Our staff at Ozark Veterinary Clinic is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here to help you and your pet! They are highly trained and dedicated to making sure that your pets receive the care and compassion they deserve every time they walk in the door!
We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:
- Advanced Digital X-rays
- Allergy Testing
- C-Section
- Dental Care
- Geriatric Care
- Health Certificates
- Hospice and Euthanasia
- In-House Laboratory
- Laser Therapy
- Onsite Diagnostics
- Microchipping
- Nutritional Counseling
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Parasite Prevention
- Pain Management
- Pharmacy
- Preventative Care
- Puppy and Kitten Care
- Rehabilitation Therapy
- Spay and Neuter
- Ultrasound
- Vaccinations
- Wellness Exams
- Laser Surgery
- Cremation
Advanced Digital X-rays
At Ozark Veterinary Clinic in Ozark, MO , we are proud to digital radiography. Radiology is a technique and diagnostic tool that we use to look inside the body in an entirely non-invasive way. X-rays allow us to create images of all the body’s bones and organs.
In other words, the use of radiology gives us a view of your pets’ body that we otherwise could not see. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians detect and prevent illness.
Allergy Testing
Dogs and cats can be allergic to almost anything, similar to allergies in people. Pets can be allergic to allergens in their household environment, outside environment, or even their food. Symptoms can range from itchiness and ear or eye infections to constant licking, and even vomiting or diarrhea. Many pets suffer from allergies which can directly affect their quality of life, as well as their owner’s.
C-Section
We are highly skilled when it comes to c-sections for breeds including English Bulldogs, Frenchies and Pugs. These breeds have large heads that can become stuck in the mother’s birth canal.
Over 80% of bulldog litters are delivered by c-section, and because of their body type certain breeds will typically need a c-section to give birth, or whelp.
That’s why we are proud to have expert surgeons who are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to performing c-sections on these breeds. As a pet owner you want the best for your pet, and that is what our surgeons provide.
Dental Care
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show evidence of dental disease by the age of three. Keeping up with oral hygiene is a key part of the overall health of your pet. Neglecting their dental health does not only cause bad breath, but it can lead to excessive tartar build up, swollen and infected gums, tooth sensitivity and pain. This collection of dental problems is referred to as periodontal disease. Prolonged periodontal disease can cause other problems for your pet too. Drooling, decreased appetite, and weight loss can all result from ignoring your pet’s oral health. Ultimately, harmful bacteria from the plaque build up on your pet’s teeth can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious diseases that can affect internal organs, especially the heart, liver and kidneys.
The first step is to identify problems at home. Expose the side of your pet’s mouth by turning up the top lip. Do you notice bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow or brown tartar covering the teeth, pain or bleeding when you touch the gums? If you notice any of these problems or are just unsure, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Don’t wait until their next check up, as periodontal disease can progress very quickly. Your veterinarian can assess the extent of oral disease present, and make recommendations to best improve your pet’s dental and overall health.
When a pet is diagnosed with periodontal disease, usually it is recommended that they have a dental cleaning under general anesthesia. The procedure is very similar to the scaling and polishing done at a human dental office, however, anesthesia is obviously required because our pets aren’t as compliant as we are! Once your pet is under anesthesia, a veterinarian will scale all of the teeth, removing bacteria and dental tartar above and below the gumline. They will then evaluate each tooth for fractures, exposed roots, loose teeth, gingival problems, oral masses, etc. Often teeth may need to be removed for the pet’s health and well being. Talk with your veterinarian before the procedure on the likelihood of tooth extractions for your pet. Once the teeth are clean, the veterinarian will then polish them. This creates a smooth surface of the teeth, which will help decrease future tartar build-up. Usually it it recommended that this procedure be repeated yearly or every other year.
After a cleaning, there are several things you can do at home to care for your pet’s teeth. Frequent brushing can help reduce tartar build up. Gradual and short brushing sessions are key in establishing a good routine that your pet will tolerate. Talk with your veterinarian on tips to effectively brushing your dog or cat’s teeth. If your pet is unwilling to tolerate teeth brushing, special foods may be used to decrease dental tartar. Avoid bones or hard objects that can injure the mouth or fracture a tooth. Also pets can swallow these objects, leading to other serious complications. Talk with your veterinarian about special treats, sprays, or other products that claim to reduce tartar or bad breath.
Sometimes bad breath can be caused by problems unrelated to dental disease. Sudden changes in your pet’s breath should be evaluated quickly by a veterinarian. Foreign objects can become trapped in the mouth which can cause an infection. This can lead to a foul odor and painful mouth. Other systemic disease like diabetes or kidney problems can also cause changes in your dog or cat’s breath. Schedule an appointment if you notice a problem, especially if you notice a change in your pet’s behavior.
