“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”
A.D. Williams
Complete Veterinary Services in Union and Westfield, NJ
Just as in human medicine, it’s important for your pet to have a primary care doctor, too. A trusted professional who shares your vision for a long and healthy life. Someone you can turn to whenever you have a concern about your pet’s health. Someone whose knowledge of your pet’s medical history helps speed diagnosis and treatment. Someone who safeguards your pet’s health through regular well visits and routine screenings, and can identify and treat minor problems before they can become major ones. This is precisely what we do at Westfield Veterinary Group.
Your dog or cat has different health care requirements at each stage of life. That’s why Westfield Veterinary Group has developed preventive wellness programs tailored for puppies and kittens, adult pets, and senior pets.
Puppies and Kittens: Like infants, puppies and kittens require a series of monthly health exams and lab work during their first 6 months of life. Our comprehensive pediatric visits include a physical exam to ensure proper development, parasitic disease screening and treatment, and vaccinations. If appropriate, we’ll begin year-round preventive medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm parasites. At 6 months of age, we recommend spaying or neutering and microchipping your pet.
Adult Pets (Ages 1-6): For adult dogs and cats, we recommend a yearly wellness visit consisting of a comprehensive physical exam, dental health evaluation, vaccinations, intestinal parasite evaluation, and screening for exposure to common tick diseases, heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and others.
Senior Care (Pets Age 7 and Older): Older pets can develop illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The key to managing these conditions effectively is early detection and treatment. Because animals have a unique ability to hide disease and pain, we recommend that you bring in your senior pet for a physical exam at least twice a year. We also perform blood and urine tests to catch diseases in their earliest stages, allowing your pet to enjoy the longest and healthiest life possible.
Puppies and Kittens: Like infants, puppies and kittens require a series of monthly health exams and lab work during their first 6 months of life. Our comprehensive pediatric visits include a physical exam to ensure proper development, parasitic disease screening and treatment, and vaccinations. If appropriate, we’ll begin year-round preventive medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm parasites. At 6 months of age, we recommend spaying or neutering and microchipping your pet.
Adult Pets (Ages 1-6): For adult dogs and cats, we recommend a yearly wellness visit consisting of a comprehensive physical exam, dental health evaluation, vaccinations, intestinal parasite evaluation, and screening for exposure to common tick diseases, heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and others.
Senior Care (Pets Age 7 and Older): Older pets can develop illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The key to managing these conditions effectively is early detection and treatment. Because animals have a unique ability to hide disease and pain, we recommend that you bring in your senior pet for a physical exam at least twice a year. We also perform blood and urine tests to catch diseases in their earliest stages, allowing your pet to enjoy the longest and healthiest life possible.
Vaccinations
Your pet is unique and has individual needs when it comes to vaccinations. We vaccinate based on your pet's lifestyle and other risk factors.
Because your pet deserves only the best veterinary care, Westfield Veterinary Group uses only the latest veterinary diagnostic technology.
Our digital radiography units produce high-quality, high-resolution x-ray images more quickly than traditional film x-rays. This results in less time on the x-ray table and less stress for your pet. Digital x-ray images can be saved to a disc or emailed, allowing for fast consultations with specialists, when necessary.
Laboratory Services
Since your pet cannot talk to us, we must rely on other veterinary diagnostic methods such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal testing to help screen and diagnose his or her medical problems. Our in-house laboratory features the newest and fastest equipment available and transfers your pet's results automatically into his or her electronic medical record, where it is evaluated by your veterinarian. This means extremely accurate diagnostic results with a faster turnaround time, resulting in an immediate diagnosis and treatment plan for your pet.Digital Radiography
Radiographs (x-rays) help the veterinarian diagnose many potential health problems, including the location and severity of fractures, the identification of foreign bodies, heart disease, cancer, and broken or impacted teeth.Our digital radiography units produce high-quality, high-resolution x-ray images more quickly than traditional film x-rays. This results in less time on the x-ray table and less stress for your pet. Digital x-ray images can be saved to a disc or emailed, allowing for fast consultations with specialists, when necessary.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an advanced imaging technique that uses sound waves to provide a real-time moving image of your pet's internal organs. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing abdominal and cardiac problems and can also be used to detect tumors, foreign bodies, and other illnesses. The Westfield Veterinary Group is proud to offer on-site ultrasound services performed by a veterinary specialist.Electrocardiography (EKG / ECG)
Our doctors routinely utilize EKG / ECG to help diagnose and treat heart disease and arrhythmias.Glaucoma Screening
Dogs, and sometimes cats, can develop glaucoma, a serious condition in which the pressure in the eye becomes elevated. It is important to diagnose and begin treatment for this condition very quickly, because increased intra-ocular pressure can lead to blindness. We utilize a specialized instrument to determine the pressure in the eye. This is a painless procedure that can be performed during an examination.
