Services

As an AAHA certified facility, we are a fully staffed, full-serviced hospital with a full range of medical, laboratory, dental and surgical services available. We also are affiliated with several specialists throughout the Metropolitan area.

Health Examinations

Our primary responsibility is to help you keep your pet as healthy as possible. The care we provide is aimed at protecting your pet from disease and the early detection of health problems.

A thorough health examination is recommended at least annually for pets up to 7-9 years of age. Senior pets, older than 10 years, are seen at least twice per year and these visits include diagnostic blood work in addition to a physical examination and discussion of your pet's health status.

Immunizations (Vaccinations)

Vaccinations against contagious diseases can also be updated as needed at the time of your pet's physical examination. Most puppies begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age for protection against Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordatella and Rabies. A vaccine for Lyme disease is also available and indicated for some dogs.

Kittens should begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age for protection against Feline Distemper, Upper Respiratory Viruses and Rabies. A vaccine for Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis is also available and indicated for some cats.

New at South Hyland Pet Hospital - The Wisdom Panel™ MX Test

Do you have a mixed breed dog and want to know what breeds make up his or her background? We now offer The Wisdom Panel™ MX test, the world's most comprehensive genetic mixed breed analysis. Based on years of extensive research, this genetic test can identify your dog's breed mix from more than 130 AKC recognized breeds. From just a small amount of blood drawn from your pet, you will receive a detailed report profiling the breeds detected in your dog's background, including physical qualities and breed-associated behavior. Beyond curiosity, this test can offer valuable insight as to your dog's potential appearance and behavior traits. Ask one of the South Hyland Staff members to explain more about the Wisdom Panel at your next appointment or check out the Wisdom Panel™ MX test website at www.wisdompanel.com.

Heartworm Prevention

Minnesota dog owners should be aware of the danger of canine heartworm disease. Dogs should have a blood test yearly for heartworm disease; if negative, the dog should be on a heartworm preventative from May to December. Heartworm preventative is also available for cats.

Dentistry

Through extensive, advanced training, experience and specialized equipment, we are able to offer complete dental care for your pet. We provide dental x-rays, scaling, polishing, fillings, enamel bonding, orthodontics, periodontal surgery and root canals as well as other specialized dental procedures. We believe preventative care is the best approach for periodontal disease. This is an infection that can cause pain, heart and kidney disease as well as loss of teeth. We welcome the opportunity to discuss things you can do at home to help keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Click here for more information about dentistry services at South Hyland Pet Hospital.

Laser Surgery

We are very pleased to offer Laser Surgery for your pet. This technology is a breakthrough in veterinary medicine having proven to be so effective in human surgery. The advantages include greatly reduced post surgical pain, minimal blood loss, and a faster, more comfortable recovery. Laser can be used anywhere a scalpel was used previously and most commonly is the procedure of choice for cat declaws, skin mass removals, gum surgeries and surgery on older or debilitated pets. Your pet's health and post surgical comfort is very important to us and laser helps us maintain both.

Avian Care and Small Mammals

Birds should be examined on a yearly basis. Since our avian patients tend to hide illness well, lab work may be suggested to you at your visit. Nutrition, housing, lighting and general surroundings in your home can all greatly affect your birds health. Understanding behavior and handling is crucial to successfully owning one as a pet. Birds can live 5 - 90 years. Before buying one of these fantastic creatures, please consult with us first.

Rabbits

Rabbits have been domesticated for centuries, and make lively and attentive pets with the proper care. Rabbits can even be house trained and learn (with patience!) to obey commands.

Pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered before two years of age if not used for breeding. Females are highly susceptible to cancer of the reproductive tract, and spaying will prevent this disease. Neutering will help curb aggressive tendencies in the male.

Proper diet is essential since most rabbits are overfed, leading to obesity. Use high quality timothy hay along with a limited amount of pellets, dark green and yellow vegetables. The roughage in the hay is the best hairball preventative and helps regulate digestion.

Schedule an examination for your rabbit when you first bring your pet home and then every 6 months. A fecal examination is advised, since rabbits are susceptible to intestinal parasites. Fleas may be a problem, so flea control may be necessary. Have your rabbits teeth checked for overgrowth, since this condition requires regular trimming of overgrown teeth. Rabbits do not need vaccinations.

Small Rodents

With proper care, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils can be hardy and fun pets to own. No vaccines are needed, however, since these pets are relatively short-lived, problems can develop quickly. Check for hair loss and skin problems, since mange and infections can become a problem. These small mammals are also prone to respiratory problems. Feel free to call us for cage and bedding recommendations.

A small scale is a good investment, and changes in your pet's weight may indicate an internal problem before you notice that your pet is ill. Call for an appointment as soon as you detect a problem, since treatment is often more successful if started early.

