Our Services

Preventive Health Care

WELLNESS CARE & VACCINATIONS

We strive to prevent illness whenever possible. The time and effort invested in Wellness programs has rewards for both pets and owners. Our Wellness programs are designed specifically for your pet and include: Comprehensive physical exam; internal parasite testing; heartworm and flea control; vaccination program; complimentary dental examination, and specialized blood tests for all life stages. Vaccinations are a necessary part of every pet's life in order to keep them healthy.

Vaccinations for DOGS given annually to every three years: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptosporosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, and Rabies; Bordetella for kennel cough (administered every 6 months).

Vaccinations for CATS given annually to every three years: Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia, Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Rabies. Ususally before vaccinating cats for Feline Leukemia virus, we recommend testing after 12 weeks of age for both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Most of these vaccines, for both dogs and cats, are necessary for boarding purposes as well in order to protect your pet when staying in a new environment.

HILL'S SCIENCE DIET and NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Our doctors recommend our complete line of food products by Hill's Science Diet, the leader in Pet Nutrition. In addition, we carry Hill's Precription Diets. These special formulations provide superior nutrients to aid in the treatment of specific pet conditions and diseases as diagnosed by our doctors.

Superior nutrition can help your pet look and feel better and live a long, healthy life. Hill's provides only the highest quality ingredients and specially formulated nutrition. Hill's commitment to quality speaks for itself:

Enhanced foods provide superior nutrition for your pet their lifestages, from growth to maintenance to senior.
Superior Antioxidant Formula helps prevent the effects of premature aging.
Optimum levels of high-quality protein for peak delivery of essential amino acids.
High digestibility for less stool and easy clean up.
Specific levels of vitamins and minerals for every stage of your pet's life!
Tastes great - money back guarantee.

Hill's Science diet is designed to be a part of your pets optimal healthcare throughout all lifestages, special needs, super antioxidant, and natural alternatives for even the most discriminating taste buds!

After assessing your pet's stage of life and health, our doctors evaluate and recommend the Science Diet product that is most appropriate for your pet. Visit the Hill's Science Diet website for contests, money saving coupons and much more: www.hillspet.com .

**Remember, when changing your pet's diet, it is best to make a transition from the current to the new food gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days.

View

DENTAL CARE

Bad breath is not a disease in itself. but a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. Often that underlying problem is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a painful condition of the gums that ultimately results in tooth loss. It starts with plaque; if not removed, it builds up on the teeth and becomes mineralized. Tartar (calculus) is mineralized plaque. Pets prone to calculus build-up may need professional teeth cleaning every 12 months. Often this condition can be diagnosed by our doctors during annual wellness examination or if you feel your pet has a dental problem we can make an appointment for a complete dental exam. We now offer a Periodontal vaccine. Call our office for a dental evaluation to see if your dog is a candidate for this preventive vaccine.

As with our teeth, regular professional cleaning is important in maintaining your pet's dental health. The only unique difference is that pet's require general anesthesia to do a thorough cleaning and polishing. Though some owners are concerned about putting their pet under anesthesia, you can rest assured that the risks of anesthesia are very small compared to the benefits of a healthy mouth. In an effort to provide "anesthesia as safe as possible", we offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork that provides the doctor an internal view of the liver and kidney functions (these organs "filter" anesthesia out of the body).

We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment 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 help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. In addition to regular dental cleaning, we also do gum surgery, tumor removal and extractions.

We also have a wide variety of dental home care products to help reduce bacteria and the build-up of tartar in between cleanings such as: Oral Rinses, Enzadent oral chews for cats and dogs of all sizes, Hill's Oral Care, and Prescription Science Diet formula T/D. We have a complimentary Dental Kit for each of our dental patients which includes samples of food and a fingerbrush kit for home care.

View

General Services

FULLY STOCKED PHARMACY

Our pharmacy is carefully planned to enable our doctors to have medications they prescribe for your pet available without delay. We also carry preventive medications to meet your pet's specific needs, which will help them live a healthy, happy life. In addition to the prescriptions provided, we strive to educate clients on the proper use and administration of medications including their benefits, possible side effects, and the need for annual blood testing for medications prescribed for long-term use. When purchased through our pharmacy, many of the heartworm and flea preventives are guaranteed.

BOARDING

Although "there is no place like home" for your pet, we at Lake City Animal Hospital will do our best to make your pet's stay as pleasant as possible! Our pets are like our children – we feed, nurture and lavish attention on them. Our highly qualified kennel assistants do the same when you can't be there. We provide tender loving care (such as brushing and cuddling), and supervised outdoor playtime to keep them happy and active.

For the protection of all guests, we do require that certain vaccinations be current for boarding and pride ourselves in having a "flea-free" facility! Please call our office for details on vaccinations and fees associated with boarding.

Our facilities are clean, climate controlled, and comfortable. We have a large, privacy-fenced yard for exercise. Our staff is trained to observe our guests for any adjustment changes or medical problems and report the same to our doctors for treatment if necessary.

