SERVICES WE PROVIDE
From wellness care to advanced diagnostics, you can count on us to provide exceptional veterinary care for your best friend!
Surgery At the Pet Medical Center of Westerville, the safety and comfort of our patients is our primary concern. For all surgical procedures we will provide the following;
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Pre-anesthetic examination of your pet includes a 12 point evaluation by one of our Veterinarians.
- Pre-anesthetic blood testing on all patients including complete blood count (CBC), organ profile,
and electrolytes. Senior feline patients older than 10 years of age receive a thyroid screening
to check for hyperthyroidism.
- Pre-anesthetic electrocardiogram (EKG) evaluated by a cardiologist on all patients greater than
10 years of age, or patients having a history of heart murmur.
- Intravenous fluid therapy in all cases tailored to electrolyte analysis.
Multi-tiered approach to pain management including:
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Local nerve block
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Pre-operative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory injection
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Pre-operative narcotic injection
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Post-operative narcotic injection as needed
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Pain medication to go home with your pet
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The safest anesthetic agents are used
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Anesthesia is tailored to the individual pet depending on their age, weight and health issues such
as heart, kidney or liver problems.
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Anesthetized patients are supervised by veterinary technicians. The technician is always evaluating
the patient physically and checking the electronic monitoring displays for respiratory and pulse
rates, blood pressure readings, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and EKG.
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The patients body temperature is regulated by the use of warm air convection blanket and other
external heating devices both during the procedure and in recovery.
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Patients are monitored closely following surgery for evidence of discomfort and additional pain
medication is given if needed.
- A detailed report and home care instructions is provided to every surgical patient including after hour doctor contact information.
Laser Surgery Our doctors are well trained in laser surgery. For many surgeries, the laser is vastly superior to a scalpel because it decreases bleeding, swelling and pain.
Cat declaws are always performed with the laser because of the tremendous difference in post-operative pain when compared to traditional declaw procedures. No bandages are necessary. Patients are walking and eating that evening.
Dental Procedures The safety and comfort of our patients is our primary concern, for all dental procedures we will provide the following.
- Pre-anesthetic examination of your pet includes a 12 point evaluation by one of our
Veterinarians.
-
Pre-anesthetic blood testing on all patients including complete blood count (CBC), organ profile,
and electrolytes. Senior feline patients older than 10 years of age receive a thyroid screening
to check for hyperthyroidism.
-
Pre-anesthetic electrocardiogram (EKG) evaluated by a cardiologist on all patients greater than
10 years of age or patients having a history of heart murmur.
-
Intravenous fluid therapy in all cases tailored to electrolyte analysis.
- Multi-tiered approach to pain management (if needed) including,
- Local nerve block
- Pre-operative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory injection
- Pre-operative narcotic injection
- Post-operative narcotic injection as needed
- Pain medication to go home with your pet
-
The safest anesthetic agents are used
-
Anesthesia is tailored to the individual pet depending on their age, weight and health issues such as
heart, kidney or liver problems.
-
Anesthetized patients are supervised by veterinary technicians. The technician is always evaluating
the patient physically and checking the electronic monitoring displays for respiratory and pulse
rates, blood pressure readings, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and EKG.
-
The Patients body temperature is regulated by the use of warm air convection blanket and other
external heating devices both during the procedure and in recovery.
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Ultrasonic dental scaling used to remove tarter above and below the gum line.
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After the teeth are cleaned, a comprehensive oral exam is performed by a veterinarian to evaluate
the mouth for gingival pocket depth, fractured teeth, pulp exposure, oral growths, occlusal
abnormalities cavities, etc.
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Digital dental x-rays are often needed in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health.
These x-rays serve as a valuable tool in providing a complete assessment of your pet’s dental health.
Dental x-rays allow us to see parts of your pet’s mouth not visible to the naked eye such as tooth
roots and surrounding bone. These hidden areas of your pet’s mouth can serve as sources of infection
which may spread to vital organs.
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If a diseased tooth is identified, our high speed dental equipment is used to remove the tooth quickly
and efficiently without damaging your pet’s sensitive gum tissue.
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After the teeth are cleaned and any necessary oral surgery completed, the teeth are polished to
smooth out any scratches in the tooth enamel.
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It is recommended after all dental cleanings that a sealant (OraVet) be applied. The sealant provides
a barrier that helps to protect teeth and gums from plaque and calculus build up due to bacteria.
It also helps to prevent build-up under the gum line where most dental disease occurs.
After the dental application, a weekly at home application of a gel is applied to maintain this barrier. It is quick and easy to apply and only takes 60 seconds once a week and can be combined with tooth brushing.
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Patients are monitored closely following oral surgery for evidence of discomfort and additional pain
medication is given if needed.
- A detailed report and home care instructions is provided to every dental patient including after hours doctor contact information.
In-House Pharmacy We do our best to make medicating your pet as easy as possible. We keep a complete inventory of special medications and dosage forms on hand, and our experienced staff will be glad to show you how to administer medication to you pet.
