Our Services

General Services

• Annual Stampede Breakfast for Pets!

  We thoroughly enjoy hosting an annual Stampede Breakfast for Pets!  We raised funds this year for the Meow Foundation.  Everyone had a great time and the pets enjoyed eating their special pet pancakes, complete with ginger to improve digestion!

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• EXTENDED CARE, DAYCARE, OVERNIGHT PATIENT CARE

  We recognized a need for an extended care facility that is able to provide special care for senior pets and pets that have medical or behavioral issues that require a more vigilant monitoring process. We have created an extended overnight care environment for pets with special medical needs, with the benefit of an on-site veterinary team.  Veterinary supervision occurs daily. We do not use cages or bars. We do not "pack" exercise our patients. We do not expose our guests to a general exercise area that cannot be disinfected properly. We do provide multiple exercise sessions both indoors (in our physiotherapy room) as well as "one-on-one" out door walks with one of our trained medical staff members. We follow a strict sanitation regimen in accordance to the American Animal Hospital Association We have suites (without bars) for our guests that provide many of the "creature comforts of home" that helps allow for a stress free stay.  We will provide you with daily e-mail updates, photos and a "check-out" report card as to how your pet enjoyed their stay. "EXCEPT FOR HOME, YOUR PET NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD" COME IN FOR A TOUR DURING OUR HOSPITAL OFFICE HOURS.  Please call us today to pre-book!

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• PUPPY WELLNESS

  At each of your puppy's visits one of our registered Animal Health Technologists will spend 20-30 minutes with you discussing nutrition, behaviour, grooming, dental care as well as answering any questions you may have regarding the care of your puppy. One of our veterinarians will then perform a complete physical examination and discuss any problems observed as well as discuss health problems you may need to watch for depending on the breed of your pet.  All puppies go through a series of three vaccinations which help guard against a variety of viral diseases including distemper, parvovirus and rabies. Puppies, like human babies, do not have a fully developed immune system until several months of age therefore it is very important your puppy receive its vaccinations on time as scheduled. We also offer complimentary monthly puppy classes.  The focus includes behaviour, socialization with pets and people and a question/answer period.  Phone us to sign up!

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• KITTEN WELLNESS

  At each of your kitten's visits one of our registered Animal Health Technologists will spend 20-30 minutes with you discussing nutrition, behaviour, grooming, dental care as well as answering any questions you may have regarding the care of your kitten. One of our veterinarians will then perform a complete physical examination and discuss any problems observed as well as any problems you may anticipate over the years to come.  All kittens receive a series of two sets of vaccinations at 8 and 12 weeks of age which help guard against feline distemper, calici- and rhinotracheitis viruses (both of which cause cold and flu-like symptoms) as well as rabies. Unlike dogs, the incidence of rabies in cats has been on the rise in recent years as cats tend to wander more and have more potential for exposure to infected wildlife. Rabies is transmissible to humans and is almost always fatal; there is no treatment.  While we do recommend that all kittens and adult cats be kept indoors, if your cat goes outside he or she will need to be tested for and vaccinated against feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS).

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• SENIOR PET WELLNESS

  Senior and Geriatric pets have very unique and specific health wellness requirements. We provide  an expanded consultation period so that all wellness issues are properly addressed. We do not rush a service that could mean a longer and more enjoyable life. Dogs are generally considered to be "seniors" at the age of seven and cats at the age of ten. Proper nutrition and care is essential to ensure our pets live as long and as comfortable as possible. Healthy appearing senior or geriatric pets should receive a wellness examination every 6 months. The senior pet ages much more rapidly than humans and semi-annual consultations is the quivalent of a human health exam every 3 years. Pets with documented health problems may need to be re-evaluated more often. We recommend that your senior pet have a full blood panel (including blood cell count, chemistry analysis, thyroid hormone level and urinalysis) performed annually to help screen for early diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas and other internal systems. Remember- Cats and dogs age about 5-7 years for every one of our years. "An aged pet is not a dying pet" We can make a difference in both quality and quantity of life!

