Services
EMERGENCY CARE
In any emergency, seconds count. Our experienced, trained staff and full stocked and equipped hospital are prepared for all emergencies. Emergency care is offered during regular business hours. In addition, after hours and holiday emergency service is provided by the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic located at 201 #32 Brownlow Avenue in Burnside, Dartmouth. Their contact information: 902-468-0674 and www.maec.ca
IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMS & VACCINE RISK ASSESSMENTS
Annual physical exams are just as important for animals as they are for humans and are tailored to your pet’s life stages and individual needs. Your veterinarian will review these aspects of your pets health with you:
- listening to the heart & lungs to detect any abnormalities
- temperature reading that may indicate an underlying infection
- palpation of the abdomen to assess certain organ size, any pain response or even tumors
- assess dental health and discuss home care, any signs of disease or pain
- examine ears & eyes for any abnormalities (i.e. cataracts or infection or reactions)
- skin and coat are checked for lumps/bumps, hidden mats, reactive tissue, pigment changes or hair loss
- the legs and feet are assessed for weakness, muscle loss, limping
- the urogenital area is checked also for physical changes, heats, discharges
- the medical history and medications are reviewed
- a discussion of nutrition, housing, toys, behavior and medications is also reviewed.
Remember, 1 human year is equal to 5 – 10 comparative animal years. Also, your pet can be ill for weeks without you being aware because pets can hide their illness until it is so far advanced they have no choice but to show it.
A Vaccine Risk Assessment is performed at the same time as the Annual physical exam and is also tailored to your pet’s individual needs and life stages. This assessment is used to determine the necessity of vaccinating your pet. Such topics as exposure (where your pet travels, is your pet exposed to multiple animals of the same species), immune issues and vaccine history are key factors in the assessment.
MICROCHIPPING
Microchips have helped reunite thousands of pets with their families. We offer the most widely used microchip products to increase the chances of a safe recovery.
SPAYS AND NEUTERS
The procedure of either Spaying (females) or Neutering (males) reduces unwanted sexual behavior (marking territory, certain types of aggression and roaming) in pets, eliminates or decreases the risk of hormone related diseases such as cancers (breast, testicular, prostate, uterine and ovarian cancers) and infections of the sexual organs.
BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION
Abnormal physical or mental symptoms may not always have a physical cause. We employ trained animal behaviorists who help determine the cause of such disorders as separation anxiety and obsessive behavior, and then develop a treatment regimen for the client. We will not hesitate in recommending a behavioral specialist when the situation is deemed necessary.
SURGERY & MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS
We offer the most advanced surgical techniques and technology. All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are specifically tailored to your pet. Surgical services and facilities include: a doctor with advanced knowledge in surgery available for consultation; fully trained veterinary and technical staff, to ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art procedures for your pet; dedicated continuous observation and monitoring of the patient and anesthesia equipment by highly trained Veterinarian Technicians; padded and heated surgery tables for greater comfort; ECG (electrocardiogram); blood oxygen levels; carbon dioxide levels; blood pressure, heart rate; respiratory rate and temperature monitors; intensive after surgery care and full blood testing.
Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Surgeries – Dr. Eamon Draper is an exclusive surgeon who focuses his majority of procedure time on orthopedics and soft tissue surgery. Having received the Certificate in Small Animal Surgery from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London, and with countless years of experience, Dr. Draper is highly reputable and distinguished in his abilities as a surgeon.
Avian & Exotic Animal Medicine - The Fairview Animal Hospital location is fully equipped with Avian and Exotic Animal diagnostic, treatment and surgical equipment; as well as a fully stocked pharmacy to meet the specialized needs of our unique patients. With staff led by Dr. Suzette Dibblee and Jamie, Avian and Exotic Patients and their owners are secure knowing that in this constantly advancing area of Veterinary Medicine, their pets are receiving the most current and progressive treatment and procedures.
Dermatology – The skin and its diseases are a unique specialty in both the surgical and medical aspects. Prior to moving to Canada in 2003, Dr. Mike West practiced in the United Kingdom for 8 years, where upon he developed a special interest in dermatology and received the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology.
Cryosurgery – Is the process in which a probe containing liquid nitrogen (extremely cold liquid) is applied to abnormal cells to destroy or eliminate them. We have several doctors trained in this surgical procedure.
In House Lab Testing - on site state of the art equipment manufactured from Idexx Laboratories, enables the doctor to receive results within 15 minutes, thus allowing a faster diagnosis and therefore a quicker treatment. Our exceptionally high standard of diagnostic equipment quality control ensures accurate and reliable results
Ophthalmic – We occasionally have a referral doctor visit our location. Please contact us for any estimated dates.
Endoscopy - High-tech fiber optics permits direct visual examination and biopsies of your pet’s gastrointestinal system. This allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of oral, esophageal, stomach, colon and even upper intestinal tract disease
Ultrasound - This non-invasive, state-of-the-art technology uses sound waves to painlessly examine specific internal organs, primarily the heart and abdominal organs. We are fortunate to have the access to outside services provided by a Board Certified Diplomate of Veterinary Radiology, Dr. Paul Rist.
Radiology - Radiology – or X-rays – help our veterinarians evaluate muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems. With our use of Digital Radiography, a filmless x-ray image capture, the benefits are less radiation exposure (for the patients & team members) and improved time efficiency (less stress and/or anesthetic for the pet).
Access to Specialists - Sometimes conditions arise that require veterinarians with specialized training. Our staff has access to certified veterinary cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists
YOUR PET'S DENTIST
Maintaining the dental health of your pet can be crucial to the quality of life of your animal. As dental disease and infection not only affects your animal’s mouth, causing pain, discomfort and inappetence, it can also have a negative effect on your pet’s vital organs. Digital dental radiology (filmless image capture) is used to assess tooth root structure below the gum line to rule out abscess, absorptive lesions and retained roots. We use modern ultrasonic equipment and hand instruments (similar to human dental procedures) to clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments are applied to help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. We promote home care such as dental diets, water additives and brushing teeth to aid in maintaining your pet’s proper oral health.
Dr. Tim Banker, a Veterinarian from North Carolina who has been practicing advanced dentistry since 1983, visits the Fairview Animal Hospital every 2 months to examine animals & perform progressive dental procedures. Dr. Banker receives referrals from Pet Hospitals located all over the Maritimes during his visits.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELLING AND PRODUCTS
Some pets require special food for nutritional therapy, and all pets benefit from a balanced diet. Our trained and certified staff is available to help you choose the right diet for your pet to keep him or her happy, healthy and active.
HOUSE CALLS
Our mobile health unit responds to house calls if you are unable to bring your pet to the clinic.
GROOMING
We have grooming services available at our Spryfield Animal Hospital by a licensed groomer.
