Rocket City Veterinary Hospital

We provide thorough physical exams for pets of all ages (annual for adult pets, bi-annual for senior pets aged 8+), allowing us to detect early signs of illness and monitor overall health. Our exams include assessments of weight, vital signs, and a full-body evaluation to ensure your pet remains in optimal condition. For pups and kittens, wellness checks begin at 6 weeks to establish a baseline for future care.

We offer tailored wellness programs for puppies and kittens, including critical services such as vaccinations (Parvo, Distemper,FVRCP), deworming, heartworm and parasite screening, and flea/tick prevention. Our puppy plans cover ages 6-17 weeks, while kitten plans include FeLV/FIV testing (starting at 8 weeks) and foundational vaccinations. Bundled savings are available for comprehensive care during these vital stages.

Our senior pet wellness care (dogs and cats over 8 years old) includes bi-annual physical exams with expanded diagnostics like thorough CBC and chemistry panels, T4 (thyroid) testing, and urinalysis for early disease detection. We also provide tailored vaccination boosters, dental cleanings, and comprehensive heartworm/flea prevention to preserve your aging pet’s quality of life.

We administer all core vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo for dogs and FVRCP (Rhino, Calici, Panleukopenia) for cats, as recommended by age and risk factors. Vaccinations are also included in our Puppy & Kitten Wellness Packages and adult/senior wellness plans. We follow standardized protocols to ensure your pet is protected from serious, often fatal diseases.

Heartworm prevention and annual testing are cornerstones of our wellness programs. We provide 12-month flea/heartworm prevention options (e.g., ProHeart 12, Interceptor Plus, Simparica Trio) for dogs and Revolution Plus for cats (which also includes flea prevention). Annual heartworm tests are included in our wellness plans and recommended for all dogs, regardless of prevention method.

We offer monthly oral and topical flea/tick preventatives, including Interceptor Plus, Simparica Trio, and Revolution Plus (for cats). Prevention is emphasized in puppy/kitten packages and annual wellness plans. We also provide guidance on environmental control and discuss tailored options based on geographic risks and your pet’s lifestyle (e.g., hiking, rural areas).

Microchipping is provided during wellness visits for new or unchipped pets as a permanent identification method. We register chips in national databases and offer the service as part of our adoption or spay/neuter packages. Replacement registration or transfers can also be arranged, ensuring your pet’s contact information is always current.

Intestinal parasite screening and deworming are included in our puppy/kitten and annual wellness plans, with treatments administered as needed based on fecal exam results. We offer broad-spectrum dewormers for tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, and emphasize environmental management (e.g., sanitation) to reduce reinfestation risks for all pets.

We perform in-house CBC (complete blood count) and chemistry panels as part of wellness profiles for all adult and senior pets. These tests screen for anemia, organ function, diabetes, and kidney/liver disease. More advanced bloodwork is sent to external labs for rapid results (within 24–48 hours), enabling timely interventions for abnormalities detected at annual or bi-annual exams.

Urinalysis is offered as part of our thorough senior wellness profiles and diagnostic evaluations for symptoms like increased thirst, weight loss, or incontinence. We check for UTIs, crystals, blood, and kidney disease markers to assess urinary tract health. Results guide treatments ranging from dietary adjustments to further diagnostics (e.g., ultrasound).

We include intestinal parasite screening via fecal testing in puppy/kitten exams and annual wellness plans. If parasites are detected (e.g., giardia, roundworms), we administer targeted deworming and may retest to confirm resolution. Fecal analyses are also recommended for pets with chronic diarrhea or exposure to contaminated environments.

Diagnostic ultrasound is provided for internal organ evaluation (e.g., heart, liver, kidneys, spleen) and reproductive assessments. We use this tool to investigate masses, abdominal pain, heart murmurs, or pregnancy in pets. Ultrasound avoids radiation exposure and provides real-time images for accurate diagnoses, often guiding surgical or medical treatment plans.

Our full-mouth radiographs accompany dental cleanings to identify hidden dental issues like tooth root fractures, abscesses, periodontal disease progression, or retained teeth. These X-rays are performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient safety. Dental X-rays guide decisions for extractions, periodontal treatment, or at-home care, and are included in optional wellness + dental plans.

