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Additional Services

Veterinary Social Services

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August 2022

We are pleased to announce that Kathleen Dunbar, RVT, VTS, MSW is now offering her services as a veterinary social worker here at Carnegy Animal Hospital.

Kathleen is now one of about five qualified social workers specializing in veterinary healthcare employed by a Canadian veterinary hospital. Our hospital believes that this is an important and growing service we can offer not only to our staff and our clients but to anyone involved in veterinary medicine and related fields. Kathleen is available to all who are involved in the veterinary industry here in Nova Scotia.

Individual grief counselling is available either in person or virtually to any resident of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
We also provide an eight-week Pet Loss Support Group for adults mourning their pet. The group provides information on grief-related subjects through informal discussions and sharing stories. Topics such as depression, anxiety, regret, coping with special occasions and more will be covered. Each support group is limited to ten members. This ensures all participants have space to share their feelings and experiences. These are offered periodically throughout the year.

Veterinary social workers understand the special bonds between humans and animals and learn specific interventions and therapies including grief and bereavement services, quality of life discussions, mindfulness‑based stress reduction and suicide awareness.

Kathleen has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Acadia University, a Diploma in Veterinary Technology from Dalhousie University and recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a Masters in Social Work, focusing on veterinary social work. Since 2008 she has worked as a registered veterinary technician at Carnegy Animal Hospital in Halifax, NS. In 2016 Kathleen obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Clinical Practice (Canine/Feline). Kathleen has written for several veterinary publications. In addition to her work in the veterinary industry, Kathleen has worked in group homes for people with mental health difficulties for more than twenty years. Kathleen lives in Halifax with her husband, numerous cats, and a geriatric Pomeranian.

Please feel welcome to email wellnessliaison@carnegyanimalhospital.com  in confidence.  Kathleen has a dedicated telephone number 902-399-5869 as well.

Cryoprobe

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Carnegy Animal Hospital strives to provide advanced treatment options for our patients, including the CryoProbe™. This is a small hand-held device that gives our veterinarians a successful, quick, non-invasive method for applying ultra-cold pressure to treat and remove a host of skin lesions from pets. It delivers a minutely-accurate (to the millimeter) stream of nitrous oxide at -88.3C to remove even the tiniest of lesions, even in very sensitive areas. Because the CryoProbe™ is so accurate and effective, our veterinarians can precisely treat and remove only the affected tissue while leaving surrounding healthy tissues undisturbed.

CryoProbeTM Benefits for Lesion Removal

Here at Carnegy Animal Hospital, we regularly use the CryoProbe™ to treat or remove the following types of skin conditions

  • Papillomas (Warts)—Small, usually benign, growths that grow on the skin or mucous membranes; caused by a virus.
  • Cysts—Usually non-cancerous, these are abnormal tissues filled with liquid or solid material from abnormal breakdown processes.
  • Distichia—Eyelashes growing from abnormal growths on a dog’s eyelid (can damage the cornea or conjunctiva if not removed).
  • Epuli—A type of tumor-like mass growing from a pet’s gums, sometimes deforming the face and disrupting healthy dental alignment (uncommon in cats, but more common in brachycephalic dog breeds like boxers).
  • Perianal Adenomas—Tumors developing from the sebaceous glands around the anus (most common in intact males, though occasionally appearing in spayed females; very rare in cats).
  • Sebaceous Adenomas—Usually benign, these tumors are overgrowths of sebaceous gland cells (oil producing glands within the hair follicles).
  • Oral Tumors—The CryoProbe™ effectively removes most types of benign and malignant oral tumors successfully when caught early enough.
  • Eyelid Tumors—There are several types of eyelid tumors that can afflict both cats and dogs. The CryoProbe™ is extremely accurate at removing even the tiniest of these tumors without disturbing adjacent tissues.

The CryoProbe™ is an excellent, non-invasive treatment option for all of these conditions and more and is a good option for most pets. With this incredibly accurate cryotherapy instrument, we can:

  • Deliver the ultra-cold nitrous oxide to a depth of 5 millimeters into your pet’s skin (at 725psi) so that the root of the growth can be effectively killed and removed.
  • Stop even extremely small growths quickly to protect your pet’s health and promote a quicker recovery.
  • Accurately treat lesions even in very sensitive areas (such as around the eyes, mouth and other mucus membranes) with minimal discomfort for your pet.
  • Treat a host of skin conditions, usually without any special pre- or post-operative care; your pet can resume normal activity after the appointment.
  • Save pet owners money with this treatment over more expensive, invasive procedures that require more recovery time.
  • Your pet may feel a slight tingling or discomfort at the site, but this passes quickly and there should be no lengthy recovery time when we use cryotherapy treatment on your pet.

To address any unusual growths on your pet, or find out if the CryoProbe™ is a good treatment option, please call us today at 902-457-1575.

