Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (216) 524-5220.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:30 am until noon. The hospital is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. Office hours may vary, so please ahead to verify office hours for a specific date.
   Doctor's hours are by appointment only.
   
   
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.
   
   
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Cash and Personal Checks (for clients established for >1 year)
   
   
4. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service.
   
   
5.  What vaccinations does my dog really need?
   Every dog should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Rabies. These are considered the "Core" vaccines for dogs. Dogs that go boarding or grooming frequently, or have exposure to other dogs should have a Bordetella vaccination (for Kennel Cough) and Canine Influenza. There are vaccines against Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease that are considered, based upon your dog's exposure risk. Dogs that travel with their owners may especially be considered candidates for the Canine Influenza vaccine. 
   
   
6.  What vaccinations does my cat really need?
   Every cat should be vaccinated against Feline Distemper,Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Rabies. These are considered the "Core" vaccines for cats. Cats that go outside should also be vaccinated against Feline Leukemia Virus. 
   
   
7. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. For certain Large and Giant Breed dogs, spaying/neutering may be performed at approximately 8-10 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also, a pre-anesthetic blood screen may be recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery, depending upon age and health status.
   
   
8. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   This is a blood test that is run here in the hospital prior to surgery. It tests organ functions, protein levels, glucose level and electrolyte levels of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and to assure your pet's ability to clear anesthesia from its body.
   
   
9.  What about monitoring during surgery?
   During gas-anesthesia surgeries, your pet's heart rate and respiratory rate will be monitored by a digital surgical monitoring machine. The monitor will also measure the Oxygen level in your pet's bloodstream. Audio alarms on the monitor are triggered by any measured readings that are outside of normal parameters.
   
   
10. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
    Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 14 days following the surgery. In certain instances (especially Laser Surgery), sutures may be left in place for over 14 days to ensure that adequate healing has occurred.
    
    
11. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
    No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of mammary tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.