Grafton Animal Hospital: Howard Kristin DVM

We provide comprehensive physical exams as part of our preventive care services. Our veterinarians perform head-to-tail assessments to evaluate your pet's overall health, check vital signs, examine eyes, ears, mouth, and abdomen, and discuss any concerns you may have. These exams form the foundation of our wellness plans.

We offer specialized wellness packages for puppies and kittens that include scheduled vaccinations, parasite screening, deworming, and early health monitoring. Our plans are tailored to their unique developmental needs and include multiple visits to ensure proper immune system development and long-term health.

We provide senior pet wellness care with focused monitoring for age-related conditions. Our senior care includes biannual exams, blood work, urinalysis, and joint health assessments to detect and manage conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes early, ensuring your older pet maintains comfort and quality of life.

We administer core vaccinations including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus as part of our preventive care protocols. For dogs, we follow a series of DHPP vaccines starting at 6 weeks with boosters every 3 weeks until 14 weeks, then annually. For cats, we provide FVRCP and rabies vaccines with appropriate boosters based on risk assessment.

We provide heartworm testing and prevention as part of our parasite control programs. Our services include annual heartworm tests for dogs (with tick screening), monthly preventive medications for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and comprehensive parasite screening to protect against heartworm and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.

We offer monthly flea and tick prevention for dogs, cats, and select small exotic mammals. Our prevention plans include topical and oral treatments that protect against infestations and tick-borne diseases, with recommendations based on your pet's environment and risk factors.

We provide microchipping and registration services to ensure your pet's permanent identification. A tiny microchip is placed under the skin, and we register it with the manufacturer so that if your pet is lost, any veterinary clinic or shelter can scan the chip and contact you immediately.

We offer nutritional counseling and weight management to help pets maintain optimal health through proper diet. Our veterinarians assess your pet's current diet, discuss nutritional needs based on age, breed, and health status, and provide tailored recommendations for weight loss or gain plans using veterinary-approved foods and portion control.

We offer routine intestinal parasite deworming as part of our preventive care. We perform fecal exams during pediatric visits and annually thereafter, and recommend deworming at each veterinary visit to protect against common intestinal parasites that can affect pets and potentially humans.

We provide behavioral counseling to address issues like anxiety, aggression, and inappropriate elimination. Our team works with you to identify triggers and develop practical strategies to improve your pet's behavior through training, environmental enrichment, and, when needed, medical evaluations for underlying conditions.

We offer digital radiography for diagnostic imaging of bones, lungs, and soft tissues. Our state-of-the-art digital X-ray system provides high-resolution images quickly, allowing for faster diagnosis of conditions like fractures, pneumonia, and foreign bodies, with significantly lower radiation exposure compared to traditional film.

We provide ultrasound imaging for detailed visualization of internal organs. This non-invasive diagnostic tool helps us evaluate the heart, liver, kidneys, and other abdominal organs, detect pregnancies, and identify conditions like tumors or fluid accumulation with greater accuracy than X-rays alone.

We offer allergy testing to identify environmental or food sensitivities causing skin or digestive issues. Our testing helps pinpoint specific allergens so we can develop effective management plans, including dietary changes, allergen avoidance, or immunotherapy to provide long-term relief for your pet.

We provide eye pressure testing for glaucoma screening as part of our ophthalmology services. This quick, non-invasive test measures intraocular pressure to detect early signs of glaucoma, a painful condition that can lead to vision loss if untreated, especially in predisposed breeds.

We offer blood pressure monitoring to assess cardiovascular health and detect hypertension. This is especially important for senior pets or those with kidney disease, as high blood pressure can cause organ damage, and we use it to guide treatment decisions for conditions like heart disease or thyroid disorders.

We provide electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) for heart rhythm monitoring as part of our cardiology services. This painless test detects arrhythmias and heart abnormalities, helping us diagnose and manage cardiac conditions before they become serious, especially during pre-anesthetic evaluations.

We offer DNA and breed testing to determine your pet's genetic background and identify potential health risks. This service helps uncover breed heritage for mixed-breed pets and screens for breed-specific genetic conditions, allowing for proactive health management and informed breeding decisions.

