Barnside Home

HOURS and APPOINTMENTS
EXAMINATIONS
PHARMACY
LABORATORY
RADIOLOGY
EKG, ULTRASOUND
SURGERY
DENTISTRY
ANESTHESIA
PET SELECTION ADVICE
BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
PUPPY CLASSES
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
GROOMING
LUXURY BOARDING

 

HOURS and APPOINTMENTS:

Barnside Veterinary Hospital is open 8am-8pm, 7days a week. 

(As part of our commitment to excellence, we are closed for three hours every Wednesday so that we can focus on continuing education classes for our staff members.)

Our receptionists are always available to assist you. It is recommended to schedule appointments in advance since popular times are often booked quickly. The receptionists will be glad to help you make as convenient an appointment as possible. If all appointments are taken, and your pet is ill, it is recommended to bring him in as an emergency.

Although we strive to keep on-time with our appointments (especially compared to a physician’s office) please try to be patient when a critical case takes priority. Remember, this is a hospital, not just a doctor’s office. Rest assured, we will devote just as much attention to your pet and your concerns. Be grateful that your pet is not so ill as to demand emergency care.

 

EXAMINATIONS:

A complete physical exam is performed every time a pet is seen. It doesn’t matter if a pet is in for annual vaccines, vomiting or a torn toenail. Because our patients can’t tell us what is wrong or what else might be going on, it is up to us to fully examine every aspect of your pet’s health. 

We check for changes to eating, drinking, bowel movements, urination, activity, sneezing, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.   The heart and lungs are listened to and checked for problems, the abdomen and all the organs within are felt and checked for enlargement, masses, painfulness or other abnormalities. The ears, eyes, nose, teeth, and gums are examined and checked for infection, tumors or changes that may indicate illness. The skin is checked for parasites, infection, and overall health. Muscles and joints are examined.  The neurologic system is evaluated in conjunction with the musculo-skeletal system. All lymph nodes are checked for swelling, which may indicate infection or cancer.

Any changes to a system may need to be examined with more detail (ophthalmologic exam, orthopedic exam, neurologic exam.)  Additional tests may be warranted.

Sometimes some problems are inter-related.  Other times problems are separate.  Sometimes when multiple problems are occurring simultaneously, only the most critical problems are addressed first.

 

PHARMACY:

We strive to maintain a pharmacy that is completely stocked with all of your pet’s veterinary-specific medications and prescription diets.  If your pet requires an unusual medication, we can have it ordered or specially compounded into the necessary formulation.

To save you money and aggravation, we price-match with 1-800-Pet-Meds on the following veterinary medications: Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Revolution, Frontline, Advantage and Heartguard.

 

LABORATORY:

We can perform most routine diagnostics in our in-house laboratory.  We get accurate results quickly- often results are known by the end of your pet’s appointment.  Common tests include: stool samples; urinalysis; microscopic exams of skin, ear debris, tumors; full blood-work to look at blood cells, organ functions, thyroid, heartworm, Lyme, FeLV, FIV.   Other blood-work can be sent out for analysis (test for medication levels, hormone tests, allergy testing etc) and results are often back within 48hrs.

 

RADIOLOGY:

Full x-ray services are available to check for fractures, arthritis, dislocations, hip certification, organ changes, tumors, lung and heart problems, pregnancy, bladder stones and foreign objects. X-rays are developed on-site.  Most of the time x-rays can be done with your pet awake. For some animals or certain x-ray studies, sedation is required.

 

EKG, ULTRASOUND:

Advanced testing is available to further diagnose internal diseases and problems. Sometimes we perform these tests in-house, sometimes we get second opinions from specialists using telemedicine or other communication devices and sometimes we refer patients to a specialty center.

 

SURGERY:

We use a surgical LASER to help decrease bleeding and pain.  Surgical procedures include: “Routine” services such as spaying and castrations and skin tumor removals; Orthopedic surgeries for fractures, dislocations or ligament injuries; Abdominal surgery for tumors, bladder stones, foreign objects and Cesarean sections;  Thoracic surgery for injuries, lung or heart problems.

