Medical Services for All Animals
At Chadwell Animal Hospital, we offer a wide variety of veterinary services to take care of your beloved pets. Count on our friendly staff for high-quality medical services for all animal species.
Physical Examination
Nothing can ever take its place.
It is our time to get to know our patients and you, their "moms" and "dads." We ask many questions, observe carefully, examine thoroughly, and take the time to educate. It is your time to ask questions, speak on your pet's behalf, and learn.
Together, we make decisions and establish a plan for your pet whether it be a preventive maintenance program, a behavioral issue, a medical problem, nutritional counseling, or geriatric care.
Surgical Services
We perform all elective surgical procedures, such as spays and neuters, and most major medical soft tissue surgeries, such as intestinal resections, cystotomies, splenectomies, etc.
Pain management is an important part of our patient's recovery.
There are many different available methods such as injectable medications, tablets, or oral suspensions, topical and local anesthetics, epidurals, pain patches, and use of the therapy laser.
Cryosurgery (freezing of tissue) and radiosurgery (cauterizing tissue) are also available when deemed necessary.
Surgical CO2 Laser
This technology utilizes a laser beam to vaporize cells in tissue, thereby "cutting" and coagulating simultaneously. There are many advantages to using the laser during surgery. It provides excellent hemostasis (controls bleeding) and cuts tissue while sealing nerve endings thereby decreasing post-op pain.
The laser is also used routinely for mastectomies, skin growth removals, ear tumors, lip surgery, amputations, etc. We participate in HASP Program.
Anesthesia
The practice houses 7 gas anesthetic machines and 2 anesthetic chambers. A centrally located oxygen and vacuum system supplies these machines.
Safety is our priority. We cater to so many different species of animal that each anesthetic protocol is tailored to the specific individual's needs. We utilize pulse oximetry (to measure oxygen levels in the blood), an EKG, blood pressure monitoring, tidal CO2, and heating pads during each surgical procedure.
Dentistry
This includes routine scaling and polishing of teeth, minor and major surgical extractions, and digital dental X-rays. During the procedure, a warm air blanket is used to cover the patient's body to maintain normal body temperature while under anesthesia. This facilitates a quicker recovery.
Exotic animal dental procedures are also routinely performed in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, etc. Some of these may include cheek teeth filing, incisor and / or molar extraction, and oral surgery on jaw abscesses and tumors.
Radiography
This technology has so many advantages! Radiographs can be performed quickly and accurately. Images can be sent to specialists for consultation via email. The computer allows for images to be manipulated to enhance interpretation through magnification or increased contrast.
This equipment has been an invaluable resource to us and for our patients.
Dental Digital Radiography
Dental radiographs have greatly improved the way dental disease is treated and managed in our patients. Tooth root structure and health are key. This machine is also used to X-ray very small creatures such as birds toes, hamster legs, etc.
In-House Laboratory
In-house laboratory capabilities include full chemistry profiles, complete blood counts (CBC), electrolytes, and other specialized tests such as bile acids, thyroid levels, cortisol & phenobarbital levels. We perform microscopic exams for internal and external parasites, tonometry for screening and monitoring glaucoma, urinalysis, fungal cultures, heartworm and Lyme disease tests, feline leukemia, feline AIDS, and parvo tests.
Referral Laboratory Services
Chadwell Animal Hospital utilizes referral laboratories for routine and specialized diagnostic blood panels, avian sexing, histopathology (biopsies), cytology, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
EKG via Telemedicine
The electrocardiogram shows the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and abnormalities in measurements of electrical complexes.
These readings are transmitted to a cardiologist who interprets the "strip" and makes recommendations. Results are available in 24 hours unless a STAT request is made, in which case, results would be received in 1 hour.
Endoscope
The following procedures can be performed with the endoscope:
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Rhinoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
This instrument is used to visualize and obtain samples for culture, cytology, and biopsy of either the respiratory tract or sections of the gastrointestinal tract. In some situations, it can retrieve foreign objects in the esophagus, stomach, and trachea.
It is also used for stomach tube placement when needed.
Ultrasound and Echocardiography
A painless, non-invasive diagnostic procedure which allows for visualization and evaluation of internal organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. This is scheduled in the practice with a mobile ultrasound technician. Computer images are sent to veterinary radiologists, cardiologists, and internists for interpretation and consultation.
Therapy Laser
This is the latest technology in health care for your pet! An FDA-cleared deep penetrating light allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at a faster rate. Simply put, pain removed; life improved.
Some of its applications include, but are not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Post-surgical pain relief and increased healing
- Wound healing
- Insect bites / stings
- Burns
- Hot spots
- Anal sacculitis and more
Wildlife
Yes, we take them!
This means everything from wild bunnies, squirrels, opossum, wild birds, birds of prey, ducks, turtles, snakes, baby deer, etc.
We triage and treat, and when they are stable enough to leave, most are transferred to licensed rehabilitation facilities.
Specialist Referrals
Over the many years practicing in and around the Baltimore and Harford County areas, the doctors have established a trusted and respected relationship with some of the specialists in the area. We would only refer our patients to specialists who we would use for our own personal pets. Some of these specialists include orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, and ophthalmologists. We always hope not to need them, but boy are we grateful they are there when we do! These are some of the most skilled and dedicated practitioners, and we refer to them with great confidence.
Intensive Care Unit
This is where major medical and surgical patients would be during their stay. There are IV pumps and syringe pumps to accurately deliver calculated fluid rates, an oxygen cage and nebulizer, and 3 incubators for pediatric and exotic animal patients. The hospital is stocked with blood products (whole blood and plasma) for emergency transfusions.
You are always more than welcome to visit your hospitalized pet; we feel their emotional and psychological health contributes to their recovery.
Pharmacy
Most medications your pet will need are on our shelves. Occasionally we do utilize human pharmacies for some drugs. We can also arrange for certain medications to be compounded into different forms such as flavored liquids, transdermal gels, and chewable tablets. If you live a distance away, approved prescriptions can be mailed to your home.
Remember to call at least 24 hours ahead for any refills.
Microchipping by HomeAgain
Microchipping saves lives and is designed to increase even further the chance of reuniting you with your lost pet! Every animal hospital and shelter is equipped with a microchip scanner. The tiny HomeAgain anti-migration microchip is safe and reliable. The microchipping fee includes a 1 year registration with HomeAgain. Enrollment includes $3000.00 medical insurance (less a $50 deductible) for medical bills for any injuries your pet suffered while lost.
Health Certificates for Travel
Accredited veterinarians on staff can complete necessary travel documents. Animals being shipped overseas will still require an official stamp and signature by a USDA government-appointed veterinarian. There are many requirements for some countries; make sure to start preparing early.
Prescription Diets
Chadwell Animal Hospital carries the full line of Hills Prescription Diet in dry and canned formulations. We can also have Royal Canin Veterinary Diet and Purina Veterinary Diet shipped to your door (these 2 selections are not on-site).
Crematory Services
Should this be your choice for internment, we can facilitate this for you whether it be a communal or private cremation. This service is provided in a timely manner by a very reputable crematory.
