Our Mt. Vernon Vet Services

At Animal Care Center, wellness exams are essential to maintaining long-term health for your pet. These routine check-ups allow us to catch any early signs of illness, provide preventive care, and strengthen the bond between you, your pet, and our team. Each visit is personalized based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health condition.

What Is a Pet Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is a comprehensive evaluation designed to monitor your pet’s health and catch potential issues before they develop into serious problems. Regular wellness exams contribute to longer and healthier lives for pets. We recommend an annual exam or more frequent visits for young, aging, or medically complex pets.

What’s Included in a Wellness Visit? 

Each visit involves a full head-to-tail evaluation, which may include:

Full Physical Exam:

• Inspection of eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Abdominal palpation
• Checking joints and movement
• Coat and skin health assessment
• Weight and body condition check

Lab Testing:

• Stool sample testing
• Heartworm screenings
• Tick-borne disease testing
• Blood tests and urinalysis (recommended for senior pets or those on long-term medications)

Vaccinations:

We provide core and lifestyle-based vaccines based on your pet’s needs.

Parasite Prevention:

Preventing fleas, ticks, and heartworm is crucial for your pet’s health. We’ll help you establish an effective prevention plan.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling:

We provide tailored advice to support your pet’s feeding, fitness, behavior, and home care.

At Animal Care Center, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. Our compassionate team of veterinarians ensures that your pet receives expert surgical care with safety and comfort in mind. From routine spaying and neutering to more complex procedures, we prioritize the well-being of your pet every step of the way.

Common Soft Tissue Surgeries We Offer

Soft tissue surgeries address non-orthopedic issues involving your pet’s skin, organs, or soft tissues. These surgeries may include:

• Mass or tumor removal
• Abdominal procedures (e.g., removing bladder stones or foreign objects)
• Reproductive surgeries (spays, neuters)
• Hernia repairs or airway corrections
• Wound treatment and trauma repair
• Eye, ear, and mouth surgeries

Anesthesia & Patient Monitoring

Your pet’s safety is our priority. Before any surgical procedure, we conduct a thorough physical exam and perform pre-anesthetic blood work to ensure your pet is ready for the operation. 

Every surgical plan is customized based on your pet’s breed, age, and medical history. 

During surgery, a skilled technician monitors:

• Heart function and rhythm
• Blood pressure
• Oxygen and CO₂ levels
• Body temperature

A trained technician stays by your pet’s side throughout the entire procedure, offering constant supervision during surgery and recovery.

Pain Management: Your Pet’s Comfort Matters

We believe in proactive pain management to ensure your pet’s comfort during their recovery. Pain medications are given before surgery to promote a smooth and painless healing process. 

Depending on the situation, we may utilize:

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
• Local anesthesia
• Other pain relief options

Additionally, we offer long-term pain management options to improve your pet’s quality of life after surgery.

Postoperative Care & Support

When it’s time to bring your pet home, we’ll provide:

• Clear post-surgery instructions
• Guidance with medications, feeding, and activity limitations
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

If you have any questions or concerns during your pet’s recovery, our Animal Care Center team is here to assist you. We’re with you every step of the way, ensuring your pet’s recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

At Castle Pines Veterinary Hospital, we believe early detection is key to better health. That’s why we use advanced pet diagnostics to deliver fast, precise insights into your pet’s condition.

Our in-house tools support preventive care and urgent treatment decisions—helping us give your pet the best possible outcome.

In-House Laboratory Testing

At Animal Care Center, we believe that early detection plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes. That’s why we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to provide quick, accurate information about your pet’s health.

Our in-house diagnostic capabilities enhance both preventive care and urgent treatment, ensuring your pet receives the best care possible.

Common In-House Tests Include:

• Urinalysis & Fecal Testing: Urinalysis helps identify urinary issues or kidney disease, while fecal tests check for intestinal parasites (e.g., hookworms, roundworms, Giardia). Many of these parasites can be transmitted to humans, making regular checks especially important for puppies, kittens, and outdoor pets.
• Ear Cytology: Helps detect ear inflammation, mites, and bacterial or yeast infections.
• CBC (Complete Blood Count): Assesses immune function, infection, or anemia.
• Pre-Surgical Panels: Ensure your pet is safe for anesthesia by evaluating organ health.
• Organ Chemistries: Monitors key markers related to kidney, liver, and metabolic health.

