Dermatology: 

     Itchy dry skin??  Take advantage of Dr. Holbrook's dermatology knowledge.  Skin Allergies are very common problems in both dogs and cats and can require long term treatment.  There are many different allergies which can add fuel to the fire by causing secondary conditions that also require treatment.  Constant scratching, biting, licking and chewing as well as the obvious skin changes are all common signs that your pet may display when an unwanted skin condition is brewing.  Steriods are commonly used to treat these patients, but a lot of times can be avoided.  Long term "allergy injections/shots" can and will cause not only physical changes, but also internal organ damage.  Our patients remain healthy and we pride ourselves by educating our clients about the harmful effects of steriods as well as the pros and cons of  each treatment protocol.  Diagnosing the condition and treating it properly is our goal.   

 Seeing Fleas?  Ask our experienced staff and learn the in's and out's of these pest!    

Drop off service available: 

     Many pet owners who are either pressed for time or whose schedule doesn't permit adequate time for an actual doctor's visit may take advantage of our Drop-off Service.  However, we ask you to understand medical history is a very important aid in making an accurate diagnosis.  If you are pressed for time and unable to speak with Dr. Holbrook, be sure and fill out a drop off sheet and speak with a technician so we can initiate proper treatment.  Just call us as usual for an appointment and let the receptionist know what time to expect your arrival, then you may drop off your pet as early as 7:30 a.m. We will then perform whatever services are needed and you can usually pick up your pet thereafter, unless surgery was performed during the visit.

Vaccinations:

 Puppies and kittens should receive a series of immunizations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, and booster's every 3 weeks until 16-18 weeks of age followed by yearly boosters. Pets kept mainly indoors also need vaccinations, and may be more susceptible to infectious diseases, due to the lack of exposure to natural immunity.
Dogs may be vaccinated for canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, coronavirus, parainfluenza, rabies, bordatella, and giardia.  Ask us about the new periodontal disease immunization.  Yearly boosters are recommended.
Cats may be vaccinated for feline distemper, feline leukemia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and rabies. Yearly boosters are recommended.

Denistry (Oral Surgery):

Pets get toothaches too! Periodontal disease is one the most common disease processes diagnosed in veterinary medicine.  Healthy teeth play a major role in the wellbeing of your animal. Bad breath may be a sign of dental disease.  Gingivitis, tartar, and periodontal disease can release bacteria into the bloodstream stressing internal organs, leading to disease. Starting with your pet’s first exam Dr. Holbrook will check your pet’s mouth for any signs of discomfort or disease.  We will set up an individualized plan for your pet’s healthy teeth and mouth.  For dogs and cats, healthy teeth are essential for a long and happy life.  Just like people, pets need regular dental exams and preventative treatments such as dental prophylaxis.  Without good dental care, most dogs and cats will show signs of oral disease by age three.  Ask us at your next visit how simple it is to implement a home dental care plan.   

Surgery (Elective Procedures): 

We perform all routine procedures:  Spays, Neuters, declaws, tumor removals, dental/teeth extractions, intestinal and stomach surgeries, bladder stone removal, C-sections, etc. as well as elective procedures such as:  ACL repairs, Floating Patella's repair, Ear Trims/Crops, Anal sac removal and much more.  At times patients may be referred to UF for certain surgical procedures.   All anesthetized animals are monitored with a Cardiac/Respiratory/Blood Pressure monitor to insure that each of our surgical patients vital signs are within the normal range throughout each procedure.  Although not required for every surgical procedure under general anesthesia, we offer placement of an Intravenous Catheter (IV Cath).   IV fluids play an important role in a speedy recovery, provides rapid administration of medications in emergency situations, provides hydration to protect the kidney's and aid in maintaining adequate blood pressure throughout the surgical procedure.  All pets are required to have food restriced and only limited water intake the day/night before surgery.     

Hospitalization:

Marion Veterinary Hospital offers hospitalization for patients following surgery and during times of illness. Patient's may require hospitalization when admisterating medications at home isn't possible.  When that happens our trained and responsible staff will be here to help.
If needed we may recommend your pet be transferred to an after hour critical care facility for intensive overnight care.

