Specialty Services

Anesthesia and Pain Management

Ensuring each animal’s comfort and safety is our top priority, especially when they require anesthesia or pain management. The specialist-led anesthesia and pain management services at HVSEH provide individualized care for patients undergoing surgery, diagnostic procedures, or treatment for chronic or acute pain.

Our anesthesia service is managed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with expertise in tailoring anesthetic protocols to each animal’s unique needs. From pre-anesthetic evaluations to post-procedure recovery, we use state-of-the-art monitoring and techniques to minimize risks and maximize our patients’ comfort.

Pain management is an essential component of care and recovery. The anesthesia service uses ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, neuraxial anesthesia, and multimodal analgesia delivered by continuous rate infusions (CRI), according to the needs of each patient. We are fully equipped to provide advanced life support techniques, including mechanical ventilation and cardiac pacing.

Whether your animal is a high-risk patient requiring precise anesthesia or needs effective pain relief for a chronic condition, our team is here to provide compassionate, specialized care to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Cardiology

If your animal is suspected of suffering from heart or circulatory system disease, they will be referred to our Cardiology team. We understand that this can be a worrying diagnosis, but heart disease can range from mild to serious. The most important step is a thorough investigation and accurate diagnosis to ensure the best treatment and outcome. The Harvest Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital Cardiology Team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert cardiac care and providing the best possible outcome for your animal and family.

We see cats and dogs for a range of heart conditions and related issues, including:

Heart murmurs
Breathing problems
Collapsing episodes
Exercise intolerance
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Congenital heart conditions, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonic stenosis
Diseases involving the heart sac (pericardium)

Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation will usually last 20 to 45 minutes, during which we will take a thorough history. We will discuss recommended tests for your animal, potential costs, expected outcomes, and any possible risks. Our cardiologist will always be accompanied by a nurse who can translate from English to Cantonese if necessary. Your animal will usually need to stay with us for a few hours, and in some cases overnight, for further investigation and treatment.

Diagnostics

Most of our patients do not require sedation. However, some anxious animals may feel more relaxed during tests if they are sedated. If we believe sedation is in your animal’s best interest, we will request your permission. A small patch of fur is typically shaved on both sides of the chest to allow better visualization of the heart using the echocardiography machine.

We commonly perform tests such as:

Echocardiography

Echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart) with spectral and color flow Doppler: state-of-the-art imaging as part of routine heart disease investigations

ECG

ECG (to record the electrical activity of the heart)

24-hour Holter ECG

24-hour Holter ECG (to assess heart rate and rhythm outside the hospital environment)

Blood pressure measurement

Digital thoracic radiography

Digital thoracic radiography (X-rays of the chest)

Blood tests

Blood tests (to measure cardiac biomarkers, kidney function, electrolytes, or other parameters based on your animal’s needs)

For more complex cases, we can also perform:

Cardiac CT scan

Transesophageal echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart performed via the esophagus while the patient is under anesthesia)

Cardioversion

Cardioversion (resetting the patient’s heart rhythm in cases of atrial fibrillation or flutter)

Treatment and Management

Every patient is unique, and we will discuss the best treatment options for your animal. Most clinical signs can be managed with medication, but some animals may benefit from minimally invasive interventions (keyhole surgery) to correct or improve certain congenital defects or treat abnormal heart rhythms. These interventions involve accessing the heart through veins or arteries in the limbs or neck.

Our minimally invasive theater is nearing completion. Once operational, our cardiologist will be able to:

Place permanent pacemakers (for abnormal heart rhythms)
Perform balloon valvuloplasty (inflating balloons within the heart to open fused valves)
Place stents in the heart to maintain vessel or chamber patency
Implant devices to prevent abnormal blood flow, such as treating patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

In cases where minimally invasive procedures are not possible, we will refer patients requiring surgical management to our surgery service.

