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River Road
Veterinary Clinic
Preventive Healthcare, Diagnostics, Emergency Care, and Life Management for Animals
River Road Veterinary Clinic P.O. Box 309 Norwich, VT 05055 (802) 649-3877
Monday - Friday 7:00 - 5:30
Saturday 7:00 - 2:00
Sundays by emergency only
Welcome
River Road Veterinary Clinic services the upper valley region including the towns of Norwich, Hanover, Thetford, Lyme, Hartford and beyond. Our goal at River Road Veterinary Clinic is to provide consistent, quality medicine and surgery for large and small animals. Our professional team provides a clean, friendly environment with a special emphasis on compassionate care and understanding.
We are a team of professionals dedicated to the health and life management of your animals. Like you, our pets are an integral part of our family and have the right to expect the best medical and alternative care possible. We strive to share this philosophy with you in our actions and service.
We are intensely cognizant of our impact on the creatures and people around us, and of the enviroments we affect. We are committed to individually treating our clients with the respect and consideration they deserve; regardless of whether they are human clients, or the animal variety.
Featured Causes
"Hi folks! My name is Leo, and I am a 2 year old, neutered cat that loves children, dogs, and people. I am perfectly content indoors or outside, and I am current on all of my vaccinations. I'm in perfect health, but I need a new home! My owners, who are long-time clients of River Road Veterinary Clinic, are moving far away and can't take me with them! If you have room in your home and heart for a well-behaved and handsome cat, then please call the following number: 802-649-3877. Thank You! -LEO the Little Lion."
At River Road Veterinary Clinic, we treat many different kinds of companion animals, including: cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes, lizards and turtles. Click on the image above for a detailed listing of our companion animal services.
We at River Road Veterinary Clinic highly value that owners fully understand the health issues and medical needs of their pets from obesity or behavioral issues to a cancerous tumor or kidney failure. Client education and understanding is crucial to practicing quality veterinary medicine and surgery.
Providing quality care for large animals, both pets and working animals, is a high priority at our clinic. Dr. Pinello and Dr. Veitch have experience with many types of large animals, including cows, horses, donkeys, ponies, sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. We also provide services for smaller farm animals such as chickens and ducks.
Christine Pinello, M.S., DVM
Dr. Pinello, a native of Bethel, VT, started River Road Veterinary Clinic in Norwich, VT, in 1985. She has a B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Vermont and an M.S. in Botany from Iowa State University. She worked for API doing product development of a yeast identification system before attending Cornell Veterinary College. She received her D.V.M. in 1982. She has incorporated alternative medicine into her practice by becoming a certified acupuncturist and dispensing herbal remedies in combination with traditional treatments. She lives in Norwich with her three cats and one horse.
Aimee Spooner, D.V.M.
Dr. Spooner, a Massachusetts native, joined River Road Veterinary Clinic when she relocated back north after eight years in North Carolina. She graduated with an Animal Science degree from UMass Amherst in 1998, then received her D.V.M. degree from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She and her husband Chris, also a veterinarian, practiced near Charlotte N.C. until Chris had the opportunity to purchase a clinic in Bradford, VT (from the veterinarian who gave him his first job at 16.) Aimee just treats small animals, with a special interest in internal medicine, oncology, and behavior. Dr. Spooner and her husband reside in Piermont, NH with their three rather spoiled dogs and a menagerie of trouble making chickens.
Angelica (Veitch) Walls, D.V.M.
Dr. Walls received her D.V.M. from Louisiana State University in 2004, and has worked at River Road Veterinary Clinic ever since. She received a B.F.A. from Alfred University in 1994. Her hobbies include horseback riding, spinning, knitting, quilting, and hand dyeing shibori fabric. She and her husband Peter have two young sons, Tommy and Jacob. They also have 2 dogs and 1 cat. Dr. Walls treats almost any kind of animal (except birds) and has a particular interest in surgery.
Charlie Berger, D.V.M.
