Preventative medicine such as annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite screenings are crucial in keeping your pet healthy and happy. Our doctors have created a standard protocol that is comprehensive yet flexible, so you can be sure your pet is receiving the best medicine. Your doctor will work with you to develop a routine that is ideal for your pet, ensuring that the correct vaccinations are done at the right time according to your pet’s needs.
For dogs we recommend regular Distemper/Parvo combination and Rabies vaccinations. For dogs that board, groom, or go to the dog park, we would also recommend the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination and the Leptospirosis vaccination. For cats we recommend regular Upper Respiratory and Rabies vaccinations. For cats that go outdoors the Feline Leukemia vaccination is recommended.
For dogs we also recommend monthly heartworm preventative and testing annually. We use Heartgard brand heartworm medication which protects not only against heartworm, but also against the common intestinal parasites roundworm and hookworm.
Puppy and Kitten Packages
If you have a new puppy or kitten, we offer discounted vaccination packages. We recommend beginning vaccinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Puppies and kittens should receive regular booster vaccinations; your doctor will let you know how many boosters are appropriate for your pet given their age and prior vaccination history.
The puppy package includes exams and Distemper/Parvo combination vaccinations at every visit, the first month heartworm preventative, two dewormings, a nail trim, and the Rabies vaccination.
The kitten package includes running an Felv/FIV test, exams and Upper Respiratory vaccinations (or Upper Respiratory/Leukemia combo vaccinations for kittens that go outside) at every visit, two dewormings, a nail trim, and the Rabies vaccination.
Pharmaceuticals, Prescription Diets, & Other Products
New Frontier Animal Medical Center offers its patients a fully stocked, competitively priced pharmacy. The most commonly prescribed medications, including heartworm preventative, topical flea and tick preventative, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics are all available on-site. We also work with several local and mail order compounding pharmacies for those medications that require special dosing or administration.
Because we know that some pets can be finicky eaters and not all animals respond the same to one course of treatment, we carry multiple brands of prescription diets, including Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina. This allows our doctors to tailor-fit a prescription diet to the patient, to both meet their unique needs and make sure they enjoy their daily meals.
If your pet requires a medication or food that we do not have in stock, we will happily make a special order for you or seek out an alternative means to get your pet what they need. Prescription diets are also available for home delivery through our online store.
In addition to prescription diets and medications, we also offer a wide range of over-the-counter products. Grooming supplies include shampoos and wipes to keep your pet looking clean and feeling good. We also carry a variety of safe, healthy treats for both cats and dogs, including hypoallergenic treats for pets with allergies. For your pet’s dental health care needs, we offer treats, chews, toothpaste, and sprays. If you are looking for vitamins or supplements, we have several options available in tablet, capsule, chew, and liquid form. We also carry pheromone products to help calm your cat or dog during stressful events.
For more information about any of our products or to get specific recommendations for your pet, just give us a call or talk to your veterinarian and we can discuss the best options for you.
Diagnostic
Advanced Imaging Techniques
We are proud to offer our patients state-of-the-art medicine including digital radiography, ultrasound, and telemedicine. These tools allow us to diagnose and communicate with specialists more efficiently.
Digital radiography allows us to take crisper, faster, more accurate images that make this diagnostic tool much more effective. These images can be burned to a CD or emailed, making referral to a specialist much simpler.
Ultrasound is a perfect tool for visualizing soft organ tissues such as the heart and liver, providing diagnostic insight that an x-ray may not. Ultrasound is also used regularly to collect sterile urine samples with ease.
Telemedicine allows our doctors to communicate with board certified specialists by sending them the images we collect and discussing their findings. This allows our doctors to obtain important information that can be used in diagnosis, without requiring you to travel to another office.
Laboratory
New Frontier Animal Medical Center offers diagnostic lab work both in-house and via our trusted outside laboratory service, with most results back within 24 hours. Lab tests include blood panels, urinalysis, fecal tests, cytologies, and histopathologies.
Lab work can give a doctor insight into an animal’s health, checking for conditions such as diabetes, kidney/liver failure, and parasites. This information can be critical in correctly diagnosing and treating a patient.
In addition to diagnostic testing, we also offer comprehensive DNA testing that can be used to determine a dog’s breed as well as any genetic predisposition to specific diseases.
