Our Services
Wellness Care
Canine Health Care
Regular preventive care will keep your dog healthy and plays a vital role in the early detection of any potential health issues, illness, and disease. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, we recommend yearly wellness exams for adult dogs. During the wellness exam, your dog will receive:
- A complete physical examination
- Vaccinations
- Weight assessment
- Dental evaluation
- Testing for heartworm and parasites
Feline Health Care
As a member of the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners), we strive to provide a high level of veterinary care for all cats. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, we understand that cats are not just “small dogs,” and our goal is to give your pet the specialized care that they deserve. Annual preventive care plays a vital role in the early detection of any potential medical issues, and our comprehensive exams will ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy for years to come. During the wellness exam, your cat will receive:
- A complete physical examination
- Vaccinations
- Weight assessment
- Dental evaluation
- Testing for heartworm and parasites
Personalized Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of maintaining your pet’s health. Our vaccination programs will prevent highly contagious diseases that are easily spread. When creating your pet’s vaccination program, we will look at several factors such as their age, current health, and lifestyle. Dogs or cats that have frequent contact with other animals and are more active outdoors will need different levels of protection against infectious diseases, and our veterinarians can provide you with the right vaccinations that fits your pet’s needs.
Parasite Prevention & Control
Annual fecal testing will ensure that your pet is free of internal parasites that could have a negative impact on his or her health. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, we can provide you with recommendations on safe, monthly preventatives for protection against heartworm, ticks, and fleas with trusted products.
Kitten & Puppy Care
Your puppy’s or kitten’s first wellness exam will establish a baseline of health and ensure that your new companion is on their way to growing up healthy and happy. Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive wellness exams that include a physical examination, customized vaccination program, heartworm and parasite prevention, flea and tick prevention, nutritional counseling, and microchip recommendation.
Our veterinarians are here to provide you with guidance and answer any questions you may have on how to care for your new pet. We can review topics such as diet, exercise, behavior, house training, and tips on how to integrate your puppy or kitten into your home.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illnesses that are easily spread. Your pet will receive a series of vaccines in their first four months and then annual boosters during their annual checkups. In addition to the core vaccines, we will create a personalized vaccine schedule that is tailored for your pet’s needs to maximize the protection against any diseases he or she is likely to be exposed to.
Microchipping
Just as vaccinations keep your pet safe from contagious diseases, a microchip will help keep your pet safe if they are ever lost. Your pet’s unique microchip identifier will link up with your contact information, allowing us to contact you and help bring your pet home safely.
Your Pet’s First Visit
In preparation for your pet’s first exam, we ask that you bring any health-related information provided to you by the seller or shelter. This information should include a previous history of immunizations and deworming. We also ask that you bring a fresh stool sample, and arrive with your pet on a leash or in a secure carrier.
Senior Care
Advancements in veterinary medicine allow our dogs and cats to live longer, fuller lives. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive wellness care for senior pets. Dogs and cats are considered to be in their senior years at about seven years of age. At this age, we take more precautions and highly recommend routine blood screenings and more frequent examinations to detect health issues before they begin affecting your pet. Early detection and treatment mean your pet will be happier and healthier.
Your senior pet’s exam will include:
- A physical evaluation
- Dental examination
- Vaccinations
- Diagnostic testing
- Urine and fecal analysis
- Blood and eye pressure testing
- Parasite testing and prevention
- Heartworm testing and prevention
- Nutrition and diet counseling
During your dog or cat’s senior wellness exam, our veterinarians will sit down with you to discuss symptoms of age-related changes that your pet may be experiencing, as well as any concerns you have about his or her overall health. Please also be watchful for any of the following signs in a senior pet that should be addressed by one of our veterinarians as soon as possible:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Significant decrease or increase in appetite or failure to eat
- Noticeable decrease in vision
- Lethargy or change in activity
- Excessive panting
- Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching in localized area
- Seizures or convulsing
To schedule your senior pet’s next wellness exam, please call us at 313-389-2222.
