Medical & Surgical Services
A pet cannot have the best quality of life if they are experiencing oral pain or discomfort, and because dogs and cats do not keep their own mouths clean, it is incumbent upon us as their caretakers to be certain that they have healthy, comfortable mouths. This is done primarily through preventive (semi-annual to annual examination, daily brushing, appropriate diet, etc.) and maintenance care (thorough, professional cleaning under general anesthesia, polishing and Oravet® application).
At times, antibiotic therapy and oral surgery are necessary to ensure dental and oral health, and we are trained and ready to provide these services for our patients in need. Digital dental radiography and cutting-edge dental equipment are used to definitively diagnose an oral problem and minimize the time at anesthesia it takes to address the problem.
Many sick animals have an illness that can be treated with relative ease. Others have underlying diseases or a condition that requires a more aggressive approach to diagnosis and treatment. These diseases include, but are not limited to Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Heart Failure, Diabetes, Cushing's Disease, Addison's Disease, Immune Mediated diseases, and various degrees of liver disease, to name a few. The doctors have experience with these and other diseases and can provide the best and most current treatments for them.
Blood Testing - A wide range of laboratory blood tests are performed at our clinic on a daily basis. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) counts red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets; a Serum Chemistry Profile evaluates liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes, glucose and proteins; and we have the ability to measure thyroid hormone levels and blood clotting times. We also perform many rapid diagnositic tests for diseases such as heartworm disease for dogs and Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus testing for cats in-house. Having these tools at our fingertips allows us to gather very useful information in a timely manner for your pet.
Tonomotry - Glaucoma and Uveitis are diseases that diminish quality of life for dogs and cats just like humans, and if your pet is showing any symptoms of eye disease, we have the tests and tools to determine the underlying cause.
ECG - This non-invasive tool allows us to examine the electrical activity of the heart. Electrocardiograms diagnose arrhythmias and aid in the diagnosis of other heart diseases.
Endoscopy - The use of an endoscope, a long, flexible, narrow tube with a camera at the end, allows us to look inside the body in a relatively non-invasive manner. We use a digital video endoscope, which projects the image on a high-definition monitor. Most commonly, endoscopy is used to inspect the throat, esophagus and stomach for obstructions, but it has other uses, as well. Biopsies can be obtained through an endoscope in the event that a gastrointestinal disease is suspected. The colon can also be visualized and biopsies can be obtained in the event of lower intestinal tract disease.
Radiography - Using X-rays, non-visible light rays, specific areas of the body are imaged. Radiographs are useful in examining bones, the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity. More in-depth radiographic procedures, such as barium studies and cystograms, can also performed. Dentistry is another area where radiography is utilized.
See our X-Rays and Ultrasounds Photo Set on Flickr
Ultrasound - This cutting-edge technology uses sound waves to allow us to non-invasively and painlessly examine your pet’s internal organs, particularly the heart and abdominal organs.
Video Otoscopy - In addition to allowing us to magnify the image of your pet’s ear canal, this tool allows you to see the condition of your pet’s ear. An infected ear diminishes quality of life.
Surgery Services - Dr. Ryan Gates has years of experience with many surgical procedures, ranging from spay/neuter to orthopedic surgery to soft-tissue surgery. All surgery patients are examined and appropriately screened prior to surgery, and are thoroughly monitored during their surgical procedure. Further, all surgical procedures are performed at the clinic in a room reserved only for surgical procedures.
See our Surgery Photo Set on Flickr
Anesthesia - Any surgical procedure starts with appropriate and effective anesthesia and pain management. The best anesthetics with a wide margin of safety are used, and each patient is monitored throughout their entire anesthetic event by observing an electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter, body temperature and respiratory rate.
Laser - Laser surgery is an alternative to traditional surgery that has it's place as it reduces operative pain and bleeding and it reduces post-operative pain and swelling. Laser surgery is particularly beneficial for declawing. While cats declawed with a scalpel blade experience bleeding and at least several days of post-operative swelling and pain, cats declawed with a laser are walking comfortably within 24 hours.
As life nears the end for our pets, the most loving decision we can make for our friends is to make sure they pass away without suffering. Good-byes are difficult. We at the Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic have experienced euthanasia with our own pets over the years, and we will treat you and your pet with the dignity that you each deserve and we will make the memorial arrangements necessary for you to have peace-of-mind.
We do not want our patients to be in pain...at all. A comfortable pet heals faster and experiences less stress. We use a broad spectrum of safe, effective treatments for pain both for in-clinic use, such as post-operative pain, and for home use, as with chronic pain or arthritis. We also use a Therapeutic Laser for post-operative pain management as well as for chronic joint inflammation and wound management.
