Faqs

You Ask It And We Answer It!!!! If you have a question that is not listed here, contact Elm Point Animal Hospital at info@elmpointvet.com and we will answer your question ASAP.

How do I know if my pet needs to see a doctor?

If your pet has trouble breathing, trauma, bleeding, stumbling, seizing, difficulty delivering puppies or kittens, and many types of eye problems, they should be seen right away. Changes in appetite or activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, limping, itching or losing hair, or his eyes look abnormal, are also indications that a visit is warranted. Sometimes it’s hard to tell at home, so don’t hesitate to call us at 636-757-7350 and talk to one of our technicians or doctors if you aren’t sure.

What about after-hours emergencies?

If it is during our normal business hours (Mon - Fri: 7 am-8 pm; Sat: 7 am-4 pm), call our number first at 636-757-7350 to check the doctor’s availability. We pride ourselves on being available for your pet's needs 24/7. At Elm Point Animal Hospital we always have a technician in the facility 24/7 to answer phone calls and care for the needs of our overnight guests. PLEASE NOTE: Any office visits after normal business hours are subject to an emergency fee.

Can I make monthly payments?

We always provide a written estimate of the cost of operations or emergency procedures before treatment and work hard to develop treatment plans that will be successful and fit into the family budget. You as the client can deny any service, at any time. Our policy has always been that payment is expected at the time of service. We accept cash, credit cards, and personal checks. We do not have an in-house payment plan, but we do have payment options for those who qualify. Please ask one of our staff for more information.

Will you provide a prescription so that I can have it filled with an Internet or mail order service?

Although we try to accommodate our client's wishes, please keep in mind that the medications we sell are 100% guaranteed to be made in the United States under FDA guidelines. Medications that are available over the Internet, through 800 numbers, or catalogs, do not always offer the same guarantee and may be made offshore without adequate quality control or stored in improper conditions. In order to assure your pets’ best health, we strongly encourage you to investigate whether the medications you order for your pet are of the same high quality that we provide. For more information regarding online pharmacies please click on the following FDA link

Why does my pet have to come in annually if she received a 3-year vaccine?

At Elm Point Animal Hospital, we emphasize preventative medicine. Yearly exams are important, but building a good relationship with your veterinarian is very beneficial. We are only a phone call away and would be happy to answer any questions. Puppies/Kittens and seniors usually require more than a yearly examination. Remember that this is necessary because they age a lot faster than people do. In addition to revealing any possible abnormalities, the information from the exam becomes part of your pet’s medical history and maybe critical when an emergency or serious illness arises.

What is a microchip and how does it work?

Although tags and collars are important, they can tear or slip off. With microchipping, on the other hand, a veterinarian injects a tiny computer chip—about the size of a grain of rice—just under your pet’s skin, between the shoulder blades. A number on the microchip is entered into an international database, like the Central Animal Registry or PETtrac. If your dog or cat is found, any animal hospital, shelter, or humane society can use a microchip reader to read the unique ID number contained on the chip. The veterinarian or worker can access the database by inputting the number given off by the microchip. The chip can’t be lost or damaged, and it lasts for the pet’s lifetime. The microchip is convenient, safe, and reliable.

Why does the hospital require blood testing for routine exams?

During your pet’s routine exam or if it is suspected that something is wrong, your veterinarian may wish to run laboratory tests using a sample of your pet’s blood, urine, skin, hair or feces. These tests are important to help your veterinarian understand your pet’s health status.

When your pet is healthy, your veterinarian may run laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel and urinalysis, to establish your pet’s “baseline” values. Then, if your pet ever gets sick, your veterinarian will compare your pet’s current laboratory results to his previous baseline value to determine if the current values are abnormal.

When your pet is sick, laboratory test results will help your veterinarian confirm the presence of certain illnesses and rule out other diseases. Your veterinarian may also run laboratory tests during treatment to track the path of the disease and see how your pet responds to treatment.

If your pet is scheduled for surgery, your veterinarian may run pre-surgical screening tests in order to determine if your pet is at risk of complications while under general anesthesia. These screening tests may be recommended for pets of all ages, including young, healthy pets.