Dr. Charles Berger, a graduate of Cornell Veterinary College, was the owner and medical director of Campus Veterinary Clinic in Berkeley, CA for 35 years. He was the veterinarian and served on the Board of Directors of the institute that oversaw the largest collection of captive wolves. He also served on the Board of Directors of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association and has been the veterinarian for over 30 sled dog races, including the Iditarod and Yukon Quest.
Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
Administration
Suzanne Hodge, Receptionist
Suzanne has been with the clinic for over 16 years. She enjoys interactions with all the clients and their animals. Suzanne resides in Fairlee, VT with her husband, Richard, where they own a dairy farm. They also have two cats (Pip and Holstein), and lots of chickens.
Martha White, Manager and website co-coordinator
Martha made a career in inventory management working in manufacturing and at a hospital. Then her intense love of animals brought her to work at the clinic. She has attended Inventory Management and computer classes at Claremont Vocational Technical College, UNH School for Lifelong Learning, and Franklin Pierce College. She and Punky, her domestic partner of 35 years, enjoy traveling the United States in their motorhome.
Becky Boivin, Office Administrator
Becky started working at the clinic in September, 2008. She has more than 20 years of experience in Office Management and Human Resources. Working mostly in the corporate world, Becky enjoyed the thought of working in a private practice dealing directly with clients and their pets. Becky resides in Taftsville, VT with her two sons, five cats, and one rabbit.
Mary Sellmann, Receptionist
Mary has lived in Norwich for the last 30 years, after moving here from Pennsylvania with two small children and one chicken. Over the years she has had dogs, cats, horses, sheep, cows, turtles, squirrels, and a crow, so the opportunity to work at a veterinary clinic was very appealing. She says she loves her job because there is never a boring day at River Road Veterinary Clinic!
Barbara Crowe, Bookkeeper
Deb Hodges, Recycling Coordinator
Marjory Taylor
Marjory is a native of Bethel, VT. She has worked at the clinic for many years and enjoys her work with the animals. Marjory has a horse, a dog, two cats and six grandchildren.
Lilyann French
Lily has a degree in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire. She has worked for River Road Veterinary Clinic for several years now. She always makes an effort to help any homeless animals in need, overseeing our adoption program here at our clinic. Lily enjoys being a Veterinary Technician and being able to help sick or injured animals become well again. She has a Boxer mix that she adopted from New Mexico while living in Colorado and an old cat friend that she adopted while attending college from a NH shelter.
Abbie Griggs
Abbie is a recent graduate of Vermont Technical College and resident of Norwich, VT.
Samantha Cronin
Samantha recently joined the clinic after moving to the Upper Valley from Connecticut. She and her boyfriend share an apartment with their two affectionate cats, Benjamin and Ralphie. Samantha is excited that she has found her true passion in caring for animals, and after two years working as a technician, she has decided to finish a Biology degree and go on to vet school.
Lindsay Philips
Lindsey has been accepted to Tufts Veterinary School where she will begin courses in the fall of this year, with an emphasis in horses.
Companion Animals
Please click on the pictures to discover more about the featured companion animal.
Cat Health
Cats
Adult cats need to see their veterinarian annually for a wellness examination and vaccinations. Kittens require more frequent care and clinic visits. This is also a time for owners to ask any questions or voice any concerns they have regarding their cat's health, behavior, or care. Cats are considered senior at 8 years of age; onset of some serious illnesses increase at this age, so regular blood-work is recommended. Click the link above for a more complete list of possible medical issues of your adult cat.
For information about KITTENS, click here:
Dog Health
Dogs
Adult dogs need to see their veterinarian annually for a wellness examination and vaccinations. Puppies require more frequent care and clinic visits. This is also a time for owners to ask any questions or voice any concerns they have regarding their dog's health, behavior, or care. Dogs are considered senior at 8 years of age; onset of some serious illnesses increase at this age, so regular blood-work is recommended. Click on the link above for a more complete list of possible medical issues of your adult dog
For information about PUPPIES, click here:
Avian Health
Exotics - Companion Birds
Birds can make very nice pets, but please consider carefully whether you have the time, money, and appropriate environment to care for these special animals. It is important to spend some time researching different kinds of birds to determine what size, food, temperament and lifespan you are prepared to take responsibility for. The health of indoor birds is largely affected by their quality of care: nutrition, cleanliness of the living environment, exposure to sick birds, stress, and level of protection. Click here for more information on common dangers to and illnesses of birds.
