Veterinarian Arlington, Farrell Animal Hospital

General Information

General Information

General & Special Services

►Surgery and Anesthesia
►Vaccinations
►Senior Health Program
►How Old is your Pet?
►Dental Care
►Lab Services
►Pharmacy
►Referrals
►Socialization

Appointments & Payment options

Our appointment book is computerized which allows us to effeciently make appointments for you and your pets. We are open for scheduled appointments from

Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 12 noon
Sunday: Closed

***7 am drop-off available Monday-Friday by appointment only

Emergencies are accepted anytime our practice is open. If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us or come to the hospital immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on your particular emergency.

Payments

Farrell Animal Hospital accepts payment via cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover , American Express, and Care Credit. So that we can continue to provide you high quality service utilizing the best medical technologies, we request that payment be made at the time services are rendered.

We provide estimates for all surgeries and hospitalizations.

We are pleased to offer the following services in our Arlington veterinary office:

Surgery and Anesthesia

At Farrell Animal Hospital we do everything we can to eliminate your anxieties and to ensure the safety of your pet each time your pet undergoes anesthesia. For every procedure, we use only the newest and safest anesthetics available to veterinary medicine. This is the same gas anesthetic, Sevoflurane, commonly used in pediatric human patients. Unlike other anesthetics, Sevoflurane is minimally processed by the liver and kidneys, which assures a much more rapid recovery. In most cases, your pet goes home with you the same day of the procedure in a normal, awake state.

Because we have two RVT’s at Farrell Animal Hospital, every anesthetic patient is closely monitored before, during, and after each procedure. An RVT monitors various vital signs throughout the entire anesthetic process. You can be comfortable knowing that you pet’s safety is always our number-one concern!

Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing

We all experience anxiety when our pets are scheduled for an anesthetic procedure. To reduce risks and to help ensure that your pet is safe to anesthetize, we offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork before every procedure. This bloodwork will let us know if your pet’s internal organs are functioning properly. It may also reveal any hidden health conditions that could put your pet at risk. We believe that you deserve peace of mind when entrusting your pet into our care. Please ask any member of our staff for more details regarding our Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are very necessary to help your pet fight off dangerous and fatal diseases. However, vaccines can tax your pet’s system and can cause problems or reactions in some pets. At Farrell Animal Hospital, we believe in vaccinating only as much as necessary to keep your pet in good health. Research now shows that less frequent vaccinations are adequate to continue to keep your pet protected from these dangerous or fatal viruses. In accordance with the American Animal Hospital Association recommendations, we recommend a thorough yearly exam to check your pet’s general health. Vaccine schedules are tailored to each patient, but our general vaccine recommendations are as follows:

Feline Vaccines

Rabies Vaccine-

Because cats have more vaccine related problems than dogs do, we generally recommend a 1 year PureVax rabies vaccine. This vaccine is very clean and safe and causes fewer reactions in cats. For cats that live outdoors and are difficult for the owners to catch, we recommend a three year rabies vaccine.

FVRCP Vaccine-

This is a combination vaccine that protects against the deadly distemper virus and upper respiratory pathogens in cats. Kittens receive a series of two FVRCP vaccines to provide initial protection against the viruses. Adults then receive this vaccine every three years.

Leukemia Vaccine-

Leukemia is a fatal virus in cats. Kittens receive a series of two Leukemia vaccines to provide initial protection against this virus. Adults then receive this vaccine every three years. In some cases, outdoor cats with significant exposure to potential infection will still receive this vaccine every year to assure protection.

Canine Vaccines

Rabies Vaccine-

This vaccine si required by law. The initial rabies vaccine as a puppy is a one year vaccine. Adults then receive a rabies vaccine every three years.

DHPP Vaccine-

This vaccine is a combination vaccine that includes vaccines against the deadly parvo and distemper viruses. Puppies receive a series of three DHPP vaccines to provide initial protection against the viruses. Adults then receive this vaccine every three years.

Bordetella Vaccine-

Bordetella is commonly referred to as Kennel Cough in dogs. It is a highly contagious air-borne disease that is similar to Pertussis in humans. Puppies receive an intranasal vaccine (nose drops) to provide initial protection. Because the bordetella vaccine is one of the few vaccines that does not last more than one year, adult dogs receive a subcutaneous vaccine every year for continued protection.

Senior Health Program

Farrell Animal Hospital offers affordable senior health screening. The senior health program is specifically designed for all of our patients 8 years and older. The senior health screening allows the veterinarian to gain information into the internal health of your pet that may not be evident during a routine examination. We recommend the following program for all senior pets.

	Senior Health Exam	31.66
	Senior Profile (SuperChem, CBC, T4, UA)	124.79
	Heart Worm Test	39.71
	Fecal Analysis	19.81

	Total	$215.97
	Senior Health Program Discount	-20%


	Senior Health Program Price	$ 172.78

*Vaccinations are additional

	Bordetella	15.61
	Rabies	15.28
	Distemper/Parvo	26.22

Did you know…?

