Gainesville Florida Veterinarians

Laboratory testing provides vital information about organ function and the immune system. Because timely results are critical, we maintain an in-house laboratory with results available in minutes, rather than days. Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, urinalyses, fecal flotations, heartworm tests and feline leukemia/FIV tests are run routinely.

In addition, feline thyroid levels, skin and ear cytology and fine needle aspirates of growths are all processed in-house. Samples requiring specialist evaluation, such as bacterial cultures and histopathology of abnormal tissues, are taken to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center labs for testing. Canine thyroid levels, cortisol levels and other disease-specific tests are sent to specialty laboratories.

Health maintenance uses preventative medicine to keep our patients well. Physical examinations and laboratory testing allow early detection of many illnesses before they become serious, while vaccinations prevent contagious diseases and save lives. Regular physical examinations allow our doctors to detect problems that, left untreated, could become serious or life-threatening.

A complete physical exam involves evaluating all body systems. The doctor will examine your pet's eyes, ears, mouth; listen to the heart and lungs; and palpate the abdomen, lymph nodes and joints for any abnormality or pain. Routine laboratory testing like fecal flotation and heartworm tests are used to diagnose internal parasites. Tests like blood counts, chemistry panels and urinalysis allow doctors to check for early signs of organ malfunction.

Vaccinations are used to prevent contagious diseases. Our doctors carefully assess your pet's lifestyle and risk factors to determine which vaccines are necessary. We recommend a series of visits for growing puppies and kittens and twice yearly visits for adult dogs and cats. Visit our Health Packages page for more information.

Radiographs (x-rays) allow our doctors to evaluate bones, abdominal organs and the heart and lungs. Our state-of-the-art digital radiography provides faster, higher quality images than traditional film. At Oaks Veterinary Hospital, digital dental radiography is also available.

Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to evaluate internal organs, is also available. The procedure is performed at our hospital by a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Interpretations are received the same day.

Diagnosis and treatment of disease is an important part of veterinary medicine. Our doctors treat a wide range of problems, including those of the skin (dermatology), eyes (ophthalmology), ears, heart (cardiology), respiratory system, GI system (gastroenterology), nervous system (neurology) and tumors (oncology). When a problem requires specialty care, our doctors will advise you about referral options and help with scheduling and transfer of records.

Surgical procedures are performed routinely at our hospitals using sterile technique and patient-specific anesthesia. Each patient is evaluated by a doctor prior to surgery and an individual anesthetic and pain management plan is chosen. Choices are made based on the species, breed, age and physical condition of the animal.

A variety of injectable and gas anesthesia choices are used to make anesthesia as safe as possible for your pet. Each hospital has a well-equipped surgery area that is cleaned and disinfected between patients. Surgeons wear masks, caps, and sterile gloves for each procedure. All surgical instruments and equipment are sterilized in an autoclave and used for a single procedure. Electronic monitors are used to measure vital signs throughout every procedure and IV fluids are carefully calibrated with an automatic pump. Surgical procedures performed include ovariohysterectomy (spay) and castration (neuter), as well as tumor excision, cystotomy (bladder surgery), gastrotomy (stomach surgery), splenectomy (spleen removal) and many others.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems in dogs and cats. Routine dental care can help keep your pet healthy for many years. If untreated, dental disease can lead to pain and infection, not just in the mouth, but throughout the whole body.

Our doctors do a complete oral examination under general anesthesia and develop a treatment plan specifically for your pet. Dental radiographs help pinpoint areas of trouble that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as infections, fractures and bone loss from periodontal disease. All dental cleanings and treatments are performed under general anesthesia. A routine dental cleaning includes ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line, polishing and fluoride treatment. Extractions are performed with a high-speed drill and appropriate pain management.

Dogs and cats feel pain just like people do. Arthritis, injuries, surgery and disease can all be painful. Our doctors will work with you to establish an individual treatment plan for your pet. We use a wide range of medications as well as nutraceuticals, chondroprotective therapy and therapeutic laser treatments.

Therapeutic laser is a state-of-the-art technology used to treat a variety of painful conditions, including arthritis, back pain and wounds. A specially calibrated laser stimulates tissue healing and decreases inflammation, swelling and pain. Laser therapy is safe, effective and free from any harmful side effects.

A comprehensive pharmacy is maintained at both hospitals to ensure your pet's medications are available for your convenience. We have a complete inventory of heartworm preventatives, flea and tick products, and prescription medications. All prescription requests are reviewed by a doctor to ensure safe and effective administration. All medication is kept in a dry and temperature controlled environment and is of high quality. Expiration dates are checked regularly.

Our Deluxe Baths by trained technical staff can be scheduled Monday through Saturday, including before boarding pickup-up or prior to surgery. This service includes cleansing with a high quality shampoo, nail trim, ear cleaning, gland expression, drying and brushing. Please see our Specials page for information on Tuesday and Thursday discounts.

Our groomers, Lea and Rena, will style your pets haircoat to your specification with specialty equipment and years of experience. Both groomers work at our Oaks and Northwood Oaks facilities, and are available by appointment Monday through Friday, and Saturdays at the Oaks office. Deluxe Spa Treatment Packages can be added for individual needs. Please visit our Specials page for available discounts. Grooming forms may be downloaded from our Document page.

Lea Florence is a highly experienced and skilled professional groomer who has been delighting our clients with her superb work. Previously self-employed, she takes great pride in her grooms and has many repeat clients. Lea forms close bonds with the pets she grooms, and they are always happy to come for a visit.

Rena Kreitman is also a professional groomer with 8 years experience and an enduring passion for her pets and her work. Her beautiful grooms reflect her care and skill. Before joining our practice, Rena worked at PetSmart here in Gainesville for several years.

The safe and comfortable care of our pets when we travel from home is an important aspect of their care. Boarding services are available for cats, dogs, and exotics at both facilities. Our kennels are part of our hospital facility, and are kept extremely clean, with comfortable temperature control We are proud of the care that is offered by our highly trained professional staff.

Cats and exotics are housed in a quiet environment, with indoor feline play areas. Dogs are exercised regularly under supervision within outdoor fenced enclosures. Care is taken to maintain a safe environment.

All special needs are carefully met, and care is documented on indifidual medical records. Doctors are alerted and available to treat any problems, both during regular business hours and on weekends and holidays.

Extra play time or attention may be requested. You may also schedule health maintenance services ore have medical problems diagnosed and treated while your pet is with us. Boarding forms may be downloaded from our Document page.