Heart disease is common in cats and dogs. Our cardiologist not only manages her own primary cases but also assesses patients referred by other disciplines. When a patient from another service requires anesthesia or sedation, our cardiologist collaborates closely with the anesthesia team to ensure each procedure is carried out as safely as possible.

Dentistry & Oral Surgery

Our Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service (DOSS) is directed by the board certified veterinarian Dr. Dea Bonello, a specialist with decades of experience, and is supported by a team of veterinary nurses and technicians who have undergone extensive dentistry training.

Our dentistry is featured by cutting-edge technology, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for advanced imaging of teeth and facial bones, to ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care.

Our dentistry service works in close collaboration with our anaesthesia department.

We take extra care to our patients during the follow-up periods to ensure treatment success and long-term dental health. The treatment fees can cover up to two revisits.

We provide our clients with diet counselling services, home care instructions, as well as professional dental cleaning services.

Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)

Our COHAT package is a standout service. It includes a complete mouth examination and diagnosis. A CBCT scan is involved to provide high–resolution images of the teeth and jaws in less than 3 minutes. The COHAT requires general anaesthesia, which is performed by a board-certified specialist assisted by a team of specialised anaesthesia nurses. The dental plaque and calculus build up on the surface of the teeth is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, with particular attention to the deposit along and below the gum line, and the teeth are then polished with an innovative device called an air-polisher. Air polishing provides full coverage to every corner of the mouth, removing stains and remnants of supra- and subgingival calculus; it is more efficient and safer than other abrasive dental polishing methods, inducing less damage to the enamel. COHAT procedure typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes, followed by a few hours of inspection before the patient is discharged. All clinical findings and details of the procedure performed are recorded in the dental history. If further action such as teeth extraction is required, a treatment plan and a detailed quotation are provided.

DOSS at HVSEH also offers a wide range of advanced veterinary dentistry and oral surgery services for dogs and cats:

PERIODONTAL SURGERY

Periodontal disease affects almost all dogs and cats aged 5 or older. Apart from pain relief, treating periodontal disease is essential for restoring the health of the gums and supporting structures, which offers significant improvement to the pet’s appetite and overall well-being.

Indications for Periodontal Surgery

Advanced Periodontal Disease: when non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, are insufficient to manage the disease.
Gum Recession: Significant gum loss that exposes tooth roots, leading to sensitivity or mobility.
Periodontal Abscesses: Infections that cause localised swelling and intense pain, often requiring extraction of teeth to be cured.
Tooth Mobility: Loose teeth that may need to be stabilised or removed.

Surgical Procedures

Flap Surgery: involves making an incision through the gum tissue to expose the tooth roots and bone, allowing for thorough cleaning and treatment.
Bone Grafting: synthetic or biological material is placed to encourage new bone growth and support the teeth affected by periodontal disease.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): a barrier membrane is placed over the surgical site to prevent fast-growing soft tissues from interfering with the regeneration of alveolar bone.
Teeth Splinting: is used to stabilise loose teeth by connecting the affected tooth to adjacent healthy teeth. This procedure helps prevent further mobility and supports healing, allowing the periodontal structures to recover effectively.
Tooth Extraction: removal of severely affected teeth that cannot be saved, minimising trauma to surrounding tissues, always followed by closure of the extraction site.

Postoperative Care

Medications are prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
Antibiotics may be necessary pre- or postoperatively to treat the infection and minimise the risk of complications.
Soft foods may be recommended during the initial recovery phase.
Follow-Up Visits: Multiple revisits are essential to monitor healing.
Oral hygiene at home is mandatory to ensure the success of the surge

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY:

Filling of cavities and repair of teeth lesions

ENDODONTICS

Root canal treatment

ORTHODONTICS

Correction of misaligned teeth

PROSTHODONTICS

Crowns and implants

MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY:

Repair of jaw fractures and oral soft tissue trauma

ONCOLOGY:

Staging and treatment of oral tumours

PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

First Dental Check-Up

The first dental check-up is typically recommended when the puppy or the kitten is about 4 months old, coinciding with the eruption of adult teeth.
The purpose of the visit is to assess the teeth early, with special attention to their occlusion. Class III malocclusion (underbite) can only be corrected at this age. Also, patients presenting with class II malocclusion (overbite) could need some treatment at an early stage to resolve the occlusal trauma caused by the mandibular canines.
Animal owners receive guidance on proper dental care, including daily cleaning, dental treats, and diet suggestions.

