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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!

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!

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!

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 cat vaccines offered, including FVRCP, rabies and FeLV vaccines. Cat Vaccines Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia Rabies Feline Leukemia

A description of the DAPP vaccine and why we recommend it. Distemper, Advenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus Vaccine Several of the most common vaccines are typically given together in a single shot that’s known as the DHPP, DAPP or DA2PP vaccine. This combination vaccine is considered a core vaccine, which means all dogs should receive it regardless of their lifestyle. Core vaccines tend to protect against viruses that are highly contagious, cause serious disease, and have high fatality rates. This vaccine protects against canine distemper virus (indicated by the letter D), two types of adenovirus , parainfluenza (P), and parvovirus (P). These diseases are all caused by viruses with no known cure, so vaccination is the primary way to keep dogs protected. They are also highly contagious, and dogs of all ages are at risk of becoming infected. Canine Distemper Virus Canine distemper virus is related to the virus that causes measles in humans. Distemper is spread through the air, by direct contact with an infected animal or by indirect contact through shared bedding or dishes. This serious disease targets the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of a dog. Infe cted dogs may suffer from a high fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and watery discharge from the nose and eyes. Progressive stages of disease may include pneumonia, seizures, and paralysis. Distemper can quickly become fatal. For dogs that do survive, the disease can cause permanent brain damage. Newborn puppies and unvaccinated dogs of any age have the highest risk of infection. Canine Ade novirus There are two types of canine adenovirus (CAV): CAV-1 , which is also k nown as infectious canine hepatitis, is the more serious of the two types. It spreads through the urine and feces and can severely damage the liver. Even after the initial infection clears, dogs may suffer long-term, irreversible changes to the liver, kidneys, and eyes. CAV-2 is one of the diseases commonly associated with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (aka kennel cough). The virus spreads directly from dog to dog through coughing and sneezing. Infected dogs typically experience a dry, hacking cough along with a fever and nasal discharge. Canine Parainfluenza Like CAV-2, canine parainfluenza is another virus responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex . It is also transmitted in the air and can spread rapidly, especially in areas where large numbers of dogs are kept together. Coughing, fever, and nasal discharge are the major symptoms associated with infection. One important thing to remember is that canine parainfluenza is not related to canine influenza. The two viruses cause different diseases and require separate vaccines for protection. Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal disease. Although dogs of all ages are susceptible, puppies that aren’t yet fully vaccinated have the highest risk of i nfection. Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and causes damage to the GI tract, resulting in vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid fluid and protein loss. Treatment often requires hospitalization and intensive care. The virus is highly resistant to many common disinfectants and can remain in the environment (including soil) for up to one year. How Often Does My Dog Need the DHPP Vaccine? The combination vaccine is initially given as a series of injections spread out over a number of weeks. However, because it is a combo vaccine, your puppy will only need one shot per visit. Puppies at least 6 weeks of age receive a dose every two to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. For dogs who are older than 16 weeks but have never been vaccinated, the num ber of initial doses is reduced to two. All dogs should receive booster doses of the vaccine every one to three years, depending on the vaccine label and your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Veterinary Assistant/Customer Service Representative Colchester Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant/Customer Service Representative. This is a part-time or full-time position. 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, veterinary-led 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. Job Requirements and Responsibilities: Completion of a Veterinary Assistant Program and customer service experience Prior experience is desired Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and organizational and time management skills The ability to empathize and interact effectively with clients and their pets Detail-oriented and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment Technically proficient (we are paperless, so using computers and tablets is a necessity, and you must be able to type)and able to set-up notifications and communications with clients via the operating system Greet clients and pets upon arrival Document phone conversations in the operating system Directly assist veterinarians during examinations and other procedures Initiate appointments for doctor on duty by taking relevant and thorough patient history Present billing estimates to clients and collect payments for bills Prepare and sterilize surgical equipment and maintain cleanliness in the veterinary clinic Ability to work independently, restrain animals safely and lift up to 50lbs Assist in handling animals safely and compassionately Compensation and Benefits: Competitive compensation Monday to Friday work week: no evenings, weekends, or holidays Medical and Dental benefits if full time Employee discounts on services, veterinary products and food Paid vacation, and paid sick/personal 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!

A description of leptospirosis and the vaccine offered. Leptospirosis Vaccine Leptospirosis is carried by wildlife such as rats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and deer and is found in places where they may urinate, including lakes, streams, puddles, or soil in your backyard. But this doesn’t mean that only dogs that swim in lakes or lick up puddles can be exposed! Any dog that regularly goes outside is potentially at risk of contracting this disease. While the leptospirosis vaccine is not currently a required immunization for dogs, it is highly recommended for any dog that commonly goes outside, even just to go to the bathroom in the backyard. Small breed dogs and dogs that live in urban environments may at first seem to have a lower risk, but are in fact the most frequent patients in veterinary hospitals that are diagnosed with leptospirosis! It is important to understand that even if your dog is vaccinated, there is not a 100% guarantee that they will not contract leptospirosis. The current vaccine only protects against certain types of the multiple different variations of Leptospira bacteria that cause leptospirosis. However, having your dog vaccinated does decrease their risk of becoming sick with leptospirosis. The signs of this disease in animals can be difficult to identify and may mimic many other disease and sometimes pets do not have any symptoms. Below is a list of some of the clinical signs that have been reported in dogs. These include: Fever Vomiting Abdominal pain Diarrhea Refusal to eat Severe weakness and depression Stiffness Severe muscle pain Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals. In general, whenever your dog is acting sick or are not behaving normally, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Specifically, if your dog is not currently vaccinated for leptospirosis or if you think your dog might have leptospirosis, please contact your family veterinarian to learn more.

Why we recommend microchipping and what is involved. Microchipping It can be a very scary thing to have a pet go missing. Microchipping your dog or cat is the easiest way to help get them home to you. The purpose of microchips used for pets is to provide a form of permanent identification. These microchip implants are called radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. They are tiny, about the size of a large grain of rice, and are passive, which means that they passively store a unique identification number and do not actively transmit any information. The microchip implanted in your dog has no battery and no internal power source; it sits inertly in the dog until it is read by a microchip scanner. Call us today to microchip your pet!

A description of radiology services provided at Colchester Veterinary Hospital Radiography Radiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in veterinary practice. Other imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging are also very important and commonly available in specialty practices. Imaging can provide a large amount of information and should not cause unacceptable discomfort to the animal. Although radiography itself is painless, sedation is often desirable to reduce anxiety and stress associated with the procedure, to promote acquisition of good diagnostic studies with minimal repeats, and to control pain associated with manipulation in animals with painful disorders such as fractures and arthritis. If sedation is needed, your veterinarian will discuss this with you before hand.

A description of lyme disease and the vaccine for lyme. Lyme Vaccine Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete (type of bacterium), Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. Once in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys. The most common type of tick to carry Lyme disease is the deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick. These ticks are found everywhere in Nova Scotia. Many dogs affected with Lyme disease are taken to a veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Often, these pets have high fevers and may also be limping. This painful lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another and if left untreated, may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later. Non-specific signs which may indicate that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and weight loss. The kidney form of the disease is less common but often fatal. Most dogs infected with the Lyme disease organism take two to five months before they show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be widespread throughout the body. Vaccination against Lyme disease is recommended for pets that live in endemic areas or that travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent. Most dogs that live in Nova Scotia should be vaccinated for lyme. This vaccine is initially given twice, at three to four-week intervals. Annual revaccination is necessary to maintain your dog’s immunity. The decision to vaccinate against Lyme disease can be discussed with your veterinarian based on your dog’s lifestyle and individual risk assessment. Read our blog on ticks here