Dr. Kristin Polci-Moger completed her undergraduate studies at Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1988. She received her D.V.M. from the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. A Connecticut native, she returned to West Hartford to participate in a small animal medical and surgical internship, and afterwards, became employed as an emergency and critical care clinician at the Shoreline Animal Emergency Clinic in Stratford, CT. She later accepted the position of Clinical Director at the New Haven Central Veterinary Hospital in 1996. She was also an instructor at Quinnipiac College (1995-1997) in Hamden, CT, teaching Clinical Pathology to veterinary technician students. Dr. Polci relocated to Monterey, CA in 1997, and continued emergency work until purchasing the Madera Veterinary Center in August of 1999.  Dr. Polci is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the Central California Veterinary Medical Association. Her special interests involve emergency medicine and critical care, as well as “pocket pet” medicine and surgery.

Teresa Carr, Associate DVM

Dr. Teresa Carr completed her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in Animal Science and a minor in Chemistry. She graduated from the Ohio State University Veterinary College in 1998. She has been a part of the Madera Veterinary Center team since June 2003. Dr. Carr grew up on a dairy farm in Southern California and has a large, family owned dairy in Madera. Dr. Carr is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the Central California Veterinary Medical Association. Her interests are dairy and small animal medicine. Dr. Carr has a particular interest in Dermatology and Avian Medicine.

Mara Franz, Associate DVM

Dr. Mara Franz grew up in the Sacramento area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis with a BS in Animal Science. She graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and joined the Madera Veterinary Center team shortly thereafter.  Dr. Franz is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the Central California Veterinary Medical Association. Her interests include equine medicine, ophthalmology, and behavior.

Fred Erickson, Associate DVM

Dr. Fred Erickson grew up and attended high school in Maine. He completed his undergraduate studies in Microbiology and received his veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 1976. He then moved to California to practice veterinary medicine. In 1978 he purchased Los Banos Veterinary Clinic where he practiced large and small animal medicine. In 2005, Dr. Erickson sold his thriving practice and became a partner at Westside Veterinary Services where he continues in large animal medicine. Dr. Erickson joined the Madera Veterinary Center team in 2009 as a part-time associate. Dr. Erickson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Northern San Joaquin Valley Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the National Mastitis Council.

Our Mission

The mission of the Madera Veterinary Center is to provide all aspects of veterinary care to our clients and patients in a compassionate and professional manner, always striving for a minimum standard of care no less than excellent. We shall act as our patients’ advocates, working in their best interest at all times, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the bond between our patients and their human families.

We Want You To Know

When bringing your pet in for an appointment, remember that he or she may be a little uneasy about the environment of the hospital setting, especially if it is a first time visit. We ask that you restrain your pet prior to entering the hospital. Dogs need to be kept on a leash, and cats need to be in carriers. Please keep your pet under your control at all times throughout your visit to MVC.

We see patients by appointment to allow ample time for all patient examinations; however, please realize that emergencies do arise. We recognize that your time is valuable, so we strive to see each client on time. Your understanding is appreciated when unexpected emergencies arrive at the hospital and require immediate medical attention.

A phone call is appreciated if an appointment needs to be canceled or rescheduled so that we may make the time available to another pet owner. A fee may be assessed for missed appointments if the cancellation is not made within 24 hours of the appointment.  All fees are due at the time of service.  If using a credit card, we accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Payments by personal check requires a valid California ID.  If paying by check, the check writer must be present.  We also offer CareCredit® for payment options.

A pet that appears healthy can be hiding symptoms of disease. For example, a pet can lose up to 75 percent of kidney function before showing any visible signs of illness. Routine blood testing helps us to evaluate aspects of your pet’s heath status that may be impossible to determine on physical examination alone.