We also provide SNAP® Tests for quick disease detection:

• SNAP 4Dx® Plus: Tests for heartworm and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis in dogs.
• SNAP FIV/FeLV: Screens for Feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency Virus in cats.

For more complex diagnostics, we work closely with trusted external labs for:

• Allergy testing
• Culture and sensitivity reports
• Biopsy and cytology evaluations
• Antibody titers for vaccine monitoring

Digital Radiographs (X-Rays)

Our advanced digital X-ray system delivers high-resolution images in seconds, without the use of traditional film. These crisp images help us assess bone structure and internal organs with great accuracy.

X-Rays Help Identify:

• Fractured bones or signs of arthritis
• Foreign objects inside the body
• Heart and lung abnormalities
• Bladder stones or digestive issues

Fast results allow us to treat emergencies efficiently and offer you peace of mind.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Many dental problems are not visible to the naked eye. During cleanings and exams, we use digital dental X-rays to uncover issues beneath the gumline, such as:

• Fractured or decaying teeth

• Abscesses or infections

• Bone loss or periodontal disease

• Tooth resorption or painful lesions

Early detection of these issues allows us to provide timely treatments, ensuring your pet’s comfort and dental health.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound provides a real-time, non-invasive view of your pet’s internal organs using gentle sound waves. This method helps us examine:

• Bladder, intestines, and kidneys
• Liver, spleen, and lymph nodes
• Masses, cysts, or internal inflammation

Light sedation is often used to keep your pet calm during the procedure. Whether it’s a focused scan or a full abdominal ultrasound, our team ensures your pet is comfortable and well-cared-for throughout.

Unlocking the Potential of Diagnostics in Pet Health

Why Pet Diagnostics Matter

• Rapid responses in emergency situations
• Early disease detection leading to better health outcomes
• Personalized treatments based on accurate, data-driven insights
• Peace of mind when your pet isn’t feeling well

At Animal Care Center, our diagnostic services are designed to offer both precision and comfort—because we know that healthy pets begin with the right information.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for your pet’s overall health. Our dental care services include:

• Routine dental exams: Prevent and detect oral diseases early
• Professional cleanings: Remove plaque and tartar buildup
• At-home dental care tips: Help maintain your pet’s oral health between visits

Dental Health is More Than Just a Bright Smile

Did you know that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease? It’s the most common health issue in pets and can impact their overall health.
Just like humans, pets can develop plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Without regular dental care, these conditions can lead to:

• Pain and tooth loss

• Difficulty eating or chewing

• Weight loss

• Chronic bad breath

• Serious internal health problems (affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys)

Dental disease is progressive, but it’s preventable. By taking early steps, you ensure your pet enjoys a longer, healthier life.

Comprehensive Pet Dental Services

We provide expert veterinary dental care tailored to each pet’s needs. Our team customizes dental treatment based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Visit:

• A thorough physical and oral health exam
• A customized anesthesia plan for your pet’s safety and comfort
• Digital full-mouth X-rays to detect hidden issues beneath the gumline
• Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar (both above and below the gumline)
• Gum measurements and probing to detect infection or recession
• Tooth extractions for damaged or infected teeth
• Professional tooth polishing to smooth surfaces and minimize future plaque buildup
• A personalized home care plan, including brushing tips and product recommendations

Why Dental Care is Essential for Your Pet

Dental problems can cause severe discomfort. Keep an eye out for signs such as:

• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Reluctance to chew or eat
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath

Addressing dental issues early helps reduce pain and prevents lasting damage.

Protecting Internal Health

Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially harming vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental cleanings help lower this risk and safeguard your pet’s overall health.

Improving Quality of Life

When eating no longer causes pain, pets can enjoy life more fully—engaging in activities with greater energy.

Fresher Breath

Persistent bad breath is often a sign of bacterial buildup. Professional cleanings keep your pet’s mouth fresh and help ensure more pleasant cuddles.

Longevity Benefits

Research shows that pets who receive regular dental care tend to live longer, healthier lives.

Personalized Dental Care at Castle Pines Veterinary Hospital

We believe in providing personalized dental care plans that cater to the specific needs of your pet.
Our team is dedicated to helping with:

• Brushing techniques
• Safe dental chews and other products
• Ongoing dental care recommendations

Whether you need to schedule a cleaning or seek advice, we’re always here to support your pet’s dental health.