Canine Services

At GAH, we believe preventive veterinary care is the cornerstone of keeping your dog happy, healthy, and by your side for a very long time. Since dogs age more quickly than humans do, annual wellness exams are critical for early detection, recognition, and timely intervention of medical conditions. During a comprehensive physical exam, a GAH veterinarian will assess:

• Overall Body Condition
• Eyes
• Ears
• Nose
• Mouth
• Throat
• Heart and Lungs
• Abdominal Organs
• Musculoskeletal System
• Neurologic System
• Urogenital System
• Lymph Nodes
• Skin/Coat
• Which (if any) immunizations are needed. GAH follows American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association recommended guidelines in the administration of vaccines.
• The need for parasite prevention, including heartworm, intestinal parasites, and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, etc.).

If health problems are identified, the examining veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to address the conditions. Annual age-appropriate lab tests, testing for heartworm and/or tick-borne diseases, and fecal tests for parasites may also be recommended for your dog.

Finally, your dog’s nutrition, diet, and exercise routines can be assessed and optimized to help your dog be in best physical condition for their lifestyle and age. Remember, keeping up with preventive care for your dog is the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy for life.

Our veterinarians are licensed to complete documents and issue certificates necessary for international travel or relocation of pets.

When your dog is ill, a thorough physical examination is performed and a medical history, including symptoms you notice at home, is compiled by our veterinarians. If a diagnosis is not immediately evident upon initial assessment, your veterinarian will recommend specific diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic testing is an important step in the development of a treatment plan for your dog, allowing the veterinarians at GAH to most effectively target the underlying problem(s) and assess the probability of successful treatment. Our veterinarians can explain the purpose of each diagnostic test for your dog, and help prioritize which tests may be most helpful in determining the cause of your dog’s illness. At GAH, these tests may include:

• Laboratory testing for baseline blood counts and organ function tests, or infectious disease. Blood and/or urine samples may be collected from your dog for tests to be performed at GAH, or for tests to be sent to reference laboratories.
• Diagnostic imaging such as x-rays (digital radiography), contrast radiology studies, and ultrasound, using state-of-the-art equipment. These images or studies allow for accurate diagnosis of conditions of the heart and lungs, gastrointestinal obstruction, tumors of the internal organs or bones, fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity, urinary stones or gall stones, reproductive diseases, and bone/joint disorders. For most patients, gentle restraint can be used for these procedures. However, in some cases sedation may be necessary. If additional interpretation of any diagnostic images is needed, our veterinarians are able to instantly send those to a board-certified radiologist.
• Microscopy for the evaluation of lab samples such as ear swabs, skin impressions and scrapes, and needle biopsies of tumors. These tests are helpful in diagnosis of dermatologic and otic (ear) conditions.
• Ocular evaluations to assess tear production (Schirmer Tear Test), corneal injuries (fluorescein stain), or abnormal intra-ocular pressures (Tonometry).

Following diagnosis of the health condition, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan. Conditions and illnesses we diagnose and treat include:

• • Anemia and other blood-related illnesses
  • Cancer
  • Causes of diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems, including inflammatory bowel disease and protein-losing enteropathies in the digestive tract
  • Complications from aging
  • Fever
  • Hormone-related problems, such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease
  • Immune system problems
  • Infections and infectious diseases
  • Kidney failure and urinary problems
  • Liver, spleen and pancreas dysfunction
  • Lung and respiratory ailments, including bronchitis
  • Unexplained weight loss

Whether it is a routine procedure such as a neuter or spay, or a complicated orthopedic procedure such as an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) prosthetic repair, the doctors and nursing staff at GAH are always aware of the responsibility you, our client, have entrusted to us. We strive to ensure every aspect of our anesthesia protocol, surgical care, and post-surgical pain management meets the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Procedures routinely performed at GAH include, but are not limited to:

