Services

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital is a high-volume AAHA accredited veterinary hospital that thrives on teamwork. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary care and services possible for pets and their families in our community.

Services

Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Seeing under the skin–that’s what’s possible with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that creates a real-time internal image of an animal’s body, giving us important information about the circulatory, skeletal and gastrointestinal systems.

When used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools like X-rays, an ultrasound can help identify disease, blockages, skeletal fractures, soft tissue damage, and other internal injuries. Because ultrasounds don’t require radiation, they’re also used to monitor pregnancies and fetal health in breeding pets.

An ultrasound works by broadcasting high-frequency sound waves that reflect off your pet’s internal structures. A small probe held against the skin collects the returning signals to create an image of the internal body, most commonly used to examine abdominal organs like the stomach, kidneys, liver, spleen, and gallbladder. Completely painless and non-invasive, ultrasounds usually require some sedation because the patient must remain completely still.

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital employs advanced imaging technologies operated by veterinary radiologists, guaranteeing the highest quality of care for our patients.

To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our ultrasound services, call us at 813-752-1010.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics

It’s a pretty simple concept: the sooner we know what’s causing a pet’s health problem, the sooner we can put together an effective treatment plan that will work towards resolving it. 

At Turkey Creek Animal Hospital, we offer in-house diagnostics, including: 

  • Digital X-ray 
  • Dental X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • EKG
  • On-site lab for most routine blood work, urinalysis, and fecal testing
  • Blood Pressure

This means you’ll get results and a diagnosis much sooner, saving both time and money. Even more important, it minimizes your pet’s discomfort because you don’t need to transport your pet elsewhere when they have internal injuries or broken bones.

Have questions about our diagnostic services or want to schedule an appointment for your pet? Call us at 813-752-1010.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health.

In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:

  • Rabies (dogs and cats)
  • DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
  • FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)

Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.

View the full vaccination schedule here.

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Turkey Creek Animal Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 813-752-1010.

Parasite Treatment

Parasite Treatment

Given that we live in Florida, we know for a fact your pet needs flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round. These parasites are more than just annoying: fleas and ticks carry disease, can trigger allergies and hotspots, and seriously threaten your pet’s health. Spread by mosquitos, heartworm can infect dogs and cats and is potentially deadly. While there is treatment for dogs, it can be expensive and hard on your pet. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital believes parasite prevention is absolutely key to the long-term health and wellness of your pet.

But be careful: not all preventives are created equal. Over-the-counter/supermarket brands can be dangerous or fatal to smaller dogs and cats and some oral treatments are less effective than topical or “on-the-spot” treatments. Also, some prescription preventives may not be right for households with both dogs and cats.

Preventatives we offer include:

  • Feline
    • Selarid (compare to Revolution)
    • Bravecto Plus
  • Canine
    • Simparica Trio
    • Sentinel Spectrum
    • Bravecto (3 month and 1 month)
    • Proheart 12

We’ll help you select the right treatment for your pet and your household and explain tips and tricks on how to get the best-possible results. We’ll also help you save time and money by allowing you to order your treatments through our exclusive online pharmacy that offers a reminder service and convenient home delivery.

Questions about parasite prevention or need to make an appointment? Call us at (813) 752-1010.

Senior Pet Care

Senior Pet Care

Older pets have a certain charm that can just be irresistible. And we all want to be there for the pet that’s been with us through thick and thin. The Turkey Creek Animal Hospital approach is that senior pets are distinguished VIPs who deserve extra support and care. 

We consider smaller dogs and cats to be “senior” pets once they’ve reached about 8 or 9 years of age while larger breeds of dog may reach senior status around 6 years old.

