Clinical Services

Take a look at what services we can offer

  • Dental Equipment
  • Dentistry
  • Microscope
  • Ultrasound
  • X-Ray Imaging

Dental Equipment

Veterinary dentistry progresses all the time and like human dentistry, special dentistry equipment is required. We have a dedicated digital dental X-ray machine and dental machine that allows us to ultrasonically descale and polish teeth as well as giving us the facility to perform more serious dental surgery if required.

Dental disease affects the entire body and impacts the comfort and long‐term health of your pet! Dentistry is a very important part of pet health care. Dental check‐ups and cleanings help to prevent dental problems and ensure that any problems that do arise are identified and treated as early as possible. Visit our services page to learn more about dental health.

Dentistry

Imagine how painful your mouth would be if you never went to the dentist. For many dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets this is a painful reality. Did you know that more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of three and rabbits frequently suffer from extreme dental problems? Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets of all sizes and species.

Common signs of dental disease include:

  • Yellow or brown build-up (tartar) on the teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Changes in eating or chewing habits
  • Pawing at the face
  • Loose or broken teeth
  • Depression

Even if your dog, cat or rabbit doesn't have these symptoms, we recommend that you have our vet evaluate their dental health. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.

Most pet owners think that if their pet is eating that their pets' teeth can't be a problem. This is not true! It is a natural survival instinct for an animal to eat even when in pain. They can't tell us how painful it is!

Another very important reason to take care of dental problems is that dental disease can also affect other organs in the body. Mouth bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren't caught and treated quickly enough, they can be fatal. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.

Schedule your pet's dental exam today! We can also help show you how to brush your pet's teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar build-up.

Pet Health Club members receive a 10% discount on dentistry. To learn more about our Pet Health Club click here or drop by and ask our helpful receptionists.

Microscope

A microscope is a fascinating and essential tool in the aiding of diagnoses. Microscopes are used to identify skin problems, blood cell recognition and urine analysis (a great help and interest to our trainee nurses).

Ultrasound

Crossroads has a state-of-the-art high definition ultrasound machine which is used daily to investigate disease in our patients. The machine is used in three main areas:

  • Investigation of abdominal problems
    Ultrasound scans of the abdomen allow us to investigate possible problems in the major body systems: liver, kidney, stomach, intestines, pancreas, adrenal glands, bladder, uterus and the abdominal lymph nodes.
  • Pregnancy diagnosis
    Ultrasound scanning is very useful in determining if your bitch is pregnant or not. Scanning can be used to estimate the age of the puppies if there is doubt over the serving date, and if they are all healthy (the machine allows us to see and hear the foetal heartbeat).
  • Heart scanning
    Heart scanning (also called echocardiography) is used to produce detailed images of the heart on the screen. The heart is visualised in real-time on the screen so the sonographer can see directly how well it is working. Precise measurements can be made of various heart dimensions - such as chamber size and thickness - which are used in the diagnosis of heart disease, and the functioning of the valves can be checked.

X-Ray Imaging

We have fully equipped x-ray facilities which allows us to obtain diagnostic images within a matter of a few minutes. Our X‐ray machine is always in action taking radiographs of animals as small as mice up to the size of a Great Dane! Taking X-rays can be used for many very important conditions including orthopaedic injury, tumours, heart disease, as well as many abdominal problems.

These x-rays enable us to get a better "picture" of what might be going on inside your pet.

We also have a digital dental X-ray machine which provides critical information about your pet’s dental health below the gum line.

It's often necessary to sedate a patient so that a more accurate diagnostic x‐ray can be acquired. Why is sedation used? Animals don't understand what is going on when an x-ray is taken so keeping them relaxed and still while positioning them for an accurate picture is difficult so sedation is used.

  • Biochemistry and Haematology Blood Analysers - Blood analysers are used all the time and are a critical diagnostic aid.

  • Blood Pressure Monitoring - The blood pressure monitor is regularly used to monitor as well as diagnose high blood pressure.

  • Endoscopes - Used for internal investigation.

  • Pulse Oximeters - Aid in anaesthesia monitoring.

Wellness Screenings for Pets

Wellness Screenings for Pets

Helping adult pets to live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Nurse Clinics

Nurse Clinics

Our fantastic team of nurses are on hand to discuss any topic related to day to day care.