Clinic Services

Cat & Dog Imaging Services

When a standard physical exam isn’t enough to determine a pet’s health condition, we rely on cat and dog imaging tools for an “inside look.” All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge in Rittman, OH, offers in-house laboratory services as well as CT scan, x-ray, and ultrasound diagnostic services. With these technology options, we can more effectively diagnose and treat a variety of health problems in dogs, cats, and other pets.

In-House Laboratory Services

For your convenience and that of your pet, we perform laboratory testing here in our clinic. Even if your pet appears healthy on the outside, the results of a lab test can help us detect the early stages of a disease or other condition before symptoms begin. Two of the most common laboratory tests we perform are intestinal parasite screenings and blood tests.

An intestinal parasite screening (fecal exam) involves examining the stool to detect the presence of hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites. A blood test helps determine the status of the liver, pancreas, and other internal organs to detect conditions like anemia and infections. Heartworm disease is another condition that can be detected with a blood test.

Digital Radiology

We use digital radiology (X-rays) to examine a pet internally, including the muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. It can also be used to detect foreign bodies. This diagnostic technology is both safe and painless for pets, but it provides a number of benefits for the All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge team. With our X-ray unit, clear, detailed images can be produced within seconds and be shared digitally if necessary.

Ultrasounds for Pets

Just as with humans, ultrasound technology in the veterinary industry involves examining the internal structures of the body by recording the echoes of ultrasonic waves. We use ultrasound technology to safely examine your pet’s internal organs and detect pregnancy.

Pet CT Scan

We use CT (computed tomography) technology to examine a pet’s brain or spine. A CT scan involves sending X-ray beams through the body to create images of the body. These images are colorized in white, gray, and black to detect abnormal tissue. We recommend CT scans for patients with neurological disorders, such as seizures.

If you think your pet is in need of cat or dog imaging services, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

When it comes to emergencies, every second counts. That’s why All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge in Rittman is pleased to offer emergency vet services during our normal business hours, in addition to our wellness and boarding services. We also rely on the services of a local, fully staffed emergency veterinary center.

Rest assured, we will do everything we can to treat your pet in a timely manner, regardless of the time of your pet’s emergency.

Nutrition & Laser Therapy

In addition to our veterinary care and boarding services, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge offers therapy and consultative services for dogs and cats. Our goal is to keep your pet healthy and running around for as long as possible, considering the many changes that come with age.

Therapy for Pets

Laser therapy is another treatment option that was once used solely for humans but is now being used to treat dogs, cats, and other pets. It involves the use of light energy to stimulate tissues to repair themselves while providing pain relief at the same time. The laser uses focused light of various wavelengths to stimulate tissue at and below the surface of your pet’s skin. Because laser therapy affects tissues at the cellular level, it leads to improved circulation, decreased inflammation, and the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. At our clinic, we use laser therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including post-operative pain management, musculoskeletal injuries, wound healing, back pain, and arthritis.

Nutritional Counseling

Your pet’s diet is one of the most important aspects of their overall health, especially as they age. Although some pets require special food for continued health, all pets benefit from a balanced diet. Our trained and certified staff is available to help you choose the right diet for your pet to keep them happy, healthy, and active. We offer both general and specific diets that are customized to age, lifestyle, and needs.

One of the most common health issues we see in pets, in terms of diet, is obesity. If you suspect that your pet is overweight and in need of a diet change, our staff can determine their body conditioning score to create a diet plan that’s tailored specifically for overweight pets.

Reptile and Exotic Vet

We are called All Creatures for a very good reason! At our clinic, we gladly provide reptile and exotic vet care, in addition to care for dogs and cats. Exotic pets have unique health care needs through every life stage, and we are equipped to meet these needs. Our veterinarians offer general wellness exams and perform some surgeries, with the option to refer out to a specialist if necessary.

Just as with dogs and cats, we recommend that your exotic pet receive a comprehensive wellness exam at least once a year so we can be sure they’re healthy. During your pet’s first visit, we’ll be sure to discuss the various issues that are essential to exotic pet care, including husbandry, diet and nutrition, temperature, exercise, and enclosure.

Cat & Dog Vaccinations

Keeping a pet healthy involves more than just bringing them to the vet once a year for a wellness exam. Cat and dog vaccinations should be included in their preventive care plan, too, even if your pet spends most of their time indoors. Similar to parasite preventive medications, vaccines protect against a number of viruses and diseases, and in many states, certain vaccines—such as the rabies vaccine—are required by law. All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge can customize a vaccination plan, based on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle, to keep them healthy for a lifetime. Our team is pleased to provide veterinary care for dogs, cats, pocket pets, and other exotics. In addition to providing care to the pets of the Medina area, our animal hospital in Wadsworth also provides care to the surrounding communities of Rittman, Sterling, and more.

The following is a list of core pet vaccines we offer for dogs and cats:

• Canine parvovirus
• Canine distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Rabies
• FVR—Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus
• C—Calicivirus
• P—Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Rabies

Pet Exams

Pets are like people in many ways, including their need for regular health checkups. All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge offers wellness services for pets of all ages, including comprehensive pet exams, parasite screening and control, and vaccinations. We recommend that all pets receive a comprehensive, nose-to-tail wellness exam at least once a year, regardless of age. For puppies/kittens and senior pets, more frequent veterinary visits may be required. If any abnormalities are detected, we can recommend advanced imaging or treatment.

Another important part of the wellness exam is the discussion about at-home care. Of course, no one knows your four-legged friend better than you do, so if there are any changes you’ve noticed in your pet’s behavior, please let us know. Behavioral changes can be related to certain health problems that require additional diagnostics. Feel free to ask us any questions you have as well, whether they’re related to diet, training, or environment.

