Our Services

Services offered at Cloquet Animal Hospital Include:  

 

Quality of care is our paramount concern, and we constantly challenge ourselves to provide the best in medical diagnosis and treatment, in addition to offering a nurturing and inviting environment for your companion.  Our practice philosophy is to treat each patient as if it were our own beloved companion, and our passion is to prevent suffering through education, preventive care, and the evaluation of all options.

Spaying and Neutering

Pet overpopulation is a problem throughout the United States. Statistics show 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day for every 10,000 human births. There simply aren’t enough homes for all these animals. As a result, 7,000,000 animals are euthanized every year. It is easy to see how the numbers of dogs and cats get out of hand. For example, if a cat has two litters per year, that one cat and its offspring will produce more than 11 million cats in nine years.

Given these statistics, the only way to break this chain is by spaying and neutering our animals. If that is not reason enough, here are more reasons why spaying and neutering is a good idea:

  • Altered animals live longer, healthier lives. Female cats and dogs have reduced risks of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers; male cats and dogs have reduced risks of prostate cancer and disorders.

  • Fewer health problems mean less costly vet bills for their owners.

  • Altered animals make better, more affectionate companions. Animals that are not preoccupied with mating have more attention to devote to their human friends.

  • Neutered cats are less likely to spray and mark territory.

  • Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates the heat cycle. That means no incessant crying, nervous behavior, or unwanted male dogs and cats lingering around your house.

  • Neutered males are less likely to roam, run away, or get into fights.

  • Altered animals are less likely to bite. They are generally calmer and more even-tempered.

Spaying is a surgical procedure that renders your female dog or cat infertile.  This procedure involves the removal of your pet’s ovaries and uterus, and is performed under a general anesthetic.

Neutering is a surgical procedure that renders your male dog or cat infertile.  This procedure involves the removal of your pet’s testicles, and is performed under a general anesthetic.

Parasite Prevention & Protection

Common parasites found in your pets can include: fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms and mites.

Fleas: These parasites can be brought into your house by other animals or humans and can cause itching, scratching, chewing and in some cases can cause loss of fur from excessive licking. They can cause your pet to become infected with tapeworms or bacterial infections. Once your house is infested it can be very hard to rid it of these pests as one female can lay up to 40-50 eggs per day.

Heartworm: These worms can infect the heart and lungs of your cat or dog. They are transmitted by mosquitoes from infected animals to healthy pets. Coughing, lethargy and difficulty breathing can be some of the signs of this disease.  If left untreated can be fatal and as of yet there is no known approved treatment for cats. Monthly preventative is the best course of action to help prevent infection.

Roundworms: Live in the intestinal tract of your cat or dog and cause vomiting, diarrhea, dull hair coat, pot bellied appreance, weight loss.  Roundworms can be transmitted to puppies through thier mother’s placenta or milk.  Your pet can also acquire this parasite by eating mice or other small animals infected with young worms.

Humans can become infected with this parasite by coming in contact with contaminated soil or feces.

Hookworms: Hookworms like roundworms live in the intestines of your cat or dog and can cause anemia and weight loss.  Symptoms to look for can include poor appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness and pale gums. Your animals can become infected by ingesting infested soil or eating rodents infected with larvae.

Humans can become infected with this parasite by accidentally ingesting contaminated soil or walking on/in comtaminated soil.

Parasite preventative medication (commonly referred to as heartworm preventative) is a once a month pill that protects your dog against heartworm and intestinal parasites. Your dog can pick up intestinal parasites from other animals or from the ground.

In the past, heartworm medication has only been recommended during the warmer months – May through November – when mosquitoes are present. However intestinal parasites can be transmitted year round. Because certain intestinal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can be transmitted from your pet to you, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) are advising year-round parasite preventative. In following these guidelines, Cloquet Animal Hospital advises that all dogs receive a once a month parasite preventative throughout the year, including the winter months.

www.heartgard.com

Pre-Anesthetic Screening Service

Cloquet Animal Hospital feels that a pre-anesthetic blood screening prior to any surgical procedure is very important and therefore, we require it on all animals prior to anesthetizing. Why do we feel pre-anesthetic blood screening is so important?

  • Testing can reduce risks – If the results of the pre-anesthetic panel are within normal ranges, we can proceed with confidence, knowing that the anesthetic risk is minimized. However, if the results are not within the normal ranges, we can alter the anesthetic procedure to safeguard your pet’s health.

  • Pets can’t tell us when they don’t feel well – A healthy-appearing pet may be hiding symptoms of a disease or ailment. For example, a pet can lose up to 75% of kidney function before showing any signs of illness. Testing helps us evaluate the health of your pet’s liver and kidneys so we can avoid problems related to anesthesia.

  • Testing can help protect your pet’s future health – these tests provide baseline levels for your pet and become part the pet’s medical chart for future reference.

  • Peace of mind – testing can significantly reduce medical risk and ensure your pet’s health and safety.

The standard pre-anesthetic blood screening consists of a blood chemistry panel and hematocrit reading. The following levels are done:

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) – An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated values can indicate liver disease or Cushing’s disease.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, and liver and kidney abnormalities.

Creatinine (CREA) – Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.

