Traditional Medicine & Services

Exotic Pets

Our veterinarians are experienced in providing care and treatment for exotic companion animals, including ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, iguanas, rabbits, and snakes. We understand their unique health needs and can provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services, as well as counselling on nutrition, behaviour, and general care.

Radiology (X-rays)

When we need to figure out what’s wrong with your pet, we routinely use x-rays to help identify the cause of the problem, rule out possible problems, or provide a list of possible causes. We may also use x-rays during a wellness exam to diagnose potential problems before they become serious.

X-rays provide valuable information about a pet’s bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). We use radiology alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian.

We offer digital radiology (x-rays that are captured digitally rather than on film). This technology allows us to provide you with a quicker diagnosis for your pet. Plus, it uses less radiation than traditional x-rays.

To avoid a blurry image, pets need to remain completely still while an x-ray is taken. In some cases, we may need to sedate your pet or use short-acting general anesthesia.

If you have any questions about our radiology service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography (also called ultrasound or sonography) is a noninvasive, pain-free procedure that uses sound waves to examine a pet’s internal organs and other structures inside the body. It can be used to evaluate the animal’s heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and bladder; to detect fluid, cysts, tumors, or abscesses; and to confirm pregnancy or monitor an ongoing pregnancy.

We may use this imaging technique in conjunction with radiography (x-rays) and other diagnostic methods to ensure a proper diagnosis. Interpretation of ultrasound images requires great skill on the part of the clinician.

The ultrasonographer applies gel to the surface of the body and then methodically moves a transducer (a small handheld tool) across the skin to record images of the area of interest. The gel helps the transducer slide more easily and create a more accurate visual image.

The transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves, which are directed into the body toward the structures to be examined. The waves create echoes of varying degrees depending on the density of the tissue and amount of fluid present. Those waves create detailed images of the structures, which are shown on a monitor and recorded for evaluation.

Ultrasound does not involve radiation, has no known side effects, and doesn’t typically require pets to be sedated or anesthetized. The hair in the area to be examined usually needs to be shaved so the ultrasonographer can obtain a good result.

If you have any questions about our ultrasonography service or what to expect during your pet’s procedure, please don’t hesitate to ask.

In-House Laboratory

At Guelph Animal Hospital, our in-house laboratory allows us to run most diagnostic tests on-site including serum chemistry, blood analysis, urine tests, fecal exams, and cytology (from ear swabs or from skin lumps). This allows for prompt results and decision making when it comes to the treatment of your pet any time of day, including weekends.

Cardiology (Heart) Diagnostics & Treatment

Although heart problems are found more often in older pets, these conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be cured.

Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid usually accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen. Congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the heart valves), arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), and heartworm disease can all lead to CHF.

Call us if your pet starts breathing rapidly or coughing, loses his or her appetite, tires easily, seems weak, or has trouble exercising. We can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (x-rays), and ultrasounds, are usually needed to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease or failure.

Cancer (Oncology) Diagnostics & Care

Like us, animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits can get cancer. Fortunately, however, some forms of cancer are curable. In addition, recent advancements in cancer treatment can extend the lives of many dogs and cats. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may be used to stop the spread of cancer and remove or destroy cancer cells and tumours.

You can help prevent some forms of cancer by having your pet spayed or neutered at an early age, but most cancers cannot be prevented. This is why early detection is one of our best weapons against this disease.

Regular veterinary visits can help us keep track of what is normal for your pet, as well as detect anything suspicious. However, because we typically only see your dog or cat once or twice a year, we also rely on your knowledge of your pet to catch any potential issues early. Contact us right away if you notice any changes in your pet’s physical appearance or behaviour (such as lumps or bumps, sores that don’t heal, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in eating habits).

Dermatology

Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.

We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.

Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.

Euthanasia & Aftercare Services

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult moments in life. Our Euthanasia & Aftercare Services are designed to provide comfort, dignity, and support for both your pet and your family during this emotional time.

