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A description of Therapeutic Laser offered at Colchester Veterinary Hospital Therapeutic Laser What is laser therapy? Also known as cold laser, laser therapy is a form of phototherapy used to stimulate tissue repair and provide pain management. The laser uses focused red and infrared light to stimulate tissue at and below the surface of your pet’s skin. The biochemical effect of the low-level light increases the production of cellular energy and thus promotes cellular regeneration, production of collagen for tissue repair, and vascular dilation and synthesis for better circulation. Light from the low-level laser also encourages production of the body’s natural pain-relievers. What is the history of low-level laser therapy in veterinary medicine? The first low-level laser was developed in 1960 and early testing showed an increase in the speed and overall success of the healing process when it was used. Originally used for wound repair, clinical trials done throughout the 1970s showed the applicability of the low-level laser in therapy to be more widespread than previously thought. The 1990s came with the invention of more powerful and effective versions of the low-level laser, eventually increasing its popularity in the field of rehabilitation. How can my pet benefit from laser therapy? If your pet has sustained an injury, undergone orthopedic surgery, or suffers from arthritis or other painful conditions, they may be a candidate for low-level laser therapy. The low-level laser not only speeds the healing process but affects the overall quality of the repaired tissue. Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries require increased collagen production for successful healing and the low-level laser stimulates this function. The light also increases vascular growth and dilation for improved circulation in pets that may have limited movement. Pets experiencing pain from their condition may find relief from laser therapy treatments. The biochemical effect of the low-level laser boosts the body’s production of endorphins. Low-level laser therapy is another great way to treat the source of the pain, thereby making it less likely that your pet will need additional pain-reducing medication. What conditions are most often treated with laser therapy? Low-level laser can be used to treat a myriad of conditions, but within the realm of rehabilitation, it is used mainly on musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains), and arthritis. It also helps to release tight muscles, stimulate nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, and aid in pain management. Arthritic Pain Hip Pain Musculoskeletal Pain Myofascial Pain Stress Pain Bruising Edema Hematomas Lesions Tendon, ligament injury, and soreness Traumatic and overuse injuries Scar Tissue Ulcers and other persistent non-healing wounds Splints Strains Sore back Stifle injuries Inflammatory conditions: acute or chronic otitis (ear problems), anal gland inflammation, periodontitis (gingivitis, hot spots, lick granulomas, idiopathic cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal problems) How safe is laser therapy? Laser therapy is very safe when administered properly. To ensure that laser therapy is prescribed only in cases where it is appropriate, an exam is first done by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will then provide the specifics for the application of the laser. Although the term “laser” may conjure up images of the high-powered version sometimes used in surgical settings, the therapeutic lasers do not cut. Depending on the laser prescribed, your pet may wear goggles for eye protection during treatment. Treatments are fast, non-invasive, and pain free. Many pets relax and even fall asleep during treatment. Call us today if you have any questions or wish to book your pet in for laser therapy! We are also happy to accept referrals from your regular veterinarian!

A description of Grace, our veterinary assistant, including bio and picture. Veterinary Assistant A Bit About Me Grace is a recent graduate of Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Science program in Bioveterinary Science. Originally from Newfoundland, she moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her degree and has been dedicated to animal care ever since. Grace has been working in veterinary clinics since she was 18 years old, gaining hands-on experience that strengthened her lifelong passion for animals—a passion that began with her childhood love of horses. At home, Grace is happily outnumbered by her three cats: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pancakes, and Sox. Fun fact: Pumpkin Spice Latte has three legs, but that certainly doesn’t slow her down! When she’s not at the clinic, Grace stays active by riding horses, going to the gym, or heading out on a fishing trip. She’s thrilled to be part of the Colchester Vet Hospital team and is excited to meet all your pets!

Our urgent care and emergency services for our clients. Urgent Care We appreciate that everyone has a very busy schedule. That is why we are dedicated to offering same-day urgent care appointments, as well as a limited number of drop-off appointments. You cannot predict when your pet is going to suffer an injury or fall ill. We are here to help! Emergencies Outside Regular Office Hours Available April 2024 We are here for you and your pets during regular office hours. Emergencies outside these hours will be handled by a 24-7 specialty clinic. This will provide your pet with the care it deserves ! Please call (phone number coming soon) to reach a member of the emergency team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital. They will help you!

Colchester Veterinary Hospital: Exceptional Veterinary Medicine in Truro. Offering same-day urgent care appointments, learn more about our clinic and stay connected. Providing compassionate veterinary care in a low-stress environment OUR SERVICES Wellness Exams Urgent Care Appointments Vaccinations Soft Tisuue Surgery Anesthesia Dentistry Radiology Microchipping Euthanasia our_services Testimonials Very helpful and caring practice with an excellent service from vet Karen and her staff. They made sure that my cat Cleo was thoroughly checked over after she was feeling off colour😿. Luckily after her visit and tests she was given the all clear so we can resume our travels together through Canada. Would highly recommend this veterinary clinic. 😸 Many thanks to everyone there for their help. 🙏 ~ Chris Sheppard

