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Preventive care allows for your pet to live as long and as happy a life as possible. It is commonly said that prevention is the best medicine, and that is true even for our furry friends.
Preventive medicine offered at University Animal Hospital includes:
Health examinations
One of our skilled veterinarians will look over your pet from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. Physical examinations include listening to the heart and lungs, looking at the eyes, ears and coat and feeling the pet for internal abnormalities such as joint issues or lumps. Depending on your pet's age this needs to happen once or twice a year, your veterinarian will help to determine what your pet needs.
Vaccinations
Keeping your pet up to date on their shots is one of the best ways to ensure lifelong health. Your dog or cat is better protected from many common contagious diseases when they are vaccinated. You and your doctor will determine which vaccinations are necessary for your pet's lifestyle.
Canine vaccines include: Distemper/Parvo, Rabies and Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Blood testing
Blood tests are a window into your pet’s life. Blood tests will give us vital information concerning kidney, liver, and other organ functions, along with some disease process such as diabetes. Animals age much faster than humans, so one year to us can be 5-7 years to a pet, for this reason changes in health may appear much more rapidly. Performing blood tests will let us know what kind of changes may have occurred and if we should be treating for any health problems.
Parasite checks and medication
When most people think of parasites, they think of worms. Intestinal parasites such as
roundworm and
tapeworm are most common in puppies and kittens or animals that have been in a contaminated environment. There are also other organisms that may infect your pet that you may never see such as
giardia and
coccidia. Many of these parasites can be a problem for humans too, for this reason we offer routine fecal checks to look for all possible intestinal parasites and make sure we are treating your pet appropriately and keeping your family safe.
What happens if you lose your dog and he isn’t wearing any identification? If your pet is microchipped your chances of getting them back are drastically improved. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Implanting an animal with a microchip is a simple procedure and can be done at any time. When your pet is fitted with our ResQ brand microchip they have a unique, universal identifier on at all times. This universal chip can be read on a variety of scanners including those found at animal control and humane society facilities. It is also readable on international scanners, so your pet can be identified anywhere in the world.
Puppy and Kitten vaccination plans

At University Animal Hospital we want to ensure your pet receives the best care from their very first visit, so we offer a comprehensive plan that will cover all of your new puppy or kitten’s basic preventative care at a 30% discount. Upon completion of the plan, your pet is eligible to receive a 10% discount off the spay or neuter performed between 6 and 8 months.
Depending on the age and history of your pet when the plan is started, they may require anywhere from 2 to 4 visits. Call to receive a quote custom fitted to your pet’s needs.
This pre-paid program covers the following procedures:
Puppies:
- • Health consultation at every visit
- • Distemper/Parvo vaccine at every visit
- • Rabies vaccine at the last visit
- • One fecal sample checked
- • Heartworm preventative/worming pill at every visit
Microchip implantation and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine are available at the same 30% discount and may be added to your pre-paid plan. You and your doctor will discuss what vaccines are necessary due to your pet’s lifestyle.
Kittens:
- • Health consultation at every visit
- • Feline Distemper vaccine at every visit
- • One fecal sample checked
- • Feline Leukemia/FIV blood test
Microchip implantation, Rabies vaccine, and Feline Leukemia vaccine are available at the same 30% discount and may be added to your pre-paid plan. You and your doctor will discuss what vaccines are necessary due to your pet’s lifestyle.
If your pet has any intestinal parasite infections that require more than one fecal test or additional worming medication you will continue to receive the 30% discount, but the charges for these additional procedures will not be included in your pre-paid amount.
Surgical procedures such as spays, neuters and dentals
Preventative surgery eliminates potential health threats before they have a chance to cause problems.
Neuters: Neutering is the surgical removal of the male reproductive organs (the testicles). Having your male fixed at about 6 months of age reduces the chance of developing poor behavioral traits such as marking, humping and aggression. It also prevents your pet from developing testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate issues later in life.