 

DENTISTRY:

We provide full dental service including cleaning, polishing, extractions, dental x-rays and education regarding at-home preventative care.  Without preventative care, most pets have significant dental disease by 4 years of age.  Neglect of dental care, usually leads to rotting teeth and the need for extractions. Professional cleaning and dental care is recommended at least yearly.

 

ANESTHESIA:

Anesthesia needs to be used frequently in veterinary medicine because animals won’t hold still for most procedures, even ones that don’t cause pain.  We practice top-of-the-line anesthesia using the most modern drugs and monitoring equipment.

There are various levels of sedation and anesthesia that we can use depending on your pet’s needs. With older animals or sick animals, we always recommend blood-work to make sure that all the organs are functioning well. If we are concerned about heart problems, we also recommend a pre-anesthetic EKG.

 

PET SELECTION ADVICE:

We see just about every breed and species of pet. We also see a wide variety of individual temperaments of each of these breeds. Size, temperament, health problems, costs, coat care, and general suitability are areas of pet care that we are experts.  Since we have no motive to sway you toward any particular breed or pet, you can be sure to get an unbiased opinion.  A pet is a 15-year commitment, so it is very important that you start out on the right foot. Ask us! We can help BEFORE you bring home your new family member.

 

BEHAVIOR CONSULTING:

Okay, maybe you didn’t take our advice about what type of pet to get, or maybe you’re having a difficult situation. Behavior problems can develop at any age, during any life-stage, with life-style changes, or when there’s an underlying medical problem. The important thing is to seek professional advice as quickly as possible.

The longer a problem continues, the worse it becomes, the harder it is to resolve, and the more miserable everyone is. Health care, obedience training, behavior training and behavior modifying medication are all important in resolving a problem.   Like any problem, investments in time, effort, patience, and finances are required.  Behavior problems don’t start overnight, nor are they cured overnight, but we can usually help.

 

PUPPY CLASSES:

Stop problems before they start! Our intimate puppy classes are a great way to promote good socialization skills and manners.  Each class will also review essential preventative health care topics.  Helping your puppy learn that the vet hospital is a fun and exciting place creates a positive imprint for future visits.

 

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT:

Lets face-it, obesity is a growing epidemic with people and pets. Since pets are completely dependent on us for food and exercise, we’re the ones responsible for their state-of-health.  Although it’s difficult to resist those pleading eyes, you don’t have to go it alone.

Our caring staff members will help you through the long-haul with a combination plan of dietary tips, exercise techniques, new weight-loss medications and a hefty dose of moral support. The best thing you can do to give your friend the longest, happiest life, is to love him with kisses, not biscuits.

 

GROOMING:

We offer a complete line of grooming services. We recommend you look at various hair cuts available for your pet and work with the groomer to find a style that is convenient for you and your pet. Not every hair style looks good on every pet, and some traditional styles, may not be good for your lifestyle (long hair on a Maltese that likes to splash in the mud.) Also, please remember that certain styles can only be achieved by diligent and routine professional grooming.

If your pet is all matted and tangled or has serious skin problems, it may be easiest to give them a crew-cut first, and then work towards a style as the hair grows back. Our groomers are trained to bring to the doctor’s attention any health problems that they notice. With the doctor’s permission, the groomer can use specially medicated shampoos for certain skin conditons your pet may have.

Most animals can be groomed without sedation, but there are some which need either sedation or full-anesthesia (particularly matted cats). You need to set-up these grooming appointments through the veterinarian.

 

LUXURY BOARDING:

Your pet deserves the very best care while you’re away. At Barnside Veterinary Hospital veterinary care is available 24hrs a day. You can rest assured that your pet’s medications will be professionally administered on-time.  Any changes or problems can be assessed by a veterinarian. Your pet will receive top-quality Science Diet food, or your own food from home.

Cats reside in two-story “townhouses” for their climbing activities. Classical music, mobiles and other visual treats provide hours of entertainment. Cats are housed in their own separate suite, away from barking dogs for a stress-free stay.