Ferret Health
Exotics - Ferrets
Do not be fooled by the quiet sleeping animal in the pet store or the myth that ferrets sleep "all the time". It is true that they sleep deeply and a lot - about 15-18 hours a day, but when they are awake they are high-energy, non-stop, fearless, and inquisitive. They do best with several hours per day of direct interaction with their people and other ferrets. Like young children, they do not always know how to use their energy productively and need guided, creative, interactive playtime. They are also expensive, requiring high-quality food, and over their lifetime almost inevitably some expensive medical care. If you do have one, or many, you know what amazing pets they are. Click on the title above for ferret-specific medical information.
Rabbit Health
Exotics - Rabbits
Rabbits can be excellent pets, but require a commitment of time, and education about its special nutritional and housing needs. Many medical problems with pet rabbits can be avoided through appropriate feeding, environmental conditions, and handling. It is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible after adopting a rabbit to have it examined as well as to receive proper instructions on its care. An annual exam is also highly recommended. Click here for some other medical concerns to be aware of.
Reptile Health
Exotics - Reptiles
Reptiles can be intriguing and beautiful pets, but they are not the best pet for everyone. They have very specific housing, food, and temperature needs. Some grow to be very large. Please thoroughly research the kind of reptile you are interested in before adopting: make an appointment to speak with a veterinarian, call someone who has owned them for many years, or join a reptile group. Click on the link above to read more about their medical care needs.
Rodent Health
Exotics- Rodents
Good rodent health is based largely on good care, including: clean living conditions, appropriate materials for gnawing, the right food and clean water, and moderate temperatures (about 70F). If you are new to rodent care, please make an appointment to speak with a veterinarian before, or immediately upon acquiring a new pet. It is also advisable to have at home one or more excellent books on the care and medical issues of your particular kind of rodent. For more information on general medical concerns in rodents, click on the above link.
Exotic Pets
Please click on the pictures to discover more about the featured exotic pet.
Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons, Python regius (also know as Royal Python) are a relatively small and docile specie of snake, which are native to Western and West-Central Africa. If you have purchased a Ball Python from a pet store, chances are it was born in either Togo, Benin, or Ghana. They are called 'Ball Pythons' because, when frightened, they coil around their head and into a ball.
Chameleons
Cameleons
Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are squamates that belong to one of the best-known lizard families. The word is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek (khamaileon), from (khamai) "on the earth, on the ground"(leon) "lion", translating the Akkadian qaqqari, "ground lion".
Geckos
Geckos are small to average sized lizards that need to live in a warm climate and usually are sandly enviroments.
Hampsters
Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. The subfamily contains about 18 species, classified in six or seven genera.
Iguanas
The Iguana is an animal that is indegenous to tropical warm climates.
Turtles
Turtles are reptiles that are cold blooded, about 300 species are alive today.
Farm Animals
Please click on the pictures below for more information on the care for each species.
We provide a wide range of services from vaccinations, emergency services, and herd health checks, to floating teeth and pregnancy checks. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, one of the large animal veterinarians is on call. The farm truck is fully equipped with all large animal medical needs. There is also a portable radiograph. We also have a large animal stall at the clinic where we can treat severe or ongoing cases requiring frequent monitoring, or for routine care for owners who can transport their animals for castration, dehorning or floating teeth, for example.
We are able to offer clients a variety of testing options to help determine the cause of symptoms and assist in diagnosing an illness. Here are some of the services we offer, and how they can benefit your animals.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
A CVI is required for your cattle, sheep, goats, camelids and swine in order to attend a Vermont event. Our veterinarians can issue a CVI which must be obtained within six months of the event.