The important of routine wellness exams and what to expect during an exam. Wellness Exams My pet is healthy, why bother going to the vet? Your pet's annual wellness exam is a veterinary 'check-up' for your cat or dog. Wellness exams - or pet checkups - take place once or twice a year while your pet appears to be perfectly healthy. These examinations are a great way to help your pet achieve optimal health by focusing on prevention and early disease detection. By taking your healthy dog or cat in to see their vet regularly, you give your veterinarian the opportunity to monitor your pet's overall health and check for diseases that can be difficult to spot in the early stages (such as cancers and parasites). How often should my pet have a routine wellness exam? The recommended frequency of your pet's wellness exams depends upon your pet's age, previous medical history, lifestyle, and breed risk for developing diseases. If your animal is healthy at the moment but has a history of illness or a higher than average risk of developing a disease, seeing your vet twice a year can help to ensure that your pet stays as healthy as possible. For adult pets in good health yearly wellness exams are often ideal. Animals that are very young or very old tend to be more susceptible to illness, and sometimes your veterinarian will recommend more frequent examinations. If you have a senior pet, or an animal such as a giant breed dog that faces an increased risk of developing disease, twice-yearly wellness exams are recommended. This will give your veterinarian an opportunity to check your pet for the earliest signs of disease, and get treatment started before the condition becomes more severe. What will happen at my pet's routine wellness exam? When you bring your pet in to see us for their wellness exam we will review your pet's medical history and ask if there is anything about your dog or cat's health or behavior that you are concerned about. A veterinary team member will also ask you about your pet's diet, lifestyle, exercise routine, level of thirst, and urination. Next, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your pet which generally includes the following: Weighing your pet Checking the animal's stance and gait for irregularities Examining your pet's feet and nails for damage or signs of more serious health concerns Listening to your animal's heart and lungs Taking a close look at your dog or cat's skin for issues such as dryness, parasites, or lumps Inspecting the overall condition of your pet's coat, watching for dandruff or bald patches Checking eyes for redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge Examining your pet's ears for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps Looking at your pet's teeth for any indication of periodontal disease, damage or tooth decay Feeling along your pet's body (palpating) for signs of illness such as swelling, evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion, and signs of pain Palpate your pet's abdomen to access whether the internal organs appear to be normal and to check for signs of discomfort All of these checks and more can be done quickly and easily if no issues are detected along the way. No doubt your vet will continue to chat with you as they perform this comprehensive examination. Annual vaccines will also be given at your pet's wellness exam, based upon the appropriate schedule for your cat or dog. Vaccinations for puppies and kittens, as well as booster shots for adult dogs and cats, are an important part of giving your animal their very best chance at a long and happy life. Keeping your pet up to date on vaccines throughout their life will help to protect your furry friend against a range of contagious, potentially serious, diseases and conditions. Why is my vet recommending extra tests for my pet? As well as the general checks listed above, your veterinarian may also recommend additional wellness testing. When deciding whether your dog or cat should have additional testing it's important to keep in mind that in many cases early detection and treatment of disease is less expensive and less invasive than treating the condition once it has reached more advanced stages. The following tests screen for a range of conditions and can help detect the very earliest signs of disease, even before symptoms appear: Complete blood count (CBC) Chemistry profile Thyroid hormone testing Urinalysis If you have a senior pet or a giant breed dog, more detailed diagnostic testing may also be recommended including x-rays and other imaging. What happens once the examination is complete? Once the examination is complete, and your pet has received their annual vaccines, your vet will take the time to discuss any findings with you. If your veterinarian has detected any signs of illness or injury, they will take the time to speak to you about more detailed diagnostics, or available treatment options. If your dog or cat is given a clean bill of health, your vet may offer tips or recommendations regarding your pet's diet and exercise routines, oral health, or appropriate parasite prevention.

A description of the veterinarians employed at Colchester Veterinary Hospital. Owner/Veterinarian A Bit About Me Dr. Karen Johnson grew up in Chester and spent a lot of time playing in the woods. She joined the team at Chester Basin Animal Hospital during high school and took a meandering road that eventually ended with her graduating from vet school in 2009. She spent several years living in Australia, working as an equine vet. While the scenery was beautiful, it was hard living on the other side of the world, so she returned to Canada in 2012 to practice small animal medicine. After the birth of her daughter in 2017 she returned to Nova Scotia and has been helping animals here ever since. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and loves helping as many pets as possible. Dr Johnson lives in Old Barns with her husband and daughter. She has two bouncy golden retrievers, Molly and Tucker, who rule the house, and a new puppy, Salty, who keeps everyone on their toes. In her spare time, she enjoys biking the old roads around her house. She also enjoys gardening, watercolor painting, and reading.

