Services

General Medicine

Pets are living longer healthier lives than ever, thanks to advances in diagnostics and treatments for a variety of health problems.

Since our pets cannot tell us how they are feeling, an annual physical examination is paramount. Subtle changes not observed by a pet owner may be identified by our veterinarians before severe symptoms occur.

Early diagnosis greatly enhances treatment options and success, as well as often decreases costs associated with treatment.

Since disease progression is often accelerated with age, geriatric pets should see their veterinarian at least twice a year. Cats and smaller breed dogs are considered "geriatric" over 10 years, larger breeds as early as 5 or 6 years. Rabbits and ferrets over 4 years are considered "geriatric."

Geriatric patients should also be evaluated for hidden problems with a blood profile and urinalysis annually. These tests are even more important if certain symptoms are present, such as increased water consumption and/or urine production; change in body weight or condition, exercise tolerance or appetite; or change in coat quality.

Some human medications can be toxic to pets. Never administer medications without first checking with your veterinarian. Classic examples are Acetominophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofin (Advil) which can be severely toxic even at low doses.

At Northwood Animal Hospital our doctors and staff pride themselves on having the knowledge, skill and equipment to offer the finest medical care possible.

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A Full Surgical Facility

The doctors at Northwood Animal Hospital have a combined over 40 years experience in surgery.

Pre-anesthetic blood profiles are routinely recommended to assure the safest anesthetic experience for your pet.

Spaying and neutering, declawing, cosmetic surgery, and other routine surgeries are done daily at Northwood Animal Hospital.

Tumor removal and biopsy are essential procedures in diagnosing and treating cancer and keeping your pet free from life-threatening growths.

General orthopedic surgery including repair of medial patellar luxation, fracture repair, etc., restore your pet's mobility and comfort.

Hernia repair, abdominal surgeries such as exploratory, splenectomy, gastropexy, etc., correct life-threatening diseases or disorders to give your pet the best chance at a long and healthy, happy life.

Isoflurane anesthesia is used routinely to provide a safe procedure and a rapid recovery.

Close anesthetic monitoring is an essential part of every procedure done at Northwood Animal Hospital.

We also now have a CO2 surgical laser available making declaws and many other surgeries less painful.

A wide variety of pain medications are available to assure a comfortable recovery for your pet.

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Wellness Programs

To provide the best possible health care for your pet and prevent contagious disease, Northwood Animal Hospital designed several Wellness Programs.

These vaccination packages contain all necessary vaccines and flea/parasite protection at a 20% discount to you.

Dog packages include a Physical Examination, DA2P-3 yr., DA2PPC-1 yr. or Distemper and Parvo titers, Bordetella and Giardia vaccinations, fecal flotation, and heartworm test, plus a full year of Sentinel flea and heartworm and intestinal worm preventative.

Cat packages include a Physical Examination, FVRCPP, and Bordetella vaccinations, fecal flotation, plus a full year of Program flea preventative, oral or injectable.

Packages can be upgraded and customized to include dental care, annual blood profiles, radiographs and geriatric work ups.

There are also puppy and kitten vaccine packages and wellness programs which can be customized to fit the size and needs of your new kitten or puppy; including their spay or neuter surgery and AVID Microchip.

Rabies, Lyme, Feline Leukemia, Feline Peritonitis, and Feline Giardia vaccines and AVID Microchips can be added to packages at a 20% discount.

All Wellness Programs include a Free Bath; including a pedicure, ear cleaning and expression of anal glands as needed.

Lastly, all pets currently enrolled in a Wellness Program receive 10% off any product or service not already included in the program (excluding food).

Please call or come in to learn more about which Wellness Program would be the best for your pet.

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Dentistry

We give important instruction on home dental care to help keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy and to aid you in discovering dental problems early.

Tartar control diets are used to help control tartar buildup on your pet's teeth while providing ease and convenience to the pet owner.

Routine cleaning and polishing are emphasized to keep your pet healthy and prevent dental problems and secondary problems that may affect your pet's longevity.

Extractions, abscess treatment, fillings, or root canals are sometimes necessary and recommended and are available at Northwood Animal Hospital.

Isoflurane anesthesia is used routinely with dentistry to provide the safest anesthetic procedure, the most thorough dental care, and the most rapid recovery.

Close anesthetic monitoring assures a safe dentistry.

Pre- and post-dental antibiotics are available when necessary to prevent systemic problems related to dental disease. Non-anesthesia prophy and polishing is now available to help maintain your pet's dental health after an anesthetic procedure, or for those pets with healthy gums, or extreme anesthetic risk.

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Dermatology

The skin and coat are the most readily observed organ system of the body and are one of the most commonly affected by disease.

While regular grooming and parasite control are adequate for most pets, those with symptoms of hair loss, itching, odor, head-shaking, excessive oil production or "dandruff" should be examined by a veterinarian.

While some home remedies and over-the-counter products may be helpful, others are of questionable value or even dangerous to your pet. Be sure the veterinarian knows of all the products you are using.

