Fort Langley Veterinary Clinic - Our Veterinary Services

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best:

 Wellness Care & Vaccination 

We strive to prevent illness whenever possible. The time and effort invested in Wellness programs or preventative medicine has rewards for both pets and owners.

 Annual physical examinations are a very important part of prevention. This allows Dr. Mackenzie to fully examine your pet's health by evaluating many of the body systems including: eyes, ears, teeth, joints, skin, haircoat, heart, circulatory system, lungs, abdomen and neurologic health.

 We also recommend internal parasite testing and control through fecal floatation and regular deworming, based on your pets lifestyle. It is important to prevent heartworm and fleas. Prevention of these pests is much easier than treatment, and healthier for both you and your pet.

 We recommend vaccines based on your pets lifestyle. Dr. Mackenzie will discuss your pet's lifestyle with you, and determine which vaccines and at what frequency are best for your pet.

 We recommend specialized blood tests for all life stages. Bloodwork may be performed; prior to anesthetic to evaluate liver & kidney function, hydration status and blood glucose levels; to assess general organ function & health; to monitor medication function and affect; and to monitor a disease process.

Surgery/Anesthetic 

All patients are carefully evaluated prior to a surgical procedure. This includes a full physical exam performed by Dr. Mackenzie and a blood panel if indicated.

 Our anesthetic protocols are specifically tailored to your pet.

 All patients receive an intravenous catheter prior to anesthetic to allow immediate access to a vein throughout the procedure and recovery.

 All patients receive intravenous fluids to assist with blood pressure, hydration and blood loss. 

 All patients receive intravenous pain medications while at the clinic as well as oral pain medications to be given at home until they are completely recovered.

 Throughout the surgery/anesthetic, all patients are monitored closely by a veterinary technician to ensure the best recovery possible, with extra attention to overall body function, warmth and comfort. EKG & doppler blood pressure are used for monitoring are used.

 All surgeries are performed by Dr. Mackenzie, using current techniques and instruments.

 Dr. Mackenzie is able to consult with a Board Certified Surgeons, Internists and Anesthesiologists if indicated. Referral of patients to these specialists at Canada West Veterinary Hospital is also available.

 Pain Management 

Pain affects quality of life, happiness, total body health and healing.

 We believe that all animals need and deserve to be pain free. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is absolutely an essential part of excellent patient care. Our patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do.

 We use many modalities for pain management such as;

- Preoperative administration of opioids.

- Pre-emptive local blocks.

- Administration of anti-inflammatories.

- Placement of slow release opioid patches.

- Disease modifying supplements such as Cosequin and Cartrophen.

- Ice & Heat Treatments.

- Physiotherapy.

- Exercise.

- Massage Therapy.

 There is no one modality that is only way to prevent or alleviate pain. We find the greatest success occurs with a combination of modalities, tailored to suit your pet, and the situation.

 All patients, whether surgical, senior or diseased, are assessed for pain by Dr. Mackenzie. After this assessment, a plan tailored to your pet is put into place to prevent or manage pain.

 Once initiated, we will touch base with you regularly to assure that this plan is effectively keeping your pet comfortable. Success is dependent on the owner and Dr. Mackenzie working together as a team to improve the short and long term quality of your pets' life.

 Radiology Services 

Radiographs, or most commonly referred to as x-rays, are taken to assist Dr. Mackenzie in evaluating skeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems.

 We have a digital x-ray machine at our clinic. This allows us to take radiographs and view the images quickly, almost instantly.

 It also allows us to email radiographs to other veterinarians & specialists, as well as provide you with a copy on a cd to take home.

 Dr. Mackenzie will always review the radiographs with you and discuss his findings and recommendations.

 We do offer referral to Board Certified Veterinary Specialists for advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI & CATSCAN.

Dental Care 

Dental health has an amazing impact on your pet's overall health. Poor dental health can have a negative effect on organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. It can cause your pet to feel tired, not eat well, and affect body condition and weight.

 Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet's teeth. We clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line- using an ultrasonic scaler. Then all teeth are polished to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface which is more resistant to plaque buildup.

 Advanced dental care is available, including root canals, caps and braces, which is performed by a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist on a referral basis.

 There are also things you can do at home to improve your pet's dental health. We can provide you with dental information that include tooth brushing techniques, dental products and diets that encourage dental health. 

 Identification (Tattoo, Microchip & Tags)

There are three ways to provide your pet with a form of identification: tattoos, microchips, and tags.

 People often say 'but my pet doesn't go anywhere without me'. True as this may be, 80% of pets will get out at some point in their lifetime. That's when you need this identification the most.

 ID tags are a good form of secondary identification for your pet. You can have an engraved tag made at a variety of places. They are an easy way for someone to see who your pet is, and where to call to reunite them with their families. The down side to tags is they can be removed or broken off in a trauma.

 Tattoos are a permanent form of ID. While your pet is under anesthetic we tattoo 3 numbers & 3 letters into their right ear. The numbers are our id number for your pet and the first two letters link to our clinic with the third letter indicating the year of the tattoo. All vet clinics have a list of tattoo codes and tattoos are very successful at reuniting pets & owners. Tattoos done at our clinic are only useful within BC. Other provinces have different code lists. The down side to tattoo's is that they can fade some with time and the owners must keep their contact info with the clinic that did the tattoo current.

 Microchips are a permanent form of ID. They are the size of a grain of rice and are injected by Dr. Mackenzie deep under the skin between the shoulders. This can be done while your pet is awake and is a painless procedure. Microchips scan and provide an ID number unique to your pet. This information is stored by the microchip company and they provide owner contact information when we call. The downside to microchips is that the owner must keep their contact information up-to-date.

 The microchips that we carry and that Dr. Mackenzie implants are ISO compatible and internationally identifiable. They are produced by AVID Canada www.avidid.com 

 For the highest success rate we recommend that you use all three types of ID for your pet.

Pharmacy 

We have a pharmacy fully stocked with veterinary medications specifically chosen by Dr. Mackenzie, to best treat your pet's condition.

We recommend medications that have been designed for use in animals.

We also maintain an inventory of prescription diets, vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet.

Individualized Flea Control Programs

We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation.

We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

 Nutritional Counseling 

Some pets require special food and all pets benefit from a balanced diet. Our trained staff are available to help you choose the right diet for your pet to keep him or her happy, healthy and active.

 Behavioral Counseling 

Illness doesn't always have a physical cause. We can help determine the cause of such disorders as separation anxiety and obsessive behavior, and then develop a treatment regimen for the patient. Referral is available to trained animal behaviourist for difficult cases.

 Euthanasia Services

We understand that saying goodbye to a long-time friend is a difficult and painful decision.

 Dr. Mackenzie and staff will work with clients to ensure their pet's comfort, quality of life and dignity. We will have open and honest dialogues with you about your situation and assist you in making the best decision for your pet.

 House calls for euthanasia are offered to our clients. Aftercare options include communal and private cremation services. We will also collect a lock of fur or an ink paw print for you to keep, if you wish.

 Referrals 

Dr. Mackenzie will refer your pet to a variety of specialists as needed. We have access to imaging specialists, board certified surgeons, internal medicine specialists, neurologists, dental specialists, physiotherapists and behaviour specialists.

 We are very fortunate that our location provides access to many specialists allowing for the best care possible for your pet.

 Emergency Care 

Emergency care is offered during regular clinic hours on a triage basis. Critical cases which need overnight monitoring and care as well as after hour emergencies are referred to the Animal Emergency Clinic of the Fraser Valley (located in Langley City) who have qualified staff on site to care for your pets when we are closed.