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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Preventing diseases and problems in pets should be a common goal among veterinarians and pet owners. However, sometimes that is a very difficult task. In general, pet's, unlike people do not complain about their problems. They have a higher pain tolerance than humans and genetically are programmed to mask signs of illnesses. Sadly, far too often diseases are not recognized until they are very advanced. Most pet owners agree that vaccinations against contagious diseases are an important part of preventative medicine. Vaccinations taylored to each individual pet is a very important step. However, this is only one small part of ensuring the health of our companions.

Listed below are other very importants parts of Preventative Medicine:
- Physical Exam - a thorough physical exam every 6 months is very important to help find problems early
- Senior testing (blood and urine) annually on pet's over the age of 7-8 years
- Regular COHAT (comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment) with at home daily dental care
- Diet - a well balanced diet that meets your pet's nutritional needs (ie- large breed dogs, senior diets, dental diets, urinary etc)
- Monitoring your pets closely - remember age is not a disease! monitor water intake, appetite, watch for stiffness, difficulty with steps;
any change in your pet's normal routine should be monitored closely and examined
- Preventative medications - heartworm and flea prevention, joint supplements, approved dental chews
- Regular heartworm and intestinal parasite exams - no medication is 100% effective all of the time

Our goal is for all of our patients to live as many happy, healthy, pain and disease free years as possible. Preventative medicine is what makes this possible.