Dentistry

Just like us, pets need dental care too. Each time your pet is in the office for their annual exam, the doctor gives them a tartar and gingivitis score. These numbers are used to determine if your pet may need to be scheduled for a teeth cleaning. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets.
Warning signs that your pet may need dental care include:
  • Bad Breath
  • Change in eating/chewing habits
  • Pawing at their face or mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth or gums
  • Tartar buildup
  • Swollen areas along the jaw line
  • Tooth loss
If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment for them. Periodontal disease may cause damage to other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys or lead to other health problems. Outdoor dogs and dogs that chew on harder objects are more prone to breaking a tooth, which can cause your pet pain and discomfort.
Dental Procedures
If the doctor determines that your pet is in need of a teeth cleaning or tooth extraction, they will recommend how soon you should schedule an appointment. Serious issues will need to be taken care of as soon as possible, but routine cleanings can be scheduled at a time that works best for you.
Dental procedures are scheduled for Tuesday mornings, with drop off being between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Please allow a few minutes at that time to complete the surgical paperwork.
A pet dental is a surgical process that requires your pet to be anesthetized. Like all surgeries, we recommend preanesthetic bloodwork to help ensure your pet's safety. If your pet is 7 years or older, preanesthetic bloodwork is required due to the increased health risk of older patients. For these pets, we also offer an expanded blood panel that gives us more detail than the basic preanesthetic bloodwork.
During your pet's dental, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove the tartar buildup on the teeth. Once the teeth are clearly visible, the doctor will check them to see if there are any defects, missing teeth, gum disease, and to see if any need to be removed. The teeth are then polished to smooth any rough areas that could allow tartar to build up quicker and enhance their appearance.
Your pet will be able to go home the same day, between 4:00 and 4:30. After you have checked out, a staff member will go over your pet's dental report card, explain post-surgical care, cover any prescribed medications, and answer any questions that you may have.
The video below shows tartar being removed with our ultrasonic scaler.

Preventative Care

OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews
Easy to give, once daily chews that help fight bad breath and tartar buildup. OraVet chews contain an ingredient called delmopinol that is released during chewing. It creates a barrier against the bacteria that lead to the formation of plaque, tartar, and bad breath, plus OraVet chews have a taste that dogs love!
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Boarding

While you are away for pleasure or for work, our trained kennel attendants are available to care for your best friend! Does your pet take medication, have a special diet, or other health concerns? By boarding with us, you can be assured that if a medical issue arises, your pet will receive the best possible care.
Our clinic features indoor boarding facilities for both dogs and cats, with a play room available for the dogs while their kennels are being cleaned or just for play time. Cats stay in our "Kitty Condos" which have separate areas for sleeping and their litter box.
All boarding arrangements are by appointment and your pet will need to be current on vaccinations. If you are not a client, you will need to provide us with proof of vaccinations for your pet. It is best to get these to us as soon as possible so we can make sure that your pet has had everything that it needs to stay with us. When dropping your pet off, please allow a few extra minutes to go over the required paperwork and care instructions.

Required Vaccinations

Dogs
  • Rabies
  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Cats
  • Rabies
  • FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia)

What to bring

  • Food
  • Treats
  • Toys that your pet can safely have at all times
  • Bedding
  • Medication (if needed). All medication must be in original/prescription bottles. We will go over dosing information with you at check-in. Please bring any treats/food or dosing syringes that you use to give the medication.
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Preventative

Preventative care is an important part of being a pet owner. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent many of the illnesses/problems that pets can get, but we can use the tools available to us to help our pets stay as healthy as possible.
Annual Checkups
Yearly vaccination appointments and examinations are a key component of preventative care. These visits allow you to express any concerns that you have and also ask any questions.
During an annual exam, the doctor will:
  • Listen to your pet’s heart
  • Check their body condition and score the pet’s body condition on a score of 1-9
  • Look at their teeth, gums, and score their tartar and gingivitis levels
  • Examine their body for any growths, rashes, etc.
  • Manipulate their knees and hips to check for arthritis or other issues
If the doctor finds any areas of concern while examining your pet, they will discuss these with you and recommend a plan of action.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are crucial to preventing diseases in pets and in people as some diseases are zoonotic. Our core vaccinations for dogs include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, Rabies, and Bordetella (Bronchitis/Kennel Cough). In addition to these standard vaccines, we carry a Lyme vaccine that is given on a case by case basis. The vaccines your dog receives will depend on their age and vaccination history. We also recommend Heartworm testing and year round prevention.
Our core vaccinations for cats are Rabies and FVRCPP (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia Psittaci). We also carry a FVRCPP/Leukemia combination vaccine for outdoor cats or those in a home with a Feline Leukemia positive housemate. In order to start your feline on this vaccine, we would need to perform a test first to ensure that they were not positive for Feline Leukemia. When adding a new cat or kitten to your household, we also recommend testing for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Preventative Products
Parasites
Internal and external parasites can be a problem in both dogs and cats. We have a variety of products to help you prevent/control these infestations.
Dental Care
Keeping your pet's teeth healthy is very important to your pet's overall health. We stock OraVet dental hygiene chews to help keep your pet's teeth looking their best.
Other
We carry an array of over-the-counter pet products to assist you in caring for your pet.
  • Anxiety medication
  • Bitter spray (to stop inappropriate chewing)
  • Ear Cleaning solutions
  • Fatty Acid supplements
  • Hairball Medication
  • Pet Vitamins
  • Thundershirt