We provide dental X-rays to evaluate tooth roots, bone health, and hidden dental disease. These images help us identify problems like abscesses, fractures, or resorbing lesions that aren't visible during a physical exam, ensuring comprehensive dental care for your pet's mouth.

We perform tooth extractions for severely damaged or infected teeth. Our surgical extractions are done under anesthesia with proper pain management, removing problematic teeth to alleviate pain and prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

We offer oral surgery for conditions like tumor removal, palate surgery, or treatment of complex oral injuries. Our surgical team uses advanced techniques and pain management to ensure your pet's comfort and safety during procedures that require precise incisions or tissue manipulation.

We treat periodontal disease through professional cleanings, root planing, and antibiotic therapy. Our treatment halts the progression of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and systemic health issues, by addressing infection and inflammation in the supporting structures of the teeth.

We provide at-home dental care education to help you maintain your pet's oral health between veterinary visits. Our team teaches proper brushing techniques, recommends dental diets and chews, and explains how to recognize signs of oral disease that require professional attention.

We perform spay and neuter surgery to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues. Our surgical protocols include pre-operative testing, anesthesia monitoring, and pain management to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery for your pet.

We remove foreign bodies that become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract or other organs. This emergency procedure is performed using endoscopic or surgical methods to relieve obstructions causing pain, vomiting, or life-threatening blockages, restoring normal digestion.

We perform cesarean sections for emergency deliveries when natural birth is not possible. Our team provides immediate neonatal care and pain management for both the mother and puppies/kittens, ensuring the best possible outcome for the entire litter.

We repair wounds and lacerations through surgical closure techniques to promote healing and minimize scarring. Our team cleans, debrides, and sutures wounds with appropriate materials, providing antibiotics and pain management to prevent infection and ensure proper tissue regeneration.

We perform bladder stone removal through surgical or minimally invasive techniques. Our team identifies and removes stones causing pain, urinary obstruction, or infection, followed by medical management to prevent recurrence through diet and medication adjustments.

We repair cherry eye (protrusion of the third eyelid gland) through surgical techniques to restore normal eye function and prevent dry eye. Our procedure involves repositioning the gland to its normal anatomical location, ensuring long-term eye health for your pet.

We provide emergency stabilization for pets experiencing acute medical crises. Our team rapidly assesses and stabilizes critical patients with fluid therapy, oxygen support, and pain management to buy time for advanced diagnostics and definitive treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome in urgent situations.

We offer hospitalization with 24-hour monitoring for pets requiring intensive care. Our ICU provides continuous observation, IV fluids, and targeted treatments in a dedicated ward, ensuring round-the-clock attention from our veterinary team for critical patients.

We provide oxygen therapy for pets experiencing respiratory distress or hypoxia. Our hospital is equipped with oxygen cages and flow systems to deliver supplemental oxygen, supporting pets with conditions like pneumonia, asthma, or heart failure until they can breathe more easily.

We provide IV fluid therapy for hydration, medication administration, and support during illness or surgery. Our team administers tailored fluid combinations to maintain blood pressure, flush toxins, and support organ function in dehydrated or critically ill patients.

We provide comprehensive pain management to ensure your pet's comfort during and after procedures or illness. Our protocols include multimodal approaches using medications, local anesthetics, and therapies like laser treatment to control pain effectively and promote healing.

We provide poison and toxin treatment for accidental exposures to household chemicals, plants, or medications. Our team administers antidotes, activated charcoal, or supportive care to neutralize toxins and prevent severe organ damage, acting quickly to protect your pet's health.

We offer chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer treatment in pets. Our oncology team develops personalized treatment plans using advanced protocols to target malignant cells while minimizing side effects, providing options like palliative care or curative intent therapies to extend quality time with your pet.

