Business Details
Emergency
services
Compassionate and Advanced Veterinary Care in Southport, NC
At River Road Animal Hospital, we prioritize low-stress, proactive veterinary care designed to extend the healthspan of pets through preventive medicine and early detection. Our practice emphasizes longer appointments, personalized wellness plans, and advanced diagnostic capabilities including digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory services. We specialize in integrative therapies such as veterinary acupuncture, therapeutic laser treatment, and regenerative medicine to address chronic pain and mobility issues. Our facility offers comprehensive dental care, surgical interventions, and specialty services like oncology, cardiology, and dermatologyall available locally without requiring travel to major metropolitan areas.The team maintains consistent doctor-patient relationships, ensuring continuity of care while employing gentle handling techniques and cat-specific intake systems to minimize patient stress. We extend our expertise to wildlife medicine through partnerships with licensed rehabilitation specialists, reflecting our commitment to broader animal health stewardship.
Services
Preventive Care
Veterinary Oncology
Dentistry
Surgical Procedures
Diagnostic Imaging
Therapeutic Laser Treatment
Acupuncture
Wildlife Medicine
Emergency Services
Boarding Services
Highlights and features
- We implement low-stress handling techniques and cat-specific intake systems
- Our facility offers on-site digital radiography and advanced diagnostic capabilities
- Advanced specialty services available locally without travel to major cities
- Personalized wellness plans tailored to breed, age, and lifestyle factors
- Consistent doctor-patient relationships ensure continuity of veterinary care
What people say
Prompt and professional emergency care
Low-stress handling techniques
Compassionate and knowledgeable staff
Thorough explanations provided
Personalized attention to patients
Services
Preventive Care
Our preventive care programs focus on early disease detection and health maintenance through customized wellness plans. We conduct comprehensive physical exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention tailored to each pet's life stage and breed-specific needs. This proactive approach helps avoid emergency situations while extending pets' healthy lifespans through regular monitoring and timely interventions.
Diagnostic Imaging
We offer advanced diagnostic imaging services including digital radiography and ultrasound for rapid, accurate diagnosis. These technologies enable detailed visualization of internal organs and structures, facilitating prompt treatment decisions. Our in-house capabilities reduce wait times for critical diagnostic information compared to traditional film-based systems or external lab referrals.
Therapeutic Laser Treatment
This non-invasive treatment uses specific light wavelengths to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. We apply it for chronic pain management, post-surgical recovery, and skin condition treatments. The therapy promotes cellular regeneration without pharmaceutical side effects, offering an effective alternative for pets with medication sensitivities or complex health conditions.
Veterinary Oncology
Our oncology services provide comprehensive cancer detection and management options locally. We offer diagnostic biopsies, chemotherapy protocols, and palliative care plans tailored to each patient's condition. This specialized care eliminates the need for long-distance travel while maintaining continuity with primary veterinarians familiar with the pet's medical history.
Surgical Procedures
We perform various surgical interventions using modern anesthetic protocols and monitoring equipment. Our capabilities include soft tissue surgery, orthopedic procedures, and emergency operations. For complex cases, we coordinate with board-certified surgeons who provide specialized expertise while maintaining our facility's familiar environment for patients.
People
Dr. Steelman
Veterinarian
Compassionate veterinary professional with expertise in patient care and diagnostics. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills while ensuring pet comfort during examinations. Maintains consistent doctor-patient relationships through personalized care approaches.
Dr. Travis
Veterinarian
Skilled diagnostician with focus on complex medical cases. Implements thorough examination protocols and follows up with patients post-visit. Recognized for compassionate approach to both animals and pet owners during challenging situations.
Questions
What specialty veterinary services are available locally?
We offer oncology, cardiology, and dermatology services on-site, eliminating the need to travel to larger cities for advanced pet care.
How do you handle emergency pet care situations?
Emergency services are available during regular business hours with immediate attention prioritized for urgent medical conditions requiring prompt intervention.
What payment options do you accept?
We provide detailed billing breakdowns and flexible payment arrangements while maintaining transparent pricing for all veterinary services.
Are wellness plans customizable for different pets?
Yes, our preventive care plans are tailored to each pet's breed, age, and specific health requirements for optimal long-term outcomes.
How do you reduce stress for animal patients?
We employ gentle handling techniques, cat-specific intake systems, calming aids, and pre-visit consultations to create positive veterinary experiences.
Can I schedule appointments online?
Yes, our online booking system allows convenient appointment scheduling while maintaining the option for personalized phone coordination.
Reviews (5)
Carolyn Packer
Apr 15, 2022
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Why did you tell me I had to take my puppy with a broken foot to ECDR in Wilmington a 48 min drive from Southport? Under Services it says you provide emergency care and can do x-rays and surgical procedures. Apparently that is false advertising. Please remove all the things you don't actually do from Services.
Tracy Wells
Feb 23, 2022
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I can not thank them enough for taking care of Ziggie Smalls. They made sure she was stable. Making the trip to the emergency vet easier. She is fine and now has a new set of friends at her new vet
Jenna Blahovia
Nov 07, 2021
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Dr Kirby is awesome. Cant even tell our female cat.got spayed. Amazing sutures and surgery. Even the aftercare.was tailored to help Mila out kitty.to relax.be still.sleep.and most importantly heal. Thanks DR. Kirby
Laura White
Aug 18, 2021
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I had an emergency with a bunny who was paralyzed. I was not a client but need assistance. This vet made time. The technician who helped was great. She was understanding and patient. We felt comfortable with our decision and were able to take a few minutes to fully accept the situation. After this experience, I would recommend them to anyone.
Nancy Janovetz
Jul 24, 2021
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Been here 23 years & found that they are the best vets in the area. All staff are focused on your companion, no matter if turtle, bird, dog or cat. Comprehensive testing available & thorough reporting to customers.