Parasite Control

Parasite control is an important aspect of your pet’s overall wellness since there are many parasitic diseases that affect dogs and cats every year. Even if your pet spends most of their time indoors, they can still come in contact with fleas, mosquitoes, and other parasites, which can lead to diseases. Without treatment, many parasitic diseases can be very serious and even fatal. We have several parasite prevention options available and can recommend the one that fits your pet’s lifestyle to provide year-round protection. We’ll be happy to discuss them with you during your pet’s wellness exam. We want your pet to be around for a long time to chase Frisbees and watch birds, just as much as you do, so give us a call to schedule a wellness exam!

Alleviating Noise Aversion in Dogs and Cats

For some dogs and cats, fireworks, heavy road construction, and thunderstorms aren’t a problem. For others, they can be a serious issue requiring veterinary intervention. Noise aversion in dogs and cats isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Many animals become agitated during noisy events and may engage in behaviors ranging from mild to destructive. While such behaviors often abate once the noises have ceased, the anxiety behind these behaviors can be detrimental to your pet’s mental and physical health. What’s more, if their anxiety-fueled behaviors are destructive, they can damage your relationship with your pet. At All Creatures Veterinary Clinic in Rittman, OH, we offer several treatment options to help reduce your dog or cat’s stress so that loud, scary situations are easier for them to handle.

Give us a call today if your pet is currently suffering from noise aversion and needs help.

State-of-the-Art Cat & Dog Surgeries

We know that hearing the word “surgery” about your pet can make you uneasy, but it doesn’t have to. That’s because, at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge, our surgical facility was designed with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. We have a fully trained veterinary and technical staff to ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art cat and dog surgeries. If necessary, we have the option of a board-certified surgeon for consultations as well.

About Our Surgical Facility

Our surgical suite features heated surgery tables for greater comfort. Because we are an AAHA-accredited hospital, we use only the safest, most modern technology and techniques. These include advanced sterilization techniques, ECG and oxygen saturation monitors, and intensive after-surgery care. To ensure that your pet is healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia, we also administer full pre-anesthetic blood testing.

Surgeries We Perform

As part of the most advanced surgical procedures available, we perform many procedures laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) or with a laser—both of which are minimally invasive. Some of the most common procedures we perform in-house include:

• Orthopedic procedures
• Reproductive surgery
• Abdominal surgery
• Exploratory surgery
• Tumor removal
• Wound care and reconstruction

What to Expect After Surgery

Once your pet is released back to your care after surgery, we will provide you with at-home care instructions. We’ll also give you antibiotics and/or pain medications, depending on the procedure performed. It’s normal for your pet to seem a little sluggish and to want to sleep within the first 24 hours after surgery. However, if you have any questions or concerns about how your pet is recovering, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Spay and Neuter

When you get your pet spayed or neutered, you give your pet many benefits. These include reducing their chances of developing potentially deadly cancers and reducing unwanted behaviors. At All Creatures Veterinary Clinic & Lodge, we want only the best for the pets of Rittman and Wadsworth. As an AAHA accredited hospital, we follow the most up-to-date surgical practices and procedures. You can rest assured that your loved one will be monitored closely before, during, and after the surgery.

Determining the Benefits for Your Pet

It is true that when your female pet gets spayed, she is much less likely to develop breast tumors. These tumors turn malignant in many pets. When you get your male pet neutered, you eliminate their chances of developing testicular cancer altogether. We carefully discuss spay and neuter surgery’s impact on the type and breed of animal you have. Some types of dogs may be healthier in the long run if spay and neuter surgery is delayed or not done at all.

Some benefits of pet spay and neuter surgery include:

• In females, the chances of developing ovarian and uterine cancer are reduced.
• In females, unwanted litters and pregnancies are reduced.
• In males, the chances of developing prostate disease are reduced.
• Mounting behavior is reduced in males.
• Roaming behavior is reduced in males and females.
• Urine spraying and marking behavior are reduced in males and females.

Caring for Your Pet Afterwards

Any surgery, regardless of how routine, can make pet owners nervous. As pet owners ourselves, our staff and veterinarians understand your worry. We are preemptive about pain management in your fur-baby so that they can be as relaxed as possible yet free of grogginess afterward. As your pet awakens from anesthesia, we stay with them and comfort them until they’re in your loving arms. Please contact us with any questions about pet spay and neuter surgery. We’re here for the pets of Rittman, Wadsworth, and surrounding regions in Ohio.

Cat & Dog Euthanasia Services

They are our best friends and family members. They warm our laps and hearts when we’ve had a bad day. They give us a reason to smile. They are our pets. Saying that final goodbye to such a beloved pet is just as difficult and emotional as saying goodbye to any other family member. The team members at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic and Lodge know this all too well as we are pet owners ourselves. In addition to our wellness exams and boarding services, we offer cat & dog euthanasia services with the goal of making those final delicate moments as peaceful and comfortable as possible for those loyal companions. Our technicians are well trained in the area of pet euthanasia and can address any questions or concerns you may have. We gladly welcome pet owners and their family/friends into the euthanasia room if they choose to be present. Upon the pet owner’s arrival at our clinic, we’ll discuss the available options for caring for the remains, including private or group burials and private or group cremations. We also have several urns to choose from.

Pet Memorial Options

To help pet owners remember their pets after they’ve transitioned to the “rainbow bridge,” we offer several pet memorial options and keepsakes, including grief books for adults and children. We also offer clay paw print impressions, which we can make upon your pet’s arrival so that you can have a lifelong memento of your precious pet.