Equine animals need an official negative EIA (Coggins) test record with a complete identification of the horse and a record of a current rabies vaccination instead of a CVI
For more information on Vermont regulations, go to:
Laboratory Tests
We offer both in-house and out-of-house laboratory testing. There are extensive tests available that we can send to other testing facilities that range from vaccine titers to biopsies. The turnaround time for results can be overnight to a couple weeks, depending on the test. For acute symptoms and illnesses, we offer a range of in-house tests that provide results the same day. These are some of the tests and why you might consider them for your animals. For specific medical issues by species, click here hyperlink to FA by species.
In the clinic we have three options for bloodwork on large animals: 1. a large animal panel which includes indicators of kidney, liver and other functions; 2. a blood chemistry which gives information on red and white blood cells; and 3 a test of the levels of major electrolytes. Additional more specific tests can be sent to other testing facilities with results usually back within the week.
Urine or feces analysis are done in house. They can also be sent out of house as with milk or biopsy samples. A fecal sample provides an easy way to test for internal parasites and takes only about an hour to get results. A very small amount of fecal material is required - about one tablespoon! It is easy for animals to contract an internal parasite; fortunately they are very treatable once diagnosed.
Mobile Radiographs
Our veterinarians have a mobile radiograph that can take pictures of your animals on site at your farm, and be developed back at the clinic.
Alternatively, if your animal is able to travel and is small enough it can come into the clinic for a digital radiograph hyperlink here to digital radiograph text for small animals.
Surgery
We are able to provide a wide variety of surgical intervention at your farm or in the farm stall at the clinic, from round the clock emergencies like caesarian section or laceration repair to procedures that are scheduled.
www.vermontagriculture.com
On-site and clinic advanced medical care for equids.
On-site and clinic medical care for dairy cattle.
On-site and clinic medical care for llamas and alpacas.
On-site and clinic medical care for beef cattle.
Bovine testimonials.
Please click on any of the pictures for more information on medical care for each species.
On-site and clinic vaccinations and disease management
On-site and clinic medical care for pigs.
On-site and clinic medical care for poultry.
On-site and clinic medical care for small ruminants.
Small ruminant testimonials.
Veterinary Acupuncture Services
Ancient medicine for today's animals.
We have made great advances in the field of medicine for both humans and animals, but there are ancient practices that have proven their effectiveness over time. Veterinary acupuncture is one such practice that has been growing in acceptance in the U.S. for treatment of many different ailments. Dr. Pinello is certified to perform acupuncture on animals and has experienced success in treating a variety of ailments, for instance providing relief from the pain of arthritis in aging dogs. Certification is obtained through organizations such as the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Certification through the AAVA includes the following:
"1.An individual who is a citizen of the United States and is a licensed
graduate of a college or school of veterinary medicine and who has taken
and successfully completed an AAVA approved veterinary acupuncture course
or an equivalent program in Traditional Chinese Medicine and/or acupuncture.
In addition, a minimum of ten (10) hours of AAVA approved continuing education
must be completed every two years.
2.The individual must make application for membership on an approved
form, including certification of veterinary license in good standing by
their state regulatory agency."***
Acupuncture can aid in the treatment of many illnesses and conditions of the following animal groups:
*Equine
*Canine
*Feline
*Ruminant
*Llamas/Alpacas
*Some Exotics
Chinese herbal remedies are another alternative service that is available upon request.
For more information about alternative medical treatments offered, click here, or contact Dr. Pinello directly
***Extracted from the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture website, www.aava.org 07/16/2010
24 Hour Emergency Services
River Road Veterinary Clinic offers emergency veterinary services 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. We understand that animals are beloved family members and dedicated friends and workers, and therefore deserve modern treatment as quickly as possible in the event of an unexpected illness or injury.
Whether your animal needs radiographs, surgery, or treatment of sudden-onset illnesses, you can rest assured that we will be prepared and ready to provide assistance. Our veterinarians and technicians are highly skilled individuals who have a passion for helping and treating animals.
Please follow the links and watch the videos below to learn more about different aspects of emergency care for animals.
We carry the following products, and can special-order products to suit your pet's particular needs. Please contact us to learn more about our products and services.
