Services 

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services.  

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services:  Our hospital is equipped to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to care for your pets' complete health care needs.  
      
Surgical Services:  Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures. We have assistance from orthopedic specialists when difficult, highly specialized surgeries are necessary.

Wellness Exams:  This examination is for pets coming in to receive vaccinations.  During this exam your pet's temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate will be taken by a nurse.  A health interview (history) will be taken to learn of any changes in behavior or physical condition you may have noticed since the previous exam.  The doctor will do a nose to tail check up to make sure that there are no underlying illnesses or issues that would make vaccinating your pet unadvisable, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. 

Comprehensive Exams:  This examination is for pets coming in with a specific concern.  Information will be gathered just as is the case with the Wellness Exam, along with particular attention paid to your concern for your pet.  Comprehensive exams generally are longer appointments and may include laboratory work or xrays.  We have an in house pharmacy that allows you to get any necessary medication at the time of the appointment. 
   
Anesthesia:  We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient's vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures.
    
Internal medicine: We offer referrals to an internal medicine specialist who performs ultrasounds, for help with diagnosis in complicated cases.  The specialists perform the ultrasounds at Apple Lake for the convenience of our clients. Video endoscopy is done in house. 
   
Radiology Services:  Our on-site, modern X-ray equipment provides high quality radiographs to aid in the quick diagnosis of many disorders.
   
Electrocardiography Services:  We provide ECG services on-site as well as consultations with cardiology specialists.
   
Dentistry:  Our dental services include teeth cleaning and polishing, dental X-rays, tooth extractions and oral surgery.
   
Laboratory:  Our in-house laboratory facilities provide for serum chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis and parasite testing. We also utilize commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized diagnostics and consultations.
    
Permanent identification: We offer microchip identification.
    
Pharmacy:  We maintain a complete inventory of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, shampoos, flea and tick control products and heartworm preventatives to meet the needs of your pet. We also carry a full line of prescription diets.
   
Individualized Flea Control Programs:  We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

Dietary Counseling:  We will provide guidance regarding your pet's nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance.
    
Behavioral Counseling:  We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression.  We also work with behavioral specialists who take clients upon referral.

Boarding:  We provide pet boarding as a service. . All boarders receive personal attention from our caring staff. Pets may be dropped off and picked up during regular business hours Monday through Saturday. Sorry no pick ups on Sundays.

Euthanasia:  Having to make the decision to end a pet's life is never easy. It is an intensely personal decision to euthanize a beloved pet due to injury or disease. All of us at Apple Lake have lost pets and have felt the sadness that comes with having to say goodbye to a pet.  Different people have different needs during this time.  Many people prefer to be present during the process while others would rather say goodbye at home and leave the pet in our care during the process.  We also make house calls for euthanasia, which allows the pet to be in his or her own relaxed environment.  We provide cremation services as well.  Many people opt to have their pet's ashes back so they may have a ceremony at home or in a special place loved by them and their pet.  We do everything in our power to make this a very peaceful transition.  

Please note:  we do not euthanize pets who are healthy.  If you find that you need to get "rid" of your pet, please let us provide you with contact information about local shelters and humane societies.  There are some excellent shelters nearby that will allow your pet to find a new home.

Emergency Care:  Apple Lake Animal Hospital cooperates with South Metro Animal Emergency Care Center for after hours emergency care for your pet.  SMAECC is located at 14690 Pennock Avenue in Apple Valley, Minnesota.  Emergency service hours are weekdays from 6 pm to 8 am and weekends from 6 pm Friday to 8 am Monday and all major holidays.  The telephone number is: 952-953-3737. Copies of your pets emergency care records are faxed to us so that we may follow up if necessary.