We approach each euthanasia with compassion, ensuring your pet’s final moments are peaceful and stress-free. Our team takes the time to guide you through the process, answer questions, and provide emotional support.

Aftercare Support

Aftercare options include cremation, memorial keepsakes, and guidance on grieving and remembrance. We help families honour their pet’s memory in a way that is meaningful and comforting.

Our goal is to provide a gentle, respectful experience while supporting your family through one of life’s hardest transitions.

If your pet’s quality of life is declining, we’re here to help you make informed, compassionate decisions and provide care with kindness and dignity.

Pharmacy

For your convenience, we offer both an in-house pharmacy and an online service so we can meet all your pet’s needs. We provide medications, flea and tick control products, and heartworm preventives—all at competitive prices. We’ll also pass along any discounts or rebates from drug manufacturers.

When you order from us, you’ll know that the products you’re purchasing have been stored properly and are approved for use in Canada. And if you have any questions, you can ask your veterinarian.

Feel free to pick up your pet’s prescriptions at our clinic or order refills online.

Brachycephalic Care

Brachycephalic breeds—such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs—have unique facial structures that can lead to specific health challenges. Their shortened noses and flat faces often contribute to breathing difficulties, overheating, dental issues, and eye problems, requiring specialized attention throughout their lives.

At our hospital, we provide veterinary care tailored to the needs of brachycephalic breeds. Our team is experienced in managing the unique challenges these pets face, from routine wellness exams to preventive care and specialized treatments.

Our Brachycephalic Care Includes:

• Comprehensive wellness exams focused on breed-specific risks

• Airway and respiratory assessments

• Dental and eye health monitoring

• Weight management and nutrition guidance

• Early detection and management of common breed-related conditions

• Guidance on safe exercise and environmental considerations

We understand that brachycephalic pets may need extra care to thrive, and we’re committed to helping them live comfortable, healthy, and happy lives.

If you have a brachycephalic pet, our specialized team is here to provide the knowledgeable, tailored care they deserve.

Cyrosurgery

Cryosurgery is a relatively painless surgical procedure that uses extremely cold temperatures to remove or destroy small growths on the skin. This same procedure is used on people.

If your pet has growths you are concerned about or would like to have removed, please contact us to set up an appointment.

Dentistry

Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.

Common signs of dental disease include:

• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face
• Loose teeth
• Depression

Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.

Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.

Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.

General Anesthesia

For some procedures, your pet will need to be administered general anesthesia so that he or she will be unconscious and not feel pain. Many pet owners worry about their pets being administered general anesthesia. We can assure you that modern anesthesia is generally quite safe; to further lower any risk, we perform a physical examination and run blood work ahead of time to catch any underlying health issues. In addition, we follow a specific anesthetic protocol, including monitoring vital signs during the procedure, to ensure the safety of our patients.

We begin most general anesthetic procedures by administering a sedative to help the pet relax and decrease any anxiety and pain. We then administer an intravenous drug to provide complete anesthesia and place a breathing tube into the patient’s trachea (windpipe). To maintain the state of unconsciousness, we deliver a gas anesthetic in combination with oxygen through the breathing tube.

Our highly skilled Registered Veterinary Technicians play a vital role in ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during anesthesia. Throughout every procedure, your pet is closely monitored using advanced equipment that tracks key vital signs, including blood pressure, ECG for heart rate and rhythm, and pulse oximetry (SpO₂) to measure blood oxygen levels. We also utilize capnography to monitor respiratory rate and carbon dioxide levels, allowing our team to respond quickly to even the slightest changes. This comprehensive approach helps us maintain the highest standard of care while your pet is under anesthesia.

Neuter & Spay Surgery

Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits. These procedures, which prevent dogs and cats from reproducing, can help your pet live a longer, healthier life—without changing their personality.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you’re helping protect them from certain cancers and reproductive diseases, while also reducing unwanted behaviours such as roaming, fighting, humping, and spraying. For female pets, spaying prevents heat cycles and the associated stress and mess; for male pets, neutering greatly reduces the risk of prostate and testicular issues.