Approximately 22% of dogs and 18% of cats older than 7 years of age harbor disease that is only detectable with an advanced diagnostic workup. Fortunately, many diseases can be treated and have favorable outcomes if diagnosed.
Dogs and cats age more rapidly than people, so dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months. That is why visits to your veterinarian and regular testing are essential to your pet’s quality of life.

**For more information please visit

http://www.antechdiagnostics.com/petOwners/wellnessExams/testGuide.htm

How Old is your Pet?
(In Human Years)

Dog's Age	Human Age (in years, based on weight)				Cat Age	Human Age
	<20 lbs	21-50 lbs.	51-90 lbs.	>90 lbs	5	36
6	40	42	45	49	6	40
7	44	47	50	56	7	44
8	48	51	55	64	8	48
9	52	56	61	71	9	52
10	56	60	66	78	10	56
11	60	65	72	86	11	60
12	64	69	77	93	12	64
13	68	74	82	101	13	68
14	72	78	88	108	14	72
15	76	83	93	115	15	76
16	80	87	99	123	16	80
17	84	92	104		17	84
18	88	96	109		18	88
19	92	101	115		19	92
20	96	105	120		20	96
					21	100

Dental Care


Before	After

At Farrell Animal Hospital, we offer a wide range of dental services and products. If dental disease is already a problem, we offer a variety of corrective dental procedures aimed at restoring your pet’s oral health and thereby lengthening your pet’s life.

Regular dental care is an integral part of your pet’s complete health. An oral exam is performed as a routine part of your pet’s complete annual examination to determine what type of dental care your pet requires

AAHA Dental Care Guidelines

Would you let years go by between visits to the dentist? Probably not! Your pet's dental health is just as important to his or her overall health as your dental health is to your general health. To help veterinarians and their teams provide excellent dental care for dogs and cats and educate pet owners about the importance of proper dental care throughout their pets’ lives, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has developed the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Major highlights of these guidelines are covered in this article.

Why Dental Care?
Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, a recent AAHA study showed that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by veterinarians. What’s more, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

Dental disease doesn’t affect just the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start.

AAHA’s Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats were designed to provide veterinarians and their teams with a working framework for small animal dentistry practice, including dental examinations and cleaning and surgical procedures. Your pet’s dental health isn’t just in the hands of your veterinarian though. Pet owner education regarding treatment options for optimum dental health and the importance of home care are emphasized throughout the guidelines.

Periodontal Disease
Fido’s dog breath and Tabby’s tuna breath aren’t something to be ignored – they could be indicative of an oral problem, and the sooner you have it treated by your veterinarian (and learn to care for it yourself), the sooner you and your pet can smile proudly.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that takes hold in progressive stages. It starts out as a bacterial film called plaque. The bacteria attach to the teeth. When the bacteria die they can be calcified by calcium in saliva. This forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus which allows more plaque to accumulate. Initially, plaque is soft and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. If left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and to bleed easily.

As plaque and calculus develop below the gum line, professional cleaning will be needed to help manage it. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, infection can form around the root of the tooth.

In the final stages of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket holding the tooth in erodes and the tooth becomes loose. This is a very painful process for your four-legged friend, but these problems can be averted before they even start.

Dental Care at the Veterinary Practice
There are two critical components of your pet’s veterinary dental care: oral examinations and dental cleanings. Veterinary dental care begins at the puppy and kitten life stage. AAHA recommends that veterinarians evaluate puppies and kittens for problems related to the deciduous (baby) teeth, missing or extra teeth, swellings and oral development. As your pet ages, your veterinarian will look for developmental anomalies, the accumulation of plaque and tartar, periodontal disease and oral tumors.

Veterinarians can perform a basic oral examination on patients that are awake. However, a short-lasting anesthetic is required in order to provide a complete and thorough examination as well as dental cleanings.

The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. AAHA recommends these procedures at least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at two years of age for large-breed dogs.

The guidelines further recommend the following:

Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to make sure she’s healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, your veterinarian may also run blood, urine, electrocardiograph, and x-ray tests to check for any dangerous heart, kidney, or other conditions. Though there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is usually safe, even for older pets.

Anesthesia monitoring — During anesthesia, the monitoring and recording of your pet’s vital signs (such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiration, as well as other important factors) is important. This helps ensure the safety of your pet while undergoing anesthesia.

Dental radiographs — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are needed periodically in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health. X-rays aid the veterinarian greatly in detecting abnormalities that cannot be detected under examination alone. In some cases, x-rays can confirm the need for extraction of teeth that are loose or badly infected.

Scaling & Polishing — Veterinarians are advised to use similar instruments as human dentists to remove plaque and calculus from your pet’s teeth. To smooth out any scratches in the tooth enamel, polishing with a special paste is also recommended.

Fluoride/sealants — The application of an anti-plaque substance, such as a fluoride treatment and/or a barrier sealant is also advised. This can help strengthen and desensitize teeth as well as decrease future plaque.

Home Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing. For more information on getting started, read our teeth brushing article.