Radiology:

Radiology is an important diagnostic tool in a veterinary practice and is included in a minimum database when patients are ill. Our specialized veterinary x-ray machine provides us with accurate and speedy results which help in the diagnosis of diseases and trauma.  X-rays may be utilized to diagnose and rule out a huge variety of conditions including arthritis, fractures, kidney and bladder stones, cancer, intestinal blockage, to name a few. 

Laboratory:  

In House Testing included, but not limited to:  Chemistry panels (SMAC), complete blood counts (CBC), Urinalysis (UA), Ear and Skin Cytology, Skin Scraping for Mange, Fecal Examinations, Feline Leukemia/FIV (Feline HIV) tests, Parvo Testing, DTM Fungal Testing, Heartworm Testing, and Screening for Tick Born diseases, are some of the procedures we perform in house for rapid results.  Our Laboratory provides important diagnostic tools and information to accurately diagnose and treat your pets illnesses.  We have a working relationship with outside labs IDEXX and Antech that we commonly use for additional testing when needed.        

Microchips:  Does your pet have a Microchip??

The Microchip identification system is a safe and permanent form of pet identification designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners.

The Microchip is a passive device made out of a biocompatible material, extremely safe for the animal, and requires no battery. It is no bigger than a grain of rice that contains a unique Id code capable of being read by a compatible scanner.

No anesthesia is necessary, it takes just seconds, and it is relatively painless to implant the Microchip securely and permanently within the subcutaneous tissue. The procedure can be done during a regular scheduled checkup and is recommended for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages.

Pharmacy:

Marion Veterinary Hospital maintains a complete pet pharmacy on-site. We also stock all the major brands of heartworm preventative and flea and tick control, including Heartgard, Sentinel, Capstar, Frontline Plus, K-9 Advantix and Revolution for cats.  Don't pay more than you have to for these expensive products.  Ask our staff about the downsides to making Internet purchases. 

I am honored to announce on behalf of my husband, Dr. George M Edwards DVM,  Dr. Jonathan Holbrook DVM has expressed his desire to continue the long standing tradition of service to pets and their owner in the Ocala-Marion County area begun by Dr. Thomas in the late 1910's continued by Drs. Larry Gore and Reuban Brawner in the  1940's and most recently by Dr. Edwards from 1961-2006.

Ann C. Edwards

 Testimonials: 

"Thank you for a wonder week's vacation at your establishment.  As an energetic, attention deprived nine year old black lab, I am very particular about where I want to stay when my master is out of town.  As soon as my mistress walks towards Marion Veterinary Hospital my tail wags and I am so anxious to see all my friends.  The entire staff at Marion Veterinary Hospital greets me with open arms and may pats on the head and rubs on the belly.  They make my stay wonderful and I look forward to the next time--- I love all the attention !!!"

                           Midnight Pantazis 

"Some people have a way in making others feel comfortable and that is the way I felt when I brought Heidi in each and every time.  Dr. Holbrook you are a wonderful doctor and Heidi and I are so glad we found you!  Thank you so much for the great care you gave her. "

                           Judy Doolittle 

"Thank you for taking such great care of us this past year!" 

Blue, CJ and Tess Berman

"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you've done.  You are a great veterinarian with alot of passion for your job.  You have been so kind during the hard times I have had and I wanted to say, Thank you so much to you and your team!"

Jessie Calero

"Thank you for a great job on Meggie's ear surgery- she's happy and healthy again."

Meggie and Beverly Hart

"Wishing your Christmas is as wonderful as you are with all your patients.  If so, you should have one off the best Christmas's ever!"

Gret'l Kotalik and Family

Thanks so much for not only taking such good care of DJ weekly when he comes to doggie daycare but, also for the TLC that was shared with him this past week when he wasn't feeling well. I always feel so comfortable leaving him in your care. I don't know maybe it's the way he gets so excited when he knows that were near your office. The love for DJ that you and your staff give is very apparent everytime I drop him off. What a great team!!! Please know that I will forever be indebted to you for your knowledge of veterinary medicine and your love of animals.  You along with lots of prayers gave me back the love of my life dog: and for this I thank you again. DJ's such a part of our family and Marion Veterinary Hospital is such a part of his family.

Sincerely

Laura Cole