We provide routine spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats, including ovarihysterectomy (spay) and castration (neuter) procedures. Services extend to dewclaw removal, thyroidectomy (for enlarged glands), and vulvoplasty as needed. Pre-surgical bloodwork and IV monitoring are performed to ensure patient safety, and we offer overnight recovery options for complex cases. Post-op instructions emphasize restricted activity for 10–14 days.

As part of our exploratory laparotomy and abdominal surgeries, we remove ingested foreign bodies (e.g., bones, toys, packaging) via procedures such as gastrotomy or enterotomy. Signs of obstruction (vomiting, lethargy) warrant immediate diagnostics and surgical intervention. Our 24-hour monitoring ensures pets stabilize pre- and post-operatively.

We handle surgical wound closure for lacerations, abscesses, and bite wounds, often under sedation if necessary. Pre-surgical bloodwork and IV fluids are administered to assess anesthesia safety. For complex cases, we may transfer pets to a 24-hour monitoring facility. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and infection prevention, and we provide guidance on home care (e.g., restricted activity, Elizabeth collars).

We provide round-the-clock hospitalization for pets requiring intensive care post-surgery, during toxin exposure, or for chronic disease management. Our in-house monitoring includes vital sign checks, IV fluids, and medication administration at scheduled intervals. Complex cases may involve transfer to specialty facilities, but we coordinate seamless care transitions. Follow-up consultations ensure continuity of treatment plans.

We offer oxygen supplementation for pets with respiratory distress (e.g., asthma, smoke inhalation, heart disease) using oxygen cages or nasal tubes. Therapy may be provided during hospitalization or emergencies, with continuous monitoring of saturation levels and breathing effort. Recovery assessments determine the need for follow-up pulmonary function tests or breathing support modifications.

IV fluid therapy is administered during surgeries, emergencies, and critical illness (e.g., dehydration, kidney disease, post-anesthesia). Fluids maintain hydration, stabilize blood pressure, and support organ function. We use balanced electrolyte solutions and monitor response with heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature to tailor treatment duration, often integrating it with pain management or toxin antidotes in emergencies.

Our pain management protocols range from post-surgical analgesia (e.g., injectables, oral medications) to chronic condition treatments (e.g., arthritis). Options include NSAIDs, opioids, gabapentin, and cold laser alternatives (not explicitly listed in services, but laser used for recovery). We assess pain via vital signs, mobility, and behavior, adjusting medications as needed. Palliative care for end-of-life pets emphasizes comfort-focused pain relief.

We provide emergency stabilization and detoxification for pets exposed to poisons (e.g., chocolate, lilies, rodenticide, household chemicals). Services include IV fluid therapy, induced vomiting (when safe), activated charcoal, and symptom management (e.g., anti-diuretics for ethylene glycol poisoning). 24/7 referral networks ensure rapid access to specialty care if needed, and we coordinate with pet poison hotlines for specialized guidance.

Medical grooming services include sanitary shaves for perineal wounds or matted fur, nail trims for orthopedic patients, and medicated baths for allergic skin conditions or infections. Grooming during illness is performed gently and hygienically using antiseptic solutions or hypoallergenic shampoos. Pets with mobility limitations or bandages receive specialized handling to ensure safety and comfort.

Nail trims are included in our puppy/kitten and adult wellness plans, with Dremeling (filing) available for pets resistant to clippers or with thick nails. We provide guidance on home trimming for owners and address overgrown nails that may cause joint issues or pain. Sanitary shaves (e.g., for matted or soiled fur) can also be performed during wellness or pre-surgical visits.

We perform manual anal gland expression for pets experiencing discomfort, scooting, or discharge. This service is often recommended during wellness exams if glands are palpable. Chronic issues may warrant medical management (e.g., dietary changes, supplements) or recurrent expressions to prevent abscess formation or impaction.

For state-to-state or international domestic travel, we issue vaccination certificates and health declarations for pets, often required by airlines or kennels. Routine rabies and distemper vaccinations may need validation; we verify pet-specific regulations (e.g., crate training for air travel) and provide microchip verification as part of the process. Microchip numbers must be entered in compliant databases for travel documents.

Our veterinarians conduct HOPE (HHHHHMM) quality of life assessments during end-of-life consultations to evaluate pain, comfort, and joy in your pet. Factors include hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and ability to sleep. These assessments guide palliative care decisions and determine when euthanasia may become the kindest option, while also offering grief support resources for families.