Our Services
Preventative Medicine
We believe the key to your pet’s health starts with annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic screenings. Parasite prevention and control is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy!
At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, we believe in preventive care for your pets. It is proven that early detection of your pet’s health problems can allow for early treatment with a more successful outcome. Each year, your adult pet should receive a comprehensive physical examination; every 6 months for your senior companion. We offer procedures such as electrocardiograms, x-rays, and comprehensive bloodwork to aid in the detection of early disease. Keep in mind, your pet’s life span is much shorter than yours, making them a precious part of your life. This shorter lifespan can create more drastic health changes in a short period of time.
Medications we offer are Trifexis online Pharmacy, Simparica Trio, Advantage Multi for Cats, Heartgard, & Nexgard Combo for Cats.
Vaccines
Another part of any preventative health plan is routine vaccines. This begins at 8 weeks of age for puppies and kittens. We believe vaccines are extremely important and should be administered by trained professionals.
Another part of any preventative health plan is routine vaccines. This begins at 8 weeks of age for puppies and kittens. We believe vaccines are extremely important and should be administered by trained professionals.
Vaccines are not created equal. For example, vaccines from feed stores are from old technology and lower in quality. The distribution process of these feed store vaccines is lengthy and could harm its effectiveness. We carry the most up to date vaccines and they are delivered to us directly from the distributor.
Remember a vaccine is a medical procedure and should only be given to healthy animals. No animal should be vaccinated without a prior physical exam by a licensed veterinarian. We will not give a vaccine to your pet without a proper physical exam.
Vaccine reactions are uncommon, however, if a reaction were to occur, we have the appropriate medications to reverse this potentially life-threatening situation.
New studies have shown that some vaccines last longer than others. Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital offers core vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus) that last three years and non-core vaccines (Kennel cough, Leptospirosis and Lyme) that last a year. Since Bladen and surrounding counties are rural and full of wildlife we always stress the importance of the Rabies vaccine. We offer numerous low-cost Rabies Clinics every year where we always bring pet wellness news. Remember, our state government requires Rabies vaccines be given to our pets.
A reminder of vaccine due dates will always be mailed to you.
Intestinal Parasite Control
Welcome a new pet into your family is exciting! Get your new puppy or kitten off to a great start with a specialized package that includes many services.
Parasite control of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms is very important to companion animals. All good pet owners will either bring in a fresh stool sample or let our assistants gently take a sample during your pet’s physical exam for analysis. At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, we firmly believe in the importance of this test, especially if your pet is around children and other pets. This test is performed in our on-site laboratory. If your pet has parasites you can view them through the microscope video.
Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can affect you, your children or your grandchildren if they come in contact with infected feces. These parasites, if not treated, can eventually make you, your family, and your pet sick. If the test result shows evidence of these parasites, medicine can be prescribed to deworm your pet.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease is a very serious disease for both cats and dogs and very widespread in the South. For example, most stray dogs or dogs adopted from a southern shelter have this disease. The immature heartworms are transmitted…
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease is a very serious disease for both cats and dogs and very widespread in the South. For example, most stray dogs or dogs adopted from a southern shelter have this disease. The immature heartworms are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Next they move through the tissues and into heart and lungs. As the worms grow and reproduce more immature worms are released into your pet’s bloodstream. When other mosquitos bite your pet the mosquito can transmit heartworm disease to other companion animals. If left untreated, it can result in congestive heart disease and result in failure of other organs eventually leading to death.
Pet owners can help prevent this disease by performing annual heartworm blood test and giving a heartworm preventative each month throughout the year. At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, we strive to educate clients in regards to early prevention of this deadly disease. Prevention can be given orally or topically every month (Iverhart Max, Trifexis, or Advantage multi) or by injection every 6 months (Proheart 6).
Dentistry
Dentistry can enhance the quality of life for your pet. During your pet’s annual or bi-annual physical exam an oral exam is performed to look for dental tartar build-up, infected or loose teeth, sore areas or any tumors in the…
Dentistry can enhance the quality of life for your pet. During your pet’s annual or bi-annual physical exam an oral exam is performed to look for dental tartar build-up, infected or loose teeth, sore areas or any tumors in the mouth. A dental report is filled out and given to you to explain where your pet stands on dental disease.
Proper dental care is as important to your pet’s health as it is to you. If you notice bad breath, oral bleeding, pain while eating, or excessive drooling your pet may be suffering from periodontal and dental disease. A dental prophylaxis can prevent infection from spreading through your pet’s blood stream to their liver, kidneys, and heart. This is done by our well-trained technicians under general anesthesia using the same anesthetic and careful monitoring techniques that we use in surgery. Depending on your pet’s age, pre-anesthetic blood work and an intravenous catheter and fluids may be necessary. The procedure begins by scaling the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler. Each tooth is examined looking for loosening or severe infections. Keep in mind that any loose or fractured teeth will be removed by the veterinarian for your pet’s comfort. Finally the teeth are polished and a final dental exam is given, and we always recommend Oravet Chews to maintain dental and gum health.
