Where are you located?
Our inpatient/outpatient facility is in Bridgeton, Missouri, near I-270 and St. Charles Rock Road. (see Location/Maps)

What are your hours?
Hours are 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday). Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Can we drop off pets prior to regular business hours?
Only if your pet is an established patient and prior arrangements have been made.

Is someone available for my pet's nursing needs 24 hours a day?
Yes, your pet will receive 24 hour care starting on Monday at 7:00 a.m. until Friday 6:00 p.m. If your pet needs hospitalization over the weekend we will make arrangements to transfer to an appropriate Animal Emergency Clinic.

Why can’t I speak to the specialist prior to my initial exam?
The specialist will be happy to review the case with the referring veterinarian and answer any questions he or she may have prior to the initial appointment and exam. Time constraints do not allow the specialist to have phone consultations prior to your pet’s initial visit.

What do AVS doctors do differently than my regular veterinarian?*
After receiving your pet's records, radiographs and copies of lab results from the referring doctors, our veterinarians will review the information and compile a history by asking questions and listening at the time of the initial exam. After the physical exam and gathering of information, the specialist will prescribe a diagnostic and therapeutic plan.

* Because AVS veterinarians have received specialty training, they are in a position to provide expertise and technology unavailable to general practitioners.

Are payments due at time of services rendered or can AVS bill me?
Payments are due as services are rendered. We accept personal checks, cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Care Credit.

Why does my pet need to fast prior to an examination?
If your pet has fasted, it will give us the option to do diagnostics on the same day as your exam if time permits. Also, many blood tests require fasting for optimal accuracy.

Fast your pet when you are making an appointment for a new patient examination. The pet should be fasted from 9 p.m. the previous evening, water in moderation is acceptable.

Failure to fast may require that procedures be scheduled for another time.

My referring doctor wants my pet to have an ultrasound or special procedure done. Why do I have to have an exam and consultation with the specialist?
It is required by law that a patient (your pet) be examined prior to any special procedure. The referring doctor is asking for a second opinion, which requires an exam by the specialist. We prefer to do a full exam prior to scheduling procedures to optimize the specialist’s time.

How long will it take to get lab results on my pet’s blood work?
The on-site clinical lab often has same day turn around. Specialized laboratory results may take 3-10 days depending on the test.

Why can’t I call the clinic after hours to check on my pet?
Our nursing or technical staff will call you nightly. Please leave a phone number with the receptionist at the time of admittance. We do not have someone to answer phone calls 24 hours a day, but we will call you anytime your pet’s status changes significantly.

Post-Surgery FAQ

Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Depending upon the type of surgery, there can be some post-operative pain associated with your pet’s healing process. Every effort will be made to control your pet’s pain with injectable pain medication while in the hospital.

What can I do for my pet at home for pain?
Most patient’s pain can be met with oral medications. We utilize wonderful medications that can control your pet’s pain and make them more comfortable. Your surgeon will decide what medications are best for your pet.

How will I know my cat/dog is in pain?
Pain is normally represented by the following behaviors: panting, restlessness, increased anxiety, loss of appetite or vocalizing. You know your pet better than anyone else and you will probably recognize their pain readily.

I've heard that vomiting can occur after surgery, what does this mean? What can I do for my pet?
Vomiting can occur after surgery for several reasons; the foremost being anesthesia. Some pain medications and antibiotics can also upset the GI tract. Most sensitivities to anesthesia resolve on their own soon after surgery. If the vomiting is due to oral medications, your surgeon may have you discontinue the current medication and switch to something else. A bland diet can also help to quiet your pet’s GI tract after surgery.

What if my pet doesn’t eat after surgery? What does this mean? What do I do?
Sometimes pets do not have a vigorous appetite when they first go home. This is normally a temporary situation and there are several things you as an owner can try to spark interest in food. Instead of their regular dry food, try some canned dog food or baby food. You can also cook some foods for them such as hamburger and rice or boiled chicken.

Will my pet become constipated after surgery? What’s the timing on a normal bowel movement for a pet after surgery?
Yes, your pet can become constipated after surgery sometimes from the use of anesthesia, pain medication or the inability to posture. If your pet does not have a bowel movement within three to five days after returning home, you will need to notify either our staff or your regular veterinarian.

Can my pet eat ok without pain after a dental cleaning or treatment?
Most patients can eat their normal diet after a routine scaling and polishing. At the most, they may have sore gums and will do fine with their regular food moistened with water. If there is a procedure such as a tooth extraction performed, a softer diet may be necessary for several days after going home.

How much activity is my pet allowed after surgery?
Your pet’s activity level will be affected by the type of surgery he/she has undergone. Some surgeries are more involved than others. While some require strict confinement for an extended period of time; others may necessitate mobility sooner. You will be sent home specific instructions as to your pet’s exercise needs or restrictions. If you follow those guidelines carefully, you greatly increase the chance of your pet's surgical outcome being successful.

Is it ok to lick?
No! You will want to keep your pet’s incision dry and free of irritation to better promote healing. A moistened and traumatized incision will not heal well. Ultimately, your pet could also chew out their sutures or staples and require an additional procedure to have them replaced. You may be provided with deterrents.