Your pet's safety and comfort before, during, and after surgery are our highest priorities. This focus starts well before any procedure begins, when we perform age-appropriate pre-anesthetic blood testing to make sure your pet’s organs are functioning properly, and can effectively process and eliminate anesthesia.
During surgery, we use the latest anesthetic techniques as well as sophisticated equipment, which continuously monitors your pet's heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure and recovery.
Pain management is an integral part of our pre- and post-operative protocol. Pain medication not only keeps your pet comfortable, but it also helps ensure a faster recovery. Our veterinarians are experts in pain management and use the safest and most effective medications available.
Your pet's surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art sterile surgical suites, which are equipped with today’s most advanced surgical equipment and veterinary surgical technology.
For pets undergoing orthopedic surgery, we offer physical Rehabilitation services to help them recover and regain their strength, mobility and flexibility.
During surgery, we use the latest anesthetic techniques as well as sophisticated equipment, which continuously monitors your pet's heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure and recovery.
Pain management is an integral part of our pre- and post-operative protocol. Pain medication not only keeps your pet comfortable, but it also helps ensure a faster recovery. Our veterinarians are experts in pain management and use the safest and most effective medications available.
Your pet's surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art sterile surgical suites, which are equipped with today’s most advanced surgical equipment and veterinary surgical technology.
The types of surgery we perform
At Westfield Veterinary Group, our veterinarians perform a wide range of soft-tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures each day. These include:- Spays and neuters
- Tumor and mass removals
- Hernia repair
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Foreign body removal
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)
- Fracture repair
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery
- Patella luxation surgery
- And more…
At Westfield Veterinary Group, we take your pet's oral health seriously. That’s because dental disease is the most common medical problem among adult dogs and cats. Bad breath, discolored teeth, red and swollen gums, and changes in eating habits can be signs of dental disease.
Left untreated, dental disease can lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease. That’s why our veterinarians recommend regular dental cleanings or other oral health treatments based on your pet's condition.
Anesthesia is necessary for veterinary dental procedures as it enables our veterinarians and technicians to perform treatment as quickly as possible without causing your pet discomfort or stress. See the American Veterinary Dental College for more information on anesthesia and dental health.
To ensure that your pet’s safety during dental procedures, we routinely conduct pre-anesthesia testing, use today’s most advanced anesthetic agents and equipment, and monitor your pet’s heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature during the entire procedure and recovery period.
In addition, we use human-grade scaling and polishing instruments, oral surgery instruments, and digital dental radiographs (x-rays) so that your pet receives the safest, most thorough dental care possible.
Your pet's dental cleaning: What to expect
Your pet is admitted to the hospital on the morning of the scheduled procedure. After a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s general health, anesthesia is administered for a safe and painless sleep during the procedure.
If any abnormalities are detected during the oral exam and dental x-rays, additional treatments may be necessary and are explained to you. Oral surgery may be indicated to biopsy abnormal lesions or extract teeth. Antibiotic gel is sometimes infused around the teeth to encourage healing of the gums. In some instances, referral to a veterinary dental specialist may be recommended.
When your pet wakes up from anesthesia, a Westfield Veterinary Group team member will call you to discuss the procedure and schedule a discharge time for your pet.
After your pet's dental cleaning
Your pet's dental care doesn't end at the hospital. Caring for your pet's teeth at home is an important preventive measure that promotes good oral health and is a great way to bond with your pet.
Our staff can demonstrate how to brush your pet's teeth at home. We also can provide recommendations for pet foods and treats that promote oral health. Together, we can create a dental plan that keeps your pet's smile bright and healthy!
Left untreated, dental disease can lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease. That’s why our veterinarians recommend regular dental cleanings or other oral health treatments based on your pet's condition.
Anesthesia is necessary for veterinary dental procedures as it enables our veterinarians and technicians to perform treatment as quickly as possible without causing your pet discomfort or stress. See the American Veterinary Dental College for more information on anesthesia and dental health.
To ensure that your pet’s safety during dental procedures, we routinely conduct pre-anesthesia testing, use today’s most advanced anesthetic agents and equipment, and monitor your pet’s heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature during the entire procedure and recovery period.
In addition, we use human-grade scaling and polishing instruments, oral surgery instruments, and digital dental radiographs (x-rays) so that your pet receives the safest, most thorough dental care possible.
