Highlands Veterinary Center

Highlands Veterinary Center We are a full service small animal veterinary hospital in Chesapeake, VA Stromlund as Highlands Pet Clinic in the Norfolk Highlands section of Chesapeake.

About Our Veterinary Center

Highlands Veterinary Center was established in July 1972 by Dr. E.V. In May of 1980, Dr. Wayne T. Springer purchased Highlands Pet Clinic from Dr. Stromlund, who was retiring. The clinic grew over the next 20 years.

09/05/2025

Meet Millie! She may be mini, but she’s full of boundless love and snuggles! Congratulations to her new family on getting such a stellar puppy! Send some love to our Pet of the Day!

Mega Mutt Mondays!The breed of the week is the ENGLISH BULLDOG !!! 🐾 The bulldog has a long and somewhat complex histor...
09/01/2025

Mega Mutt Mondays!

The breed of the week is the ENGLISH BULLDOG !!!

🐾 The bulldog has a long and somewhat complex history and can be traced back as far as approximately 1210, possibly even earlier. Originally created in England the English Bulldog was originally intended and used for the bloody sport bull baiting. Bulldogs during this time differed greatly in appearance from the bulldogs we currently know. The original bulldogs were highly athletic and more closely resemble the Olde English Bulldog or American Bulldog rather than the English Bulldog we see today. Bull baiting was outlawed in 1835 and the bulldog was officially out of a job. In 1860, in order to try and preserve the breed, bulldog fanciers began to breed for conformation purposes and temperament only and a new bulldog was born. This new bulldog is closer to what we see today.

🐾 The bulldog gave rise to many breeds we know today including: The American Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldog, the French Bulldog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bullmastiff, the Boston Terrier, and the Boxer to name a few.

🐾 The English Bulldog can be found in several colors including a variety of brindle colors, fawn & white, red, white, brindle & white, and fallow. They have a short easy to care for coat but require frequent cleaning of face an tail folds to prevent infection.

🐾 Bulldogs are a tenacious breed known for their stubbornness, but they are also known for their generally easy going nature. While not recommended for a first time owner, they can make great family companions. They require early training and socialization as well as a firm and patient owner.

🐾 Unfortunately, the bulldog is known for being predisposed to many health issues including: allergies, skin problems, respiratory problems, eye problems, hip dysplasia, obesity, joint issues, reproductive issues, and heat intolerance.

This poor girl has been through the wringer this week, but has been the sweetest and bravest patient through it all; wi...
08/29/2025

This poor girl has been through the wringer this week, but has been the sweetest and bravest patient through it all; with the most supportive and loving parents of all. We absolutely adore her and her parents!
Our Pet of the Week is Belle. Give her some love!!! ❤️🥰❤️

Vet Tip Tuesday!"Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!"Most of us are old enough to remember the that "Life Alert" comme...
08/26/2025

Vet Tip Tuesday!

"Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!"

Most of us are old enough to remember the that "Life Alert" commercial from the late 90's. Let's face it, our knees are not what they used to be. And as we all know too well, getting older comes with its struggles and your pet is no exception. Thankfully there are products available to help aid your aging pet with everyday difficulties.

Today's spotlight product is toe grips! They come in a variety of sizes depending on your pet's required needs. These little doo-dads slip comfortably onto their nails and allow your pet to have more traction on slippery surfaces such as linoleum, wood, and tile flooring. Granted you WILL be required to trim your pets nail prior to placing this product on as long nails will not allow proper application and functionality.

We recommend this product for those patients in the earliest stages of aging who are just starting to show some hesitancy or changes on slippery surfaces but not fully collapsing or unable to walk on slick surfaces. We will discuss other products in the coming weeks for these cases.

Mega Mutt Mondays!The breed of the week is the CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL!!! 🐾 Originating in England during the 17t...
08/25/2025

Mega Mutt Mondays!

The breed of the week is the CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL!!!

🐾 Originating in England during the 17th century, the King Charles Spaniel, aptly named after King Charles II, was quite popular among royalty and aristocrats. They originally had longer muzzles and a flatter head, but in 1689 Queen Mary I and William the Orange favored looks of Pugs and Japanese Chins and decided add in these characteristics to the breed. By the mid 1920's the original "long-nosed" King Charles Spaniel was all but extinct and the shorter nosed and more dome shaped headed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the one we see and know today.

🐾 Cavaliers or "Cavvy" as many call them were actually in danger of becoming extinct - for political reasons! Shortly after King Charles died unexpectedly people began to distance themselves from everything the previous king had loved in favor of the new regime. As a result, the Cavalier began to greatly decrease in number and almost became obsolete.

🐾 Cavaliers come in four recognized colors including: Blenheim, Black & Tan, Black & White, and Ruby. They have a very soft and silky coat that requires regular brushing and grooming.

🐾 Cavvy's make wonderful family pets and are great for first time dog owners! They possess an affable nature, love just about everyone, are calm and eager to please. They love to be around their people and are not a dog who does well left alone for long periods of time.