Surgery

We understand that the thought of your pet having surgery can be stressful and scary. Our staff is more than happy to answer any questions you have, prepare estimates, and explain procedures to ease your mind.
Whether your pet is in for a routine spay or neuter or a more complex procedure, our goal is to provide the best and safest treatment possible. Our knowledgeable doctors are always willing to discuss a procedure to ensure that an owner has all of the information that they need to feel comfortable.
When a patient is checked-in for surgery, our trained staff will go over surgical paperwork and discuss pre-surgical diagnostics, which ensure that your pet is healthy enough to have surgery. Older pets and those with health issues are at a higher risk and are therefore required to have diagnostic blood testing prior to surgery.
Our doctors tailor anesthetics and pain management to each patient based on their physical condition and health state. During surgery, each patient is monitored for body temperature, heart rate, EKG, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure by our trained technicians. Most patients receive laser therapy on their incision(s) after surgery, which helps promote pain relief and speeds up the healing process.
After surgery, patients are covered with a Bair Hugger blanket, which disperses warm air over the patient and are closely monitored by our assistants and technicians while they recover. Once a patient is awake and has been transferred out of recovery, the doctor will call with an update on how the procedure went and confirm pickup. Our staff will go over post-operative instructions, pain management and other medications, and answer any questions during dismissal.
If you have any questions about surgery for your pet or would like to schedule an appointment, please give our office a call at 765-345-2103.
Surgery Facts

Laser Therapy

A therapy laser uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without damaging it. Laser energy induces a biological response in the cells called "photo-bio-modulation", which leads to reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and increased healing speed.
Laser therapy can be used to treat acute conditions, such as:
  • Wounds
  • Allergies
  • Infections
  • Cuts/Bites
  • Inflammations
  • Tooth Extraction Pain Relief
  • Sprains, Strains, & Fractures
  • Post-Surgical healing & pain relief
Laser therapy can be used to treat acute conditions, such as:
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Lick Granulomas
  • Geriatric Care
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Feline Acne
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Otitis
  • and More!

Radiology

In 2011, we upgraded our radiograph services by adding a digital processor. Digital x-rays provide us with an enhanced view of your pet, allowing us to reach a more precise diagnosis. This new technology also gives us the ability to send radiographs out to specialists and provide you with a copy if needed.
Radiograph Procedure
If the doctor recommends a radiograph to better diagnose your pet, he or she will discuss this with you. A staff member will then take your pet to the x-ray room and you will be asked to wait in the exam room.
Once in the x-ray room, your pet will be measured to ensure that the proper settings are entered into the x-ray machine. Once positioned on the table, the staff will take the radiograph(s) and then your pet will be returned to you. In some instances, it may be necessary to sedate an animal to ensure a clear shot or to ease their pain/discomfort during the procedure.
Once the radiographs have been developed, the doctor will view them and may make some notations on them depending on the case. A staff member will then have you come to the x-ray room so the doctor can explain the findings, answer any questions you may have, and discuss a treatment plan.

Laboratory

Our in-house diagnostic laboratory provides us with timely results allowing us to better diagnosis and treat your pet.
Laboratory services include:
  • Heartworm Testing
  • Feline Leukemia/FIV Testing
  • Complete Blood Counts (CBC)
  • Blood Chemistries
  • Thyroid Testing
  • Cytologies
  • Urinalysis
We also utilize outside laboratory services to run specialty diagnostic tests. These results are typically available in two to five days. We will call you when they are in and the doctor has had an opportunity to review them.
Wondering what the header for this page is?
It is a picture that we took from our microscope of calcium oxalate crystals that were found in a dog's urine.

Grooming

We offer full grooming services to keep your pet looking their best. Our groomers can do a full groom, a trim, or just a bath. All grooms and baths are by appointment only and usually book a few weeks in advance. All pets coming in for grooming must be current on vaccinations.
On the day of your pet’s grooming appointment, please allow a few minutes at check-in for our staff to review any reminders that are due, discuss how you would like your pet groomed, and address any concerns that you may have. If someone else is dropping your pet off, we will need to be able to contact you to review any procedures that are needed, grooming style, or answer other questions that a member of our staff may have.
A standard grooming appointment includes:
  • Bath
  • Groom
  • Anal Gland Expression
  • Ear Cleaning
  • Nail Trim
Specific shampoos or prescription shampoos can be used to treat your pet’s dry, flaky, or itchy skin. Tell us if your veterinarian recommended a specific product like antibacterial, anti-fungal, hypoallergenic, or soap-less shampoo and we will make sure that your pet receives it.
While your pet is being groomed, the groomer will notify the doctor of any issues they find such as fleas, hot spots, ear infections, growths, etc. If your pet has fleas, they will be given a Capstar which will start killing the fleas within 30 minutes and protect the rest of the patients in the clinic. In the case of other issues, the doctor may want to call you or meet with you when you pick your pet up.