Your pet's dental cleaning: What to expect
Your pet is admitted to the hospital on the morning of the scheduled procedure. After a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s general health, anesthesia is administered for a safe and painless sleep during the procedure.
- A complete oral exam including radiographs (x-rays) to identify any problems beneath the gum line. Common painful problems that could be identified with radiographs are broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, dead teeth, abscesses or infected teeth.
- A thorough cleaning under the gum line where periodontal disease lurks. This is done through a combination of ultrasonic and hand-scaling. After the tartar is removed, each tooth surface is smoothed by hand prior to polishing.
- An oral health evaluation where each tooth is examined separately. The gingival pockets are measured and recorded. Any abnormal gum tissue, inflammation, or oral growths are noted.
When your pet wakes up from anesthesia, a Westfield Veterinary Group team member will call you to discuss the procedure and schedule a discharge time for your pet.
After your pet's dental cleaning
Your pet's dental care doesn't end at the hospital. Caring for your pet's teeth at home is an important preventive measure that promotes good oral health and is a great way to bond with your pet.
Our staff can demonstrate how to brush your pet's teeth at home. We also can provide recommendations for pet foods and treats that promote oral health. Together, we can create a dental plan that keeps your pet's smile bright and healthy!
Rehabilitation for pets is similar to physical therapy for humans and offers many of the same benefits. If your pet has arthritis, takes medication for chronic pain, has undergone orthopedic surgery, is overweight, has a neurologic condition, or just seems to be slowing down due to age, he or she could benefit significantly from rehabilitation therapy.
The rehabilitation services we offer include:
Depending on the condition being treated, you should expect to see near immediate results for superficial problems, and results after 6-12 treatments for deep-tissue problems.
Other treatment modalities: Westfield Veterinary Group uses a range of treatment modalities as part of your pet's physical therapy and rehabilitation plan. Here’s an overview of the methods we use to increase your pet's function, range of motion, and overall quality of life:
The rehabilitation services we offer include:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems such as muscle weakness and paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain. For small animals, musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems, skin issues, gastrointestinal problems and certain reproductive problems are some of the general conditions that may be treated with acupuncture. Dr. Adam Borut is an International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) trained acupuncturist.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation, and increases blood supply to speed healing, with no known side effects. It’s used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, dermatological problems, and pain. Whether your pet is recovering from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, the laser has been shown to provide relief and speed healing.
Other treatment modalities: Westfield Veterinary Group uses a range of treatment modalities as part of your pet's physical therapy and rehabilitation plan. Here’s an overview of the methods we use to increase your pet's function, range of motion, and overall quality of life:
- Massage: Therapeutic or medical massage increases flexibility, develops and maintains muscle tone, and relieves stiffness and joint discomfort
- Range of motion & stretching exercises: Range of motion (ROM) and stretching exercises benefit post-operative patients and pets with chronic conditions by enhancing flexibility and movement while minimizing scar tissue formation
- Thermotherapy: The use of heat (thermotherapy) and cold (cryotherapy) helps to reduce muscle inflammation, control muscle spasms, increase circulation, and relieve pain
- Electrical stimulation: An advanced instrument that produces low-level electrical current is used to increase muscle strength and tone, reduce pain and ease muscle spasms
- Ultrasound: Therapeutic ultrasound is effective in heating deep tissue, which relaxes muscles and calms muscle spasms. It also increases blood flow, which alleviates pain and reduces swelling.
- Weight management: Overweight pets are at risk for a number of health problems including arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory disease. We can design a weight management program for your pet that includes diet, exercise, and physical therapy.
Avian and Exotic pets
We enjoy caring for all types of pets. Your avian or exotic pet is also welcome to receive comprehensive and compassionate veterinary services at Westfield Veterinary Group. Our veterinarians provide advanced care for a wide range of animals in addition to dogs and cats, including:
We understand the special health care needs of your unique pet, and offer general medicine and surgery for these special animals, as well as routine nail, beak, and wing trims.
We enjoy caring for all types of pets. Your avian or exotic pet is also welcome to receive comprehensive and compassionate veterinary services at Westfield Veterinary Group. Our veterinarians provide advanced care for a wide range of animals in addition to dogs and cats, including:
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Birds
- Pocket pets such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, fancy mice and rats
- Reptiles, including snakes
Saying Goodbye
A wonderful life by your side is truly the most precious gift your pet could ever have been given. It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, but we will help you do so with grace, dignity, and compassion. We will make sure to work with you to know whether the time is right, and to answer any questions you might have. During the process, you and your beloved companion will have all the time you need in a respectful and private setting. We know how much it hurts. We've said goodbye to the pets we have loved too. And we will support you in every way we can.