Dental Care
Dental care is an important fundamental component of your pet’s health. With regular cleanings and at-home dental care, you can prevent plaque and tartar build-up on your pet’s teeth, and prevent the onset of periodontal disease. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, we offer professional dental examinations for your pet during his or her annual wellness exam. If needed professional dental care services can be scheduled at a convenient time. These services include:
- A thorough tooth examination to check for mobility or fractures
- A complete ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar
- A complete root planning to help prevent periodontal disease
- A check for pockets and their depth and treatment if needed
- Polishing with a special paste to smooth the tooth enamel
- X-rays to examine the teeth, roots, and bone when needed
The Importance of At-Home Dental Care
At-home dental care should continue even after your pet has their teeth professionally cleaned. Brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis will help reduce plaque buildup. Plaque, which is an accumulation of bacteria, can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by pockets of chronic infection, oral pain, and severe infections. If left untreated, periodontitis will eventually loosen and destroy the teeth with the potential for bone loss. Infections under the gum line can also spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Our veterinarians can provide you with advice and walk you through the various ways you can help care for your dog or cat’s teeth at home.
Symptoms Dental Disease
Please call us to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians if your dog or cat is exhibiting any of these signs of dental diseases:
- Loss of appetite or loss of weight
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
Dermatology
If your pet is suffering from allergies or other dermatological conditions, Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital can help relieve the symptoms of your pet’s skin or allergy problems. Our dermatology services will help diagnose and treat a variety of dermatological conditions such as:
- Food allergies
- Contact allergies
- Allergic reactions to inhalants and fleas
- Autoimmune related skin conditions
- Parasites (fleas and mites)
- Infectious diseases (bacterial and fungal)
- Recurring ear infections
- Hormonal diseases
Symptoms of Skin and Allergy Conditions
Allergies and skin issues can cause significant discomfort and irritation, making your dog or cat feel downright miserable. Common signs of skin and allergy conditions include:
- Excessive scratching and face rubbing
- Excessive licking of the feet, legs, or abdomen
- Localized hair loss
- Biting and chewing at the skin
- Recurring skin infections
- Frequent ear infections
- Chronic anal sac problems
Treating Skin and Allergy Conditions
To determine the cause of your pet’s allergy or skin condition, our veterinarians can perform a test called serum allergy testing, when necessary. With serum allergy testing, we take a small blood sample which is then processed at an outside laboratory. This test will help us identify the specific allergens that are causing your pet’s allergic reaction. Once we have identified the cause, your pet may be treated using a serum that contains small quantities of these allergens. Over time, this will reduce the response to the problem allergens and relieve your pet of their symptoms.
Call us today at 313-389-2222 to learn more about our dermatology services, or to schedule an appointment for your pet.
General & Orthopedic Surgery
General Surgery
Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the-art surgical suite and veterinarians with the expertise to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. We perform general surgical procedures such as: spay/neuter, growth removal, tumor biopsy, laceration repair, urinary bladder surgery and stone removal, abdominal exploratory surgery, oral surgery, Cesarean sections, and emergency surgery.
We are also proud to offer laser surgery as an option for our clients who want the safest and least painful treatment for their pets. Laser surgery is a progressive type of surgery that has many benefits compared to traditional surgery. With laser surgery, there is less pain and swelling and reduced risk of infection. It also results in a quicker recovery so your dog or cat can return to normal activity sooner. Common procedures that we perform with laser surgery include tumor removals and eyelid, nasal, and rectal surgeries.
Orthopedic Surgery
Our veterinary hospital is equipped with a cutting-edge surgical suite and highly skilled veterinarians who perform a wide range of orthopedic surgical procedures. At Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital, our modern surgical suite is equipped with the latest patient monitoring equipment to ensure the health and safety of your pet.
We perform the following types of orthopedic surgery:
- Luxating Patella Repair
- Cruciate Ligament Repair – (ACL Repair)
- MPL (Medial Patellar Luxation)
- Meniscal Tear Removal
- Hip Surgery
- Hip Displacement Reduction
- Amputations
- Fracture Repair
Before your pet’s surgery, we will perform tests to confirm that his or her organs are functioning properly and to ensure that they are a good candidate for anesthesia. During the surgery, our trained technicians will monitor your pet’s vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory functions, and oxygen levels. Your pet’s health and safety are our priority, and we will keep you informed about their progress every step of the way.