Laser Therapy in Companion Animals

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Conventional Laser therapy has been in use for more than 25 years. More than 3,000 scientific publications test its effectiveness and the validity of this approach. It has been demonstrated that it is not toxic and it has no side effects. Today, it is used as a monotherapy or as a complementary therapy. Carnegy Animal Hospital has successfully incorporated cold laser therapy into their practice of veterinary medicine since 2009 and we have had some excellent results.  We are excited to announce that in June of 2015, we have moved onto new technolodgy and have recently invested in the Multi Radiance Activet MR4 portable laser system.

Multi Radiance Medical’s Veterinary Laser Therapy devices provide accelerated pain relief and healing. This safe and powerful technology is applied with a hand-held applicator providing targeted Super Pulsed Laser light that stimulates cell regeneration.Throughout the world, cold Laser Therapy is used to relief acute/chronic pain, back pain, carpal tunnel, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, muscle strain, bursitis, tendonitis, and other injuries in humans, now we’re bridging the gap and offering safe and effcetive for all aspects of Veterinary care.

Advanced technology, such as the LaserStim™ is the world’s first FDA cleared device that combines Laser Therapy and E-Stim. The LaserStim emitter identifies optimal treatment areas, provides highly targeted healing laser treatment and allows for insurance reimbursement. This is one example of a full range of sophisticated, yet cost-effective Super Pulsed laser products. Multi Radiance Medical is an international corporation with a presence in over 30 countries and has been servicing customers for 20 years.  Their products have been approved by Health Canada.

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Why Multi Radiance?

  • • Convenient -Portable 8 hour rechargable battery- Effective and more Versatile – 25,000 mW of power for shorter treatment times• Multiple Treatment Modes-Preset LaserSweep™ Programs – Pulsing Red & Blue Radiances -Allows you to treat more conditions – Drug Free Pain Relief – Non-invasive, natural and safe

Veterinary FAQs

Can low-level laser therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?

Low-level laser therapy can be, and often is, combined with other types of veterinary medicine. Because low-level laser decreases pain and enhances circulation, your veterinarian may choose to use the cold laser in conjunction with other forms of therapy to enhance the benefits of those therapies. In general, low-level laser therapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If your companion animal is receiving low-level laser therapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. Our veterinarians, who are well-trained and versed in a variety of rehab modalities including low-level laser therapy, collaborate with the pet’s primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care.

How safe is low-level laser therapy?

Low-level laser therapy is very safe when done properly. To ensure that laser therapy is done 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 cold laser. Although the term “laser” may conjure up images of the high-powered version sometimes used in surgical settings, the low-level laser causes no temperature change to the patient during or after the treatment and there is no risk of burning. Protective eye wear is required during application of the low-level laser and one should not look directly at the laser light. Laser therapy should not be used in certain patients with that are pregnant or that have cancer, as it stimulates cell growth and does not differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells.

How successful is low-level laser therapy?

Because low-level laser therapy has a cumulative effect, for best results treatments should be done at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian. Low-level laser therapy is often recommended in conjunction with other modalities to provide the best outcome and may be used as either a primary or complimentary therapy.

How can my pet benefit from low-level 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 cold laser 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 low-level laser therapy?

Low-level laser can be used to treat a myriad of conditions but within the realm of rehabilitation 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
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Traumatic and oversue injuries
  • Scar Tissue
  • Ulcers and other persistent non-healing wounds
  • Splints
  • Strains
  • Sore back
  • Ankle, hock injuries
  • Stifle injuries
  • Bone chips
  • Hoof conditions: abscesses, bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis
  • Inflammatory conditions: acute or chronic otitis (ear problems), anal gland inflammation, periondontitis (gingivitis, hot spots, lick granulomas, idiopathic cycstitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal problems)

Who practices low-level laser therapy?

Your pet will receive their cold laser treatment from a trained staff member . He/She may incorporate the low-level laser into other forms of therapy such as therapeutic massage or therapeutic exercise, or it may be done independently.

On which types of animals is low-level laser therapy practiced?

Animals involved in sports or other physically demanding activities have been the most common candidates for low-level laser therapy. Horses and sled dogs are among those most frequently benefiting from this form of therapy, as their lifestyles make them more prone to injury. However, as the field of canine and feline rehabilitation expands, use of the low-level laser is becoming more popular as it has some tremendous benefits.

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 1970’s showed the applicability of the low-level laser in therapy to be more widespread than previously thought. The 1990’s came with the invention of more powerful and effective versions of the cold laser, eventually increasing its popularity in the field of rehabilitation.

What is low-level laser therapy?

Also known as soft laser, low-level laser therapy is a form of photo-therapy 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.

RentMyPetLaser

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We are now able to offer our clients an opportunity to continue cold laser therapy on their pet at home.  The battery-powered TQ Solo, which comes in a kit that includes instructions and a treatment-tracking form, is designed for pain relief and healing. No goggles are needed because of the laser’s super-pulse technology.

