Small Animal and exotics services provided by the Aspen View Veterinary Hospital staff and facilities

	General surgery We offer surgical services for soft tissue procedures such as ovariohysterectomy (spay), orchidectomy (neuter), mass/growth excisions, abscess/wound debridement, urolithiasis (bladder stone removal), and exploratory surgeries (such as foreign body blockage). We use the safest most recently available anesthetics. During surgery and procedures requiring anesthesia, your pet's heart rate, pulse, respiration and oxygen levels are monitored closely by a pulse oximeter monitor which notifies us immediately of anything unusual. We also monitor your pet's blood pressure by using a Doppler, and maintain the blood pressure by requiring every anesthetic patient be placed on IV (intravenous) fluids to prevent the blood pressure from dropping. It's our job to ensure that your pet can properly process and then eliminate the anesthetic he or she is given. Before we perform any procedure requiring anesthesia, we run tests to confirm that your pet's organs are functioning properly and to reveal any hidden health conditions that could put your pet at risk. We recommend them for pets under the age of 7 years, but require them for pets 7 years or older since they are a higher risk.
	Orthopedic surgery We have the capability to perform fracture repairs, luxating patellas and anterior cruciate ligament repairs
	Radiographs We have onsite capability to take x-rays of your companion for immediate reviewing for diagnostic recommendations.
	Telemedicine Idexx Telemedicine offers easy access to specialists (cardiologists, radiologists, internists and criticalists), who provide timely consultations on ECG (electrocardiogram) and radiograph images provided by us via phone or lab courier. Consultation reports provide us with a risk assessment for anesthesia, a discussion of anesthesia management, as well as recommendations for further testing. A more detailed report provides us with heart rate and rhythm diagnosis, identification of potential problems, and diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. We receive these results within 30 minutes. The more advance consultations are received in 24 hours.
	Dental cleanings/extractions We perform recommended professional anesthetized dental cleanings and scalings along with necessary extractions. We have the ability to perform dental x-rays to assist in identifying abscesses or bone loss, therefore further treatment if necessary. If your companion should require a unique procedure we are unable to perform (such as a root canal), we offer referral service to a board certified veterinary dentist located here in the Colorado Springs area.
	On-site laboratory Our on-site laboratory includes a Vet Test Autoread which allows us to perform blood chemistries (such as liver and kidney functions) for immediate reviewing. We also have a QBC which will provide us with a CBC (complete blood count) providing us information on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelets. The total white blood cell counts and individual cell counts can indicate leukemia, stress, inflammation or an inability to fight infection. Low platelet numbers can indicate a bleeding problem.
	Pharmacy We must have a current (within the last 12 months) client, patient, and doctor relationship in order to fill any medical prescriptions. Refills will be granted as long as your pet is current on the required labwork and physical exam needed for individual medications and patients.
	Preventive health care Aspen View Veterinary Hospital stresses the importance of annual wellness exams for your pet(s) now that some vaccination protocols have changed. Pets cannot tell us how they feel, so by performing their annual physical exam we can check their eyes, skin, teeth, ears, respiratory and skeletal neural systems, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes to ensure they are healthy. We recommend annual blood screens to ensure all is well on the “inside” also. These tests can unmask diseases or disorders before they become severe and life threatening. These results can also provide an important benchmark for the future care of your pet. Beginning around age 7 your pet enters his/her senior years. Health care for your older pet goes beyond regular vaccinations, parasite control, dental cleanings, regular exercise and good nutrition. We recommend that you bring your pet in for physical exams and labwork more often now. Your dog and cat ages 5 to 7 years for every one of yours. This suggests that health problems can progress 5 to 7 times faster. Our senior health care program seeks to promote health and prevent, or at least slow, disease in older pets by focusing on the body systems that are most affected by aging. We have developed several low cost senior wellness programs to help you with the necessary information. With appropriate care and nutrition your pet's senior years can be a healthy and happy time.
	Vaccinations With the changing protocols in frequency of vaccinations given, it is highly recommended to continue with those annual physical exams and discuss each pet's individual needs for vaccinations, since there are so many factors to consider, such as age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure in individual environments. Rabies vaccinations are legally recognized only when given by a licensed veterinarian.