Any lumps or bumps should be checked by the veterinarian, since tumors are another disease seen in small rodents. If caught early, surgical removal of tumors is possible.

Surgical Care

Our hospital is well-equipped to perform most minor and major surgical procedures from spays and neuters to more complicated emergency, orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.

Some of the more advanced orthopedic procedures done at our hospital include fracture repair, ruptured (cruciates) ligaments, patella (kneecap) luxations and mandible (jaw) fractures. A local surgical specialist may be called in to perform one of these procedures.

Prior to surgery, each patient receives a thorough physical examination to identify any existing medical conditions that might endanger your pet's health. Because not all problems can be detected on examination, we also perform preanesthetic blood testing. These tests not only give us a more complete picture of your pet's health but also allow us to tailor an anesthetic regime that is specific for your pet.

We are equipped with state-of-the-art anesthetic machines and utilize extensive anesthetic monitoring devices including Doppler blood pressure, pulse oximetry and other cardiac monitoring equipment.

Pain management is a part of our pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative anesthetic and medical protocol. All surgical patients including those undergoing routine procedures such as ovariohysterectomy or castrations receive pain control medications. We urge you to discuss operative pain management options with our staff.

Radiology

We have a state-of-the-art x-ray machine that produces excellent quality radiographs. Radiographs are extremely helpful for diagnosing medical and surgical problems. Our dental X-Ray unit is not only used for mouth radiographs, but comes in handy for our birds and small mammals.

Diagnostic Laboratory Testing

Our extensive laboratory services provide information that is critical to the sick or injured pet. We have in-house laboratory diagnostic equipment that allows pets to receive appropriate medical treatment in a timely manner.

Our in-house laboratory is equipped to perform complete blood counts and chemistry profiles, urinalysis and parasitology screening. We also perform pre-anesthetic blood testing. This important procedure can greatly reduce the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery.

Ultrasound

Cardiac Ultrasound:

Echocardiography is a standard non-invasive technique for assessing cardiac anatomy, pathology, and function. High-frequency sound waves produced from a hand-held device are directed at the heart. The sound waves are reflected back to the machine and an image is produced. This image is transmitted to a video monitor where it can be seen. The image may be still or moving.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, which have no obvious harmful effects, is non-invasive, painless, and uses no dies. It is perfect for diagnosing many types of heart problems. You may be referred to a cardiologist if heart abnormalities are detected on a physical exam.

Abdominal Ultrasound:

Abdominal ultrasound allows the user to fully examine the liver, gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and parts of the stomach and intestines. Ultrasound examination of these organs is crucial when a diagnosis depends upon seeing inside an organ, or when surgery or anesthesia would not be desirable. Abdominal ultrasound is completely painless, and generally can be performed using no anesthesia or sedation. Abdominal ultrasound has revolutionized the study of liver diseases, and is crucial to treating many types of cancer. We're fortunate in the twin cities that there are experienced ultrasonographers for whom to refer.

Diagnostic Laboratory Testing: Our extensive laboratory services provide information that is critical to the sick or injured pet. We have access in-house and at our centralized reference laboratory to extensive diagnostic testing allowing animals to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner. Our in-house laboratory is equipped to perform pre-anesthetic blood testing. This important procedure can greatly reduce the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery.

Boarding

We offer veterinary supervised boarding for our clients. In addition to our kennel attendants who love and care for your pets, our veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians observe and monitor our boarders. Our staff is trained to recognize changes in your pet's appetite and attitude, and they work hard to keep pets clean and comfortable. We also board pets that have ongoing medical problems and who need medication, fluid therapy and/or observation. Reservations for boarding should be made well in advance, especially if around major holidays.

We also board rats, hamsters, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

Puppy Socialization Classes

Learn the skills to raise your best dog ever!
Classes for puppies 8-12 weeks of age at start of class.
Designed to shape and socialize your puppy into a well mannered, self-confident, life-long companion for you and your family.
Learn how to promote good behavior and prevent the formation of undesirable habits using gentle correction and guidance.
Learn to recognize and understand natural canine behavior, and canine communication
Class uses confidence building techniques, and socializes puppies to unfamiliar sounds, surroundings, people of all ages, and other puppies.
Topics include basic commands, house training, chewing, biting, jumping up, health care, good nutrition and grooming.
Small class size ensures more individual instruction.
Classes are held once a week for one hour for five weeks. The day of the class will be arranged by the instructor. All family members are welcome.
Class is relaxed, informal, and most importantly FUN for you and your puppy.

Pet Food and Supplies

For your convenience and your pet's health and happiness, South Hyland Pet hospital carries a large selection of fresh, competitively-priced prescription diets. We also carry: nutritional supplements, dental health supplies, flea control products, and the highest quality, general pet supplies.

We will be glad to consult with you regarding the best dietary requirements for your pet's particular needs and invite your questions.