As an example: Getting a series of treatments for painful senior dog conditions, like osteoarthritis, is inconvenient to owners and stressful for pets, especially cats. Once you have visited your veterinarian and recieved a diagnosis, a treatment protocol can be developed for compliance in the comfort of your home.

 RentMyPetLaser.com 

Online Vet Store

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Now you can enjoy the convenience of ordering online and the safety of ordering directly from us – your trusted pet care professionals!

Our WebStore allows you to purchase the highest quality pet foods and treats as toys and litter, anytime, from anywhere and have them ready and waiting for you when you come in to pick them up!  Your shopping choices are no longer limited to instore inventory!  In addition, Rx Prescriptions may be requested or added to your customer profile by our staff – eliminating the need to call us!

SIGN UP NOW TO ENJOY THESE GREAT BENEFITS:

Order anytime at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Free Express Clinic Pick-Up. When you order online, you will be notified when it is ready for pickup. Your order will be ready and waiting for you at our office and already paid for!  If it is not an item we routinely carry, then allow 2-3 days for the product to arrive in our clinic, and we will notify you when ready for pickup.

No-Obligation Recurring AutoOrder: Have your chosen pet products automatically re-ordered, so you don’t have to worry about running out! You select ordering frequency, can delay your order or cancel at anytime!

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Pharmacy

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For your convenience, we offer both an in-house pharmacy and an online service so we can meet all your pet’s needs. We provide medications, flea and tick control products, and heartworm preventives—all at competitive prices. We’ll also pass along any discounts or rebates from drug manufacturers.

When you order from us, you’ll know that the products you’re purchasing have been stored properly and are approved for use in Canada. And if you have any questions, you can ask your veterinarian.

Please make every effort to be mindful of when your pet’s prescription(s) supply is getting low. While we will do our best to refill prescriptions, this may or may not be possible immediately, particularly on weekends and holidays, when many of our veterinarians are not in the hospital.
Please note that ALL prescription refill requests require at least 24 hour’s notice.

Additionally, if we have not seen your pet in some time, or if the veterinarian on duty when you call is not comfortable refilling your prescription for any reason, we may need extra time to obtain authorization.
Thus, it is important to keep an eye on your pet’s medications so that you don’t run out. Doing so will save you anxiety and avoid uninterrupted treatment. Generally, we suggest contacting us a week in advance.

 

Pain Management and Control

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We now know that animals experience pain in much the same way as people. We use our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies to prevent and manage pain in pets, both before and after surgery and in the event of an injury or infection. We can also ease pain caused by chronic disease, such as arthritis.

Ask us about our pain management options and plans, which we will tailor to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs. We also offer cold laser therapy, which can help control pain in some pets.

Veterinary Specialist Referrals

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Our team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians provides many services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures. Although we handle the majority of your pet’s medical and surgical needs in-house, we occasionally refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial.

Board-certified specialists, such as oncologists, ophthalmologists, and neurologists, have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. Specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centres have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely performed by general veterinary practitioners.

We make referral decisions because we want to ensure that our patients receive a high standard of care and the best possible outcome. Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Acupuncture

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Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic treatment option for thousands and thousands of years and originated in China. “Acu” means “needle” and “puncture” means “to puncture”.

According to the Chinese, the body is composed of several pathways called ‘meridians’ along which energy flows. Also along these pathways are acupuncture points that can be ‘stimulated’ when there is an interruption in the energy flow. Energy flows are interrupted or ‘unbalanced’ when disease is present.

Stimulating the acupuncture points with needles can result in ‘restoration’ of the energy flow and improved or cured health problems.

There are several indications for the use of acupuncture including, musculoskeletal problems, reproductive problems, neurological problems, gastrointestinal problems and as a method to hasten post surgical recovery.

Acupuncture is used in conjunction with traditional medicine and surgery to improve outcomes. To determine if your pet’s condition(s) may be responsive to this modality of treatment, our veterinarians can refer you the services of a specialist trained in small animal applications.  We are pleased to have Dr. Nina Speyer, a certified veterinary acupuncture veterinarian, available for appointments at our practice. Referrals are welcomed.

Pet Food, Supplements, and Treats

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The right food can make a big difference in your pet’s health. That’s why we offer a wide variety of therapeutic diets for all lifestages and disease conditions. We also carry supplements for general wellness and for acute and chronic disease conditions.  In addition to Royal Canin and Rayne diets carried onsite, we offer our clients foods by special order and through our online webstore.

Are you trying to help your pet lose weight, but you’d still like to give him or her a treat occasionally? Ask about our lower-calorie treats.

If your pet is at risk for dental disease, we have diets, chews, and treats that can help keep his or her gums and teeth healthier by controlling plaque and tartar.

We can recommend a diet for your pet. Veterinary consultation is required for our prescription diet foods and our supplements. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs.

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