Preventative Medicine
One of the most important things you can do for your pet’s quality of life and longevity is to make sure to bring them in for routine physical examinations. During these wellness exams, we will carefully check your pet’s different major bodily symptoms for signs of irregularities. Illness is much easier to treat when we catch it in its early stages, making this an extremely cost-effective strategy for you and your pet as well.
Surgery
We use only the safest anesthetic protocols available. This means choosing the drugs that are safest for your pet, administering intravenous fluids throughout the procedure to help filter and protect internal organs, and vital sign monitoring through advanced monitoring equipment. The result is a standard of care much like what people receive at quality human hospitals.
Soft tissue surgical services include routine procedures such as:
Soft tissue surgical services include routine procedures such as:
- Spay and neuter
- Mass removals
- Laceration repair
- Exploratory
- Gastrointestinal
- Urological surgery
Internal Medicine
We all really want our pets to live long happy lives so that we can spend as much quality time with them as possible. We run and play with them when they are in their playful moods, and feel their pain when they aren’t well.
Pets have the same internal organs as humans and can have just as many problems with them as we do. In general, the older the pet, the more likely they develop problems with their digestive, urinary, and vascular systems. Some may be mild and normal with older age, but others may cause nausea, pain, and even death.
As our pets age, we recommend annual or occasionally even semi-annual bloodwork to try to catch these diseases early, when they are the most easily treated. Our pets age much more rapidly than do humans, which means a large dog may be considered senior at age 5, while cats and small dogs generally are considered senior at age 8. Please see our page on Wellness care to determine the proper preventative care for your pet based on his or her age and species.
Pets have the same internal organs as humans and can have just as many problems with them as we do. In general, the older the pet, the more likely they develop problems with their digestive, urinary, and vascular systems. Some may be mild and normal with older age, but others may cause nausea, pain, and even death.
As our pets age, we recommend annual or occasionally even semi-annual bloodwork to try to catch these diseases early, when they are the most easily treated. Our pets age much more rapidly than do humans, which means a large dog may be considered senior at age 5, while cats and small dogs generally are considered senior at age 8. Please see our page on Wellness care to determine the proper preventative care for your pet based on his or her age and species.
Dental Care
Before the Dental Cleaning
First, the all-important question: Does my pet need a dental cleaning?
If your pet meets the criteria above, please call us or request an appointment. If the condition of your pet’s oral health has not been assessed by one of our veterinarians, we recommend scheduling a free dental assessment prior to the procedure, so that we may provide you with an estimate.
Preparing for the Procedure
Your pet should not have any food after 10 pm the night before the procedure. Please complete the anesthetic procedure authorization form to bring with you the morning of the procedure. This will save you time during your pet’s drop-off. We will call and/or email you to remind you of this. Please confirm your appointment or call to reschedule as soon as you are aware that your schedule has changed.
Drop-off the Morning of the Procedure
We ask that you drop your pet off between 7-7:30 am. Please bring the anesthetic procedure authorization form or fill it out in our office the morning of the procedure.
- If your pet is 3 years old (or younger for some smaller breeds), they should begin having dental cleanings and assessments at least once a year.
- If the veterinarian has identified that dental disease has begun to affect your pet, it is important to have the dental done as soon as possible to prevent possible pain, discomfort and illness for your pet.
If your pet meets the criteria above, please call us or request an appointment. If the condition of your pet’s oral health has not been assessed by one of our veterinarians, we recommend scheduling a free dental assessment prior to the procedure, so that we may provide you with an estimate.
Preparing for the Procedure
Your pet should not have any food after 10 pm the night before the procedure. Please complete the anesthetic procedure authorization form to bring with you the morning of the procedure. This will save you time during your pet’s drop-off. We will call and/or email you to remind you of this. Please confirm your appointment or call to reschedule as soon as you are aware that your schedule has changed.
Drop-off the Morning of the Procedure
We ask that you drop your pet off between 7-7:30 am. Please bring the anesthetic procedure authorization form or fill it out in our office the morning of the procedure.
