Please read this amazing story of "Scrub" a pet kitty found after 5 years when the Humane Society located his owners through his microchip:  Cat Is Back After 5 Years, The Sun Herald, Dec 2010

Similar to having access to your own medical record online, we are now offering online and a mobile App to gain access to your pet(s) medical information. Some of the features you may access includes:

• Review Medical History
• Review Prescriptions and Ability to Request Refills
• Review Scheduled Appointments and Ability to Request Appointments
• Review Vaccination History
• Receive Treatment & Appointment Reminders
• Instructions: Administering Medications, Post Operative, Post Treatment, Etc.
• "What's New At Your Pet's Vet" Informational Emails

If you are a current or soon to be a client of Aldie Vet, you will receive an email explaining how to sign in to your account and how to download our App. Please call our office if you do not receive an email from us.

It is a terrible feeling to have a lost pet. That is why we believe Microchipping your pet is so important in locating the owners of pets that are found in the neighborhood or picked up by animal control. Also very important is registering your pet once they receive a microchip. If your pet has a microchip, but you have not registered yet, please visit Home Again's website to do so. If you need assistance in doing this, please email us and we will be happy to register your pet for you. If your pet does not have a microchip, the Vet Tech Club of Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus is hosting a Dog Wash on Saturday, April 30th. In addition to dog baths, they are offering rabies shots and free microchipping. For more information, please visit their posting here.

Yes, we practice comprehensive quality veterinary care. But, also as important, it matters to us how this care is delivered to your pet. From the moment you enter our veterinary hospital, you will notice the difference and see why we have a pet-centered versus vet-centered practice; the difference is because we: • Assess – your pet by providing a comprehensive physical exam; • Engage – in conversation with you about your pets history, symptoms and lifestyle; • Discuss – findings and thoughts regarding your pet’s medical condition; • Recommend – veterinary services needed to help maintain or improve your pet’s health; • Listen – to your thoughts regarding the recommended services and answer questions; • Collaborate – with open & honest communication regarding your pet. This allows us to identify a treatment plan that benefits your pet but works with your lifestyle; • Take Action – by providing the veterinary services you have authorized. Our team approach to your pet’s care is vital to providing the services your pet requires.      

For the last 10 years, Aldie Vet has been on the forefront of performing both laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures in companion pets. There are many benefits to replacing traditional sterilization surgeries with less invasive procedures.

 ADVANTAGES

A few smaller “keyhole” incisions are used during a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure which produces less pain and external scarring, reduced blood loss during procedure, and healing may be faster than traditional, open surgery. Images created by the telescope during a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure are magnified when they appear on the monitor. This gives the surgeon more detail about the tissues than might be available using traditional surgery. A major benefit of is that the surgeon will be able to precisely diagnose the areas needing attention, as well as potentially uncover other conditions where symptoms are not yet present. Post operatively, patients are in less discomfort following a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure. Less pain means less pain medicine. Also, with shorter incisions, patients can return to their normal activity faster than if they had a much longer incision due to traditional surgery. This helps patients experience a shorter hospital stay, if any.  The risk of infection is reduced following a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure. This is because delicate tissues are not exposed to the air of the operating room over long periods of time. Also, the “keyhole” size incisions require less post-operative care and heal much faster.

 CAPABILITIES

Our list of capabilities is constantly growing. If you do not see a procedure listed, please contact our hospital.

• Abdominal exploration and biopsy
• Feeding tube placement
• Incisional gastropexy
• Ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy
• Ovarian remnant removal
• Cystoscopy
• Enterotomy
• Cryptorchid surgery
• Cholecystectomy
• Adrenalectomy
• Thoracic exploration
• Pulmonary and pleural biopsy
• Pericardial window
• Lung lobectomy
• Right auricular mass excision
• Thoracic duct ligation
• Bladder and urethral exploration and biopsy
• Nasal exploration
• Foreign body removal
• External and middle ear exploration and biopsy

