General Practice Services
We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, x-ray equipment, superior dental equipment, and a closely supervised hospitalization area.
Diagnostic Internal Medicine | Surgery,
Radiosurgery and Anesthesia | Dentistry | Senior
Pet Wellness |
Puppy Wellness | Kitten
Wellness | Nutrition Counseling | Behavior
Services | Vaccination Recommendations for Adult Dogs | Vaccination
Recommendations for Adult Cats | Bathing | Boarding
Diagnostic Internal Medicine
General
Blood Tests and Screening including Thyroid Panels. Our
in-house laboratory facilities provide for serum chemistry, hematology,
serology, urinalysis and parasite testing. We also utilize several
commercial veterinary laboratories (IDEXX, HESKA, WASHINGTON STATE
UNIVERSITY, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, AMAZON) for specialized diagnostics
and consultations.- Electrocardiography Services. We provide ECG
services on-site as well as consultations with cardiology specialists.
Allergy Testing and Skin Disease Consultation. - Pharmacy. We maintain a complete inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet.
- Radiograph (x-ray) Services. At some point in your pet's life, we may need an x-ray or ultrasound as part of a diagnostic workup. We are well equipped for this with our modern X-ray system. We also have the ability to directly consult boarded veterinary radiologists to assist us in x-ray review and interpretation.
- Internal Parasite Screening (worms, etc). External Parasite Control Consultations (Fleas, ear mites, ticks, lice, etc). We will develop individualized flea control programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard, and on your pet.
- TonoPen. The TonoPen is a device used to measure intraocular pressures, or the pressures within the eyes. The TonoPen is essential to comfortable and non-invasive measurement of the eye pressures. The TonoPen is used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of painful eye diseases that affect the pressures within the eye, such as glaucoma and uveitis.
- Urine Analysis. Your pet’s urine can be analyzed to screen for and diagnose problems and diseases, such as urinary tract infections, urine crystals, bladder stones, diabetes, and kidney failure.
- In-House Infectious Disease Screening. We can screen for many infectious diseases in the clinic and while you wait. The specific infectious diseases and agents that we can rapidly screen for include Parvovirus, Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Heartworm Disease, Coccidia, Giardia, Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, and others.
- Diagnostic Bacterial Cultures. Bacterial cultures may be useful in a variety of situations, but are commonly used when treating complicated wounds, respiratory or lung infections, intestinal infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Samples can be collected and processed to identify the specific bacteria that is causing the infection. This allows for more precise treatment of infections and allows for quicker and better outcomes.
- Viral Screening with PCR. PCR is a way of identifying virus DNA in tissues and secretions. We have been be able to diagnose definitively different viral infections, including herpesvirus and calicivirus.
- Cytology Services (In-House). Cytology, or the examination of cells, can be performed to diagnose specific problems and the causes of problems. Ear cytology can help us understand your pet’s ear infection, so that we can recommend specific treatments. Likewise, skin cytology will help us treat your pet’s difficult skin infection. Cytology also helps us diagnose what those lumps and bumps on your pet’s body are and allows us to make appropriate recommendations.
- Genetic Testing. We have a relationship with different diagnostic laboratories, in order to offer your current genetic testing that may save your pet’s life. For example, we can screen your dog for Von Willebrand’s Disease, which is a bleeding disorder, or see if your dog carries the MDR1 gene mutation that causes some specific drug toxicities.
Surgery, Radiosurgery and Anesthesia
We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient's vital signs are monitored closely during all anesthetic procedures.
We are well equipped to perform all routine surgeries for your pet. We also perform a wide range of non-routine type surgeries and if needed can provide a referral to an appropriate specialist. Some surgeries that we offer for dogs and cats at Grove Veterinary Clinic include:
- Spaying
- Neutering
- Orthopedic Surgery (i.e. fracture repair, ACL/cruciate repair)
- Lump/mass Removals
- General Soft Tissue Surgeries
We are the only veterinary practice in the area to offer radiosurgery, which employs a special low-temperature, high frequency radiowave for better surgical outcomes. The incision is clean and precise; the tissues and skin are not burned or charred as they are with laser-based devices. Blood vessels are cauterized cleanly without heat and without the application of an electrical current. Electrical cautery units burn tissue with heat generated by an electrical current, and lasers burn tissue with a focused beam, creating a charred tissue environment that delays the healing process. Radiosurgery provides a better outcome by promoting less tissue damage, which results in LESS PAIN and RAPID HEALING. Your pets feel better more quickly when radiosurgery is employed. To read more about radiosurgery, visit the following link for Ellman International.