Your pet’s post-surgical care will include a customized pain management plan and may incorporate at-home pain medication to keep them as comfortable as possible during their recovery. Our staff members are more than happy to guide you through every step, and explain everything you need to know for post-surgery care at home. If you have any concerns or notice signs of pain or discomfort in your pet, please call us at 313-389-2222 to schedule an appointment.
Internal Medicine
If your dog or cat is experiencing an illness or chronic condition, Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital is committed to diagnosing your pet’s disease and beginning appropriate treatment as soon as possible, getting your pet on the road to recovery. We provide medical care for dogs and cats with complex internal medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disease, respiratory disease, renal disease, liver disease, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Our veterinarians have a thorough diagnostic and treatment approach when it comes to these often challenging diseases. We combine general and specific blood testing, x-rays, ultrasound, urine testing, and biopsies to determine the specific disorder and the best treatment for your pet.
Signs of Illness
As your dog or cat grows older, you may begin to see signs that could indicate an underlying disease or illness. Please call us to schedule an evaluation if you notice any of the following signs in your pet:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Increased drinking or urination
- Inappropriate urination or defecation indoors
- Limping
- Difficulty rising, walking or climbing stairs
- Itching
- Eye or nose discharge
- Wounds that are not healing
- Confusion, disorientation, anxiety or changes in sleep patterns
- New lumps or bumps
- Any other sudden or progressive change you note in your pet’s attitude or behavior
Laboratory
In addition to physical examinations, Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital offers advanced laboratory testing. Our animal hospital is equipped with a complete in-house laboratory that allows us to diagnose a variety of diseases and medical conditions, as well as monitor the progress of your pet’s treatment. At our laboratory, we perform the following diagnostic tests:
- CBC (Complete Blood Counts)
- Blood chemistry panels
- Urinalysis and fecal examinations
- Fecal testing for intestinal parasites
- Parvo testing
- FELV/FIV testing
- Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma testing
- Electrolyte evaluation
- Cytology of skin and ear samples
In the event that your pet requires any specialized testing, we have relationships with excellent independent laboratories that are capable of accurately performing any specialized tests. For more information about our in-house laboratory diagnostic testing, please call us at 313-389-2222.
Microchipping
Microchips have helped thousands of owners reunite with their pets. Our veterinarians strongly recommend having your dog or cat microchipped to ensure that they return home safely if they are lost or missing. Microchips are tiny devices that can be safely embedded during an annual exam, providing a permanent identifier that is unique to your pet. If your dog or cat was rescued from a shelter or adopted from another owner, we can quickly check to see if a microchip identifier has already been implanted. Shelters across the country are equipped to scan found pets for an existing microchip, and the identifier will allow you to be contacted so that your pet can return home safely.
In addition to performing recoveries and reuniting pets with their owners, many microchip manufacturers also have support services that are available 24/7 and will actively search for pets as soon as they are reported missing. For more information about microchipping and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the AVMA website. The Pet Microchip Lookup website is another great tool for locating owners of lost pets using your pet’s unique microchip ID. If you have any additional questions about microchipping your pet, please call us today to speak with a staff member.
Nutrition & Diet
A complete and balanced diet is essential for maintaining your dog or cat’s overall health. Every stage of life requires a special balance of vitamins and minerals, and it may be necessary to adjust your pet’s diet as they grow older. During your pet’s next wellness exam, our veterinarians can determine the best type of food that is right for your dog or cat according to their age, breed, current health, and lifestyle.
Weight Management
Pets that are malnourished or overweight are more susceptible to developing health issues and complications due to disease and injury. Obesity is a common complicating factor in conditions such as heart conditions, arthritis, liver conditions, and other ailments. Our veterinarians can give you advice and food recommendations to help your pet maintain a healthy weight, and prevent the onset of illness and disease.
Prescription Diets for Your Pet
Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital carries high quality therapeutic prescription foods for dogs and cats. Prescription diets are formulated for the optimal balance of pet health and nutritional support. Therapeutic diets are formulated to address specific health conditions, and we carry therapeutic diets designed to support a variety of health issues that your pet may develop during their lifetime. These diets address a variety of health concerns such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Early and advanced kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Urinary disease
- Bladder stones
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Food allergies
Please call us at 313-389-2222 if you would like to discuss nutrition, diet, or weight management with one of our staff members, or to make an appointment to speak with one of our veterinarians about maintaining your pet’s healthy weight.
