Western Medicine is defined as treating symptoms with drugs, surgery or radiation.
Western, or conventional, medicine had its breakthrough in the early 1800s. New medicines and methods have been developed over the years. As a result of continuous research, Western medicine continues to evolve and improve every single day.
Drugs such as amoxicillin, prednisone, Zyrtec® and Prilosec® are common medicines used by many doctors today.
Why choose Western Medicine?
In our opinion, the question should be ‘when’ more-so than ‘why’.
Opposed to using herbs as in Eastern medicine, modern day drugs typically work faster and are more readily available. When dealing with time-sensitive matters, such as infection, antibiotics are usually the first choice.
For more serious cases, such as a pet with a broken leg, surgery may be a necessary action.
Western and Eastern medicine both have their positives and negatives. As a result, we encourage people to combine the two as much as possible.
Our Western Services
Dentistry
Every dental cleaning includes:
- Dental exam,
- Teeth scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line,
- Polishing the teeth to “smooth down” the surface and build a resistance to future plaque formation,
- An antiseptic flushing to remove cleaning debris and bacteria.
Dentistry is an out-patient procedure that requires anesthesia. Depending on the age or health conditions of your pet, pre-anesthetic blood work may be required.
Endoscopy
Veterinary endoscopy enables us to visualize your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Diagnosis and treatment of oral, esophageal, stomach, colon and upper intestinal tract disease is much easier using this method.
Anesthesia is mandatory for proper evaluation. Pets are placed under sedation or general anesthesia, and then a flexible endoscope (about the diameter of your ring finger) is inserted into the cavity being visualized.
Laboratory
An animal’s ability to mask pain is amazing and frustrating all at once. Fortunately, we have ways of looking at the inside of the body via blood work and microscopes. After all, your pet’s health on the inside is just as important as the outside!
Pharmacy
Our pharmacy has a large selection of pharmaceuticals. When possible, we believe in the convince of leaving your appointment with your prescription in hand. We can write prescriptions when needed, however.
Radiology & Ultrasound
High quality radiographs are a vital step in ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Our radiographs are done on-site and results are available immediately. Radiography, or X-rays, help evaluate your pet’s musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems.
Ultrasonography is a non-evasive technique used to obtain a three-dimensional image by using sound waves. With that, we can visualize the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, intestines, pancreas, adrenal glands and bladder. Ultrasound is also helpful with pregnancy exams, tendon evaluation, fluid collection and biopsies.
Animal Surgery
Our goal is to ensure the safest, most efficient, pain free procedures for your pet. Our surgical suite is equipped with a heated surgery table; advanced sterilization techniques; ECG and oxygen saturation monitor; intra-operative fluid delivery; and post-operative pain management.
We provide surgical services for soft tissue, orthopedic, and ophthalmic cases. We also refer to surgical specialists when needed to ensure the best care for your pet. Some surgeries we provide are listed below:
- Cranial Cruciate Tears
- Patella Luxation
- Fracture Repair
- Spay/Neuter
- Abdominal Exploration
- Tumor Removal