Services

Committed to higher standards of care for your pet, Pender offers a wide array of services to care for your pet 24/7.  Our medical team has a number of special interests that include internal medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, dermatology, geriatric care, reproductive medicine, orthopedics, laser surgery, ultrasonography, advanced dental care, endoscopy and more. While you may meet with just one of our doctors at a time, you actually tap into the entire team’s expertise – without the extra cost of referrals.

Here is a list of some of the common services, medical conditions and health topics our clients ask about: 

Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is typically the result of normal aging or joint injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that prompts the pet’s immune system to attacks its own soft tissue and joints, is rare – but also very painful. Our veterinary team can recommend a range of treatments to help your pet live comfortably with either condition. Let us customize a program for your pet’s specific condition.  

Behavior.  It can be very frustrating to love your pets yet deal with a behavior problem that makes living with them difficult. Most behavior issues can be treated (when the underlying reason for the behavior is a physical problem) or corrected (with appropriate training). We’re here to help you determine the appropriate course of action for helping you and your pet..

Bloat. This is a common emergency for dogs and is the result of excess gas, fluid or foam in the stomach. Taking in too much air or having too much in the stomach can lead to this painful – and life threatening – condition. If you notice such signs as a distended belly, anxiety, nervousness or even collapse, immediately bring your pet in for attention.  Our emergency centre is open 24/7.

Boarding.  We prefer to think of it as “lodging” with us, and treat each of the pets in our lodging facility as welcome guests. The Pender Pet Retreat at Dulles Gateway is located at  4508 Cub Run Road in Chantilly. The facility offers a choice of accommodations, services, exercise programs, pampering and more. We welcome visitors should you want to check us out for yourself. 

Cancer. There are a number of different forms of cancer, representing various diseases that cause cells in your pet’s body to grow abnormally. Tumors and disease can result. Our veterinary team may perform blood tests, urine and fecal analysis, tissue biopsies, X-rays or ultrasound to properly diagnose your pet’s cancer. Therapy can range from drugs and radiation to surgery. When detected early, many cancers can be curable or put in remission.

Diabetes.  A growing number of pets as well as humans are suffering from Diabetes mellitus. Suggested causes include obesity, diet or issues with your pet’s pancreas or endocrine system. While we can help your diabetic pet, we would love the opportunity to help prevent it. Ask us how.

Diagnostic services.  Pender’s diagnostic equipment and capabilities are rated one of the best in the nation. Our in-practice “stat” laboratory uses the same equipment that many human medical centers use to give immediate answers to diagnostic questions. Digital radiography, ultrasound suite, endoscopic equipment – plus the minds and experience of a dedicated team of professionals – all give patients fast, accurate answers to critical healthcare questions. 

Dog Training Classes. Trainer Michelle Jackson offers Basic Obedience Classes (showing you how to teach your dog such basic commands as sit, down, heel, stay, come, and stand) and a Puppy Kindergarten (sharing her secrets to having a well behaved pup). Also Cory Kleinman teaches a Puppy Primer class.Topics covered include nutrition, training, and housebreaking.

Ear Infections. Ear mites (tiny, crab-like parasites that feed on ear tissues, wax and fluid) can live in your pet’s ear canal and cause infection and inflammation. Bacterial and fungal infections are also common --and if left untreated, can cause extreme pain and ruptured ear drums.  Diagnosing the correct cause of your pet’s ear problem and providing the proper treatment typically gives your pet quick relief.

Eye problems.  Dripping eyes, red eyes, itchy eyes, diseased eyes, cataracts and other concerns are common in dogs and cats. Diagnosing the correct underlying cause and treating it can bring prompt relief to your pet.

Food.  Whether your pets need a special therapy diet to help them with a medical condition or just some help to optimize their weight to live a long, healthy life – we can help. We would love to customize a nutrition program that matches your pets’ needs.

Health certificates for travel - we can guide you through each country's requirements and provide the proper vaccinations and paperwork to allow your pet to travel to other countries. Please contact early, however, as some countries have rigorous requirements that involve a wait period.

House Calls. When it's difficult or inconvenient for you to bring your pets to us, we'll be happy to come to you. Please give a 24-hour notice for these appointments.

International pet shipping - Shipping an animal to another country can be complicated; let us help. We offer assistance with the vaccinations as well as the paperwork and actual shipping, if needed. Requirements vary by country, so please contact us early so we can expedite your pet's travel.

Kitten Care Classes. Dr. Michael Rice shares information on nutrition, excercise and behavior to get your relationship with your new kitty off to a purrrfect start.

Laser Therapy. Without anesthesia, drugs or surgery, this new therapy uses photons of light to accelerate the body’s healing process. Commonly used for such issues as chronic pain, osteoarthritis, swelling, joint problems or hot spots. See case studies, videos and MORE  Laser Therapy

Pain management. Your pet’s comfort and well-being are important to us. That’s why we do our best to ensure that your pet is as comfortable as possible throughout any exam, diagnostic procedure or surgery. Our medical team can tap into a variety of methods  -- from sustained-release pain patches and pre-surgery medications to oral medications, injections, infusions, nerve blocks and proper anesthesia. Each pet receives a customized approach to managing their comfort and safety throughout their visit or hospitalization – and our staff is here 24/7 to monitor and care for them until they can safely return home.

Parasites. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, giardia, ear mites and other pests can pose a serious health problem to your pet – and to other members of your family in some cases. Talk with us about effective parasite prevention.

Prescriptions. For your convenience, we have an in-house pharmacy and on-line refill services for many prescriptions. Pender also offers lower-than-Internet pricing on flea, tick and heartworm control products if your pet is examined here and therefore a member of our Pender pet community.

Physical exam.  A comprehensive physical exam can spot problems early and optimize your pet’s health and lifespan. Every organ of your pet’s body will be examined. Certain screening tests may also be in order, depending on your pet’s age and condition. Senior pets need to be examined more often as early detection and intervention can avoid pain and extend life.

Scooting. When your dog is dragging its butt, literally, this could be a sign that its anal sac needs expression.  Healthy anal sacs on your dog fill with liquid that is expelled during defecation to mark territory. Disease can occur when the glands build up fluid but do not expel properly. This can lead to a painful situation for your dog, as well as infection and abscesses. Having a veterinary professional manually squeeze out or “express” these glands regularly can prevent disease – and save you from dealing with the pungent stench that occurs when your dog expresses these glands himself in your home or car.

Senior Pet Care. Pender has a deep commitment to caring for aging pets – helping them prolong their health and live pain-free. See MORE   Senior Pet Care

Surgery. Our diagnostic labs and surgical suites are state-of-the-art, and our well-trained healthcare team provides 24/7 state-of-the-heart care before and after surgery. So whether your pet need routine,  emergency, orthopedic surgery or laser surgery, we’re here to help.

Vaccinations. Keeping your pet immunized against species-specific parasites and disease can both optimize your pet’s health and extend his life. Vaccinations are an important part of the Pender wellness program, designed to keep your pet as happy and as healthy as possible. 

Wellness care. Our veterinary professionals have committed themselves to being an advocate for your pets and for helping you understand the best ways to keep them living a long, happy, pain-free life. During your visit, we promise to do a thorough physical exam – and share what we learn in words that don’t sound like medical mumbo-jumbo. We know that you love your pets and want what’s best for them. We’re here to do our best to advise you, answer all your questions, give nutritional counseling, help with behavior – or just listen to your concerns with compassion and respect.