Our Services

Your pet relies on you for daily needs such as food, shelter, safety and to take care of things when they go wrong. That includes making sure he or she stays happy and healthy for as many years as possible. At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we’d like to assist you in achieving this important goal. Our expertise in animal health and comprehensive services will be there for you whenever you need them.

The foundation of our care is wellness and prevention because these things promote a lifetime of good health for our patients. We also know that, over time, the need for medical attention may arise for your pet, and we’re prepared for that as well. Our veterinarians and technical support staff have the skills to respond to routine inquiries as well as attend to emergency calls and critical care situations. Our goal is to deliver the most precise and effective care each and every time you visit.

The complete line of companion animal health care services available to patients of South Shore Veterinary Hospital includes:

Click below to learn more about our veterinary services.

Wellness & Vaccinations

Helping your pet achieve a lifetime of health and vitality begins with a commitment to wellness care. Routine checkups and preventative medicine allow us to keep illnesses at bay and catch problems when they’re still easily treatable.

At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we believe that wellness care should be the foundation of every pet’s health regimen. Our services are designed to support all of your companion’s needs and adapt accordingly over the years. We offer puppy and kitten wellness as well as adult and senior health care. Let’s work together to help your loved one thrive!

What is wellness care?

In short, wellness visits are just like the annual checkups you have with your own doctor. At each appointment, the vet will examine your pet thoroughly to make sure his or her body is working properly. This allows us to develop a health profile for your pet that we can use to identify changes during subsequent visits. Early detection of disease can mean a much better prognosis for your loved one. It can also save you money since managing illness in its early stages is much less expensive than treating it once it has progressed.

An ounce of prevention…

Not only can wellness care help us to catch health problems early, but it also provides the opportunity to prevent illness whenever possible. During a visit, the doctor will ask you questions about your pet’s lifestyle, including behavior, appetite, and exercise. This allows us to identify your companion’s risk factors, which we can then use to develop a preventative care plan. We’ll include such important things as vaccinations, parasite control, nutrition and more. All of this can protect your pet against many common ailments that can affect companion animals.

Getting to know you…

Lastly, although just as important, wellness visits provide the ideal chance to get to know you and your pet better. At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we firmly believe that the foundation of good veterinary care is the relationship we share with our clients and patients. We encourage you to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have so that we can discuss them with you. The more we come to understand your pet’s unique needs, the more precise and effective the care we can deliver.

Nutrition & Weight Management

Do you choose your pet’s food based on what the package looks like?

If you answered yes to that question, you’re most certainly not alone. The problem is, not all pet food is created equal. What you feed your pet can mean the difference between simply surviving and enjoying a full, vibrant life. You want what’s best for your animal family member, and so do we. That’s why we’re happy to offer nutritional counseling and weight management services to keep our patients well.

From your pet’s very first days through the golden years, nutrition plays a critical role in his or her overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, your companion’s nutritional needs will change with age and activity level. It’s important that we develop a diet that effectively meets these needs every step of the way. Furthermore, specially formulated diets can assist in the management of various medical conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. We can evaluate your pet and provide recommendations for what food would be the best fit.

We’ll also take the time to ensure that your pet’s weight remains at a healthy level. This is important because overweight animals can be more susceptible to a number of serious medical conditions. Likewise, pets who don’t weigh enough can have weakened immune systems, which can place them at risk for illness or injury. To avoid this, we will evaluate your pet to determine his or her ideal weight. From there we will work with you to come up with a strategy for achieving that goal and maintaining it over time.

Once we’ve got a plan in place, we will revisit our approach at various intervals throughout your pet’s life. This will allow us to continue to meet your companion’s health care needs through each stage of life for optimum results.

Whether your pet has special dietary needs or simply needs to lose (or gain) a few pounds, we’re here to help. Don’t play a guessing game with your pet’s nutrition. Let us point you in the right direction. Contact us today to get started!

Diagnostics

Is your pet not feeling well but you’re not quite sure what’s wrong?

When a furry family member is sick, figuring out what the problem is can be a challenge. We can’t ask them to describe their symptoms or show us where it hurts. What’s more, many pets are very good at hiding the signs of an underlying illness or injury. For these reasons, we must rely on technology to help us uncover what may be bothering our animal friends. This includes the use of diagnostic tools, which allow us to examine your pet more thoroughly. The more techniques we have at our disposal, the better the chances of a full and speedy recovery for your loved one.

In-House Diagnostic Lab

There are many instances in which an external exam simply isn’t enough to definitively diagnose a health problem in a pet. When this is the case, we turn to lab work to help us understand what your pet is experiencing. South Shore Veterinary Hospital has a convenient in-house diagnostic lab. There our doctors are able to run a broad spectrum of tests, such as blood work and urinalysis. Being able to conduct these tests on-site can provide a much faster and more effective treatment strategy.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

In addition to lab work, we also offer advanced imaging services to help identify and evaluate medical concerns. Digital radiology and ultrasound allow us to get a glimpse inside of your pet’s body so we can uncover any problems that need to be addressed. We can use these tools to assess anything from broken bones to tumors, and just about everything in between. Best of all, both technologies allow for instant sharing via email. That means if your pet would benefit from the opinion of a specialist, we can arrange it right away.

