Preventive Care

• Dental Care
  We are a full-service, AAHA accredited, an animal hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services to pets in Port Orange and the surrounding areas. Our veterinarian offers a wide variety of medical, surgical, and dental services. We provide complete vet care for our patients, and our veterinarians are well equipped with advanced equipment and technologies to provide the highest standard of care for your pet.
• Vaccination
  New clients are always welcome. New clients are expected to have a scheduled appointment, to bring prior records with them, and to arrive ten minutes early to complete paperwork. We are required by law to give a Rabies vaccine to any patient who does not have proof of a current rabies vaccination. The only exception is if one of our doctors believes the patient to be too ill to receive the vaccination that day. We will NOT see your pet unless you agree to this policy. Our doctors’ medical licenses will not be compromised because a client may have “forgotten” their old records or because an owner does not believe in the Rabies vaccination. Simply put, it is the law.
• Behavioral Counseling
  At Halifax Veterinary Center we use acupuncture mostly for musculoskeletal, neurological, and behavioral problems and for geriatric well-being, but have also used it for immunologic problems and as an adjunctive treatment for cancer. Stimulation of the immune system in chronic infections and hard-to-treat infections can be very rewarding when we see the patient heal.
• Nutritional Counseling
  Leptospira (Leptospirosis): Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water from wildlife’s urine. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. Signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in the frequency or amount of urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), or painful inflammation within the eyes. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people.
• Comprehensive Examination
  At Halifax Veterinary Center, scheduled appointments always come first. We do, however, see walk-in patients when our schedule allows. A walk-in patient who needs a wellness exam and vaccines may not be able to be seen by us that day. A walk-in patient who needs an exam for feeling ill will be triaged. Any patient in respiratory distress will be immediately taken to our treatment area to be assessed. However, if stable, you may be asked to wait until we can fit your pet in. If we cannot fit your pet in and your pet is stable enough to go to the emergency center, we may direct you there. A walk-in, no matter well or ill, may have to wait hours to be seen or be turned away due to our scheduled appointments for the day. It is always recommended to schedule an appointment instead of being a walk-in.

Illness Treatment

• Parasites Treatment and Control
  When health problems are identified, a medical plan will be outlined to evaluate the problems in depth. If your pet appears to be healthy enough for routine preventive care, your veterinarian will discuss which immunizations are advised, as well as parasite prevention including heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, etc.). Annual age-appropriate lab tests, testing for heartworm and/or tick-borne diseases, and fecal tests for parasites may also be recommended for your pet. Finally, your pet’s nutrition, diet, and exercise routines can be assessed and optimized to help your pet be in best physical condition for their lifestyle and age. Remember, keeping up with preventive care for your pet is the best way to keep your pet happy and healthy for life.
• Pain Management
  Kathleen D. Bartos M.S., D.V.M. opened HVC in July 1990. She received her B.S. degree in zoology from Duke University and her M.S. in veterinary physiology from the University of Florida before attending veterinary school. She completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree at the University of Florida in 1986. She studied veterinary acupuncture with Dr. Shen Xie at the Chi Institute in Gainesville, FL, is certified in therapeutic laser and stem cell therapies, and is a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. She is also an active member of the American, Florida and Volusia/Flagler Veterinary Medical Associations. Dr. Bartos and her husband enjoy spending time with their dog Abby (Labrador Retriever) and their cats Kira (Domestic Shorthair), Monsta (Domestic Shorthair), Dax (Siamese), and #1 (Domestic Shorthair).
• Vomiting Treatment
• Diarrhea Treatment
  FVRCP: The FVRCP vaccination is an important part of your cat’s routine. It prevents three potentially deadly airborne viruses: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Rhinotracheitis is triggered by the common feline herpes virus. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and drooling. Your cat’s eyes may become crusted with mucous, and he or she may sleep much more and eat much less than normal. If left untreated this disease causes dehydration, starvation, and eventually, death. Calicivirus has similar symptoms, affecting the respiratory system and also causing ulcers in the mouth. It can result in pneumonia if left untreated—kittens and senior cats are especially vulnerable. Panleukopenia is also known as distemper and is easily spread from one cat to another. Distemper is so common that nearly all cats—regardless of breed or living conditions—will be exposed to it in their lifetime. It’s especially common in kittens who have not yet been vaccinated against it, and symptoms include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This disease progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. Without intervention, a cat can die within 12 hours of contracting the disease. These three viruses can be contracted by cats at any age. Kittens should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by three booster shots once a month. Adult cats should receive a booster once every year or two, according to your vet’s recommendation. Adult cats with unknown vaccination records should receive a FVRCP vaccination, plus a booster.
• Skin Condition and Allergy Treatment
• Upper Respiratory Illness Treatment
  Influenza: Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called “canine influenza viruses.” There are two different influenza A dog flu viruses: one is an H3N8 virus and the other is an H3N2 virus.
• Injury Treatment