Along with routine care and vaccinations, we also recommend the following for senior pets:

  • Exams: Twice a year (every 6 months) for early detection and prevention or treatment of common problems such as decreased organ function and arthritis. Also includes assessment of vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mental responsiveness, all of which can decline with age.
  • Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel
  • Urinalysis: Can identify presence of urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and other conditions
  • Parasite Evaluation
  • Hyperthyroidism testing (Cats only)
  • Personalized nutrition recommendations 
  • Exercise recommendations or physical therapy
  • Pain management of chronic conditions such as arthritis, including alternative therapies such as acupuncture

Regardless of your pet’s age, please contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Collapse or seizure
  • Difficulty breathing, heavy panting not due to exercise
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain
  • Decrease in appetite/refusal to eat for 2 or more days
  • Inability to chew dry food
  • Significant increase in appetite
  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Blood in stool or urine
  • Lameness, limping or noticeable pain in everyday activities
  • Hair loss and/or numerous open sores/scabs
  • Swollen abdomen

Need to schedule your senior pet for an exam? Request a visit online or call us at (813) 752-1010.

Dental Care

Dental Care

With all the things your pets do with their mouths, good dental health is vital to their well-being. Pets with healthy teeth and gums often eat better, have fewer reports of bad breath, and generally live healthier, longer lives than pets with poor dental health. Left untreated, dental disease can result in pain, tooth loss, and even more serious bacterial illness. 

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital offers comprehensive dental services, including:

  • Exams
  • X-rays
  • Anesthetic cleaning/polishing
  • Extractions
  • Oral Surgery

Our approach also stresses proactive care such as proper diet, oral health treats, and at-home brushing, which we’ll be happy to instruct you how to do. Turkey Creek veterinarians can also suggest solutions for broken or damaged teeth and other specialized dental issues.

Don’t wait—if your pet has bad breath or you suspect a dental issue, please request a dental exam appointment online or give us a call at (813) 752-1010.

Nutrition and Diet

Nutrition and Diet

When pets eat healthy, they feel healthy. Sound familiar? Yes, just like people, pets can benefit from a balanced diet of wholesome foods. With hundreds of choices in the store and so much information online, we know it can be hard to know which food is the right choice for your pet. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital veterinarians are always happy to give diet and nutrition advice including:

  • What to look for in packaged (dry or canned) foods
  • What to avoid in packaged foods
  • Proper serving sizes and suggestions customized for your pet
  • The benefits of grain-free nutrition
  • How to feed your pet a “real-food” diet
  • Treating/managing illnesses through specialized diet
  • Supplementing your pet’s diet with essential vitamins/nutrients

Have questions about what to feed your pet or want to make an appointment for a consultation? Call us at (813) 752-1010.

Emergency Care

Emergency Care

We are available to help your pet with urgent or emergency care during our regular business hours, but we do ask that you call us before coming in so we can be prepared for your arrival and to confirm that we are able to work your pet in. 

For those times when your pet needs urgent or emergency care after hours, we recommend you contact the following emergency pet hospitals:

Urgent Care – These visit types require soon-to-immediate medical attention, but do not fall into the Emergency category of being a life-threatening injury or illness:

UrgentVet (Brandon)
2446 Bloomingdale Avenue
Valrico, Fl
(813) 413-6664
Open 3pm – 11pm Weekdays,
Weekends 10am – 8pm

UrgentVet (Lakeland)
3550 Harden Blvd
Lakeland, Fl
(863) 345-2800
Open 3pm – 11pm Weekdays,
Weekends 10am – 8pm

Emergency Care – These types of visits require immediate medical attention and involve life-threatening injuries or illness:


Blue Pearl
607 Lumsden Professional Ct
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 571-3303

Fetch
717 W Robertson St.
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 603-8000

Alternative Care

Alternative Care

At Turkey Creek Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to offer the best of traditional veterinary medicine as well as holistic and alternative treatments to help your pet. These therapies have been very beneficial to many of our patients with a variety of health issues and conditions. 

Acupuncture
Fully certified through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Dr. Jennifer Nash provides an excellent drug-free healing alternative for such conditions as:

  • Pain, inflammation, and lack of mobility associated with Arthritis
  • Skin irritations and allergies
  • Respiratory problems such as feline asthma
  • Digestive and gastrointestinal problems
  • Certain reproductive issues
  • Nervousness and other select behavioral issues

Typically, acupuncture is best suited for health complaints that are chronic or long-lasting. However, in certain situations, such as recovery from an injury or illness, acupuncture can be very effective in providing results without the need for drug therapy, which can have unexpected negative side effects.

