Services Offered | Alder Creek Veterinary Clinic

Laser Therapy

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:21:13 -0700

Alder Creek is pleased to have recently expanded its treatment capabilities with the addition of laser therapy. This technique uses a therapeutic laser to stimulate metabolic and respiratory rates of unhealthy and damaged cells, aiding the body in the healing process. Laser therapy works by triggering a cell response that leads to the release of endorphins, chemical which help to eliminate the sensation of pain. Laser therapy also helps to shorten the inflammatory cycle of the healing process allowing the body to heal itself faster and relieve pain caused by inflammation.

Laser therapy can have benefits for animals with many different conditions:

•It assists our animals to heal faster after surgery or any traumatic injury.

•It eases pain and improves mobility without the use of pharmaceuticals and surgery.

•It helps provide your geriatric animal relief from aches and pains, allowing for more freedom and an improved quality of life.

•It can help to aid healing and relieve severe pain and discomfort caused by common disorders, such as lick granulomas and chronic ear infections.

For more information please visitthe Companion Animal Laser Therapy website.

Reproduction

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:37:08 -0700

We offer a wide range of services targeted to help breeders provide the highest quality care for their breeding animals and offspring.

Artificial Insemination

We perform several different types of artificial insemination in bitches. First is the traditional vaginal method, where fresh semen is placed in the vagina next to the cervix using a pipette. Next is surgical artificial insemination. Our veterinarians place semen directly into the uterus via a small abdominal incision. This method is used for insemination with chilled or frozen semen.

Pregnancy Diagnosis

This is accomplished with two main methods. Pregnancy can be detected earliest using an ultrasound. We typically ultrasound between 25-35 days gestation. This allows for the best viewing of fetuses present and can also allow for viewing of fetal heartbeats.

Click on image to view ultrasound clip

For later detection of pregnancy radiographs can be done after 45 days of gestation. This method gives the most accurate puppy count.

Click on image for larger view

A last method, and not as often used, is measuring the pregnancy hormone relaxin. This method can be used after 22 days gestation. The disadvantage of this method is that it only gives a yes or no diagnosis for pregnancy.

Semen Collection and Evaluation

This service allows us to collect semen for artificial insemination and then evaluate the quality of the collected semen. Semen is evaluated for color, volume, concentration, motility, and morphological abnormalities.

Radiology

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:36:49 -0700

Our state of the art digital x-ray machine allows our staff to take the highest quality images of your pet for improved diagnostics and evaluation of your pet's condition.

Specialized Radiology Services:

OFA Hip and Elbow X-Rays

This service allows you to have your pet's hips or elbows x-rayed according to the guidelines set forth by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for the evaluation of dysplasia in those joints. This service is most often utilized by those seeking to breed their dogs, but is a valuable tool for any dog owner in assessing dysplasia in their pet. We offer this service with or without sedation, based on your pet's disposition. We also assist you in mailing the images to OFA for evaluation by their licensed specialists.

Penn Hip X-Rays

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).

It consists of three separate radiographs: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view. The distraction view and compression view are used to obtain accurate and precise measurements of joint laxity and congruity. The hip-extended view is used to obtain supplementary information regarding the existence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint. (The hip-extended view is the conventional radiographic view used to evaluate the integrity of the canine hip joint.)

General Surgery

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:36:04 -0700

From routine procedures, such as spays and neuters and removal of small lumps and bumps, to more complex procedures, such as emergency abdominal surgeries or minor orthopedic procedures, the doctors at Alder Creek are excellent surgeons and ready to assist you in your pet's needs.

Anesthesia

We offer the latest in anesthetic protocols and monitoring to make surgery as safe as possible for your animal. Our anesthesia is carefully calculated for your pet individually, and is based on a variety of factors including: weight, body type, age, and breed. Once your animal is under anesthesia they are constantly supervised by one of the highly trained veterinary technicians on our staff. We monitor your pets vital signs including: heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, carbon dioxide output, pulse oximetry, and EKG. After surgery, our technicians continue to constantly supervise your pet to help them recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Pain Management

At Alder Creek we take pain management seriously. Our comprehensive approach to pain management assures that your pet will remain comfortable before, during and after surgical and dental procedures. By treating your pet as an individual and paying attention to their pain management needs we help them to remain pain-free and happy.

Dentistry

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:35:34 -0700

Healthy teeth and gums are key for your pet's good health. Regular professional care of your animal's teeth and gums is necessary for most pets, just as it is for you. Our veterinarians are ready to assist you in keeping your pet's teeth, gums, and entire mouth in top shape!

Ultrasonic Scaling

Dental before

Dental after

This technique, using our top of the line dental equipment, allows for the efficient removal of tartar and plaque from your pet's teeth. Left alone, the build-up of tartar and plaque on your pet's teeth can result in bad breath, gum disease, and eventually the degradation of tooth roots. Regular cleaning of your pet's teeth is critical in maintaining your animal's oral health.

Digital dental X-rays

Our digital x-ray machine allows us to help you make the best decision in keeping your pet's mouth healthy. Use of this service allows visualization of a tooth's root condition, which allows us to assess the best possible treatment for periodontal disease.

canine tooth

side view of cat jaw

side view of dog jaw

Acupuncture

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:30:02 -0700

Acupuncture in veterinary medicine has been used in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body, most commonly by means of insertion of a very thin, flexible needle. Acupuncture point locations (acupoints) have been carefully mapped out in humans and in most domestic animals. Acupoints have a high concentration of free nerve endings, arterioles, lymphatics and specific cells. Stimulating these points releases natural chemicals that lead to positive effects on the muscles, tissues and organ systems. These effects include increased blood flow, increased local immune response, relaxation of the muscles and tissues and a decrease in pain and inflammation. Acupuncture can restore a healthy state of balance, promote a healing response and improve the quality of life of your pet.

Below are some common examples of conditions where acupuncture can be used as a treatment either alone or in conjunction with other traditional methods:

·Musculoskeletal problems: hips or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, chronic pain syndromes, and neck or back injuries.

·Nerve disorders: traumatic nerve injury or paralysis, certain types of muscle weakness or paralysis resulting from back or neck injuries, degenerative nerve conditions such as German Shepherd myelopathy.