Abdominal Surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Urinary tract surgery
• Urethrostomy
• Tumor removal surgery
• Abdominal organ biopsy

Integument (skin)

• Laceration repairs
• Excise skin tumors
• Dermal biopsies
• Anal sac extirpation
• Reconstructive surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

• Fracture repair
• Reduction of dislocations
• Femoral head ostectomy
• Patellar luxation repair
• Prosthetic repair of ACL injury
• Limb amputation

Eye/Eyelid Surgery

• Superficial keratectomy
• Tarsorrhaphy
• Enucleation
• Entropion/ectropion eyelid plasty
• Surgical correction of prolapsed harderian gland (cherry eye)

Ear Surgery

• Ear cropping
• Surgical drainage of aural hematoma
• Excise aural tumors
• Lateral ear canal resection (Zepp)
• Total ear canal ablation

Oral Surgery

• Excise oral tumors
• Repair jaw fractures
• Soft palate resection
• Tonsillectomy
• Dog debarking

Scheduled surgeries are performed between 10am and 2pm daily, often allowing your dog to return to your care by 7pm. Some surgeries require an overnight stay.

We recommend pre-anesthesia blood screening for every dog that is to undergo surgery. An individualized anesthesia plan is formulated for each patient. Heart rate, respiration rate, ECG, temperature, and oxygen saturation monitors are utilized throughout complex surgeries. To facilitate patient comfort and recovery, our surgical protocol requires that every dog receive intravenous fluids during surgery, and pain relief following surgery.

After surgery, the veterinarian performing the surgery contacts the client to discuss the surgery and anticipated release. At the time of release, the veterinarian will discuss post-surgical care and follow-up visits with you. Any necessary post-surgical visits are included in the cost of surgery.

Any rare or complex surgeries for which our veterinarians have not established proficiency are referred to Blue Pearl Veterinary Medical Specialty Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas.

Regenerative Medicine is minimally invasive and highly effective at restoring your dog’s normal joint function. Services at GAH in Regenerative Medicine include:

• Adipose-derived stem cell therapy
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment
• Off-site cryo-banking of donor stem cells

Dr. Shipman is certified to perform regenerative stem cell therapy for orthopedic use from both Medi-Vet and Vet Stem, through their respective training programs.

How does Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy work?

This technology utilizes stem cells isolated from your dog’s own adipose (fat) tissues and direct​s these cells to stimulate healing, provide natural pain relief, increase mobility and improve the quality of life for your pet.

Briefly described, within fat tissue there is a special subset of cells called adipose derived stem cells which we can collect in a simple surgical procedure requiring only 3 tablespoons of fat. These stem cells have the capability to migrate to the site of injury and to divide and turn into other cells such as bone cells, cartilage and skin during normal wound repair. By tricking the stem cells through exposing them to platelet rich plasma collected from a few milliliters of blood, we are able to amplify the wound healing process and then inject millions of these activated stem cells into the arthritic joint or site of injury to stimulate the repair and regrowth of healthy joint tissue.

The entire stem-cell recovery and treatment process, a six-hour procedure conveniently performed on-site at GAH, enables dogs to return home the afternoon of their procedure.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes the natural healing properties of the body’s blood platelets. PRP therapy reduces inflammation and pain while simultaneously stimulating healing and rapidly restoring damaged tissue to a healthy state. PRP therapy is routinely incorporated into most orthopedic surgical procedures performed at GAH.

