24/7 EMERGENCY CARE
We are the 24 Hour Emergency Veterinary Hospital for all of the Okanagan Valley.
We are fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
Patients are always welcome to come to Fairfield on an emergency basis if your regular daytime veterinary clinic is closed or unavailable.
Simply call us from the parking lot when you arrive and we will assist you as soon as we can.
Pets with particularly serious medical issues may also be referred to us by a family veterinarian, if they suspect your pet may need 24-hour care or monitoring. We keep in close touch with your veterinarian, who will provide the required follow-up care.
Medical records, including diagnostic materials such as radiographs, are shared with your family veterinarian so all the patient's caregivers can follow the progress of the case.
However, you do NOT need a referral from another hospital.
If you have an emergency at any hour of the day, please call us any time.
Triage / Waiting:
We do everything possible to ensure that every patient receives timely access to veterinary care. Very much like human emergency rooms, we operate on a triage system – this means that more seriously ill or injured patients are seen before less seriously ill or injured patients. During high-volume times patients with minor ailments and injuries can experience longer wait times. We do the best to keep you apprised of the expected wait time and the current situation at the emergency clinic.
What happens “in the back”?
If there is any possibility that a patient is critically injured or ill, a pet may be taken straight into the hospital’s triage room or treatment areas based on our triage system. These patients will be assess by a doctor immediately and receive life-saving treatment such as fluids and oxygen and/or pain medication when appropriate.
We are fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
Patients are always welcome to come to Fairfield on an emergency basis if your regular daytime veterinary clinic is closed or unavailable.
Simply call us from the parking lot when you arrive and we will assist you as soon as we can.
Pets with particularly serious medical issues may also be referred to us by a family veterinarian, if they suspect your pet may need 24-hour care or monitoring. We keep in close touch with your veterinarian, who will provide the required follow-up care.
Medical records, including diagnostic materials such as radiographs, are shared with your family veterinarian so all the patient's caregivers can follow the progress of the case.
However, you do NOT need a referral from another hospital.
If you have an emergency at any hour of the day, please call us any time.
Triage / Waiting:
We do everything possible to ensure that every patient receives timely access to veterinary care. Very much like human emergency rooms, we operate on a triage system – this means that more seriously ill or injured patients are seen before less seriously ill or injured patients. During high-volume times patients with minor ailments and injuries can experience longer wait times. We do the best to keep you apprised of the expected wait time and the current situation at the emergency clinic.
What happens “in the back”?
If there is any possibility that a patient is critically injured or ill, a pet may be taken straight into the hospital’s triage room or treatment areas based on our triage system. These patients will be assess by a doctor immediately and receive life-saving treatment such as fluids and oxygen and/or pain medication when appropriate.
INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST BY REFERAL
Dr Hans Gelens is board certified in Small Animal Medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine as well as the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
After years of teaching at the Atlantic Veterinary College (University of Prince Edward Island), as well as working in various specialty practices in BC and Ontario, Dr Gelens has settled in the Okanagan. Dr Gelens is available for internal medicine consults by referral at Fairfield Animal Hospital.
Referring veterinarians can fill out Dr Gelens' online referral form HERE
After years of teaching at the Atlantic Veterinary College (University of Prince Edward Island), as well as working in various specialty practices in BC and Ontario, Dr Gelens has settled in the Okanagan. Dr Gelens is available for internal medicine consults by referral at Fairfield Animal Hospital.
Referring veterinarians can fill out Dr Gelens' online referral form HERE
IN HOUSE LABORATORY
This allows us to provide prompt, analytical results when time is of the essence. This means a more rapid evaluation
of your pet's health and, if issues are identified, the ability to begin treatment without delay.
of your pet's health and, if issues are identified, the ability to begin treatment without delay.
DIGITAL RADIOLOGY
We use digital technology to take radiographs that can be viewed instantaneously for a sharper, more detailed image.
Instant images allows for the animal to not have to wait under sedation while processing the films. We no longer need to carry the
dangerous chemicals in our hospital that are needed in the older X-ray machine.
The images can be magnified, contrast can be adjusted, different areas can be focused on ie; soft tissue, muscle or bone.
The image is instantly transferred to a monitor which can then be transferred via email to a specialist if needed.
Instant images allows for the animal to not have to wait under sedation while processing the films. We no longer need to carry the
dangerous chemicals in our hospital that are needed in the older X-ray machine.
The images can be magnified, contrast can be adjusted, different areas can be focused on ie; soft tissue, muscle or bone.
The image is instantly transferred to a monitor which can then be transferred via email to a specialist if needed.
CT SCANNER
What is CT Scanning?
Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of your pets body. The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images.A major advantage of CT is its ability to image the internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels and provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.
Benefits
CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate. CT examinations are fast and simple; It can quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel or other internal organs. It is also a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems. No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy, but can also assist our surgeons to create a surgical plan that is best for your pet. CT Scans are booked by referral through your regular veterinarian.
Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of your pets body. The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes, and can even generate three-dimensional images.A major advantage of CT is its ability to image the internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels and provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.
Benefits
CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate. CT examinations are fast and simple; It can quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel or other internal organs. It is also a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems. No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy, but can also assist our surgeons to create a surgical plan that is best for your pet. CT Scans are booked by referral through your regular veterinarian.
ULTRASONOGRAPHY
This is an essential diagnostic instrument which allows visualization of the chest, abdomen and
internal organs. Using completely safe sound waves, images of the inside and outside of the organs can be
seen.
At Fairfield we can perform focused assessments on the abdomen, thorax, and pericardium to
assess for fluid effusions or emergent abnormalities.