In addition to health and behavioural benefits, spaying and neutering play an important role in controlling the pet overpopulation problem, helping keep more animals out of shelters and finding loving homes.

Both procedures are surgical and require general anesthesia. Our team follows strict protocols and carefully monitors your pet’s vital signs throughout to ensure their safety and comfort.

To schedule an appointment or discuss whether spaying or neutering is right for your pet, please call or visit our clinic. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your pet’s care.

Orthopaedic Surgery

We perform many types of orthopaedic (bone) surgeries in our clinic. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to board-certified orthopaedic surgeons to perform back surgery and other very complex surgeries.

Leg fractures are the most common orthopaedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:

• “Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.
• “Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.
• “External fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.

We also perform a lot of orthopaedic surgeries related to hip dysplasia and disc disease. Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.

Soft Tissue Surgery

We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets.

Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (nonharmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections, surgical intervention can reduce their occurrence by improving airflow into the ear canal.

Surgery can also help resolve several problems related to the eyes. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or may be a sign that the cornea (outer layer of the eye) has been damaged. Surgery may allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring, improving your pet’s ability to see. In some pets, the eyelashes may actually damage the cornea. Surgical intervention improves comfort in these pets, reduces the chances of corneal scarring, and enhances the pet’s vision in the long term.

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.

Adult Pet Wellness

Bringing your pet in for an annual diagnostic and wellness checkup can help reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy or help us detect hidden diseases or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and help your pet live longer. Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health or behaviour might be easy to overlook. And, depending on the disease, some pets don’t show any symptoms.

Dogs and cats age quicker than humans, so it is even more crucial for our companion animals to receive regular exams. In addition, the risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age.

During your pet’s wellness exam, we will perform a physical assessment, checking your dog or cat from nose to tail. We will also make sure your pet receives appropriate vaccinations and preventives. We will perform a diagnostic workup, which may include blood, faecal, and urine tests to check for parasites and underlying diseases. We may also recommend that your pet receive dental care.

When your pet is nearing his or her senior years, we will recommend a baseline exam and diagnostic workup so we’ll know what’s normal for your pet. This will enable us to keep track of any changes.

Please let us know if you’ve noticed any physical or behavioural changes in your pet, as well as any other concerns you might have.

Deworming

Intestinal parasites are common in pets and can impact their health, comfort, and overall wellbeing—often without obvious symptoms. Routine deworming is an important part of preventive care that helps keep your pet healthy and reduces the risk of spreading parasites to other animals and people.

We recommend safe, effective treatments based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, whether as part of regular wellness care or following a fecal test.

If you’d like help creating a simple, reliable deworming plan, our team is here to support you.

Flea Prevention & Control

Fleas can cause problems for pets ranging from minor to life-threatening. Not only can these parasites cause severe itching, irritation, and allergies, but they can also transmit tapeworms and diseases. Fleas can infest dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, and rats. And fleas don’t just stay on pets; they can bite people, too. For more information, contact us or see the flea article in the Pet Health Library on our site.

You don’t want these blood-sucking parasites on your pet or in your home. We can help keep them away or help you get rid of them if they’ve already found their way inside. Call us to find out how to eliminate and control fleas or to start your pet on a preventive today.

Heartworm Prevention

When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm infection. And those heartworms can wreak havoc on your dog or cat. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infection; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.

In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue, and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infection can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition usually causes death.

Although often thought to not be susceptible to heartworm infection, cats can indeed get heartworms. Cats can suffer from a syndrome referred to as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD); the symptoms can be subtle and may mimic those of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, and panting, are common. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting (typically unrelated to eating), and loss of appetite or weight. Heartworm infection is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs.

Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive than prevention—and it can actually kill your dog. There is no approved treatment for cats. Some cats spontaneously rid themselves of the infection; others might not survive it. And even one or two adult heartworms in a cat can cause serious problems.

Fortunately, there’s a way to keep your dog or cat safe: by administering monthly heartworm preventives. Most heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. We can recommend a regimen of prevention for your pet.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to help ensure your pet can be identified if they are ever lost. A tiny chip is placed just under the skin and contains a unique ID number that can be scanned by veterinary clinics and shelters to reunite you with your pet. The procedure is quick, safe, and similar to a routine injection—no surgery or anesthesia required.

Microchipping provides peace of mind and greatly increases the chances of your pet being returned home if they go missing. If you’d like to add this extra layer of protection, our team is here to help.

Nutritional Counseling

Proper nutrition is essential for your pet’s health, growth, and overall wellbeing. Our Nutritional Counseling service helps you choose the right diet for your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health needs.

We provide guidance on balanced diets, weight management, special health conditions, and safe feeding practices, whether using commercial or home-prepared meals.

With personalized advice, we help ensure your pet gets the nutrients they need to thrive at every stage of life.

Giant Breeds

Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, and giant schnauzers have unique dietary requirements. Very few commercial puppy foods offer the ideal mix of calcium, energy, and protein levels that these breeds need. We can provide you with feeding recommendations that will encourage your dog’s maximum growth potential without causing developmental problems. For added convenience, we also stock veterinary-approved diets for giant breeds.

Puppies/Kittens

It’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed by all the pet foods on the market. We can help you weed through the choices and find a puppy or kitten food that will meet your growing pet’s nutritional needs. We even carry many nutritionally balanced, veterinary-approved brands in our clinic.

Feel free to ask us for a food recommendation or to contact us with any nutrition questions or concerns you might have.

Parasite Prevention & Treatment

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms can affect your pet’s health and comfort—and some can even pose risks to humans. Regular prevention and prompt treatment are key to keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Our team provides personalized parasite prevention plans based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment, along with effective treatment options when needed. By staying proactive, you can protect your pet from discomfort and disease while ensuring peace of mind for your family.

Senior Care

As dogs and cats get older, they need more attention and special care. Our senior wellness program can help your pet remain fit and healthy as he or she ages and help us catch any potential problems earlier, when they’re easier to treat or manage. Regular veterinary exams can actually help your pet live longer, too!

Diagnosing diseases and certain conditions early is important throughout a pet’s life, but it becomes even more critical when your dog or cat enters his or her senior years. The risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, and kidney and liver problems all increase with age. In addition, dogs and cats may not show any signs of even serious diseases until they are advanced.

Senior status varies depending on your pet’s breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and cats generally live longer than dogs. We can help you determine what life stage your pet is in.

Before your dog or cat reaches senior status, we recommend that you bring your pet in for a baseline exam and diagnostic workup. This will give us a record of what’s normal for your pet so we can keep track of any changes. In most cases, we suggest this checkup for when your dog turns 7 years of age or your cat turns 8 years of age. Thereafter, your senior pet will benefit from more frequent veterinary exams and diagnostic testing.

We can treat many symptoms that are commonly attributed to age, including those associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans). We can also improve your pet’s quality of life in many ways: by identifying and preventing or reducing pain, recommending a nutrition and exercise plan, and suggesting environmental modifications.

We will tailor a senior wellness plan to your pet’s individual needs. If you have any questions, we can discuss our senior wellness program in more detail.

Tick Prevention

Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.

Keep ticks off your pet by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Call us to get your pet protected today!

Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a key part of keeping your pet healthy and protecting them from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Regular immunizations help prevent illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and more.

Our team creates vaccination schedules tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, ensuring they get the protection they need at the right time. Vaccinating your pet not only safeguards their health but also contributes to the wellbeing of the pets and people around them. We’re here to guide you in keeping your pet fully protected.