Health Care
Vaccinations
Disease prevention by vaccination is the cornerstone of ongoing preventative health care. Upon having a comprehensive physical examination healthy pets should be vaccinated. Vaccines are essential for young puppies and kittens to help build their immunity against bacteria and virus’ that they are exposed to in the environment. Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital encourages you to discuss any aspect of your pet’s health during your visit or call us for information regarding any concerns you may have.
Parasite Control
The control of internal (worms) and external parasites (fleas, ticks, lice and mites) is an important health and comfort issue for your pet. Several parasites are transferable to humans and are especially dangerous for children. Talk to us about simple solutions to control and prevent parasites in/on your pet.
Laboratory
We perform a variety of laboratory tests on site. If more in depth evaluations are required samples are sent to a local veterinary laboratory. When results are available (usually the next day) you will be contacted and given the results. We will work with you to be sure you understand the importance of the test results so that a treatment strategy can be established.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital Radiography
Digital radiography has revolutionized veterinary radiology. Images are available immediately and can be modified to allow for more accurate interpretation. Radiography is necessary for the diagnosis of conditions like intestinal foreign bodies, bladder stones, certain malignancies, broken bones and many other things.
Ultrasound
In situations where radiographs do not give us a diagnosis ultrasound services are available at our hospital. A Board Certified Radiologist performs and interprets all ultrasound images.
Surgical Services
We offer a wide range of surgical services that include;
- Surgical Sterilization (spays and neuters)
- Soft Tissue Surgery (laceration repairs and lump removals)
- Intestinal Surgery (foreign body removal)
- Orthopedic Surgery (ACL repair and fracture repair)
- Reproductive Surgery (C – Sections)
To ensure that it is safe for your pet to have an anesthetic we may recommend a blood panel evaluation be performed prior to anesthesia. This will provide us with information on your pet’s internal organ function and help us determine an individual and safe anesthetic protocol for your pet.
You may be referred to a local Board Certified Surgeon if your pet needs more specialized care.
Tattoos & Microchips
It is important to have a way to identify your pet if you and your pet become separated. Tattooing and/or microchipping are the best ways to be sure that you and your pet are reunited. Tattoos are administered under a general anesthetic and can be done at the time of any surgical procedure. Microchips are internationally recognized as the best means of pet identification. If you travel with your pet outside of B.C. consider having a microchip implanted. Unlike tattoos microchips do not require anesthetic for implantation. Please ask us which one, or both, option is best for your pet.
Acupuncture
Dr. Paula Bedford is a member of the Association of Veterinary Acupuncturists of Canada (AVAC) as well as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS).
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. Acupuncture can be useful in the treatment of many conditions, most commonly musculoskeletal and neurological problems. The number and frequency of treatments depends on the severity and duration of the condition. Acupuncture treatments are well tolerated by most pets.
Emergency Services
You can access our after hour emergency service by calling the hospital (604-465-5421) and following the prompts on our voice mail system to be connected to one of the two local emergency hospitals. We will receive notification of your visit the next business day. We will then contact you to make sure all is well.