The key to good oral hygiene is keeping up on your pet’s dental health and preventing problems before they start. Talk with your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. A clean and healthy mouth can be a great way to show your pet you care.
Geriatric Care
Preventative medicine is important when our pets are young, but as our pets age, and become prone to certain disease processes, annual exams and blood work becomes even more critical.
Annual exams and blood work to check liver and kidney values, along with thyroid function have the potential to alert us to early changes that may give us valuable information about your pet’s health. We understand the changes your pet will have as they become older, and we also know the importance of keeping your pet healthy as they enter their golden years.
Please call us today at (417) 581-2414 to learn more about caring for your senior pet.
Health Certificates
If you want to travel internationally with your pet, you need to plan ahead. Since each country is different, you will have to contact the embassy or consulate where you are going to find out what you need to do.
Though every country has different requirements, most require a health certificate that is done by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Luckily, we have a USDA-accredited veterinarian. If you are not a client, you need to make sure you bring your pets’ records in with you to the examination.
You will always need a health certificate and proof of vaccination. You may also need a microchip and blood tests. Many countries require that your pet get treated for parasites prior to travel. You may also need certificates for the airplane ride.
Since each country is different and we can’t stay up to date will all of the changes in each one, it is important that you call ahead and know what you need. Then, we will make sure that your pet is all ready to go!
Hospice and Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to your pet can be extremely difficult. The process can be emotionally and mentally draining. We don’t want you to be alone at the end stages of a pets’ life, and we promise to do everything we can to make it easier on you and your pet. Most of all, we promise to treat each case with compassionate and understanding care.
Knowing when the time is right can be a difficult choice. There are many factors that go into deciding to euthanize a pet, and it is a personal issue that differs from pet owner to pet owner. But every pet owner is inevitably faced with making that tough decision, and we want to be there alongside you to aid in any way we can.
Dealing with the end of a pets’ life is never easy, but we want to do whatever we can to make the process less difficult.
In-House Laboratory
We are very proud of our laboratory. We are able to perform many diagnostic tests quickly and efficiently in it. We can do many simple tests but are also able to offer some more complex ones, too! We are able to run heartworm tests, leukemia and FIV tests, and full blood work for those who are interested in it. There are also many other tests we offer our patients.
The best part of being able to run laboratory tests in our hospital is that we can diagnose your pets much sooner than if we had to send the blood work out to another laboratory. Whenever your pets are not feeling well, we can offer you results and a diagnosis in minutes instead of making you wait a day (or more) for the results.
Laser Therapy
Here at Ozark Veterinary Clinic we are staying current with new technologies that help us provide your pets with the best quality of care and therefore the best quality of life. One of the new technologies we offer is laser therapy. This is not to be confused with our surgical laser. Therapy lasers deliver a therapeutic wavelength of energy that stimulates a photo biochemical cascade of events at the cellular level that relieves pain, reduces inflammation and increases circulation. All of these effects result in accelerated healing.
There are many conditions that benefit from laser therapy. Arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, ear infections, wounds, abscesses, fractures and hot spots to name a few. Virtually any pet that is experiencing pain or inflammation is a candidate for this form of treatment. Therapy is typically performed every other day for a couple of weeks then weekly as needed. We also recommend post surgical and post dental laser therapy.
We were skeptical of the laser at first as many people are, but after much research and consideration, we decided this would be of significant benefit to our patients. We have seen some amazing results with laser therapy. We would be happy to share some of these success stories with you.
Microchipping
We can microchip your pet at your next veterinary visit. A microchip is inserted with an injection. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. We use the HomeAgain microchip which is designed to make sure it does not migrate to another part of the body. If your pet becomes lost and is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, they can scan your pet to read the ID code on the microchip. They can then call the appropriate registry to notify them the pet has been found. The registry will call the owner to reunite them with their pet at that time.
HomeAgain contact information:
www.homeagain.com
1-888-HOMEAGAIN
(1-888-466-3242)
Nutritional Counseling
Ozark Veterinary Clinic offers nutritional counseling for pet owners of Ozark, MO and surrounding communities. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or would like more information about your pet’s nutritional needs, please contact us today. We can set up a nutrition plan for your pet.
Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to overfeed a cute dog or cat that knows how to beg. Being overweight is a serious problem for animals, and can cause real health problems. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and stay within a healthy weight range.
