SERVICES

At Bluffs Animal Hospital, our expertise is focused on dogs and cats.  To ensure that all other creatures receive the best care available, we currently refer exotic pets to a local veterinary hospital that specializes in exotics.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough exam of your animal, discussing any abnormal findings with you.  Further care recommendations such as necessary vaccines, dental cleanings, laboratory testing, and other important diagnostic testing will be made as well.  The veterinarian will discuss diet and other vital age appropriate health issues important to your pet.  Similar to human health care, the wellness exam is one of the most important services performed, allowing for optimal preventive care and management of medical conditions before they go undiagnosed and overwhelm your pet's system.

Sick/Illness Examination

Our hospital is committed to your pet's health and is available anytime during business hours to examine your furry family member.  As it is impossible to plan for the unexpected, please walk-in with your pet at the first signs of illness.  Our staff and veterinarians will provide a prompt and thorough examination, as well as recommend any necessary medical testing to be performed in-house.  If necessary, our veterinarians can also refer your pet to local emergency clinics for after-hours care.

Puppy/Kitten Examination

Having a new puppy or kitten is an exciting and fun time.  Our staff is here to provide tips and advice to aid in raising your new little one.  Our veterinarians will examine your animals and administer important vaccinations, deworming medications, and flea/heartworm preventatives necessary for optimal health.  Our staff will also review proper nutrition and housetraining options.  If requested, we can make a recommendation for a trainer to visit your home and assist with special training needs.

Senior Wellness Examination

The senior wellness exam is an important biannual event in your pet's life.  Our veterinarians will examine your pet and discuss any abnormal findings with you.  Together, you and the veterinarian will make a diagnostic and care plan tailored to your pet's needs.  It is very important to monitor your senior pet's health closely, and the veterinarian will recommend the necessary laboratory evaluation and diagnostic tests deemed appropriate.  Also, the veterinarian will be able to counsel you on arthritis management, special nutrition, and home care needs unique to our senior pets. 

Arthritis Management

Arthritis is a major problem affecting many of our pets, especially as they age.  The symptoms of arthritis can be vague and easily missed.  In addition, many people falsely attribute the signs of arthritis to their pets simply "getting old".  The truth is that many pets will act youthful again when their arthritis is appropriately managed.  Our veterinarians will help you decide if your pet is suffering from arthritis and will make recommendations for useful medications including anti-inflammatory pills or liquid, glucosamine supplements, injectable arthritis medication, and other pain medications.  Often times pet owners report their pet is the best they have been in years following our veterinarian's advice.

Vaccinations & Medications

SPCA Examinations

We are happy to provide a complimentary exam within 10 days of adopting your pet from the SPCA.  During the exam, we will ensure that the pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines and preventative medicine.

Laboratory

Our hospital is equipped with an Idexx laboratory suite to perform CBC (complete blood count), full chemistry panel, electrolyte evaluation, thyroid evaluation, heartworm testing, tick borne disease testing, and special tests such as cortisol and bile acid levels.  We also perform urinalysis and fecal testing. Performing these tests in-house allows us to have results quickly and begin administering the appropriate care within the same day.  We also offer bloodwork monitoring for patients on long-term medications, ensuring patient safety.  For those tests that cannot be performed in our hospital, we use Idexx and Antech commercial laboratories which pick up daily from the hospital.

Dentals

Microchip Placement

We strongly recommend having a microchip identification device implanted in your pet.  This will provide a number unique to your pet which will greatly increase your chance of being reunited if lost and found.  This is especially important to coastal Florida residents as pets are easily lost and displaced during hurricane preparation and evacuations.  Our veterinarians can place a microchip during a quick visit to our hospital, or the microchip can be placed while your pet is anesthetized for a surgical or dental procedure.

Ultrasound
Our hospital utilizes a Siemens ultrasound for evaluation of abdominal organs, and if necessary, to assist in obtaining biopsy samples for evaluation.  Ultrasound technology is a great compliment to x-rays, allowing visualization of organs for abnormalities.  The veterinarians can also perform pregnancy evaluations if needed.

Tonometry 
Our veterinarians use a Tonopen device to assess your pet's eye pressure.  This is especially important in breeds predisposed to glaucoma, and patients showing symptoms of eye pain or discomfort.

Grooming and Bathing

The hospital employs a full time groomer available during business hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for both dogs and cats.  Before your pets first appointment, our groomer will meet with you to discuss the cut and can meet as early as 7:30am for early drop-off.  Our groomer is familiar and experienced with a variety of breeds.  Prices start at $43 for dogs and $70 for cats (depending on sedation needed, matting, etc.).  Your satisfaction is guaranteed!  If you are unsatisfied with your pets cut, we will adjust it the next day at no charge.

We also have staff for a variety of bathing needs, whether it is a general cleaning or a doctor prescribed, therapeutic bath.  We use only the best, high-quality shampoos that will leave your pets coat soft and smelling fresh for weeks.  During your pets bath, they will receive a nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Bathing Prices: varies by hair length and if a medicated bath is needed

DOGS

Up to 25 pounds: $26-$36

26-50 pounds: $36-$46

51-100 pounds: $46-$56

Over 100 pounds: $56-$66

CATS: $36-41 

Please call for a grooming or bathing appointment and please note that your animal must be current on vaccines.  For your convenience, you may drop off your pet as early as 7am and pick them up before 5pm.

Surgery

We offer a wide range of surgical services to better serve our patients.  Patient comfort and safety is our top priority to ensure a positive experience.  Patients are monitored under anesthesia with devices that track blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and respiratory rate.  Pain control is a top priority and is achieved with a combination of drugs that control different pain pathways, allowing a synergistic approach.  Patients are kept warm through a heat integrated surgical table, and monitored closely by the doctors as well as the veterinary technicians.  With a few exceptions, we discharge surgical patients the same day as their surgery, minimizing the time spent in the hospital away from their family.

Boarding

We offer in-door, climate controlled boarding for dogs and cats of all sizes.  To ensure the safety of your family members, our facility is equipped with a fire monitoring and burglary system that alerts authorities and Bluffs staff members that live near the hospital of any building issues.

Veterinarians are at the hospital daily and can evaluate any pet boarding if signs of illness are noted by the staff members.  Our caring staff will also administer any medications your pet is currently taking.  Additional fees may apply for administration of medications or insulin while boarding.  Depending on your preference, we will feed your pet canned or dry Hills Science Diet (and Prescription Diet) or Royal Canine.  You may also bring your own food, but toys and blankets can not be guaranteed to be returned if brought. 

Please call ahead for a boarding appointment, as our facility fills up quickly during weekends and holidays.  We do not offer boarding during hurricane evacuation so please make the appropriate arrangements.

Both runs for larger dogs and smaller kennels are available.  Multiple pets can stay together if you would like (prices are not different).  All dogs will receive a complimentary bath with a 5 night stay and all animals will be treated with a "fluff and puff" after 1 night, which includes brushing, ear cleaning, nail trim and deodorant.

Boarding Prices

DOGS

Up to 19 pounds: $18.73

20-39 pounds: $19.24

40-59 pounds: $19.77

60-79 pounds: $20.29

80-99 pounds: $20.81

100-119 pounds: $21.33

Over 120 pounds: $21.84

CATS: $18.73

Mad Maddie Accessories

Bluffs Animal Hospital is the exclusive location for the Mad Maddie pet accessory line, a Tampa Bay family business.  Choose from the largest assortment of collar and bandana designs on the market, all made locally.  We offer ribbon collars (XS-XL), leashes, harnesses, and "Stay-Put" bandanas that can be customized.