Here at Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we are pleased to have a large amount of veterinary services available for our patients. We are proud to be able to serve Prior Lake, MN and our surrounding communities to give your pet the best care that they deserve!

Our staff at Prior Lake Pet Hospital is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here to help you and your pet! They are highly trained and dedicated to making sure that your pets receive the care and compassion they deserve every time they walk in the door!

We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:

Advanced Digital X-rays  Prior Lake, MN

Advanced Digital X-rays

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital in Prior Lake, MN , we are proud to be on the cutting edge of medical technology. Radiology is a technique and diagnostic tool that we use to look inside the body in an entirely non-invasive way. X-rays allow us to create images of all the body’s organs.

In other words, the use of radiology gives us a view of the internal organs in your pets’ body that we otherwise could not see. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians detect and prevent illness.

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Behavior Management  Prior Lake, MN

Behavior Management

We offer solutions for a variety of behavioral issues that pet owners are faced with. Behavioral problems can be challenging and frustrating for both pets and pet owners, so it is our goal to work with you towards a solution.

There are many behaviors that can be negative or destructive, and many pet owners feel helpless in bringing peace to their home. We want you to know that we are here to help, and that undesirable behaviors can be corrected.

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C-Section  Prior Lake, MN

C-Section

We are highly skilled when it comes to c-sections for breeds such as English Bulldogs, Frenchies and Pugs. These breeds have large heads that can become stuck in the mother’s birth canal.

Over 80% of bulldog litters are delivered by c-section, and because of their body type certain breeds will typically need a c-section to give birth, or whelp.

That’s why we are proud to have expert surgeons who are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to performing c-sections on these breeds. As a pet owner you want the best for your pet, and that is what our surgeons provide.

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Dental Care  Prior Lake, MN

Dental Care

Healthy teeth and gums are the cornerstones to your pet’s life and longevity. In fact, dental care is one of the most important components of your pets’ health care plan. Over 60% of all pets over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease, a serious condition that can affect your pet’s entire body. At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we want to help your pet avoid becoming a part of this statistic so he or she can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Our modern facility is fully equipped to handle everything from routine cleanings to advanced periodontal treatment and extractions. Since dental disease is most often located below the

gum line, we perform dental radiographs (x-rays), which aid in determining the health and viability of each tooth. All dental evaluations, cleanings and procedures require general anesthesia. We pay special attention to each patient, tailoring the anesthetic protocol to their needs. We also have a dedicated technician on hand during all procedures to monitor each patient, ensuring their optimum safety and comfort.

All of our veterinarians have received extensive training in advanced dental procedures, and each of our technicians is certified by the American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians, so you can feel confident bringing your pet to us for their dental care. We’ll also work closely with you to provide guidance and advice on what you can do at home to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean in between visits. Together we will work hard to ensure that your pet enjoys a happy, healthy mouth for life!

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Dermatology  Prior Lake, MN

Dermatology

Your pets’ skin is the largest organ of the body. Allergies, parasites, infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers can all affect your pet’s skin.

We offer specific diagnostic tests like allergy testing, fungal testing, cultures and biopsies, along with the most cutting edge treatments to ensure the health of your pets’ skin.

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Emergency & Urgent Care  Prior Lake, MN

Emergency and Urgent Care

Our staff is dedicated and well trained to handle emergencies of all types. If you’re experiencing an emergency, please call us immediately. Our team of professionals will be able to determine the best course of action for your pet.

Geriatric Care  Prior Lake, MN

Geriatric Care

Preventative medicine is important when our pets are young, but as our pets age, and become prone to certain disease processes, annual exams and blood work becomes even more critical.

Annual exams and blood work to check liver and kidney values, along with thyroid function have the potential to alert us to early changes that may give us valuable information about your pet’s health. We understand the changes your pet will have as they become older, and we also know the importance of keeping your pet healthy as they enter their golden years.

Please call us today at (952) 447-2855 to learn more about caring for your senior pet.

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Health Certificates  Prior Lake, MN

Health Certificates

If you want to travel internationally with your pet, you need to plan ahead. Since each country is different, you will have to contact the embassy or consulate where you are going to find out what you need to do.

Though every country has different requirements, most require a health certificate that is done by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Luckily, we have a USDA-accredited veterinarian. If you are not a client, you need to make sure you bring your pets’ records in with you to the examination.

At the time of your pets’ examination, we will go over the forms that you need. There are times when we will have to run some tests to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for travel. We may also have to treat your pet prior to traveling.

You will always need a health certificate and proof of vaccination. You may also need a microchip and blood tests. Many countries require that your pet get treated for parasites prior to travel. You may also need certificates for the airplane ride.

Since each country is different and we can’t stay up to date will all of the changes in each one, it is important that you call ahead and know what you need. Then, we will make sure that your pet is all ready to go!

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Hospice and Euthanasia

Saying goodbye to your pet can be extremely difficult. The process can be emotionally and mentally draining. We don’t want you to be alone at the end stages of a pets’ life, and we promise to do everything we can to make it easier on you and your pet. Most of all, we promise to treat each case with compassionate and understanding care.