While Your Pet is in Our Care
- Your pet will be taken to a comfortable kennel that has been thoughtfully prepared for him/her.
- We place an IV catheter so that we can administer fluids throughout the procedure. This also allows us to administer other drugs quickly and easily into this one port for your pet’s comfort.
Dental Cleaning & Polishing
- When it is your pet’s turn, we will pre-medicate him/her so that they will become very relaxed before inducing anesthesia.
- When your pet is comfortable and relaxed, we induce anesthesia. This allows your pet to sleep comfortably and painlessly through the entire procedure.
- Throughout the anesthetic process, a skilled technician monitors your pet’s vital signs through advanced monitoring equipment. Fluids are administered throughout the procedure to help your pet’s internal organs process the drugs and pass them out of your pet’s system after the procedure.
- The veterinarian is present throughout the procedure to monitor your pet, assess the condition of your pet’s oral health, and perform procedures.
- Each of your pet’s teeth will be cleaned and polished with industry-leading equipment, very similar to what you would find at your own modern dentist’s office.
- Dental Radiographs may be performed to assess the condition of the teeth below the gum line. We have intentionally priced our full-mouth dental x-rays to be an affordable part of your pet’s wellness care.
- If extractions are necessary, the veterinarian will perform this procedure and suture the empty sockets with absorbing sutures when necessary.
- Before and after photos will be taken.
- A dental chart will be completed during the procedure to show you the exact location of any extractions or problem areas that have been identified.
- When your pet’s teeth have been cleaned, polished, and any other issues addressed, we will then recover your pet from anesthesia by reversing the drugs.
- We continue to monitor your pet’s vitals throughout this entire process.
- When your pet is fully awake, he/she will rest comfortably in our treatment area so that the team can continue to monitor their recovery.
- We will give you a call when your pet has awakened from anesthesia to update you on the procedure and schedule a pick-up time.
- Once your pet is fully recovered from the anesthesia and we have monitored him/her for a few hours, they are ready to return to your care.
- When you arrive to pick your pet up, we will discuss with you the necessary at-home care and any important medications.
- Your pet will then be returned to you with pleasantly fresh breath and beautiful pearly white teeth!
Exotic Pets
In addition to services for dogs and cats, our veterinary team is trained and qualified to treat many species of exotic, non-traditional, and pocket pets. Dr. Singleton has performed surgery on and managed the health of many species including rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils, lizards, snakes, and many other exotic pets.
Call us if your exotic pet is ill, injured, needs wellness care, routine surgery, or you just need to schedule a consult to discuss how to keep a new exotic pet happy and healthy.
Call us if your exotic pet is ill, injured, needs wellness care, routine surgery, or you just need to schedule a consult to discuss how to keep a new exotic pet happy and healthy.
Health Certificates
Health certificates are legal documents that permit animals to move across state lines (as required by the USDA) or to legally enter into another country. The main reason for these certificates is to ensure that contagious and infectious diseases do not get spread to other areas of the world.
For some countries and states, this may only require a current physical exam by your pet’s Veterinarian, along with proof of rabies vaccination. However, other states may require extensive and time-consuming blood tests, microchipping and medications.
What are the requirements to travel to different Countries?
Every country is different, for more information on each countries requirements click here to visit the USDA's website, then select the country you will be traveling to.
If there are required tests, you will need to schedule an appointment with one of our accredited veterinarians to determine the proper tests and timeline. The fees incurred for these additional visits are not part of the fee for issuing the international health certificate. A written estimate will be provided upon request during the first appointment if you so choose.
Because these are legal documents to ensure health, the pet must be physically examined at the time a health certificate is issued, even if the pet was seen by our office recently. This is a USDA requirement.
What are the requirements to travel to different States?
Every state has their own unique set of requirements for traveling into or through their state. Click here to check out this helpful chart to help you determine what you need in order to travel between state lines.
What do Airlines require for my pet to fly?