Pre-anesthetic blood profile: This test confirms the organs your pet uses to process and eliminate anesthesia are functioning properly, and reveals any hidden health conditions that could put your pet at risk. These tests also establish a baseline for your pet for future reference. The pre-anesthetic blood profile includes:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormally high levels can indicate kidney disease or dehydration, and low levels can be associated with liver disease.
• Creatinine (CREA): Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or dehydration.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP): An enzyme present in multiple tissues, including liver and bone. Elevated levels suggest liver disease, Cushing’s disease or steroid therapy.
• Blood Glucose (GLU): High levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.
• Total Protein (TP): The level of total protein can detect a variety of conditions, including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney, intestine, or be suggestive of some forms of cancer.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC provides detailed information on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelets. The total white blood cell counts and individual cell counts can indicate leukemia, stress, inflammation or an inability to fight infection. Low platelet numbers can indicate a bleeding problem. In geriatric animals, a low grade anemia indicated by a low red blood cell count can be an early indication of a systemic problem your pet may have that cannot be found anywhere else in laboratory work—this is a very useful screening tool.

In addition to the pre-anesthetic blood profile, the following diagnostic blood tests will help in early disease detection and identification of potential health risks.

• Blood Electrolytes: These values are important in evaluating for various metabolic diseases. It is especially effective for scanning for types of adrenal disease in dogs.
• Amylase/Lipase: Enzymes produced by the pancreas. Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic inflammation. Chronic elevations of these values can also indicate disease more indirectly.
• Cholesterol (CHOL): Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders including liver, thyroid and kidney disease.
• Thyroid (T4): this is a measurement of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood and is helpful in identifying thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is common in pets from young adulthood to very old. Symptoms of thyroid disease can be as obvious as significant weight loss or gain or as subtle as slight changes in sleep patterns and energy levels. It is easy and inexpensive to treat and can significantly decrease your dog’s quality of life if untreated.

Heidi graduated from San Joaquin Valley College in 2001 with an Associate degree in veterinary technology.  She went on to obtain a BS degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix in 2006.  Heidi is a licensed veterinary technician in the state of California and she is also nationally certified.  She joined Madera Veterinary Center in 1999 as a technician.  She also worked as the Program Director of the San Joaquin Valley College Veterinary Technology Program from 2006 to 2007.    Heidi has a special interest in companion animal dentistry and is planning on entering the VTS dentistry program for registered technicians.

Victoria Patrick – Boarding Manager, Customer Service Specialist

Victoria joined the MVC team in 2005 as a veterinary assistant.  She has excelled in all areas of the hospital including front office procedures.  Victoria is currently our boarding manager and receptionist.  She has a special interest in veterinary nutrition and has been certified as a Veterinary Technical Nutritional Counselor through Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Robin Burgess – Exam Room Technician

Robin joined the MVC team in 2006 as a veterinary assistant.  Her smiling face is what our clients see when they bring in their pets for exam and vaccination appointments.  Robin has also been cross-trained as a receptionist, and she excels at customer service. Robin has been a valuable asset to our hospital.  Her special interests include classroom presentations for children regarding veterinary care and animal handling.

Adella Lucero – Customer Service Specialist

Adella joined MVC in 2007, and has been an integral part of the reception team.  She loves interacting with clients and their animal companions, sharing treats and stories.  While not at MVC, Adella enjoys going to the movies and gardening, and is devoted to her family and pets.

Shelly Leal – Customer Service Specialist

Shelly has been working as a veterinary receptionist since 2006, and she joined the MVC staff in May 2008.  Prior to then, she was employed by the MUSD as a school bus driver. Shelly has four grown children and many pets in her life.  She has also fostered numerous orphaned babies, including puppies, kittens, squirrels and birds.

Michelle Lawrence – Animal Health Technician

Michelle has over a decade of experience in the veterinary hospital environment. She began working at the Madera Animal Hospital in 2000, and graduated from the San Joaquin Valley College for Veterinary Technology in 2001. She joined MVC’s team in July of 2009. She is a compassionate individual who always goes that extra mile for our clients.

Kimberly Coffey – Animal Health Technician

Kim graduated from the San Joaquin Valley College for Veterinary Technology in 2010, and soon afterward, joined MVC’s team as a front desk receptionist. She has since been cross-trained as an exam room technician and veterinary assistant, and has become a valuable asset to the hospital. Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as her pets Brewsky, Tinka, and Ironhide.

Terra Brand – Animal Health Technician

Terra was a welcomed addition to MVC’s team in May of 2011. She is currently enrolled at the Veterinary Technology program at San Joaquin Valley College, and will be graduating later this year. Her compassion for animals is demonstrated every day as she cares for the hospitalized and boarding patients with an extra dose of TLC. Her growing animal family currently consists of two dogs and a cat. Terra loves working with animals, and treats all of them as if they were her own.

