Wellness exams include routine care such as annual checkups and vaccinations. These exams are performed to ensure that your pet stays in optimal health. These exams are also a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about your pet. During your pet's exam, the doctor will take the current weight of your pet to make sure he or she is maintaining a healthy weight. Vaccinations are discussed and are administered according to each pet's needs. These vaccines work to keep your pet's defenses strong against diseases they may encounter during day to day activities such as going for walks or to the park. The doctor will also discuss preventative measures such as heartworm and flea & tick medications. It is also a good idea to perform blood work on a yearly basis during your pet's wellness exam as a preventative measure. Routine blood work can alert pet owners to conditions that may exist but have not begun to show symptoms. If caught early, many conditions can be treated and can help your pet live a longer and happier life!

Assisi Veterinary Hospital has a state of the art, fully equipped surgical suite. In this suite we can perform routine surgical procedures such as spaying and neutering as well as the most complex life saving procedures. All of our procedures are conducted using laser technology. Laser surgery uses a highly concentrated CO₂ wavelength to simultaneously vaporize and seal off soft tissue. This method is incredibly efficient and offers many benefits for the patient. Such benefits include reduced bleeding, less pain, and reduced risk of infection. In addition to performing surgery, our suite also accommodates complete ultrasound technology which allows Dr. Guzman and his staff to diagnose and monitor conditions that may affect your pet's internal organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Our facility also has top notch anesthetic monitoring systems to ensure your pet remains completely comfortable during all procedures.

Oral hygeine is a crucial part of maintaining a long and healthy life for your pet. Did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats are already suffering from periodontal disease by the age of three? Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria present in tartar and plaque which builds up on your pet's teeth over time. If your pet has foul breath or dark material around the base of their teeth, they are likely suffering from periodontal disease. Infection of the teeth and gums can lead to severe mouth pain, and tooth loss or infection. If infections are left untreated, they can travel into your pet's internal organs causing further health problems.

The good news is that through routine dental procedures, we are capable of removing this bacteria laden buildup from around your pet's teeth. A dental procedure includes scaling away all tartar from the teeth and polishing and restoring maximum health to the teeth. Home oral care will also be discussed after this procedure so oral hygiene can be maintained. Home oral care can involve anything from brushing or rinsing of the teeth on a daily basis to using dental specific chews or simple tabs that can be put in your pet's water that will inhibit bacteria growth in the mouth.

Do you have to go away for an extended period of time? Does your pet destroy your house while you are at work? If so, consider our boarding and/or day care services. Our canine boarding facility offers spacious runs with radiant heated flooring. Your pet will enjoy cozy bedding, fresh food and water, and three daily walks and play sessions. Walks take place in our fenced in outdoor area where your pet can get some sun and fresh air while they sniff around and explore. Playtime takes place in our indoor playroom where your dog can enjoy some time off leash and play fetch with our friendly kennel staff. When it is time to go home after a boarding visit of three or more nights, your dog will also receive a complimentary bath, ear cleaning, and pedicure to top off their stay!

Our feline guests will enjoy the beautiful kitty condos during their stay. The kitty condos offer plenty of room to jump, play, and relax as well as eat and use the litter box. Located on our top floor, the condos  offer a peaceful oasis with expansive windows and views of feeding birds for entertainment. Our feline guests also get cuddle time throughout the day with our caring kennel staff.

If you would like to leave your pet with us for the day, we also offer day care services in both our boarding area as well as our hospital area. Day care is useful for pets who are lonely at home and may behave destructively. It is also good for pets who may be recovering from surgery and should not be left home alone or who may need medication while their owners are at work. Day care services also include fresh food and water according to owner specifications as well as cozy bedding, toys, walks and playtime.

If you are considering boarding and/or day care, here are some things you need to know.

• All pets must be examined once by our doctor prior to their first stay with us. This is to ensure the animal coming into the hospital is free of illness. This can be done prior to your visit or on the same day as you drop off. If a pet is found to be ill, they will simply be cared for in a seperate area of the hospital with specialized ventilation and care by our hospital staff.
• All pets must be current on vaccines including rabies, distemper (aka DA2PP or Combination Vaccine) and bordatella (kennel cough). Pets must also have had a fecal test within the last year.
• All pets will be given Capstar, which is a pill that immediately kills fleas. This is to ensure that our hospital stays a flea free facility.
• Please allow yourself 10-15 minutes when dropping your pet off so you may give us instructions on your pet's eating habits as well as sign a boarding consent form and estimate of cost.

