Is your pet receiving exceptional medical care?

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As with human medicine, it can be very difficult for pet owners to know if their pet is receiving quality medical care. Good relations with your veterinarian and staff are very important. We have compiled several guidelines to help you.


Click on each question below to find the answers here at Union Lake.

Do You Have Digital Ultrasound?

Yes, our ultrasound is the latest, state of the art, digital model.  It gives us the most detailed images available.  It is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that allows us to see the liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, bladder, heart, and other internal organs.  This ultrasound is so sensitive, we were even able to visualize a piece of string in a cat’s intestines that was creating a blockage!

Do you Use Digital Radiology?

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Yes:

Why is digital radiology better than conventional (film) radiology? 

  • We get more detailed images.
  • We can zoom, reverse negative, highlight, invert and evaluate multiple images simultaneously. 
  • We can send images electronically to board certified radiologists for interpretation with rapid turn around time.
  • We can have an image in seconds instead of minutes.

Are there licensed veterinary technicians on staff?

Yes

Do the veterinarians and staff actively participate in continuing education?

Yes

Is the hospital facility clean and well maintained?

Yes

Does the hospital require that all pets admitted into the facility to be up to date on all vaccinations?

Yes...proper vaccination reduces the incidence of communicable diseases.

Does the hospital use gas anesthesia during surgery? If so, what kind?

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Yes...we use Isoflorane. Isoflorane is gold standard. Halothane and Metofane are outdated.

Does the hospital monitor your pet's vital functions when anesthetized?

Yes...such as using cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors, and blood pressure monitors.

Does the hospital monitor your pet's body temperature and offer safe-heating elements while your pet is anesthetized?

Yes

Does the hospital have an endotracheal tube in place while your pet is anesthetized?

Yes

Does the hospital staff recommend pre-anesthesia blood work? If so, what do they offer?

Yes...blood chemistries to check liver and kidney function, a CBC and a coagulation profile are basic standards.

Does the hospital offer intravenous catheter and intravenous fluids even for "routine" or elective procedures?

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Yes...an intravenous catheter offers an open line into the cardiovascular system. Intravenous fluids help replace nutrients and electrolytes lost during the fasting period. They also reduce the risk of blood pressure fluctuations that can occur during anesthesia.

Do the veterinarians perform a pre-anesthetic examination to assure no medical conditions have arisen since the last visit?

Yes

Does the hospital offer laser surgery?

Yes...lasers replace the traditional scalpel blade to cauterize superficial blood vessels and deaden superficial nerves. This reduces pain and bleeding at the surgery site.

Does the hospital have a pre-emptive, aggressive pain control protocol?

Yes

If you pet has a complicated medical condition, is the veterinarian willing to refer you to a specialist?

Yes at ULVH

Does the hospital make provisions for emergency care or offer an alternate facility?

Yes

Is the hospital a certified voluntary member of AAHA? (American Animal Hospital Association)

Yes

We are very proud to say that Union Lake Veterinary Hospital meets all of the above-mentioned criteria and many more! If you want exceptional care for you pet, it is important to be aware of these guidelines.

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ANNETTE ENGLER, LVT, CVPM, CCRP
Practice Administrator

I have worked in veterinary practices in many capacities since I was 14 years old. I have a background in specialty and general practice. I joined the ULVH team in 1995. In 2001, I co-founded Michigan's first canine rehabilitation center and became Michigan's first Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. I am passionate about providing exceptional care to companion animals and am proud to lead this team! In my spare time I enjoy traveling, golfing, camping, hiking, reading and spending time with my husband, our 2 dogs and 1 cat.