Acupuncture treatments are remarkably pain free for pets, since needles are often much smaller/narrower than those used for injections or other uses. Because of this, most pets respond very well to acupuncture treatment without the stress or anxiety caused by more invasive treatment methods.

Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a painless, innovative technology used to treat acute and chronic injuries. It has been successfully used to accelerate the healing process after surgery, alleviate joint pain, and treat degenerative diseases.

Laser therapy focuses red and infrared light on tissue at and below the surface of the skin. The light energizes the cells, producing a structural protein called collagen used to repair tissue. Lasers continue to promote healing by increasing blood circulation to the affected region. The stimulation also releases the body’s own pain-relieving hormones.

The process generally takes between 5-10 minutes, with most patients seeing positive effects after 3-5 uses. Conditions improved with laser therapy include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Post-surgical incisions and soft-tissue trauma
  • Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Neuromuscular disease

Laser therapy is normally combined with other types of veterinary medicine such as medication. The lack of adverse side effects has made laser therapy the preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine.

Want to know if these alternative treatments might help your pet? Give us a call at 813-752-1010.

Surgery

Surgery

Although we prefer to handle most cases through non-surgical methods, there are a few situations where surgery is the absolute best choice for your pet. And when it comes to performing surgery with careful compassion, there’s no place better than Turkey Creek Animal Hospital. We offer a full range of veterinary surgical services, ranging from standard spaying and neutering to more advanced procedures, including:

  • Soft tissue        
  • Dental
  • Biopsies/mass removal
  • Foreign body removal
  • Ophthalmic
  • Urogenital
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Wound Repair
  • Reproductive (c-sections and pyometra)


Every surgery we perform at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital is done with the highest priority on the safety and comfort of the pet. Our doctors work to deliver comprehensive solutions with as little discomfort to your pet as possible. Then, our devoted support staff makes sure patients that need extended monitoring are well cared for as they recover.

As with any surgery, there is always a level of risk that comes with anesthesia of any kind. At Turkey Creek Animal Hospital, we try to limit these risks by fully evaluating pets to learn of any potential allergies, pre-existing conditions, or other factors that may impact the ability to tolerate certain anesthesia. We will take the time to review all of these possibilities with you so that you’re an informed and involved member of your pet’s health care team.

You can also rest assured that pain management is an important part of the surgical process before, during, and as your pet recovers. Often, we advocate a mix of alternative therapies such as laser therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and lifestyle and/or diet changes with additional at-home support from traditional drug therapy. We can even simplify drug therapy with the convenience of our online pharmacy which offers automatic refill and reminder service and home delivery.

If you are considering veterinary surgery for your pet, please contact us at 813-752-1010 to schedule a consultation with your Turkey Creek Animal Hospital veterinarian.

Wellness Care

Wellness Care

The saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we couldn’t agree more! The foundation of the Turkey Creek Animal Hospital approach is that preventative care and wellness care makes for longer, healthier, and happier lives for pets. 

Our wellness care services allow us to see pets at their healthiest and then give you strategies to keep them there, including regular exams, vaccinations, blood work, and other proactive health care. 

Examinations

Annual exams for pets not only let us establish what’s normal for your pet, but also gives us the opportunity to catch symptoms early, before they become major health problems and while they’re most treatable. 

  • During our examination of your pet, we will evaluate:
  • Skin and/or hair and coat
  • General assessment of hydration
  • Eyes, ears, and nose
  • Ears should be clean, dry, and free of odor, discharge, redness, or sores
  • Noses should be moist and clean, free of discharge or bleeding
  • Mouth, teeth and gums
  • Respiratory system
  • Gentle assessment of abdomen for lumps, masses, discomfort, pain or swelling
  • Reading of pulse rate, strength and consistency
  • Internal temperature reading

Hillsborough County requires tags for the following:

  • Lives with you in Hillsborough County
  • Is 4 months of age or older
  • Is a dog, cat or ferret

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the best and least expensive ways to protect your pet’s health. At Turkey Creek Animal Hospital, we strongly believe in both core vaccinations for all pets as well as non-core vaccines for specific illnesses related to lifestyle, age, region, and other factors.

