- Dental CareMost severe dental disease can be prevented with regular home dental care. Regularly handling the mouth early in a puppy’s or kitten’s life will make dental care easier throughout her life. However, when starting as an adult, many pets need an introduction to mouth handling and brushing, before accepting this new routine. It will be well worth the effort for both of you, saving your dog or cat from the pain of dental problems (Is there a worse pain than tooth pain!?) and making dental care much easier on your wallet.
- VaccinationCan I call and have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?
- Behavioral CounselingCertain behaviors can be extremely frustrating and difficult to overcome. Many veterinary hospitals offer behavior counseling and obedience training. Call your clinic to set up a behavior assessment.
- Nutritional CounselingVeterinary technicians are highly skilled medical professionals and indispensable members of the veterinary medical team. They are capable of performing a wide variety of duties, including providing life support and intensive care, anesthesia, surgical assistance, dental cleanings, collection and processing of patient samples for laboratory analysis, physical therapy and nutritional counseling.
- Comprehensive ExaminationWe welcome new patients and look forward to getting to know you and your pet! As a thank you for considering our practice, we’re happy to offer 50% off of your pet’s first wellness exam. Please mention this promotion when booking to receive the discounted exam.
- Parasites Treatment and ControlFleas and ticks are not just minor nuisances; they can transmit serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases, some of which can be passed to people. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because fleas and ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing, shoes, or other pets. Keeping your pet on a monthly preventive is your best bet for protecting your pet—and your family—against these parasites.
- Behavioral Disorder TreatmentWe require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough) and that cats be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia (feline distemper), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
- Pain ManagementYour pet’s comfort is a priority for us. Using our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies, we do everything we can to prevent and manage your pet’s pain under all circumstances. We will tailor a pain management plan to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs.
- Skin Condition and Allergy TreatmentIn addition to Lyme, fleas and ticks carry diseases such as Tapeworm, Cat Scratch Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tropical Canine Pancytopenia. (The prevalence of these diseases is increasing at alarming rates in this area). It is not unusual for blood loss anemia in young animals secondary to flea infestations to result in death. All manner of skin infections, allergic reactions and dermatitis are associated with fleas. At Livonia Veterinary Hospital we see flea and tick related illness on a regular basis. While some of the sequelae to these parasite infestations are mild, we are seeing a significant number of serious and even fatal outcomes (most notably, kidney failure and death associated with Lyme disease in dogs).
- Parvovirus Infection TreatmentWhen you consider the cost of prevention versus the cost of treating a disease or condition, you’ll find that treatment is often far more expensive. For example, parvovirus treatment can frequently cost 10 times more than a single parvovirus vaccination. When you keep your pet up-to-date on preventive care, you’ll know that your pet won’t have to suffer from a condition that could have been prevented or treated.
- Feline Retro Virus TreatmentYour veterinarian will determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your dog or cat, based on individual factors, such as lifestyle and health status. Veterinarians commonly recommend that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus and that cats be vaccinated against rabies and panleukopenia (feline distemper). Additional vaccines, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and Bordetella (kennel cough), are recommended based on your cat or dog’s risk.
- Heart Disease TreatmentEach patient has an intravenous catheter to allow for IV fluids, which help maintain safe blood pressure levels. In addition, the catheter provides immediate IV access for any drugs that are needed during the dental procedure. We know the clipped areas on the legs look a little weird for a while, but it is MUCH safer for your pet. While they are maintained on gas anesthesia, numerous vital parameters are carefully monitored. Blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood carbon dioxide levels along with respiratory rate and body temperature are continuously monitored throughout anesthesia. Core body temperature is maintained with a snuggly warm air mattress.
- Kidney Disease TreatmentSince its initial approval in 2012, Seresto has protected more than 25 million US pets from fleas and ticks. At Livonia Veterinary Hospital we have sold 162 Seresto collars since May 2018. We have seen only occasional, mild reactions to it- typically skin sensitivities that quickly resolve once the collar is removed. During that same period, we have treated a number of cases of clinical Lyme Disease, and, unfortunately, have had several young, previously healthy, dogs develop irreversible Lyme-associated kidney disease and die.
- Periodontal Disease TreatmentDental health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for people. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and expensive oral surgery. Bacteria can also cause serious, potentially fatal infections in your pet’s kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.
- Wound and Fracture CareAt the Livonia Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Jeff has put the experiences of training with board certified surgeons along with the years of managing extensive wound repair in equine practice to good use in our small animal surgery. His interest in anesthesia and surgical techniques allows us to provide these services safely and competently.
- Dental SurgeryDr. Karin Boyd graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After practicing for several years in Binghamton NY, she joined the Livonia Veterinary Hospital in 1992. Dr. Karin has extensive experience in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as comprehensive training in canine and feline dentistry and oral surgery. This provides the surrounding community with access to high quality dental and oral care. Patients from as far away as downstate NY have benefited from her expertise.
- Veterinary SurgeryShe may be a little quiet and sleep more than usual the first day or two. After all, she is recovering from major abdominal surgery!
- Small Animal Surgery
- Spaying and NeuteringThe hormonal changes that result from neutering occur over time, so typical pre-neuter behaviors, such as roaming, may still be present up to 3 months after surgery.
- Laboratory ServicesPre-op blood work provides the same benefits as with human surgery. The tests check for anemia, and tell us if your pet’s internal organs, particularly those associated with the metabolism of the anesthetic agents, are functioning properly. If congenital or age related abnormalities are identified, anesthesia protocols can be modified. If all is normal, we have established a valuable baseline for future reference.
- X-RayOur clinic is well equipped with digital radiography (including dental), in-house Abaxis laboratory equipment, ultrasound, and state-of-the-art anesthesia monitoring equipment. Our practice features a skilled dental team and an in-house veterinary clinical pathologist and ultrasonographer. We currently have three veterinarians and a full complement of support staff, including a medical director. Our doctors are experienced individuals who work well together and support each other.
- MicrochippingNot any more than a regular vaccine injection. The chip is inserted at the back of the pet’s neck, where the skin is loose. Microchipping is a safe and effective way to identify your pet in case he or she becomes lost.
- Boarding
- Dog TrainingDr. Karin’s out-side interests include dog training and gardening. She actively trains and competes in agility, obedience, rally, retriever hunt tests, earthdog tests and dachshund field trials. She has also recently started training and competing with her dogs in canine scent work. These hobbies give her added in-sight into the needs and concerns of competitive and performance dogs. They also make her a great resource for general training recommendations for our dog owners.