|
FALL EDITION : November 2015
|
 |
|
Now Open!
The
Animal Vision Center of Virginia
is now open, serving dogs, cats, horses and animals of all shapes and sizes in Hampton Roads. We had a great time at our grand opening celebration, Oct.17, as guests and their pets came to check out our new state-of-the-art surgical center at 521 Old Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach. They toured the facility, led their dogs through a canine agility course and mingled on the lawn with ponies, llamas, rabbits, ducks and chickens that were part of our on-site petting zoo. Thank you to our friends at Baladi Mediterranean Cafe and Thai Arroy Restaurant, who provided delicious foods for all to enjoy. And a special thanks to our supportive local businesses (listed below), who contributed a fabulous array of items for our silent auction. If you weren't able to come to the opening celebration, please drop by and visit us any time! The Center is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thank you to our silent auction contributors:
|
|
|
The value of having animals undergo an annual physical checkup is widely known and practiced. But many pet owners don't always recognize that eyesight quality is an integral part of their pet's overall health. The Animal Vision Center of Virginia offers a full array of
animal eye care services
including eye exams and diagnosis, medical therapies, genetic testing for ocular conditions, and surgeries for cataracts, eyelid conditions, dry eye, corneal and iris conditions, glaucoma, lens extractions and even eye removal, when necessary. We also provide free ocular exams for service dogs. Our team will consult at either our Virginia Beach location or at referring veterinary practices throughout the greater Hampton Roads area, from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg.
|
Ask Dr. Heather
As a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, I have treated dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, pocket pets and a variety of other exotic and wild animals. I created
the Animal Vision Center of Virginia to provide the best animal eye care in Hampton Roads.
In each issue of Insights, I'll be happy to answer questions you may have about ocular care, treatments, recommendations and concerns about your patients and/or pets. Send your questions to me at
Dr.Heather@AVCVA.com
. Here are a few questions I am frequently asked:
What are the signs that my pet may have eyesight problems?
The most common signs of decreased vision include hesitancy in the pet when they move around their environment, bumping into objects and decreased willingness to walk into dark environments or rooms. Other signs that a pet might have an eye problem can include eye redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness or squinting. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to have your animal's eyes examined, and we are here to help.
What takes place during a typical examination?
We start the evaluation by obtaining a complete history of both the ocular changes noted at home, as well as the pet's overall systemic health. The ocular exam begins with several tests of vision, followed by an overall evaluation of the eyes and surrounding structures. Next, we use a slit-lamp biomicroscope to evaluate the front portion of the eye on a microscopic level. This instrument allows for optical sectioning of the eye in a similar fashion to what is possible with histopathology, or tissue sectioning of the globe. Next, the back of the eye, or retina and optic nerve, will be evaluated using indirect ophthalmoscopy and a series of condensing lenses. If needed, we may conduct additional tests.
What is the most unusual animal you have treated?
While I have treated a number of unique critters (just this week - a wallaby, a screech owl, a corn snake, a red-tailed hawk and a chicken!), the most unique situation was being involved in the surgical removal of a cataract with restoration of vision to Câsar, a 38-year-old African elephant residing at the North Carolina Zoo!
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Heather Brookshire, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Opthalmology
Dr. Brookshire grew up in northern Michigan and obtained her undergraduate degree (BS, Biology with Honors) at the University of Michigan in 2002 before moving west to Colorado, where she completed her general veterinary training at Colorado State University. After receiving her doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM, (Cum Laude) in 2008, she completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at North Carolina State University. Following a 6-month ophthalmic internship, she completed a 3-year combined residency program in comparative veterinary ophthalmology with Animal Eye Care Associates and North Carolina State University. She became a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist after passing the national American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) board examination in 2013.
|
|
|
Superfoods for Super Pets!
Soon, we'll be dining on turkey with tasty sides made from fresh fall superfoods. While we don't suggest you give your dogs and cats treats from the table, there are foods you prepare and serve them to support eye health. Take a look ...
Boiled broccoli
- packed with beta-carotene
Raw carrots - crunchy and rich in Vitamin A, B,C,D,K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium.
Salmon and tuna - high in Omega-3 fatty acids
Eggs - great source of protein
Steamed kale - antioxidants for sun protection
Cooked sweet potatoes - one of the best superfoods, loaded with beta-carotene
|
What Our Clients Say
"So kind and caring of my fur baby! Couldn't have been a better experience. My Olive had bilateral cherry eye and she looks great now. Dr. Heather and Melissa are wonderful!"
--Kathy B.
|
Coming up in
our next issue
Introduction of our newest employee, Ashley Pierce
Opthalmic Challenge
"Case of the Month"
|
OPHTHALMIC TRAINING SESSIONS
We are dedicated to helping you manage the ophthalmic care of your patients in any way possible - whether it be on a patient referral basis, or by providing basic training to your clinic on ophthalmic
diagnosis and treatment. Please call 757-749-4838
to schedule a clinic training session on the
ophthalmic topic of your choice.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON "LUNCH & LEARN"
Animal Vision Center of Virginia will soon be providing
quarterly accredited Friday afternoon continuing
education sessions to veterinarians and veterinary staff members.
SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
Please visit our website to learn more about this at
www.avcva.com.
|
ANIMAL VISION
CENTER
of VIRGINIA
521 Old Great Neck
Road, Suite 2
Virginia Beach, VA
757-749-4838
_____________________
HOURS OF
OPERATION
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Every Other Saturday
10:00am - 2:00pm
|
|
|
|