Depending on the airline, you will want to research their individual set of rules and regulations they have in place as the standard for transporting your pet. Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you as your carry-on item while others require pets travel in the cargo area below. Airlines can have additional fees ranging anywhere from $0 to over $500 and some only allow a set number of animals per flight. Make sure the flight you want to book will have a spot open for you and your furry friend.
To help you prepare, Bring Fido is a website that discusses all things travel for your pet. For airline policies, click here and then select which airline you will be booking your travel arrangements through. They have in-depth information about the different airline requirements and direct contact information for each airline. Once you've looked over the information, you will want to contact the airlines concierge to confirm you have everything you need to follow their rules for flying. Airlines often change their policies or procedures for transporting a pet with little or no notice to the pet owners, that's why we recommend always calling the airline concierge before arriving at the airport.
What are pet relocation services and what do they do?
Many people are now frequently choosing to turn to pet relocation services to help them navigate the difficult process of moving or traveling with their pet. Pet relocations companies can help you with advice/tips and create a "move coordination plan", they can pick up or drop off your pet anywhere, help you select the proper crate for traveling based on requirements, get your pet checked in at the airport and help you facilitate all the vet appointments, quarantines, permits, all other legal documentation, book travel arrangements, and more.
We are available to work with any pet relocation company you may choose. In the past, we have worked with PetRelocation. They are an Austin based company that clients have used with great success.
What do I do once I get the Health Certificate?
After issuance of an international health certificate, also known as APHIS form 7001, the certificate, and any required documents must be signed by the state veterinarian as well. They are located downtown, their contact info follows:
USDA Texas State Veterinarian Office Veterinary Services Dr. Kevin Varner APHIS Area Veterinarian-In-Charge 903 San Jacinto Blvd., Room 220 Austin, Texas 78701-2450 Phone: (512) 383-2400 FAX: (512) 916-5197 Email: [email protected]
For some countries and states, this may only require a current physical exam by your pet’s Veterinarian, along with proof of rabies vaccination. However, other states may require extensive and time-consuming blood tests, microchipping and medications.
What are the requirements to travel to different Countries?
Every country is different, for more information on each countries requirements click here to visit the USDA's website, then select the country you will be traveling to.
If there are required tests, you will need to schedule an appointment with one of our accredited veterinarians to determine the proper tests and timeline. The fees incurred for these additional visits are not part of the fee for issuing the international health certificate. A written estimate will be provided upon request during the first appointment if you so choose.
Because these are legal documents to ensure health, the pet must be physically examined at the time a health certificate is issued, even if the pet was seen by our office recently. This is a USDA requirement.
What are the requirements to travel to different States?
Every state has their own unique set of requirements for traveling into or through their state. Click here to check out this helpful chart to help you determine what you need in order to travel between state lines.
What do Airlines require for my pet to fly?
Depending on the airline, you will want to research their individual set of rules and regulations they have in place as the standard for transporting your pet. Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you as your carry-on item while others require pets travel in the cargo area below. Airlines can have additional fees ranging anywhere from $0 to over $500 and some only allow a set number of animals per flight. Make sure the flight you want to book will have a spot open for you and your furry friend.
To help you prepare, Bring Fido is a website that discusses all things travel for your pet. For airline policies, click here and then select which airline you will be booking your travel arrangements through. They have in-depth information about the different airline requirements and direct contact information for each airline. Once you've looked over the information, you will want to contact the airlines concierge to confirm you have everything you need to follow their rules for flying. Airlines often change their policies or procedures for transporting a pet with little or no notice to the pet owners, that's why we recommend always calling the airline concierge before arriving at the airport.
What are pet relocation services and what do they do?
Many people are now frequently choosing to turn to pet relocation services to help them navigate the difficult process of moving or traveling with their pet. Pet relocations companies can help you with advice/tips and create a "move coordination plan", they can pick up or drop off your pet anywhere, help you select the proper crate for traveling based on requirements, get your pet checked in at the airport and help you facilitate all the vet appointments, quarantines, permits, all other legal documentation, book travel arrangements, and more.
