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Preventive Healthcare
We recommend an annual wellness visit to include: physical examination, performed by a veterinarian; fecal exams for parasites; canine heartworm tests; all needed vaccinations and periodic blood and urine tests. We also discuss your pet's nutrition status, behavior issues and parasite control measures. Pets age at a faster rate than humans. Frequent exams increase the likelihood of any abnormalities in your pet's health status being detected sooner, when they are more treatable. We recommend staying on heartworm preventative 12 months per year.
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Holistic and Alternative Healing Therapies
In addition to the many services the Clinic has been providing the community for the past 25 years, Dr. John Herrity specializes in therapies targeting conditions such as allergies, arthritis, back and joint problems and other chronic conditions affecting companion animals.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an integral part of preventive health care throughout your pet's lifetime. During your wellness appointment our veterinarians will discuss the available vaccines with you and inform you of the proper vaccination schedule for your pet. These recommendations are variable based on the species, breed, age and health status of your pet. Information on new puppy or kitten vaccinations is available by calling the clinic (703-569-9600) and speaking with a receptionist.
Some people prefer to have their pet's vaccine titers checked prior to revaccination; this service is available. We draw a blood sample and submit it to a referral laboratory for the testing and then report the results to you.
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Dental Cleanings/Extractions
Regular dental exams and cleanings are important to maintaining not only your pet's oral health, but overall health as well. We encourage early preventative dental procedures before periodontal diseases cause loss of teeth. Bacteria from periodontal disease have a clear path to your pet's bloodstream and vital organs. The organs with the highest blood flow are most susceptible to infection: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can impair your pet's quality of life. We perform an oral exam as part of the annual physical. Dental cleanings are scheduled when indicated.
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Pharmacy
For your convenience, our on-site pharmacy is well stocked with most prescribed medications so you can purchase your prescriptions at the time of your visit. You may also visit our online pharmacy via your “Pet Portal.” If a needed medication is not stocked we will be happy to write a prescription for the pharmacy of your choice. The state of Virginia considers heartworm preventative and flea control products “prescriptions” so please call ahead, or order through our online pharmacy, for this and all prescriptions.
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Ultrasound and Telemedicine
We use a cutting edge GE Logiq 5 TruDigital ultrasound machine, like the one you may have seen at your doctor's office. This machine combined with our doctors' training allows us to capture superior ultrasound and echocardiogram images. Better images equate with a more accurate diagnosis.
Telemedicine enables you to receive a specialist's consultation without even leaving the confines of our clinic. It's like having a Cardiologist, Radiologist and Internist on call for your pet's needs. Through our telemedicine network and the internet, a second opinion can be obtained online from one of these specialists without additional travel to a second appointment. This means a more rapid diagnosis and start of treatment, with less stress for you and your pet.
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Radiography (X-rays)
We have a state of the art digital x-ray unit that creates wonderful quality images. Images are produced rapidly and can be examined and digitally enhanced to produce more diagnostic information than with traditional film x-rays. The digital nature of the images permits you to obtain a second opinion from a specialist via telemedicine (the internet). There is no need for you to run x-ray films around or transport your pet, delaying treatment.
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General/Orthopedic Surgery
Many of our doctors have been performing surgery for over twenty years. They have a broad range of surgical experience beyond just spays and neuters. Our staff is skilled in the use of some of the newest and safest anesthetic agents and equipment in veterinary use: SevoFlo, Isoflourane, Propofol, A.D.S.Ventilator, Pulse Oximetry, and more…These are words to listen for when your pet is having anesthesia. Our continuining education and state of the art anesthetic equipment are here to help your pet in their time of need, whether it's an emergency or elective procedure.
Webster's Dictionary defines comfort as “a state of ease and quiet enjoyment”. We achieve this by tailoring our pain management protocols to fit the individual procedure and patient's needs. It's the foundation of compassionate care giving. Through the review of our protocols by a board certified anesthesiologist and countless hours of continuing education, we have adopted many effective pain management protocols. We are not going to stop there. Safety and compassion are our driving forces. So when we discuss your pets procedure you'll hear “local blocks, regional blocks, epidurals, constant rate infusions, transdermal patches and more …” We want your pet to be comfortable.
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Laparoscopy
Some pet's medical conditions require biopsies and visualization of the organs in the abdominal cavity to make an accurate diagnosis. Our laparoscopy unit permits us to accomplish this with 2 to 3 very small incisions. The result is an accurate diagnosis and a more rapid surgical recovery with a shorter hospital stay.
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Cancer Treatment
This is one of the most troubling periods in your relationship with your pet. Cancer is a complicated disease and may require many difficult decisions. Our doctors are here to council you, and together, help you choose a course of treatment. We work closely with area veterinary oncologists/surgeons and have many treatment programs available in house too. All treatments are tailored to the needs of your pet, and your family's desires, with an emphasis on maintaining quality of life.
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On-site Laboratory
We have an on-site laboratory that enables us to perform in-house urine, blood and fecal testing in a timely fashion. We also use numerous referral laboratories specifically chosen for their expertise in advanced testing.
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Nutrition Counseling
We hear everyday that Americans need to slim down and so do many of our pets. Let's develop a program to help control your pet's weight gain. Your pet's nutritional needs can be discussed with the doctors and staff during their next appointment.
Your pet's health may dictate a specific dietary need. Whether it's diabetes, kidney disease, food allergy and more, we stock most of Hill's Prescription Diet foods. We can order special quantities/sizes for you; we receive delivery twice a week for your convenience.
We can also order Purina's prescription foods, Innovative Veterinary Diets (IVD) and Waltham prescription diets for you when needed. We do not routinely stock these diets so they need to be ordered in advance and are delivered to the clinic via UPS twice weekly. We can call you when your order arrives.
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