Our staff at Kutztown Animal Hospital is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here to help you and your pet! They are highly trained and dedicated to making sure that your pets receive the care and compassion they deserve every time they walk in the door!
We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:
- Advanced Digital X-rays
- C-Section
- Dental Care
- Geriatric Care
- Health Certificates
- Hospice and Euthanasia
- In-House Laboratory
- Laser Therapy
- Onsite Diagnostics
- Microchipping
- Nutritional Counseling
- Parasite Prevention
- Pain Management
- Pharmacy
- Preventative Care
- Puppy and Kitten Care
- Spay and Neuter
- Surgery
- Vaccinations
- Wellness Exams
Advanced Digital X-rays
At Kutztown Animal Hospital in Kutztown, PA , we are proud to be on the cutting edge of medical technology. Radiology is a technique and diagnostic tool that we use to look inside the body in an entirely non-invasive way. X-rays allow us to create images of all the body’s organs.
In other words, the use of radiology gives us a view of the internal organs in your pets’ body that we otherwise could not see. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians detect and prevent illness.
C-Section
We are highly skilled when it comes to c-sections for breeds such as English Bulldogs, Frenchies and Pugs. These breeds have large heads that can become stuck in the mother’s birth canal.
Over 80% of bulldog litters are delivered by c-section, and because of their body type certain breeds will typically need a c-section to give birth, or whelp.
That’s why we are proud to have expert surgeons who are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to performing c-sections on these breeds. As a pet owner you want the best for your pet, and that is what our surgeons provide.
Dental Care
Dental care is vital to the overall health of any pet. Dental disease can lead to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys and has the potential to seep into your pet’s bloodstream. In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population.
Geriatric Care
Preventative medicine is important when our pets are young, but as our pets age, and become prone to certain disease processes, annual exams and blood work becomes even more critical.
Annual exams and blood work to check liver and kidney values, along with thyroid function have the potential to alert us to early changes that may give us valuable information about your pet’s health. We understand the changes your pet will have as they become older, and we also know the importance of keeping your pet healthy as they enter their golden years.
Please call us today at (610) 683-5353 to learn more about caring for your senior pet.
Health Certificates
If you want to travel internationally with your pet, you need to plan ahead. Since each country is different, you will have to contact the embassy or consulate where you are going to find out what you need to do.
Though every country has different requirements, most require a health certificate that is done by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Luckily, we have a USDA-accredited veterinarian. If you are not a client, you need to make sure you bring your pets’ records in with you to the examination.
You will always need a health certificate and proof of vaccination. You may also need a microchip and blood tests. Many countries require that your pet get treated for parasites prior to travel. You may also need certificates for the airplane ride.
Since each country is different and we can’t stay up to date will all of the changes in each one, it is important that you call ahead and know what you need. Then, we will make sure that your pet is all ready to go!
Hospice and Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your pet can be extremely difficult. The process can be emotionally and mentally draining. We don’t want you to be alone at the end stages of a pets’ life, and we promise to do everything we can to make it easier on you and your pet. Most of all, we promise to treat each case with compassionate and understanding care.
Knowing when the time is right can be a difficult choice. There are many factors that go into deciding to euthanize a pet, and it is a personal issue that differs from pet owner to pet owner. But every pet owner is inevitably faced with making that tough decision, and we want to be there alongside you to aid in any way we can.
If you have special requests, please let us know and we will be sure to accommodate them. Dealing with the end of a pets’ life is never easy, but we want to do whatever we can to make the process less difficult.
In-House Laboratory
The laboratory is invaluable to the veterinarian. Various diseases are detected throughout simple blood tests, anesthesia screenings can be carried out, and many zoonotic diseases can be detected. The following are a few of the more common functions of our laboratory facilities:
- Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlicia/Anaplasmosis – one blood test for all 4 infections. Results are available within 10 minutes. Heartworm is a disease spread by an infected mosquito. The adult worm lives in the heart or blood vessels of the lungs causing severe damage if not treated. Lyme, ehrlicia, and anaplasmosis are diseases spread by an infected tick. Symptoms vary including fever and joint problems. Permanent damage to the nervous system or death can occur if left untreated.
- FELV/FIV – a simple blood tests for cats. Results are available within 10 minutes. FELV is an immunosuppressive disease which may lead to bone marrow suppression and cancer. FIV is an immunosuppressive disease, commonly referred to as “feline AIDS.”
- Fecal centrifugation – a stool sample is needed to detect intestinal parasites. Results are available within 15 minutes.
- Giardia testing – a stool sample is needed to analyze for this and results are available within 15 minutes.
- Urinalysis – a urine sample is required for analysis and can be collected through free catch or through a cystocentisis (using a needle to draw urine from the bladder.) This test can be used to detect urinary tract infections and crystals in the urine, both of which can cause inappropriate elimination. Results are available within 15 minutes.
- Medication monitoring – most drugs that are given regularly need to be monitored through blood work. Arthritis medications require a blood test before administration of the drug, 14 days after start and very 6 months to detect any liver or kidney changes. Heart medications require a CBC, liver & kidney function tests and electrolyte levels before administration of the drug, 30 days after the start, and regular blood tests every 6 months. Seizure medication require a blood test before administration, every 2 weeks until normal blood levels are achieved, and blood work every 6 months thereafter. Thyroid disease medications require a level check before administration, CBC, chemistry and thyroid tests every 6 weeks until normal levels are achieved and every 6 months thereafter to ensure safe and proper dosing. Urethral incontinence medications require blood tests before long-term use, 30 days after administration, and every 6 months to ensure safe usage. Allergy medications require liver and kidney tests before long term usage, 30 days after the start of the medication, and every 6 months thereafter to assess any abnormalities.