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• ADULT PET WELLNESS

  Healthy adult pets need regular physical examinations and vaccinations. Studies have shown that pets that receive at least once-annual examinations and vaccinations live significantly longer than pets that do not receive regular veterinary attention. The average age for the diagnosis of health problems like dental disease and obesity is three years. Early detection of these problems will allow your pet health care team to intervene and establish preventive measures that may help extend the life of your pet. The average life expectancy for both dogs and cats of all breeds has climbed steadily over the past decade due to advancements in the veterinary field in addition to proper preventive care.

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• IMMUNIZATION AND WELLNESS CARE

  We recommend semi-annual wellness exams and review of the immunization needs of your pet. Physical examinations help to detect early signs of disease that we often are able to address on a preventive basis.  We will help tailor a vaccination program suitable for your pet and his or her lifestyle. Rabies is a viral disease that all pets should be vaccinated against. Rabies is transmissible to humans and is almost always fatal; there is no treatment. We will provide a Risk Management and Health Report Card that best defines the preventive health needs of your pet. We will also provide important information on diseases that can be transmitted to humans and how these are prevented through regular preventive programs.

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• DENTAL CARE

  A veterinarian should evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulates around a pet’s teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay results in irreversible periodontal disease and even tooth loss. There are other reasons why you should pay close attention to your pet’s dental health. Dental disease can affect other organs in the body: bacteria in the mouth can get into the blood stream and may cause serious kidney/bladder infections, liver disease, lung disease, and heart valve disease. Oral disease can also indicate that another disease process is occurring elsewhere in a pet’s body. A thorough physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if this is the case. We can recommend and demonstrate preventive measures you can begin at home. Our wellness program emphasizes and explains how you can avoid costly dental procedures with your pet in the future. Our hospital is equipped with a high-speed dental unit as well as a dental X-ray machine. Dr. Humphrey has received extensive training and has years of experience in advanced dentistry. Root canals, periodontal surgery, surgical extractions in addition to routine dental cleaning and polishing are performed daily at our clinic.

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• PAIN MANAGEMENT

  Veterinary patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is the essence of good patient care.  As in human medicine, we have a variety of medications available to manage your pet's pain both before and after surgery and in the event of trauma. Degenarative diseases such as arthritis can be well managed allowing for many years of comfort and quality of life. Pets are able to "hide" chronic pain in  a number of ways that veterinarians are trained to recognize and deal with. We would be pleased to discuss the options available to you and your pet under any of the above circumstances.

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• PET FOOD, SUPPLEMENTS AND TREATS

  We offer a wide variety of prescription diets for all lifestages and disease conditions.  We also provide special supplements for general wellness and for acute and chronic disease conditions. Is your pet overweight but you would still like to give him or her a treat without feeling guilty? We have special calorie-reduced treats that you can give to your pet without worry. We also carry treats that help prevent gum disease. Veterinary consultation is required for our prescription diet foods and our supplements. Call us to schedule an appointment to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs.

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• PUPPY 'S NIGHT OUT

  Monthly complimentary puppy classes are held at Bow Bottom Boarding Centre next door to the hospital.  Dr. Schell  discusses behaviour, training, and will answer questions.  Its a great way to socialize your puppy and to meet other puppies and puppy-loving people!  Call us to sign up!  278-1984

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• NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

  Our doctors and Animal Health Technologists receive extensive and ongoing training in pet nutrition for all lifestages and illnesses. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s nutritional needs please do not hesitate to ask our staff for counseling.

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• FULLY STOCKED PHARMACY

  We stock a wide range of the best veterinary drugs in the animal healthcare field.

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• INTERNAL MEDICINE

  We cover all areas of internal medicine, including: Cardiology; Ophthalmology; Neurology; Dermatology; Gastroenterology; Oncology; Endocrinology; among others.

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• COMPLETE MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

  All pets who are admitted to our facility for whatever reason are given a full physical examination. This includes evaluating your pet’s "vitals" (temperature, heart rate, breathing rate), listening to the heart, lungs and abdomen, checking the eyes and mouth and assessing every organ system. Sometimes pets are admitted for a seemingly "trivial" reason but more important health concerns are identified. Hopefully, we can give your pet the A-Ok.

