Services

Greenwood Park Animal Hospital offers a variety of pet health care services including consultations, wellness exams, vaccinations, emergency medicine, spaying, neutering, and other surgical procedures, dental care and surgery, laboratory diagnostics, radiology, nutrition, and microchipping.

Anesthesia & Pain Management

We provide advanced anesthesia services and surgical monitoring. Each of our surgical patients undergoes a complete physical examination and blood screening prior to their procedure, helping us to make determinations about their risks and to individualize their anesthesia based on the results of their blood testing, physical examinations and surgery type. Your pet will be monitored by our automated equipment and by a specially trained veterinary technician, for:

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• Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels

• Blood pressure

• Heart rate

• Respiratory rate

• ECG

• Body temperature

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Each surgical patient is also administered an IV catheter to maximize patient safety, maintain hydration and blood pressure, and for the quick administration of medications, if needed.
 

Comfort leads to faster healing. We provide an active pain management protocol for all medical and surgical patients, including pain medications before, during, and after surgical procedures. This includes the use of local anesthetics for all surgeries and procedures as an aid to prevent pain and lower the requirements for other anesthetics. Balanced Multi-Modal anesthesia is our motto.

Counselling Services

Nutritional Counselling

During our annual physical examinations, we perform body condition evaluation and report our findings back to you. We routinely make nutritional recommendations for pets based upon their needs and we help you make the right decisions, whether for an over-the-counter or prescription diet.

Behaviour Counselling

Behavioural problems are often related to health problems, so we believe it is important for pets with these issues to be evaluated first by a veterinarian. We can also work with you to create a detailed plan for behaviour modification and training, or make a referral to a behavioural specialist to address issues of:

• Inappropriate urination or defecation

• Aggression

• Separation anxiety

• Excessive chewing or barking

• Conflict between household pets

Dental Care

More than 85% of dogs and cats over four years old suffer from periodontal disease, a condition in which bacteria attack the soft tissues in the mouth. Even with regular brushing, plaque and tartar below the gum line lead to gum inflammation, discomfort and bad breath, but also lead to life threatening diseases including heart, kidney, liver and lung disease. It can also weaken the immune system, causing joint disease and slow wound healing. We recommend a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) as part of your pet’s annual physical examination.

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Common signs of dental disease include:

• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Bad breath

• Excessive drooling

• Changes in eating or chewing habits

• Pawing at the face

• Loose teeth

• Depression

Your pet’s dental health program begins with an annual check-up, and if deemed necessary, oral x-ray and cleaning, followed by a fluoride polish for further protection. Using the combined information from the x-rays and the oral examination to generate an assessment of overall oral health. We will speak to you about any recommended treatments, such as tooth extractions, antibiotic therapy, oral mass biopsy, oral surgery, enhanced preventive care at home, or a referral.

At Home Dental Care

We recommend brushing, but we realize that this can be difficult for some pets, especially if they were not taught to accept brushing from a young age. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent at-home dental care products that are both safe and effective. Our team would be happy to teach you about at-home oral care, demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques, and recommend helpful dental products to keep your pet's mouth healthy and clean.

Diagnostic Services

At Greenwood Park Animal Hospital, we provide a variety of state-of-the-art diagnostic services, which help us view internal organs and structures with accuracy and efficiency so we can diagnose any health conditions your pet may have.

Digital Radiology 

Radiology (x-rays) allows us to see inside the body of your pet, identifying problems with parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, bones, oral cavity, and abdominal cavity. We can use this tool to identify fractures, growths, obstructions, foreign bodies, and more. Digital x-ray systems allow us to pull up images on a computer screen immediately, enabling us to diagnose the problem and discuss it with you right away. Digital Radiology is fast becoming the norm in veterinary practice, as with its maximized accuracy and detail, and instantaneous digital transferability, radiographs can be shared with specialists including Board Certified Radiologists to get quick support and advice regarding your pets needs.

Laboratory Analysis 

We perform a variety of diagnostic tests for our patients, and can process and analyze many of these test results right in our facility. Our in-house laboratory provides advanced testing, such as fecal, blood glucose, blood chemistries, urine, ear cytology, feline Leukemia virus and FIV testing in cats, and gram stains, as well as specialized tests for senior pets. We have specialized instruments and diagnostic capabilities that allow us to have results quickly and efficiently. Commonly, we utilize the largest North American lab, IDEXX here in Toronto, for a multitude of state-of-the-art diagnostics. The turn-around time is usually only 24 hours. 