Extraction of Deciduous Teeth

Extraction is necessary if a baby tooth is significantly diseased, or when a baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth erupt which can lead to overcrowding and alignment issues.

Procedure

General anaesthesia is usually administered to ensure the pet is comfortable and pain-free during the extraction.
Gentle Technique: our board-certified specialist performs the extractions, using instruments approved in paediatric clinics and animal-friendly techniques to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and to avoid injuring the permanent teeth.

Aftercare

Owners receive detailed aftercare instructions, including pain management and dietary recommendations.
Follow-Up Care: one revisit is included in the price of the procedure. Nevertheless, regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor healing and ensure healthy oral development.

DENTISTRY FOR SENIOR DOGS AND CATS

Taking extra care of senior patients undergoing surgical procedures is essential due to their unique health needs. Here are some key practices typically implemented in our hospital to ensure their safety and comfort:

Preoperative Assessment

Comprehensive Evaluations: Senior patients undergo thorough preoperative assessments to evaluate their overall health, including existing medical conditions, medications, and functional status.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Involvement of various specialists (e.g., cardiologist, anaesthesiologist) to create a tailored surgical plan.

Personalised Care Plans

Individualised Protocols: Care plans are customised based on the patient’s medical history and surgical needs.
Risk Mitigation Strategies: Identification of potential complications and proactive measures to address them.

Enhanced Communication

Detailed Discussions: Care teams engage in clear and compassionate communication with owners and their families about the treatment procedure, risks, and expectations.
Informed Consent: Ensuring that owners fully understand the consent process and are comfortable with their decisions.

Specialized Anesthesia Care

Geriatric Anesthesia: Anesthesia techniques are adjusted to accommodate the sensitivities of senior patients, minimising risks and side effects.
Close Monitoring: Enhanced monitoring during surgery to track vital signs and respond quickly to any changes in condition.
Team Coordination: Surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and nurses work together closely to ensure a smooth operation.

Postoperative Care

Pain Management: Focus on effective pain management while considering the unique responses of older patients to medications.
Rehabilitation Support: to promote recovery and reduce complications.

Emergency & Critical Care

At HVSEH, we understand how overwhelming it can be when your beloved animal requires critical care. Our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is dedicated to providing the highest level of care for animals with life-threatening illnesses, injuries, or conditions requiring close monitoring and frequent medical interventions.

Our ICU operates 24/7 and is staffed round-the-clock by a registered veterinarian. The unit is overseen by a board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care.

At this time, HVSEH provides emergency services during business hours, and 24-hour emergency services are coming soon. Our ICU is fully operational at all times, ensuring continuous care for hospitalized animals.

Whether your animal is recovering from surgery, managing a complex medical condition, or requiring life-support measures, our ICU team is here to provide compassionate, expert care every step of the way.

The Emergency and Critical Care Department at HVSEH is your partner in safeguarding your animal’s health during their most critical moments.

Oncology

There are many types of cancer treatment. The type of treatment that your animals will receive depends on the type of cancer involved and how advanced the cancer has developed. Some animals with cancer need only one treatment. But most of the others require a combination of treatments, such as surgery with radiation therapy and systemic treatment (e.g. chemotherapy). There is a lot to learn and think about when your pet needs cancer treatment. Our veterinary experts will patiently explain the types of diagnosis and treatment needed so that you know what lies ahead and feel more in control.