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• DERMATOLOGY (SKIN)

  Our dry climate in Calgary provides us with unique challenges regarding skin disease. Proper nutrition and grooming are essential in preventing many skin problems. Most "itchy" pets will fall into one of the following categories: food allergies, environmental allergies or atopy (dust, pollen, etc), and contact allergies; in addition, many external parasites will cause itchiness. If you notice any changes in your pet’s skin or haircoat or if your pet is scratching excessively, please consult with one of our veterinarians. A variety of diagnostic tests are available, including skin scrapings, cultures and allergy testing.

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• CARDIOLOGY

  There are a variety of heart conditions that can occur in cats and dogs. Many of these are similar to heart conditions seen in humans. Some pets are born with defects while others can develop problems over time and are associated with age. No matter the cause, early detection and treatment is paramount. Possible signs of heart disease include coughing (primarily in dogs), difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, fainting spells and pale or blue-tinged gums. Your pet’s cardiovascular system can be assessed in clinic via physical examination, X-ray, ECG, blood pressure and ultrasound. X-rays give us an idea of any possible changes in the size and shape of your pet’s heart; ECG will demonstrate changes in the rate and rhythm of the heart; blood pressure changes, either high or low, can indicate certain heart diseases while ultrasound shows us what is happening inside the heart with the muscles and valves. In addition, we have access through our telemedicine referral system to instant online consultation with veterinary cardiologists all across North America.

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• ENDOCRINOLOGY (HORMONES)

  Cats and dogs can suffer from many of the same hormonal ailments that afflict humans. Diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism (cats), hypothyroidism (dogs) and adrenal gland dysfunctions are commonly diagnosed. Most of these diseases are diagnosed later in the life of the pet and are generally controllable if detected and treated early. This is why we recommend regular blood screening tests on senior pets, and on most sick pets. If you notice changes in your pet’s activity level, appetite, water intake, weight or skin/hair, please contact us for a physical examination and testing.

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• ENDOSCOPY

  Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows our veterinarians to visualize and biopsy (obtaining samples of tissue for testing) your pet’s internal organs without the need for invasive surgery. It can, for example, allow us to retrieve an accidentally swallowed item without the need for surgery. Our endoscopic capabilities are expanding at the Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital; please do not hesitate to inquire with one of our staff or doctors for a demonstration.

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• RADIOLOGY

  Radiology (x-rays) is routinely used to provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). It can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide a list of possible causes for a pet’s condition, identify the exact cause of a problem or rule out possible problems. When a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through its body and hits a piece of radiographic film. Images on the film appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light gray structures. Soft tissues, such as the lungs, absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.  Our new and extremely efficient digital x-ray machine helps us reach your pet's diagnosis quickly and start him or her on the correct course of treatment.  We can send these digital x-ray images to board certified veterinary radiologists for their interpretation as well!

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• TONOMETRY

  We have the ability to test your dog's or cat’s eyes for excess pressure easily and safely. This test allows us to diagnose glaucoma and eye infections that could cause blindness if not detected and treated early.

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• ULTRASOUND

  Our facility has state-of-the art ultrasound equipment that allows a noninvasive look at internal organs in a "real-time" format. This allows us to evaluate the size, shape and consistency of organs and compare them with normal. In addition, we are one of the first clinics in Canada to have access to a telemedicine link which connects us with specialists all over North America for consultation while your pet is still in our clinic; in other words, it’s like having the specialist in the room with us.

