ADVANCED TREATMENTS

Diagnostics

On-site and Off site Laboratory
Our on-site laboratory allows us to run a large number of blood tests in-house for cases that require rapid results. We are able to perform pre-surgical blood work on the day of surgery, which gives us accurate, up-to-the-minute information. A large, off-site veterinary laboratory is used for routine work-ups and a wide variety of more exotic, or comprehensive tests.

We can tell many things about your pet’s health by analyzing their blood.  A blood test allows us to asses their kidney and liver function, it tells us if your pet has an ongoing infection, it can let us know if your pet has an autoimmune diseases or even a parasite that resides in the blood.

Why do we need to know about the status of your pet’s kidney and liver before anesthetizing them or giving them a pain killer for arthritis?  The kidney and liver are crucial in metabolizing drugs, and it is difficult to tell if a pet is starting to have issues with their kidney and liver.  The blood test gives us more information on how the body is functioning.

Blood tests can also tell us if a patient has been exposed to specific viruses or parasites.  For example in kittens we will be testing for Feline Leukemia virus.  We can tell if you pet has been exposed to heartworms and Lyme disease as well.

Digital Radiographs
Radiology (x-rays) allows our veterinarians to evaluate the muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems of your pets. Our on-site digital x-ray machine enables us to capture clear images quickly, email your pet’s x-rays to specialists, or copy them onto a disc for you to view at home. Below you can see a dog’s abdomen with bladder stones.

Digital Dental Radiographs
A study conducted at UC Davis on veterinary students and faculty pets showed that most pet owners (even veterinarians and future veterinarians) did not realize that their pets had periodontal disease.  Many animals teeth will look great on the surface, but much like an iceberg, there is dangerous decay and disease underneath the gum line.  Often times only a dental x-ray can show the extent of disease.  Take a look at this picture of an oral exam (insert picture)  now look at the x-rays.  Note the loss of bone due to periodontal disease. (watch a video) See below for a before and after extraction dental radiograph.


Ultrasound
This non-invasive, state-of-the-art technology uses sound waves to painlessly examine specific internal organs. We have our very own ultrasound machine on-site, as well as access to an ultrasound specialist who will travel to our hospital for consultations.  This video will show you how we “explore” your pets abdomen for clues as to how their organs are doing   (watch a video)

Advanced Therapies and Treatments

Orthopedic Surgery
At Dana Niguel Veterinary Hospital we believe it is important to provide you with the best surgical expertise for you pet’s orthopedic needs.  We utilize the services of traveling surgeons who perform orthopedic surgery for your pet right here in the hospital.  We also refer patients to board certified surgeons for the most expert and state of the art surgical treatment options and after care.

Stem Cell Treatment

Dana Niguel Veterinary Hospital was one of the first veterinary hospitals to be trained and credentialed in stem cell therapy.  These stem cells come from your pet’s own fat!  A small sample of fat tissue is collected and sent off to a laboratory for isolation and then returned to us for injection into your pet.  Current uses for stem cells are for the pain and inflammation from arthritis.  For more information about fat derived stem cells in pets click here and here and here.

Surgical Laser

Dana Niguel Veterinary Hospital has recently acquired a surgical laser. When using a laser, only the intense beam of laser light touches the pet, which minimizes the pain, swelling and bleeding often associated with surgery.  The laser has the unique ability to vaporize or “erase” tissue.  The laser can be used to make incisions, as well as erase unhealthy tissue.  The laser is so precise that we can selectively remove only a few cells at a time.  The laser seals nerve endings, so patients are much more comfortable after surgery.  Not only does the laser kill any bacteria in its path, it also seals the lymphatics, so there is less swelling post-operatively.

Companion Therapeutic

Laser
Dana Niguel is very excited to offer a new treatment option for pain, inflammation and healing, the class IV therapeutic laser.  This FDA approved product is different from the surgical laser mentioned above.  It is not a “cutting” laser but produces a deep penetrating laser which allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates the injured cells to heal at a faster rate.  Arthritis, back pain, skin conditions, post surgical pain, otitis, wound healing, degenerative joint disease, gingivitis, lacerations are just a few of the conditions that respond well to therapeutic laser treatment. (watch a video)

Pain Management

Dana Niguel Veterinary Hospital and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) (link American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to  http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/PainManagementGuidelines.pdf requires that each patient is assessed for pain before, during and after their treatment.  We feel very strongly that pain control is a very important and necessary part of our treatment for your pet.  Controlling a patient’s pain helps to lower the amount of sedation used during anesthesia, allows for a smooth recovery, faster healing and a happier more comfortable pet! Our doctors stay current on all the latest drugs that will help keep your pet comfortable whether they are suffering from acute pain like post surgery or chronic pain like arthritis.

Is your pet in pain?

Ask yourself the below questions:
Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or unresponsive
Whining, whimpering, howling, or constantly meowing
Change in personality- uncharacteristically grumping, shorter fuse even biting?
Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body
Flattening ears against the head
Having trouble sleeping or eating
Seeking a lot more affection than usual
Unable to get comfortable (constantly changes positions to find the most comfortable position)

If you answered yes to any of the above questions contact us at DNVH for a consult.  For more information about pet pain refer to AAHA’s pet owner website.

Cancer Treatment

Veterinary oncology provides many options for the patient diagnosed with cancer. Some malignancies respond well to chemotherapy, while others need surgery to be removed. Some require both. We consider the well-being of your pet and work with you to create a customized course of treatment.  Most pet owners equate chemotherapy to what is experienced in human chemotherapy.  While many of the drugs we use are the same as those used on the human side, pets do not experience all the same terrible side effects as humans.  Dogs will experience some nausea, but not the psychological nausea that human counterparts get just thinking about a round of chemo.  Pets don’t experience hair loss and their activity level while it can diminish, is not drastically effected as in people.  At Dana Niguel we will ensure that your pet gets the most up to date personalized protocol for their individual cancer needs.

Laparoscopic Surgery

The latest tool we have added to our surgical suite, is the laparoscope.  The laparoscope is like a microscope we can use to look into your pet’s abdomen with out making a big incision.  We insert the laproscope into a small incision and use the tiny camera to assist us with surgery, or exploring the abdomen or collecting a sample of tissue.  This minimally invasive instrument allows us to do more for your pet with less pain and healing time. (watch a video)