As of April 2018, Dr. Schubert is now accepting pocket pets and chickens as patients. Give us a call to get scheduled or submit an appointment request!
Appointments
Our appointment book is computerized, which allows us to efficiently make appointments for you and your pet. Our receptionists and team will attempt to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability. Emergencies are accepted anytime our clinic is open. If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us or come in immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on your particular emergency.
We have a veterinarian and personnel on duty seven days a week who are trained and equipped to handle any urgent care your pet has. Usually an emergency team consists of at least one veterinarian and several technicians working together to save a pet's life. Emergencies can be things such as accidental ingestion of rat poison, hit by car, and chocolate ingestion. If you ever feel that your pet needs emergency treatment do not hesitate to call or come in immediately.
We are also available for urgent care when the condition is not life-threatening. If you feel your pet needs to be seen before you are able to get an appointment, our veterinarians will work to "squeeze" you in between scheduled appointments. When you arrive, our receptionists will be able to give you an estimate on how long you may have to wait in order to be seen.
Puppy and Kitten Care
Adding a new companion to your family is an exciting time, and we are happy to offer our guidance and support. We recommend scheduling your new pet’s first veterinary exam at six weeks of age. During this visit, we will:
- Complete a thorough examination, including:
- Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs
- Examining vision and ears
- Examining lymph nodes, abdomen, and skin
- Examining joints and muscles
- Perform a dental examination
- Administer first vaccinations and create an ongoing schedule
- Conduct screening for parasites and begin parasite and heartworm prevention
- Perform routine diagnostic testing and lab work, as needed
- Discuss nutritional needs
- Assess your pet’s behavior
- Develop a healthcare plan tailored to your pet’s lifestyle
- Address your concerns and questions
Pet Wellness Care
As your pet grows older, annual exams become increasingly beneficial for the prevention and early diagnosis of potentially harmful medical conditions. We recommend that all pets under the age of seven be seen annually by a veterinarian. During these visits, we will provide the following care and treatment:
- A comprehensive physical examination, including:
- Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs
- Examining vision and ears
- Examining lymph nodes, abdomen, and skin
- Examining joints and muscles
- A dental examination
- The administration of any necessary vaccinations. In some cases, three-year vaccines may be available. Please speak with your veterinarian to discuss available options.
- A screening for parasites and perform diagnostic testing
- Discuss behavior and nutritional needs
- Address your concerns and questions
Senior Pet Care
Pets age much more quickly than humans, and after the age of seven, most are considered seniors. As a result, we recommend your senior pet visit us twice a year. During these visits, we will pay special attention to common signs and subtle changes that may indicate more serious health concerns. Red flags include:
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Limited range of motion
- Changes in appetite and weight
We will also perform:
- A comprehensive physical examination, including:
- Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs
- Examining vision and ears
- Examining lymph nodes, abdomen, and skin
- Examining joints and muscles
- A dental examination
- The administration of any necessary vaccinations
- A screening for parasites and perform diagnostic testing
- Discuss nutritional needs
- A blood pressure examination
Feline Pet Care
We are a certified Cat Friendly Practice. We work to make veterinary care less stressful for owners and felines. We work to make a calming environment by using Feliway in our rooms which is a calming pheromone that helps during stressful events. We have a specific cat-friendly room which has a climbing tree to help provide your kitten a safe, non-threatening area and make them feel a little more at home. From their first day on the job, our assistants are trained in the safest, more effective way to interact with your cat to make sure their visits are as stress-free as possible. Our technicians use stress reducing techniques, like towel wrapping, if restraint is needed for things like vaccines or blood-work. For more information on Cat Friendly Practices, please visit this link.
Vaccinations
Having your pet vaccinated is a vital part of his or her preventive healthcare plan. Vaccinations help prevent a number of critical and potentially life-threatening diseases and viruses. In some cases, three-
year vaccines may be available. Please speak with your veterinarian to discuss available options for your pet.
We recommend puppies and kittens have their first vaccinations when they are six weeks old. We utilize a vaccination schedule based on the guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association, our years of experience, and the individual needs of your pet.
In-House Laboratory
Happy Valley Veterinary Hospital has extensive in-house laboratory facilities providing complete serum chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis, and parasite testing, allowing for rapid test results. In many cases, our extensive IDEXX lab equipment can provide results within an hour when rapid diagnosis is needed.