Oral and Otic Video Endoscopy 

An endoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera on the far end that can be used to examine deeper tissues. The images are then brought up on a screen for our veterinarians to evaluate. We use this state-of-the-art tool for visual examination of the oral cavity of our herbivores such as rabbits, guinea pigs and small flurries — not to leave out the ears of anyone who has them! This tool allows us to use a minimally invasive approach to internal examination, allowing for quicker recovery and less worry or pain. We use this invaluable tool during examinations prior to performing oral/ dental surgery.

Tonometry (Glaucoma Testing)

Glaucoma can be very painful and, as it can lead to corneal or visual problems, it is important to identify and diagnose it right away. When a patient has glaucoma, fluid pressure inside the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve, loss of vision, and potentially complete blindness. Some symptoms of glaucoma may include:

• Eye redness

• Discharge or tearing

• Sensitivity to light

• Pain

• Cloudiness or ulcers of the cornea

• Bulging eye

A tonometer measures the fluid pressure inside the eye, The test is non-invasive and should not cause pain or discomfort for the patient. We perform this test with a mild anesthetic eye drop to ensure comfort. We recommend taking baseline measurements for pets throughout their life since IOP (Intra-ocular Pressure) varies so much between species, breeds, and individuals.

Emergency Services

During Business Hours

We see emergency walk-ins at any time during our normal business hours. If possible, please call on your way in so that we can be ready and available for your arrival. We’re open from 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am-2pm Saturday.

After Hours Emergencies

Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital 

21 Rolark Dr, Scarborough, ON M1R 3B1

416-247-8387

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Animal Health Partners

1 Scarsdale , North York, ON  M3B 2R2

416-380-7400

MAP

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Veterinary Emergency Clinic 

920 Yonge St. Suite 117, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7

416-920-2002

MAP

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Mississauga/Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital

2285 Bristol Circle, Oakville ON L6H 6P8

905-829-9444

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End of Life Services

We do our best to ensure a quiet, peaceful passage for your pet, providing euthanasia in the clinic, or in your home surrounded by loved ones. Saying goodbye is always a difficult experience, and we believe that assisting you in a compassionate, humane and personal passage is an honour.

We can also provide a number of options for you, including private or communal cremation, or you may choose to retain possession of the remains for private, at-home burial or ashes dispersal.

If you have any questions or concerns about at home euthanasia for your pet, please contact our team. We are here to provide compassionate service and are available to answer any questions you may have.

Referrals

We can make referrals for:

• Complex Behavioural Disorders

• Boarding

• Grooming

• Dog Walkers

• Grief Counselling

• 24 Emergency Service

Senior Pet Care

Our pets age much faster than we do. Six months in human life equates to about two years in our pets' lives, so our senior pets should have more frequent exams. Seniors may have a weaker immune system, a stronger tendency toward illness, and commonly suffer from the discomfort of arthritis, as well as other aging changes. Twice yearly visits are important to help us catch physical health problems before they advance and to provide effective treatment early.

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As the owner of a senior pet, it helps to inform us of changes in your pet's behaviours as these changes can sometimes signal that something is wrong. We can help by doing a physical examination, accurately assessing any changes in their weight, and running routine diagnostic tests to make recommendations for treating problems effectively. Diagnostic tests may show signs of developing illnesses or discomfort that we will be able to treat before the disease has progressed too far. Help us make your pet's golden years a joy and comfort for both of you. 

Supplementary Services

House Calls

Our hospital is state-of-the-art and provides a safe and fully equipped space for pet care, but house calls are an important part of our practice for extremely anxious pets, geriatric pets that cannot tolerate travel, pets and owners with limited mobility and pets that have reached the end of their life and need a quiet passage. We can provide the following services through house calls:

• Wellness examinations

• Vaccinations

• Routine medical care

• Blood and Urine sampling for lab testing

• Behavioural Counselling

• Euthanasia

If you are interested in a veterinary house call for your pet, please contact our office to inquire whether we might schedule a home visit.

Medicated Baths

Does your pet have itchy or inflamed skin from allergies, infection or dry skin? We provide medicated baths for our patients who have already had a medical examination and a skin condition diagnosis from our veterinarians.

