GENERAL SERVICES

The Midlothian Animal Clinic has provided comprehensive care for companion pets since 1980.  The doctors and staff of the Midlothian Animal Clinic strive to offer the highest level of care by providing the best, most progressive diagnostic and treatment options available.  Our commitment includes exceptional service as well as compassionate care for owners as well as pets.  Our practice team works with pets and their owners to assure that pets receive comprehensive preventative attention, early disease detection and medical and surgical intervention needed to achieve long, happy and healthy lives.  We want to earn your trust.

EXAMINATION

We require that all pets receive a comprehensive medical examination before medical and surgical services, including administering vaccinations, are performed.  An examination establishes the veterinary-client–patient relationship which enables the veterinarian to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications to your pet.  Due to the shorter life span of dogs and cats as compared to humans, diseases advance quickly making it important to catch problems early.  Young and mid-life pets receive annual wellness examinations; older pets should be examined every six months.

RADIOLOGY

Our state of the art digital radiography produces images that can be enlarged, highlighted and enhanced to see things not detectable with standard radiography.  Radiographs can be viewed at VetPacs website 24 hours after they are taken.  To view go to http://www.vetpacs.com. We will provide the web code for each radiograph.  Images can also be transferred to a disc or transmitted electronically to a specialist radiologist for consultation and recommendations.

ULTRASOUND

One of our advanced diagnostic aids, ultrasonography allows diagnosis of soft tissue conditions and other disorders.  It allows visualization of internal organs in real time.  Ultrasonography provides detailed information about tissue density & function that is superior to traditional radiography, but without the risks associated with surgery.

LABORATORY

We are pleased to be able to offer an in-house laboratory as well as an outside lab partner.  Our in-house lab consists of a variety of sophisticated lab machines which are available when conditions and emergencies require immediate answers.  In addition to CBC’s, blood chemistries our in house lab includes fecal exams, heartworm, anaplasma, ehrlichia, lyme, FELV & FIV, intraocular pressure, non-invasive blood pressure and fungal assays.  Our outside lab expands our ability to offer a wide variety of tests as well as provide access to laboratory consultants.  Our staff will draw, prepare and submit samples for testing.  Many results are available within 24 hours.  Early detection of disease by blood chemistries, EKG’s, intraocular pressures, heartworm tests & fecal tests are recommended.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

EKG services are provided on-site followed by interpretation by cardiology specialists.  EKG’s allow assessment of the electrical activity of the heart.  They are used in diagnosis of heart disease and arrhythmias.

ANESTHESIA

Anesthesia is much safer today and recovery is much quicker than in years past.  Although there is a low rate of complications, problems can arise if the veterinarian is unaware of pre-existing conditions which may not be apparent during physical examination.  We require that all pets undergoing general anesthesia have baseline lab testing.  While this does not completely eliminate the possibility of complications, it greatly reduces the risks to your pet and our patient.

DENTISTRY

Good dental health is vital to the overall well being and quality of life of your pet.  Nearly 85% of cats and dogs have some form of dental disease by the age of three years.  Dental disease causes internal organ problems as well as extreme pain and discomfort to your pet. Good dental health will help your pet to live a longer and happier life.  Dental exams are a part of every wellness exam.  We urge our clients to clean their pet’s teeth regularly at home to help maintain good dental health.

We may recommend a dental prophylaxis under general anesthesia when the accumulation of tartar and gingivitis (disease under the gums) become a problem.  Radiographs taken with our digital dental X-ray unit during a dental prophy allow diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions as yet not visible by visual examination.  Extractions of broken, loose or infected teeth may be necessary to relieve dental pain and are critical for maintaining kidney and heart health.

SURGERY

Our doctors perform a variety of elective and non-elective surgeries. Elective surgeries include spaying and neutering.  Non-elective surgeries include oral surgery, abdominal surgery, genito-urinary procedures, ear and eye surgery and some orthopedic surgeries.  When necessary, referrals are made to board certified specialists.  Prior to surgery, baseline lab work is required to determine the safest anesthetic protocol.  Surgeries are performed in our sterile surgical suite by a surgical team which includes a doctor and at least one surgical technician.  We believe in a strategy of multimodal pain management to minimize pain associated with surgery.  Anesthesia is monitored and vital statistics are taken and recorded at regular intervals throughout the surgical procedure.  An intravenous catheter is placed to provide fluid therapy and an open line should complications occur.  Patient body temperature is maintained using water heated blankets or our convection warming system.  Written instructions are reviewed with clients at the pet’s discharge.

HOSPITALIZATION

We hospitalize pets when it is necessary for them to receive care and treatment that can not be given at home.  Usually hospitalized pets are receiving intravenous fluids and medications while being cared for and monitored by our healthcare professionals.  Our hospital is not staffed 24 hours a day, so in cases which require constant patient monitoring, we may transfer the pet to a critical care facility for observation and treatment.

PHARMACY

We carry a full line of pharmaceuticals as well as heartworm medication, flea and tick control products, vitamins, shampoos, pet diets and supplies.  Prescriptions can be filled in house or on-line for home delivery through Vet Source.  Our products prescribed and purchased through our in-house pharmacy or through our on-line pharmacy for home delivery, carry a manufacturer’s guarantee of efficacy and satisfaction that cannot be found on commercial pharmacy websites.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

We believe passionately in relieving your pet’s pain so he/she may have a better quality of life.  Pets perceive and feel pain as people do, from mild gingivitis or a sprained muscle to a fractured leg or chronic, severe arthritis.  However, since a pet’s instinct is to hide and conceal pain our doctors and staff are trained to recognize subtle signs of pain that may not be obvious at home.  If the underlying cause of pain is not curable, we seek to manage your pet’s pain to keep him comfortable and productive.  We treat pain comprehensively using combinations of non steroidal anti-inflammatories, narcotics, steroids, neutraceuticals, environmental changes, physical therapy and supportive care. Recommendations for weight loss or alternative therapies including acupuncture may also be made.

AFTER HOURS CARE

As we are not staffed 24 hours a day, extended after hours and holiday care is available through cooperation with both the Veterinary Emergency Center in Carytown, the Veterinary Emergency Center South, and the Veterinary Referral and Critical Care (VRCC) in Manakin-Sabot.  We may refer emergencies or patients requiring continual critical care to their facilities.  Midlothian Animal Clinic provides a doctor on call to assist and direct you as necessary when your pet becomes ill after hours.  The phone number for the doctor on call and other facilities can be reached by dialing our hospital's main phone number after hours or click here for a list of emergency numbers.