If your pet has been acting a bit out of sorts lately and you’re feeling concerned, give us a call. We will help get the situation under control so we can focus on getting your pet back on the path to good health again.

Surgery

Does an upcoming pet surgery have you feeling uneasy?

Regardless of whether it’s a routine procedure or something more complex, you probably have lots of questions and plenty of concerns. The team at South Shore Veterinary Hospital is here to provide the answers and support you need. Our hospital is outfitted with modern surgical equipment, which our experienced doctors use to deliver exceptional care for each and every procedure. We offer a broad range of surgeries, all of which are performed to the highest standards of safety and care. Furthermore, we focus all of our efforts on keeping our patients as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Before your pet’s surgery

Our safety measures begin well before any surgical procedure is even performed. We start by examining each patient to ensure that he or she is well enough to undergo surgery. Thorough preoperative testing helps us to identify your pet’s unique risk factors and prepare for them ahead of time. This can vastly reduce the chances of complications arising once surgery has begun. We’ll also develop an individualized pain management plan specifically for your pet.

The day of surgery

When you arrive to drop your pet off the morning of surgery, we’ll be here to make the process easy and stress-free. Your loved one will be ushered in and showered with lots of TLC as he or she settles in and gets comfortable. Just prior to surgery, we will begin administering the pain medicine, speaking soothingly and helping your pet drift off into safe sedation. Once we’re confident that he or she is ready, we’ll begin the procedure.

Our surgical suite is outfitted with modern equipment, which we use throughout all procedures for patient monitoring. One of our experienced technicians will keep a close watch on your companion’s vital signs, ensuring his or her wellbeing from start to finish. The doctor will work with great precision to complete the procedure as efficiently as possible. This helps to minimize the amount of time your pet must remain under anesthesia.

Post-surgical care

Following surgery, we’ll get your pet on the path to recovery as quickly and painlessly as possible. You will be provided with post-operative care instructions to help make the process go more smoothly. Should any questions or concerns arise once you’ve returned home with your pet, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help!

Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can assist with all of your companion’s surgical care needs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago and is used on both humans and animals. Still in practice today, acupuncture treats and prevents a variety of issues. Acupuncture works by placing small needles into specific points on the body to create a positive, healing response.

Acupuncture is great for treating many different ailments and conditions. These include:

  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Neurological disorders
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Allergies
  • Skin conditions
  • Inflammation
  • Behavior issues

Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture.

Allergies & Dermatology

Has your four-legged friend been scratching more than usual? Have you noticed other strange symptoms, such as excessive hair loss or scabbing?

These things can be signs that your companion may be experiencing a skin problem. Whatever the cause, dermatological conditions can be quite unpleasant for your pet. Let’s get that issue under control as soon as possible so your pet can start feeling better once again. The professional allergy and dermatology services at South Shore Veterinary Hospital are designed to provide quick diagnosis and effective treatment plans.

Pinpointing the Problem

In order to get your furry friend back on track, we must solve the mystery of what’s bothering him or her in the first place. There are dozens of external ailments that can affect companion animals, many of which share the same symptoms. At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we utilize a number of different diagnostic techniques to help us get the answers we’re after. Whether it’s a blood test, cytology, biopsy or something else, we’ll get results quickly and accurately.

Some of the many conditions we can provide assistance with include:

  • Allergies (food or environmental)
  • Parasites
  • Infections (skin or ear)
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Tumors
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Dermatitis
  • Skin cancer

Treatment of Dermatological Problems

Just as there are many different methods for diagnosing skin problems, there are a number of ways we can treat your pet’s specific issue. Depending on the condition and its severity, we may recommend something as simple as applying a topical medication. For more complex situations, more aggressive treatment may be required. Our goal is to develop the most customized plan that will provide your pet with the best possible results.

Allergy Care

Dealing with allergies takes a little more work than managing other types of conditions. First, we must identify the type of allergy your pet is experiencing. Then, we’ll need to pinpoint what factors are triggering your pet’s reactions. Treating an allergy may be as straightforward as changing your companion’s diet, or it may require a longer-term strategy involving medication. Again, we will focus our efforts on creating a plan that is tailored specifically to your pet’s needs.

Signs of a potential skin problem include:

  • Constant scratching
  • Bald spots or excessive shedding
  • Biting, chewing or licking the affected area
  • Bumps or lumps on or under the skin
  • Scabbing or flaky skin
  • Foul odor from the ears

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, give us a call right away. We can help your furry friend live a more comfortable life.

Dentistry

Is your pet’s mouth as healthy as it could be?

