Diagnostic and Preventative Medicine
We diagnose and treat many different types of illnesses in dogs and cats. A thorough diagnostic approach leads to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases and illnesses seen in pets. We provide all types of internal medicine, including Cardiology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Oncology, and other disciplines. The native Florida veterinarians are particularly experienced in recognizing conditions more commonly seen in this area.
Preventative care includes wellness care and vaccination. Wellness care is designed to prevent illness and includes a complete physical examination of your pet, testing for internal parasites, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention and control, spaying or neutering, and blood testing as needed.
Emergency and Critical Care of Patients
Emergency treatment and care of critical patients is provided during our regular business hours. Please call first if you have a pet emergency. When we are not open, we refer emergency cases to the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, which is fully staffed and prepared to treat emergencies. Their phone number is always on our answering machine when we are not open. Cases seen at the Emergency Clinic are referred back to us for further diagnostics, treatment, medication, or other care if needed. See “Emergencies” under “Services” tab.
Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Surgery
Drs. DeGrove, Reece, Marx, and Jakeman all have a special interest in surgery. Surgeries performed at Peace River Veterinary Clinic range from routine spays, neuters, and growth removals to advanced procedures such as cranial cruciate ligament repair, cystotomies, gastrointestinal surgery, perineal urethrostomies, and diaphragmatic hernia repair. Very safe anesthesia is utilized and your pet is carefully watched by the doctors and technicians while connected to cardiac, respiratory, and temperature monitors. Surgeries are performed on heated surgery tables to maximize anesthetic safety. Most patients are discharged on the day of surgery, and go home completely awake and alert.
Dermatology
We see a large number of patients with skin problems, particularly allergies. The temperature, humidity, allergens, and parasites can make Florida a tough environment for dogs and cats. Allergies and the resulting misery of constant itching are very common. We can help diagnose your pet’s condition and provide effective relief.
Dentistry
As in human dentistry, preventative care is encouraged. Regular prophylaxis (cleaning and polishing) is very important to maintain the health of the mouth and the overall health of your pet. Very safe anesthetics are used. The teeth are cleaned above and below the gums, and then the teeth are polished to leave a smooth and shiny surface that is less conducive to plaque deposits. After the teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler, you will appreciate your pet’s “movie-star” smile and fresh breath. More importantly, premature loss of teeth or possibly severe health problems are prevented. If tooth root infections occur from unaddressed dental disease, the bloodstream can carry bacteria to the liver, kidneys, valves of the heart, and other areas resulting in serious disease or death.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography can reveal many conditions that can not be diagnosed by laboratory tests or radiographs (x-rays). Certain types of biopsies are most safely performed with ultrasonic guidance. Diagnostic ultrasonography, echocardiography, as well as endoscopy, colonoscopy and rhinoscopy, are available at Peace River Veterinary Clinic.
Prescription Foods and Medications
Our clinic carries complete lines of prescription canine and feline diets appropriate for a variety of medical conditions. We have the latest convenient and effective monthly flea and tick preventatives, heartworm preventatives, and combination products. For ultimate convenience, there is a heartworm preventative injection that only needs to be given once yearly. All products are guaranteed. We have an extensive pharmacy to provide medications for your pet, and can have medications specially compounded if needed.
Microchipping
We strongly encourage owners to utilize the most effective, life long pet identification available. The inexpensive “Home Again” microchip is safely implanted with minimal discomfort, provides permanent identification that can’t be lost, and includes a lost pet recovery network that is similar to the “Amber Alert” system used for humans. (See “Microchipping” under the “Forms” tab.)
Behavioral Counseling
The veterinarians at Peace River Veterinary Clinic can help you treat conditions such as inappropriate elimination, aggression, thunderstorm phobias, separation anxiety, and many other behavioral problems. We can develop a treatment plan to preserve the special bond between you and your pet, providing your dog or cat with a better quality of life.
Laboratory Diagnostics and Radiology
Complete diagnostic blood tests are available in-house or through a reference laboratory. These tests can often diagnose and track a variety of illnesses and can frequently detect disease early when treatment is most effective. A digital radiology suite is on-site to provide quick radiographs (x-rays) when needed. Digital radiographs give superior quality and can be quickly emailed to radiology specialists for interpretation when needed. Our doctors have extensive training in the skill of interpreting radiographs. Urinalysis, cytology, and many other diagnostic tests are frequently performed in the clinic for rapid, accurate results.
Specialist Referrals
The doctors at Peace River Veterinary Clinic have excellent referral relationships with a variety of board certified veterinarians when advanced specialists are needed. These include veterinary internal medicine specialists, oncologists, soft tissue and orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and other specialists. Many of these specialists are listed in the tab under “contact information”.
Pain Management
As in human medicine, we strive to prevent and control pain and discomfort for your pet. We have a variety of medications to safely manage pain related to surgery, trauma, arthritis, or other causes.
Hospice and Euthanasia Services
Our goal is to help you maintain your pet’s quality of life and dignity. When it is necessary to say goodbye to a canine or feline family member, we are here to provide guidance with difficult decisions and to counsel you on the humane euthanasia process and on body care options. We will provide moral and emotional support throughout this difficult time.