Remember... pets can live longer, healthier lives if oral health care is managed and maintained throughout their lives. In fact, proper dental care may add as much as five years to your pet's life! Talk to your veterinarian about developing a dental care plan for your furry friend.

Click here for an instructive video by the Cornell Feline Health Center on brushing your cat's teeth.

article brought to you by Healthypet.com

.Laboratory and Radiology

Our laboratory and diagnostic equipment at Farrell Animal Hospital uses some of the newest and most sophisticated technology available to modern veterinary medicine. When your pet is sick, complete and accurate laboratory results are a must in getting a correct diagnosis and the best possible plan for treatment. In our in-house laboratory, we can perform a wide range of diagnostics within minutes so that your pet can get started on an appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

Blood Chemistries-

Blood chemistries examine the health of your pet’s internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and gall bladder. These tests analyze the enzymes, proteins, and by-products produced internally by your pet.

Electrolytes-

Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride are the body’s electrolytes. They are important in evaluating the cause of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and cardiac symptoms.

Hematology-

Hematology provides detailed information on the components of your pet’s blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Hematology can be helpful in diagnosing anemia, infection, and a variety of blood diseases.

Urinalysis-

A urinalysis can be performed to diagnose urinary tract problems such as a bladder infection or bladder stones. In addition, the urine contains by-products from many organs such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate diseases such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)-

The ECG detects heart rate and electrical rhythm. The ECG is routinely used to monitor anesthetic patients and to detect any potential heart abnormalities or problems.

Thyroid Testing-

The thyroid test measures the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. Thyroid disease can have many different symptoms and can cause your pet a variety of problems. If diagnosed with thyroid disease, most patients live full healthy lives with the aid of supplementation.

Fecal Analysis-

A small stool sample is needed to perform a fecal analysis. This test detects the presence of a variety of intestinal parasites. It is also helpful in diagnosing many types of intestinal disease.

Radiology-

Farrell Animal Hospital has radiograph and ultrasound capibilities. This allows for immediate onsite diagnostics for your pet. For special cases, board certified specialist at The Animal Radiology Clinic of Dallas will be utilized.

Pharmacy

Farrell Animal Hospital maintains a well stocked in-house pharmacy to service the immediate needs of our patients. For prescriptions requiring custom formulations, we refer our clients to one of our local componding pharmacies. Farrell Animal Hospital also maintains several lines of prescription diets to meet specific medical needsp of your pets.

Referrals

Farrell Animal Hospital maintains relationships with numerous veterinary specialists in north Texas. These specialists are available for referrals and consultations.

Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center (DVSC): (972) 267-8100
Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center (Ft. Worth Location): (817) 379-5444
Veterinary Internal Medicine Clinic: (817) 431-8999

Veterinary Specialist: (972)437-9499
Animal Physical Therapy Center
Animal Dermatology Referral Clinic: (972) 267-3800
Animal Opthalmology Clinic: (972) 267-4100
Animal Eye Clinic: (817) 483-8762
Animal Radiology Clinic: (972) 267-3500
Animal Diagnostic Clinic: (972) 267-8300
Pet Behavior Consultants: (817) 282-3521

Socialization:

Did you know that behavior problems are one of the most common reasons owners give for surrendering, abandoning, or even euthanizing their pets?Sadly, the majority of these pets are still under 2 years of age.Most of the behavior problems sited by pet owners are actually very normal puppy behaviors- things like jumping, barking, digging, and chewing.When puppies are very young and very cute, they tend to get an “Any Behavior is OK” card.Bad behaviors at this age tend to seem relatively small or even charming or amusing.But as the puppy gets older and bigger, these behaviors are no longer as cute as before and now are very difficult to change.The best time to establish the rules and to teach good manners is between 3 and 12 weeks of age.We call this the “golden window” of socialization because this is a special stage of brain development when puppies are very impressionable and can learn limits, boundaries, and structure very quickly with positive teaching methods and gentle handling.This is also the best time to teach appropriate behaviors because it is much easier to teach what you want than to change what you don’t want.

At Farrell Animal Hospital, we recognize that the relationship between veterinarian, owner, and pet is vitally important.We also know that all puppies learn differently.That’s why we use your puppy’s initial visits as an opportunity to help you teach your puppies how to behave when they’re handled throughout their lives.Puppies learn how to be handled, have their nails trimmed, take medication, have their mouths opened, and have their ears examined and medicated.We try to really get involved in the behavioral socialization and development of your puppy so everyone will benefit:the puppy, the family, and the veterinary team.

At Farrell Animal Hospital, we see hundreds of puppies a year.The majority of these puppies will grow up to be good citizens with only very basic training, but some will need special care and attention to reach that goal.In these special cases we offer in-house intense socialization sessions for our young patients.Owners are invited to bring their puppies in to stay at the clinic for half a day at a time, several days a week, until the puppy has learned how to react to his environment appropriately.Most puppies, even those with behavior problems, aren’t trying to take over the world.Their behavior isn’t usually about dominance; it’s just about them discovering and accepting the boundaries and rules of their new environment.