The majority of dermatology cases are diagnosed and successfully managed here; however, referral to a specialist is available for particular cases. We want your pet to receive only the finest care possible so they look and feel their very best.

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Ophthalmology

The field of ophthalmology studies all the structures of the eye including the eyelids, tear ducts, eye globe and nerve paths.

Eye disease is very common in dogs and is also frequently seen in cats.

Many breeds of dogs have a genetic predisposition to eye disease. This can range from very painful eyelid abnormalities seen in Shar-peis and Chow chows, to retinal atrophy of Poodles, and Collie Eye Anomaly which can lead to blindness. Eyelid problems have to be surgically corrected to avoid pain and ulceration. Research your dog's breed to discover any common eye problems.

Corneal ulcers may be commonly seen in many breeds. Ulcers may be caused by viruses, surface irritants, exposure and injury. Corneal ulcers should be treated at once. A simple eye stain test can diagnose an ulcer so treatment can be started immediately. The type of treatment for an ulcer varies depending on severity. Never use an eye medication on your pet without consulting with your veterinarian first.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), is very common and ranges from mild to severe. Early treatment can avoid complications.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or "dry eye" occurs when natural tear production decreases. This condition is seen most often in the Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu and Cocker Spaniel. This disease can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Corneal pigmentation is common in brachycephalic (short or pug-nosed) breeds. This condition occurs because large eyes are more susceptible to drying or chronic irritation from facial hair.

Cataracts are most often found in older dogs of any breed. They may also occur as juvenile cataracts in some breeds such as Spaniels and Poodles.

Retinal detachment can be related to injury or systemic disease and usually presents as acute blindness.

Eye disorders can be signs of general systemic disease.

The doctors of Northwood Animal Hospital are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease; however, some conditions may require the services of an ophthalmology specialist.

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Skin & Coat Care

Your pet's skin and coat can reflect its general state of health and can be affected by allergies, parasites or systemic disease. Check the dermatology section for skin diseases.

A good quality balanced diet is very important for a healthy coat.

To maintain your dog's coat and skin in a healthy state requires regular brushing with an appropriate brush or comb or grooming mitt and keeping the skin clean with a quality shampoo.

Many shampoos are available for various coat types and skin conditions. The doctors at Northwood Animal Hospital will be happy to recommend an appropriate shampoo for your pet.

Bathing frequency is also important. Bathing too frequently can dry or damage the skin and coat.

Remember to clean the ears regularly also. This is one area where prevention is everything. Cleanings at least weekly with an ear cleaner specific for pets can prevent infections that frequently become severe, painful and debilitating conditions.

The doctors and technicians will show you how to start your young puppy getting used to brushing and ear cleaning to avoid difficulties later.

With the revolutionary flea control products now available, control of these parasites is finally easy. We can now virtually eliminate skin and coat problems secondary to cutaneous parasites.

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Boarding

Northwood Animal Hospital's primary goal for our boarding guests is to make sure their stay is as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. The entire staff is concerned with each pet's welfare and happiness.

Our dog boarders get at least two walks a day and many have playtime with staff members.

We feed Eukanuba and Science Diet foods and have a wide variety of prescription diets available for pets with special needs. Of course, fresh water is available at all times.

Our feline guests have toys, a fresh litter box and a resting bench. All pets have blankets to cuddle in.

Also available are our Feline Fantasy Suites with multi-cage capability and clear panels for visibility.

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Nutritional Counseling

Proper nutrition is extremely important in maintaining the health of the entire body. Nutritional deficiencies and/or excesses commonly cause or contribute to pets' diseases and injuries. Obesity is the single most common pet health problem in the United States.

While most major brands of commercial pet foods are adequate for many pets, some are better than others at preventing and treating diseases.

We carry a full line of excellent diets for healthy pets, as well as prescription diets for particular health concerns. Let us help you decide which food will best meet your pet's individual needs.

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Behavioral Counseling

Your pet's behavior plays a major role in the bond you share. While behaviors can be among the most endearing traits individual pets possess; problematic behaviors (such as aggression, excessive barking, digging, destruction of objects and inappropriate toilet behaviors) can develop.

Behavioral problems must be categorized as primary or as secondary to a physical ailment; such as urinating on the carpet due to a urinary tract infection. Therefore, a thorough medical history and examination are the first steps toward properly categorizing and treating the physical ailment and/or primary behavioral problem.

Primary behavioral problems must be appropriately dealt with as early as possible. Many owners unknowingly contribute to their pet's inappropriate behavior; such as "comforting" a dog who is barking excessively.

While medications are often helpful, the foundation of a treatment for a primary behavioral problem is behavior modification. These specialized training techniques are tailored to the lifestyle of the individual pet and owner to gently redirect the behavior into a healthy, enjoyable solution.

Behavioral counseling allows us to resolve annoying behaviors and help you and your pet once again enjoy a life of companionship.

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