Radioiodine Therapy
Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease in senior cats. Hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormone due to a growth in one or both thyroid glands. If left untreated, this condition will eventually cause organ failure and premature death. Although there are several methods of treating hyperthyroidism, Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital provides a permanent method of treatment called radioactive iodine therapy.
Treatment with radioactive iodine is the preferred treatment for cat hyperthyroidism thanks to its safety and ease of use. Radioactive iodine is administered to the patient in a capsule format by one of our veterinarians at our hospital. The iodine is then absorbed quickly into the patient’s bloodstream and goes directly to the thyroid tissue. Once in the thyroid, the iodine destroys the overactive portions of the thyroid gland.
Patients in radioactive iodine therapy will require a short stay (typically four days) at our approved special radioiodine treatment room to ensure that radiation is at an acceptable level according to the State Department of Health and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It is a very safe procedure for your cat, and the radiation is excreted through the cat’s urine and feces during the course of treatment.
Radioiodine therapy has advantages over medical and surgical treatments for feline hyperthyroidism, including:
- No use of anesthesia
- No daily medication
- No harmful side effects
- No negative effects on healthy tissue
- No damage to other tissue or organs
- Returns thyroid function to normal levels in 70% of treated cats usually within one to two months
- Affordable cost
For more information about our radioiodine therapy, please call our office at 313-389-2222.
Radiology & Ultrasound
Veterinary Radiology
When your pet requires x-rays, we can provide quick and accurate results using digital radiology. Digital radiology allows us to examine your pet’s internal systems to screen for fractures and sprains, foreign objects, abnormalities within the organs, and even certain types of cancer.
With digital radiology, our veterinarians are able to view high-quality images that help us accurately diagnose your pet’s condition. Thanks to this sophisticated technology, digital x-rays are available within seconds. These quick results help us treat your pet as soon as possible, so they can have a faster recovery. Digital radiology is also safer for your pet and the environment! Compared to traditional film x-rays, digital x-rays use far less radiation and there are no chemicals to contaminate water systems.
Digital Dental Radiology
Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital also provides digital dental x-rays that allow us to closely examine your pet during their annual exam. Digital dental radiology helps us visualize the anatomy of your pet’s mouth including the teeth, gums, roots, and surrounding bone. Our veterinarians can then diagnose bone loss or hidden disease that may be present within the roots and other areas that may need advanced treatment.
Veterinary Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that helps our veterinarians diagnose and treat your pet’s condition. Ultrasound imaging allows us to examine the internal organs including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract. It also gives our veterinarians the ability to diagnose abnormalities that are not easily seen with x-rays or physical examination alone.
Ultrasound does not usually require any form of anesthesia, and can quickly help us identify and locate tumors, cysts, stones, and inflammation. We can also use ultrasound to visualize fetal heartbeats during pregnancy to ensure the proper development of your pet’s puppies or kittens.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a high-quality image of your pet’s internal organs. As the sound waves travel into the body, they return three-dimensional images of your pet’s internal organs in real-time. This gives us more information about the current function of the internal organs to help us make an accurate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your pet’s condition.
For more information about our ultrasound or radiology procedures, or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, please call us at 313-389-2222.
Theraupeutic Laser
If your dog or cat has an acute or chronic medical condition, Lincoln Park Veterinary Hospital provides a progressive treatment called therapeutic laser to help alleviate your pet’s symptoms. Laser therapy is non-invasive and highly effective in treating a variety of conditions such as wounds, allergies, degenerative joint disease, and hip dysplasia. We also use laser therapy to aid in the healing process after surgical procedures.
How Does Therapeutic Laser Work?
The therapeutic laser produces two different beams of light that deeply penetrate tissue while eliminating harmful toxins and waste the laser. The procedure induces a biological response in the cells which leads to reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and increases the speed of healing. Most treatments take only a matter of minutes, and the process does not require surgery or drugs.
Each treatment protocol is unique for the patient and his or her specific condition, and treatments will vary in time, complexity, and cost. Most pets typically experience an improvement in their condition within the first few treatments. Laser therapy can also be used to enhance other treatment plans recommended by our veterinarians. To learn more about therapeutic laser treatments, please call us today at 313-389-2222.