Flea, Tick, Parasite and Pest Products:
Heartgard Plus 0-25lb
Heartgard Plus 26-50lb
Heartgard Plus 51-100lb
Revolution 0-5 Lb
Revolution 10.1-20 Lb
Revolution 20.1-40 Lb
Revolution 40.1-85 Lb
Revolution 5.1-10 Lb
Revolution 5-15lb Cat
Revolution 85.1-130lb
Advantage 0-9lb
Advantage 20-55lb
Advantage 55-100lb(Blue)
Advantage 9-20lb
Frontline Plus 0-22 Lbs
Frontline Plus 23-44lbs
Frontline Plus 45-88lbs
Frontline Plus 89-132lbs
Frontline Plus Cats
K9 Advantix 0 - 10 Lbs
K9 Advantix 11 - 20 Lbs
K9 Advantix 21 - 55 Lbs
K9 Advantix 55 Lbs +
Knockout 6 Oz Fogger
Knockout Area Treatment
Flea Comb
Dasuquin For Cats
Dasuquin w/MSM Lg Dog 60-120lb 150ct
Dasuquin w/MSM Lg Dog 60-120lb 84ct
Dasuquin w/MSM Sm/Med Dogs to 59 lbs
Check back here frequently as we strive to keep you updated on important news about your pets.
10% Discount on Heartworm/Tick panel
In April, 2010, get 10% off the in-clinic test for Heartworm, Lyme, and 2 other tick-borne diseases for dogs. Early diagnosis is essential for treatment. Read more here.
ASK THE VET on FACEBOOK!
RRVC is now on Facebook. Follow the attached link to our Facebook page.
Canine Influenza vaccine - now available!
Learn more here about Canine Influenza Virus(CIV) and the new vaccine.
Case of the Month - Foreign Body
See what happens if your cat swallows something as seemingly harmless as a piece of string.
Case of the Month - Gunshot Wound
What does a gunshot wound look like, and how is it treated?
H1N1 confirmed in a cat
For the first time, H1N1 virus has been confirmed in a cat.
Holiday hours
River Road Veterinary Clinic will be closed for regular appointments during the following days and times of the upcoming holiday season.
Hunting Season safety for your pets
Read here for tips on keeping your pet safe, and links to hunting season dates in VT and NH.
Kittens available for adoption
We have 2 adorable kittens available for adoption. Read more about them here!
Let the Dr. do the driving!
We offer house calls! Small animal medical care is now available in the comfort of your own home. Read more about what services are offered.
NH horse licensing
A NH bill under consideration would require equines to be registered with their town for a $25 fee.
Puppy First Grade
Erin Donahue will be offering puppy first grade for puppies between 4 and 12 months of age, who have already had a puppy socialization class. Click on the link for more information
Rabies Clinics
Information of rabies and other local vaccination clinics.
Salmonella scare causes recall
Several pet food products that contain peanut products have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
Health alert! Rabies update
Your pets and animals should be vaccinated annually against Rabies. So far in 2009, 45 animals have tested positive for rabies in 36 towns in Vermont.
Angels Among Us Pet Hostel
Established to meet the need in caring and relocating pets that temporarily can not be cared for by their owner.
Center for Advanced Veterinary Care
This care center provides a broad range of radiology modalities and advanced diagnostics.
National Animal Poison Control Center
The APCC is a resource for any animal poison-related emergency.
Dover Veterinary Hospital
This hospital offers advanced care in internal medicine, ophthalmology,and surgery.
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association
An information web-site on providing aid and then survival to injured, orphaned or distressed wild animals.
Veterinary Partner
This site supports you in the care of your pet.
Companion Animal Parasite Council
New England Veterinary Oncology Group
N.E.V.O.G. offers radiation therapy, a CAT scanner and chemotherapy for animals.
Petfinder
This web-site has information on animal shelters, adopting a pet,
volunteering to help pets, and now you have a pet what to do.
Fronline
An excellent informational site about fleas and ticks.
Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists
24 hour critical care with doctors and staff who have
advanced training in emergency and critical care medicine
that enable them to handle the most life-threatening conditions.
(802) 863-2387
Veterinary Diagnostics Center for Canines
DNA tests that are available for dogs.
