Our Services

Radiology

 

Our separate radiology area with automatic processor allows rapid assessment, especially important in emergencies. For those interested in hip certification, we offer both OFA and Penn-Hip referral assessment.

 

Laboratory Services

 

We have a well-equipped laboratory, supervised by a Registered Veterinary Technician, that enables us to run most of our diagnostic blood, urine and fecal testing in-house. When pre-anesthetic bloodwork is run before surgery, results can be obtained within a half-hour of admission.

 

Pet Supplies

 

Quality pet foods and prescription diets are offered at competitive prices. We offer nutritional consultation and you are always welcome to bring your pet in for a free weight check. Our retail area containes a variety of shampoos, flea products, toys, leashes and other pet supplies.

 

Euthanasia

 

Every living being must die - it is a part of life that cannot be avoided. It is probably

one of the hardest decisions we help clients to work through  With euthanasia, we

are ensuring our pets have a humane, quick and painless way to die.

 

This is achieved by administering a massive intravenous (IV) overdose of an anesthetic drug.

An assistant will often help to steady the animal and hold off the vein. The barbiturate causes

an initial feeling of euphoria. Animals may lick their lips, pant and look around. This lasts a few

seconds before they slip into a peaceful deep anesthetic sleep and then die as their heart stops.

After the animal is gone they may quiver or take reflex breaths for several minutes and the

bowel and bladder may let go. The eyes usually stay open.

 

The drug is painless, and an IV injection is well tolerated by most animals. If your pet is too stressed to allow an IV injection, a sedative may be given first to calm them. You have the choice to remain with your pet or to leave him/her with us. Regardless, your pet will be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. For people wishing to stay with with their pets, an appointment is required. Otherwise, an animal can be dropped off anytime. Some paperwork is required, and it is easier for some people to come in and finish this before they come back with their pet.

 

Thinking About Burial

 

You have choices to make on how and where you want your pet to be buried. Are you able to take your pet home to buried? If so, you need to think about how you want the body prepared to come home. Do you have a special blanket or box that would be suitable? Other options range from a simple group burial which we arrange, to a private plot with a headstone in a pet cemetery, or cremation. There are caskets and urns that are available if desired. We can help you with the details once the decision has been made.

 

Stages of Grieving

 

There are many different stages of grieving. The three that most people seem to experience commonly are outlined below. The length of time it takes to go through the different stages varies and sometimes people jump back and forth between stages.

 

Stage 1 - Numbness and Denial:

Immediately after your pet's death you will likely experience a period of unreality, almost like sleepwalking. Nothing seems like it will ever feel right again. This stage can last several weeks or even months.

 

Stage 2 - Anger and/or Guilt:

Physically, symptoms such as tightness in the throat, shortness of breath or fatigue can set in. Emotional symptoms can be even more distressing. Anger at the pet for getting sick or injured or even old, and the accompanying guilt may be overwhelming. You may agonize over things you believe you did wrong or think you should have done differently. This stage can also last weeks, months or years.

 

Stage 3 - Acceptance:

Eventually, there will be times when you do not dwell on your loss and you'll be able to focus on your daily tasks. You do not forget, but you learn to move on. You may have a new awareness of how precious life is and of the value of these special relationships.

 

Coping With Grief

 

• We are all different and therefore we all tend to handle our friend differently. Here are some ways that may be helpful in coping with your own personal loss.
• Try to be caring people - Spend time with family, friends, neighbours or co-workers that have dealt with their own pet loss. These people understand what you are feeling. Talk with them, express your feelings.
• Take enough time - Everyone is different and you need a grieving period that is right for you. Grieving is a necessity that will help you to come to terms with the loss of your pet.
• Reach out for help - There are number of grief counseling and pet support hotlines available. Don't be ashamed or feel silly calling. These people are there because they care.
• Try to come to terms with your loss - Move towards the acceptance of the death of your beloved pet. Work through feelings of guilt, bitterness or blame, which may get in the way of moving forward with your life.
• Accept a changed life - Recognize that you will feel off-balance for awhile. Your routine is going to change drastically. Try to fill the empty parts with new challenges, new places and new relationships.
• Writing down the story of your pet's life can help you celebrate the time you had together. If you have children, let them help by drawing pictures or pasting photos of your pet in the book. Detail his or her adventures from the first day you brought your pet home. This project creates a memento for you to keep and encourages you to remember the happy times.
• You may chose to honour your pet with a gift in memory. One option is the Companion Animal Trust Fund at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI. Not only is the contribution a lasting tribute, but it enables the college to bring hope to others through providing a means of continual research on animal disease. Funds may also be used to improve the facilities and equipment at the college's teaching hospital. Contact the Atlantic Veterinary College at 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3 902-566-00882. Donations could also be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

 

Enjoy the wonderful memories of your pet. Be grateful for having known them. You are beginning to heal when you can say their name and tell stories about them while still smiling. No matter how long they were with us, we must be thankful for each day we had with them and each special memory they have given us. Some of us could not imagine another pet just yet, while others feel a need to being again immediately. Each is an excellent decision if it feels right.

 

Resources

 

There are many pet loss support lijnes. Here a few closest to us. Please note, the phones are staffed by veterinary students. You will usually have to leave your number and they will call you back collect, likely in the evening after classes.

Rainbow Valley Pet Loss Support Group, Alberta - 1-403-246-0091

Tufts University, Massachusetts - 1-508-839-7966

Cornell University, New York - 1-607-253-3932

 

The internet has multiple sites for coping with pet loss as well as chat lines to speak to someone on-line. All of these sites are accesible by simply typing "pet loss" in your search field. Cornell University has a nice site to use as a starting point...

 

 

Central Nova Animal Hospital - 29 Main St, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada - 902 893-4331

Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 8 pm, Friday: 8 am - 5 pm, Saturday 9 am - 12 pm

Closed Sundays and all Major Holidays