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

At Madera Veterinary Center, we would like to eliminate infection and oral pain in your beloved pets.  Oral infections have been shown to affect multiple organ systems, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.  Animals suffering from the internal effects of these infections will not live as happily or as long as they should.

Our services range from routine dental cleanings to more advanced dental procedures and digital dental x-rays.  We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about dental care for your pet.

Dental care is an important factor of your pet’s overall health.  This disease is a progressive process with several noticeable stages.  Initially, plaque (tartar) begins as a build up of a thin film of food particles and bacteria along the gum line.  Continued plaque build up will lead to calculus (hardened plaque) formation which then can develop below the gum line causing “pockets” to form.  Pockets allow more bacteria and plaque to gather and speed the worsening dental disease.  These processes irritate the gums causing inflammation known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis can further progress to end-stage periodontal disease including bone destruction, loss of tooth support and tooth loss.  There are many opportunities to stop this progression before you reach irreversible periodontal disease, such as professional dental cleaning and various types of home care.

Age and Health Status: Periodontal disease more commonly affects older animals and those with severe systemic disease.

Diet and Chewing Behavior: Studies show that hard kibbles are slightly better than moist/canned foods at keeping plaque from accumulating on the teeth. Dogs that chew on various toys and treats may remove some of the plaque build-up. Salivating while chewing does aid in “washing” the oral cavity and helps reduce bacterial load.

Breed, Genetics, and Tooth Alignment: Small breed and brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk of periodontal disease because their teeth are often crowded together. This results in an increased accumulation of plaque because the normal cleansing mechanisms are hindered.

Grooming Habits: Hair accumulation and impaction around the tooth and in the gingival sulcus can hasten the development of plaque.

Home Care: Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth can greatly reduce the accumulation of plaque and development of calculus, thus reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

Mouth Environment: Dogs that open-mouth breathe tend to have a more tenacious plaque due to the dehydration of the oral cavity.  In general, the more acidic the saliva the more rapid the build-up of plaque.  The number and type of bacteria in the mouth influence the progression of periodontal disease.

Fresno Pet ER
7375 N. Palm Bluffs Ave.
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 437-3766

Veterinary Emergency Service
1639 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93703
(559) 486-0520

Veterinary Specialty Center
6606 N. Blackstone Ave.
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 451-0800

Merced Animal Medical Center
3765 E. Yosemite Ave.
Merced, CA
(209) 381-0911

SURGERY

Here at Madera Veterinary Center, we pride ourselves in the quality of care given to our patients before, during and after surgery. Any surgical procedure, whether routine or complex, can bring much anxiety to you and your pet.

Do you have questions about what the surgery check-in process is going to be like? Do you have feelings of anxiety about leaving your pet at the hospital (most do!) and wonder what your pet does here all day? Do you wonder why we offer optional procedures with your pet’s surgery? Well if you do, we would like to take you on a step-by-step tour of what you should expect before, during and after your pet’s surgical procedure.

The night before surgery

The night before any anesthetic procedure, your pet should be fasted from food and snacks after 10 p.m. (If your pet is a rabbit, do not restrict feeding as this may cause serious intestinal problems.) Please leave water available at all times. If your pet is on any medications, they should be given as usual unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. If you have any questions about whether or not to give your pet’s medication, please call.

The day of surgery

We ask that you bring your pet in to the hospital between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.  If you are unable to bring your pet in during the morning period, you may board your pet overnight the previous evening (boarding fees apply).  The entire check-in process typically takes around 20-30 minutes.  You will be required to fill out surgery paper work. The surgery paper work will have some questions for you to answer, an anesthesia release for you to sign, and a place to put a phone number where you can be reached throughout the day of your pet’s procedure. The form also explains and allows you to choose pre-anesthetic blood work with your pet’s anesthetic procedure. This option is not included in the base price of the procedure that you may have been quoted. We have often been asked why we offer this as an option and not make it mandatory, as it aids in increasing the safety of the procedure. The answer is unfortunately economics; the blood work has an added cost that, if included in cost of the surgery, would increase the base price of all of our procedures, making some very important and necessary surgical procedures not affordable to everyone. However, we feel that pre-anesthetic testing is very important and falls into the standard of pet care that we want to offer all of our clients.

