Veterinary Services in Bingen, WA

At Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we see wellness exams as the cornerstone of lifelong health for your pet. Just like people, pets benefit from regular checkups that help catch issues early, support a healthy routine, and foster a strong, trusting relationship with their veterinary team.

Whether you’re caring for a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior companion, our wellness exams are customized to fit your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history.

What Is a Pet Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is a routine check-up that helps monitor your pet’s overall health and catch early signs of illness—often before symptoms appear. These visits are a key part of preventive care and play a big role in helping pets live healthier lives.

We recommend scheduling a wellness exam at least once a year, and more often for young, aging, or medically managed pets.

What’s Included in a Wellness Visit?

Each visit includes a full nose-to-tail evaluation and may include:

Full Physical Exam

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat check
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Abdominal and lymph node palpation
• Joint and mobility assessment
• Skin and coat condition review
• Weight check and body condition scoring

Lab Testing

• Fecal screening
• Heartworm test
• Tick-borne disease screening
• Bloodwork and urinalysis (especially for senior pets or those on long-term medications)

Vaccinations

We’ll administer or update core and lifestyle-based vaccines based on your pet’s exposure risk.

Parasite Prevention

We’ll recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention tailored to your pet’s needs and the local environment.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling

From diet and exercise to behavior and at-home care, we offer personalized guidance to support your pet’s health at every stage of life.

At Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience. That’s why our experienced veterinary team is here to provide skilled surgical care along with thoughtful, ongoing support—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure.

From routine spays and neuters to more complex soft tissue operations, we focus on your pet’s safety, comfort, and long-term wellness every step of the way.

Common Soft Tissue Surgeries We Perform

Soft tissue surgery includes procedures involving your pet’s skin, internal organs, muscles, and other non-orthopedic tissues. These surgeries address a wide range of medical needs, such as:

• Tumor and mass removal
• Abdominal surgeries (e.g., foreign body or bladder stone removal)
• Reproductive procedures (spays, neuters)
• Hernia repair and respiratory corrections
• Trauma and wound treatment
• Surgeries involving the eyes, ears, or mouth

Focused on Safety: Anesthesia & Monitoring

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. Before surgery, we perform a full exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.

We create an individualized anesthesia plan tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and medical history. During surgery, a dedicated surgical technician closely monitors your pet using advanced equipment to track:

• Heart rate and rhythm
• Blood pressure
• Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
• Body temperature

Managing Pain for a Smoother Recovery

We take a proactive approach to pain management. Medications are given before surgery to help minimize discomfort as your pet wakes up.

Depending on your pet’s specific needs, we may use:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)
• Local anesthetics
• Other pain relief medications

For pets dealing with chronic pain, we also offer long-term support options.

Postoperative Care & Home Recovery

When it’s time for your pet to go home, we’ll make sure you feel confident and prepared with:

• Clear written and verbal home care instructions
• Guidance on medications, diet, activity, and what to watch for
• Follow-up planning to track recovery progress

At Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we know that early detection can make all the difference in your pet’s health. That’s why we’ve equipped our clinic with advanced diagnostic tools that deliver fast, reliable results—so we can act quickly and make informed decisions when it matters most.

Our diagnostic capabilities support everything from preventive wellness care to urgent medical cases, helping us provide timely, tailored treatment for your pet.

In-House Laboratory Testing

With our in-house lab, we can perform many diagnostic tests right here—meaning faster results and faster care. Same-day answers help us catch health issues early and respond before they become more serious.

Common In-House Tests Include:

• Urinalysis & Fecal Testing: Urinalysis helps detect urinary tract infections, kidney issues, and more. Fecal tests screen for parasites like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia—some of which can also affect humans. Routine testing is especially important for young pets and those who spend time outdoors.
• Ear Cytology:
  Identifies ear infections, mites, and inflammation under the microscope.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC):
  Helps detect infection, anemia, or immune system changes.
• Pre-Surgical Screenings: Evaluate organ function to ensure your pet is ready for anesthesia.
• Organ-Specific Chemistries: Monitors liver, kidney, and metabolic health.