Infection Treatment

• Leptospirosis Treatment
  SNAP tests: point-of-care “snap” tests are available for certain infectious diseases such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Giardia, and Leptospirosis.
• Parvovirus Infection Treatment
• Feline Retro Virus Treatment
  Leukemia: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. FeLV depresses the immune system and tends to lead to persistent infection. FeLV is an important cause of anemia in cats and can cause cancers of several types. It is found worldwide and is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids. There is no treatment to eliminate the FeLV virus from the body, and the disease is ultimately fatal. Therefore, preventing infection with FeLV through vaccination is highly recommended.
• Bacterial and Viral Infection Treatment
  Degree of periodontal disease. This occurs as a result of bacterial infection along the gum line, due to the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance containing millions of bacteria that forms along the tooth surface and gum line. Without frequent removal, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. Left untreated, this leads to gradual destruction of the gum tissue and supportive structures around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss. Not only is periodontal disease harmful and painful because it results in loss of teeth, but it can also cause damage to important vital organs such as the...
• Anal Gland Infection Treatment

Chronic Condition Treatment

• Arthritis Treatment
  These conditions will start to become more prevalent as your pet gets older. For this reason, we recommend twice-yearly veterinary visits for pets over 7 years of age. Your aging pet may be showing early signs of osteoarthritis such as stiffness after rest or play, difficulty going up or down stairs and reduced activity. Early intervention with joint supplements and prescription arthritis medications when indicated, along with modified nutrition and exercise plans, can greatly improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. Likewise, performing annual screening lab work on your older pet can help identify early stages of medical problems that might go unrecognized, and progress significantly without treatment.
• Heart Disease Treatment
  “After moving to the area, we needed a new vet for our senior dog. She’s 14 and has congestive heart failure and high anxiety. The staff was wonderful in taking their time with our fur baby and being very honest and mindful of her age when recommending treatment at this stage in her life. We couldn’t recommend it more highly- and this is coming from a very picky client who looks for the best of the best!”
• Kidney Disease Treatment
  Any pre-surgical testing that is recommended – baseline laboratory testing is beneficial so that there are no surprises on surgery day. Knowing that your pet has normal blood test results can help prevent anesthetic complications or surgical complications such as excessive bleeding, which can occur when patients have low platelet counts or abnormal clotting. When there is liver or kidney disease, this may affect the choices of anesthetic drugs recommended by your veterinarian, to prevent anesthetic complications and promote a smooth anesthetic recovery.
• Periodontal Disease Treatment
• Cancer Treatment
  (like an arthritic joint). (Likewise, while using conventional chemotherapy for cancer treatment, the addition of acupuncture treatment and herbal medicine has been proven to extend life AND quality of life in many of our patients.)

Emergency Care

• Wound and Fracture Care
• Poisoning Treatment

Surgery

• Veterinary Surgery
  At some point in your pet’s life, they may need a surgical procedure. Whether your pet is having an elective surgery such as spay or neuter, or an emergency surgery for intestinal obstruction, you can rest assured that our staff will provide the very best care possible for your pet.
• Spaying and Neutering
  Spaying and neutering are additional topics to consider; the appropriate age for the timing of sterilization surgery may vary upon the species and breed of your pet. You may also want to consider Pet Health Insurance – a great way to get your new little family member off to a good start. Last but not least, you’ll also want to consider whether your new puppy or kitten may need preventives such as monthly heartworm prevention and flea/tick preventives. We realize that adding a new family pet can come with lots of questions... but don’t forget, we’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call.

Lab and X-Rays

• Laboratory Services
  We offer three levels of in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in.  Our doctors prefer the more comprehensive screen because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet.  For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.
• X-Ray
  A pre-anesthetic admittance will be required to perform a pre-anesthetic EKG and chest x-ray. At that time, a staff member will go over the surgery estimate and pre-surgical paperwork.
• Dental Radiology
• Microchipping

General Pet Care

• Grooming
  Many pets need routine grooming. Let us take the hassle out it for you, and pamper your pet for you! We offer several grooming services including...
• Senior Pet Care
  We love Senior Pets! Senior pets have special needs, and benefit from more regular veterinary visits compared to their younger counterparts. Age-associated conditions include...