Surgical
Dental Prophylaxis & Oral Surgery
Routine dental cleanings are an essential part of your pet’s health care. The same bacteria that cause plaque, tartar, and bad breath can spread to cause problems in the heart, kidneys, and liver.
We offer complete oral exams as well as dental prophylaxis, including ultrasonic cleaning and polishing. We are also equipped to take digital dental radiographs. This technology allow us to get a complete picture of your pet’s oral health and helps us determine if additional treatment is necessary. Oral surgery, including tooth extraction, oral mass removal, and gingivectomy may also be performed at the time of the dental cleaning, if needed.
Spay & Neuter
Spaying and neutering is an important procedure as it not only eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancy, but also prevents the common behavior and health conditions associated with intact animals. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate age to spay or neuter your pet.
Our spay and neuter surgeries are packaged to include a pre-anesthetic exam, the procedure under anesthesia, placing an IV catheter, cardiac/respiratory monitoring, administering pain medication during the procedure, and sending additional pain medication home.
For more information on the benefit of spaying and neutering or to schedule an appointment, give our office a call at 520-459-0433.
Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Surgery
The skilled doctors at New Frontier Animal Medical Center regularly perform a variety of surgical procedures. Our surgical suite is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and instrumentation. The surgery team including the doctor, surgical assistants, and surgery coordinator work together to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe in and out of the operation room.
Our team will take time to communicate with you throughout the day. At the time of admission we will take a detailed history and discuss the scheduled procedure. As the day progresses, the surgery team will keep you informed on how your pet is doing. When you pick your pet up, our technicians will go through all discharge instructions and discuss any post-operative concerns you may have.
With our experienced surgical team and extensive AAHA compliance, you can feel confident that your pet will receive the best possible care before, during, and after their surgical procedure.
Special Services
For Emergency Services please call: 520-459-0433
In addition to our normal hours of operation, emergency service is available on select Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are no longer on call on Sundays or holidays. If you have an emergency, contact our hospital and our answering service will assist you in obtaining emergency care.
Extended emergency and critical care management is provided through one of the full service emergency hospitals in Tucson. These hospitals remain fully staffed with veterinarians and technicians 24hrs/day, 7 days/week. We have a close working relationship with both hospitals and will communicate with your pet’s doctor when necessary.
Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (520-888-3177) has two locations. The nearest hospital is located at 7474 E. Broadway Blvd. Take I-10 west towards Tucson. Take the Kolb Road exit. Turn right on Kolb Road and drive to Broadway. Take a right on Broadway and end at 7474 E. Broadway Blvd.
The second location of Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center is 141 E. Ft. Lowell. To get to this address, take the Miracle Mile exit and turn right. Drive to Oracle and turn left.
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson (520-795-9955) is located at 4909 N. La Canada Drive. Take I-10 west to Orange Grove exit. Turn right on Orange Grove to River Road. Turn right on River Road and drive to La Canada. Turn right on La Canada. Specialty Center of Tucson is located next door to Walgreens on the corner of La Canada and River Road.
House Calls
We understand that not every pet enjoys a visit to the doctor, so we offer house calls by appointment. House calls are an excellent choice for pets that do not travel or tolerate new places well. A house call is also great for households with multiple pets, saving you from having to make repeated trips.
House calls can include annual wellness exam, vaccinations, blood draw and euthanasia. If your pet is ill and requires diagnostics such as x-rays or extensive treatment we will recommend scheduling a regular appointment at the office. If you are unable to get your pet to the hospital, assistance may be available.
For more information on house calls, give our office a call at 520-459-0433.
Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture, like acupuncture in people, is a method of relieving the symptoms of a medical condition without the use of medication. As in humans, needles are placed at specific points in the body to stimulate a healing effect such as calming muscle spasms, increasing blood circulation, and facilitating the release of hormones. Acupuncture can be used to help manage pain from arthritis as well as aid in the treatment of urinary, respiratory, and dermatological disorders.
Dr. Drake performs acupuncture regularly on patients where the treatment is indicated. If you are interested in adding acupuncture to your pet’s current treatment regimen, we would be happy to schedule you for a consult.
