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care, internal medicine, general and
advanced surgery, advanced dentist-
ry, and oncology are also other areas
of expertise. Dr. Sallye Gregg is certi-
fied in all levels of ultrasonography
and residency trained/board qualified
in emergency and critical care as
well as surgery. Dr. Matthew Noland,
who has developed his special inter-
est in dentistry over the past several
years, performs advanced dental
procedures which includes periodon-
tic and endodontic dentistry, as well
as oral surgery.
To aid in developing a diagnosis
and the best course of treatment, the
hospital has a full-range of the latest
diagnostic medical equipment and
technology. Dr. Langerhans points
out that diagnostic information aids
in the development of a more appro-
priate treatment plan and prognosis,
which in turn allows a more informed
decision by the pet’s owner. Besides
having a large and complete labora-
tory in the hospital and digital radiol-
ogy (including dental radiology), I-20
Animal Hospital has endoscopy and
HD ultrasonography capabilities as
well.
Dr. Langerhans and other staff
doctors have had additional train-
ing and education for performing
endoscopy and ultrasonography.
Video endoscopy is a non-invasive
procedure used to view, biopsy, or
remove small foreign bodies from the
nasal passages, ear canals, esopha-
gus, stomach, upper small intestine,
colon, or trachea. Ultrasonography
is used to perform sonograms of the
abdominal organs and echocardio-
grams of the heart. Dr. Langerhans
said he hopes to someday have CT
scanning capability at the hospital to
further enhance their diagnostic abili-
ties.
Many of our cases are trauma
related - fight wounds both exten-
sive and minor, being injured by
any motorized machine (vehicles
most commonly), head trauma,
snake bites, and sudden lameness
of unknown origin. There are many
other conditions requiring hospital-
ization, intensive care, iv fluids, iv
medications, continuous iv analge-
sics, monitoring diagnostic testing
while critical, surgery, continuous
oxygen therapy, or a transfusion of
Dr. Randy Langerhans
blood or plasma whether due to trau-
ma or an internal illness or condition.
“We keep blood, plasma and
antivenin on hand at all times for our
patients because when the patient
needs it – it is usually asap and can
be the difference for life or death,”
Dr. Langerhans said. The hospital
also utilizes laser therapy; which
Langerhans describes as almost a
magical treatment. It is often used
post surgically as well as for wound
care, joint problems, spinal problems,
and trauma to aid in pain manage-
ment, inflammation, reduction of
swelling, and enhanced healing.
I-20 Animal Hospital is considering
adding Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment
equipment as well.
The hospital and its staff are also
available for referrals from other
veterinary practices. Many referrals
are for patients in need of a hospital
setting for diagnostics, extensive or
more advanced surgery, critical care
and emergencies. “Think of us as an
extension of their practice and the
counterpart to our human hospitals,”
Dr. Langerhans said. The I-20 AH
doctors try to work closely with the
area veterinarians in these situations
and are appreciative of their confi-
dence in I-20 Animal Hospital.
Since I-20 Animal Hospital is a
24/7 facility, at least one or more
doctors and several support staff
are always on site around-the-clock
for patient care including holidays.
Langerhans noted that what most
people fail to remember is that staff-
ing for 24-hour care is very labor
intensive in order to provide the
proper care our injured or critical
patients deserve – simply put-- we are
staffed 168 hours per week. Because
of scheduling every hour 356 days
a year, it is not possible to have the
same doctors and staff every day or
night of the week. The staff works
very hard at keeping communications
concerning patients open and collab-
orative.
The hospital staff doctors also
have a high level of experience
with almost all having practiced in
24-hour or emergency facilities as
well as general wellness practices.
Currently the doctors have a cumu-
lative total of over 150 years of
experience. Although patients at I-20
Animal Hospital do not have a say,
nor vote, in their treatment, “We all
believe doing what is best for our
patient is our priority while incorpo-
rating the ‘human factor’– since the
patient’s owner is who will make the
final decision,” he said. The hospi-
tal’s doctors and support staff believe
in being the patient’s advocate and
treat them as their own.
“I am very confident in our entire
staff providing the utmost compas-
sionate care all patients and their
owners deserve, and we are available
anytime there is a need for our help,”
Dr. Langerhans said.