Dermatology

Veterinarians recognize hundreds of different skin diseases in dogs, cats and other small animals. Most of the time, these diseases can appear to be the same and can only be accurately diagnosed through a complete examination of your pet and his or her history.

Skin conditions may be caused by any of the following:

  • Reaction to airborne allergens
  • Food intolerance
  • Parasites
  • Hormonal diseases
  • Auto-immune diseases
  • Bacterial and Fungal infections
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Many of these conditions present themselves in the form of chronic itchiness, poor quality coat or hair loss, or ongoing ear problems. Most dermatological problems are lifelong conditions, this means that ongoing management of the disorder or allergy can be beneficial in achieving a comfort level for both you and your pet.

Dr. Milcius has a special interest in small animal dermatology which he developed during his post-graduate studies while researching fungal skin diseases. He is pleased to offer all dermatology services including intradermal skin testing for airborne allergens, allergen specific immunotherapy, skin biopsy and fungal cultures.

Dentistry

Good oral care makes a huge difference to every small animal’s life. Here at Avenida Pet Clinic, we encourage our clients to start early with dental care through the use of teeth-cleaning techniques for both dogs and cats. It’s not only important for keeping your pet smiling happily, but also protects the other organs from the complications that can go hand-in-hand with dental problems.

Common signs of dental disease include:

  • Tartar buildup
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Changes in eating or chewing habits
  • Pawing at the face
  • Low energy
  • Drooling
  • Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing

The good news about dental disease is that it can be prevented and/or treated using both home and veterinary dental care. We are committed to helping you learn about the dental care your pet needs, from home teeth brushing dental diets proven to prevent tartar to in-clinic dental care, including x-rays of the teeth and oral surgery when it’s recommended.

Dental Procedure at Avenida Pet Clinic

A step-by-step look into what happens during your pet’s dental procedure

First, the pet is thoroughly assessed and prepared for general anaesthesia. This is where the AHT and assistants place the IV catheter, check vital signs, and administer premedication. Blood tests are also performed if needed.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

After the pet is anaesthetized, full-mouth digital dental radiographs are taken. This is a very important step as a lot of dental lesions are below the gum line and cannot be found during oral exams.

After radiographs are completed, Dr. Milcius assesses them and takes notes on any lesions or other abnormal findings.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

The next step is to probe the teeth for any periodontal pockets, gum loss, or tooth lesions and do a thorough exam for any pathology.

After oral assessment and charting is done, local anesthetic is administered. Then Technician scales and cleans the teeth using both ultrasonic and manual scaling tools. After scaling is completed the teeth are polished and rinsed.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

After the teeth are cleaned and polished Doctor will perform extractions if any are indicated. All extraction sockets are rinsed and debrided before closing with absorbable sutures.

Avenida Pet Clinic

Here is the patient’s mouth before the procedure

Avenida Pet Clinic

And here are the teeth after the procedure!

internal medicine

Simply said, we take care of all the inside parts of your pet! We work with the internal body systems, whether there are sudden or chronic signs, and regardless of the cause of the disease (infection, cancer, degenerative, inflammatory, immune, or trauma). Internal medicine emphasizes non-invasive diagnostic and treatment techniques. At Avenida Pet Clinic, our strengths are medical diagnostic tests, comprehensive care devoted to your pet’s overall health and education to pet parents about their pets’ disease process to make informed, collaborative decisions regarding treatment.

While the below list is not exhaustive, we can help address the following health problems:

  • Infectious diseases:Like kennel cough, which can be mitigated through vaccination and treatment.
  • Stomach and intestinal diseases:Including digestive problems.
  • Kidney and liver diseases: In addition to degenerative conditions due to old age, such as kidney and liver failure.
  • Immune system disorders: Either genetic or late-onset, which can make your pet more vulnerable to other diseases.
  • Pancreatic diseases: Including pancreatitis in both dogs and cats.
  • Hormonal diseases and disorders: And other genetic issues that can affect your pet’s behaviour and overall health.
  • Respiratory diseases: Relating to any issues with the upper and lower respiratory systems, including the mouth, nose, airways, throat, and lungs.
  • Hematologic diseases: Issues related to the normal functioning of blood cells.

Surgery

Some of the most common soft-tissue surgeries are:

  • Removal of external or internal benign or malignant tumours
  • Gastrointestinal surgery, including foreign body removal
  • Urinary tract surgery
  • Reproductive tract surgery, including C-sections and pyometra surgery

Spay/Neuter

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Not only does it humanely help with the overpopulation of stray animals, but it also offers significant health and behavioral benefits to both you and your pet. Altered animals live longer, healthier lives. Female cats and dogs have a reduced risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers, while male cats and dogs have reduced risks of testicular cancer and some prostate related disorders. Spaying/neutering also helps with unwanted behavior such as urine marking, mounting, aggression to both people and other animals, nervousness, and tendencies to wander or run away.

reptile and amphibian medicine

Reptile and Amphibian Care with Dr. Milcius

Dr. Milcius is a member of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and has ample experience with a variety of different species. He is a huge advocate for proper husbandry and care as the first step in preventing many health problems that occur with pet reptiles and amphibians. Please don’t hesitate to call our office with any questions you may have, or to book an appointment if you feel your pet has a more serious health problem going on.

Please use these helpful links for additional information on reptile and amphibian care:

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small mammal care

Small Mammal Care and Rabbit Spay/Neuter Services

Small Mammals are susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions, including overgrown teeth, hairballs, parasites, and cancer. They also tend to hide signs of illness or pain.

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Contact us if your pet:

  • Has discharge from the eyes or nose, runny stool, or a gurgling stomach
  • Has an elevated or low temperature
  • Begins drooling, scratching at the ears, or sneezing
  • Starts tilting his or her head
  • Develops bald patches in his or her fur or lumps on its body.
  • You suspect your pet can be infected with lice, mites or fleas
  • Stops eating, appears overly quiet, or shows other abnormal behavior

Rabbit Spay/Neuter

We also strongly suggest that you have your rabbit spayed or neutered. Not only can rabbits potentially give birth once a month, but they can also have up to 14 babies at a time! Even in households with a single rabbit, spaying or neutering has plenty of benefits: It can protect your rabbit from several types of cancer and reduce or eliminate aggression, as well as other undesirable behavior, such as spraying, mounting, destructive chewing, and biting. Spaying or neutering will not change your rabbit’s personality.

pharmacy

MEDICATIONS AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS

We stock a wide range of veterinary drugs and other products for your pet. Everything from parasite treatments, antibiotics, and anti inflammatory medications to the latest treatments for different diseases. We also offer a variety of over-the-counter supplements and products for a variety of animals as well as specialised foods for exotic animals, rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs. We carry Pangea Crested Gecko food, Oxbow rabbit foods and Totally ferret rabbit foods to name a few as well as most veterinary prescription foods for dogs and cats.

We are able to refill almost any medication an owner request. We are happy to say that with a few days notice we can even have your pet's medication specially compounded to make your life easier. Some features of special compounded medications are

  • Flavoured chewable, liquid, capsule, or tablet forms
  • Trans-dermal medication formulations
  • A variety of flavour options

Compounded medications are prepared specifically for your pet by a veterinary approved Compounding Pharmacist. These drugs are made when:

  • There is no appropriate dose size for your pet available
  • The medication tastes bad, and they try to make it taste better
  • The medication can be made into a liquid instead of a pill
  • The medication can be made in a trans-dermal gel instead of a pill
  • We need to get creative to get medications into your pet somehow
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