Equine Services
Preventative Care
Equine Dentistry
Surgery
Hospitalized Care
Lameness Evaluations
Neurologic Exams
Pre-purchase Evaluations
Ambulatory
Reproductive Management
Diagnostics
Acupuncture
Health Certificates
Layovers
Euthanasia
Companion Animal Services
Preventative Care
Wellness Exams
Vaccination & Parasite Control
Dentistry
Dietary Management
Surgery
Hospital Care
Diagnostics
Acupuncture
Referrals
Emergency Care
Health Certificates
Euthanasia
Equine Services
Preventative Care
Promoting the well being of our patients through the prevention of illness and injury is a major focus of our practice. A preventative health plan expertly designed to fit your horse’s lifestyle and risk factors can better protect him than a mass marketed, one size fits all approach, and save you from spending money on unnecessary products.
Our veterinarians regularly review the available vaccines and dewormers, and consult with leading experts to select those products that are the safest and most effective. Saving a few bucks by using a vaccine with outdated strains or unacceptable risk is false economy, so price never outweighs safety and efficacy when selecting those products to use for your animal.
The administration of appropriate and high-quality vaccinations is just a part of our semi-annual veterinary visits. A general physical checkup can help identify minor problems early in the course of disease. Weight issues and nutritional concerns, as well as general health care questions can be addressed during the face-to-face consultation with the veterinarian.
Equine Dentistry
Our practice is committed to providing progressive, high-quality dentistry for your horse. We believe regular, quality dental care is a vital part of your horse's overall health program, and a key element in his comfort, wellness, performance and longevity. All of our equine veterinarians are equipped and trained in the use of motorized and hand- powered dental instruments. The use of sedation and full-mouth speculums to perform comprehensive oral exams allows our veterinarians to accurately assess and treat the dental needs of your horse with his comfort and safety in mind. Updates in equipment and continuing education allow our practice to stay abreast of rapidly developing advancements in modern equine dentistry.
With regular maintenance your horse will be more comfortable, will utilize feed more efficiently, may perform better and might even live longer. Many horses with dental problems will exhibit weight loss, abnormal chewing, dropping of feed or head shaking. 
Changes in behavior and performance problems are not unusual. Some will simply adapt to the pain or discomfort and show no sign at all. We recommend that a dental exam be performed each year for the mature horse and every 6 months for growing horses and seniors. In addition to routine and performance dentistry, we are able to offer advanced dental services such as repair, restorations and extractions.
Surgery
Our practice employs many specialists including a board certified equine surgeon. We offer a variety of equine surgeries including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, soft tissue and reproductive. Referrals are accepted.
Hospitalized Care
Mount Vernon Veterinary Hospital was designed as a comprehensive surgical and medical center. We have the staff available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide the highest level of hospitalization. Whether it is a mare to be monitored for breeding or a foal in intensive care, our staff and veterinarians are prepared to assist the horse, camelid and small ruminant owners of Western Washington.
We have two stalls equipped with closed circuit camera monitoring for on-site staff. There are 6 other stalls for less intensive cases. Our outdoor stalls with runs are a less stressful environment for mares/stallions in for reproductive management. This hospital was designed with our clients and patients in mind from the easy trailer turnaround and parking to specially designed stocks and padded surgical recovery room.
Lameness Evaluations
Lameness can be quite simply described as any alteration in the horse’s gait. When lameness occurs, your horse should be evaluated as soon as possible. Prompt assessment can save you time, money, frustration and potentially permanent loss of soundness. Our goal is to help you keep small problems from turning into big ones.
The lameness exam will begin by gathering your horse’s medical and farriery history and work/exercise routine through a series of questions, conversation and previous medical records. We will conduct a visual appraisal of your horse at rest and then evaluate conformation, balance and weight bearing, and look for any signs of injury or stress. A complete hands-on examination will be conducted in search of pain, heat or swelling of muscles, joints, bones and tendons. We will evaluate the movement of the horse at a walk and trot for a number of signs including head bobbing, switching leads, stiffness, shortening of the stride and poor performance. Joint flexion tests will illuminate any subtle signs of pain and irregular movement.
To ensure a quality and controlled environment we much prefer to work up any lameness and/or pre-purchase examination in the hospital. However, the initial work up may be done on the farm as long as a solid and level surface is available. Further diagnostics may include blocking joints and nerves with a local anesthetic to pinpoint the origin of the lameness. Once isolated, imaging with radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound can help determine the actual problem causing the lameness. This knowledge allows us to design a specific recovery plan for each horse.