Orthopedic Surgery
We offer a variety of solutions and treatments for your pets’ orthopedic issues. We understand that orthopedic problems can be a big challenge for both pets and pet owners so we are dedicated to working with you and communicating with you throughout the process.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our orthopedic capabilities or how we can care for your pet, please contact us today at (417) 581-2414.
Parasite Prevention
The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.
At Ozark Veterinary Clinic, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. Pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.
Arthritis Management
Arthritis is very common in aging pets. For this reason, we offer multiple treatment options to keep your pets comfortable.
We have many different choices when it comes to treating a pet’s pain. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are very helpful with mild pain. We also offer Adaquan injections and Librela injections to help manage pain. There are also supplements like glucosamine to help as well.
Pharmacy
It is our goal to provide you with complete veterinary care in a professional and accessible atmosphere. That is why we offer a fully stocked pharmacy to fill your pets’ prescription needs.
Having an on-site pharmacy provides you with a more convenient way to get your pets’ medication. We hope that this will save you time and ultimately enhance your experience with us.
Preventative Care
We believe the best way to promote overall health is through preventative care. Regular checkups allow us to establish a baseline in your pet’s health and make us aware of any changes that may indicate future problems.
We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often health problems that go undetected can become more severe issues when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.
Puppy and Kitten Care
Getting a new puppy or kitten is very exciting. You have a lot to look forward to. The great companionship that a good pet can bring is very rewarding. However, puppies and kittens come with a lot of responsibility and work. Here at Ozark Veterinary Clinic, we are here to help you with your new addition.
First, you should always bring your new puppy or kitten in for a full nose-to-tail examination to make sure that you have a healthy new animal. There is a series of vaccinations that each new puppy or kitten needs to remain healthy. You also want to get him or her familiar with our veterinary hospital.
Spay and Neuter
Spaying and neutering are important and necessary medical procedures that enhance the quality of your pets’ life. Not only does spaying and neutering have positive effects on your pets’ health, it’s also vital to controlling the homeless pet population.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are a quick and painless procedure. It uses sound waves to allow us to see inside your pets, without using the harmful radiation produced when we take x-rays.
We are pleased to be able to offer basic ultrasound, along with all of our other diagnostic tools, to help your sick pets start to feel better soon. We refer to specialists for advanced ultrasound procedures. The quicker we can find the problem, the sooner your pets will be back to normal.
Vaccinations
At Ozark Veterinary Clinic in Ozark, MO , we believe that one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating him or her against possible diseases. There are a variety of diseases which affect our pets, and other animals, so proper vaccination is vital to protecting them from many types of illnesses.
It is important to consult with us about the unique risks of living in our region. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet with vaccinations, as well as, provide you with information on the required vaccinations for your pet.
Wellness Exams
At Ozark Veterinary Clinic in Ozark, MO , we believe that regular checkups and wellness exams are critical to your pet’s well-being. These wellness exams give us a chance to evaluate the overall health of your pet while also giving us a baseline for their unique bodies and tendencies.
Not only do these exams keep us up-to-date with your pets’ health, but they also allow us to detect potential problems before they become serious. This thorough checkup gives us vital information to help keep your pet healthy!
Co2 Laser Surgery
Ozark Veterinary Clinic remains on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and surgery by offering laser surgery. The surgical laser is not to be confused with our therapy laser.
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. It is a device that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. The most commonly used surgical laser is the carbon dioxide laser. The wavelength of the carbon dioxide laser beam is absorbed into the water found in skin and other soft tissue, vaporizing the cells, thereby cutting tissue. The laser is superior to stainless steel scalpel blades for many procedures.
Benefits of Surgical Laser:
- Less Pain – The laser seals nerve endings as it cuts. So the patient will have less pain.
- Less Bleeding – The laser seals small blood vessels during surgery and speeds up surgery by minimizing bleeding.
- Sterilization – The laser sterilizes the surgical site as it cuts. Bacteria and viruses are vaporized by the laser during laser surgery.
- Precision – The beam direction and power can be controlled precisely to remove thin layers of tissue and produce minimal side effects on the surrounding healthy tissue.
Cremation
We provide cremation service for your pets through a Springfield company called ‘Friends of The Family’. Clients can choose from a regular mass cremation or a private cremation. A regular (mass) cremation means your pet will be cremated along with several other pets and you will not receive the remains back. If you choose a private cremation, your pet will be cremated by itself so you are assured of getting their ashes back. On a private cremation, you will also receive a cedar box with your pet’s name engraved on it. It usually takes 7 to 10 business days to get the remains back. Our office will call and let you know when you can pick up.
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