Handicapped Pets
This site has products, services, and support for elderly,disabled and handicapped pets.
Employment
There are currently no openings for full- or part-time paid positions. Please check back in the future.
Ongoing:
Dr. Pinello places high value on opening the clinic to people interested in learning more about veterinary medicine. If you are an interested high school or college student or an adult considering a career change, please call or email Dr. Pinello or Sue Hodge for information about volunteer opportunities.
Testimonials
Thank you Dr. Pinello for my acupuncture treatments. I can play, go upstairs, get up off the floor and not have to lie down in the middle of eating. I go for long walks and can still move the next day. It feels so good to be able to bounce around and run a little and not hurt all the time. I look forward to seeing again. Thank you, Thank you
Yukon
We deeply appreciate the kindness that you extended to us and to Breezy. It was difficult to watch her age but we find comfort in knowing that your wisdom and care extended her life and gave it quality.
Lu and Jerry
You will never know how much we appreciate all of the concern and love you have shown us. You are the best. Thank you again for everything. Love and hugs from my mom and dad and licks and barks from me.
Gypsy Woman
Thank you from my heart for your care and condolences of Bill. He was super specimen of the animal world. We had a great love affair. I miss him daily. You all did so much for him and me. I am indebted to you forever.
Millie
Nearly twelve years ago I was fortunate enough to receive from you two four month old girl kittens who had been born under a porch in Vermont. Their owner had given them to you. Your office called to inquire whether I might be interested in these fluffy girls. I took them home and it was love from me first, the girls werent so sure. They finally grew to trust me. Sadie, Samantha and I had many years of affectionate interaction. They had the run of the house. In 2004 I lost Samantha, then most recently Sadie. Although they are now both gone I continue to thank you for having given them to me.
Alexandra
Thank you for your incredible care, encouragement and undivided attention towards out best pal Calloway. Your team dedication and mission to provide the most appropriate care is an outstanding service to pet owners. From the tender and practical doctoring and the smiles you all were there for us. No wonder Calloway loved his visits so much. Thank you all for doing what you do. It is appreciated tremendously. He was the best dog ever.
Jo & Malcolm
Thank you for being so caring and kind with My Little Girl Punky. You gave me anther seven months of joy with her. I knew she was in good hands when you were all taking care of her. I feel pretty fortunate to have gotten to know all the Angels at River Road. You are all so special.
Larry & Deb
Thank you so much for the great care you had given our dog Saddie over the years. We were comforted knowing that she was with very compassionate and caring people. Your efforts are appreciated more than you will ever know.
Vicki & Peter
My family and I want to sincerely thank you for the wonderful and sensitive care you provided to our Golden Retriever, Hank, during these difficult days. From the acute management of his illness, to your compassionate end of life care, your office was superb, and we are deeply grateful.
Larry & Nora
To the entire wonderful staff at River Road Vet Clinic, thank you for all the kind card, thoughts and for all the wonderful treatment Keiko received for almost seven years of life. She certainly enjoyed going to the clinic. Thank you and Spot the cat thanks you.
Len
Thank you for taking such great care of our most beloved friend, Fletcher. He meant the world to a whole lot of people. We were complete strangers to you and you took us in and comforted me and Fletcher. You gave me answers that I needed and were so incredibly gentle and kind. Words cant express how thankful I am to you all. You are all truly amazing. I knew in my heart that he was treated carefully and respectfully and that makes it a little easier to get through this.
Leanne
I am the beauty that Dr. Pinello saved. Fearlessly driving through a raging storm, courageously operating with only flashlights for light. Having never performed this kind of surgery before, she was guided by the vets at the big hospital. She saved my live in more ways than one. After months of medicine and miles of bandages, hours of ground work to rebuild, my muscles and a new furrier Im as good as new. Several rides 8-10 miles dont bother me at all. I run and play in the pasture all the time. Thank you all.
