Miami, FL – If you’ve ever loved a four-legged friend, you know the heartache that comes when it becomes ill or is badly injured. What you should also know is that today the same treatments, procedures and diagnostic advances that are used to help people in serious health situations are also available to help your pet.

And luckily for pet owners in Miami and the Keys, Miami Veterinary Specialists Hospital — one of only a few facilities in the state qualified to offer these services — is right here in our own backyard.

Miami Veterinary Specialists offers critical and emergency care for pets in its state-of-the-art facility, located just off Sunset Drive and 86th Avenue.

Since 2002, MVS has treated hundreds of cats and dogs who were suffering with the most uncommon and complex health problems, problems that go far beyond the realm of routine veterinary care.

According to Kathy Penney of Miami, MVS saved her Lab from a certain future of painful leg and knee conditions. “Chip came back limping one day after a game of fetch and was unable to put any pressure on his leg,” Penney said. “After TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery at MVS Hospital, his recovery was quick and he was back on his feet, running full speed ahead.”

And not only is MVS making new strides, they’re performing groundbreaking procedures in veterinary medicine. In June of 2006, Dr. Juan Sardinas performed the first total hip replacement a small breed dog named Monty. Total hip replacement (THR) has been available to large breed dogs for many years. Today, brand new technology is making this very successful surgery possible for dogs as small as seven pounds.

As far as Monty’s owner Dr. Gina Melnick is concerned, it was the best solution.

“The day we brought him home, besides being a bit sluggish, he was back to normal,” said Melnick.

“Literally within a week, Monty was running around the house and jumping.” Whether it’s cancerous tumors, a herniated disc or a collapsing trachea, the veterinarians at MVS Hospital have seen it all and are ready 24-7 to rush to the rescue of your ailing pet. Their team of board certified veterinary specialists offer extensive education and experience in everything from neurosurgery, oncology and orthopedics to dermatology, pain management and internal medicine.

“It’s our mission to continually make new strides in Veterinary care,” said Dr. Sardinas. “We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to help pets from across the United States.” MVS Hospital is also home to the ICAT Feline Thyroid Treatment Center, one of only four such centers in the United States. Dr. Erick Mears, MVS Veterinarian and Internal Medicine Specialist, is one of just two doctors who travel the country for this specialty and is the only doctor of his discipline who is board certified. Dr. Mears has treated more than 2000 cats successfully since 1993. Treatment involves using a procedure known as Radioiodine I-131, which is a method that can completely cure hyperthyroidism by destroying only the affected tumor.

As a regional referral facility, MVS Hospital works closely with the pet’s family vet and can accept cases only with a referral, with the exception of emergency situations. Once the problem has been established and a referral is made, MVS can begin the process of treatment.

After treatment, MVS stays in close contact with your vet to ensure followup care and proper management of your pet’s health. If you are concerned about your dog or cat or confused about the best treatment for an illness or injury, talk to your veterinarian about MVS Hospital.

Read actual Miami's Community Newspapers article here.

For information, call 305-665-2820.