Why does a dental (teeth cleaning) require anesthesia?

A complete dental examination, teeth cleaning, and dental x-rays cannot be performed on a dog or cat without anesthesia. Groomers or other organizations which claim to clean teeth on a pet that is awake do not clean between the teeth, under the gumline or take x-rays of the teeth. Not cleaning these areas will lead to chronic periodontal disease. This chronic infection under the gum line will lead to abscessed teeth and can harm the heart, kidneys and other vital organ systems. At Elm Point Animal Hospital we use the safest possible protocol, similar to what is used in human medicine. Your pet will be monitored throughout the procedure by both the doctor and our highly trained certified veterinary technicians.

What does a Spay/Neuter cost for cats/dogs?

Spays and neuters are priced according to species, size/weight, and special circumstances such as age, “in heat”, pregnancy, pyometra (infected uterus), or puppy/kitten package or rescue/shelter discounts. Our prices include anesthesia, in-hospital pain medications, and overnight hospitalization (except for cat neuters). Please ask to speak to one of our staff members for an estimated cost for your pet.

What does a dental cost?

Dental costs vary depending on the pet’s age, care, the condition of the teeth and gums, possible extractions and the need for pain control, and how long the procedure takes. At the pre-dental examination, our doctors evaluate the pet’s dental health and overall health, and our staff prepares a detailed estimate based on these findings.

Do we offer boarding?

Yes, click here for complete information on boarding at Elm Point Animal Hospital. Boarding fees are $26.00 per day for dogs and $23.00 per day for cats! Other considerations such as pets that require regular medications may increase the daily fee. All pets boarded at Elm Point Animal Hospital require vaccines. Please call us today for more information at 636-757-7350.

Do we see exotics/avians/pocket pets?

We are working on it but if you need it now, we can provide this service. Please call us today for more information at 636-757-7350, and ask one of our receptionists if your particular critter is on this list.

I need a refill of my pet’s medication from a different vet, do I need an exam?

By state law, we can fill an original prescription faxed to us by the prescribing veterinarian. State law limits how many times we can fill a prescription without examining the patient.

Can you refill my prescription from two years ago? It’s the same problem.

In order to prescribe medication for a patient, there must be a valid doctor-patient-client relationship. For most medications, this requires an examination within the past year. For certain medications, the examination must have been performed within the past 6 months. There is the potential that it is NOT the same problem, or that the patient’s overall condition has changed. Laboratory work may be needed to ensure that the patient won’t be harmed by the medication. In addition, newer and potentially more effective treatments may have been developed since the last occurrence of the problem.

I’ve found/have a stray, do you guys take them? Do we take kittens, dogs, or other animals?

No. We do not take in found strays of any species. We can refer you to a local facility and no-kill shelters that may be able to assist you. Please call us today at 636-757-7350, if you have questions regarding strays.

Do we euthanize pets?

Yes, if one of our doctors has determined that euthanasia is the most humane alternative for a patient.

Do we do disposals/cremations for after euthanasia?

We have disposal and cremation services available. Costs vary by weight of the animal. Please contact us at 636-757-7350 and ask one of our receptionists for the price of these services.

My pet had their shots last year, why does he need boosters?

Each vaccination needs to be boostered depending on the animal’s risk of exposure to that disease. The exception is the Rabies vaccination: the first vaccination is valid for 1 year; subsequent Rabies vaccinations are valid for 3 years unless you plan to relocate to an area that requires more frequent vaccinations.

Do we take walk-ins?

While we prefer to see patients by appointment, we do realize that illnesses and injuries don’t always occur at convenient times. We will try to work you in as soon as we are able. If it is the case of an emergency without an appointment, clients will be charged a $63 Emergency During Hours Fee.

Can I drop my pet off for his exam and pick them up later?

For your convenience, with any of our services that you schedule, you may drop your pets off any weekday morning after 7:00 AM and pick up anytime before closing. Your pet will be cared for throughout the day for routine care or urgent need exams. We only ask that you be available to us by phone throughout the day, if needed.