Blazy
I just want to let you know how much I appreciate everyones help in my moment of need. I had never been to your clinic before, my cat was in a very serious situation where she needed surgery on the spot, and you welcomed me as if I had been a client for years. The staff made all kinds of changes in the schedules that day so they could focus on saving my pet and her babies. I was very upset and scared and Dr. Pinello reassured me that your staff would do everything possible for my pet, and you did.
And I THANK YOU for that.
I still have my very loved Cini and 2 of her babies that you were able to save, and they are doing well. There is no way I can ever thank you enough for what you did for us.
Deb
Pets for Adoption
Eli is a Rottweiler mix. He is a fixed male around 2 yrs old, and he is up to date on vaccines. He is housebroken. Not suitable with kids under 12 yrs of age, but possibly ok with other animals. He was a stray so we are unsure. He needs a home with structure and daily excercise, continued obedience classes, and supervision around young kids. Eli loves people and to snuggle up to you. He is good in the car and likes to play ball.
Rex will be up for adoption soon. He was hit by a car and left at our doorstep! Someone knew we would love and take care of him. He is so very sweet! He does have a broken pelvis but is well on its way to healing. When he is fully recovered he needs a loving home. He is an estimated 3-5yrs old, short hair all black, fixed male. He loves attention!!
Tippy just celebrated her first birthday- she is very cute and friendly, good with kids. She needs to be the only cat in the home, she wants all the attention to herself!
Contact and Location Information
Located in the beautiful town of Norwich Vermont
Norwich is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States, located along the Connecticut River opposite Hanover, New Hampshire. The population was 3,544 at the 2000 census.
The name of the town was originally spelled "Norwhich", but the additional 'h' was dropped shortly after the town was chartered. The town was named after Norwich, Connecticut, the state from which the first settlers originated. Originally pronounced Norritch as per the English pronunciation (Norwich, England) the town name has in more recent times become more commonly pronounced Nor-wich.
Norwich maintains one of the few interstate public school systems, the Dresden School District, commissioned by President John F. Kennedy, which is shared by the towns of Norwich and Hanover, New Hampshire.
Norwich, Vermont is a small community based town in the Upper Valley Region near the cross-roads of Vermont & New Hampshire. River Road Veterinary Clinic is located very conveniently near downtown Norwich. If you enjoy the country charm with all of the modern conveniences of today's world, please visit us and see for yourselves where the charm is.
Directions
From the North:
Take interstate 91 south to Exit 13. Turn left off the exit. Go 0.4 miles and turn left at the traffic light (before the bridge). Go 1.1 miles then merge left on to Route 5 North. Go 1.3 miles and you will see River Road Veterinary Clinic on your left.
From the South:
Take interstate 91 north to Exit 13. Turn right off the exit. Go 0.2 miles and turn left at the traffic light (before the bridge). Go 1.1 miles then merge left on to Route 5 North. Go 1.3 miles and you will see River Road Veterinary Clinic on your left.
From the West:
Take interstate 89 south to interstate 91 north to Exit 13. Turn right off the exit. Go 0.2 miles and turn left at the traffic light (before the bridge). Go 1.1 miles then merge left on to Route 5 North. Go 1.3 miles and you will see River Road Veterinary Clinic on your left.
From the East:
Take interstate 89 north to interstate 91 north to Exit 13. Turn right off the exit. Go 0.2 miles and turn left at the traffic light (before the bridge). Go 1.1 miles then merge left on to Route 5 North. Go 1.3 miles and you will see River Road Veterinary Clinic on your left
Clinic hours
Monday-Friday 7-530 (8-5 for appointments)
Saturday 7-2 (8-1 for appointments)
Ultrasound by appointment
Farm calls
Monday-Friday or by emergency
Surgeries are scheduled Monday-Friday or by emergency
Ultrasound by appointment is usually available one day per week.
Emergency care
Provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 802-649-3877. The answering service will page the veterinarian on call who will immediately return your call.
Mail:
River Road Veterinary Clinic
PO Box 309, Norwich, VT 05055
Visit:
Route 5 North in Norwich, VT
Call: 802-649-3877
Fax: 802-649-1345
Email: (not for emergencies) RRVC_valley.net
Keep a fast, rectal thermometer and some Vaseline lubricant at home so you can check your cats temperature. Normal is 100-102F. 103 or greater is cause for veterinary attention. 99 or less is also cause for concern.