See Surgery for more information and pricing
Dentals: Proper
dental care is perhaps the most over looked issue in animal health. Most pet owners do not realize the severity of a bad mouth; they just think their pet has bad breath. But dental disease is so much more than bad breath. A diseased mouth not only makes it difficult for the pet to eat comfortably, it also acts as a gateway for bacteria to infect the rest of the body. The bacteria that make the mouth so bad also have direct access to the blood stream and can travel into the body, causing problems in the heart, liver and kidneys.
See Surgery for more information and pricing
Every animal has special needs and our staff works to offer the best care for your pet based on these individual needs.

Often times the issues of the geriatric pet are easily maintained. Problems such as arthritis, heart and kidney disease can be treated, but if left unchecked these conditions can cause serious problems and adversely affect the quality of life. It is critical that we evaluate your pet at least once or twice a year, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.
Geriatric medicine offered at University Animal Hospital includes:
Comprehensive blood panels
Regular blood work is a good idea at any age, but especially for older pets. It is critical that we see your pet at least once a year to evaluate any changes common with the aging process.
EKG
Electrocardiograms allow us to see and record the heart’s electrical activity. This shows us if there is any weakness in the heart or irregular heart rhythm. An EKG may give us insight into potential heart disease or other problems affecting the heart.
Ultrasound and digital x-ray
Diagnostic imaging can give you a window into your pet’s health by looking at their organs. Our digital x-ray provides crisp, detailed imagery of various organs such as the heart, lungs and liver.
Ultrasound and echocardiograms may provide more details about these soft tissue organs.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure may be checked regularly as part of a geriatric exam or it may be necessary to check due to the medications your geriatric pet is on. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may be the result of many medical conditions, and the presence of high blood pressure in your pet may indicate a more serious condition needs to be treated. It can also be a side effect of certain medications common in older pets, regular evaluation is critical to ensure your pet is safe.
Fluid therapy
As your pet ages the vital organs such as the kidneys do not function as well.
Administering subcutaneous fluids (fluids under the skin) is one way to help your pet’s body handle the work load. We will be happy to demonstrate how to give fluids at home or administer fluids here in the hospital as needed.
Medication
Our pharmacy is stocked with medications to aid the aging cat or dog. From joint supplements to heart medications, we have what you need to help your pet live a long and happy life.
At University Animal Hospital we strive to help every pet live a long and happy life, and we will guide our clients to make informed decisions regarding their pet’s health and welfare.

Orthopedic problems can affect any pet, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. At University Animal Hospital we have two doctors with special interests in orthopedics and are able to provide most surgical and diagnostic treatments.
Orthopedic medicine offered at University Animal Hospital includes:
Hip dysplasia x-rays
Available with most common anesthetic procedures, a hip x-ray will check for possible problems. This is especially important for large breed dogs predisposed to
hip dysplasia such as Labradors and German shepherds.
OFA x-rays
For owners looking to certify their pet's hips with the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, we offer OFA radiographs. This procedure is performed on an adult dog under anesthesia. OFA certification is often a requirement in order to breed and sell certain breeds of AKC registered dogs.
Surgical procedures
Many times an orthopedic problem such as a broken bone,
luxating patella or a
torn ACL will require surgical correction. Our doctors perform several of these procedures every month. If our doctors feel that the surgery required is beyond their expertise they will refer you to a board certified specialist.
For some of the more complicated conditions we refer to trusted specialists, but you can always rely on University Animal Hospital to provide post operative care such as pain management and x-rays.

At University Animal Hospital we offer surgery Monday through Friday, by appointment.
Note: If your pet is over the age of 5 years at the time of a surgical procedure we will need to perform a pre-surgical blood test and EKG, we will also place a catheter and run fluids during the surgery. The blood tests and EKG will check vital organ function and give us an idea of how your pet will handle anesthesia, the IV fluids will keep your pet hydrated and keep their blood pressure up while under, it will also act as a direct line in the event of an emergency. These procedures are highly recommended whenever a pet goes under anesthesia, but do not require it for animals under the age of 5. The additional cost for these procedures is $146.00.