	Reproduction counseling We can provide you with education in breeding and caring for kittens and puppies. We can also offer a test developed by Synbiotics Corporation called the Witness Relaxin Pregnancy test. This test offers an early, inexpensive and reliable means of determining the success or failure of a planned or unwanted breeding. The Witness Relaxin test only takes 10 minutes for results once the blood sample is drawn. Aspen View Veterinary Hospital veterinary technicians run the test in our in house lab, eliminating the 24 to 72 hour turn around time needed to obtain results when utilizing a commercial lab. The test measures relaxin hormone in plasma and serum sample. The presence of significant amounts of this hormone is a reliable indicator of pregnancy. Relaxin can be detected in plasma and serum samples soon after implantation of the fertilized egg, which normally occurs in 22 to 27 days after mating. Relaxin is first detectable by the Witness Relaxin test during the fourth week of pregnancy and reaches its highest level in the sixth to eighth week before it starts to decline.
	Nutrition counseling We carry a complete line of veterinary prescription foods for pets requiring special diets formulated for specific needs, such as weight management, special renal, urinary and heart diets. We stock Science Diet/Hills, Waltham/Royal Canin, Purina-CNM and Innovative Veterinary Diets (IVD). We can advise you on your pet's nutritional needs throughout his/her lifecycle, whether it's a growth, maintenance, senior or prescription diet.
	Behavioral counseling We can provide basic educational information and assistance on behavorial issues, but for more involved issues we recommend contacting a reputable behaviorist/trainer. Such contacts would be Bark Busters, Animal Instincts, or Animal Behavior Associates.
	Cancer treatment Once there has been an exam and prognosis, Aspen View Veterinary Hospital will provide referral services (including appointment assistance) to cancer specialists. We will provide laboratory services, follow up care and treatment services for your pet after receiving the diagnosis from the board certified veterinarian cancer specialist, eliminating the need to drive to Denver.
	Exotic Care Aspen View Veterinary Hospital provides medical care and surgery for ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, lizards, snakes and iguanas.
	Microchip Millions of pets are lost each year. Some are found and unfortunately, some are lost forever. You can protect your dog or cat from this fate by having a permanent microchip id implanted in your pet. The microchip is a tiny form of computerized identification about the size of a grain of rice that can be permanently placed under a pet's skin. It is a painless procedure and is as easy as a vaccination, but for convenience, it can be implanted while your pet is under anesthesia for his/her neuter/spay. The microchip is a small, sterile transponder that contains a unique id code capable of being read by a compatible scanner. Scanners are used by animal agencies, humane societies and veterinarians throughout the United States. Our scanner will provide Home Again Microchip id numbers, but not Avid-it just lets us know it is an Avid chip. The microchip's biocompatible material is extremely safe for your pet. The microchip is a passive device. It requires no battery and remains inactive until it is scanned. How do recoveries take place? Once the microchip is in place, it can be read by a scanner that will identify the chip number, thereby revealing the necessary information to contact the owner and bring your pet home safely, provided you have registered with the recovery service. The database is maintained and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you are notified as soon as your pet's id is called into the 24 hour recovery service. For more information talk to your veterinarian or visit www.HomeAgainID.com.
	Referral Services Should you require unique diagnostics, treatments or surgery we are unable to provide, our hospital offers referral and appointment assistance with board certified specialists located in Colorado Springs, Denver, Castle Rock and at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
	Client Education Our doctors and pet care team members know the importance of client education and will take the time to ensure clients understand any illness or problem your pet may have, the treatment(s) required to resolve or help the problem, and any instruction required to aid our clients in giving their pet the best home care possible.
	Patient Care All patients are cared for by an empathetic, compassionate pet care team and doctors who know that every pet is special. We believe post operative care includes appropriate pain relieving medications following surgical procedures. Our hospital is committed to providing the attention and loving care that all pets deserve during their stay at Aspen View Veterinary Hospital.
	Retail Center Hills Science Diet, Waltham/Royal Canin, IVD, Purina CNM, CET Dental products including enzymatic chews, gels, toothpaste, toothbrushes; Oxyfresh oral rinse and gel, Allergroom hypoallergenic shampoo, 3V Caps (skin formula), Frontline TopSpot Flea/Tick Control.