Here are some images of our boarding facility, you may also stop in anytime for an on the spot tour!

Catch your pet playing in the mud? Dont worry, we can get them looking shiny and new! No matter which breed you have, our hospital staff and groomer can get them looking like the best in show.

Canine Grooming with Haircut

Canine grooming with haircut is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and appointments should be made in advance. A canine grooming includes a hypoallergenic oatmeal bath, ear cleaning, pedicure and a hair cut. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our groomer Jennifer, please call 516-256-0022.

Feline Grooming with Haircut

Feline grooming (shavedowns or lion cuts) can be performed five days a week by our technician staff. A complete routine bath, ear cleaning, and pedicure are included in a feline grooming. To schedule an appointment for a feline grooming, please call 516-256-0022.

Canine and Feline Baths Only

Canine and Feline baths only are available seven days a week and will be performed by our kennel staff. We usually have availability the same day you call if needed. A routine bath includes hypoallergenic oatmeal bath, ear cleaning and a pedicure. To schedule an appointment, please call 516-256-0022.

*All pets must be current on vaccines.

Before and After Gallery

Did you know that 1/3 of all pets will go missing in their lifetimes, and only 20% of them ever make it home? This is a horrifying thought to anyone who has a pet they love, but with a microchip you can protect your pet and dramatically increase the chances that they will be brought home.

Here at Assisi, we can implant a Bayer resQ microchip, which is an internationally accepted technology. More reliable than collars or tags, this chip goes under your pets skin and will serve as a permanent form of identification should your pet ever get lost. If your pet was picked up and brought to any shelter or veterinarian, they would be scanned for a microchip. This chip will emit a signal to the scanner with a personal identification number which can then be searched in a nationwide database. Once the number is found, the database company contacts the owner and arrangements are made to reunite the pet with it's family.

This microchip is very affordable and registration as well as lifetime membership to the database is completely free. Free 24/7 live support is also available for pet owners.

Don't risk losing your best friend, ask about microchipping today.

Nutrition is one of the most important considerations for the well being of your pet. Feeding a high quality diet means that your pet will get the nutritional requirements it needs to maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding a specialized diet can also help manage many health conditions such as obesity, allergies, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, oral health, renal disease and urinary tract disease.

We carry a full line of veterinarian approved diets such as Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets, Eukanuba, Iams, Life's Abundance and Purina. We also carry a full line of treats for pets with special dietary needs, food allergies, or oral hygiene care.

Unable to bring your pet to us? Don't worry, we can come to you!

House calls are available to clients who are unable to bring their pet to our office for various reasons. A pet may be too large to get into the car, may be feeling too sick, or may just hate going to the vet's office.

Whatever the reason, our hospital staff can come to your home and perform routine exams and diagnostic screenings. Blood work can be brought back to our in house lab for evaluation and results are available that same day! Our hospital vehicle is also available and is equipped to transport animals to and from our facility as needed.

If getting your pet to the office is too stressful, call and schedule an appointment for a house call today!

We all know mutts are special dogs, but do you ever wonder exactly where all those loveable traits come from? Maybe your dogs protective instinct is because they are part shepherd, or maybe their goofy demeanor is from being part lab. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can't figure out what breeds make up your furry friend.

Advances is canine DNA profiling now allow us to take a sample of your pet's DNA and send it to a lab for breed analysis. This test will give definitive answers as to which breeds are in your pet. This test is also useful for ensuring the accuracy of breeding bloodlines as well as screening for potential disorders and traits in bloodlines.

Collection of a DNA sample is easy, either a swap from your pet's cheek, or a blood sample is all that is needed.

Are you planning on traveling with your pet? Either on a plane, by car or by railroad, you should know that any interstate or international travel with live animals requires a certificate of health inspection by a USDA licensed Veterinarian. Dr. Guzman is fully licensed by the USDA and can issue your pet an official health certificate for use when traveling. All that is required to obtain this certificate is a complete medical examination, and up to date vaccinations. These services can be performed seven days a week at your convenience.

Please read the following information so you can be fully prepared for your trip!

