Veterinary Services

Internal Medicine

Even with regular check ups and good preventative care, pets still develop illnesses from time to time. Our doctors have the experience and skills to diagnose and treat kidney and liver problems; heart and respiratory diseases; gastrointestinal ailments; diabetes, adrenal and thyroid gland and other hormonal disorders; blood diseases; bacterial and parasitic infections and other diseases affecting the internal organs.  After performing a thorough physical examination encompassing all organ systems, the doctor will recommend the diagnostic tests and modalities that may be needed to further evaluate these systems and help determine how to best treat your pet’s illness.
 
At Arch Creek Animal Clinic, we utilize modern laboratory equipment to perform various blood tests, urinalysis and fecal examinations, in-house; additional testing is sent out to be performed at a professional veterinary reference laboratory when necessary.  Radiology (x-ray) procedures are performed by our technicians and interpreted by our doctors in the clinic.  Electrocardiograms (EKGs), used in the evaluation of the heart, are performed by our doctors who then transmit the results to board certified veterinary cardiologists for interpretation.  For your convenience, a mobile veterinarian specializing in ultrasound, endoscopy and bronchoscopy to evaluate the internal organs, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, respectively, can be called in to perform these diagnostic modalities at our clinic. We are dedicated to providing your pets with the very best medical care while striving to accommodate your needs and busy schedule.

Surgery

Both of our doctors are proficient in soft tissue surgery including elective procedures, as well as more complicated abdominal procedures that are necessary for the diagnosis and/or treatment of disease.  Dr. Williams also routinely performs orthopedic (bone) surgical procedures that commonly include the repair of broken bones of the legs, pelvis and jaw.  If your pet needs a surgical procedure best performed by a surgical specialist, we will refer you to an appropriate facility for treatment.

Because some degree of risk is inherent in any anesthetic or surgical procedure, our patients undergo physical examinations and laboratory screening before surgery to ensure that anesthetic protocols are chosen based on your pet’s current health status.  During surgery, your pet’s body temperature, pulse rate and other vital signs will be monitored using advanced techniques including measurement of tissue oxygen saturation (pulse oximeter) and carbon dioxide levels (capnograph) and determination of blood pressure. After surgery we will continue to monitor your pet closely and appropriate pain medications will be administered as needed.  As always, your pet’s safety and comfort are our primary concerns.

When you take your pet home, we will answer any questions you may have about your pet’s procedure and discuss any special care your pet will need at home. Home care may include daily observation of the surgical site, splint/cast or surgical drain care, administration of medication and/or feeding a special diet. We will schedule a recheck appointment for your pet at this time.

Dental & Oral Health Care

Having healthy teeth and gums is as important for our pets as it is for us. Without regular teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build up, most dogs and cats will develop gingivitis at an early age. The bacteria in the plaque associated with gingivitis cause bad breath, reddened, and bleeding gums.  Not only can this be painful for your pet, if left untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontal disease and subsequent tooth loss. Additionally, the infection can spread from the mouth, via the bloodstream, and affect vital organs including the heart, kidneys and liver.

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to preventing dental disease in our patients. The doctor will perform an oral examination at your pet’s annual physical wellness visit and recommend dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), if necessary.  Like us, our pets are individuals and some are more prone to tartar build up than others. Most dogs and cats need their teeth cleaned every 6 months to 2 years. As your pet ages, dental exams should be performed more often and prophylaxis may need to be performed more frequently.

Just like when you go to your dentist to have your teeth cleaned, your pet’s teeth will be professionally scaled using hand-held instruments and ultrasonic methods that remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. Then the teeth are polished and fluoride treatments may be applied. There is also a plaque prevention gel for home use once a week that is formulated to significantly reduce the need for daily brushing and can be easily integrated into your at home pet dental care routine.

Although, what you do at home cannot replace regular checkups and professional dental prophylaxis, the ongoing follow-up care you provide is just as important in maintaining the oral health of your pet. Depending on your pet’s needs, our doctors will make recommendations regarding other prescription and over-the-counter oral care products, such as specially formulated diets and chews, that are beneficial in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. We will develop an individualized dental health care program for your pet and commit to working with you to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease in your pet. If your dog or cat already has dental disease, you can rely on us to recommend appropriate treatment and a regimen to prevent further disease progression.

Preventative Medicine

Our doctors and staff believe in the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, and we offer comprehensive preventative health care programs designed to prevent disease and allow early detection and treatment of any abnormalities before they cause your pet to become ill.  Generally, we recommend annual physical examinations, fecal examinations, heartworm testing and immunizations. Dental prophylaxis and flea control protocols are recommended depending on your pet’s needs (Please see the Dental Care and Bathing sections for details).  Heartworm preventative is recommended year round for pets testing negative for this mosquito-borne blood parasite.

Sub-clinical disease (having a disease or disorder but not yet showing signs of illness) is not uncommon in dogs and cats, and early diagnostic testing is key in preventing disease progression.  We offer two Wellness Laboratory Profiles – Junior, for pets 1-6 years old and Senior, for those older than 6 years.  These profiles include blood tests for evaluation of your pet’s organ systems that will allow our doctors to detect any abnormalities before health problems are evident. Normal results serve as a baseline for comparison to future laboratory test results should your pet ever become ill. The recommended frequency for having Wellness Examinations and Laboratory Profiles performed will depend on your pet’s age and health status.  In general, as with people, older pets and those with current health problems need more frequent physical examinations and laboratory testing.

Boarding

Sometimes circumstances occur that require that pets be boarded away from home. Whether it be a vacation or hospital stay or some event as short term as your home needing to be tented, rest assured that we will take the best care of your pets when you cannot be there for them. Your pet will be made comfortable in one of our runs or kennels and we will feed your pet as per your routine at home that you provide to us. Dogs are walked outside three times daily.

Bathing

Here in south Florida our pets are frequently plagued by fleas and ticks.  Some dogs and cats are prone to develop uncomfortable skin conditions, as well.  Our doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating skin diseases and will recommend the treatment and/or preventative regimens necessary to keep your pet’s skin and coat clean and healthy. Our staff is trained in the application of the various medicated shampoos, flea and tick dips and other topical products used in these regimens. We will schedule your pet for bathing at times that best meet your pet’s needs and are convenient for you, or if you choose, we can show you how to use some of these products properly at home. If your pet is experiencing problems with fleas or ticks, we will provide counseling regarding   control programs that you can implement to eradicate these pests from your home and yard. Recommendations for referrals to pest control professionals are available.  Your pets do not have to suffer from flea and tick infestations or other skin problems. We can help!