Blood glucose (GLU) – High levels indicate diabetes. In cats high levels can also indicate stress or excitement. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.

Total Protein (TP) – The level of TP can detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.

Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, and chloride – The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your pet’s health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening.

Hematocrit (HCT) – Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) present.

Examinations

Veterinary exams are important for pets because they can help identify health problems early on, which can lead to a quicker and more cost-effective treatment. Veterinary exams can also help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

Dental Services

Why is health and prevention important?

Believe it or not, dogs and cats are diagnosed with dental disease more than any other infection. In fact, approximately 85% of animals six years of age and older have some form of dental disease. Bacteria in the mouth cause pain and inflammation by attacking the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. Cloquet Animal Hospital is well-equipped to provide pets with the proper oral care they need, including ultrasonic tartar removal and polishing to keep the teeth healthy. We also have a state-of-the-art dental x-ray machine and processor to assess dental disease below the surface. In addition, provide prophylactic dental cleanings and preventative care to help prevent animals from developing dental disease.

Symptoms of dental disease include:

  • Bad breath -one of the first signs of dental disease

  • A yellowish-brown crust of tartar on the teeth near the gum line

  • Red and swollen gums

  • Pain or bleeding when eating or when the mouth or gums are touched

  • Decreased appetite or difficulty eating

  • Loose or missing teeth

If you see any of the signs, please call to make an appointment so we can assess your pet’s dental health.

Laser Surgery

Cloquet Animal Hospital has a surgical laser that can be used in place of a scalpel blade for most surgeries.

What are the advantages to laser surgery?

Less Pain – Laser energy seals nerve endings as it moves through the tissue. Your pets experience less pain post-operatively.

Less Bleeding – The laser seals small blood vessels during surgery which allows your doctor to perform surgeries with extraordinary precision. This also speeds some procedures reducing the amount of time for anesthesia.

Less Swelling – Laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise because only a beam of intense light comes in contact with the tissue.

What does this mean for my pet?

  • Reduced risk of infection – The laser sterilizes as it removes diseased tissue, killing bacteria that cause infection.

  • Precision – The laser can remove unhealthy tissue while minimizing adverse affects to healthy surrounding tissue.

  • Quick return to normal activities – Recovery is rapid and there is less post-operative discomfort.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations and regular health examinations are very important to your pet’s health. Dogs and cats may be exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases from wildlife, rodents, insects, and other pets. Below is a list of the vaccines we recommend and the diseases they help prevent.

A new puppy or kitten needs to have a series of vaccines from the time they are 6-8 weeks old until they turn 14-16 weeks of age. These vaccinations are an important part of the health of your pet. Adult pets with no prior vaccines also will need a series of vaccinations.

 

Microchipping

Did you know that 10 million pets will get lost every year and without identification 90% do not return home? A microchip implanted just under the skin serves as a permanent identification and greatly increases the likelihood that you will be reunited with your pet. Most animal shelters and veterinary clinics have scanners that can detect your pet’s microchip.

At Cloquet Animal Hospital, we can safely and easily implant a Homeagain microchip in your pet. Homeagain has helped reunite over 400,000 pets with their families. In addition, Homeagain has established a proactive pet recovery network. Recovery specialists are available 24 hours a day seven days a week so you can contact them the minute you realize your pet is missing. The recovery specialist immediately issues lost pet alerts to local veterinary clinics, local shelters, your personal vet, as well as local people who have signed up to be petRescuers. Once your pet is found, the shelter or clinic is provided with up-to-date owner and medical information to ensure your pet receives proper treatment.

Laser Therapy

Benefits

Clinical studies and real-world use over several decades have proven that laser therapy alleviates pain and inflammation, reduces swelling, stimulates nerve regeneration and cells involved in tissue repair.

Schedule an in-office demonstration to feel the soothing power of a Companion Therapy Laser for yourself.

Improved Patient Outcomes

  • Deep, soothing laser therapy provides a drug-free option for enhanced patient care.

  • Effective relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling

  • Extremely well tolerated by pets

  • No known side effects

  • May decrease the need for surgery and medications

  • Reduces healing time

  • Requires no sedation or clipping

  • Quick to administer (approximately 3 to 6 minutes per site)

  • Allows pet owners to be present and feel that they are participating in the healing process

Versatility

Applicable for all animals across a wide range of conditions routinely seen in practice.

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Degenerative joint and disc disease

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Dermatologic disorders (eg, hot spots, interdigital dermatitis, acral lick granuloma)

  • Acute and chronic otitis

  • Periodontal disease (eg, feline stomatitis)

  • Post-operative healing (eg, to treat incision pain and reduce inflammation before the patient wakes up)

  • Acute traumas (eg, sprains or strains without radiographic changes or ruptured ligaments)

Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic veterinary services are an important part of our offerings at Cloquet Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tools to help them accurately diagnose and treat your pet. This includes everything from radiographs and blood work to ultrasounds and ultrasound. We also have a full-service laboratory on site, which enables us to get results quickly and accurately. This allows us to provide the best possible care for your pet.

End of Life Care

Saying goodbye to your loved one is one of the hardest things we do as both pet owners and as your veterinarian. We will work closely with you on ways to help make your pet as comfortable as possible.