Surgeries regularly performed at University Animal Hospital include:
Spay/Neuter
This procedure is done under anesthesia; you will drop off the morning of surgery and pick up that afternoon or evening. Your pet will be electronically monitored before, during and after surgery by trained surgical technicians. Your pet will receive a pre-surgical pain medication that will last throughout the day.
The total for a basic cat spay is $294.75, with IV fluids and blood panel $440.75
The total for a basic dog spay is $333.30, with IV fluids and blood panel $479.30
There will be additional costs if your pet is in heat or pregnant at the time of surgery or if additional pain medication is required at home.
The total for a basic cat neuter is $211.90, with IV fluids and blood panel $327.90
The total for a basic dog neuter is $267.90, with IV fluids and blood panel $413.90
There will be additional costs if additional pain medication is required at home.
Dental
Dental cleanings will always be performed under anesthesia. Your pet’s mouth will be thoroughly examined and the teeth cleaned and polished. Dental x-rays, antibiotic treatments and extractions will be performed as necessary. An exact quote for a dental cleaning depends on the condition of the mouth and what will need to be done; this will be provided when you drop off for surgery.
A basic dental includes the dental clean and polish under anesthesia, pre-surgical blood screen which includes a full CBC and 6 chemistries, EKG, IV catheter and fluids and antibiotic injection at the time of the dental. You will drop your pet off in the morning and pick up the same afternoon or evening.
At your discharge a veterinary technician will discuss the condition of your pet’s teeth and suggest various preventative procedures such as a periodontal vaccination (available for dogs only), dental diets and treats, and toothbrush kits.
The total for a basic dental cleaning is $494.30
Additional charges may be incurred depending on the severity of the dental disease present; your doctor will inform you of potential procedures.
Ear cropping
Cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking and dewclaw removal are only done to certain breeds and must be performed at a specific age.
Ear cropping is performed between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks. You will drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon or evening. During the drop off you will consult with the doctor regarding the procedure, feel free to bring in pictures of what you would like the crop to look like.
A typical ear crop includes electronic monitoring before, during and after the surgery, the surgery performed by
laser under anesthesia, pain medication and antibiotics at the time of surgery as well as to take home and post surgical rechecks at 7 and 14 days.
This procedure requires a lot of follow through on the owner’s part to ensure the crop is successful, do not hesitate to call with questions or come in for a nurse to examine the crop if you have concerns. The rechecks done at 7 and 14 days after surgery are included in the surgery price, however additional re-coning and re-taping may be required at the owner’s expense.
The total for a basic ear crop is $713.40, with IV fluids and blood panel $859.40
Tail docking and dew claw removal
These procedures are not done on all pets. Tail docking is done only on certain breeds and not all puppies are born with dew claws. Tail docking and dew claw removal must be done to puppies between the ages of 3 to 5 days old. This procedure is not performed under anesthesia. The incision is typically closed with glue or dissolvable suture, so follow up is only required if there are complications.
If your pet is older than 5 days, you will have to wait until they are old enough go under anesthesia to have this procedure done (usually this is no earlier than 4 months of age). At that time this procedure will be considered a full surgery. Please call for pricing information on these procedures.
Declawing
Declawing a cat involves the removal of the first bone of every toe. The joint is separated and the skin closed over the remaining toe. This is a delicate procedure and our doctors prefer to perform this surgery with a
laser. Your cat will be kept in the hospital for 2 days post surgery in order to ensure the incisions are healing correctly. Your cat will also receive pain medication and antibiotics during surgery as well as to continue at home.
The total cost for a basic declaw is $ 504.25, with IV fluids and blood panel $650.25
Orthopedic
Doctors Jim Flegenheimer and Bob Koch both posses a special interest in orthopedic medicine and perform various types of repairs regularly. An orthopedic surgery can involve anything from repairing broken bones to the reconstruction of a joint. The doctor must be consulted regarding the nature the problem in order to establish what surgery is necessary and the cost.
