Annual Wellness Examinations
Like humans, pets benefit from visiting their doctor annually. Annual wellness exams help to identify and address medical, behavioral or environmental issues before they present a serious concern. It also provides an opportunity to discuss recent advances in veterinary health care and nutrition that may of benefit.

New Puppy or Kitten Exams
The decision to bring a kitten or puppy into your life for the first time is a momentous and life changing one. Like any new parenting, it can be both joyful and stressful at times. Hope Vet’s aim is to educate and support new owners during this critical time. We begin with scheduling a one hour initial Puppy or Kitty exam during which a technician meets with the owner to provide resources and answer general questions before then seeing a doctor. There are no additional charges for the technician exam

Senior Pet Care
As pets age, obtaining examinations for them becomes increasingly important. A number of diseases common to the aging process can be treated more effectively when diagnosed early. Beginning in middle age, we recommend senior wellness exams every six months so that disease processes can be detected and treated as soon as possible.
Common senior dog diseases include : cushings, cancer, arthritis.
Common senior cat diseases include: hyperthyroidism, diabetes, renal disease, cancer.

Small Mammal Care & Turtle Care
Dr. Kristine Young provides veterinary care for rabbits, guinea pigs, other small mammals and turtles. Services include wellness exams, treatments and a detailed review of husbandry techniques. Dr Lori Bierbrier performs spays, neuters and dentistry as well as other surgical services. They are both members of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.

Vaccines
Hope Vet’s vaccine protocol requires that vaccines should be given cautiously and be tailored to the pet’s individual requirements. Researchers have proven a link between the over administration of certain vaccines and the development cancers called fibrosarcomas. We follow the AAHA vaccine guidelines, which conclusively demonstrate that receiving vaccines every three years is sufficient to provide immunity. Because vaccines involve injecting pets with small amounts of viruses, we never give more than one vaccine at a time. We also recommend that vaccines are administered according to risk. For example, indoor-only cats need not receive a vaccine for feline leukemia as there is little to no risk for transmission.

For owners who would rather minimize vaccinations, we offer blood titers which test a pet’s level of immunity in order to determine whether he or she needs further protection.

Nutrition
Hope Vet recognizes nutrition as an essential aspect of good health, and nutritional education as integral to the provision of good veterinary medicine. We believe that pets should be fed as close as possible to what nature intended, while recognizing that most people need to be practical about managing their busy lives. We recommend feeding only natural diets made with human grade meat. Clients who are interested in cooking for their pets or feeding a raw food diet should first discuss it with their veterinarian since patient needs differ.

Hope Vet stocks a number of human grade foods include Eagle Pack, Merrick, Scooter Food and Nutrapet, and raw food diets including Stella and Chewy’s, Primal, and Honest Kitchen

Pharmacy
Hope Vet prescribes and recommends a wide range of conventional medicines and neutracuticals (natural medicines and supplements). Many conventional medications can be compounded into forms that are more convenient for administration to pets, such as flavored liquids, chews and topical medications.

Radiology
Radiology is a very important diagnostic tool. Hope Vet has recently installed a digital radiography machine. This means that radiographs can be done more quickly and safely for pets, and provide images with excellent detail, increasing their diagnostic efficacy. Some patients may need to be sedated or anesthetized depending on the patient and the area being radiographed. In this case, we normally schedule a separate appointment in order to ensure that the pet is safe and comfortable as possible.

Ultrasound
Hope Vet has an advanced ultrasound unit. Staff specially trained in ultrasound techniques perform ultrasounds which are all electronically submitted to board certified radiologists to be read. Results are available within 24 hours.

Laboratory Services
Hope Vet offers a variety of laboratory testing. Many services are offered in-house to provide results while you wait. Our facility has some of the most advanced laboratory equipment in use by veterinarians, offering complete blood count, comprehensive blood chemistries and blood thyroid levels. Hope Vet also offers in-house snap tests that provide rapid results for feline leukemia, FIV, heartworm, lyme and giardia. Other in-house laboratory tests include fecal analysis, cytology, and urinalysis.

General Surgery
Hope Vet offers surgical services to dogs, cats, rabbits and other small mammals on weekdays (Mondays through Fridays). Our general surgery service include spays and neuters (sterilization) along with a variety of soft tissue surgeries such as growth removals, foreign body removals, and research.

In order to ensure that animals are safe to undergo surgery, all pets are required to have an examination by one of our veterinarians prior to surgery. At that time, the veterinarian will discuss upcoming procedures and address any questions or concerns.

