Your pet may need to have blood or urine samples analyzed to determine a cause of illness or before a surgical procedure.
We are able to check urine samples in house as well as blood glucose levels, electrolytes, liver and kidney function and red and white blood counts in the hospital for quick answers or to monitor critical cases.
Feline leukemia and FIV testing as well as testing for heartworm disease, Lyme disease and Ehrlichia and Anaplasma can also be performed as quick tableside tests at our hospital with results in about 10 minutes.
More advanced testing such as monitoring therapeutic blood levels, checking thyroid function or performing testing for endocrine diseases like Cushings disease are also available and samples are sent to external laboratories for analysis. Results are generally available within 1 to 3 days.
Fecal samples are also checked for parasites at Antech diagnostics.
Radiology and Ultrasounds
Patton Veterinary Hospital offers digital radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds to examine pets for fractures, tumors, heart or lung disease, intestinal foreign bodies and many other conditions. We also have the capability to electronically send a radiograph or ultrasound to a board certified radiologist for interpretation if needed.
Blocked Cats
Male cats sometimes form crystals in their urine which can lead to a plug in the urethra and inability to urinate. This is a life threatening problem which can cause kidney failure and death if not treated as an emergency. Patton Veterinary Hospital does offer hospitalization and relief of the urinary obstruction by placement of an indwelling urinary catheter. The catheter is left in place for 24-48hrs and the cat is usually hospitalized for 2-3 days.
Nutritional counseling and after-care instructions are a big part of preventing this condition from re-occurring and we want to make sure that your male cat stays healthy. However, some patients have multiple episodes of urinary blockage and may ultimately require a type of surgery called a perineal urethrostomy or “PU” for short to create a wider urethral opening more like a female’s anatomy to reduce the chance of a crystalline plug from forming. Our doctors are able to perform this surgery should it be necessary.
OFA Certification
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will evaluate radiographs (x-rays) of hips or elbows in order to certify breeding animals are free of hip or elbow dysplasia. This is helpful for preventing these conditions in dogs as those with moderate to severely affected joints should not be used for breeding. At PVH we are able to sedate your pet, obtain the necessary films, then transfer them to OFA for analysis.
Dogs must be at least 24 months old for final OFA certification of hips and elbows. This ensures that the dog's joints are fully developed, providing an accurate assessment.
Ear Cleaning and Packing
Ear infections are a common problem in dogs and cats, and are not always due to ear mites. Sometimes, a deep ear flush under sedation to remove fluid, wax and debris from the ear canal is needed in some cases of severe ear infection.
We also offer a medical treatment known as an ear “packing” in which a thick medicated paste is applied to the ear canal. Use of this treatment penetrates deep into the ear to reach the source of infection and eliminates the need to clean and put ear drops into the pet’s ears at home making it much more convenient for our clients.
Ophthalmic Procedures
Patton Veterinary Hospital offers a variety of tests and surgical procedures to evaluate your pet’s eyes. Checking eye pressures to evaluate for glaucoma, staining the cornea to look for scratches or ulcers, and measuring tear production are common tests that may be performed. We can also perform cherry eye repairs, corneal debridement (removing the outer layer of abnormal cornea) or grid keratotomy for non-healing corneal ulcers, and enucleation or removal of an eye that is damaged due to glaucoma, trauma or cancer.
Domestic Health Certificates
If you are planning to travel with your pet within the United States, a health certificate may be required, especially if you're using public transportation or crossing state lines. This certificate ensures your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, as required by state or airline regulations.
At PVH, we can help guide you through the process and direct you to resources for obtaining the necessary documentation.
For international travel, specific requirements vary by country and often involve extensive preparation, including vaccinations, tests, and USDA-endorsed health certificates. If you need an international health certificate, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian accredited by the USDA. You can find more information about international travel requirements on the USDA APHIS website.
For assistance with domestic travel requirements, feel free to contact our team. We’re happy to help ensure your pet’s journey is as smooth as possible!
Anal Sac Expression
Is your dog scooting his bottom across the floor or licking under his tail or do you notice an odor around his bottom? His anal glands could be full or infected. We are able to feel and express the glands if needed.
Specialized Diagnostic Tests
We are able to do a variety of specialized testing such as tapping fluid from chest or abdomen (thoracocentesis/abdominocentesis), sterile urine collection by inserting a needle into the bladder (cystocentesis), transtracheal washes, fine needle aspirates of lumps to check for cancer and dermatologic tests such as skin scrapings to look for mites, ear cytology and tape preps or impression smears to look for bacteria or yeast on the skin.
Microchips
A microchip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted between the shoulder blades of your pet. The microchip has a bar code that is entered into a national database. If any animal control officer, humane society, or veterinary hospital finds your lost pet, they can scan between the shoulder blades and insert the numbers into the national database to provide an easy return of your pet to you. You can apply for a lifetime dog license after the microchip placement. Link to national data base.
Kids Entertainment
We understand that sometimes you can’t leave the kids at home when bringing your pet for an appointment. That’s why we offer child-friendly entertainment to help keep little ones occupied during your visit. From coloring pages to small activities, we’re happy to provide a distraction while you focus on your pet's care. Just let us know if you’d like something for the kids!
Euthanasia
Our compassionate staff will guide you through the difficult process of euthanasia with care and understanding, supporting you every step of the way—from making the decision to handling aftercare.
To assist with aftercare, Patton Veterinary Hospital works closely with Allied Pet Cremation to provide dignified and respectful options for your beloved pet. Allied Pet Cremation offers a variety of services, including private and communal cremation, as well as keepsake options to honor your pet’s memory.
If you have any questions about euthanasia or aftercare services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to help you during this challenging time.