There is also the possibility that your doctor may refer you to a specialist for the repair. This is done when medical situations are more complicated and the doctor does not feel comfortable proceeding. It is important to remember that a referral to a specialist is always done in your pet’s best interest and that University Animal Hospital will always be there for your pet’s post surgical care.
Growth removals
The nature of a growth effects how it is treated. Benign growths such as fatty tumors and skin tags are often removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they bother the pet. Other growths are removed and tested to better understand their composition and any implications they might have for your pet’s overall health. Because growths can vary so much, an accurate surgical estimate must be provided by the doctor. The level of anesthesia, use of laser, laboratory tests and post operative medication are all variables the doctor must consider.
Eye tacking
This procedure is most often performed on puppies that have developed a condition known as entropion, in which the eye lid rolls into the eye, causing irritation and damage to the eye. Eye tacking can be done without anesthesia in puppies and may repeated as needed until the puppy is old enough to go under anesthesia and have a permanent repair performed. Your doctor will inform you of the best course of action if you have a puppy with entropion.
Emergency surgery
There are some circumstances in which surgery cannot wait. While these situations can be scary for an owner, you can trust University Animal Hospital to perform at their best. Emergency situations that may result is surgery include: gastrointestinal problems such as
bloat and foreign body blockages, trouble during labor,
inability to urinate, and open/bleeding wounds. If you believe your pet is having an emergency please call 480-968-9275.
Note: If your pet is over the age of 5 years at the time of a surgical procedure we will need to perform a pre-surgical blood test and EKG, we will also place a catheter and run fluids during the surgery. The blood tests and EKG will check vital organ function and give us an idea of how your pet will handle anesthesia, the IV fluids will keep your pet hydrated and keep their blood pressure up while under, it will also act as a direct line in the event of an emergency. We recommend these procedures whenever a pet goes under anesthesia, but do not require it for animals under the age of 5. The additional cost for these procedures is $146.00.
We understand that pets can be difficult for certain procedures, so if you would like to add on an ear cleaning or nail trim while your pet is asleep we would be happy to accommodate. If you would like to have any secondary procedures performed such as hip x-rays, a dental cleaning, or growth removal (procedures that must be done under anesthesia anyway) please inform your doctor and we may be able to add that procedure to your pet’s surgery.

Our carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the most widely used type of medical laser in the world, produces an invisible beam that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Since the laser can be precisely controlled, our veterinarians can remove or "cut" only a thin layer of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected.
At University Animal Hospital laser surgery is used in cosmetic surgeries such as
ear cropping and
declawing, but it can also be used to correct many common conditions such as cysts, tumors, and warts in dogs, cats, and other pets. Specialized internal procedures are also possible.
Laser surgery is less painful, more precise, has less bleeding and swelling and a faster recovery time. Your veterinarian will tell you when a procedure can be performed by laser.

University Animal Hospital is proud to offer state of the art medicine and diagnostics. The ability to perform these diagnostics enables us to know more precisely what is wrong and better treat your pet, the ability to do these tests in-house means that we can get this information faster. In an emergency we are able run many of these tests immediately, and when every minute counts this is critically important.
In-house diagnostics include:
Blood work
We are able to perform various blood tests on site, enabling us to diagnose and treat your pet faster. Our basic blood panel includes a 6 chemistry and CBC profile. We are also able to perform quick tests to check for various viruses and blood borne illnesses such as heartworm, tick fever, feline leukemia and FIV.
Urinalysis
Many conditions can be discovered by performing a urinalysis. Obvious urinary conditions such as an infection or crystals can be detected immediately when performing this test in-house. This test can also indicate a more subtle condition like diabetes or kidney failure.
Fecal analysis
A fecal test is a common way doctors rule out the more easily treated gastrointestinal problems when they are treating your pet. Parasites and bacterial overgrowths can be detected by testing a fecal sample.
Digital x-rays
The ability to perform x-rays is not uncommon at veterinary facilities, but our digital radiographs set University Animal Hospital ahead of the pack. Digital x-rays are faster, crisper and more detailed than traditional film x-rays. Digital x-rays are also easier to transport if you must be referred to a specialist-they are simply put on a CD. If necessary we can even email x-rays to another facility, making it faster for them to treat your pet.