Surgical procedures are performed in our dedicated surgery suite. We take the utmost care for the safety and well being of every animal. The most current anesthetic protocols are used to maximize safety. Each patient is fully monitored by a trained technician while under anesthesia. Monitoring equipment includes pulse oximeter and Doppler blood pressure. All pets are given pain relievers and sedatives to minimize the pain and stress of surgery both before and after the procedure. We use heated surgery tables and warm blankets for recovery to ensure comfort. Be assured that the staff here will do everything possible to ensure that all pets are safe and comfort. Following surgery, animals are closely monitored for several hours to ensure that pets recover safely.

In the event that a more extensive surgical procedure is deemed necessary (such as orthopedic or spinal surgery) we prefer to refer pets to a board certified surgeon at one of several local specialty veterinary hospitals.

Hospitalization
Hope Vet believes that pets function best when they are at home rather than in the hospital, so we generally prefer to keep hospitalizations to a minimum. However, it does sometimes become necessary for an animal to be hospitalized in order to treat certain conditions that cannot be effectively treated at home. During a pet’s hospitalization, we encourage frequent visits by the family to provide comfort and reassurance to the pet, and to inform and support the family in person concerning their pet’s status. Visiting hours can be arranged with the doctor or nurses at the time of hospitalization.

Microchips
Hope Vet thoroughly endorses microchipping as a safe, effective and inexpensive method to ensure that beloved pets can be reunited with the families who love them. 10 million unidentified pets get lost every year. 90% don’t return home! Compared with these statistics, over 94% of microchipped pets have been reunited with their families. All shelters and veterinary hospitals have microchip scanners which means that microchipped pets can quickly and easily be identified if brought to a facility.
Hope Vet uses Home Again microchips. They are approximately the size of a grain of rice and are inserted under the skin with a syringe. Microchips are often implanted at the time of spay or neuter, but can also be inserted when the patient is awake as part of a technician exam.

Dentistry
Dental disease is an increasing concern in veterinary medicine. Most animals begin to build layers of tarter which reach significant levels by middle age. If left untreated, dental disease can contribute to the damage of bodily organs including the heart, liver and kidneys. Hope Vet has a Dental Suite with a dental radiograph machine as well as a state of the art dental machine with an ultrasonic scaler. Our certified and experienced dental staff are trained to perform full dental examinations, dental extractions and oral surgery. Staff can discuss preventative techniques with owners and make recommendations, including teeth brushing, chews and toys that can help decrease further tarter buildup. Hope Vet’s progressive approach to veterinary dentistry assures that pets receive the care and diagnosis equivalent to that provided by human family dentists.


Physical Rehabilitation
Hope Vet's Physical Rehabilitation team offers a wide range of modalities that can be customized to meet a pet's individual needs. Our program offers hydrotherapy, neuromuscular stimulation, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, accupuncture and customized exercises. Rehabilitation is most effective for pets recovering from surgery and recent injuries, suffering from arthritis or chronic pain and those in need of physical conditioning. Pets do not have to be patients at Hope Vet in order to obtain physical rehabilitation. The rehabilitation staff work closely with referring veterinarians to promote comprehensive care of each pet.

Hydrotherapy
Hope Vet’s hydrotherapy system consists of a veterinary-specific whirlpool that provides neuromuscular stimulation in the water. The treatment has proven to be relaxing for the pet while safely stimulating muscles and nerves, thus providing pain relief and increasing circulation. The pool’s warm water and jets also augment healing processes while providing comfort. Hydrotherapy may be used in combination with other types of therapy to meet a pet’s individual needs.

Neuromuscular Stimulation
This modality has been a standard tool in human physical therapy for decades. Our physical rehabilitation program has brought this modality to our patients for the purpose of increasing blood flow to injured or atrophied muscles. Very slight electrical impulses stimulate nerve foundation and reeducate damaged nerves and weakened muscles. The treatments help strengthen and restore the function of specific muscles or muscle groups.

Massage Therapy
Massage is a noninvasive therapy involving manipulation of muscle and other soft tissue. Dogs and cats experience many benefits from massage including improved circulation, relaxed muscles, enhanced range of motion and support for post surgical recovery. Massage enhances overall good health and promotes the healing process. It is very beneficial for older, less active animals. Massage often enhances the benefits of other rehabilitation therapies by relaxing the animal and helping reduce pain and anxiety. By reducing anxiety, massage can also improve behavioral issues. (More Info)

Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound is a safe, useful form of heat therapy. While heat has been used as a means of therapy for centuries, ultrasound provides a method of penetrating heat deep into muscle tissue. Ultrasound is a highly advanced and powerful modality often used in conjunction with neuromuscular stimulation. Used as a form of heat therapy, ultrasound provides increased nerve conduction and muscle/joint flexibility while decreasing pain and muscle spasms.