Full abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds are available on a referral and appointment basis at
other local clinics with specially trained practitioners.
internal organs. Using completely safe sound waves, images of the inside and outside of the organs can be
seen.
At Fairfield we can perform focused assessments on the abdomen, thorax, and pericardium to
assess for fluid effusions or emergent abnormalities.
Full abdominal and cardiac ultrasounds are available on a referral and appointment basis at
other local clinics with specially trained practitioners.
ENDOSCOPY
This is a non-invasive medical tool we use to diagnose intestinal and airway conditions such as foreign bodies, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and various other conditions. Endoscopy was designed to help minimize trauma and meet the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques, an increasingly popular option that offers lower costs as endoscopes become standard equipment in everyday small animal practice.
Endoscopy allows us to see inside of the body without making any surgical incisions. A long, flexible tube with a camera at one end is inserted into the area of interest. Images are then projected to a TV monitor. A biopsy channel in the scope allows us to insert instruments for a variety of procedures including cytology, culture, biopsy, and foreign body retrieval.
With endoscopy, we can often obtain a diagnosis without the need for more invasive surgery. Animals are often released the same day and need little or no pain medication. We are able to utilize our scope in the nose, esophagus, trachea and bronchi, stomach, small intestine, and colon.
Dr. Stephen Ganton has extensive experience with endoscopic procedures. We have had many interesting cases from
removing foreign objects to diagnosing complicated respiratory cases.
We have a wide variety of both flexible and rigid scopes. We are able to take biopsy samples from the esophagus, stomach, lungs and colon.
All diagnostic reports are phoned to the referring veterinarian on the same day, as well as a written report will be faxed to their office within 24 hours.
All endoscopic procedures are available by appointment or on an emergency basis.
Endoscopy allows us to see inside of the body without making any surgical incisions. A long, flexible tube with a camera at one end is inserted into the area of interest. Images are then projected to a TV monitor. A biopsy channel in the scope allows us to insert instruments for a variety of procedures including cytology, culture, biopsy, and foreign body retrieval.
With endoscopy, we can often obtain a diagnosis without the need for more invasive surgery. Animals are often released the same day and need little or no pain medication. We are able to utilize our scope in the nose, esophagus, trachea and bronchi, stomach, small intestine, and colon.
Dr. Stephen Ganton has extensive experience with endoscopic procedures. We have had many interesting cases from
removing foreign objects to diagnosing complicated respiratory cases.
We have a wide variety of both flexible and rigid scopes. We are able to take biopsy samples from the esophagus, stomach, lungs and colon.
All diagnostic reports are phoned to the referring veterinarian on the same day, as well as a written report will be faxed to their office within 24 hours.
All endoscopic procedures are available by appointment or on an emergency basis.
SPECIALTY SERVICES
Veterinarians at Fairfield may recommend referring your pet for a specialty service with a veterinarian who practices out of another clinic in Kelowna.
Specialty services include orthopedic and specialty surgery, veterinary dermatology, veterinary ophthalmology, internal medicine,
ultrasonography, and companion animal laser therapy.
Learn more about these services on our Specialty Services page.
Specialty services include orthopedic and specialty surgery, veterinary dermatology, veterinary ophthalmology, internal medicine,
ultrasonography, and companion animal laser therapy.
Learn more about these services on our Specialty Services page.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELLING
Our staff would be pleased to discuss the nutritional requirements for your pet and make diet recommendations.
Not all foods or diets are created equal.
Fairfield Animal Hospital stocks a wide range of Canine and Feline foods to meet the diverse needs of our pet clients.
Fairfield Animal Hospital is proud to carry Royal Canin Veterinary Diets. We are also pleased to provide the Royal Canin Slim Fit Program,
tailored to your pets caloric requirements, to help them get back into healthy shape!
Not all foods or diets are created equal.
Fairfield Animal Hospital stocks a wide range of Canine and Feline foods to meet the diverse needs of our pet clients.
Fairfield Animal Hospital is proud to carry Royal Canin Veterinary Diets. We are also pleased to provide the Royal Canin Slim Fit Program,
tailored to your pets caloric requirements, to help them get back into healthy shape!
BLOOD DONORS & BLOOD BANK
We started recruiting patients for our blood bank in 2009.
We ask that all patients be of good disposition, have current vaccinations, be healthy and weigh more than 55lbs.
We blood type and screen all candidates.
Once a successful candidate has passed the screening, we ask that they donate in advance at a convenient, prearranged time. Occasionally we need blood on an emergency case and our donors have been fabulous with coming in no matter when we need them!
Ideally a donor will donate up to a maximum of 4 times per year.
ASK US ABOUT THE PERKS OF BEING A BLOOD DONOR!
If you believe your pet would be a great candidate to become a blood donor, please contact Kristina at the clinic.
We have whole blood and fresh frozen plasma available for purchase by local veterinary hospitals.
We also welcome referrals to have complete blood transfusions performed at our hospital.
We ask that all patients be of good disposition, have current vaccinations, be healthy and weigh more than 55lbs.
We blood type and screen all candidates.
Once a successful candidate has passed the screening, we ask that they donate in advance at a convenient, prearranged time. Occasionally we need blood on an emergency case and our donors have been fabulous with coming in no matter when we need them!
Ideally a donor will donate up to a maximum of 4 times per year.
ASK US ABOUT THE PERKS OF BEING A BLOOD DONOR!
If you believe your pet would be a great candidate to become a blood donor, please contact Kristina at the clinic.
We have whole blood and fresh frozen plasma available for purchase by local veterinary hospitals.
We also welcome referrals to have complete blood transfusions performed at our hospital.