 PROCEDURES

Bronchoscopy is the endoscopic technique for examining the lungs. Bronchoscopy allows for thorough visual examination of the respiratory tract to identify structural abnormalities, collect samples of abnormal airway secretions, identify and remove foreign bodies and biopsy lesions or tumors. Cystoscopy is the exploration of the urinary bladder.  This procedure is appropriate for a large number of small animal patients, including those presenting with chronic cystitis, pollakiuria, hematuria, stranguria, incontinence, trauma, calculi, and abnormal radiographs.          Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is the endoscopic exploration of the stomach and intestines, a partial list of indications include: regurgitation, dysphagia, salivation, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, hematochezia, fecal mucus and tenesmus. It is most commonly used for obtaining biopsies and the removal of ingested foreign bodies. Gastropexy is a preventative surgery.  This surgery is indicated for at-risk dogs to prevent the twisting of the stomach which is fatal if not treated quickly. The stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall in order to prevent the stomach from twisting. A gastropexy is often done at the same time as a laparoscopic spay. Laparoscopy is the technique for viewing the abdominal organs. Laparoscopy is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for taking biopsies of the liver, kidney, pancreas, or abdominal masses. Other diagnostic applications include evaluation of abdominal trauma, bile duct patency, response to therapy, splenoportography or abnormal radiographic findings. Laparoscopic surgeries being performed include adrenalectomy, gastropexy, hernia repair and laparoscopic spays.         Laparoscopic Spays are an alternative to a traditional spay.  Performed through one small incision in the abdomen rather than a large incision it offers a less painful, faster healing alternative to traditional spays. A study published in the 2005 Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association concluded laparoscopic spays caused less surgical stress and up to 65% less post-operative pain than a traditional open surgical spay. Otoscopy allows for examination of both the external and middle ear; it is one of the most common applications of endoscopy in veterinary medicine. Otoscopy allows for safe and thorough ear cleaning under constant visualization, removal of foreign objects, polyp removal and diagnostic sampling. Disorders of the external ear are common in dogs; the visualization afforded by this technique make it a precise means of assessment of treatment and follow-up. Rhinoscopy is the exploration of the nose and back of the throat, commonly indicated in dogs and cats with nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, chronic sneezing, epistaxis, facial distortion, nasal pain, acute severe sneezing, reverse sneezing and abnormal radiographs.

We believe preventative medicine is the key to provide lifelong health through annual exams, immunizations, spaying and neutering, dental cleanings, as well as geriatric profile. We will provide you with recommendations and information needed so you may make educated decisions for the best care. Adult Care - Your adult pets need to be examined at least annually in order to prevent/detect any medical issues. Pets age faster than we do and as a result, health problems can progress much more rapidly. Regular wellness exams will confirm that your pet is healthy or help catch problems before they can become more serious. During the annual veterinary visit, we will do a complete health consultation and physical exam. In addition, your pet may need blood work, vaccinations, and an intestinal parasite screening. Vaccinations - Our goal is to provide the safest immunization schedule possible. Therefore, each vaccination schedule is tailored especially for your pet, based on the specific lifestyle and potential exposure to diseases. Dental Care - Routine teeth cleanings and polishing is an important and necessary part of preventative medicine. Studies show that approximately 80% of dogs and cats over three years of age are affected by some type of dental disease. Left untreated, pet dental problems will result in discomfort, pain, and possible loss of teeth. Infected gums and tartar buildup play host to a large number of bacteria, which can find their way to other parts of your pet’s body, which can lead to major health problems. Signs your pet has dental disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Missing or eroded teeth
• Bad breath
• Reluctant to play with toys or eat
• Lethargy

A typical routine dental cleaning includes:

• Complete blood work to ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia
• Custom anesthesia plan (based on your pet’s age, risk factors, lab results, and level of dental disease)
• Digital dental radiography & x-rays of the chest and abdomen (depending on your pet’s age)
• Teeth cleaning & polishing utilizing our ultrasonic and air driven equipment
• Fluoride treatment
• Full oral examination
• Fluids administered to prevent dehydration
• Continuous monitoring by our veterinary team after the procedure to ensure a pain-free, low-stress, safe recovery
• A home dental care plan, including before and after pictures