Avian & Exotic Medicine
From gerbils to cockatoos, geckos to rabbits, we can see just about any small animal you can own. Whether your ferret needs to have her rabies vaccine boostered, or your macaw is pulling out his feathers, our doctors are here to help.
It is important to note that all animals, even those that do not need regular vaccinations, should be brought in to the doctor annually to have a general physical performed. Many exotic animals and pocket pets have unique husbandry needs that can lead to serious health issues if not properly addressed. Our doctors will be able to educate you on these needs and evaluate your pet to see if there are any changes necessary to their diet or housing.
Our doctors and staff have worked with a variety of species over the years and have compiled extensive knowledge on exotic pet care. However, in the event that your pet’s medical problem requires a more comprehensive treatment, we also have close working relationships with several nearby veterinarians who are experts in the field of exotic medicine.
So, whether furry, feathered, or scaled, you can count on New Frontier Animal Medical Center for your pet’s medical needs.
Behavioral Consultation
Everybody has a bad day, even dogs and cats. Sometimes these are isolated incidents and sometimes they become a behavioral pattern that requires correction. Whether it is a cat with inappropriate urination or a dog that tears up the house when you leave, most behavioral issues can be fixed.
In a behavioral consultation, your doctor will first perform an exam to determine if there is a medical cause to the problem. This can often be the case where inappropriate urination is concerned. Once it has been established that the problem is purely psychological, the doctor will determine the best course of treatment. This could include medication, change in routine, seeking a trainer, or even referral to a behavior specialist.
Some cases can be corrected with a simple modification, while other behavioral issues take time and dedication to resolve. But regardless of the situation, you can rest assured that we will be with you every step of the way to provide support and advice.
International & Domestic Health Certificates
If you are traveling with your pet, you may be in need of a health certificate. These forms, completed upon the examination of your pet, are typically required whenever you are flying with an animal or going across the border. A health certificate simply states that the animal listed appears healthy, free from contagious disease, and (when appropriate) is vaccinated against rabies.
Most airlines require a health certificate be signed no more than 10 days prior to your flight date, which means your pet must be examined by the veterinarian within 10 days of travel in order to make the certificate valid. Any prior exam, no matter how recent, cannot be accepted.
In the event that you are traveling (or shipping your pet) internationally, it is best to find out in advance if there are any special requirements needed for travel. Most countries have very specific laws about animal import and usually have strict timetables for procedures such as microchip placement, vaccinations, and blood work.
If you are traveling with your pet and have questions about what may be needed, please give our office a call at 520-459-0433.
Nutrition Consultation
Your pet’s nutrition is very important to us. Understanding the pet food market and selecting a proper diet can be a daunting endeavor, especially with the options available today. We are happy to help evaluate your pet’s needs and provide you with a recommendation.
Our doctors and nutrition advocates can guide you through the process of selecting a diet by discussing topics such as breed, age, activity level, and medical history. Whether you need something for your new rottweiler puppy, or you have a senior cat who could stand to lose a few pounds, we can help you find the right food.
Even pets with health issues can benefit from a nutritional recommendation. From weight loss to food allergies, kidney disease to arthritis, there is a diet specially formulated to compliment your pet’s medical condition.
Final Arrangements
We know saying goodbye to a pet is a difficult thing to go through and we are here to make that process a little easier. We work with Lasting Paws (formerly Ames Diversified), for cremation services and we offer both private and communal cremations. Private cremations are returned either in a simple plastic urn or in a cedar urn; whichever you choose. Additional urn options are available upon request.
As a special memento, we offer a complimentary impression of your pet’s paw print in clay. These paw prints are made by our technicians and, just like all pets, no two are exactly alike. We can mix the clay in a variety of colors to make it unique to your pet. It is our way of honoring your pet.
Canine Rehabilitation
Canine rehabilitation adapts human physical therapy techniques to increase function and mobility of joints and muscles in animals. Animal rehabilitation can reduce pain and enhance recovery from injury, surgery, degenerative diseases, age-related diseases, and obesity. In 2015, Dr. Weston and Leslie completed their certifications in canine rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and are excited to provide this service to our clients.
As a special memento, we offer a complimentary impression of your pet’s paw print in clay. These paw prints are made by our technicians and, just like all pets, no two are exactly alike. We can mix the clay in a variety of colors to make it unique to your pet. It is our way of honoring your pet.