Pre-anesthetic blood profile and CBC: Your pet’s kidney and liver are the organs used to process and eliminate anesthesia from your pet’s system. This blood work evaluates your pet’s liver and kidney function to confirm that they are working properly.  This profile may also reveal hidden health conditions that may put your pet at risk with anesthesia.  A CBC is another blood test done prior to surgery that will check red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts. These tests can uncover things like anemia, early infection, or blood clotting disorders.  If any of these conditions are present, your pet’s surgeon may recommend that surgery be delayed due to the risks of serious surgical complications.  For more information on pre-anesthetic testing click here.

Once the surgical release form has been filled out and all of your questions have been answered, the technician will take your pet to our surgical ward and get a weight and temperature. If you elected for your pet to have blood work performed, this is when we would draw the blood and start the testing process. If your pet’s blood values indicate that there might be a concern with anesthesia, the surgeon will call you to discuss your options. If your pet’s values are normal and your pet is healthy enough to receive anesthesia, we will administer a pre-medication injection. Pre-medicating allows us to use less anesthesia in order to intubate your pet and anesthetize. Because the pre-medication is a sedative, it also helps to keep your pet more comfortable while waiting to have the procedure done.

Madera Veterinary Center schedules surgical procedures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Surgeries are typically started around 10 a.m. When it is your pet’s time to have their procedure performed, he or she will be given an injection of anesthesia, intubated and hooked up to an inhalant anesthetic (isoflurane).  At this time, your pet will be connected to numerous monitoring devices including an ECG, blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter. The area where the surgeon will be making the incision is shaved and sterilized. A microchip may be implanted if you had elected to have one placed. The procedure is then performed with continuous technician monitoring of your pet’s temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.  Pain management injections and nail trims are also done at this time. There are times when decisions need to be made while your pet is under anesthesia to avoid future procedures. It is very important that you are available by phone or designate someone that will be available that can make decisions for you. When the surgeon is done, your pet will be monitored closely by the surgery technician until fully awake.

Once the procedure is done, the surgeon or surgery technician will call and let you know how your pet is doing and how the procedure went. We will also schedule a time at which you can take your pet home.  All anesthetic procedures require a minimum of two to three hours of recovery time before going home to make sure your pet is waking up safely and completely from anesthesia. Patients that had surgery involving an intra-abdominal incision (i.e., spay) will typically spend the night to allow more initial time to start the healing process and to completely metabolize the anesthetic.

Post Surgical Instructions

When you come to pick up your pet from surgery, one of our technicians will go over post surgical instructions with you. We do this before we reunite you with your pet in order to clearly communicate the importance of the instructions and answer any questions you may have. You will also be informed if and when you need to return to have your pet’s sutures removed. If we are sending home any medications such as pain medications or antibiotics, the technician will go over the specific dosing instructions and when to start the medications.

If your pet received IV fluids, the catheter will be removed at the time of discharge and a bandage placed to prevent bleeding. This bandage needs to be removed one to two hours after your pet leaves the hospital, unless any swelling is noted. If this happens, please remove the bandage without waiting.

If your pet is prone to licking or chewing, you may want to take home an Elizabethan collar to prevent the possibility of opening the incision and the need for further surgeries. This collar must be left on at all times unless under your direct supervision.

If your female pet was spayed and was in heat, she will continue to have hormones in her system for the next few weeks to months. These females should have no contact with intact males until the incision is completely healed, because we do not want any internal sutures to become damaged.

If your male dog was neutered, he can still show signs of dominance and aggression or even marking behaviors for quite sometime after the procedure.

The very last thing we will do before we bring your furry friend up to you is check the incision and clean around the area if needed.  It is now time for your pet to go home with you! If you ever have any questions or concerns after a procedure is done, never hesitate to call us.

We hope this helps to put your mind at ease and gives you a better idea of what your pet’s experience is like when he or she comes to Madera Veterinary Center for a surgical procedure. If you have any other questions regarding your pet’s procedure, please call and talk to one of our receptionists prior to the surgery date or ask your technician at the time of the surgery.

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