Endoscopy
There are times when a doctor wants to better visualize a pet’s internal systems such as the gastrointestinal tract but standard imaging like x-rays is not enough. Endoscopy allows the doctor to see inside your pet without undergoing invasive surgery. The upper and lower GI tracts and the nasal cavity are all easily examined by endoscopy, tissue samples may even be taken if biopsies are indicated by your doctor.
EKG
Electrocardiograms allow us to see and record the heart’s electrical activity. This shows us if there is any weakness in the heart or irregular heart rhythm. An EKG may give us insight into potential heart disease or other problems affecting the heart.
Blood pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) may be the result of many medical conditions, and the presence of high blood pressure in your pet may indicate a more serious condition that needs to be treated. It can be also be a side effect of certain medications common in pets and regular evaluation is critical to ensure your pet is safe.
Cytologies
When the doctor wants to examine a condition on a cellular level, they will perform a cytology test. A cytology may be done on a fluid sample collected from a mass or on an ear swab taken from your pet. The purpose behind a cytology is to understand what types of cells are involved in your pet’s condition, which is critical to ensure the pet is being treated correctly. A cytology may be performed in-house for an immediate result, or sent out for a comprehensive test.
Cultures
If your pet is battling an ongoing infection, a culture may be ordered by your doctor. When a culture is performed a sample is taken from your pet and the cells are grown over the period of several days to weeks. The most common culture performed in-house is a fungal culture, testing for the presence of ringworm. Bacterial cultures are sent out and once the cultures are grown, they are tested with various antibiotics to find what medication will best treat your pet.
Ultrasounds

Ultrasound offers a non-invasive and non-painful method of imaging the internal organs and greatly assists the diagnostic process. Ultrasound can allow your doctor to visualize internal anomalies such as cysts, masses and abscesses that x-ray sometimes cannot. It is the perfect instrument for assessing soft tissues such as the liver, spleen and heart. University Animal Hospital offers in-house ultrasound and echocardiograms. We offer services ranging from pregnancy exams to organ biopsies. Our doctors also collaborate with outside experts on complex cases, ensuring your pet receives the best possible medicine.
In addition to our in-house diagnostics, we also offer comprehensive panels that are sent to an outside lab with most results back within 72 hours. Your doctor will discuss options for different tests and their benefits.

We currently have two doctors on staff with special interest in exotic pets. We are dedicated to offering the same level of care to your exotic pet as we do to our dog and cat patients. Whether it is a tiny pet mouse, preening parakeet or 100 pound tortoise, we understand the special and unique health concerns of your pet.
Our exotic animal medicine services include:
Health exams
Just like for our dog and cat patients, our exotic pets should have a thorough examination at least once a year. One of our skilled veterinarians experienced with exotic pets will carefully look over your special friend, from tip to tip, to make sure they are healthy and happy. Physical examinations for exotic pets are performed very similarly to those in dogs and cats, with a few differences of course.
Pre-hibernation exams
For those reptile patients that hibernate over-winter here in Arizona, we recommend a thorough pre-hibernation examination. These visits are designed to make sure your pet is ready for the long winter’s rest. We check their weight, hydration, feel their belly for anything abnormal, listen to their breathing to make sure it’s nice and clear. A fecal examination to screen for parasites is also highly recommended as well.
Husbandry consultations
Our veterinarians understand that exotic pets often have very special needs and that proper care is vital to their wellbeing. We are available to provide the information and advice you need to help your friend stay happy and healthy.
Behavioral consultations
Behavior problems aren’t just for the dogs and cats, at University Animal Hospital we understand the special challenges faced when it comes to exotic pet psychology. Whether you have a screaming macaw, a feather picking cockatoo, or an aggressive tortoise, we’re here to lend a helping hand.
