Belle Mead Animal Hospital
Belle Mead Animal Hospital
872 US Highway 206
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
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About
Belle Mead Animal Hospital
Since 1979, the Belle Mead Animal Hospital (BMAH) has been providing client focused and patient centered care for companion animals in Belle Mead, Hillsborough, Blawenburg, Hopewell, Skillman, Princeton and all the surrounding areas we have been serving for the past 30 years.
As medical professionals, we truly believe that your pet deserves the best medical care possible. As pet owners, we believe that our clients deserve to be welcomed to a modern, AAHA accredited facility by a team that is friendly, professional and respectful of your needs. Tours of our hospital are available upon request.
Client education is part of our mission. We believe that well-educated pet owners are the happiest pet owners with the healthiest companion animals. For those with dogs, we offer “Puppy Socials” at the hospital on a weekly basis, basic training classes and behavior consultations to help strengthen the bond between you and your new pet.
The Belle Mead Animal Hospital is committed to providing the best preventative care through every stage of your pet’s life. This includes thorough wellness exams, breed-specific health care, vaccinations, microchip identification, nutritional counseling, and more. We are also ready to support you and your pet during an illness or injury through state-of-the-art diagnostic care, modern surgical suite, internal medicine expertise, and the ability to refer you to one of our network of specialists if necessary.
Your pet is always in good hands at the Belle Mead Animal Hospital. We offer a team of five doctors and 25 support staff and technicians who care about you and the well-being of your pet.
Primary Specialty
Veterinarians
Education
Dr. Joe Martins, DVM is a Rutgers alumni who also graduated from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. After veterinary school and completion of an emergency externship in Phoenix Arizona, he began his career as a general practitioner.
For the educational background of all the doctors, visit our website page at: http://bit.ly/15ZajXZ
Affiliations
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA), American Association of Feline Practitioners, Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society
Office Staff
Dr. Joe Martins, DVM; Dr. Kim Somjen, DVM; Dr. Heather Simon, VMD; Dr. Jessica Stephens, DVM; Dr. Debra White, DVM; Dr. Erin Rockhill, DVM; Dr. Beth Wachtmann, DVM
Payment Options
Discover, Mastercard, Visa, CareCredit
Services
Routine Veterinary Services and Wellness Visits
If only our pets could talk. However, because they can’t tell us how they feel and some are masters at hiding pain, a complete and thorough history and physical examination is a very important part of your pet’s complete healthcare or wellness program. We recommend a complete “nose-to-tail” physical examination at least once a year.
A routine examination gives us the opportunity to identify potential medical issues before they develop into a more serious health concern. Once a baseline is established, we can monitor your pet’s health and make note of any changes while they age.
During a routine wellness visit, you will have the opportunity to ask any important questions you may have about your pet’s health, habits and daily care. Every pet is unique, and we will individualize our recommendations with regard to the breed, age, health and lifestyle of your pet as well as any health concerns you may have. We will also offer that latest information regarding the care of your particular pet and offer up-to-date advice on home healthcare needs.
Our complete “nose-to-tail” wellness examination includes:
Heart health assessment – We listen to your pet’s heart through a stethoscope in order to detect early signs of cardiac disease such as heart murmurs and abnormal heart beat patterns known as arhythmias. Early detection can help us identify and treating the underlying condition before it becomes a more serious health threat.
Even indoor cats that never go outside are genetically prone to heart disease at any age. Unfortunately, cats may show no symptoms for years until they suddenly collapse or are in distress. If nothing else have your cat’s heart checked at least once a year, no matter what their age.
Lung health assessment – Health issues such as infections, obstructive diseases and other problems can be detected by listening to your pet’s lungs through a stethoscope. The doctor can also assess the overall pulmonary health of your pet. Did you know that asthma is a common condition in young cats? They might not show symptoms until it becomes an emergency.
Teeth and oral cavity check – Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns in pets. We examine your pet’s teeth and mouth in order to identify any issues early before they require emergency dental care. Very young animals, such as kittens and puppies, also need to be checked to ensure they are developing an appropriate bite and that they are losing their baby teeth at the right time. We also take the time to discuss proper home dental care with you.
Vision exam – Ocular conditions can also be prevented through regular care and screenings. All diseases, including those with the eyes, follow relatively predictable processes and can be more easily treated if detected early.
Ear exam – Ear disease is relatively common in many types of pets. Issues such as low-grade allergies, swimming or bathing, reactions to certain foods, as well as mites and other parasites can all cause and contribute to otitis or ear disease. Though you may feel this is an area that can be easily handled at home, the fact is that many ear diseases are difficult to detect and require medical treatment beyond home health care.
Palpate the lymph nodes, abdomen and skin – By feeling the skin, we are looking for unusual lumps or swellings as well as evaluating for skin discolorations, lesions or patterns of hair loss or thinning. These can indicate the presence of more systemic problems, especially metabolic diseases, which most commonly occur in middle-aged animals.
Palpate joints and muscles – By examining the joints, legs and other areas of the body, we are able to evaluate for swollen joints, decreased muscle tone and variations in muscle size between the limbs. We also observe your pet’s gait for developmental issues. In puppies, we look for early indications of hip or elbow problems. For older pets, we look for signs of arthritis, which can be well-treated if found early.
Lab work – A complete physical includes a heartworm test, parasite screening, and should include a full blood workup. Not only can a full chemistry panel and complete blood count identify the presence of underlying disease processes, but these tests help create a baseline should your pet become ill between routine examinations. Additionally, blood work is necessary if your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, removal of skin masses, or any other procedure that requires anesthesia.
Additional Services
Pet Services and Supplies
Consumer Feedback
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Recent Reviews
I left the other 24 hours care vet facilty in Hillsborough to come to Belle Mead Animal hospital they are much more caring of the animals and explain everything, especially Dr. Martins. The other vet was just there to take as much money as possible and didn't really care about the animal at all. I am so glad I made the switch.
by Country Girl
xxx.xxx.1.213
March 06, 2013
They guilt you into doing unnecessary tests and treatments. They will not confirm a prescription via phone if an online pharmacy is used unless it is their own (vet centric) even though vetvipps accredited. They question whether to trust outside testing from a Luvmypet clinic . My dog had a lyme test that came back positive and that was the response. I guess they want me to repeat the test with them so they can charge me. They are very insulting to suggest other clinics do not perform proper testing or vaccinations. They wanted my cat to get a yearly vaccination instead of a 3year, but could not give me a good reason for this.
by Minna
xxx.xxx.123.96
October 16, 2012
Recent Polls
Did this provider show attention to detail?
Absolutely! They are always very careful and meticulous
Did this veterinarian thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of your pet's treatment?
Yes, they made sure I had all the information I needed to make a decision
by Anonymous
xxx.xxx.179.17
March 05, 2013
Does this provider treat every client equally?
No, they definitely favor certain clients
Did this provider ever dismiss your concerns as unimportant?
Sometimes, I usually have to convince them to look into the situation
How would you compare this provider to others in his/her field that you have visited?
Not the worst, but certainly not the best
by Anonymous
June 26, 2011
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