Core vaccines for canines:

  • Rabies (required by law) 
  • Distemper
  • Leptospirosis
  • Adenovirus I and II
  • Parvovirus
  • Parainfluenza


Non-core vaccines for canines:

  • Bordetella (kennel cough) – dogs who regularly come into contact with other dogs or who go to boarding, daycare, or dog parks
  • Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection common in the state of Florida that can fatally damage kidneys and liver
  • Canine Influenza H3N8: a flu-like virus that is very contagious between dogs kept in close contact with one another. Vaccination is often required by kennels, groomers, and similar businesses.

Core vaccines for felines:

  • Rabies (required by law)
  • Herpesvirus
  • Calicivirus
  • Panleukopenia/Feline Distemper

Non-core vaccines for felines: 

  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)

Wellness and preventive care also include parasite prevention and more frequent exams for very young pets and seniors.

Ready to make a wellness appointment for your pet? Book an appointment online or give us a call at (813) 752-1010.

Spay & Neuter

Spay & Neuter

Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States for lack of homes. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen–and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.

Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.


Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital veterinarians can advise you on the best time to have this done, but it should be ideally before the pet’s first heat cycle.

Benefits

  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies
  • Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
  • Remove the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. A small, green tattoo is applied post-surgery that signifies that the animal is spayed should she ever get lost or taken to a shelter.


Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital veterinarians can advise you on the best time to have this done based on your pet’s breed and size when fully grown.

Benefits

  • Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
  • Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
  • Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 813-752-1010.

Euthanasia & Aftercare

Euthanasia & Aftercare

After all options have been exhausted or when your pet simply tells you it’s time to let him or her go, Turkey Creek Animal Hospital can help you provide a humane solution. We know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a loved one, but sometimes it is the best way to show them we care. Our euthanasia procedures are completely painless to pets, and work within a few minutes to ease your pet’s passing.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need help making this decision or if you need to schedule an appointment to end suffering and have your pet put to sleep (euthanized). Explain your situation to our staff and see if there is an appointment available first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will allow you as much time as you feel you need to say goodbye. 

When you schedule your appointment, or during your visit, please let us know whether you’d like to take your pet’s body home for burial or if you would like us to have your pet buried or cremated (we can return cremated remains to you for honorariums/urns/etc.).

PLEASE NOTE: The State of Florida requires that all euthanized animals be disposed of in a hygienic manner. If you choose not to keep your pet’s remains, they will be collected by a licensed animal burial/crematory service.

Puppy & Kitten Care

Puppy & Kitten Care

Getting young pets off to the best-possible start is one of our favorite things to do at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital. Quite simply, pets that start healthy have a better chance of staying healthy because we get the chance to create a life-long plan for wellness that works for you and your family.

And although every pet is different, there are some basic wellness benchmarks we recommend for every puppy or kitten:

  • Deworming: The majority of puppies and kittens are born with intestinal worms that were passed from their mothers before birth or while nursing. These worms can cause pain or discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and may even cause death if left untreated. Easy-to-administer oral medications are very effective at successfully deworming young pets.
  • Spay and Neuter: The population of stray animals continues to rise, which means there are increasing numbers of animals infected with contagious diseases which can harm your pet. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted pets, but can also keep your animal from roaming and may help prevent aggressive or unwanted behaviors. In addition, spaying and neutering has health benefits for your pet, including the prevention of some cancers. Your Turkey Creek veterinarian can make a recommendation about the best age for altering your pet. 
  • Vaccinations: We cannot stress enough how important it is for young animals to be vaccinated. Just like newborn babies, the immune systems of puppies and kittens are not fully developed. This means they are more susceptible to disease, and therefore they need a series of vaccinations given at monthly intervals to be protected. 
  • Diet and Nutrition: All babies (even animal ones) have special nutritional needs to ensure they grow into healthy adult pets. On your visit, we’ll make some customized recommendations on how you can make sure your puppy or kitten is getting the essential nutrients he or she needs.
  • Training and Socialization: These early weeks and months of a pet’s life are the most important when it comes to socialization and training. We can advise you on how to begin this process, help with housebreaking tips, and provide you with the information you need to help your pet get off on the right paw!

Adding a new furry family member? Give us a call at (813) 752-1010 and set up their first important vet appointment as soon as possible!

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