We also invite you to browse our dental retail area for products to help maintain a healthy mouth at home.
Digital Radiology
X rays are an important diagnostic tool for veterinarians. Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital uses digital radiography. This digital capability enhances our ability to look for broken bones, tumors, heart and lung disease, bladder stones, or obstructions in the intestines. Your pet is placed on the table and measured for proper x-ray technique.
If your pet has difficulty lying on the table or becomes anxious, a small sedative may be needed. Once the x-ray is taken it is shown on the computer screen in the x ray room for the veterinarian to review and then transferred electronically to the pet’s exam room to be viewed by you on the in-room monitors. If your pet needs surgery, a computer screen is in the surgery room so your pet’s x ray can be transferred for the doctor and technician to view. Digital copies of your pet’s x-rays are available upon request.
Surgery
At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety is of our highest concern. Prior to surgery your pet will receive a complete physical examination. An exam of internal organ function via pre-anesthetic blood work is always recommended and can be performed…
At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety is of our highest concern. Prior to surgery your pet will receive a complete physical examination. An exam of internal organ function via pre-anesthetic blood work is always recommended and can be performed using our in-house, state-of-the-art blood analyzers.
Your pet is taken care of as if it were our own, so we offer the safest anesthetic and pain management protocols. Surgery is performed in a well equipped surgical suite on a heated surgical table, where an anesthetic technician constantly monitors and records heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation.
The veterinarians provide a wide range of hard and soft tissue surgeries, such as routine spays and neuters, c-sections, tumor removals, prophylactic gastropexy, intestinal surgery, gunshot wound repair, entropion and other eyelid surgery, feline declawing, bladder and uretha surgeries, long bone fracture repair, just to mention a few.
After surgery your pet will receive one-on-one monitoring as they wake up from anesthesia. We encourage the use of pain management at home due to the understanding that animals, like humans, heal better when pain is managed.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram or ECG is an important diagnostic tool to look for underlying heart disease. Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital uses this tool frequently and is available as part of our preventive package. A copy of your pet’s ECG will be sent home with you.
An electrocardiogram or ECG is an important diagnostic tool to look for underlying heart disease. Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital uses this tool frequently and is available as part of our preventive package. A copy of your pet’s ECG will be sent home with you.
Ultrasonography
An ultrasound is used to image internal organs. It can uncover heart, liver, urinary, intestinal, spleen, gallbladder, kidney, and adrenal gland problems. This non-invasive procedure does not hurt your pet, and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Generally speaking this procedure is performed without sedation but if needed a safe sedative will be provided. Once finished the images are saved on a flash drive and a written report is provided.
An ultrasound is used to image internal organs. It can uncover heart, liver, urinary, intestinal, spleen, gallbladder, kidney, and adrenal gland problems. This non-invasive procedure does not hurt your pet, and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Generally speaking this procedure is performed without sedation but if needed a safe sedative will be provided. Once finished the images are saved on a flash drive and a written report is provided.
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital works together with Dr. Thompson and Dr. Ray Lazenby which are seasoned experts in their field and are compassionate with your pet. They travel from Raleigh and Southport to offer their services at our hospital in Bladen County.
Microchipping
Microchipping is the process of placing a small sterile, rice sized chip between the shoulders of your pet becoming a source of permanent identification. You receive the pet’s identification number and benefit information. Anesthesia is not needed for this procedure. At our hospital we use the “Save This Life” microchip recovery system (www.savethislife.com/). Once your pet is microchipped, Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital pays the first year registration for the pet owner and then mails in all required paperwork.
Microchipping is the process of placing a small sterile, rice sized chip between the shoulders of your pet becoming a source of permanent identification. You receive the pet’s identification number and benefit information. Anesthesia is not needed for this procedure. At our hospital we use the“Save This Life” microchip recovery system (www.savethislife.com/). Once your pet is microchipped, Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital pays the first year registration for the pet owner and then mails in all required paperwork.
Our hospital works together with “A Shelter Friend,” a local rescue group, and has microchipped many rescued companion pets! Our hospital believes in the importance of microchipping and has seen the results of this system first hand. We have reunited pet’s and owner as close as Bladenboro and as far as Florida! During the spring and summer months we offer reduced microchipping rates at our numerous community Rabies Clinics.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a very personal decision for you, the pet owner. Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancer cells in your pet’s body. These drugs are administered by our trained staff by injection or by mouth in a controlled environment. Cancer treatment in pets is rapidly moving into the realm of veterinary medicine. You must remember that chemotherapy is not used to cure the cancer but instead to help prolong life and allow you and your beloved pet to spend more quality time together.