- Pre-anesthetic and diagnostic blood testing – We strongly recommend testing if your pet is to undergo surgery and require it for many procedures. Anesthesia is safe for healthy pets. Complications can occur both during and after surgery if the pet is not healthy and tests are necessary to determine the health of your pet.
Some testing that we cannot perform in our own laboratory and can be sent to an outside lab for analysis include:
- Toxoplasmosis – an infection caused by a parasite that can be transmitted throughout contact with contaminated soil, uncooked meat or the stool of infected animals.
- Bartonella – transmitted by fleas and ticks. Symptoms vary including inflammation of the eyes, gums, or oral cavity; enlarged lymph nodes; fever; kidney disease; URI; and some neurological signs. Most infected cats are symptom free and can go undetected.
- Brucella – sexually transmitted disease. Test recommended for all breeding dogs prior to breeding.
- Parvovirus – a stool sample is required for analysis. This disease is very infectious and potentially deadly to dogs.
- Fungal testing – sample is obtained from the affected area. Results take a few weeks to grow or the blood can be tested for anti-bodies, results in approximately one week.
- Cultures – sample is obtained from the affected area. Results take approximately 72 hours.
- Biopsy – sample from affected area obtained surgically. Results take approximately one week.
Laser Therapy
We are proud to announce we are now offering laser therapy, an innovative new way to treat pain and inflammation in pets. Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to create therapeutic effects such as improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Multiple studies have shown laser therapy can help with a variety of problems including arthritis, joint pain, ligament sprains, muscle strains, dog/cat bites, feline acne/asthma, hotspots, post trauma/surgery pain, hip dysplasia, lick granulomas and snake/bug bites.
Onsite Diagnostics
We have state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that allow our staff to diagnose your pets’ condition or illness better. It is our commitment to stay on the cutting edge of diagnostic technology.
Having these advanced diagnostic tools allows us to examine specific areas more carefully and provide a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. We use many tools such as radiology, lab tests, and various other equipment and tests.
Microchipping
At Kutztown Animal Hospital, we are happy to offer microchipping. Every year, thousands and thousands of pets go missing. Not knowing where your pet is or how to bring them back can be a helpless, hopeless feeling. It’s a tragedy that happens all too often.
But there is a simple, safe, and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and retrieval should he or she ever become lost. Microchipping is a standard procedure that implants a tiny chip underneath your pet’s fur. It is a painless and relatively fast procedure and is completely safe.
Nutritional Counseling
Kutztown Animal Hospital offers nutritional counseling for pet owners of Kutztown, PA and surrounding communities. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or would like more information about your pet’s nutritional needs, please contact us today. We can set up a nutrition plan for your pet.
Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to overfeed a cute dog or cat that knows how to beg. Being overweight is a serious problem for animals, and can cause real health problems. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and stay within a healthy weight range.
Parasite Prevention
The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.
At Kutztown Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. Pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.
Pain Management
Pets that are in pain are miserable. For this reason, we will do whatever we can to keep your pets comfortable.
We have many different choices when it comes to treating apets’ pain. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are very helpful with mild pain. We also prescribe steroids which can offer a lot of relief. We also have stronger pain medications if the non-steroidal medications are not enough. We also offer glucosamine in tablets and injections to help with arthritis.
Pharmacy
It is our goal to provide you with complete veterinary care in a professional and accessible atmosphere. That is why we offer a fully stocked pharmacy to fill your pets’ prescription needs.
Having an on-site pharmacy provides you with a more convenient way to get your pets’ medication. We hope that this will save you time and ultimately enhance your experience with us.
Preventative Care
We believe the best way to promote overall health is through preventative care. Regular checkups allow us to establish a baseline in your pets’ health and make us aware of any changes that may indicate future problems.
We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often health problems that go undetected can become more severe issues when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.
Puppy and Kitten Care
Getting a new puppy or kitten is very exciting. You have a lot to look forward to. The great companionship that a good pet can bring is very rewarding. However, puppies and kittens come with a lot of responsibility and work. Here at Kutztown Animal Hospital, we are here to help you with your new addition.
First, you should always bring your new puppy or kitten in for a full nose-to-tail examination to make sure that you have a healthy new animal. You also want to get him or her familiar with our veterinary hospital.
Spay and Neuter
Spaying and neutering are important and necessary medical procedures that enhance the quality of your pets’ life. Not only does spaying and neutering have positive effects on your pets’ health, it’s also vital to controlling the homeless pet population.
Surgery
We are pleased to offer our clients the highest quality veterinary care. We want nothing but the best for our clients, especially during surgery. It is our goal to make sure that our surgical team is prepared to offer our clients the latest medical procedures. We look forward to learning about the newest medical advances in surgery and actively partake in continued surgical education.
Vaccinations
At Kutztown Animal Hospital in Kutztown, PA , we believe that one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating him or her against possible diseases. There are a variety of diseases which affect our pets, and other animals, so proper vaccination is vital to protecting them from many types of illnesses.
It is important to consult with us about the unique risks of living in our region. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet with vaccinations, as well as, provide you with information on the required vaccinations for your pet.
Wellness Exams
Pets need periodic exams and subsequent consultation with a veterinarian to maintain optimal health. This will allow us to identify potential problems and address them accordingly. For pets under 7, this generally requires one visit per year. For those pets that are 7 and older, this is generally twice each year.
During a wellness visit a history will be taken to identify any owner concerns, a doctor will physically exam the pet and additional diagnostic testing will be performed as needed. This may include bloodwork, radiographs, etc.