Microchipping

Microchipping is one of the most important steps to take when you get a new pet. Having a microchip registered to you is the best way to ensure that you and your pet will be reunited in the event of a separation. Losing a pet is a tragedy, and we make this recommendation to you because we want to keep that tragedy from becoming a reality.

Prescription Diets

Prescription diets are an excellent way for pets to receive medication through alternate means. We carry the leading quality brands such as Royal Canin, Hill’s, Purina, Iams and Rayne prescription diets for a variety of healthcare needs, including allergies. Many retail pet foods that claim not to contain certain ingredients are often questionable, and are prepared on the same equipment with other diets, so there is no guarantee that your pet will not be exposed to allergens. Remember — only the companies recommended by your veterinary team offer the proven ingredient source, reliability and quality control practices to ensure the health, safety and vivacity of your pet.

Pharmacy

Our pharmacy allows for quick and convenient access to your pet's medications, which we are proud to price competitively to give you the best value. Our in-house pharmacy ensures you are able to begin treatment right away, and enables us to keep your pet’s treatment records up-to-date. The Greenwood Park Animal Hospital pharmacy is only for our clients and patients. If you need a refill on your pet's medication, please contact us and remember we need 24-hours notice for refills.

Surgical Services

Greenwood Park Animal Hospital is fully equipped to provide complete surgical services for our patients., including spays and neuters, abdominal procedures, dentistry, abscess and most soft tissue procedures, including cancer reduction and ACLR knee repairs. 

Elective and Major Surgery

We provide both elective surgeries and major surgeries for our patients. Our team of veterinarians and nursing staff are skilled and experienced, and our compassion for animals aids us in providing excellent care and ensuring our patients are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after their procedures. Answering your questions about your pet's care is important to us too, and we'll be happy to discuss your pet's specific needs with you.

Spaying/Neutering 

Spaying or neutering your pet eliminates unwanted pregnancies and provides many health benefits. In females, spaying avoids the probability of a serious and potentially fatal uterine infection in later years; it also reduces the chance of mammary cancer. In males, neutering reduces the chance of cancer of the testicles and prostate, and lessens the chance of injury due to fighting or misadventure by roaming. The recommended age varies by species and breed, but is typically in the neighbourhood of five months. Please speak with your veterinarian about the appropriate age for your pet.

Cruciate Rupture Repair

The cranial cruciate ligament in dogs is the same as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. Diagnosis of a suspected injury is usually based on physical examination and radiography (x-rays). For complicated injuries and partial tears, a referral for exploratory surgery or arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) may be recommended.

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Dr Luckwaldt performs the oldest and most commonly utilized repair —the LSS Repair (Lateral Stabilization Suture), and has proudly been doing so over his 25 years in surgical practice. He is proud to bring this service to Greenwood Park Animal Hospital.

Non-surgical management is rarely recommended, except where the risks of a general anesthetic or surgery are considered excessive. However, body weight management, physiotherapy, exercise modification, and medication (anti-inflammatory painkillers) are cornerstones of the rehabilitation plan following surgery. 

We will explain all the options available for your pet, and provide you with an estimate of the costs and our professional assessment of your pet's long-term prognosis for each.

Travel

Leaving Your Pet While You Travel

If something comes up with your pet’s health while you are away and your pet is in the care of a sitter or kennel, it can put the pet sitter and the doctors at Greenwood Park Animal Hospital in a difficult situation. It is not uncommon for a sitter to arrive at our clinic with a pet in critical condition and the owner cannot be reached.

• Leave your sitter with a number where you can be reached and an alternate number for someone you trust who can help the pet sitter make good decisions.

• Leave a signed and dated letter with your sitter that states what your wishes are in case your pet requires hospitalization or medical care. It should list any problems or abnormal behaviours you noticed before leaving, and tell the doctor and sitter how much decision-making authority the sitter has as your agent.

• Many times a sitter cannot or will not want to hospitalize a pet because, if you are not reachable, they are responsible for leaving a deposit when the pet is admitted to the hospital, or to pay in full for any medications or diagnostics your pet may need as an outpatient. Download and complete our form, which gives us authorization to charge your credit card for urgent treatment your pet may require, and email or fax it us before your trip. Our email address is reception@greenwoodpah.ca and our fax number is 416-778-6688.

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Additional Tips

• Always check with your kennel as to what their procedures are if your pet gets sick while there.