Senior Care - As part of our preventative medicine, we recommend doing an annual geriatric profile on your pet. This profile includes blood work to look at organ function, as well as white and red blood cells. We also look at a urine sample to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly. We do recommend taking radiographs to ensure the heart, lungs, kidney, spleen, liver, as well as other internal organs, appear normal. Puppy/Kitten Care - If you have recently adopted a puppy or kitten, you should visit Aldie Vet for a complete physical exam as soon as possible. Our goal is to screen your pet for any health problems, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites, as well as discuss the nutritional needs that your puppy or kitten will need as they are in a high growth stage. This will help to ensure that your new family member is healthy and that disease is not transmitted to other pets in your home. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to parasitic infections that can threaten their health. Proper screening and preventative products can help protect them against intestinal worms, fleas, and heartworm disease. Puppies and kittens also have immature immune systems which make it difficult to fight off disease. Therefore, if you notice any of the following, please give us a call immediately:

• Weight loss
• Excessive drinking and/or urination
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Behavior changes
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Skin lumps, bumps or irritation
• Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums
• Ear odors, redness, scratching or head shaking
• Trouble urinating or defecating

Our veterinarians can provide immediate diagnostic services on-site. Our hospital medical and surgical equipment is considered the best in its class. Digital Radiology – (x-rays) allows for easy dissemination of diagnostic information and reduced radiation exposure to patients. Ultrasound - In humans, we think about an ultrasound for pregnancy. But, in veterinary medicine, ultrasound is a safe, repeatable way for our veterinarians to peek inside your pet’s body without having to make an incision. Ultrasound exams are performed for many reasons and are a useful tool for many other situations, such as:

• Abnormal bloodwork
• Vomiting or diarrhea that has lasted for a long time
• Weight loss with no change in eating habits
• Chronic infections
• Change in urinary habits
• Baseline ultrasound for future examination (geriatric patients)
• Recheck on previous problem
• Cancer staging
• Fluid in chest or abdomen
• Pregnancy
• Pre-surgical exam
• Biopsies

ECG – An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that allows a veterinarian to check how your pet’s heart is performing. Since hearts of both dogs and cats have the same problems as human hearts, it is important to monitor and test them for signs of heart issues, especially during the senior years. An ECG measures the rate and regularity of heartbeats and size and position of the heart chambers. By revealing signs of any existing heart damage early, your pet has an increased opportunity for treatment of the heart condition to be successful. Blood Pressure monitoring – This is a recommended service, especially for our senior pets. Some illnesses can be detected early because of high blood pressure, including chronic renal failure, Cushing’s disease, certain adrenal tumors and heart disease.

Spay/Neuter Soft Tissue - Aldie Vet has the surgical expertise to treat animals with soft-tissue diseases. With the help of our diagnostic lab and imaging services, we’re able to diagnose your animal and offer state-of-the-art treatment options to improve your pet’s quality of life. Capabilities:

• Abdominal surgery
• Oncologic (cancer) surgery, facial/oral, ear, bone, nasal, cervical, endocrine, thoracic, abdominal, skin
• Ear, nose, and throat surgery
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Limb tumor removal
• Preventative surgery (most commonly neutering and spay)

Oral Surgery - For the treatment of diseases in and around your pet’s mouth. Capabilities:

• Extractions, including simple, multirooted, and complicated surgical extractions
• Routine and advanced periodontal therapies
• Jaw fracture repair
• Management for fractured/worn teeth (e.g., root canal, crowns)
• Surgical treatment for oral tumors
• Management of palatal defects
• Management of unusual oral lesions

Orthopedic Surgery - Our orthopedic surgery team treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Capabilities for Common Conditions:

• Degenerative joint disease
• Diseases of the elbow and shoulder
• Angular limb deformities
• Cranial cruciate rupture
• Patella luxation (dislocated knee)

Special Capabilities:

• Arthroscopic joint exploration
• Locking plate fracture fixation

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Capabilities:

• Maxillofacial
• Nasal
• Ear reconstruction
• Skin
• Thoracic/abdominal wall
• Esophageal
• Muscle
• Paw/pad
• Simple/advanced flaps
• Skin grafting
• Skin stretching techniques
• Management of non-healing wounds

In-House Pharmacy - We maintain a complete inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos, heartworm preventatives, prescription diets that require supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and flea and tick preventative to meet the needs of your pet. When your pet requires an ongoing prescription to refill, we recommend ordering from our online pharmacy.

