Following are services currently being offered at Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital.

Ultrasonography
An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool commonly used at Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital. It transmits sound waves through tissues to create an image on a monitor. This allows us to detect an abnormality in the structure of an organ. Some of the most common uses are to detect pregnancies in animals and to visualize bladder stones. It is often used in combination with x-rays to get a better picture of the internal organs. We routinely use ultrasound to visualize the bladder when obtaining urine samples in animals.

Radiology
Radiology (x-rays) is routinely used as a diagnostic aid at Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital. It works by transmitting an x-ray beam through the pet’s body leaving an image on a piece of radiographic film placed below the pet’s body. The images appear in shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Radiographs provide images of bones and various soft tissues, and are invaluable in diagnosing problems such as fractured bones and lung disease.

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Laboratory
We have an extensive in-house laboratory, that allows us to perform basic chemistry panels and complete blood counts. We also have technicians on-staff that have advanced training in reading cytologies (which are samples of tissue obtained from needle biopsies or skin swabs). We also have access to several outside laboratories, both local and across the country, for special sample testing.

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Internal Medicine
We see a variety of cases everydayat Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital that areprimarily internal medicine-based. Thisincludes everything from regulating diabetic animals to using chemotherapy to treat animals with cancer. Veterinary medicine has made many advances in recent years that have improved the quality of life for animals struggling with chronic diseases. We are constantly learning through colleagues, professional journals, and continuing education, about new medications and treatments. We take what we’ve learned, along with our own experience, and apply it to our patients here at CTAH.

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Surgery
In addition to spay and neuter surgeries we perform everyday, we also perform a variety of both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Some common soft tissue surgeries include cystotomies (removal of bladder stones), skin tumor removals, and gastrotomies (incisions into the stomach, usually to remove objects animals have eaten). Common orthopedic surgeries include repair of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in knees, patella (kneecap) repair procedures, and intramedullary pinning of fractures.

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Vaccinations
At CTAH, we believe vaccinations should be tailored to your pet's needs andrisks of exposure. Thedevelopment of vaccinations against diseases such as parvovirus and distemper have greatly reduced the incidence of these horrible, often fatal, diseases. We follow the most current research and guidelines suggested by the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners when vaccinating our patients. In most cases this means three-year vaccination intervals with distemper and rabies vaccines in adult dogs and cats who have had the appropriate vaccinations as juveniles. For puppies and kittens, we offer plans that bundle together the necessary vaccination series depending upon the age of your pet. Visit the puppy program and kitten program pages for more information.

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Dental Care
It is estimated that 70-80% of all cats and dogs that are two years and older suffer from dental disease. It isa progressive disorder that not only affects the teeth and gums, but also can lead to infections in other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. At CTAH, we recommend annual dental exams, which may lead to dental cleanings and periodontal therapy for your pet. Since animals aren’t going to sit down and open their mouth, and because some procedures can be painful, general anesthesia is necessary. A pre-anesthetic injection of pain medication is given, followed by an injection of a short-acting anesthetic to allow placement of a tube into your pet’s airway. An inhalation gas anesthetic (isoflurane) and oxygen will then be utilized to maintain anesthesia. During the procedure, an EKG monitor and technician will closely monitor your pet’s heart and breathing rate. Treatment starts with a thorough cleaning of all the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler. Then each tooth is evaluated for abnormal ‘pockets’, which are areas between the tooth and gum or bone where periodontal disease is present. If pockets are found, dental x-rays may be taken to allow for evaluation of the structural integrity of the tooth and to determine the proper treatment for each diseased tooth. Some with severe disease may require extraction. The teeth are then polished to smooth out rough surfaces that might trap food and bacteria. Some patients with gingivitis will go home on antibiotics, and any patients that have had extractions will not only receive a nerve block for pain during the procedure, but also go home on pain medications. Animals recover fairly quickly and go home the same day.

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Behavior Consultation
We are available by appointment or phone call for helping you deal with any behavior problems your pet may be experiencing. We have years of experience dealing with common puppy problems and cat inappropriate urination problems. Visit the puppy program page for information on puppy kindergarten and frequently asked questions.

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Puppy/Kitten Care
Visit the puppy program page to learn more about puppy care.

Visit the kitten program page to learn more about kitten care.

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Emergency
At Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital, we realize that there are times when our pets need emergency care, and we have a doctor available at all times to provide that service. We have an after-hours answering service that can page the doctor on-call, and the doctor will then call you back to discuss your concerns. The doctor may have suggestions for things that can be done at home, or it may be decided that your pet needs to be seen on an emergency basis, and the doctor can then meet you at the clinic. Our belief at Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital is that you know your pet best, and if you feel it is an emergency, than we are available to see it. There is a $100.00 emergency exam fee after hours, which does not include any diagnostics or treatments. This must be paid for at the time of the emergency.

Many of our calls involve animals that have eaten something they are not supposed to, and worried owners are wondering what they should do. There are cases where it is best to immediately induce vomiting, so it is always good to have hydrogen peroxide or table salt on hand if that is suggested. (Dosages can be given on an individual basis when you call.) There are other cases where it is better to not induce vomiting and let things pass. It is always best to call for professional advice in these situations. Another option is to call the Animal Poison Control Hotline, at 1-800-548-2423, where there is a staff of veterinary toxicologists who can guide you through your pet’s individual situation. They have data on a wide range of toxicants, including many human pharmaceuticals and their effects on animals. There is a fee for calling the hotline, but the information they provide can be very valuable with unusual toxicants.

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