There are many benefits to conducting laboratory tests while your pet is healthy. These results are used as baselines to assist your veterinarian in monitoring your pet's health throughout his or her life. As pets are known to mask pain, variation in different levels can indicate changes in their health. Identifying these changes early allows your veterinarian to properly diagnose and treat your pet before a more serious condition develops.
Microchipping
Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience that is often preventable. If your pet does become lost, microchipping is the best way to ensure a safe return. Each microchip features a unique number that is entered into an international database. Scanners available at most veterinary hospitals, shelters, and Humane Societies can detect and read the chip. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected directly under your pet’s skin, normally between the shoulder blades. At Happy Valley Veterinary Hospital, we offer HomeAgain® microchips.
Nutrition Counseling
Proper nutrition plays an important role in your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian can help you determine a healthy diet for your pet based on age, weight, activity level, and any existing medical conditions. A healthy diet will increase your pet’s energy level and improve quality of life.
End of Life Care
Saying goodbye to your companion is never easy, but please know that we are here to help you through this very difficult process. While having a plan for end-of-life care is strongly encouraged, we understand that difficult decisions may need to be made in a matter of minutes. Regardless of the circumstance, we are here to provide guidance, as well as hospice and euthanasia services.
Surgery
Pre-Surgery Visit: Prior to scheduled surgeries, we perform a pre-surgical examination and diagnostic screening to aid in the safety and planning for the procedure. The doctor will discuss the surgery with you and answer any questions you may have.
Anesthesia: We provide breed specific anesthetic administration and follow the stringent cardiovascular monitoring protocols set forth by the American Animal Hospital Association. Patients are pre-medicated to help calm them and to provide effective pain control. By pre-medicating, a lower dose of sedative can be given for the procedure. Intravenous fluids are also given to help maintain optimal blood pressure. While your pet is receiving anesthesia, they are placed on a heated blanket to help maintain body temperature. During anesthesia and post-surgery, we utilize advanced monitors to evaluate blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other parameters.
Pain Management: We offer both surgical and non-surgical pain management options for pets. Pain management has been shown to improve the healing process for pets and is an important part of their recovery. When a pet begins to move slowly, it is often due to pain rather than old age. Our pain management program is carefully tailored to your pet’s unique medical needs and is administered according to veterinary guidelines. Our doctors will work with you to determine the best and least costly option to get your pet on the road to recovery.
Spay and Neuter
In an effort to help your pet live a healthy life, we provide spay and neuter services. Choosing to spay or neuter your new pet is one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a pet owner.
Spaying and neutering pets is estimated to add years to your pet’s life in decreasing or eliminating their chances of getting certain cancers; it also helps decrease the amount of animals in shelters and the number of euthanized pets each year.
With statistics indicating that nearly 4 million pets in the United States are put down annually, we believe spaying and neutering animals is a productive initiative. In providing these services, we hope to prolong pets’ lives and help the community in preventing pet overpopulation.
What does spaying or neutering involve?
Both spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that prevent an animal from reproducing. Spaying and neutering are typically recommended for pets that are at least 6 months old and are not going to be used for breeding. Spaying is performed on female animals and involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Neutering is implemented on male animals and encompasses removing the testicles to eliminate fertility. While each of these surgeries sound involved, they can usually be completed within a few hours and do not require an overnight hospital stay. However the aftercare is strict and requires a 14 day recovery period with no activity during that time.
Dentals
During your pet’s wellness checkups, our veterinarians will evaluate your pet’s oral health and will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
During your pet’s dental visit, we will perform:
- Diagnostic testing and lab work, pre-anesthetic blood and urine tests
- Digital x-rays, as needed
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Scaling and polishing
- Measurements of periodontal pockets and application of an antibiotic gel under the gum line when needed
- Application of sealants and fluoride
- If necessary, we are also able to perform tooth extractions
Radiographs
Radiographs (x-rays) are used to assess veterinary conditions and injuries requiring more than a physical examination. We use radiographs to detect foreign bodies, broken bones, and other internal conditions. While the process of performing an x-ray is painless, your pet may benefit from a sedative or pain injection for comfort.
At our hospital, we use digital x-rays, which offer clearer images, rapid viewing, and faster second opinions from a boarded specialist.
Ultrasound
Using high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images, ultrasound allows us to see inside the internal organ and look for areas of disease and infection. This also helps us evaluate the functions of the organs to ensure they’re working properly. In addition, we can obtain core biopsies and perform tests such as echocardiograms, which are ultrasounds of the heart.