http://www.ellman.com/products/veterinary/radiosurgical_units.htm
Dental Services
Most dogs and cats eventually need a professional dental cleaning using an ultrasonic scaler such as your dentist might use. We also perform hand scaling of the teeth under the gum line where tartar often accumulates (sub gingival root planing), then polish the teeth to reduce the recurrence of tartar buildup. We also apply fluoride to your pet’s teeth during the dental.Dental procedures are performed using the same inhalation anesthetic and careful monitoring techniques that we use for our surgical patients. Many pets have their teeth cleaned on an annual basis to help ensure optimal oral health.
Additional dental and oral procedures offered include:
- Tooth Extractions
- Full oral examination
- Radiographs or x-rays
- Oral Surgery (i.e. mass removals, fistula repair, etc.)
- Home Dental Care Counseling (i.e. brushing, treat selection, drinking water additives). We will advise you based on physical examination and history what the best options are for protecting and ensuring your pet’s continued oral health and hygiene. We can present many “hands-on” and “hands-off” strategies that will help you with your pet’s teeth.
Grove Veterinary Clinic routinely recommends the use of the following dental care products. Our veterinarians and staff can discuss the different products with you to figure out which dental care strategy is the most appropriate for your pet and you.
- Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Solution
- Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Gel
- CET Chews
- CET Toothpastes
- Purina Veterinary Diet Dental Health (DH) Diets
- Hill’s Science Diet Prescription Tartar Diet (t/d)
- CET Oral Hygiene Flush
- CET Toothbrushes and Fingerbrushes
- Biotene Oral Enzymatic Gel
Senior Pet Wellness
We wish to keep our pets healthy and happy for as long as possible and this can be achieved through exercise, a healthy diet and regular veterinary check ups. Aging changes such as arthritis, vision and hearing losses are normal and cannot be prevented. Many changes related to disease, however, can be managed and treated successfully if detected early. In addition to the routine preventative care for adult dogs and cats, we offer senior wellness testing that includes the collection of blood and urine samples and laboratory analysis for detection of liver and kidney disease, diabetes and anemia. Through interpretation of the test results and careful consideration of history and physical exam findings, our veterinarians will be able to discuss any life-improving recommendations we may have. These recommendations may include diet changes, medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and other strategies to improve your senior pet’s well being.
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Puppy Wellness
- Vaccinations. We will outline an individualized vaccination schedule and protocol for you new puppy. We will determine through discussion and physical exam what vaccines your new family member needs. Please refer to our Vaccine Recommendations for Puppies and Adult Dogs section to see which canine vaccinations we offer.
- Wellness Exams. During your puppy’s routine physical examinations, our veterinarians will listen to his/her heart and breath sounds, feel the abdomen, and check the coat/skin condition. We will also check your puppy’s eyes, ears, and mouth.
- Parasite
Screening. We will check your new
puppy for external parasites, such as fleas, ringworm, and ear mites.
We will also perform an analysis of your puppy’s feces to check
for internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms,
coccidia, and giardia. Please
bring a stool sample to all scheduled puppy wellness appointments.
- Microchip Placement. We strongly urge that
you obtain an i.d. tag to be attached to your puppy’s collar.
We also offer more permanent identification with Bayer’s ResQ
Microchip System. The
chip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted underneath the
skin. The i.d number and owner information is then registered with
the ResQ Registry. If a pet is lost and recovered, the number can
be read by any agency or veterinarian who has a microchip scanner
and the owner can be traced.
- Behavior Counseling. We can discuss training
and socialization techniques for your new puppy.
- Spay/Neuter. Recommended between 5-6 months of age for all dogs not used for breeding.
