CONSULTATION

Our city is unique in many ways, but one way that especially benefits our patients is the availability of many highly trained veterinary medical and surgical specialists. If we feel a consultation is necessary in your pet's case, we will not hesitate to seek further advice, or to refer you to a specialist if necessary.

MEDICATIONS

Always follow directions carefully when administering medications. Many drugs are potent and often poisonous if incorrectly given to pets or inadvertently administered to humans.

KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Dogs and cats are susceptible to many contagious diseases, some of which can be prevented by appropriate immunizations. DO NOT WAIT until your pet is 6 months old to begin vaccinations.

Puppies and kittens should be started on an initial series of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age and be given periodic boosters throughout life.
In addition to vaccinations, puppies & kittens should be started on heartworm preventive medication before 4 months of age. This serious problem is easily prevented, provided medication is correctly given.

No pet will be admitted for surgery, hospitalization or boarding unless all appropriate immunizations are brought up to date. (Dogs must either be on heartworm preventive medication or be tested).

We are proud of our office and staff, a group of highly trained individuals, dedicated to complete pet care. Feel free to ask them questions pertaining to your pet.

Again, we welcome you to our veterinary office and are here to serve you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

HOSPITAL POLICY

As part of our philosophy of complete care, pets admitted to the hospital must have proof of current immunizations. Also, pets in the hospital will be checked for intestinal parasites as well as fleas and ticks. If any of these problems are present, appropriate treatment will be carried out and charges made accordingly.

All dogs admitted to the hospital also will be checked for heartworms, if not previously done so, in preparation for the preventive medication program.

Because our primary obligation is to care for medical and surgical patients, boarding of animals will be done on a space available basis and by appointment only.

The same policies apply to boarding animals as to medical and surgical patients and if, during your pet's stay, he or she becomes ill, the veterinarian in charge will attend him/her as necessary. For this reason, please leave a number where you may be reached.

Telephone medical reports or progress checks by owners on pets are requested to be made after 10:00 a.m. Your cooperation will assure a complete report when you call and give the hospital staff more time to devote to the care of the patients. Release of patients or boarders will be done only during regular business hours.

AFTER SURGERY OR TREATMENT

Please listen carefully to all instructions given in regard to aftercare and feeding, and be certain everything is understood. The success of many cases depends greatly on proper aftercare. Once a patient leaves the hospital we cannot be responsible for the quality of treatment and supervision, as these are your responsibility.

Special attention must be given to pets with splints, casts, or bandages and it is your responsibility to see they stay in place, clean and dry. Charges are made for recasting, re-bandaging, anesthesia, additional treatment, etc.
When your pet returns home from the hospital wait at least 30 minutes before giving food or water. Excessive intake while your pet is excited may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and unnecessary discomfort. Also be sure to notify the office if your pet chews, rubs or scratches excessively at sutures or bandages.
Sutures are normally removed in 10 days. At this time healing progress can be checked.

FEES

Hospital fees must be paid in full at the time of the patients' release. As a service to our clients we offer Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover and Care Credit. We encourage discussion of fees prior to treatment of your pet to avoid misunderstanding.

OFFICE HOURS

Hospital hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Doctors' hours are by appointment only to enable us to spend more time with your pet on each visit and allow you to plan your own valuable time. The doctors and staff spend many hours in educational seminars so we may stay abreast of improvements in veterinary treatment and utilize these techniques in advanced care for your pet. The appointment system also helps make this possible.

Please call for an appointment and be prompt for your appointment. We will appreciate notification in advance if a change in time will be necessary.

Emergencies will always take preference over appointments and are received at any hour.

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CALLS

We are proud to be associated with the Emergency Pet Clinic (822-2873 or 404-2873). The specially trained veterinarians, on duty after usual business hours, are available to help, but please call first so they may be prepared for your arrival.

El Dorado Animal Hospital

13039 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, TX 78217
eldoradoanimalhospital@att.net

210-656-1444