We also use SNAP® tests for quick, early detection of more serious conditions:

• SNAP 4Dx® Plus (for dogs): Screens for heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis
• SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo (for cats): Detects Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus

For more complex diagnostics, we partner with trusted outside labs to offer:

• Allergy testing
• Culture and sensitivity panels
• Cytology and biopsy analysis
• Antibody titers to monitor vaccine immunity

Digital X-Rays

Our digital radiography system produces high-resolution images in seconds—no film, no delays. These X-rays give us a clear view of your pet’s bones, joints, and internal organs to diagnose:

• Broken bones and joint conditions
• Ingested foreign objects
• Lung and heart abnormalities
• Bladder stones or intestinal blockages

Digital Dental X-Rays

Many dental problems aren’t visible during a routine exam. With digital dental radiographs, we can identify hidden issues beneath the gumline, including:

• Infected or damaged teeth
• Root abscesses
• Bone loss from gum disease
• Resorptive lesions (tooth decay-like cavities in cats)

These insights allow us to treat dental disease early—before it becomes painful or more complicated.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound gives us a non-invasive, real-time look inside your pet’s body. Using safe sound waves, we can examine:

• Organs like the liver, kidneys, and spleen
• The bladder, intestines, and lymph nodes
• Tumors, cysts, stones, or signs of inflammation

Ultrasound is a gentle procedure, and in some cases, light sedation helps pets stay calm and still. Whether we’re investigating a concern or guiding a treatment plan, this tool helps us see what other diagnostics can’t.

Why Diagnostics Matter

When your pet isn’t feeling their best—or even when they are—advanced diagnostics help us:

• Identify problems early
• Respond quickly during emergencies
• Customize treatments with precision
• Give you peace of mind with clear answers

At Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we believe that great care starts with great information—and we’re here to provide both.

Good oral health is a big part of your pet’s overall well-being. At Alpine Vet, we offer dental services that not only keep your pet’s mouth clean but also help prevent pain, infection, and long-term health issues.

Our Bingen, WA, pet dental services include:

• Routine Dental Exams: Spot early signs of oral disease
• Professional Cleanings: Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• At-Home Dental Guidance: Support your pet’s dental care between visits

Dental Health: More Than a Clean Smile

Dental disease is incredibly common—affecting more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. And it’s not just a mouth problem. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to:

• Pain and tooth loss
• Difficulty chewing or eating
• Weight changes
• Persistent bad breath
• Infections that affect the heart, kidneys, or liver

Dental disease progresses over time, but early action and consistent care can prevent it—and make a big difference in your pet’s comfort and longevity.

Our Approach to Pet Dental Care in Bingen, WA

We tailor every dental visit to your pet’s specific needs, factoring in their age, breed, and medical history. Our dental appointments typically include:

• A full physical and oral exam
• Anesthesia customized to your pet’s health and comfort
• Digital dental X-rays to find problems hidden beneath the gumline
• Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup
• Gum evaluation to check for infection or tissue loss
• Tooth extractions (only if necessary)
• Tooth polishing to help prevent future buildup
• At-home care recommendations, including brushing tips and product suggestions

Why Dental Care Matters

Dental problems often go unnoticed until they become serious. Look for these warning signs:

• Bad breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Reluctance to eat or chew
• Drooling more than usual
• Pawing at the mouth

The Benefits of Regular Pet Dental Care

• Protects Internal Organs: Bacteria from the mouth can spread through the bloodstream, impacting organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
• Improves Quality of Life: Pain-free eating means your pet is more energetic, active, and comfortable.
• Freshens Breath: Routine cleanings keep your pet’s breath clean and their mouth healthier.
• Supports Longevity: Pets who receive regular dental care are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

Personalized Dental Care at Alpine Vet in Bergen, WA

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. Every pet receives a care plan designed just for them, with thoughtful guidance on:

• Brushing and home hygiene
• Safe dental treats and chews
• Ongoing prevention strategies

Whether you’re scheduling a cleaning or simply have questions about your pet’s oral health, our team is here to help.

We recommend scheduling a wellness exam at least once a year for most pets. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and those with ongoing health conditions may benefit from more frequent visits. These exams help us catch potential issues early and keep your pet up to date on vaccines.

Dental disease is one of the most common—and often overlooked—health issues in pets. Without regular dental care, plaque and tartar can lead to pain, infections, tooth loss, and even problems affecting the heart, kidneys, or liver. Routine cleanings and at-home dental care help prevent these issues and keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Parasite prevention is key to your pet’s health. We recommend year-round protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms, as well as routine fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites. Our team can recommend safe, effective preventives tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

If your pet is scheduled for surgery, our team will walk you through every step—from pre-op instructions to post-op care. We perform a full health assessment before any procedure, create a custom anesthesia plan, and closely monitor your pet during and after surgery. Afterward, we’ll provide clear instructions for home care and be available to answer any questions throughout your pet’s recovery.