Dorchester Veterinary Hospital
5617 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
843-552-0259

Full service Veterinary

Hospital Centrally located near the airport

We also have boarding, grooming & daycare to serve all of your pet's needs.

About Us

DORCHESTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL is a full service small animal veterinary medical facility located centrally in North Charleston on Dorchester Road near the airport. The professional doctors and staff at DORCHESTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL seek to provide the best possible medical care, surgical care, dental care and Boarding and Grooming services for your dog, cat, bird, reptile, pocket pet or even ferret. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care, and other services with a priority being communication with the client. DORCHESTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to each and every patient and client. We pledge to continue to offer new services including training classes, pet daycare and the latest breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. Please take the time to come by, meet our doctors and staff and tour our facilities at any time during our open hours. NOTE: Our offices and kennel are closed every Friday afternoon from 1pm to 2:30pm for our weekly staff meeting and continuing education classes. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to better serve yo and your pet and bring you the latest advances in veterinary care and services!

Our Mission

Dr.MacKinnon and our entire staff at Dorchester Veterinary Hospital believe in treating you pet as if it were a member of our family. We will recommend the same procedures and products we would want for your own pets. We will emphasize preventative care and client compliance and education. Our veterinarian will always be available to answer your questions and concerns. We will strive to maintain the highest ethical and medical standards. We will communicate with our clients openly and honestly.

Our goal will be achieved when we have exceeded our clients expectations and they are comfortable referring family and friends pets to the care of Dorchester Veterinary Hospital.

We are in the process of adding puppy socialization classes, basic obedience classes, birthday parties and clicker training classes to our menu of services.

We are now Licensed with the state of South Carolina for Wildlife Rehabilitation. Should you find injured or orphaned wildlife, please call us before bringing it in.

Add E-Mail to your contact information!

If you haven't yet and would like to, please call the receptionists and ask to have your e-mail added to our mailing list for fast notification of upcoming events and current news that might affect you and your pet. We are also updating our online services so that we can get information to you regarding your pet in the fastest and most convenient way possible. You will even be able to create a web site for your pet! Call 843-552-0259

We have expert veterinarians!

All services

- Bathing

Treat your pet to a luxurious bath. Our special, cleansing baths remove dirt, debris and that doggie pet odor -  your pet will feel fresh and revitalized. If scratching is a problem, our medicated baths contain soothing agents that stop the itching. Services also include nail trim and ear cleaning.

- Behavioral medicine

Illness doesn't always have a physical cause. We work with animal behaviorists who help determine the cause of such disorders as separation anxiety and obsessive behavior, and then develop a treatment regimen for the client.

- Birds, Reptiles, Rabbits and small mammals

Veterinary medicine for exotic pets is growing as the popularity of these animals increase. With better public education in health, nutritional and environmental management, all species have a greater chance for living longer and healthier lives. We employ staff veterinarians who possess experience in the care and treatments of exotics and also have client handouts for the care and feeding of your exotic pet.

- Blood transfusion

We have access to a supply of blood for all types of pets in case of emergency. The blood is collected from donor pets that live with their owners, and all blood is carefully screened for disease.

- Boarding

Pets are like our children - we feed, nurture and lavish attention on them. The highly qualified attendants at our kennels do the same when you can't be there. We provide tender loving care (such as brushing and cuddling), and supervised outdoor playtime to keep them happy and active.

- Day Care

Is your pet unhappy or lonely while you're at work? Give your companion the personal attention he or she deserves throughout the day. We offer the same TLC and playtime offered to our longer-term guests. We also have "Wet & Wild" water play during the springtime and summer. Let your pet play and frolic the day away with us!

- Dental Care

Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet's teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasound to clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Flouride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Advanced dental care is available.

We also have a dental radiology machine so that we can be sure your pet receives the best dental care available.

NEW!!! Oravet - a revolution in the pet care industry. Oravet seals your pets teeth much like the dentist seals your child's teeth. You can follow up at home with easy, economical weekly care.

- Fully Stocked Pharmacy

We stock a wide range of the best veterinary drugs in the animal healthcare field. We can fill all of your pet care needs in one easy stop.

- Hospice /Euthanasia Services

Saying goodbye to a long-time friend is painful. We work with clients to ensure their pet's comfort and dignity. Services include taking care of the remains as directed by the client. For those clients with terminal pets, we can arrange hospice care in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

- Immunization and Wellness Care

We strive to prevent illness whenever possible. The time and effort invested in Wellness programs has rewards for both pets and owners. Our wellness programs are designed specifically for your pet and include: Comprehensive physical exam; internal parasite testing; heartworm and flea control; vaccination program; spay and neuter package; and specialized blood tests for all life stages.

- Microchipping

Microchips have helped reunite thousands of pets with their families. We offer the most widely used microchip products to increase the chances of a safe recovery.

- Nutritional counseling

Some pets require special food, and all pets benefit from a balanced diet. Our trained and certified staff is available to help you choose the right diet for your pet to keep him or her happy, healthy and active.

- Pain Management

Veterinary patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is the essence of good patient care.

- Radiology

Radiology - or X-rays - help our veterinarians evaluate muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems. We also have dental radiology which helps us offer the latest in veterinary dental care.

- Surgery / Post Op Care

We offer the most advanced surgical techniques and technology. All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are specifically tailored to your pet. Surgical services and facilities include: board certified surgeon available for consultation; fully trained veterinary and technical staff, ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art procedures for your pet; heated surgery tables for greater comfort; advanced sterilization techniques; ECG and oxygen saturarion monitors; intensive after surgery care and full blood testing.

