Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.

We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. We also work closely with local specialty practices when special diagnostic procedures are required. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and indoor climate controlled boarding kennels, outdoor day kennels and a very large exercise yard. Our special feline boarders are housed in their own area of the hospital away from all dogs.

At Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your companion for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

Our Doctors
Dr. Curt Ritchie
Dr. Ritchie is a 1992 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BS in Animal Science. He is a 1996 graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Ritchie worked his first 4+ years as a mixed animal veterinarian at the Denham Springs Animal Hospital. In December of 2000, he and his wife Dr. Jennifer Ritchie, purchased the Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital. He now concentrates on canine and feline only medicine, surgery and advanced dentistry. Dr. Ritchie's interests are in small animal dentistry, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, preventative medicine, dermatology and pain management. Dr. Curt is currently in a residency program to become board certified in veterinary dentistry. Dr. Ritchie is a member of the AVMA, LVMA, AVDS, BRAVMA, VIN and AAFP. When Dr. Curt isn't working he loves spending time with his family, golf and watching all sports especially the purple and gold!



Dr. Jennifer Ritchie
Dr. Jennifer Hetzler Ritchie, a New Orleans native, completed her undergraduate studies as a prevet major st Louisiana State University. She earned her DVM from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 where she met her husband, Dr. Curt Ritchie. Dr. Jennifer worked at several small animal hospitals following graduation until she and her husband purchased the Perkins Road Animal Hospital in 2000. She takes pride in their excellent staff and the high quality of medicine and surgery practiced at PRVH. Dr. Jennifer believes in an "open door policy" which encourages clients to tour the facility, visit their sick pets or boarding animals. Along with practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Jennifer has developed and teaches companion animal medicine at Louisiana State University. Her special interests include internal medicine, pain management and dermatology. Jennifer's favorite pastime is spending time with her husband and daughters. She also enjoys running, gardening and swimming.



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Thank you for recognizing the need to spay or neuter your pet. Many people "shop around" for the best price on these surgeries, without the knowledge of why the cost varies among veterinary practices. This guide was put together to help you find the best fit between the veterinary practice and your expectations for the care of your pet.

Questions to ask and why to ask them
1. Will my pet receive a complete physical exam prior to surgery?
This is important for a number of reasons. It is our first defense against performing surgery on an animal that may have infectious disease, a heart murmur or other detectable problems.

2. What safety precautions will be taken with my pet during surgery?
While most surgery is uneventful, emergencies sometimes arise. Early detection of impending problems greatly aids our ability to intervene and correct the problem. A breathing tube should be placed on all anesthetized animals. This keeps the airway open and allows for supplemental oxygen or gas anesthesia as needed. A heart (ECG) and oxygen monitor allows the surgeon to keep track of heart rate and rhythm as well as the amount of oxygen in the blood. An IV catheter in place prior to surgery ensures a quick route to the blood stream should an emergency arise and allows your pet to receive fluids while under anesthesia to help prevent hypotension. IV fluids also allow for a smoother and quicker anesthetic recovery. Blood pressure monitoring during anesthesia is also very important. Many animals get hypotensive as their first sign of trouble. Hypotension for an extended period of time can cause sub clinical and clinical organ damage.

3. What type of anesthesia will be used on my pet?
The cost of surgery can vary greatly with the type of anesthesia used. As a general rule, the safer the anesthesia, the more it costs. You should know whether the anesthesia is an injection, gas or a combination of both. You should know the name of the anesthesia and what common side effects there are, if any. The hospital should be happy to discuss anesthesia protocols with you.

4. What safety precautions will be taken with my pet after surgery?
Surgery patients lose body heat through anesthesia and the openings of body cavities. If patients get too cold, the heart can be affected. Patient temperature should be monitored during and after surgery with supplemental heating provided as needed. You pet's gum color, pulse and respiration should be monitored. Your pet should be closely monitored until the breathing tube is removed and they are able to hold their heads up on their own.

5. How will pain be controlled for my pet?
This is important - surgery hurts and all pets feel pain! The anesthetic will not control pain once the pet wakes up. Pain control before, during and for days following surgery should NOT be an option.

6. Will I receive post surgical care instructions for my pet?
Aftercare of surgical patients is very important for proper healing. The hospital should provide written discharge instructions for your pet.