Hope Vet’s rehabilitation team regards as essential the engagement and support of clients in the treatment of their pets. This includes education and supportive follow-up to ensure that clients are able to continue treatments and recommendations at home. You may start by setting up a consultation with our highly trained rehabilitation staff to assess goals for your pet and develop a program that is right for his/her needs.

Accupuncture (More Info)

Hospice Care
Hope Vet believes that a pet’s life can continue for as long as there is good quality of life for both the pet and his or her human family. Therefore a terminal diagnosis does not have to signify the immediate end of a beloved pet’s life, but rather a period of time to say goodbye and a time to prepare for life without one’s beloved pet.

The hospice movement originated in England in the 1960’s during a time of rapid medical advances and aggressive treatment of terminal illnesses. Hospice instead uses an approach called palliative care. This term means “to comfort not to cure. “ In other words, the patient is given food, medicines and nursing care designed to maximize quality of life and minimize pain or discomfort. Although there are institutional hospices, a great deal of hospice work is done in the home where the patient will be most comfortable.
Hospice care for pets is a relatively recent concept. In the past, euthanasia was usually considered to be the most humane decision to avoid an animal’s suffering. However, with advances in pain management and veterinarians increasing willingness to work closely with clients to nurse their pets, hospice has become a realistic option for people seeking a dignified, loving approach to the end of life.
Many people have described the experience of caring for a dying animal as life changing. Although it is intense, absorbing of mind body and spirit, it if often a time of deep bonding, thankful reflection of the time shared and the beginning of the grieving process as the owner prepares for the pet’s passing. By the time that the pet is ready for euthanasia, people tend to report feelings of readiness for the pet to pass, acceptance of the situation and preparedness for their own life to resume.

Some of the specific palliative care treatments utilized by Hope Vet doctors include:

• Pain relieving medication
• Nutritional assessment and recommendations
• Steroids to decrease inflammation and increase appetite
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy and acupressure
• Subcutaneous fluids
• Anti-nausea medication.

Inpatient Hospice Care
Although the vast majority of Hope Vet clients manage hospice care at home, we do offer inpatient care for pets whose owners may need a break from care, have a trip that cannot be delayed, or need help while they are at work. Cats and small dogs are housed in large cages in a quiet room to maximize their comfort and permit a nurse to get into the cage with them to administer treatments. Larger dogs are housed in a quiet room, uncaged, with constant nursing care including padded beds, blankets and raised food and water bowls.

Group and Individual Counseling
It is Hope Vet's experience that individuals and families experience a wide range of feelings and concerns in relation to their pets. Hope Vet's counseling department offers support on a variety of issues. Common concerns include:

• New pet owners
• Behavioral problems
• Family/pet dynamics
• Chronic illness
• Weight gain and loss
• Children's pet care
• Bereavement

Group Counseling – Palliative Care and End of Life Support Group
Thursday Evenings 7.00-8.30pm
Facing the end of a beloved pet’s life is probably the most difficult aspect of living with a companion animal. They are the children that rarely outlive us. The experience of end-of-life care has been described as being one of the most intense experiences of an individual’s life. Myriad feelings arise, combined with pragmatic tasks that must be performed. Both feelings and tasks can be affected by environmental factors including people, other pets and external responsibilities and events.

Hope Vet’s support group aims to provide a supportive, informative and nurturing environment in which animal caregivers and those who have recently lost a pet can explore feelings and concerns and share experiences with one another. It is hoped that participants will enhance their coping strategies to enable them to make this time a more positive and rewarding experience. Some examples of topics that are often discussed during group sessions include: quality of life assessments for pets and their people, devotion to nursing care, support systems, insights and the ending. All that is expressed in the group is shared in strict confidence and will not be discussed with others outside of the group sessions.

This is a drop in support group and is open to everyone, whether or not a client at Hope Vet. Attendees may call to let us know in advance that they are coming, but this is not required.
There is no fee for attendance. However, contributions to Infinite Hope cat rescue and social service programs are always welcome but are in no way mandatory.

Declawing for Cats
Declawing involves amputating up to the first “digit” of a cat’s foot—it is not merely removing the nail as many people assume. The procedure is outlawed in most European countries. Research has demonstrated that cats who have been declawed experience the same ghost pain that human amputees report. In our experience this results in cats who are often fearful and who can become aggressive—using their teeth to defend themselves as they no longer have claws. For all of these reasons we do not perform declaws at Hope Vet. Instead we teach owners alternatives including how to trim nails (repeatedly if necessary!) and recommending good quality scratching posts or other surfaces that cats can scratch on. Hope Vet's technician staff can also instruct owners to apply Soft Paws, which are similar to nail tips and prevent damage.

Tail and Ear Docking for Dogs
Tail and ear docking are performed in order to meet breed standards. Hope Vet does not perform tail and ear docking, but rather encourages owners to keep their dogs as nature intended.