• If your pet has a sensitive stomach, you may want to bring their own food if they are staying at a boarding facility. Some people even bring bottled water or water from home if their pet has a history of diarrhea while away from home. Make sure the sitter has enough food in case your trip is unexpectedly prolonged.

• Pet-proof your home! Even if your dog or cat has never had a problem getting into things, you don't want the first time to be while you're not there. Pets should not be able to get into cleaning products. They should not find shoes or laces to chew on which could cause intestinal obstruction, or have access to any foods that can be lethal to their species. Dogs should not be left with rawhides or bones to chew.

• Make sure your sitter knows the rules. You would be amazed at what some people don't think is an issue, or how differently your pet may behave under someone else’s supervision or with a change in routine.

If you have a plan to avoid problems, they seem to have a much lower chance of happening.

Travelling with Your Pet

Some animals do not tolerate travel well or at all, but we can help. If you are moving to a new province or traveling with your pet — especially to other countries (even the U.S. and the Caribbean) — you will likely need an International Health Certificate. To know for sure what is required, contact the destination country's consulate or embassy. The government of Canada provides a helpful list here.

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for ensuring that people traveling by air with pets treat them safely and humanely. This includes regulations, tests, inspections and forms that need to be completed by an accredited veterinarian before you travel. We can fill out the necessary paperwork, as well as provide a number of pet traveling tips to make sure that your trip is safe, fun and relaxing.

• Wellness checkup: Before your trip, you will need to have your pet examined (usually within 10 days of travel) to ensure that it is healthy enough to make the trip. All dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must be weaned before traveling by air. They must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and free of internal and external parasites. In order to sign an International Health Certificate, we must be sure the pets are free of any infectious or contagious diseases.

• Travel Carrier : Your pet must be in a kennel that meets standards for size, strength, sanitation and ventilation. Be certain to check with your airline. They may have more restrictive requirements, including size and breed limits, or may not allow pets to travel in cargo during winter or summer due to extreme temperatures and the length of time the animal may sit on the tarmac. Try to fly direct to your destination if possible.

Additional Tips

• Acclimatize your pet to the crate with the bedding in the weeks before travel, even if they are already crate trained.

• A puppy pad underneath bedding in the crate will absorb excess fluid in case they do urinate.

• A blanket and toy that are not chew hazards (for dogs, a Kong with peanut butter or treats) can help alleviate boredom and stress.

• Dogs and cats can use a hamster-cage type water bottle that clips inside the crate. Make sure it is not so large that it gets in the way of the animal’s movement, and is well-secured.

• Feed and water them about an hour before they get put in cargo, and provide a walk and potty break immediately before.

• Zip ties will help ensure the crate door will remain secure once it is closed, and that water bottles do not detach from the crate.

• In your carry-on, include pet food, collapsible bowls, a bottle of water from their usual source, leash, treats and poop bags. In checked baggage, carry a cutter or knife to cut the zip ties off the crate at your destination.

• Only use medication that has been tested on the animal well in advance of traveling. Sedation is not recommended since the animal could vomit and choke, but Gravol in the appropriate dose can help with anxiety and motion sickness. Ask your veterinarian if a more specific prescription medication is indicated.

Wellness & Health Maintenance Services

Wellness care is an essential aspect of each pet's overall health. We provide pet wellness examinations for pets of all ages, specifically catered to their life stage and health care needs.

We recommend annual physical check-ups for all pets, and twice-yearly checks for pets who have entered their senior years or who have a chronic health condition. Our comprehensive wellness checks include a full physical examination to determine whether the body is functioning normally. We do a complete nose-to-tail physical check, parasite testing, and organ function testing to aid in early detection of health problems and promote longevity.

Parasite Detection & Prevention

Parasites are a big health concern for pets, and we recommend complete prevention year round in many circumstances. For dogs, we recommend the prevention of Ticks, Heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, as well as fleas. We STRONGLY recommend topical treatment for the prevention or treatment of ticks, which can spread a number of dangerous diseases. For cats, topical medication is recommended to protect them from Ticks, Heartworm and roundworms, as well as fleas and ear mites.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are one of the most effective preventive tools in veterinary care and a very important part of each pet's overall health. We customize each vaccination plan, providing the vaccines required by law, and evaluating each pet's needs and lifestyle before recommending other vaccinations they may need to remain safe. It is no longer necessary to administer all inoculations and boosters every year, so we will discuss your pet's specific needs and schedule with you.