Kitten Wellness
- Vaccinations. We will outline an individualized vaccination schedule and protocol for you new kitten. We will determine through discussion and physical exam what vaccines your new family member needs. Please refer to our Vaccine Recommendations for Kittens and Adult Cats section to see which feline vaccinations we offer.
- Wellness Exams. During your kitten’s
routine physical examinations, our veterinarians will listen to his/her
heart and breath sounds, feel the abdomen, and check the coat/skin
condition. We will also check
your puppy’s eyes, ears, and mouth.
- Parasite Screening. We will check your kitten
for external parasites, such as fleas, ringworm, and ear mites. We
will also perform an analysis of your kitten’s feces to check
for internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and
giardia. Please bring a
stool sample to all scheduled kitten appointments.
- Microchip Placement. We strongly urge that
you obtain an i.d. tag to be attached to your puppy’s collar.
We also offer more permanent identification with Bayer’s ResQ
Microchip System. The
chip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted underneath the
skin. The i.d number and owner information is then registered with
the Home Again Registry. If a pet is lost and recovered, the number
can be read by any agency or veterinarian who has a microchip scanner
and the owner can be traced.
- Behavior Counseling. We can discuss training
and socialization techniques for your new kitten.
- Spay/Neuter. Recommended at 6 months of age for all cats not used for breeding.
Vaccination Recommendations for Puppies and Adult Dogs
There are many different vaccines available for dogs and puppies. There are several vaccinations that we routinely give to puppies and dogs. Through discussion and evaluation of your dog’s lifestyle, we will make specific vaccine recommendations for your individual dog. We do not vaccinate for the sake of vaccination; we only use vaccines that we believe in and vaccines that we feel are safe and effective for your canine companions.
Grove Veterinary Clinic follows the canine vaccination guidelines outlined by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force. Based upon these guidelines, we have grouped the vaccines into “core” and “optional” categories.
Core Vaccines for our Canine Patients:
Rabies Vaccination.
Rabies is a disease that is transmitted from the bite of an infected animal. Any warm-blooded animal is capable of becoming rabid, but the bat is the primary carrier in the Pacific Northwest. Signs of rabies include changes in behavior (i.e. aggressive behaviors or blunted mental status), seizures, coma, or any other neurologic signs. Rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks of age. The vaccine is boostered 1 year after that and then boostered every 3 years. This vaccine is extremely important due the severity of this disease; it is 100% fatal and there is no cure. Additionally, it is a public health concern, as people can get this deadly disease.
DHPP Vaccination.
This vaccination protects against a combination of diseases that infect dogs. The viral diseases from which we seek to protect dogs with this vaccine include the following:
Canine Distemper Virus (D). This is a viral disease transmitted by aerosolization of infective droplets. It can cause neurologic disease, respiratory complications, conjunctivitis, seizures, and death..
Infectious Canine Hepatitis (H). This is a viral disease that is shed in the urine and feces and is picked up through the oral mucosa and nasal cavity. It can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, coughing, and lethargy.
Parainfluenza Virus (P). This is a virus transmitted by aerosolization. It is part of the kennel cough disease complex and will often cause coughing.
Parvovirus (P). This is a viral disease that causes severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and anorexia. Since the virus will also attack a patient’s bone marrow, immunosupression and sepsis can result. Puppies and dogs can die from parvovirus infection. It is shed in the feces of infected animals and can persist in the environment for months to years.
This combination vaccine is typically started when a puppy is 8-9 weeks of age. Each puppy will receive a booster of this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age. A booster vaccine is then given 1 year after the final vaccine in the puppy series. After that, it is recommended that dogs be vaccinated with DHPP vaccine every 3 years.
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Optional (Non-Core) Vaccines for our Canine Patients:
By optional or non-core, we mean that not all dogs will need to receive the following vaccines.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough). This is a bacterial disease that is part of the kennel cough disease complex. Animals with the disease will often present with a cough. The vaccine is recommended for dogs and puppies that are boarded in kennels, groomed in professional grooming facilities, participating in puppy or obedience classes, frequenting pet stores, or attending dog shows. This vaccine requires a yearly vaccination booster. If a puppy receives a bordetella vaccine before turning 16 weeks of age, the vaccine will need to be boostered 3-4 weeks later.