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• TELEMEDICINE

  Telemedicine is a relatively new concept in veterinary medicine; although some would argue that telemedicine has been around as long as there have been telephones.  Telemedicine entails the transmission of data, images or audio over a phone line for consultation with other veterinarians or specialists.  At Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital we have telemedicine capabilities involving radiographic images (xrays), ultrasound (both Real-Time and static images) and electrocardiography; in the near future we will add cytology (the microscopic examination of cells)  to that list.  This information is transmitted via a dedicated phone line to Board Certified specialists in the United States.  Generally the specialist is able to give us a report within a few hours and, in the case of Real-Time ultrasonography, we are online with the specialist at the time that the procedure is being done.  This technology has enhanced our diagnostic capabilities immeasurably.  With the short turn-around time, our patients are diagnosed and treated within 1-24 hours where, previously, it may have taken 2-3 days or more.  If you would like a demonstration of our Telemedicine capabilities, please feel free to ask one of our staff.

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• ANAESTHESIA RISK MANAGEMENT: PATIENT MONITORING

  "Anesthesia" literally means loss of feeling or sensation. We induce anesthesia to allow the performance of painful or stressful procedures with decreased to absent awareness by the patient. Local Anesthesia:  Local anesthesia is used both alone and in conjunction with general anesthesia or sedation for a variety of techniques. Even if an animal is under general anesthesia, many procedures still stimulate pain receptors making recovery painful. We find that by numbing these receptors prior to the procedure, we can make pets much more comfortable, thereby decreasing the amount of post-operative pain medication required. Uses for local anesthesia include feline declaws, dental surgery, skin biopsies and epidural anesthesia during hind limb or abdominal surgeries. Tranquilization/Sedation:  Several agents are used to induce varying degrees of sedation or tranquilization in pets. More recently, we have begun using a reversible agent that allows us to perform procedures then quickly reverse the sedation with an antidote. This means your pet’s hospital stay is drastically shortened. General Anesthesia:  Procedures involving general anesthetics differ between veterinary clinics. All anesthetic procedures have inherent risks; we take steps that enable us to place each patient into as low a risk category as possible. We provide: A preanaesthetic examination. Constant monitoring of your pets vital signs by Animal Health Technologists.  Pain medication both before and after the procedure. Isoflurane (gas) anesthetic agent. Tracheal intubation. Heated surgery table. Overnight stay. Preanaesthetic blood panel. Putting your pet into a low risk category for any anesthetic procedure is our main goal. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these procedures, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our Veterinarians or Animal Health Technologists. Patient Monitoring:  During general anesthesia, our patients are monitored closely by a registered animal health technician for heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time and blood pressure. A change in blood pressure is an early indicator that a pet may be running into trouble. Monitoring blood pressure allows us to intervene earlier and prevent any anesthetic risk to your pet. We chart your pet’s statistics every 5 minutes from the moment he or she is anesthetized to the time when he or she wakes up.

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• MICROCHIPPING

  Microchip identification for your pet is strongly encouraged. A microchip provides a permanent id which is unique to your pet. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners and all stray animals are scanned so that they may be reunited with their family in a timely fashion. Very soon, all microchips will be universal around the world, not just in North America. Tattoos, tags and other types of identification can fade or be altered or removed.

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• PET ACCESSORIES

  Everything you need for your pet, from leashes and collars to dog booties and nail caps for your cat are available at our clinic. Ask about our unique training head-halter that is considered the most effective and humane training aid available.

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• ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

  Dr. Schell is taking advanced training courses and has keen interest in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.   She can perform acupuncture and prescribe herbal treatments to complement the Western medicine currently used.  The combination of Eastern and Western medicine helps ensure your pet receives the most holistic care.

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• BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

  Illness doesn't always have a physical cause.  We offer individualized dog and cat behavioural counseling on a variety of issues including aggressive behaviour and inappropriate elimination. If you are concerned about some aspect of your pet’s behaviour, please contact us and request an appointment with one of our doctors.

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• CHEMOTHERAPY AND CANCER TREATMENT

  Although no one likes to hear the word "cancer", many pets face this disease as they age. No longer does this spell the end for all pets. A variety of effective chemotherapeutic agents are available which can dramatically extend the life of these pets with minimal side effects. In addition, referral for radiation therapy or advanced surgery is readily accessible.