Chemotherapy is a very personal decision for you, the pet owner. Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancer cells in your pet’s body. These drugs are administered by our trained staff by injection or by mouth in a controlled environment. Cancer treatment in pets is rapidly moving into the realm of veterinary medicine. You must remember that chemotherapy is not used to cure the cancer but instead to help prolong life and allow you and your beloved pet to spend more quality time together.
Boarding
We provide a home away from home for your pet while you’re away. Leave them in the hands of our diligent and attentive staff.
Our kennel assistants are professional and loving towards all pets. At Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital your pet will feel right at home in the comfort of our runs, traditional cages, and kitty townhouses. Our boarding menu consists of 3 walks per day and additional play time can be added in 15 minutes slots. Your pets are walked in the beauty of our 20 groomed acres and pathways. They get to view various felines playing in the barns, horses feeding in the fields, and geese swimming in the ponds.
They always have fresh water waiting for them as well as clean blankets in a controlled environment. We feed Science Diet pet food or you may bring your own pet food and treats. They receive daily treats and lots of hugs. They receive a complementary bath, brush, nail trim, and ear cleaning prior to going home.
All pets must be updated on their core vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis , Parvo, and Rabies) as well as their Bordetella vaccine(Kennel Cough) and must be flea free or de-fleaed upon admittance. Capstar will be given upon entry for those pets with fleas.
It’s always a good idea to board where there is a veterinarian on hand, especially if your pet has medical needs. Call to schedule your visit with us and we invite you to walk through our facility at any time.
Equine Services
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital offers equine vaccines, Coggins testing, fecals and dewormers for your horse.
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital offers equine vaccines, Coggins testing, fecals and dewormers for your horse.
We offer boarding year round.
We offer on sight horse training, lessons, sales all done by our expert and vibrant trainer, Adrienne.
Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your faithful companion. The special bond between people and their beloved pets cannot be measured, we understand this bond and that the loss of this vital member of your family can be devastating.
Saying goodbye to your faithful companion. The special bond between people and their beloved pets cannot be measured, we understand this bond and that the loss of this vital member of your family can be devastating.
When you call to make your appointment please ask for our Comfort Room. In this room, you can spend unlimited time with your pet in the comfort of a living room presentation. Please call us to discuss any concerns and ask about our private and communal cremations.
Crematory Services
On the grounds of Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital we pride ourselves with our Companion Animal Cremation Services, the only service like this in Bladen County. Private and communal cremations are performed with dignity and compassion. If you choose to cremate privately your pet is cremated alone in a thoroughly cleaned chamber and then placed in an angel pocket.
On the grounds of Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital we pride ourselves with our Companion Animal Cremation Services, the only service like this in Bladen County. Private and communal cremations are performed with dignity and compassion. If you choose to cremate privately your pet is cremated alone in a thoroughly cleaned chamber and then placed in an angel pocket.
You may view our in house Urns or Catalog for unique and personalized urns.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy Reduces Pain and Speeds Healing Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital is excited to offer our clients Companion Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be…
Laser Therapy Reduces Pain and Speeds Healing
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital is excited to offer our clients Companion Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Relief and/or improvement is often noticed within hours depending on the condition and your pet’s response. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this innovative approach to treating pain.
Applications for laser therapy include:
- Treatment of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or hip dysplasia
- General pain management (sprains, strains, and stiffness)
- Post-surgery pain (spays, neuters, declaws, and other surgeries)
- Skin problems (hot spots, lick granulomas, infections)
- Dental procedures
- Fractures and wounds (bites, abrasions, and lesions)
- Ear infections
How does it work?
Laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body for about 3 to 8 minutes and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in relief from pain, increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and an acceleration of the healing process.
What can my pet expect during a laser therapy treatment session?
Simply put, it provides relief. As the laser is administered, your pet will relax and enjoy the treatment. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experiences will dissipate.
Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and canine companions will actually fall asleep during their therapy session. Frequently, after therapy, we hear: “He’s acting like a puppy again” or “She can actually jump onto the chair again.” Pain relief is provided in just a few minutes of therapy and that alone improves the quality of life for your companion.
What are the signs that my pet can benefit from Companion Laser Therapy?
Many of our laser therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:
- Abnormal sitting or lying posture
- Circling multiple times before lying down
- Restlessness
- Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
- Limping, unable to get up or lie down
- Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
- Lack of grooming
- Won’t wag tail
- Licking or biting area
- Lack of appetite
- Trembling
Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment or obtain additional information.