Parasite screenings
Intestinal parasites are incredibly common in captive reptiles. Using a fresh fecal sample we are able to quickly screen your pet reptile in-house for many different parasites and then prescribe any necessary treatment.
Vaccination (ferrets)
Don’t forget - Ferrets need vaccines too! Ferrets should be vaccinated for both distemper and rabies, receiving a series of vaccinations as babies followed by annual boosters as adults.
Laboratory testing
Just as with dogs and cats, blood work and other laboratory tests can help us know more about what is going on inside your pet. We are able to perform test in-house or send out for comprehensive panels.
Therapeutics
Exotic pets often require special medications and treatments that cats and dogs do not. We are able to perform a range of treatments in the hospital as well as instruct you on the proper care of your pet at home.
Digital x-ray
Dogs and cats are not the only animals to benefit from our advanced digital x-ray. This diagnostic tool can be used to look for tumors and foreign bodies, pneumonia and pregnancy, or bladder stones or egg binding.
Ultrasound
A common medical concern in small mammals is the presence of tumors. Our ability to perform ultrasound in-house means that we can not only find a tumor, we can understand more about its placement and composition. This enables our doctors to make better diagnoses and helps you make informed decisions.
Surgery
Exotic surgery consists of the normal preventative spays and neuters, which help with behavioral problems, just like in dogs and cats. We recommend speaking with a doctor prior to arranging a surgery appointment to discuss the procedure, there may be different variables depending on the species. Exotic surgery may also mean a tortoise shell repair after a dog attack or repairing tissue that has been burnt from a light that was too hot.
Hospitalization
If we must keep your exotic pet in the hospital you can feel confident they will receive the same high quality care as our dog and cat patients. Reptiles are kept their own ward with natural light and heated cages. All pets are checked on hourly by our animal nurses and their special needs are closely monitored.
Corrective beak trims
Oftentimes inadequate husbandry in tortoises and box turtles can lead to overgrown and deformed beaks which then result in severe difficulty eating. In addition to reshaping your pet’s beak to make eating much easier and help restore a more normal appearance, we can address any husbandry issues that may have initially caused the problem. Unfortunately a lot of the changes that occur during inadequate husbandry are permanent, resulting in patients that may need to have routine trimming done for the rest of their lives. With birds, beak trimming may be required for many reasons. Some birds may develop overgrown beaks due to medical problems, so this will also be addressed at your visit. With other birds the problem is purely physical. Either way we can make your birdie’s beak look great again in no time!
Wing clipping
The decision to have your bird’s wings clipped is personal, but if you do decide wing clipping is best for your bird we are hear to offer advice and provide a safe and comfortable service. We will take the time to make sure your bird is relaxed and perform the trim on each individual feather, not the whole wing. We are able to clip your bird’s wings in 3 different styles depending on what you need.
Toe-nail trimming
Nail trims can be necessary on birds, lizards, turtles and small mammals. Birds receive their nail trims by dremel; this is done to reduce the risk of damage to their delicate nail shaft. Reptile and mammal nail trims are done with small nail clippers.
University Animal Hospital offers chemotherapy to patients diagnosed with cancer. The ability to perform this procedure in-house is unique among small animal practices and we are proud to offer this service to our patients. Our doctors understand the sensitivity that accompanies a cancer diagnosis and they will do whatever they can to help your pet live a long and happy life. If your doctor decides chemotherapy is right for your pet, we have everything on hand to provide treatment in a kind and comfortable setting.

Traveling with your pet can be challenging and we strive to make the process as simple as possible. Requirements for travel can vary depending on your means of transportation and your destination.
At University Animal Hospital we offer health certificates for both interstate and international travel. Our staff will take the time to discuss exactly what you need in order to make your trip as easy as possible.
When traveling internationally, it is important that we know where and when you are planning to travel and we appreciate your patience when arranging for travel out of the country as requirements can vary greatly. Please understand, we will make all reasonable efforts to get you the right information for your trip but it is always best to do additional research. We recommend contacting the
USDA or the consulate of the country of destination to make sure we have the most accurate information.