Rabies: NH and VT law require that all cats - whether they are indoor-only or not - be vaccinated for rabies. They can receive the same three-year vaccine that is used on dogs, or there is a one-year vaccination made just for cats. The veterinarians at River Road Veterinary Clinic highly recommend the one-year rabies for cats in order to greatly reduce their chances of getting a fibrosarcoma at the injection site. However, if your outdoor cat is wild or nearly wild, it is better to get it in every 3 years for a rabies vaccine than not at all.
FVRCP = feline distemper, pneumonitis, feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis is given every three years to adult cats.
FeLV: Cats and kittens are also at risk for some serious but easily tested diseases: FeLV, which is feline leukemia, and FIV (similar to HIV in humans). Both are contagious and fatal. Kittens should be tested right away upon adoption. It is best not to introduce any kittens or cats with an unknown medical history into your home before having them tested. Outdoor cats are at high risk of catching these diseases from other cats. If your cat goes outside, please discuss the FeLV vaccine that is available for cats. River Road Veterinary Clinic is now using a new transdermal vaccination that is given without using needles. It is supposed to greatly reduce or remove the risk of the fibrosarcomas (cancerous tumors) at the injection site, found with the old vaccine. We are always looking for ways to increase the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination protocol for your pets.
Nail trimming / declawing
A veterinarian or veterinary technician would be happy to trim your cats nails anytime you are in the clinic. We can also teach you how to safely trim your cats nails at home. It is important to trim the nails regularly. An overgrown nail can curl around until it is growing into the paw pad. This is painful for the cat and makes it susceptible to infection. Preventative trimming is the best option.
We at River Road Veterinary clinic are committed to the health and well being of all animals. Therefore, we no longer perform declawing (the surgical removal of a cats claw and the first joint of each toe). We are happy to discuss with you other ways of dealing with destruction of furniture or aggressive behavior. We also carry a product called Soft Paws: plastic tips that can be painlessly glued on to a cats existing nails that cover the points and prevent damage to furniture or skin. The frequency of replacement depends on how fast your cats nails grow, but they generally last 3-6 months.
Urinary problems / inappropriate urination
Urination outside the litter box, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, or an increase in the frequency of urination are all indicators that your cat should be seen by a veterinarian. The inability of a male cat to urinate is a potentially fatal problem; the cat should be immediately taken to see a veterinarian, even if it is during emergency hours.
Regular testing of your cats urine is important for diagnosing or ruling out such problems as: urinary tract infection, crystals, stones, kidney disease, or diabetes. It is possible for an owner to collect urine from a cat using aluminum foil or plastic in the litter box. For most cats, a veterinarian will be required to extract the urine directly from the bladder. This is a surprisingly painless procedure, usually only takes a few minutes, and the pet does not require anesthesia. Bladder stones may require a radiograph to confirm diagnosis.
Inappropriate urination is the number one reason why otherwise healthy cats are euthanized or abandoned. After medical causes are ruled out (see above), consult a veterinarian for a behavioral consult, or a referral to an animal behavioralist who sees cats. There are myriad reasons for this problem: as simple as a change in the kind or scent of litter or they type of litter box. Emotional or stress-based causes are more difficult to solve but should be identified: change in the number of pets or people in the household; a recent move; some other physical or emotional disruption in the household. Please make every effort to find a solution with a medical or behavioral professional before deciding not to keep your pet.
Common illness in aging cats
From a medical standpoint, cats are considered geriatric at 8 years of age. It is around this time, and later that many serious and chronic illnesses begin. Annual bloodwork is recommended for these cats, for early diagnosis. However, owners can pay attention to some common signs of onset: increase in water consumption and urination; weight loss; decreased appetite; or increased appetite with weight loss. A cat with any of these symptoms needs to see a veterinarian. Hyperthryoidism, diabetes, and kidney failure can be managed with changes in diet and/or medication. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring thereafter are important for a good prognosis.
Hyperthyroidism