Knowing when the time is right can be a difficult choice. There are many factors that go into deciding to euthanize a pet, and it is a personal issue that differs from pet owner to pet owner. But every pet owner is inevitably faced with making that tough decision, and we want to be there alongside you to aid in any way we can.

If you have special requests, please let us know and we will be sure to accommodate them. Dealing with the end of a pets’ life is never easy, but we want to do whatever we can to make the process less difficult.

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In-House Laboratory  Prior Lake, MN

In-House Laboratory

We are very proud of our laboratory. We are able to perform many diagnostic tests quickly and efficiently in it. We can do many simple tests but are also able to offer some more complex ones, too! We are able to run heartworm tests, leukemia and FIV tests, and full blood work for those who are interested in it. There are also many other tests we offer our patients.

The best part of being able to run laboratory tests in our hospital is that we can diagnose your pets much sooner than if we had to send the blood work out to another laboratory. Whenever your pets are not feeling well, we can offer you results and a diagnosis in minutes instead of making you wait a day (or more) for the results.

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Onsite Diagnostics

Many illnesses and injuries that our pets can suffer from cannot be detected on the surface of the skin. Veterinary diagnostics are invaluable tools that allow us to delve deeper – below the surface to learn exactly what’s happening inside your pet’s body so that an accurate diagnosis can be reached and an appropriate treatment plan put in place. Prior Lake Pet Hospital utilizes a broad range of diagnostic services to manage the ongoing health of our patients.

Radiology (X-ray)

Our state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with digital radiology technology, allowing us to perform rapid, high quality radiographic studies. We provide immediate results which we share with you both verbally and visually. For those situations where a second opinion is necessary, we have access to board certified radiologists with whom we can consult and obtain results in as quickly as 24 hours.

Laboratory

Our in-house laboratory includes the most up to date equipment available for fast and accurate retrieval of diagnostic test results. Our staff is trained to perform a variety of tests including blood organ profiles, complete cell counts, urinalysis, fecal analysis and other common diagnostic procedures. We also utilize the services of a veterinary reference laboratory for advanced diagnostics and uncommon disease identification. This allows us to quickly and accurately diagnose medical and emergency conditions affecting your pet.

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Microchipping  Prior Lake, MN

Microchipping

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we are happy to offer microchipping. Every year, thousands and thousands of pets go missing. Not knowing where your pet is or how to bring them back can be a helpless, hopeless feeling. It’s a tragedy that happens all too often.

But there is a simple, safe, and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and retrieval should he or she ever become lost. Microchipping is a standard procedure that implants a tiny chip underneath your pet’s fur. It is a painless and relatively fast procedure and is completely safe.

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Nutritional Counseling  Prior Lake, MN

Nutritional Counseling

Prior Lake Pet Hospital offers nutritional counseling for pet owners of Prior Lake, MN and surrounding communities. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or would like more information about your pet’s nutritional needs, please contact us today. We can set up a nutrition plan for your pet.

Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to overfeed a cute dog or cat that knows how to beg. Being overweight is a serious problem for animals, and can cause real health problems. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and stay within a healthy weight range.

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Orthopedic Surgery  Prior Lake, MN

Orthopedic Surgery

We perform a variety of orthopedic procedures at our pet hospital. Dr. Schwantes has a special interest in orthopedic surgery. He has invested many hours in continuing education and specialized training to become proficient in performing numerous orthopedic surgeries, including cruciate ligament repair, fracture repair and patellar luxation correction. For those instances where additional advanced expertise is warranted, board certified veterinary orthopedic surgeons are utilized to ensure that your pet receives the highest quality of surgical care and attention.

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Parasite Prevention  Prior Lake, MN

Parasite Prevention

The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. Pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.

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Pain Management  Prior Lake, MN

Pain Management

Pets that are in pain are miserable. For this reason, we will do whatever we can to keep your pets comfortable.

We have many different choices when it comes to treating apets’ pain. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are very helpful with mild pain. We also prescribe steroids which can offer a lot of relief. We also have stronger pain medications if the non-steroidal medications are not enough. We also offer glucosamine in tablets and injections to help with arthritis.

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Pharmacy

It is our goal to provide you with complete veterinary care in a professional and accessible atmosphere. That is why we offer a fully stocked pharmacy to fill your pets’ prescription needs.

Having an on-site pharmacy provides you with a more convenient way to get your pets’ medication. We hope that this will save you time and ultimately enhance your experience with us.

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Preventative Care  Prior Lake, MN

Preventative Care

We believe the best way to promote overall health is through preventative care. Regular checkups allow us to establish a baseline in your pets’ health and make us aware of any changes that may indicate future problems.

We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often health problems that go undetected can become more severe issues when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.

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Puppy & Kitten Care  Prior Lake, MN

Puppy and Kitten Care

Getting a new puppy or kitten is very exciting. You have a lot to look forward to. The great companionship that a good pet can bring is very rewarding. However, puppies and kittens come with a lot of responsibility and work. Here at Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we are here to help you with your new addition.