🐾 Unfortunately, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is predisposed to many health problems including eye problems, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and neurological problems. Syringomyelia, is a painful neurological condition caused by a fluid-filled cavity putting pressure on the spinal cord. The most common signs include incessant scratching, head tilt, & constant barking. Additionally, Cavaliers are probably most known for their predisposition to heart disease, with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease being the leading cause of death in most Cavaliers. It is said that by the age of 5 approximately 50% of Cavaliers will have a heart murmur and by the age of 7 that number increases to affect 70-90% of Cavvys. Regular exams, heart medications, and echocardiograms are highly recommended.

🎶🎵 I got street savoir faire! 🎵🎶The cat distribution system at it's finest! Meet Oliver, our Pet of the Day! He found hi...
08/23/2025

🎶🎵 I got street savoir faire! 🎵🎶
The cat distribution system at it's finest! Meet Oliver, our Pet of the Day! He found himself a wonderful, loving family yesterday morning and is just eating up all the attention like the true royalty he is. No more street life for this little kitty! ❤

Vet Tip Tuesday!Where do I go when my vet is closed? After hours vet care for when you need it.Nothing is scarier than t...
08/19/2025

Vet Tip Tuesday!

Where do I go when my vet is closed? After hours vet care for when you need it.

Nothing is scarier than trying to figure out what to do for your pet when you can't reach your trusted veterinarian because the clinic is closed for the night. Sometimes it's hard to understand the difference between what can be seen at an urgent care center and what should go to an emergency hospital. Here are some examples to make it a little easier:
- Did your dog just ingest chocolate, rat bait or other toxic substance in the last 30 minutes? URGENT CARE!
-Was your cat just hit by a car and a bone is sticking out? EMERGENCY HOSPITAL!
- Did your dogs just get into a scuffle and one of them has a small cut on their foot? URGENT CARE!
-Did your dogs just get into a scuffle and one of them has a broken jaw? EMERGENCY HOSPITAL!

Here is a list of the closest urgent care facilities and emergency hospitals in our surrounding area.

Please keep in mind, many of these hospitals are manned by veterinarians, LVT's, assistants, & reception staff that already work full time at other practices and CHOOSE to give up their free time in order to save more lives because we love animals so much. Please be kind and courteous, especially if there is a wait. The fact is the most critical patients will always jump the line, just like in human medicine, so count your blessings if you have to wait a little longer, because the family in the next room may be having to say their goodbyes.

It's a wild Cinccino! Oh wait, that's just Cinccino the Chinchilla. He's still super adorable. ❤❤❤
08/18/2025

It's a wild Cinccino! Oh wait, that's just Cinccino the Chinchilla. He's still super adorable. ❤❤❤

Mega Mutt Mondays!The breed of the week is the BEAUCERON!!! 🐾 The Beauceron is a very old breed named after the Beauce ...
08/18/2025

Mega Mutt Mondays!

The breed of the week is the BEAUCERON!!!

🐾 The Beauceron is a very old breed named after the Beauce region of France where they are thought to have originated in the 1500s. They were bred to be a working dog both for herding and guarding. They were also used by the French army to locate mines, send messages, and search trails. They are still used today as military and police dogs.

🐾 Beaucerons were also referred to as the "Berger de Beauce (Shepherd of the Beauce) or Bas Rouge (Red Stockings)." They come in two colors black & tan/rust and harlequin.

🐾 Beaucerons have a very long history and it is believed that they helped create the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler. They are also closely related the the Briard.

🐾 Beaucerons are a very high energy and intelligent dog breed who needs lots of mental and physical stimulation. They are not couch potatoes and thrive on having a job to do. Due to this, they are not recommended for most families or the novice dog owner.

🐾 Beaucerons are relatively healthy dogs with risk of hip dysplasia, eye problems, GDV or bloat, Osteochondrosis Desiccans (a joint disease), and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Vet Tip Tuesday!They don't just sell insurance....🧠 Contrary to popular belief, reptiles are not an easy pet to care for...
08/12/2025

Vet Tip Tuesday!

They don't just sell insurance....

🧠 Contrary to popular belief, reptiles are not an easy pet to care for. They come with their own needs and requirements that we as humans struggle to provide adequately. Not to say there aren't reptile enthusiasts out there that have devoted many hours of study and research into learning about and constantly updating and tweaking their care for the benefit of these adorable critters properly. The average pet owner needs to be aware of the extent and effort required to owning a reptile.

☀️ Each reptile has specific requirements for their environments and dietary needs which initially can be quite pricey. Proper lighting, temperature and humidity play a huge role in the health of your reptile. It's not enough to rely on ambient light through a window or using a regular desk lamp. Reptiles require the use of UVB/UVA bulbs for metabolic functions. UVB bulbs need to be replaced at least yearly as their efficacy decreases with use and may no longer be providing the proper wavelengths needed for your reptile. The require a warm basking area as well as a cooler area they can escape too when the temperature becomes too much. Nobody wants to come home to a cooked lizard. Humidity is essential in aiding skin shed. Too dry and your reptile may have some issues.

