Animal Specialty Center Offers One-Of-A-Kind TechnologyMay 1, 2008

—First and Only Veterinary Hospital in the World to Offer New CyberKnife Technology—

In response to the growing demand among primary care veterinarians and pet owners for advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options, noted local veterinary neurologists Drs. Richard J. Joseph and Jason M. Berg recently opened the Animal Specialty Center (ASC). Located at 9 Odell Plaza in Yonkers, NY, ASC is the first and only veterinary facility in the world with the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System, a new technology used in hospitals to treat human cancer patients.

ASC offers emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Comprehensive specialty medical, surgical and support services are available by referral from primary care veterinarians.

“Our primary mission is to expand the horizons of veterinary care in the greater tri-state area and support veterinarians when they see serious cases that require the extra skill level of a specialist,” said Dr. Richard Joseph, co-founder of ASC. “Our goal is to keep people and pets together longer while improving quality of life.”

“We’re breaking new ground by adapting the CyberKnife’s advanced technology to treat companion animals suffering from cancer,” stated Dr. Jason Berg, co-founder of ASC. The CyberKnife delivers cancer treatment with greater accuracy and fewer side effects as compared to more conventional methods of radiation therapy. Only one to three treatments are required— a significant reduction from the 20 treatments required by conventional methods. Fewer visits mean less anesthesia and less stress for the pet. “Most important, we’re able to offer new hope for many sick pets—and that’s great news for their owners too,” Dr. Berg said.
ASC’s commitment to strengthening the bond between people and pets transcends the realm of medical and surgical care. “We plan to build upon our mission by launching a non-profit organization, Humans Enriching Animals’ Lives (HEAL),” said Bernadette Vinci, MS, Hospital Director. “HEAL will offer programs and services to benefit both people and animals.”

The 16,000 square foot facility, which employs 90 workers, is staffed with some of the best and brightest board certified veterinary specialists from across the U.S. An unparalleled level of comprehensive care is available in many important specialties: 24/7 emergency medicine; internal medicine; neurology; cardiology; medical and radiation oncology; surgery; rehabilitation; dentistry; dermatology; avian & exotics; complementary medicine; and pet behavior.

ASC also features the Toshiba Aquilion 16-slice CT scanner, which isn’t available at any other regional veterinary CT scan center. Scanning, an integral diagnostic tool, usually requires general anesthesia. But the Aquilion’s advanced technology enables ASC’s specialists to perform CT scans under light sedation on an outpatient basis, which is easier on the patient.

Additional state-of-the-art equipment includes MRI, digital radiology, digital fluoroscopy, and ultrasonic aspirator. An special radioiodine therapy center is dedicated to treating cats with hyperthyroidism. Another unique feature is the Rehabilitation Center with hydrotherapy treadmills to perform physical therapy on dogs.

Professional development is an important part of ASC’s mission to expand the horizons of veterinary care. Continuing education programs on a broad array of topics are offered to veterinarians across the region. An enhanced web site was recently launched at www.animalspecialtycenter.com.

ASC’s veterinary specialty staff includes: Richard J. Joseph, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, neurology, veterinary acupuncturist; Jason M. Berg, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, neurology and internal medicine; Susan Ettinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, oncology; Sarah C. Charney, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, oncology and ACVR, radiation oncology; Geoffrey S. Hutchinson, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, surgery; Jennifer J. Bonczyniski, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, surgery; Kerry J. Heuter, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, internal medicine; Jeanne B. Budgin, DVM, Diplomate ACVD, dermatology; Risa M. Roland, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, cardiology; Jean-Paul Petrie, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, cardiology; Anthony A. Pilny, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, avian and exotics; Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, Diplomate ABVP, behavior; Kristen Andersen, DVM, emergency care; Daniella Schmuel, DVM, emergency care; Kendra Hearon, VMD, emergency care; Joseph Palamara, DVM, emergency care; Thoulton W. Surgeon, BSc, DVM, FAVD, Diplomate AVDC, dentistry; Linda McMahon, PT, LVT, physical therapist, licensed veterinary technician; and Jessica L. Holland, DVM, neurology resident.

ASC can be contacted at 914-457-4000.
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