Small Animals
Diagnostically the clinic is equipped with a serum chemistry (evaluates internal organ function to determine if there are abnormalities) machine which also can determine electrolyte concentrations; a complete blood count machine to determine the breakdown of red (oxygen carrying) and white (immune fighting) cells; full examination of urine for evidence of endocrine, infectious, and cancerous disorders; the ability to in-house test several common infectious diseases; a special centrifuge to prepare fecal samples to determine if internal parasites are present; the ability to determine if external parasites are present; full microscope capability with several specialty stains for fine needle aspirates (e.g. needle biopsy); digital radiography (x-rays); and ultrasound. The clinic also recently obtained two ophthalmic instruments; one which can accurately measure eye pressure (important for glaucoma and uveitis patients) and the ability to fully scan the retina (cases of acute blindness, infections, and neurological disease). Maple River Veterinary Associates also has a relationship with several laboratories throughout the United States to perform more specific tests should they be necessary. The clinic frequently performs biopsies and/or submits tissues obtained during surgery for pathological evaluation. Maple River has a veterinary cardiologist available to interpret the heart’s electrical conduction which can be performed in-clinic.
Surgically, the veterinarians at Maple River Veterinary Associates are comfortable performing common soft-tissue surgeries and even some orthopedic procedures. Advanced orthopedic (and soft tissue) surgeries are often referred either locally or further down state to specialty hospitals.
Similarly we are comfortable treating most medical conditions on either an out- or in-patient basis as necessary and have a wide range of medicines in our pharmacy. We will readily prescribe medicines though a human or veterinary pharmacy elsewise. Maple River Veterinary Associates performs certain chemotherapies and this is often done under the guidance of a veterinary oncologist. Our veterinarians often consult specialists for complicated cases and is always willing to refer should the need arise.
The clinic features over a dozen kennels of numerous sizes to house out- and in-patients, as well as an isolation ward so we can treat even the most sick of patients. The clinic also features an attached covered kennel run so your pets can be outside for parts of the day (weather pending).
Large Animals
Maple River Veterinary Associates has the ability to perform farm calls and will do so throughout Emmet and parts of Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties. We encourage new livestock and horse owners who may be interested in utilizing our care to contact the clinic ahead of time to ensure they are located within our practice area. The clinic also features a free standing two stall barn with a stock and encourages haul-in appointments if possible. Additionally, some procedures may warrant hauling-in for the safety the stock provides. Further, the stalls allow for the hospitalization of large animals.
Our veterinarians are comfortable treating horses, cattle, and small ruminants (sheep and goats).
In addition to routine preventive care and herd management, Maple River Veterinary Associates also has the ability to perform large animal reproductive ultrasounds at your farm. Further ultrasound capability for large animals (i.e., horse colic and respiratory disease) and digital radiography (x-ray) is available at the clinic on a haul-in basis.
While minor surgical procedures can safely be performed in either the field or stock, Maple River Veterinary Associates does not perform any sort of horse colic surgery.
SURGERY
Surgery can often be a subject of anxiety for pet owners as it requires anesthesia and may require overnight hospitalization. Hopefully the following will explain our procedures and policies as they relate to surgical patients.
Preanesthetic Blood Work:
While modern methods have made this process commonplace, with complications exceedingly rare, the medical staff at Maple River Veterinary Associates is dedicated to ensuring your pet can handle anesthesia properly. For older, sick, or debilitated patients, blood work may be required or recommended. This can be performed in the clinic for additional laboratory fees, and can be done ahead of time.
Chemistry: A chemistry will show us how your pet's kidneys and liver are functioning. This is important as these two organs filter blood and expel waste out of the body.
Complete Blood Count: This test allows us to detect anemia, infection, bleeding disorders, and clotting disorders.
Electrolytes: This test is important when evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
The Surgery:
During surgery, patients are closely monitored and emergency medicines, should they be necessary, are kept close at hand. An intravenous catheter is standard practice at MRAC. The fluids that can be added during your pet's surgery provide support to the circulatory system and prevent dehydration. IV fluids can also aid in a quicker recovery from anesthesia.
Our clinic strongly believes in patient care. All of our surgeries receive pain medication during surgery. They may also go home with pain medication as well. All information will be given at discharge. Depending on the type of surgery and the circumstances surrounding the patient (which may not become apparent until in the surgical suite), your pet may require overnight hospitalization. This is often to allow for close observation and keep the patient quiet in the post-surgical time period.
Post Operative Instructions & Medications:
Clients are notified by phone mid-day with a patient update; if you do not hear from us by 2pm, please contact the clinic. This often is just the result of the staff attending to other patients. Often your pet will go home on pain or other medications. If for any reason you do not understand how to administer – or the purpose of – the prescribed medicines, please notify the medical staff.
Antibiotics may also be sent home with your pet after surgery. This will help fight any infection that they may have or prevent one from occurring. This is decided by the doctor. Anesthetics can make your pet nauseous. Cerenia is a medication that will prevent them from vomiting and will be supplied if necessary.
Patients that have external sutures will have them removed at a date indicated by the surgeon.
These rechecks are included in the surgical cost allowing our clients and patients an opportunity to have their pet rechecked without opening their wallets. However, on occasion, additional medicines may be necessary and will be prescribed.
Clinic Services
Maple River Veterinary Associates offers a wide range of the finest professional care for your pet and livestock. We endeavor to treat each patient with the same attitude as if it were our own.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call our doctors and staff at (231) 529-6227.