- Dental CareThen, the largest build up of tartar will be removed with hand held dental instruments. Next, the technician utilizes a special ultrasonic hand piece that removes the remainder of the tartar through sonic vibration. The ultrasonic hand piece also has an attachment that allows the sub-gingival area (under the gum line) to be cleaned gently. Once all of the tartar has been cleaned from the mouth, the technician goes back through and evaluates everything more closely. Any periodontal pockets, loose or fractured teeth, or general areas of concern will be x-rayed. The veterinarian interprets these x-rays and decides if extractions or periodontal surgery are necessary. Once the doctors portion of the procedure is complete, the technician will polish all surfaces of all teeth and finish by applying fluoride foam. Generally, a routine professional dental cleaning takes approximately one hour from start to finish. When extractions or periodontal surgery are required, it takes a good deal more time.
- VaccinationVaccination: All pets must be current on vaccinations for entry to the Best Friends pet hospital. By submitting this form I agree that my pet is fully vaccinated. If vaccinations were performed by someone other than Best Friends, I will provide records of vaccination.
- Veterinary OphthalmologyThe eyes are examined with a PanOpticTM ophthalmoscope for cataracts and retinal disease. This is a special ophthalmoscope that allows us to view the entire retina at one time. Some retinal diseases indicate systemic (whole body) problems such as high blood pressure or infections. The eyelids are also be ex amined to check for conformation, abnormal hairs (entropion or ectropion), or any growths or cysts. We may also use a TonopenTM to check for glaucoma.
- Nutritional CounselingGastroscopy, upper GI endoscopy: an exam of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines. Candidates for endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract include those with a narrowing or foreign body in the esophagus, those with symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal disease (such as inappetance, vomiting with or without blood, melena (blood in the stool), diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or patients with other suspected upper GI disease. The technique allows for visualization of the lining of the digestive system and for taking samples of the lining of these organs for further diagnostics, including biopsies. Many foreign bodies in the esophagus and stomach may be removed via endoscopy.
- Comprehensive ExaminationThe Importance of Your Pet’s Physical Exam Our goal is to help you enjoy your pet for as many years as possible. We strive to educate you about preventative well care and how to manage your pet’s medical needs. We are dedicated to the proper care for your pet–a team effort involving you, our veterinarians and our veterinary support staff.
- Parasites Treatment and ControlSince May 13th, 2019, Best Friends Veterinary Hospital utilizes a test that not only diagnoses heartworm disease, but it also tests for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis (2 other diseases transmitted by ticks). Although this test is slightly more expensive (less than $20 more), the additional information it provides us is invaluable.
- Pain ManagementWe use the safest and most up to date injectable and inhalant anesthetics available. Anesthetic protocols will be tailored to your pet to ensure safety, especially in our older and high risk patients.
- Vomiting Treatment
- Diarrhea Treatment
- Skin Condition and Allergy TreatmentWe also have relationships with several large universities and specialized laboratories. This allows us to request some of the more unique tests that our commercial labs do not offer, such as extensive endocrine testing, neuromuscular testing, serum allergy testing and even breed specific DNA testing.
- Intestinal Foreign Object Removal
- Parvovirus Infection TreatmentThe majority of our laboratory testing is performed by a commercial veterinary laboratory with twice-a-day specimen pickup, and most results are available within 24 hours. Our in-house laboratory equipment allows us to do a complete biochemistry profile for your cat or dog when results are needed right away. Additionally, we perform pre-operative screenings, heartworm testing, FELV/FIV testing, pancreatitis screens, Giardia antibody testing, Parvovirus testing, and urinalyses in-house. We also perform fecal centrifugations in the hospital on patients with vomiting or diarrhea; otherwise all routine fecal samples are sent to our outside lab.
- Ear Infection TreatmentThe ears are examined with a special otoscope called MacroviewTM, an instrument used to see into the long and angled ear canal to the eardrum of dogs and cats. Ear infections and parasites are quite common. In some extreme cases, a more detailed view of the inner ear may be necessary. Additionally, we have a video otoscope that can be utilized in the exam room without sedation. We also have a StorzTM rigid endoscope that can be used to visualize the ear canal while the patient is anesthetized. The rigid endoscope can also be used to remove the chronic, built-up debris that cannot be easily removed with a simple ear flushing. Owners who have dealt with chronic recurring ear infections understand how frustrating ear infection after ear infection can be for you and your pet. Many of our patients who have had the ear canals examined endoscopically report a much improved quality of life with few to no ear infections when a regular ear cleaning regimen is followed.
- Anal Gland Infection Treatment
- Diabetes Treatment
- Heart Disease TreatmentBegin with several thorough physical examinations to evaluate your pet’s basic health and to detect congenital problems that need to be managed. Most animals are born healthy, but some pets are born with heart disease, bone abnormalities, or hernias. Some congenital conditions are not immediately evident, so young pets benefit from frequent visits to their veterinarian. Young animals are especially susceptible to infectious diseases until they build up immunity. Immunization is accomplished through a series of vaccines beginning between seven and nine weeks of age, completed at four to five months of age, and will continued to be boostered yearly as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Kidney Disease TreatmentLyme disease is an infection that can affect people and pets. It is a “tick-born disease,” meaning that it is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected tick – specifically, the black legged tick. These ticks are miniscule (see image below), therefore making them virtually impossible to spot on yourself, much less your furry, 4-legged friends. Symptoms include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, and anorexia. Unfortunately, there are often no early warning signs that indicate that your dog has the disease. Once the symptoms appear, your pet may be suffering from muscle, joint, liver, or kidney disease.
- Periodontal Disease TreatmentDid you know 85% of adult pets have periodontal disease? If left untreated the bacteria that cause periodontal disease will travel from the mouth into the blood stream and begin to affect the heart, kidneys and liver and unfortunately, has even been linked to early death.
- Wound and Fracture CareFIV/Feline Leukemia/Heartworm Testing: This is recommended for all cats that have not yet been tested or any cat that goes outside, has had cat bite wounds, or is acting sick. There is an additional charge for this test.
- Dental SurgeryAt Best Friends we do not perform extensive oral surgeries such as crowning teeth or orthodontics. On occasions where the doctors feel that would be a good option for your pet we would offer a referral to a dental specialist
- Veterinary Surgery
- Laboratory ServicesTo serve you best, our Powell, Ohio veterinary office utilizes in-house laboratory equipment as well as commercial veterinary lab services.
- X-Ray
- Dental RadiologyWe also have digital dental x-ray equipment which allows us to evaluate your pet’s teeth below the gum line, to determine the extent of periodontal disease in your pet’s mouth.
- Microchipping
- Senior Pet Care