One of the most common but also frequently overlooked health problems for dogs is dental disease. By age 3, most dogs have some degree of periodontal disease. This occurs as a result of bacterial infection along the gum line, due to the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance containing millions of bacteria that forms along the tooth surface and gum line. Without frequent removal, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. Left untreated, this leads to gradual destruction of the gum tissue and supportive structures around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss. Not only is periodontal disease harmful and painful because it results in loss of teeth, but it can also cause damage to important vital organs such as the:

• Heart
• Liver
• Lungs
• Kidneys

When it comes to dental disease, most pet owners do not realize the extent of the problem until it is quite advanced; hence the importance of yearly to twice yearly dental examinations. In the early stages of dental disease, we can recommend home dental health care measures such as tooth brushing, dental treats and rinses, and dental diets. When professional dental care is needed for your dog, general anesthesia is necessary. Your veterinarian will discuss the procedures involved in a COHAT (comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment) plan with you when dental care is needed. Most often, this will involve a day at GAH to plan and perform the procedures, which will include:

• Pre-operative lab work – recommended for all dogs, but required for those eight years or older
• IV catheterization
• General anesthesia
• Dental X-Rays (digital radiography)
• Teeth cleaning and polishing
• Dental charting
• Extractions, when indicated

Upon discharge, the veterinary team will review any instructions pertaining to post-dental medications, special feeding instructions, and when to resume home dental care. Your dog will thank you for remembering to take care of his or her mouth, and live a longer and happier life as a result.

GAH is proud to offer dog boarding and daycare, under the supervision of our veterinary team. By choosing us, you can rest assured that if your dog has a health problem while you are away, they will be in trained hands to contact you and recommend appropriate diagnostics and treatment. For our boarding and daycare patients, we require the following:

• Current rabies, DA2PPV, and Bordatella vaccinations
• Negative Fecal sample within past year

Most of our dog boarders are happy to board at GAH. They enjoy the different sights, sounds, and smells. They enjoy romping on our back lawn and interacting with our vet assistants. Occasionally, though, (and most often on a dog’s first overnight stay with us) anxiety occurs which results in excessive barking. This barking increases the anxiety of the barking dog and can lead to negative health conditions. Also, this sort of barking creates stress which can result in more serious health problems for other dogs sharing a ward with the barker. For this reason, dogs that exhibit excessive barking resulting from anxiety, are administered a mild sedative. Of course, healthy barking at walk and feeding times is always expected and does not seem to cause discomfort to any of our boarders. We never sedate for this type of barking.

Premium boarding services are provided in a safe, clean environment. Dog boarding facilities include:

• Kuranda beds with fresh Turkish terry linens provided once daily, more frequently if soiled.
• Variety of kennels available, based on size of dog
• Adaptil® dog-appeasing pheromones continuously circulated throughout wards to calm and comfort dogs
• Stainless steel water and food dishes washed and sanitized once daily, more frequently if soiled
• Feeding of iVet Healthy Gourmet twice daily (or diet that you supply)
• Fresh filtered water provided at all times
• Food and water intake and elimination carefully monitored and recorded
• When necessary, all medications carefully administered and recorded
• Each kennel completely sanitized every morning prior to 8:00 am
• Any soiled kennel immediately and completely sanitized
• Timely courtesy bath if dog becomes soiled while boarding
• ​​REAL walks in our spacious backyard three times daily, weather permitting
• KONG toys
• Climate controlled to 72 degrees F, year-round
• Music dogs love, 24/7

Upon check-in, if fleas are seen on your dog, a fast-acting oral systemic flea treatment (Capstar®) will be administered, followed by a topical application of a residual flea treatment product, at your expense.

Grooming services at GAH are for healthcare purposes only. These services include:

• Medicated shampoo baths with Allergroom, Keratolux, Epi-Soothe, Benzoyl Plus, Ecto-Soothe, or your own shampoo
• Basic shave-downs to preserve skin health
• Comb-outs of heavily matted fur
• Pedicures
• Ear Cleaning
• Expression of anal glands
• Sedation offered for high-anxiety dogs

GAH also provides basic grooming services for animals requiring sedation/anesthesia.

GAH does not perform cosmetic grooms and, therefore, does not have a professional groomer on staff.

Please note, grooming services are offered for dogs of established clients only. “Established client” is defined as one that has visited GAH within the past year for, at minimum, a wellness exam and all recommended vaccinations.