At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, we believe that a healthy mouth makes a happy pet. Good dental health can also help your loved one live a longer life. We want to assist with this important component of your pet’s care by offering comprehensive, professional dentistry services.

Proactive Dental Care

Good oral health starts with a foundation of ongoing preventative care. When we take a proactive approach, we are able to stay one step ahead of potential problems. This can keep your pet safe from the dangers of dental disease, a serious condition that can wreak havoc on the entire body. Our preventative services include annual dental exams as well as thorough cleanings and polishing of the teeth.

Practicing good dental care at home, in between vet visits, is also an essential part of prevention. We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth at least 3 times a week, if not daily. If you’re not sure how to tackle this task, just ask! Our experienced team is here to provide guidance, advice and demonstrations of proper dental care techniques. We can also offer recommendations on various products, like treats and toys, which are designed to support good oral health in pets.

Advanced Dental Services

Should your pet already be experiencing a problem with his or her teeth, gums or oral cavity, we can assist with that as well. Our hospital features modern dental equipment, which we can use to handle everything from extractions to oral surgery. Patients undergoing dental procedures must be placed under general anesthesia. Rest assured that we will pay extra close attention to the safety and comfort of your pet at all times while in our care.

Some of the signs of dental problems in pets include:

  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Changes to eating or chewing habits
  • Bleeding gums
  • Yellow, broken, loose or missing teeth
  • Swelling or pain around the mouth

If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a dental exam. Together we will work hard to give your four-legged friend something to truly smile about!

Laser Therapy

Could your pet benefit from pain relief or faster healing following injury or surgery?

The therapeutic laser has been used in human medicine for decades now. This process harnesses the power of light to painlessly treat a wide variety of ailments and injuries. Now, the same innovative technology is available for use on our animal friends with similar positive results. South Shore Veterinary Hospital offers laser therapy as a treatment option for pets that suffer from painful chronic illnesses, injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy involves the use of a small, handheld device which emits an intense but painless beam of light known as a laser. When the laser penetrates an area of the body that has been damaged in some way, it triggers a cellular response. That response increases blood flow and releases what are known as “feel-good hormones.” As a result, pain levels are significantly reduced and the body begins to process healing much more quickly.

Does laser therapy hurt?

Because it only involves a beam of light, the laser does not cause any physical discomfort at all. In fact, to the contrary, many patients find the experience to be extremely relaxing. Some have even used a therapy session to enjoy a nice nap.

What can laser therapy treat?

We can use the therapeutic laser to treat and manage any of the following conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Acute and chronic pain
  • Joint and muscle injuries
  • Fracture repair
  • Wound healing
  • Postsurgical recovery
  • Dermatological conditions
  • Dental problems
  • Much more

How many sessions will my pet need?

The number and frequency of laser therapy sessions your pet will need to achieve optimum results will vary. In order to provide you with a detailed treatment recommendation, the doctor will need to thoroughly examine your pet and assess his or her condition.

If you believe your loved one could benefit from laser therapy, contact us today!

Behavioral Counseling

Is your pet’s bad behavior driving a wedge between you both?

We all love our pets, but the fact is, they’re animals and they may act out from time to time. Unwanted behavior is a common problem that many pet parents have to deal with, whether it’s simple house training or something more serious, like aggression. If you’re struggling with a problem like this, you’re not alone. More importantly, we’re here to help! Our team has experience in diagnosing behavior issues in companion animals. We can pinpoint the root cause of your pet’s actions and provide you with a plan for overcoming that headache once and for all.

The first step in managing problem behavior is identifying its cause. This begins with a thorough health assessment to rule out any potential medical issues. Once your pet has received a clean bill of health, we can focus on diagnosing the precise problem we’re dealing with. Some of the many issues we’re able to assist with include but are not limited to:

  • House training
  • Jumping
  • Destructive behavior
  • Excessive barking
  • Biting
  • Fear/anxiety
  • Aggression

Once we understand the type of behavior your pet is exhibiting, we can then get to work developing a plan to address it. Our approach is comprehensive, combining clinical medicine with behavior modification and pet training techniques. We will provide you with the education, tools, and support you need to make that problem behavior a thing of the past.

 

Before you and your pet suffer through one more day of inappropriate behavior, call us. Let’s talk about how we can help. You deserve to enjoy a peaceful, positive relationship with your companion. We can get you there.

Rehabilitation

Companion Animal Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is rapidly becoming recognized for the prevention and treatment of many conditions. When humans have soft tissue injuries, fractures, trauma or surgery, physiotherapy is recommended to accelerate the healing process and restore function. South Shore now offers this option to aid in the recovery of these conditions in animals as well.

  • Weight Loss Plans
  • Therapeutic Exercise (examples: Treadmill, Cavaletti, Exercise balls, and Balance boards
  • Manual Therapy (examples: Range of motion, Massage, and Stretching)
  • Home Exercise Programs
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Interventions

Coming Soon!!
Underwater Treadmill Therapy

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