Neurologic Exams
Many neurologic diseases can cause a change in an animals' way of moving, seizures, or disorientation. We have specialty training to help us quickly locate and diagnose neurologic diseases. We can further evaluate neurologic status with additional diagnostic modalities such as radiographs and spinal taps.
Pre-purchase Evaluations
The pre-purchase evaluation enables us to gather a
nd interpret the information necessary to assist you in selecting the horse best suited to your needs. In order for us to fairly evaluate the horse, the animal should be fit, conditioned and in training for its intended use. A horse that has been laid off for some time will be difficult to evaluate for lameness.
The first element of the pre-purchase exam is clinical. The horse’s eyes, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems are evaluated. A lameness examination and flexion tests will follow (as described above). Further diagnostics may be recommended and should be scheduled in the hospital. Additional procedures may also be indicated such as radiographs, reproductive examinations, blood work, drug testing, etc. We look forward to helping you with the selection of your next horse. With the information that you gleen from this exam you will be prepared to make knowledgable decisions when purchasing a horse.
Ambulatory
Our veterinarians travel with equipment to handle nearly every situation on the farm, including portable x-ray and ultrasound machines.
Reproductive Management
Our practice offers comprehensive reproductive management for your mare including artificial insemination with both fresh cooled and frozen semen. We also offer stallion semen collection, training to collect from the phantom or teaser mare, as well as semen evaluation, cooled fresh shipping and freezing.
Diagnostics
We are equipped with a full laboratory on-site and can run in-house blood work, abdominal taps and semen evaluations for immediate results. We also work closely with a large laboratory and board certified clinical pathologists.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years. Today, it is used
all over the world by itself or in conjunction with western medicine to treat a variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal. Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems such as paralysis, allergies and certain types of pain such as arthritis. Respiratory problems and some reproductive problems may also be treated successfully with acupuncture.
Acupuncture is known to stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation and relieve muscle spasm. It is even known to cause the release of hormones such as endorphins and cortisol.
Health Certificates
Our practice regularly reviews shipping requirements for equines and camelids. Whether you are selling and shipping or traveling to a show we can make sure you have all the documents needed to transport your animals without delay. Interstate and International health certificates are available.
Layovers
Shipping animals can be a stressful process, especially if you live on an island where shipping companies don’t tend to service. Sometimes simply finding the time to haul your animal to the location for the shipper to pick up or picking them up when they arrive can be a daunting task. Our practice is here to help. Not only are we in a prime location for those on Whidbey or the San Juan Islands, but we have the facility and space for many different species of animal. The nature of our facility provides a comfortable and safe resting place for those animals that need a place to stay for a night or two prior to being picked up by a shipping company or reaching their final destination.
Euthanasia
Everything about euthanasia is difficult. First, you have to make the decision, then you have to schedule the appointment, and finally you have the logistics of dealing with the body. Our veterinarians will help you decide whether or not the time is right and talk you through the option of staying with your animal during the procedure. Or, you may decide to drop them off with us. Trust that our staff will make your animal's last moments as comfortable and dignified as we can, whether or not you choose to stay. Our supportive and compassionate staff is here for you when the time comes.
Companion Animal Services
Preventative Care
The primary focus of our practice is to promote animal health and wellbeing through preventative care. A preventative health care plan designed to fit your individual pet’s needs is more effective than a generalized approach and will save you time and money long term. Basic preventative care includes the following: routine wellness exams, vaccinations & parasite control, dentistry, spays & neuters, dietary management, screening tests and microchip implantation.
Wellness Exams
Illness can strike at any time throughout your pet’s life. Our wellness exams are designed to provide early detection and treatment of diseases and disorders, making treatment more successful. Regular exams allow us to monitor and better treat your pet’s chronic or ongoing medical conditions. We are happy to provide second opinions when requested.
Vaccination & Parasite Control
Our veterinarians regularly review and consult with experts regarding all available vaccinations, dewormers and parasite control products and only select those that are the safest and most effective.
Following the recommended vaccination protocols will protect your pets from potentially life-threatening diseases. In addition, vaccine antibody titers are available as an alternative for patients who are sensitive or have had allergic reactions to vaccinations in the past.
Parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health and your own as a number of parasites are transmissible to humans. Children and the elderly can be especially susceptible. We can put a parasite prevention plan in place to protect your pets, yourself and all of the members of your family.
Dentistry
Did you know, dental disease affects 80% of dogs and cats over 3 yrs old and often contributes to other medical conditions? Professional dental cleanings along with preventative home care can add years to your pet’s life. We offer comprehensive dental cleaning and polishing, extractions, oral pain control, treatment of infections and bad breath management. Our veterinarians attend numerous continuing education seminars in order provide you with advanced services such as repairs and restorations for special cases.
Dietary Management
Whether your pet is overweight or has an ongoing medical condition, changing to a specialized or prescription diet can provide numerous health benefits. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can help prevent or minimize a variety of health risks such as arthritis, skin, liver, heart and kidney disease, diabetes, urinary stones and breathing issues. We will work with you and your pet to determine a diet plan that fits the individual needs of your pet throughout all of his/her life stages.
Concerned about your pets weight? Visit our ‘links’ page and click on “Project Pet Slim Down” to learn more about how we can help your pet reach their ideal weight.
Surgery
Mount Vernon Veterinary Hospital offers a variety of general surgeries for our companion animals performed under comprehensive anesthesia monitoring and support. Our surgical options range from basic procedures such as spaying and neutering, laceration, abscess and wound repair, along with more advanced procedures such as lump removal and biopsy, gastrointestinal foreign body removal, exploratory, and removal of urinary stones(cystotomy). We strive to provide compassionate nursing care before, during and after procedures as well as comprehensive pain management.
Hospital Care
Our hospital was designed as a comprehensive surgical and medical center. We offer full nursing care, fluid therapy and inpatient medical management during business hours.
Diagnostics
With our on-site diagnostic laboratory, we are able to run blood panels, urinalysis, fecal parasite exams, ear and skin infection tests and pre-anesthetic profiles with immediate results. Advanced testing is available through a local lab who pick up samples twice daily, allowing us to receive results rapidly.
We strive to provide our clients with as many diagnostics as we can on-site. Our radiology department is complete with in house x-ray interpretation or we can send them out to be reviewed by a board certified radiologist. We hope to add digital radiology at the beginning of the New Year! Ultrasound imaging is also available through our state of the art portable ultrasound.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years. Today, it is used all over the world by itself or in conjunction with western medicine to treat a variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal. Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems such as paralysis, allergies and certain types of pain such as arthritis. Respiratory problems and some reproductive problems may also be treated successfully with acupuncture.
Acupuncture is known to stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation and relieve muscle spasm. It is even known to cause the release of hormones such as endorphins and cortisol.
Referrals
Referrals are available for those patients requiring advanced diagnostic procedures, including echocardiograms, endoscopic exams, CT scans, and MRI. There are board-certified specialists in the area that we can refer to for advanced care in areas such as cardiology (heart), 24-hour critical care/ICU, advanced dentistry, dermatology (skin, allergies), emergency medicine, endocrinology (glandular problems, diabetes, and treatment for feline hyperthyroidism), internal medicine (internal organs), neurology (brain, spine, nerves), oncology (cancer), ophthalmology (eyes), orthopedics (bones, joints), physical therapy/rehabilitation, radiology or surgery.
Emergency Care
For advanced care and monitoring overnight, a fully equipped emergency clinic is only a few blocks away. The Pet Emergency Clinic phone number is 360-848-5911.
Health Certificates
Traveling with your pet? Whether your trip is within the continental 50 states, to our neighboring countries north and south, or overseas, we can help. Specific documentation is needed based on where you are traveling to and how you plan to get there. Our veterinarians can help you with paperwork needed to ensure your pet is traveling legally and to make sure they return home safely with you.
Euthanasia
Inevitably the time comes for all of us when we have to let go of a family member. Our supportive and caring staff is here for you when that time comes. Companion animals of all sizes find their way into our hearts and become as close to us as human family. We understand the difficulty involved, not only in making the decision for your pet, but saying your final goodbyes. You can count on and trust us to help you with compassion and empathy during this complicated process.
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FOR SMALL ANIMAL EMERGENCY CARE
(after hours, weekends, holidays), contact:
PET EMERGENCY CENTER
(360) 848-5911
Located just 2 miles east of us at Memorial Highway and Avon-Allen Road in Mount Vernon