We offer advanced imaging including CT scans and MRIs for detailed diagnostic evaluation. These imaging modalities provide cross-sectional views of internal structures, allowing us to detect tumors, neurological issues, or complex injuries with precision, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

We offer dialysis for advanced kidney care in pets with chronic renal failure. This renal replacement therapy filters waste products from the blood when kidneys can no longer function adequately, stabilizing your pet's condition and improving quality of life through regular, life-sustaining treatments.

We offer stem cell therapy as a regenerative medicine approach to treat conditions like arthritis and inflammatory diseases. This innovative treatment involves harvesting your pet's own stem cells, processing them, and re-injecting them to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation, offering potential long-term relief for chronic conditions.

We offer medical grooming for pets with skin conditions or special needs. This service goes beyond standard grooming to include medicated baths, specialized skin treatments, and hygiene care for pets requiring ongoing dermatological management.

We provide sanitary shaves for pets with matted fur around the hindquarters or who require hygiene grooming. This service ensures cleanliness and prevents skin infections by carefully trimming fur in sensitive areas while keeping your pet comfortable.

We provide nail trimming and Dremeling to maintain proper nail length and prevent overgrowth. Our team uses gentle techniques to trim nails safely, including Dremeling for a smoother finish that reduces the risk of splitting or breaking nails, especially in anxious pets.

We provide anal gland expression to relieve impacted glands causing discomfort or infection. Our team gently empties the glands, preventing painful abscesses and addressing a common issue that can lead to scooting or tail-chasing if left untreated.

We offer veterinary acupuncture as a complementary therapy for pain management and chronic conditions. This ancient practice involves inserting fine needles at specific points to stimulate healing, and we use it to treat arthritis, neurological issues, and other conditions with minimal side effects.

We offer cold laser therapy as a non-invasive treatment for pain, inflammation, and wound healing. This therapy uses low-level laser light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce discomfort, making it ideal for post-surgical recovery, arthritis, and chronic skin conditions with no known side effects.

We provide chiropractic adjustments to address spinal misalignments and improve mobility. Our veterinarians use gentle, targeted manipulations to correct subluxations, relieve nerve pressure, and enhance nervous system function, helping pets with back pain, stiffness, or performance issues.

We offer physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore function after injury or surgery. Our customized programs include hydrotherapy, controlled exercise, and therapeutic techniques to rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and help pets regain independence safely and effectively.

We offer hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill for rehabilitation and exercise. This low-impact therapy reduces stress on joints while providing resistance, making it ideal for post-surgical recovery, arthritis management, and fitness for pets who need gentle, controlled movement.

We offer massage therapy to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and alleviate muscle tension. Our veterinary team uses gentle techniques to reduce pain, enhance healing, and provide comfort for pets recovering from surgery, injury, or suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis.

We offer herbal medicine consultations as a complementary approach to conventional veterinary care. Our team integrates evidence-based herbal therapies to support immune function, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall wellness, always prioritizing safety and evidence for your pet's specific needs.

We offer standard pet boarding for dogs and cats in a safe, supervised environment. Our facility provides climate-controlled kennel spaces, premium diets, and attentive care from trained staff, ensuring your pet is comfortable and well-cared for during your absence.

We offer doggie daycare for socialization and exercise during the day. Our interactive program provides supervised playtime with other dogs, mental stimulation, and structured activities to prevent boredom and build confidence, all within our secure, staff-monitored facility.

We provide domestic travel certificates for pets moving between states. Our veterinarians issue health certificates confirming your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations, and free from contagious diseases, meeting the requirements for travel by car, plane, or other means of transportation.

We provide quality of life assessments to evaluate a pet's well-being when facing serious illness or aging. Our team discusses pain levels, appetite, mobility, and overall happiness to help you make compassionate decisions about care, ensuring your pet's comfort and dignity remain the top priority.

We provide at-home euthanasia referrals to specialists who offer in-home euthanasia services. Our team helps you arrange this option to allow your pet to pass away peacefully in the comfort of your home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and family members who can say goodbye.

We offer telemedicine consultations for certain appointments, allowing you to connect with our veterinarians remotely via video call. This service provides convenient access for minor concerns, follow-ups, or behavioral advice, though in-person visits may still be necessary for comprehensive exams or procedures.