Hello! We are looking forward to welcoming you back inside the hospital, which will re-open on July 1st! Your understanding and patience throughout this challenging time has been greatly appreciated. Below, please find information which will guide you through this process. Thank you!

A sign for Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital welcomes visitors back inside. It states veterinarian appointment guidelines: one person per pet, masks required if unvaccinated, social distancing encouraged, optional masks for fully vaccinated staff, and checkout outside.
The image consists of two photos and a title. The title reads "Employee spotlight on Robyn Dickey, LVT." The first photo shows a woman with long curly hair, while the second photo captures her kneeling and interacting with a dog. Geometric shapes decorate the background, highlighting her dedicated work as a vet.

We have been happily associated with and proud of Robyn since December,1999, who has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 1995! Her varied responsibilities at AGAH include performing exams, administering vaccines, venipuncture, radiology, offering anesthesia, triaging emergency patients, inpatient and outpatient nursing care, administration of medications, client education, laboratory responsibilities and much, much more! She also provides new employee education and reviews prior to the end of their training. It is extremely important to Robyn that patients feel better after surgery and assisting their owners in understanding what continued treatment is necessary and how to provide the care necessary to keep their pets safe and comfortable as healing proceeds. Personally, she enjoys going to the beach, reading, scrapbooking, and traveling. While at home and relaxing, she loves her time with her two cats, Flash and Raven, and her Great Dane mix, Lil Anne. We at AGAH all believe Robyn is awesome…and in the words of a fellow LVT, Jackie, “She is always in a good mood and so much fun to work with! Her knowledge and compassion is evident in everything she does!” Congrats, Robyn, our Spotlight Employee!!

Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve, nurture and care for all life

Lyme Disease… What is it and how does it affect your pets?

Lyme disease is a tick born disease that is now endemic in Virginia. It is carried by the deer black-legged tick, which is very common in the woods of Stafford and the surrounding counties. Acute Lyme disease can cause fever and swollen joints, causing the dog to appear as if “walking on eggshells”. Additionally, your dog may first be diagnosed by a positive test that we utilize when we text annually fo heartworm using the ldexx 4DX test. The first time your dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, an antibiotic will be prescribed to help reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease. Unfortunately, once a dog contracts the disease, it can be very difficult for the body to fully clear so bloodwork and urine samples will need to be followed throughout the pet’s life to monitor kidney functions if the body is unable to fully clear the organism.

To help prevent Lyme disease, we advise regular flea and tick control plus an annual Lyme disease vaccine, especially for those pets that live near or frequently explore a wooded area. Treating the yard and having it fenced to help prevent the infestation of wildlife can offer additional protection for both you and your pet. If your pet does get a tick on them, do not use your hands to remove it. If the tick has recently attached, you may be able to remove it by “spinning it”. To accomplish this, put saline eyewash on a Q-tip and spin the tick with the moistened Q-tip until it releases. Then place the tick in rubbing alcohol to kill it. If it does not immediately release, then use gentle traction using fine tweezers.

This article contributed by AGAH veterinarian, Dr.Margaret Minnich