First, you should always bring your new puppy or kitten in for a full nose-to-tail examination to make sure that you have a healthy new animal. You also want to get him or her familiar with our veterinary hospital.

We are also here to help you raise him or her to become a well-behaved and healthy adult by discussing many topics with you. Our friendly staff is well prepared to discuss vaccinations, nutrition, behavior, socialization, neutering, and much more! No question is off limits so please bring any questions along to your appointment. We are here to help you succeed at raising a good pet!
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Spay and Neuter  Prior Lake, MN

Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering are important and necessary medical procedures that enhance the quality of your pets’ life. Not only does spaying and neutering have positive effects on your pets’ health, it’s also vital to controlling the homeless pet population.

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Ultrasound

Ultrasounding is a quick and painless procedure. It uses sound waves to allow us to see inside your pets, without using the harmful radiation produced when we take x-rays.

We are pleased to be able to offer ultrasounds, along with all of our other diagnostic tools, to help your sick pets start to feel better soon. The quicker we can find the problem, the sooner your pets will be back to their normal selves.

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Vaccinations

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital in Prior Lake, MN , we believe that one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating him or her against possible diseases. There are a variety of diseases which affect our pets, and other animals, so proper vaccination is vital to protecting them from many types of illnesses.

It is important to consult with us about the unique risks of living in our region. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet with vaccinations, as well as, provide you with information on the required vaccinations for your pet.

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Wellness Exams  Prior Lake, MN

Wellness Exams

When it comes to keeping your pet happy and healthy, routine wellness care provides the perfect foundation. These annual or semi-annual visits allow our doctors to gather a complete health profile for your pet and then use that information to monitor any changes that may occur along the way. Early detection of disease can significantly improve the outcome for your pet and can reduce the costs of veterinary care for you over time.

During each wellness visit, our friendly, knowledgeable veterinarians perform a complete head to tail physical exam which includes a thorough assessment of all body systems. We provide your pet with the core vaccinations needed to maintain good health, as well as tailor additional vaccinations to the lifestyle of you and your pet. We will also discuss your pet’s nutritional needs, behavioral concerns, parasite control and wellness testing.

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we take pride in our comprehensive wellness and preventative medicine programs, which have been specifically designed to meet the unique care needs of each life stage, from puppies and kittens to adult cats and dogs to those pets that have reached their senior years. Most importantly, wellness visits allow us to get to know you and your pet better and to develop a solid bond that will last throughout your animal companion’s lifetime.

We want your pet to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life, and it starts with quality wellness care.

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Therapeutic Laser

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we take pride in the fact that we are constantly updating our equipment, techniques and education to be able to deliver the most cutting-edge treatment options for our patients. We now offer therapeutic laser therapy, a non-invasive and painless treatment that is designed to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation.

Therapeutic laser therapy can be utilized in a number of cases, such as chronic pain associated with arthritis, non-healing skin wounds, ear infections, degenerative disc disease and urinary tract inflammation, just to name a few. For your convenience, we offer both single treatments and packages. Ask us how the therapeutic laser can help your pet.

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General Surgery

At Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we offer a full range of routine and advanced surgical services. Our state-of-the-art surgical suite is fully equipped with everything needed to keep patients safe and comfortable, including a heated surgery table, advanced anesthesia machines and monitoring devices. Each procedure has a dedicated anesthesia technician monitoring your pet every step of the way, from pre-operative evaluation to advanced monitoring during surgery to a smooth, comfortable recovery. At Prior Lake, safety is our number one priority. This starts with tailoring your pet’s anesthesia to his/her needs and medical conditions rather than adopting a “one size fits all” approach.

Equally important is pain management. This starts before pain even begins with our pre-operative administration of pain medication. Pain management continues during surgery with the use of the surgical laser and a variety of other pain management techniques (epidural, nerve blocks and continuous rate infusion of pain medication). After surgery, all of our patients receive a cold laser therapy treatment which reduces pain and inflammation and speeds up healing. We also realize that pain does not begin and end at the hospital door. To that end, each patient is sent home with medication ensuring their continued comfort throughout their recovery.

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Laser Surgery

Prior Lake Pet Hospital is proud to be one of the few veterinary hospitals in the area to offer laser surgery as an added level of advanced surgical care. We use our surgical laser on all of our surgical patients. The benefits of utilizing this innovative technique include decreased pain, less swelling, less bleeding and a faster recovery time. We will continue to adopt and offer new technologies as they become available to ensure that our patients are always provided with the best available veterinary care.

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Digital Radiology

Here at Prior Lake Pet Hospital, we are excited about digital radiology and what we can do with it for our clients.

It has always been our goal to give our clients the very best care. To do this, we are constantly learning new things and working hard to keep our equipment up to date.

One way we give your pets the best care is with digital radiology. It is quick. We can often see the images seconds after we take the films. It also saves time because we don’t have to repeat films if they are too dark or too light. We can simply change the contrast!

When your pets are not feeling well, we might recommend radiographs. They allow us to see what is going on inside your pets without surgery. We are able to get amazing pictures using digital radiology.

Be sure to contact us today at (952) 447-2855 if you have any questions about our digital x-ray unit.

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