What to Expect

Veterinary Services in Wilmington, NC

In your search for a veterinary facility, we at Needham Animal Hospital believe you should expect high-quality care as well as great service. Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our world-class service and a state-of-the-art veterinary facility.

Your pet’s annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, thoroughly investigating your pet’s head, body, and tail. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian may be in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect.

It’s a good idea to keep an accurate medical notebook of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet and notes on things like your pet’s elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences.

Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including:

Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain the results of your pet’s medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it’s good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Pet

Choose a veterinarian who is calm, compassionate, and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom you and your pet feel comfortable. Try to make it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery, and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young, or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few exams, including a chest X-ray and blood and urine lab work, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure, he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after. Doctors may refer you to specialist veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care, if your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience. When choosing a veterinary provider, you should be able to count on superior care and excellent service.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment at Needham Animal Hospital

At Needham Animal Hospital, we strive to bring your pet the best possible healthcare. When you schedule, we will ask that you fill out our New Patient Intake Form prior to scheduling so we can start the process. We will call you to schedule an appointment as soon as we have your new patient form and previous veterinary records.

You can ask your previous veterinary office to email or fax your medical records to us before your appointment, or we would be happy to contact them. Having your pet’s previous medical records at your appointment can save you time and money.

If you’ve kept one, bring in any journal of your pet’s health and behavioral issues. If not, let us know everything that you think will be important.

Schedule your appointment by calling our office at (910) 799-2970 or booking online.