Along with our knowledgeable staff, Aldie Vet is located in a premiere veterinary facility dedicated just to pets. This enables us to offer a diverse list of medical services, including pet emergency care for those unscheduled accidents and illnesses your pet may face. Internal Medicine – Healthy functioning internal organs are critical to your pet’s health. Organs can become diseased or damaged.  Utilizing our lab and diagnostic equipment, we are able to diagnose and treat many diseases relating to your pet’s internal organs and systems. Dermatology - Skin conditions are often the result of your pet’s body reacting to environmental and internal changes. Capabilities:

• Treatment of allergies due to food, parasites or environment
• Ear disease
• Skin issues (blistering, hair loss, scaling, crusty, greasy, bacterial or fungal infections)
• Ectoparasites (mange mites, ear mites, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes)
• Ringworm
• Drug reactions
• Mass removal
• Nail and nail bed infections

Endocrinology – Our pet’s body is made up of complex systems. When these systems malfunction, disease or other health problems result. Diabetes is a common disease that results from the malfunction of your pet’s endocrine system. Other system disorders include Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Gastroenterology – We are able to diagnosis and treat diseases involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, and cancer. Our veterinarians perform endoscopy (minimally invasive) procedures to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and to obtain biopsies, as well as retrieve foreign bodies. Ophthalmology – Eye infections are usually treatable with medication. But, injuries from objects striking the eyes or chemicals coming in contact with your pet’s eyes should be taken seriously and should be seen by Aldie Vet immediately. Capabilities:

• Comprehensive eye exams including Schirmer Tear Test
• Rebound tonometry
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy
• Treatment of eye conditions and diseases (glaucoma)

Cardiology - Our veterinarians can discover many heart problems during a physical exam. In the event your pet needs additional testing, such as radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds, we are able to perform these tests on-site. For certain heart conditions, we will collaborate with a veterinary cardiologist to provide the best treatment plan for your pet. Anesthesia - We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide that extra margin of safety, especially for our high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, our patient's vital signs are monitored at all times by one of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians, using ECG, Pulse Oximetry, as well as blood pressure monitoring before, during, and after all anesthetic procedures. Pain Management - It is our utmost priority to ensure your pet is kept comfortable before, during, and after any procedure, whether it be routine or major. We start any anesthetic procedure by giving your pet an injection of pain medication to help alleviate any associated pain. While hospitalized, we monitor your pet closely to assure their pain is managed. When your pet goes home, if needed, oral pain medication may be prescribed to ensure your pet's recovery is pain-free. Aldie Vet also offers acupuncture as a service to complement pain management. Ask our veterinarian trained in acupuncture to discuss your pet's condition to determine if acupuncture is an option for pain management. Critical and Urgent Pet Care - We are located in a 24 hour veterinary center for your convenience in the event your pet needs to be seen urgently or is recovering from a veterinary procedure and requires overnight observation and monitoring. In the event of a pet emergency, please call 703-327-0871 for Dulles South Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital. They are located in the same building and we are one of the few veterinary hospitals that can provide that continuity of care.

Acupuncture

• Musculoskeletal problems: back pain, arthritis/degenerative joint disease, muscle soreness
• Neurological disorders: weakness and paralysis resulting from intervertebral disk trauma, spinal or nerve problems
• Gastrointestinal conditions: diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease
• Other chronic conditions not responding to conventional therapy, including but not limited to: skin allergies and dermatitis; lick granulomas; epilepsy; respiratory conditions; hormonal imbalances; infertility and internal organ dysfunction
• Prevention of disease and promotion of well-being, geriatric support, and performance enhancement

Grooming Let us pamper your pet at our Day Spa! We provide pet grooming for all breeds of dogs and cats. Our grooming services include:

• Clipping and scissor cuts
• Dematting
• Flea Dips
• Ear Cleaning
• Toenail Clipping
• Regular Baths
• Medicated Baths
• Fluff Drying

