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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Why laser surgery?
Less pain - The laser seals nerve endings as it cuts, so your pet will have reduced pain after the surgery.
Less bleeding - The laser seals small blood vessels greatly reducing or eliminating bleeding during surgery.
Less swelling - Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise because there is no physical contact with the tissue. That means less pain!

What does this mean for my pet?
Less pain - Patients are more comfortable after laser surgery.
Reduced Risk of infection - The laser sterilizes as it removes diseased tissue, killing bacteria that causes infection.
Precision - The laser can remove unhealthy tissue without affecting or removing surrounding healthy tissue.
Quick recovery - Healing is rapid and there is less post-operative discomfort.

What is a laser?
A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a specific wavelength.

Are lasers new?
No. Medical lasers have been proven to work for more than 20 years. Computer technology has made laser use possible in veterinary medicine. We are pleased to be one of the first veterinary practices in the United States to utilize laser surgery specifically developed for animals.

How does a laser work?
Our patients are treated with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the most widely used type of medical laser in the world. CO2 lasers produce an invisible beam that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because the laser beam can be precisely controlled, it removes or "cuts" only a thin layer of tissue at one time, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected. This level of control allows us to be extremely precise in every laser surgery procedure.

What type of procedures can a laser perform?
All elective procedures
Skin surgery
Feline laser declaw
Opthalmic surgery
Abdominal surgery
Orthopedic surgery
Oral surgery
Urogenital surgery

For more information, click here.