🦗 Proper nutrition is necessary in all animals. Different reptiles have specialized dietary needs, especially during different stages of development. For example: Bearded Dragons require a balance of insects, fruits and veggies. As juveniles they need more insects, about 50-80% of their diet, to aid in growth and only 20-50% in fruits and veggies, while an adult requires 80% fruits and veggies and only 20% insects. Too many insects can lead to fat dragons. Supplementation with calcium and other vitamins are essential to maintaining proper health in reptiles.

🏃‍♂️ Enclosures depend on your reptiles specific needs. An arboreal reptile does well with a tall enclosure containing lots of tree limbs for climbing, while a terrestrial reptile needs more length and hidey holes. They should also be escape proof! Substrate plays an important role in the health of your reptile as well as helping to control temperatures and humidity. These are wild animals and therefore will just "go" whenever and wherever they please. You want something that is easy to clean, but also provides enrichment such as the ability to burrow or climb. It can be used to create hills and ponds, or be used to plant a living rainforest. The type of substrate you use depends on the type of reptile you have. Sand is a natural choice, but comes with certain disadvantages. It can be messy, difficult to clean properly, and can even cause impaction in your reptiles if too much is ingested (this often occurs when hunting insects). Many people opt for disposable options such as paper towels, which is easy for clean up, but can become pricey after some time. Good husbandry (cleaning and care) is a necessary requirement to keeping your reptiles happy and healthy.

Mega Mutt Mondays!The breed of the week is the LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO!!! 🐾 The Lagotto Romagnolo originated from the 16th ce...
08/11/2025

Mega Mutt Mondays!

The breed of the week is the LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO!!!

🐾 The Lagotto Romagnolo originated from the 16th century Romagna, Italy in the region of Delta de Po where they were used as retriever dogs. Their name actually translates from a specific dialect to, "water dog" or "wetland hunting dog with crimped, curly coat".

🐾 These dogs have such a good sense of smell that they are frequently used as truffle dogs in Italy! It was actually this job that saved the Romagnolo from extinction.

🐾 Lagottos are known for their curly coat that comes in a variety of colors! They are frequently mistaken for other breeds but it's important to note that the Lagotto is actually much older than most breeds and gave rise to other breeds including poodles and most retrievers.

🐾 The Lagotto is known for being a happy go lucky, intelligent, active, and friendly dog breed. They make wonderful companions and family pets. They're always down for an adventure but are not overly hyperactive or vocal.

🐾 Lagottos are prone to several diseases including: hip dysplasia, Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE), Lagotto Storage Disease (L*D), hyperuricosuria, hypothyroidism, and luxating patellas.

Vet Tip Tuesday!Did you know rabbits cannot vomit? 🤢🐰 That's right! Rabbits, Horses, Rodents (rats, mice, guinea pigs, &...
08/05/2025

Vet Tip Tuesday!

Did you know rabbits cannot vomit? 🤢

🐰 That's right! Rabbits, Horses, Rodents (rats, mice, guinea pigs, & hamsters) and Ruminants (cattle, sheep, & goats) are unable to vomit! In fact, rabbits and horses are both hind-gut fermenters, meaning the majority of digestion occurs near the end of their digestive tract. Rabbits are coprophagic, meaning they will eat cecotrophs - a unique f***l pellet containing nutrients and vitamins that were unable to be absorbed on first digestion. This generally occurs overnight and is a necessary and natural part of their digestion.

🐰 Rabbits need to be eating almost constantly, which is why you should never "fast" your bunnies. Fasting can result in GI stasis, where movement of food slows or completely stops, leading to gas build up (which is painful and exacerbates inappetence as rabbits are unable to burp) and eventually death if left untreated. You should always provide fresh hay and water to your rabbits, especially when coming in for a check up or even surgery.

🩺 Rabbits need checkups too! Many owners don't realize that rabbits, and other rodents/pocket pets, require routine visits, just like our cats and dogs. Bunnies have continuously growing incisors and molars that need to be monitored for malocclusions. Often their teeth will need to be trimmed, known as "floating", to remove points on their molars which can lead to painful ulcers on their cheeks. Signs of dental issues in rabbits include decreased or difficulty eating, drooling, & changes in behavior.

⚠ Most small mammal owners don't notice when their pets are sick until it's too late because they miss the early warning signs. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small rodents are prey animals and therefore hide injuries and illnesses to avoid drawing attention to themselves as a form of survival. Here are some things to watch out for:
-Changes in behavior
-Laying around, lethargic
-Swollen/distended or painful abdomen
-Dropping food
-Decreased appetite
-Chewing more on one side of the mouth
-Smaller p**ps, liquid p**ps, or no p**p at all
-(Rabbit owners) Finding Cecotrophs in their housing

When in doubt, check it out!

Address

1615 Volvo Pkwy
Chesapeake, VA
23320

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+17575498609

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Highlands Veterinary Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Highlands Veterinary Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category