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• HOSPICE/EUTHANASIA SERVICES

  Saying goodbye to a long-time friend is painful. We work with our clients to ensure their pet's comfort and dignity. A quiet, comfortable and supportive place to say good bye. Services include: A quiet, comfortable and private lounge. Communal cremation maintains a high level of dignity at a modest cost. Cremation remains are not returned to the owner. Private cremation with a selection of urn/casket colors and designs. A commemerative, professionally glazed and painted clay "Paw Print"  and display case momento. Memorial and funeral services can be arranged off site.

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• GRIEF COUNSELLING

  The loss of a pet can be a tragic event. The emotions we have as a result of this loss are real, justifiable and nothing to be ashamed of. Our team understands these feelings, as many of us have faced this in our own lives. We also have literature that can help you and your family deal with the loss of a family pet. We also have a network of social workers and grief counselors within the veterinary field who are ready to help you and your family.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us regarding this issue.

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• HEALTH SCREENING TESTS

  Our extensive in-house laboratory allows us to evaluate a wide variety of tests with virtually immediate results. Blood cell counts, blood chemistry analyses, urinalysis and microscopic evaluations are performed daily in our facility without having to wait 24 hours or more for answers from an outside lab.  Very often our sick animals are tested for a variety of ailments. But did you know that we recommend testing our healthy pets as well? Many chronic diseases such as kidney failure and liver failure do not show clinical signs until most of the organs’ active tissue is gone. If we can identify these diseases earlier and intervene, the life expectancy and quality of life of your pet can be dramatically improved. Also, screening tests allow us to determine what is normal for your pet and gives us values to refer back to in the event of future illness. Over half of animals tested will have one or more test values outside the normal range that happen to be normal for that individual.

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• REFERRAL SERVICES

  Laboratory Service Referrals:  Many laboratory services that we are unable to provide in-house can be easily referred out to local, regional or international laboratories. Examples include histopathology, allergy testing and bacterial culture. Our veterinarians always choose the diagnostic protocol that is best for your pet. Veterinary Specialist Referrals:  We are fortunate to have a number of veterinary specialists and veterinarians with special interests call Calgary home. Services in complementary therapies, specialized surgical techniques and advanced ophthalmology, among others, are readily available through our network of specialists. In addition, we have at our hospital a "Real-time Telemedicine" link that allows instant referrals in a variety of veterinary fields.

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• LARGE HEATED DOG RUNS

  We have incorporated two large dog runs into our dog ward.  These runs feature radiant heat floors to keep our larger doggy patients warm and cozy following anesthetic procedures.

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• "THE VALLEY" PET BOUTIQUE

  In June 2004, Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital will open its doors to "The Valley" Pet Boutique.  Currently under construction, this boutique will be an exciting place for pets and their owners to shop.  Unique toys, assessories, treats, cat condos and spa products will be some of the many products available.  "The Valley" Pet Boutique will also offer items to keep your pets even happier during their holiday at our boarding centre!

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• BOW BOTTOM VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN THE COMMUNITY

  Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital is very active in the community.  We offer tours of our hospital for all clients as well as schools.  Don Bosco Elementary and Renfrew Educational Services kindergarten students recently enjoyed tours.  They learned how to brush dogs and cats teeth and what it is like to be a veterinarian.  Dr. Schell also writes pet health columns for many community newsletters and the Calgary Sun's Fur, Fin and Feather section!  She also appears on A-Channel's "The Big Breakfast" to discuss pet health issues.

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• DAY CARE FOR PETS!

  Come in to tour our pet Day Care facility!  Your pets receive top of the line treatment and will enjoy their visits with us!

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• Pet Photos with Santa

  We have been offering Pet Photos with Santa for the past 4 years!  Everyone has a great time.  We collect donations for an animal-related charity and fun is had by all!

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AAHA Accreditation

• American Animal Hospital Association Accreditation

  We at Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital are very proud of our Accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association.  We have been accredited since 2001.  Only 7% of small animal Veterinary Hospitals in Canada and 17% in the United States have made the commitment to voluntarily participate in an on-site evaluation based on the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Our practice was evaluated on over 800 standards, proving a strong desire to provide high-quality medicine and top-notch client service.

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