Common Grooming Terminology

  • Anal Glands : Also called Anal Sacs, these are small glands that are present on either side of the rectum. These are expressed prior to your pet being bathed.
  • Hot Spot : A localized, superficial infection of the skin that is secondary to trauma that is self-inflicted (chewing at fleas, allergies, etc.) If your pet has a hot spot, the doctor will exam it, treat it, and dispense medication if needed.
  • Pluck Ears : Many breeds have an excess amount of hair in their ears that needs to be removed periodically to prevent infection. Groomers do this, if necessary, prior to cleaning and trimming your pet’s ears.
  • Poodle Feet/Clean Feet : Shaving the feet so they look bare, but not up far enough that the ankle shows.
  • Poodle Face/Clean Face : Shaving the face, muzzle, & cheeks so they look bare (like poodle feet). Great for messy dogs!
  • Quick : This is the blood vessel that runs through your pet’s toenail. Occasionally when nails are trimmed, the quick is cut and causes the animal to bleed some. If this happens, a topical product is applied to stop the bleeding.
  • Sanitary Cut : Trimming of the genital area and the area around the rectum to keep the pet cleaner.
  • Topknot : A term used to describe the longer hair or tuft that is found on the top of the head.

Microchipping

Did you know that getting lost is the #1 cause of death for pets?
Microchipping is a permanent form of identification for your pet. It is easy for your pet to lose their collar or slip out of the house without it, but with a HomeAgain microchip they can still be identified! Implanting a microchip is a safe, non-surgical procedure that takes the same amount of time as it does to give an injection.
Microchips can be placed when your pet is in for exam or when your pet is in for surgery.
Did you know that 1 in 3 pets goes missing during its lifetime and that without ID, 90% never return home?
When a patient is checked-in for surgery, our trained staff will go over surgical paperwork and discuss pre-surgical diagnostics, which ensure that your pet is healthy enough to have surgery. Older pets and those with health issues are at a higher risk and are therefore required to have diagnostic blood testing prior to surgery.
How does microchipping work?
Step 1: Your pet is implanted with a microchip over its shoulders.
Step 2: You register your pet and your information with HomeAgain (we send this information in for you).
Step 3: If your pet is turned into a shelter, rescue, or veterinary office they will be scanned and your pet's ID number will be read.
Step 4: The registry will then be contacted with your pet's number.
Step 5: The registry will retrieve the contact information that you provided them with (Step 2), you will be contacted, and arrangements can be made to reunite you with your lost pet.

End of Life

We understand that your pet is a part of the family and thinking about what happens as they get older is not an easy thing to do. Our veterinarians and team members are here to assist you with any questions or concerns that you have. Choosing euthanasia for a beloved pet is a personal and difficult decision. We have designed this page to answer some of our most frequent questions.
Can we stay with our pet?
We encourage pet owners to remain with their pet if they are able to. We know this is not always possible and in those circumstances our team members will spend time with your pet and comfort them during the procedure.
We do not limit the number of family members that can be present, as long as we are able to safely take care of your pet and maintain their comfort.
What are the options for my pet's remains?
This is a very important decision and one that planning ahead for can greatly help. We have three options that you can choose from:
  • Burial at home: Please check with local regulations first.
  • Communal/Group Cremation: Your pet’s remains are cremated with others and the ashes scattered at a memorial garden.
  • Private Cremation: Your pet’s remains are cremated individually and returned to you.
Cremation services are provided by Pet Angel, based in Indianapolis. Please visit their catalog to see the complete line of urns and memorial products that they offer.
When is it the "right time"?
This is the most frequent question our team receives and the one that is the hardest to answer. When it comes time for the discussion about euthanasia, we look at the pet's quality of life. Here are some things to consider:
  • Energy Level: Do they seem happy and want to interact with the family or are they depressed and lethargic? Are they as excited as they used to be to go for a walk, go outside, or even greet you at the door?
  • Appetite: Is your pet eating well or are you having to coax and bribe them ? Are they turning down their favorite treats or even people food? Do they vomit after they eat?
  • Mobility: Is your pet able to get around on their own or are you having to assist them? Is there mobility impacting their ability to eliminate normally and in the appropriate area?
  • Diagnosis: Is your pet’s condition treatable? Are you able to give them their medication and provide the necessary treatments?
Another way to determine when "it's time" is when your pet has more bad days than good ones. Euthanasia is the last act of love we can give our companions. Although it can be a hard decision to make, watching your pet suffer will be harder.
Where will the procedure take place?
We schedule euthanasia appointments during regular office hours. We will work with you to make you and your pet as comfortable as possible. If it is difficult for your pet to walk or you need assistance, our team is available to aid you in whatever way you need.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His b eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...