*Source - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/content/wp_c_pet_travel_tips.shtml

Important -- Travel Container: 

Many injuries, deaths, and escapes can be attributed to either the pet trying to escape the kennel and as a result hurting its paws and/or gums, or due to actual escape. Escapes can be due to a variety of causes. For example  a dog can chew its way out of the kennel if it can get its upper and lower teeth between slits or holes in the plastic sufficient enough to apply force; dogs and cats may be able to push the door open or partially open and escape; the kennel lock is broken or not properly latched; or the kennel itself  is not properly and securely assembled.  For further  information on the  types of injuries of  transported pets, please go to the Department of Transportation consumer report page at:  http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/index.htm  Go down the long report to the very last page for animals incidents. The reports are by month and year.

    Tips on Selecting a Travel Container for your pet:

• Look for one that is put together securely, e.g., locking bolts
• Look for metal doors instead of plastic (pets may be able to chew through or bend/buckle plastic doors
• Stronger doors have 4 metal rods that fasten the door to the container
• Ensure door lock mechanism is strong and effective
• No wheels -- most - if not all - airlines will not accept a container with wheels
• Airlines or Air transport organizations do not certify containers. Statements such as "airline accepted" or "IATA Approved" are misleading.

Acclimate: 

Be sure to acclimate your pet to the kennel it will be traveling in. Let it spend varying lengths of time in the kennel several days before travel so that it is familiar with it.  Some pets are stressed severely by being placed in a strange cage. Also, you may wish to put some article of clothing that you have worn into the kennel during transportation.  This may help calm the pet.  An old T-shirt that you have slept in for one or more nights will work well.

Sedation:
Sedation of your pet is not generally recommended for air travel. The pets safety is at risk. Please refer to a statement from the American Veterinary Medial Association (AVMA)

Travel Abroad:

Always check with the destination a month or more in advance of your trip. Each country has their own set of rules, some simple, some complex, and some require quarantine. Please Go to this page: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/. Also check with one of our State offices for more information and/or to have health certificates "officially" endorsed (some countries require government endorsement). You can find your state office here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Don't Forget:

Many Animal Welfare Organizations have information on pet travel on their websites. It is easy to find these organizations through a web search on such words as "pet travel" etc.

Vet-Stem regenerative cell therapy uses your pet's own natural healing cells to help regenerate injured tissues. Regenerative cells are harvested from your pet's own fat and are capable of turning into a variety of tissue types, including: tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, smooth and cardiac muscle, liver cells and others.

This type of treatment is currently approved for use in treating:

• Arthritis of the knee, hip, and elbow
• Soft tissue repair of tendons and ligaments
• Partial tears

Vet-Stem regenerative cell therapy has many benefits including:

• 48 hour turnaround time between harvesting and treatment
• No intial cell culturing
• Uses naturally occuring stem cells
• Produces a high yield of regenerative cells
• Can turn into many types of cells
• Easy & safe to collect
• Uses a non-vital renewable tissue source

VSRC therapy produces more normal and complete healing because it aides the body's natural healing process. The use of VSRC therapy has been successfully used for osteoarthritis as well as soft tissue orthopedic issues. If your pet suffers from any of these issues, speak with one of our veterinarians about Vet-Stem as a possible treatment option today!*

A K-Laser is a theraputic laser that uses ultraviolet light as a treatment for many different ailments.

This is a holistic therapy that has been accepted and used in Europe for years and was approved for use in the United States in 2002. The therapy can be used in a variety of situations, most commonly for wound healing and chronic pain cases, such as arthritic pets and traumatic injury.

According to K-laservet.com, Laser Therapy is proven to bio-stimulate tissue repair and growth. The Laser accelerates wound healing, and decreases inflammation, pain, as well as scar tissue formation. When it comes to pain management, Class IV Lasers are a side effect free and non-addictive treatment that provide dramatic results.

Below are some positive effects of the K-Laser for your pet.

• Improves and promotes healing
• Reduces pain and spasm
• Increases joint flexibility
• Reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Improves peripheral microcirculation
• Detoxifies and eliminates trigger points
• Advanced pain relief
• Deeper penetration than Class III lasers
• Delivers more laser energy to the target tissues
• Faster treatment times
• Effective treatment in 3-8 minutes
• Faster patient recovery time