We have a 100% Money Back Guarantee on Over-the-Counter Products. If you are not satisfied within 30 days of purchase, we will refund the cost.
We offer flavoring services to make medication more palatable to your pet. This option ensures that your pet gets its much needed medication.
Radiology We offer a full range of radiology services. These services are valuable resources in helping us make important decisions about your pet's care.
X-rays
The most common of these radiology services are x-rays, also referred to as radiographs. They are used
to evaluate structures such as bones, lungs, heart, and abdominal organs. The x-ray process usually
takes 20-30 minutes.
For safety reasons, owners are not allowed to be in the radiology room while x-rays are being taken.
Occasionally some pets need to be sedated to allow us to properly position them for their x-ray films. If a pet needs sedation, we generally recommend leaving the pet with us for the day.
Once the x-rays are completed, our doctors will evaluate the images and go over the results with you. In addition, we have a board certified veterinary radiologist who reviews the x-rays we take to make sure we have obtained all the information we possibly can from your pet’s x-rays.
Ultrasound
As part of our radiology services we also offer ultrasound.
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the pet through the use of high-frequency sound waves.
It is a wonderful tool that allows us to visualize the architecture of a pet’s abdominal organs in order to evaluate for masses, inflammation, stones, or other changes.
We can easily determine if there is abnormal fluid in the abdomen, chest cavity or around the heart. Also, we can evaluate the size and function of the heart.
Ultrasound is a non-painful procedure and rarely, if ever, do pets need to be sedated. Generally pets should be fasted of food for 8 hours prior to their ultrasound. For abdominal ultrasound most pets will need to have their bellies shaved for the procedure.
All of our ultrasounds are evaluated by a board certified veterinary radiologist.
Video Otoscopy - External ear infections are one of the most common ailments observed in pets. These infections can be a long-term or chronic problem.
Studies suggest that 50-80% of chronic external ear infections have deep middle ear infections as well that go undetected.
Our video otoscope is a tiny color digital camera that transmits a detailed moving image and allows us to effectively diagnose and treat these often frustrating infections.
Laboratory Services - Our in-house lab allows us to diagnose and treat your pet quickly and effectively. It also helps us evaluate how your pet will respond to anesthesia prior to a surgical procedure, making any surgical procedure safer for your pet.
Our in-house laboratory services include:
- CBC (Utilizing laser technology)
- Blood Chemistry Panels
- Urinalysis
- Intestinal Parasite Screening (Centrifugation method)
- Screening for Heartworm infection
- Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infection test for cats.
- Pancreatitis testing
- Hormonal Testing (Thyroid, Cortisol)
- Electrolytes
We utilize several commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized testing:
- Histopathology of Biopsies
- Infectious disease identification
- Urinary stone analysis
- Gastrointestinal Disease identification
- DNA testing for Breed Identification
- Allergy testing and much, much more.
Microchip Identification - Today, approximately 20 million owned pets are euthanized in American shelters every year because their owners cannot be found. In fact, the American Humane Association estimates that only 17% of lost dogs and 2% of lost cats are placed back with their original owners. These statistics are startling.
Even more startling is the fact that a simple solution exists — microchipping. This permanent identification gives you the best chance of reuniting you with your beloved pet should he or she become lost.
A microchip, which is the size of a grain of rice and contains your pet's unique identification number, is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades.
Veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and humane societies nationwide have scanners that can read your pet's ID number. When your pet is identified, you will be contracted and reunited with your pet.
Our microchipping fee includes activation and 1 year's registration with Home Again. This includes access to a 24 hour poison control hotline.
For further information visit their website at www.homeagain.com
Referral and Specialty Hospitals - There may come a time in your pet's life when he or she needs specialized health care services above and beyond what we can provide for them at our clinic.
We maintain a close rapport with local specialists at Capital Veterinary Referral, MedVet, and The Ohio State University, and confidently refer patients to them.
Euthanasia - While it is a very difficult and sensitive subject, the team of Westerville Pet Medical Center is trained to provide support and comfort to all family members during this difficult time.
Our doctors can help you and your family determine when it is time to make the decision to say goodbye to your beloved friend.
During such an emotional time, our doctors can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life and determine if your pet is suffering.
When the time is right we will schedule a private room where you and your family can say your final goodbyes. If you choose to be present with us for the final procedure, know that we will place an intravenous catheter into your pet’s vein and use an approved medication that will quickly and painlessly stop the heart from beating.
If you choose not to be present for this procedure you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with the deepest level of respect by all of our staff members. A caring member of our team will be there to hold and comfort your pet while the procedure is quickly and painlessly performed.
Our team will arrange for the aftercare and, if you wish, we will have your pet’s ashes returned to you. We will also provide resources to help you and your family members cope with the loss of your pet.
Third Party Financing - We offer Third Party financing for your pet's health care
costs. Please ask our office staff for more information.