogs are found to be heartworm free and can be started on preventive medication. Dogs that are found to be heartworm positive should be treated immediately. We also recommend heartworm preventative medicine for cats.
The Senior Pet Wellness Examination will provide us with a baseline of health information on your pet. What may look like normal signs of aging could actually be early signs of a manageable health condition. With the early detection and treatment of potential problems and proper nutrition, our senior pets can live longer, healthier lives.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
The Basic Tests
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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC tests for anemia, infection, inflammation and overall healthiness of the blood cells. It also evaluates the number, size and type of cells in circulation. White blood cells help fight infection and inflammation. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body tissues.
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General Blood Chemistry Panel
The chemistry panel checks many of the organ systems of the body.-
Liver (Alk.Phos., CIALP, T. Bili., ALT., Protein) This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and health of the liver. Decreased liver function, inflammation, infection, and cancer of the liver and gall bladder may be detected by this group of tests.
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Kidney (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus) This group of tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are most helpful for detecting kidney disease when combined with a urinalysis.
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Pancreas (Amylase, Glucose) These tests screen for pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus.
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Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus) These tests monitor the electrical, water balance, and general cellular health of the body.
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Thyroid Function Tests These tests are useful in diagnosing malfunctions of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) is common in dogs; whereas hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) is common in older cats.
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Urinalysis
This assesses the health and function of the urinary system. It is especially important in older animals to help in the early detection of kidney and bladder diseases.
ADDITIONAL TESTS
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Radiographs
X-rays of the chest help evaluate the size and shape of the heart and condition of the lungs.-
X-rays of the abdomen aid in evaluating the stomach, digestive tract and other structures
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X-rays of the pelvis and knees help evaluate for hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
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Ultrasound
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With the use of sound waves, the size and structure of the liver, kidneys, bladder and other organs in the abdomen can be visualized and examined.
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Applanation Tonometry
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By use of the Tonapen, the intraocular pressures of the eyes can be measured. This test is used to screen for glaucoma.
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Electrocardiogram(ECG)
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This diagnostic test measures the heart rate and rhythm. It is used to detect heart arrhythmias and other cardiac problems.
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Extended Blood Chemistry Panel
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This blood test includes all the tests in the general blood chemistry panel plus 8 additional tests to help further evaluate kidney, liver, pancreas, and endocrine gland functions.
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Needle Biopsy
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Although not as diagnostic as a complete surgical biopsy, a needle biopsy is a minimally invasive way to detect the make up of abnormal lumps and bumps.
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- Extended Thyroid Profile
- This 6 test panel is a more complete evaluation of the health and function of the thyroid gland.
- This 6 test panel is a more complete evaluation of the health and function of the thyroid gland.
- Other
- Many other more specific tests are available if warranted pending the results of these initial tests.
Serving Columbus, Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna and Pickerington for over 32 years.
SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET: AN INVESTMENT IN HEALTH
Spaying or neutering your pet is an important part of pet ownership and an important choice to keep your pet happy and healthy. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) of female dogs and cats and neutering (orchiectomy) of male dogs and cats are two of the most frequently performed surgical procedues at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital.
An ovariohysterectomy which involves the removal of both ovaries and uterus, eliminates many potential health problems when performed at an early age. These problems include tumors of the ovaries and uterus, false pregnancies and uterine infectons. Uterine infections can be life threatening and require emergency surgery. The chance of benign or cancerous breast tumors is also markedly reduced.
SENIOR PET WELLNESS EXAMINATION:
The average life span of our pets has nearly doubled over the last 50 years. This is a result of better home care, improved veterinary care and higher quality nutrition.
Most dogs and cats are considered senior pets at 7 years of age. Large and giant breeds of dogs are considered senior pets at 5 years of age.
The aging process of our pets begins when they reach maturity and is influenced by many factors. These include genetics, lifestyle and care, and nutrition. As our pets age, we see changes in their metabolism, organ function, and immune status.
Senior pets suffer some of the same health care problems as people. Obesity, dental and thyroid gland problems, as well as kidney, liver and heart disease are some of the common health disorders that we see in our senior pets.
The Senior Pet Wellness Examination involves three key areas. A complete history about how the pet is doing at home will be taken. A thorough physical examination focusing on all major organ systems will be performed on your pet. Diagnostic screening tests including a complete blood count (CBC), a general blood chemistry profile, thyroid function test, and urinalysis will be performed. Other tests may be recommended if appropriate.
Male dogs and cats do not have heat cycles, as do female dogs and cats, but often tend to roam in search of females in heat. Neutering or castration, which involves the removal of both testicles, will eliminate or markedly reduce this behavior, territorial marking and prevents the fathering of unwanted puppies and kittens.
The long term health benefits for neutered male dogs and cats include eliminating tumors of the testicles and decreasing the chance of prostate gland problems, rectal hernias and perirectal tumors.
The Surgery
We recommend bringing your pet to Hamilton Road Animal Hospital between 8:00am and 9:00am the day of the scheduled surgery. We suggest nbot feeding your pet after 7:00pm the evening before, but letting them drink water is fine. This assures that their stomach will be empty when the general anesthetic is given and decreases the chance of vomiting during and after surgery.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to fill our a pre-surgery health questionnaire, your pet will be briefly examined by our veterinary technician weighed and admitted to the hospital. A veterinarian will review your pet's history and examine your pet, listening to the heart and lungs, looking at the teeth and skin, and feeling your pet's abdomen. Blood test will be done on pets that may be a surgical risk or pets older than 4 or 5 years of age, to check for kidney and liver function and red blood cell concentration.
Your pet will then be given pre-anesthetic medication, this will help calm and sedate them. This medication takes about 10 to 15 minutes to take effect. The general anesthetic is then given, and endotracheal tube is placed and gas anesthetic and oxygen are administered by an anesthetic machine.
For female dogs and cats, the belly hair is clipped off and for the males, the hair around the scrotum is clipped off and vacuumed away. The pet is then carried to the surgery room, placed on the surgery table, and the skin is prepped for surgery with an antiseptic solution. During this time, the surgeon has puton a surgical cap and mask, washed her/his hands in an antiseptic solution and put on a sterile surgical gown and gloves. The surgical site is draped for surgery.
An incision is made in the middle of the belly through the skin and muscles through which the ovaries and uterus are removed for female pets. The incision is made in front of the scrotum for male dogs and through which both testicles are removed. During the surgeries, the pets are monitored with respiratory monitors and if needed Doppler blood pressure monitors. The incision is closed with several layer of suture.
After surgery, the pets are placed in a cage on a warm towel and slowly wake up from the anesthetic. Anti-inflammatory pain medications are given as needed. The pets are kept overnight and examined the next morning to make sure the incision is healing and that they are feeling okay. An after care instruction sheet will be given to you when we release your pet to go home. The most important aftercare instruction is to try to keep your pet quiet and inactive at least for a couple days.
Spaying or neutering your pet has many health benefits and helps control the pet overpopulation problem. To schedule an appointment for surgery or if you have any questions, please call us at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital, 614-239-0027
