History
William J. Brown, VMD, a graduate of Wharton and a 1942 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, began his career in Mt. Airy, a northwestern part of the city of Philadelphia. His practice grew in stature in that area and was expanded to a second location in Plymouth Meeting, PA in 1956. He later sold the veterinary practice in Mt. Airy and relocated totally to the suburbs.
The hospital has been AAHA accredited since 1970, which is considered to be the standard of veterinary excellence. Nancy O. Brown VMD purchased the practice in 1983 from the founder, her father, William J. Brown VMD. That same year the specialty practice was established. The practice is known today as Pennsylvania Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Associates at Hickory Veterinary Hospital. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for wellness, specialty, emergency and critical care appointments.
The 20,000 square foot medical complex is situated on 10 acres in Plymouth Meeting, PA and consists of 4 buildings. We have a dedicated and highly trained staff of 18 veterinarians consisting of: board certified surgeon, oncologist, internists, ophthalmologist, radiologist, cardiologist, generalists, emergency clinicians, rehabilitation specialist and acupuncturist. Our team is supported by 26 technicians, 12 receptionists and a caring, compassionate administrative support staff.
Our full service diagnostic lab puts all the essential tests at our disposal including: Serum Chemistries, CBC’s, blood Gas Analysis, Blood Typing and Cross Matching, Coagulation Profiles, Cytology, Fecal Analysis and Urinalysis. Together this makes it possible for us to develop the best understanding of your pet’s condition in the least amount of time, thus enabling us to help you make the best decision for your companion’s care.
Pennsylvania Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Associates is an AAHA accredited 24/7 hospital that serves over 7,000 companion animal patients annually.
PVSEA at Hickory Veterinary Hospital is an advanced-care veterinary facility established to support referring veterinarians in the delivery of the highest standards for diagnostic and remedial pet care. Working in partnership with referring veterinarians and pet owners, we are committed to providing innovative and caring solutions across a broad spectrum of medical challenges, the results of which are longer, healthier lives for our patients.
Our facility offers a broad range of medical services, including surgery, oncology, internal medicine, neurology, radiology, endoscopy, cardiology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, emergency and intensive care.
Our Surgical department head is Nancy O. Brown, VMD, DACVS, DACVIM-Oncology.
Our surgical team consists of Stephanie Dobbins, DVM (board eligible), and 4 highly skilled surgical technicians. The surgical department is dedicated to providing your pet with sophisticated surgical procedures such as arthroscopy, total hip replacement, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, advanced oncologic surgeries and soft tissue surgeries. The surgical team strives to provide a compassionate, team-oriented approach to caring for our patients. Our patients are intensely monitored and cared for during their surgical procedure and during their recovery in the hospital. Our advanced patient care and monitoring including: pulse oximetry, blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram provide the very best for your pet. Oxygen therapy, blood product and transfusion therapy, IV fluid therapy, and pain management are just a sampling of the support your pet may receive.
The Oncology department head is Nancy O. Brown, VMD, DACVS, DACVIM-Oncology. Our oncology team consists of Dr. Brown, an oncology resident Amy Koterbay, BVMS and 2 very experienced oncology technicians, Dr. Brown will discuss different treatment options, concerns of chemotherapy, and the expected prognosis for many different neoplasias. Our goal is not only to extend your pet’s life, but ensure that the quality of his life improves as well.
Our Internal Medicine department is spearheaded by Tara Trotman, VMD, DACVIM and Tabitha Hutton, DVM, DACVIM. Both specialists have a long professional history with the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to advanced knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of medical disorders including those that are unusual, our internal medicine team also has advanced training in diagnostic skills including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, bone marrow aspiration, feeding tube placement and joint aspirations.
Our endoscopy services allow for visual examination of internal organs and body parts without invasive exploratory surgery. This technique allows for visualization of the lining of the digestive system and for taking samples of the lining of these organs. Endoscospy is performed by our Internal Medicine team, Tara Trotman, VMD, DACVIM and Tabitha Hutton, DVM, DACVIM.
William J. Kay, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP is our presiding neurologist. He is respected as one of the foremost specialists in neurology and consults worldwide with other practitioners. Dr. Kay utilizes advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans to look at the structure of the nervous system. He works very closely with our surgical team when surgical treatments are recommended.
Radiology has seen significant advancements in veterinary medicine over the last decade. These advancements have helped provided the most accurate diagnostics available. Here at PVSEA we have state of the art radiographic technology department including, a CT scan, digital radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy imaging which is critical in accurate diagnosis. Our ultrasound radiology group is comprised of several skilled members; Jennifer Reetz DVM, DACVIM, DACVR, Daniel Goldner, VMD, and training associate Allison Clemens, DVM. We have the capability to perform ultrasounds every day of the week. Our digital radiology system (DR System) allows our skilled doctors and technicians to obtain clear, superior images in a matter of moments. The latest and most advanced radiology tool is our CT Scanner. A CT scan obtains images of parts of the body that cannot be seen on a standard x-ray. Therefore, these scans often result in earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment of many diseases. Heading our team of doctors performing Ct Scans is Daniel Goldner, VMD. He is complemented by Laura Barth, VMD, Alison Clemens, DVM and Debra Eisenstein VMD, PhD. We also have access to two convenient MRI centers off site.
Ophthalmology services are performed by Seth A. Koch, VMD, DACVO. Dr. Koch is a pioneer veterinary ophthalmologist, specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of acute and chronic eye problems in companion and exotic animals of almost every variety.
Cardiology Services offered here at PVSEA include echocardiography, stat EKG analysis, rapid treatment adjustments, continuous cardiac monitoring and 24 hour intensive care monitoring if necessary. Cecelia Helenski, DVM has been doing cardiology consults here at PVSEA for over 10 years.
Rehabilitation is one of the fastest growing areas in veterinary medicine and includes the use of non-invasive techniques for treatment of injuries. Goals of rehabilitation include reducing pain and promoting healing, maintaining pre-injury muscle mass and promoting muscle development, maintaining joint flexibility and promoting joint stability, retraining balance, coordination and proprioception and rebuilding cardiovascular endurance. Elizabeth Perone, VMD and Melody Broadbent CCRA encompass our team of certified animal rehabilitation specialists. They will evaluate your companion’s needs and recommend a regiment of treatment. They coordinate with owners’ on necessary home care.
In 2011 we will be adding a Weight Management Wellness Program. Using medical expertise, diet and exercise to treat patients with obesity-related health concerns and develop an individualized weight loss plan. Of special interest is the treatment of chronic pain conditions of the overweight pet as well as healthy weight loss and management with the advice, support and encouragement of our caring doctors and staff.
When seconds are critical, why wait until morning to have your companion seen for an emergency? PVSEA at Hickory Veterinary Hospital has a well trained team of Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians and technicians. Emergencies are triaged quickly to expedite care. Emergency and Critical Care is available 24/7 with an excellent staff to respond to your companion’s needs.
In addition to our exceptional specialty services, PVSEA at Hickory Veterinary Hospital has a caring compassionate staff of wellness practitioners to address routine care, vaccines and healthcare concerns for your companion.
Pennsylvania Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Associates at Hickory Veterinary Hospital has a long community history of serving the needs of clients and referring veterinary practices. Our goal is to constantly exceed expectations of medical care and client communication.