Boarding We provide boarding services for our client's dogs and cats. Our separate cat and dog wards ensure tranquility for the cats and companionship for the dogs. All of our cages and kennels are indoors and therefore, temperature controlled with installed smoke, heat, and motion detectors. Because boarding is supervised by a veterinarian, you can be comforted that all of your pet's medications will be properly administered and he or she will receive prompt medical attention, if needed.  Nutritional Counseling Diet and nutrition are important to maintaining your pet's health. Feeding your pet a specially formulated diet to meet the needs of adulthood helps encourage a long and healthy life. We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight loss and maintenance, and performance. Please feel free to consult our veterinarians to help you find the right food to fit with your pet's lifestyle, body condition, and health needs. Hospice Care If you choose, Aldie Vet will help you provide end-of-life comforting care, to your terminally ill or dying pet. This will allow you to spend quality time at home with your pet until such time as you decide to euthanize or until death occurs.  We will provide assistance, as requested, as it relates to pain and symptom control, wound care, problems with incontinence and other aesthetics, and changes in behavior patterns. Euthanasia When you have reached the extremely difficult decision that there is no quality of your pet's life or that your pet is suffering, our veterinarians will be there to help you through the process of euthanasia. Please feel free to discuss the process and ask any questions to our veterinarians. They are very familiar with the experience and are able to talk with you about the process and feelings that go with it. Also, please click our Pet Bereavement link for additional information.

When your pet is in need of a physical fitness plan or is recovering from an injury or surgery, he or she will often benefit from a physical rehabilitation routine. The key to any successful rehabilitation plan is communication. Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners will work carefully with you and your primary care veterinarian to assess your pet and create a customized rehabilitation plan. We offer a complete array of rehabilitation services including hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill), laser therapy, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound, as well as massage and stretching techniques. Acupuncture and eastern medicine can provide an excellent complement to modern western medicine. These methods are becoming frequently used to provide a more well-rounded approach to pet wellness. The most frequent reasons for acupuncture referral include; musculoskeletal problems (back pain, joint disease), neurologic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and other chronic conditions that are not responding to traditional therapies. Our certified veterinary acupuncturist will place small needles into strategic points to affect energy flow in the body and promote self-healing.

Today, the most frequent reasons for acupuncture referral among veterinarians are:

• Musculoskeletal problems: back pain, arthritis/degenerative joint disease, muscle soreness
• Neurological disorders: weakness and paralysis resulting from intervertebral disk trauma, spinal or nerve problems
• Gastrointestinal conditions: diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease
• Other chronic conditions not responding to conventional therapy, including (but by no means limited to): skin allergies and dermatitis, lick granulomas, epilepsy, respiratory conditions, hormonal imbalances, infertility, internal organ dysfunction
• Prevention of disease and promotion of well-being, geriatric support, and performance enhancement.

Dr. Pattie will typically see patients for acupuncture with an initial workup as an hour-long appointment, which includes the first treatment.  This initial appointment is followed by a commitment to at least 3-5 once-weekly treatments which are 30-40 minutes long.  A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition.  A series of 3-10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems.  Some degenerative conditions may continue to need repeated treatments over time.  All acupuncture appointments are best seen on an outpatient basis with no other tests/grooming/etc. that same day. If you are not sure if acupuncture is right for your pet, you can also schedule an abbreviated acupuncture consultation with Dr. Pattie to discuss the case, your goals, and suspected outcome specific to your pet.  If you decide to come back for the treatment series the cost of the consult will be deducted from the initial workup fee.  FAQ:

1. What is acupuncture?   The insertion of very fine needles into specific predetermined points on the body to produce physiologic responses. Modern research shows that acupoints are located where there is a high density of nerves, immune cells, and small blood and lymphatic vessels.  As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood.
2. Does it hurt?  95% of animal patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy.  Some animals will even fall asleep during treatment.
3. Is it safe? Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a qualified and certified practitioner.  There are also no negative side effects, unlike many Western drugs.
4. How do you know where to put the needles?  The points used vary according to the condition being treated.  Each point has specific actions when stimulated. When points are used in combination with other points, the results may be tailored to the specific problems being addressed.
5. Are there other holistic modalities besides acupuncture?  Herbs, chiropractic, massage, diet, homeopathy, and various other forms of complementary medicine are available to veterinary patients.  Dr. Pattie is currently pursuing certification in herbology, but there are many other holistic veterinarians in our area to whom we can refer if indicated.