Our guests all have individual needs and thus we provide for different accomodations for you to choose to best meet your pet's needs. For our canine guests, we have small and large kennels and indoor runs which can accomodate one or more guests depending on their size. For those who prefer a larger area, we have the Presidential Suite. In addition, we offer extra playtime and extra walks during their stay. Our special Cat Condos for our feline guests has a "cat's eye" view of our backyard and plenty of sunshine! We provide each guest with their own "comfort cover", blanket or towel. Special treats or toys are welcome. (no glass containers please)

We feed Hill's Science Diet, formulated to be "easy on the digestive system", which decreases the instances of dietary upset during their stay. Guests' individual nutritional needs are also part of our philosophy. Simply bring your pet's special food with feeding directions and needs and we take care of the rest.

We welcome tours of our boarding facility so you can see where your pet will be during your time away.

BATHING

A handsome pet is a happy pet! Treat your pet to a luxurious bath and water massage. Our special, cleansing baths remove dirt, debris and that doggie pet odor – your pet will feel fresh and revitalized. If scratching is a problem, our doctors can prescribe medicated baths using shampoos that contain soothing agents that stop the itching. Services also include nail trim and ear cleaning.

MICROCHIPPING

Now you can easliy protect your loved onese before it's too late. Developed by a veterinarian, the AVID FriendChip is the professional way to identify your pet and it's proven safe and effective. A tiny microchip that contains a personal, one-of-a-kind identification number distinguishes your pet as a member of your family. This number is entered into a global recovery network database and when scanned, your pet's chip identifies him immediately!

The FriendChip is so tiny that it fits through a small hypodermic needle. Just like a vaccination, it's injected under the skin of your pet where it remains safely for life. This inexpensive procedure can be done anytime and, best of all, protect virtually any pet you love....dogs, cats, and horses. Everywhere your pet goes, the FriendChip is there. Real protection that can't fade or fall off! Ask our staff about this wonderful service for your pet!

View

Pediatric/Geriatric Care

PUPPY DAY CARE

This special service is provided by our hospital for a small fee for those clients that have a new addition to their family. It accentuates training in many areas, such as leash walking, positive reinforcement of good behavior, potty habits, and socialization. We genuinely believe that education and this positive reinforcement is the key to the successful introduction of a new puppy into the family. Our staff works to address our client's general concerns for their puppy's training with a specified plan designed to teach proper and acceptable behavior. Traditionally, these new puppy's last visit to our hospital is when they receive their final vaccinations. This program allows for them to have positive contact with our staff and decreases their apprehension when returning for their annual well care visits. Puppies that have attended our "Puppy Day Care" program "graduate" and are a pleasurable addition to their family. Please call our office for details on this program.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Veterinary patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is the essence of well managed patient care.

Our doctors recommend Deramaxx for your dogs postoperative orthopedic pain and inflammation. It is also indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

View

Diagnostic Services

FULL SERVICE LABORATORY

With our extensive in-house laboratory equipment, many of your pet's diagnostic tests can be performed in our hospital in 15 to 30 minutes Blood chemistry, CBC, General Health Profile, heartworm occult, Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS testing, cytology, and urinalysis. Our reference laboratories can perform other more extensive testing and biopsy with results generally back in less than 72 hours.

View

EKG

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. Foreign objects can sometimes be removed without the need for surgery.

View

RADIOLOGY

Radiolographs – or X-rays – help our veterinarians evaluate muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems.

Our new Digital Radiology System, allows us to view several images simultaneousl, produces excellent, high quality images right in our hospital. This new state-of-the-art VetRay and computer system allows our doctors to enhance images, evaluate the radiograph and digitally transfer the images.

Upon evaluation by the doctor, these images may viewed on laptops computers in our exam rooms so the doctor can discuss the results as you view the radiograph.

View

ULTRASOUND

View

Surgery

REPRODUCTIVE (Spay/Neuter)

• The Services of a Veterinary Surgeon with
over 20 years of Experience

• Certified Veterinary Technician on Staff to
Monitor Patient and Anesthesia

• Pre-Anesthetic BloodScreen

• Sterile Surgical Suite

• Modern Anesthetic Monitors for Heart Rate,
Respiratory Rate, Carbon Dioxide,
Oxygen Saturation, EKG,
Blood Pressure and Core Body Temperature

• All of the Comforts of Home for Overnight Recovery

• Pain Relief for your Beloved Pet

ORTHOPEDIC
SOFT TISSUE

Internal Medicine

CARDIOLOGY
DERMATOLOGY
DIABETES
THYROID DISEASE
NEUROLOGY
CANCER

Hospitalization

HOSPITALIZATION/INTENSIVE CARE
EMERGENCY SERVICES
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
ISOLATION UNIT

Behavior Management

BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

Illness doesn't always have a physical cause. Dr. Tracy Hawthorne is experienced in animal behavior and can assist in determining the cause of disorders, such as separation anxiety and obsessive behavior. She develops an individual treatment regimen for behavior modification and works closely with you to achieve success for you and your companion animal.