We are available to work with any pet relocation company you may choose. In the past, we have worked with PetRelocation. They are an Austin based company that clients have used with great success.
What do I do once I get the Health Certificate?
After issuance of an international health certificate, also known as APHIS form 7001, the certificate, and any required documents must be signed by the state veterinarian as well. They are located downtown, their contact info follows:
USDA Texas State Veterinarian Office Veterinary Services Dr. Kevin Varner APHIS Area Veterinarian-In-Charge 903 San Jacinto Blvd., Room 220 Austin, Texas 78701-2450 Phone: (512) 383-2400 FAX: (512) 916-5197 Email: [email protected]
Dermatology
Living in Austin can contribute to diseases that affect your pet’s skin, from allergies to parasites. If your pet scratches or bites excessively, sheds a bit too much or is losing hair, has red, raw, bumpy, or scabby skin, he/she likely has a treatable condition that they do not need to suffer from!
We can guide you through the diagnostic process and can usually offer a choice of treatments to make your pet comfortable again.
We can guide you through the diagnostic process and can usually offer a choice of treatments to make your pet comfortable again.
Oncology
Cancer is always devastating, no matter what species is battling it. We have sophisticated tools that help us rapidly and efficiently find a diagnosis for you and your pet. We can provide many treatment options, no matter what your goal for your pet is; from simply relieving the symptoms of the disease to trying to get a definitive cure. If more advanced treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation is warranted, we can refer you to the veterinary oncologist to help your pet fight this battle.
Ophthalmology
We all see how much our pets love to watch birds fly around in the backyard, watch the ball so they can chase it down to bring back to you, or look at other pets as they pass by. Normal healthy vision offers our pets these small pleasures in life, and helps them maintain their overall health by helping them avoid danger.
Eye problems are a common source of pain. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent blindness. Many things can affect the eyes that may be easily treated and relatively mild such as allergies, but others may spiral into much bigger problems that require intensive care. A quick trip to your vet can help you easily and quickly distinguish these issues and determine a proper course of treatment if needed.
Some common symptoms that indicate an ocular problem are an increase in tear drainage from the eyes, a hazy or milky colored cornea (the clear surface of the eye), thick discharge, and red, irritated eyes.
Eye problems are a common source of pain. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent blindness. Many things can affect the eyes that may be easily treated and relatively mild such as allergies, but others may spiral into much bigger problems that require intensive care. A quick trip to your vet can help you easily and quickly distinguish these issues and determine a proper course of treatment if needed.
Some common symptoms that indicate an ocular problem are an increase in tear drainage from the eyes, a hazy or milky colored cornea (the clear surface of the eye), thick discharge, and red, irritated eyes.
Cardiology
A healthy heart can allow your pet to play for hours and hours in the great Austin outdoors. An unhealthy heart can really slow your pet down, and sadly, usually shortens their life expectancy.
We can evaluate the health of your pet’s cardiovascular system via heartworm testing, auscultation (listening to your pet’s heart rate and rhythm via a stethoscope), EKG, and a revolutionary blood test that offers an early detection tool of underlying heart disease. If more advanced testing is required such as an echocardiogram, we can also arrange for a mobile ultrasound to be done at our hospital. We also have the option to refer you to the local veterinary cardiologist.
We have several options for heartworm preventative in our hospital, and offer a full line of products on our new online pharmacy!
We can evaluate the health of your pet’s cardiovascular system via heartworm testing, auscultation (listening to your pet’s heart rate and rhythm via a stethoscope), EKG, and a revolutionary blood test that offers an early detection tool of underlying heart disease. If more advanced testing is required such as an echocardiogram, we can also arrange for a mobile ultrasound to be done at our hospital. We also have the option to refer you to the local veterinary cardiologist.
We have several options for heartworm preventative in our hospital, and offer a full line of products on our new online pharmacy!