Leptospirosis Vaccination. This is a bacterial disease that is shed in the urine and other bodily secretions. The spirochete bacterium can be found in streams, rivers, standing water. Leptospirosis infection can affect the liver and the kidneys and can be a fatal disease. It is also a zoonotic disease, meaning people can get this disease from infected animals. It is not a common canine infection in our area.
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorerei) Vaccination. This is a disease transmitted by deer ticks. Clinical signs include fever, lethargy, and joint pain. This disease has not been documented in our area, so the vaccine is not routinely given at Grove Veterinary Clinic. However, if your dog is travelling to an endemic area for the disease, we do recommend vaccination against lyme disease.
Vaccination Recommendations for Kittens and Adult Cats
There are many different vaccines available for cats and kittens. There are only 3 different vaccinations that we give to cats and not all cats will receive all of these vaccinations. Through discussion and evaluation of your cat’s lifestyle, we will make specific vaccine recommendations for your individual cat(s). We do not vaccinate for the sake of vaccination; we only use vaccines that we believe in and vaccines that we feel are safe and effective for your feline companions.
Grove Veterinary Clinic follows the feline vaccination guidelines outlined by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Based upon these guidelines, we have grouped the vaccines into “core” and “optional” categories.
Core Vaccines for our Feline Patients:
Rabies Vaccination.
Rabies is a disease that is transmitted from the bite of an infected animal. Any warm-blooded animal is capable of becoming rabid, but the bat is the primary carrier in the Pacific Northwest. Signs of rabies include changes in behavior (i.e. aggressive behaviors or blunted mental status), seizures, coma, or any other neurologic signs. Rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks of age. The vaccine is boostered 1 year after that and then boostered every 3 years. This vaccine is extremely important due the severity of this disease; it is 100% fatal and there is no cure. Additionally, it is a public health concern, as people can get this deadly disease.
FVRCP Vaccination.
This vaccination protects against a combination of diseases that affect cats. The viral diseases from which we seek to protect cats with this vaccine include the following:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus) (FVR). The feline herpesvirus is transmitted by aerosolization and in utero, thus it is an extremely contagious. It usually causes ocular and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, corneal ulcerations (keratitis), sneezing, fever, and inappetance.
Feline Calicivirus (C). The feline calicivirus is shed from oral and nasal secretions, as well as in the feces. It can persist on contaminated objects. It can cause nasal dischange, sneezing, fever, oral ulcerations, gingivitis, conjunctivits, canine tooth extrusion, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and inappetance.
Feline Panleukopenia (P). This parvovirus is shed in bodily excretions and secretions and can be transmitted in utero. Clinical signs can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, neurological signs, and bone marrow suppression.
This combination vaccine is typically started when a kitten is 8-9 weeks of age. Each kitten will receive a booster of this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks of age. A booster vaccine is then given 1 year after the final vaccine in the kitten series. After that, it is recommended that the vaccine be given every 3 years.
Optional (Non-Core) Vaccine for our Feline Patients:
Feline Leukemia Vaccination.
This is the only optional, or non-core, vaccination that we offer at Grove Veterinary Clinic. By optional, we mean that not all cats will need to be vaccinated against Feline Leukemia. It is typically recommended to those cats that spend any time outdoors or to those indoor cats that live with other cats that go outside.
The virus is spread by infected cats through bite wounds (fighting), grooming, or other types of contact. This virus damages a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and cancers throughout the cat’s body. There is no cure for this disease. Prevention of infection is the key.
This vaccine can be given to a kitten as early as 8-9 weeks of age; a booster is given in 3-4 weeks and then the vaccine is given yearly after that. Kittens and cats should be tested for the infection before the vaccine is given.
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Bathing
We offer bathing and medicated bathing for dogs and cats. Please contact us for more information on rates and availability.
Boarding Services
We offer boarding for cats, dogs and some exotic pets (guinea pigs, rabbits, etc). Because we don't board a large number of pets our space does fill fast, especially prime holiday weeks. We suggest that you make your reservations well in advance. Please contact us for more information on rates and availability.