A description of bordetella and recommendations for the vaccine Bordetella Vaccine Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that is associated with respiratory disease in dogs. It is one of the components of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, sometimes referred to as kennel cough, upper respiratory infection, or infectious tracheitis. Dogs who will be in areas where they may come into contact with other dogs (e.g. doggy day care, the groomers, the dog park, boarding facilities) are more likely to come into contact with this bacterium and develop signs of an upper respiratory infection. Clinical signs of an upper respiratory infection include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, etc. If you suspect that your dog has an infection, it is important to isolate your dog from other dogs and contact your veterinarian right away. There are bordetella vaccines available for dogs which can lessen the severity of disease and can even prevent infection altogether. This vaccine is an optional vaccine, not a core vaccine. It important to keep in mind that this vaccine only helps protect against one thing that can cause respiratory disease. Your dog can still develop an upper respiratory tract infection if they come in contact with other infectious organisms.

A description of the recommended dog vaccines. Includes core and life style vaccines. Dog Vaccines Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus Rabies Bordetella Lyme Leptospirosis

Registered Veterinary Technician. An invaluable part of our team. Registered Veterinary Techinician Colchester Veterinary Hospital is seeking a part-time or full-time licensed and experienced Registered Veterinary Technician. Company Overview: Colchester Veterinary Hospital is a 4000 sq foot facility in the convenient location of the Truro Industrial Park. We are an innovative small animal hospital dedicated to creating an elevated healthcare experience for our vet team, clients, and patients. As an independent clinic, we are looking for team members to help create a clinic atmosphere that they enjoy. Our clinic boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere where our staff feel valued and know that they are an integral part of the team. We are completely paperless, employing an innovative PIMS and online pet portal for our clients. We value teamwork, personal growth, and the wellbeing of our veterinary team. Join us in creating a positive change in veterinary medicine and making a difference in the lives of our patients and their devoted pet parents. If you are a passionate Veterinary Technician seeking a fulfilling career in a supportive and progressive environment, Colchester Veterinary Hospital is the place for you. We value teamwork, personal growth, and the wellbeing of our veterinary team. Join us in creating a positive change in veterinary medicine and making a difference in the lives of our patients and their devoted pet parents. Qualifications: Degree or diploma in Veterinary Technology and registered with NSVMA and EVTA Prior experience is required Ability to work independently Surgical and anesthetic experience is required Ability to restrain animals safely Ability to lift 50lbs Strong knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, procedures, and protocols Strong interpersonal and communication skills The ability to empathize and interact effectively with clients and their pets Detail-oriented and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment Strong organizational and time management skills Technically proficient (we are paperless, so using computers and tablets is a necessity) and able to set-up notifications and communications with clients via the PIMS Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on advancements in veterinary medicine Responsibilities and Technical Applications: Directly assist veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, and other procedures Assist in handling animals safely and compassionately Initiate appointments for doctor on duty by taking relevant and thorough patient history Administer medications, and treatments as directed by veterinarians Perform laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures including blood work, urinalysis, and radiographs Comfortable performing in-hospital lab work: cytology examination (ear and skin swabs, blood smears, etc.), running bloodwork and urinalysis (IDEXX Pro Cyte, Catalyst One, and Sedi Vue) Monitor and record vital signs of hospitalized animals, ensuring their comfort and well-being Maintain accurate and organized medical records in our cloud-based practice management system Comfortable with doing intakes and discharges of surgical patients Perform dental prophylactic cleanings and obtain dental radiographs Prepare and sterilize surgical equipment and maintain cleanliness in the veterinary clinic Monitoring patients under sedation and anesthetic, providing post-operative care, and monitoring recovery of surgical patients Compensation and Benefits: Competitive compensation No on-call - emergencies are referred to Coastal Care Veterinary Monday to Friday work week: no evenings, weekends, or holidays Medical and Dental benefits Annual dues coverage, generous CE compensation and opportunities for professional development Annual scrub allowance Employee discounts on services, veterinary products and food Paid vacation, and paid sick/personal days/CE days Opportunity to work in a supportive, encouraging work environment State-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to the highest standards of care To Apply If you are excited about the prospect of working with us, please reach out to us with your resume and a cover letter at kmjohnson21@gmail.com . All applications will be considered confidential. We look forward to hearing from you!

This is a description of Annika our Veterinary Assistant and includes a bio and picture. Veterinary Assistant A Bit About Me I'm Annika! My partner and I moved back to Nova Scotia from Toronto in 2021. My passion for wild animals and conservation led me to attend the Durham College Veterinary Assistant program specifically focused towards wildlife rehab. I spent my co-op at the Toronto Zoo working with snow leopards and red pandas and graduated on to finish an internship in South Africa rewilding and studying the wild cheetah population. My partner and I own a farm sanctuary in South Maitland where we aim to educate on sustainability and animal welfare for the younger generations. I love emergency medicine as well as helping assist animals in need!

Here you will find a description about the staff members Meet The Team Dr Karen Johnson Owner and Veterinarian Annika Veterinary Assistant Grace Veterinary Assistant Sam Registered Veterinary Technician Abby Veterinary Assistant

Contact Address 190 Industrial Ave Truro NS Canada B2N 6V4 Contact 902-897-7387 Colchestervh@gmail.com Opening Hours Mon - Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed Saturday and Sunday and all Holidays EMERGENCIES Emergencies outside of regular hours can call: 1-902-703-2323 First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!