- Retail products

Be sure to check out our retail products located in the kennel/grooming building. We have pet tested toys, leashes and collars, shampoos and perfumes - everything your pet needs for that pampered life it deserves!

- Foods and prescription diets

We carry a large range of prescription diets for the special needs of all of our patients. Be sure to ask us about treats that your pet maybe able to enjoy, even if it is on a prescription or restricted diet.

We also carry both Science Diet and Eukanuba pediatric diets. We have weekly diet deliveries and will be happy to stock your pet's regular food - just ask to be put on the list!

Our Staff

Doctor

- Dr. Bruce J MacKinnon

Dr MacKinnon is a 1974 graduate of Colorado State University. He has been in small animal and emergency practice since then. He and his wife, Roxie have worked together for over 20 years. They have 2 children, Kyle who is 20 and Ian who is 10. Before coming to Dorchester Veterinary Clinic, they had and emergency and specialty referral practice in Colorado Springs, CO

When he is not at work, Dr MacKinnon likes to kayak and sail. He and his family sailed and lived aboard their boat, "boundless" for 4 years. They traveled the East Coast of the US, but spent most of their time sailing and diving in the Bahamas. At home they have 2 dogs, 2 cats, a Moluccan Cockatoo, A dove, a flock of homing pigeons and enough chickens to supply the neighbors with fresh eggs!

Although they have spent many years traveling, Dr MacKinnon and his family love Charleston, SC and plan to call it home from now on.

- Chris Hill

Dr Chris Hill is a general and orthopedic surgeon who works with several practices doing surgery for them at their facility so that the patients can be in a familiar atmosphere and have a staff that they know and trust to help with a rapid recovery.

Dr Hill is also a proponate of the certified veterinary technician programs and teaches part time at the veterinary technician program at Trident Technical College. We are proud and privileged to have him as part of our extended hospital team!

- Dr. Erin Kelly Byrd

Dr Erin Kelly joined us part-time in September 2006 and has quickly become our "morning" cheerleader. She always comes in full of enthusiasm, with a big smile on her face and an attitude that exudes her commitment to learning and expanding her extensive knowledge of veterinary medicine as well as getting acquainted with some our more unusual patients such as the wildlife critters that we rehab and the occasional pocket pet that we sneak in on her!

She has a special interest in dermatology and looks forward to building that area of her practice expertise.

She was recently married to Aaron Byrd who is a band leader at Fort Dorchester High School and Paramedic. They have settled in Charleston and become part of our family.

Management

- Roxie L MacKinnon, Certified Veterinary Technician

Roxie has been a veterinary technician for more than 20 years. She has spent the last 15 of those in management although her first love is still woring with the animals.

In her spare time, Roxie works for the Dorchester County Guardian ad litem program representing abused and neglected children. She spends any spare time practicing her yoga and meditation.

She recently got her South Carolina State Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Rehabilitation License and has been kept busy with babies of all nature since!

Roxie is also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and does 8 weeks training courses as well as testing. Please feel free to call for individual or group training / testing.

Her home with Dr MacKinnon is filled with pets and kids most of the time and she wouldn't have it any other way!

Technician

- Christie O'Brien Gates, Certified Veterinary Technician

Christie is our head veterinary nurse.

Christie is a 2002 graduate of Trident Technical College's Veterinary Technician Program. She came to us as an extern and never left! Christie is passionate about her work and is also very involved in promoting the Veterinary Technician Profession as well as doing Pit Bull Rescue and public education regarding pit bulls. She and Jason currently have 2 rescued pit bulls, "Sadie" and "Jack" and a rescued 'mutt' named "Annie". Nathan, their first son was born in May 2006 and is on his way to being rough and tough like his daddy!

Reception

- Patricia Lawrence

Patricia is the proud mother of 2 girls, Torrie and Lexia and wife to husband Sean. She is currently working on a business degree as well as handling our front reception desk. If you have any questions or concerns about our reception area or staff, please feel free to talk to Patricia and she will be happy to assist you in any way.

Grooming

- Nicolette

Nicolette has been a professional groomer for over 10 years and comes from a professional "Dog" Family! Her sister is also a groomer as well as a handler who has participated in Westminster. She loves her customers and clients and treats every pet as if it were her own. We know you will love her and welcome her to our team as we have!

We also do the patented "De-shedding' furminator! You have to see it to believe it - All of the excess, dead coat is removed, leaving only the healthy, shiny new coat and eliminating shedding for up to 6 months. Please contact any of our staff for more information on this exciting new process for controlling shedding!

Assistants

- Jackie Jarrell

Jackie is one of newest and youngest recruits. She had some veterinary experience, but for any of you who have been here over the busy months of summer, you know that she had to learn under fire! Jackie has a wonderful curiosity and a need to know everything she can about whatever she is learning.

She works in both buildings for us, is willing to do whatever needs to be done, and best of all, she wants to learn wildlife rehabilitation and so has been helping Roxie with the orphan babies care and feeding. Now we just have to get her to trust when her little charges are ready to return to the wild!

- Claudia Hawkins

Claudia comes to us from a career in shelter medicine. She has been an invaluable addition to our staff, bringing her years of veterinary technical skills as well as new ideas and outlooks for client and patient services.

Address

Dorchester Veterinary Hospital

mackboat2@knology.net

5617 Dorchester Road

Charleston, SC 29418

Untied State

Phone: 843-552-0259

Fax: 767-8217

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM- 6:00PM

Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00PM

Sunday Closed

For after hours emergency care if we are not available, please contact the Greater Charleston Emergency Clinic at 843-774-3372

Top of the line Animal Hospital

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