What sets us apart?

We are an AAHA Accredited hospital and take pride in our dental procedures. Sierra Animal hospital voluntarily chooses to be evaluated on approximately 900 standards of veterinary excellence, including dental guidelines.  This ensures that pets get the best possible dental care.  We are one of very few hospitals in the area that takes an x-ray of each and every tooth whether the tooth appears healthy or not, both before and after any extractions.

According to AAHA, non-anesthetic dentistry falls below the standard of care necessary when practicing medicine. 

Pets can live more comfortable lives if oral health care is managed and maintained. All members of the veterinary team here at Sierra Animal Hospital strive to increase the quality of dental care delivered to your pet. 

At Sierra Animal Hospital we believe in safe anesthesia practice because that is how we want our very own pets treated.

Blood is drawn to run tests that allow us to tailor an appropriate anesthesia protocol for each individual patient.  An intravenous catheter is then placed to administer fluids that will keep your pet hydrated, and also to administer medications in the rare case of an emergency during the dental procedure. This is all done prior to sedating, to make sure the patient not only looks healthy, but has appropriate organ function as well. After the Doctor examines the patient and reviews blood work, then we begin with the process of sedating and initiating the procedure. 

During dental procedures at our hospital the patient is monitored by a certified technician while the other technician takes radiographs, scales and polishes the teeth. We ensure your pet’s stability by monitoring respiration rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate/rhythm, temperature, and CO2.  Throughout the procedure the Veterinarian is also monitoring the patient and supervising the technicians.  Any necessary extractions are noted by the doctor after reviewing dental radiographs. The patient’s owners are then contacted for approval of extractions while patient is still under anesthesia. After the procedure, we then monitor the patient to ensure proper recovery, and remove the IV catheter once the patient is fully awake and well stabilized. 

*Veterinary Practice Guidelines, 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and cats* (page 75)