Services 

A thorough physical exam is the heart of all our services and is recommended annually for young pets and twice yearly for those seven years and older. Regular check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. 

We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best:

Surgery:  Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures: TPLO* and Securos Cruciate Surgery, Patella Luxation Repair, Arthroscopy*, pinning, plating*, intervertebral disc surgery*, bladder stone removal, intestinal tumor and foreign body removal, ear canal ablation/resection, enucleation, spay, alter, declaw (radiosurgical only due to humane considerations), aural hematoma repair, thyroidectomy, general skin and soft tissue tumor removal, liver lobectomy, splenectomy, soft palate resection, entropion repair, surgical insemination, and Regenerative Cell Therapy.  (*done on site by a board ceritified mobile surgeon) 
   
Anesthesia:  We use preoperative pain prevention to minimize the depth and maximize the safety of general anesthesia.  The best anesthetics (balanced injections, propofol, isoflurane, regional (local) nerve blocks) provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Our patients' vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures both directly by our staff and through the use of equipment such as continuous ECG, pule oximetry, and respiratory monitors.  Bair Hugger warm air heating blankets are used to keep all our surgical and dental patients warm.
     

Ultrasonography: Drs. Rice and Bollenbeck have performed over 1000 cardiac and abdominal sonograms.  Sonography is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in companion animal care.  It reduces pain, stress and the cost associated with managing diseases by allowing us to diagnose problems much sooner and more rapidly than traditonal methods such as extensive x-ray protocols and exploratory surgeries. In addition, it is the only practical way to monitor the progression of certain chronic heart and soft tissue problems.
   
Radiology Services:  Our on-site, modern X-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the quick diagnosis of many disorders, especially those of the bones, lungs, teeth, and abdomen.

MRI/CT: Scans are available nearby at an independent imaging center.  Results are reported directly to our doctors.  These scans are useful in diagnosing problems of the nervous system and other areas that are difficult to image with traditional radiographs and ultrasound. 
   
Electrocardiography Services:  We provide ECG services on-site as well as telemedicine consultations with cardiologists.
   
Dentistry:  Our dental services include teeth cleaning and polishing, digital dental X-rays, tooth extractions, periodontal disease treatment and oral surgery, including removal of tumors and elongated soft palate correction.
   
Chronic Ear Disease:  Proper diagnosis and treatment of ear conditions can prevent them from turning in to chronic problems.  If you feel like your pets ear problems never really clear up, there is probably an underlying problem that has been overlooked.  We can work with you in uncovering these basic causes through a thorough history, adequate examination with otoscopy and radiographs (possibly under sedation), aggressive treatment, and regular follow-up examination.   

Canine Reproduction Services:  Artificial insemination, breeding assistance and timing, semen analysis, semen collection and fresh chilled shipping/receiving, surgical insemination, reproductive disease and disorders.

Permanent identification: We offer microchip identification.

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. We also carry a full line of prescription diets.


Laboratory:  Our in-house laboratory facilities provide for serum chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis and parasite testing. We also utilize commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized diagnostics and consultations.
   
Individualized Flea Control Programs:  We develop 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.

Dietary Counseling:  We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance.
    
Behavioral Counseling:  We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression.

Boarding:  We provide pet boarding as a service to our clients. All boarders receive personal attention from our caring staff. Pets may be dropped off and picked up during regular business hours Monday through Saturday.

Bathing:  Routine and therapeutic bathing services are available.

Emergency Care:  After hours care is avalable at The Life Center (703-777-1808) and Pender Veterinary Centre (703-591-3304). You may call our main telephone number for instructions for after-hour emergencies as well.