NOW OPEN in the former Fort Gatlin Village in the heart of Orlando -- Salazar Veterinary Hospital!
We are excited to bring our passion for helping pets live long and prosperous lives (so we can love on them longer!) to the community.
01/17/2025
Hey everyone, meet Jessica! You may have seen her here over the past few years so we wanted to formally introduce her. Jess has been a technician for about 30 years now so we appreciate the knowledge and experience that she brings to the team! During her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, kayaking, and traveling. She also loves spending time with her pets and her plants!
01/10/2025
Did you add a furry friend to your family this Christmas? If so, congrats! It’s always exciting to welcome a new pet to the family. With the New Year, now is the time to get them scheduled for their first wellness visit.
During this visit we’ll:
✅ Perform a head-to-tail physical exam
✅ Discuss vaccines and parasite prevention
✅ Discuss any health or behavioral concerns
✅ Answer any questions you might have about your new pet
We’re here to make sure your pet has the healthiest start possible. Give us a call to set up your new pet’s first appointment!
12/25/2024
We are wishing everyone and their furry family members a very Merry Christmas! We would like to take a moment to say we appreciate everyone’s continued support as we approach the New Year. We truly have the best clients and patients! We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the holiday season!
12/20/2024
Tis the season! We’d like to remind everyone that we will be closed Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas. We will resume normal business hours of 8am-6pm on Thursday, December 26th. For the upcoming New Year, we will be closed Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, January 2nd. Please remember to double-check your pets’ medications and request any refills ASAP! We wish everyone Happy Holidays!
12/14/2024
Did you know that eye infections in pets are often considered an emergency? Eye infections may start out as just a little bit of irritation, but left untreated they can quickly progress and become a serious issue. Signs of an eye infection may include:
✅ Redness or swelling around the eye
✅ Squinting or keeping the eye closed
✅ Excessive discharge
✅ Cloudy or discolored eye
✅ Rubbing or pawing at the eye
Treating an eye infection usually starts off with checking for an ulcer, or a sore, on the eye. The presence of an ulcer will determine the type of eye medication recommended. Untreated eyes can lead to vision problems, or even blindness. If you’re noticing any of the above symptoms it is recommended to schedule an urgent appointment with a veterinarian.
12/06/2024
Miss Lily came to see us today! She is such a sweet girl and she definitely brightened our day! Hopefully she brightens yours too! 🥰
11/22/2024
Thanksgiving is almost here!
We would like to remind everyone of our annual Thanksgiving closure. We will be closing this upcoming Wednesday, November 27th at 2pm, through Sunday, December 1st. We will resume normal hours of 8am - 6pm on Monday, December 2nd. Don’t forget to double-check your pets’ medications and scripts to make sure you have enough to get you through the Thanksgiving weekend. You can call, text, or email our office to request a refill! For any medical emergencies during our closure, please refer to Veterinary Emergency Clinic (VEC) at 407-644-4449. We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃🐶🐈
11/15/2024
November is Diabetes Awareness Month! 🩸 Did you know that pets can get diabetes just like humans? Let’s talk about diabetes and how to care for your furry friends who may be living with this condition.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects both dogs and cats. This disease occurs when the pet’s body is unable to produce insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream. Diagnosing diabetes involves checking blood and urine glucose levels as well as considering any symptoms that might be occurring. Symptoms of diabetes include:
✅ Increased thirst and urination
✅ Increased appetite and unexplained weight loss
✅ Lethargy
✅ Cloudy Eyes
Fortunately, diabetes can be managed. This often includes a permanent diet change, strict feeding, giving Insulin at home, and scheduling glucose curves to monitor glucose levels. Awareness and early diagnosis are crucial for managing pet diabetes effectively. Even if your pet is not exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, comprehensive annual blood/labwork is recommended for pets of all ages. Remember — with any disease or ailment, the best case scenario is to catch it and begin addressing it before a pet is symptomatic!
11/07/2024
Does your pet seem a little slower to get up, struggle to jump, or seem stiff after resting? These can be signs of arthritis — a common condition in pets, especially as they age. Just like us, our furry friends can experience joint pain that affects their mobility and quality of life.
We understand that it is difficult to see your pet in pain and we’re here to help! Here are some ways that both you and your vet can support an arthritic pet:
1️⃣ Medications: There are both oral and injectable medications that can help with pain and inflammation
2️⃣ Home Care: Adding rugs to slippery floors or putting grippy booties on your pet’s feet can help prevent slips and falls
3️⃣ Weight loss: The joints of an overweight pet have to work much harder - weight loss can help reduce the strain on them
4️⃣ Annual vet visits: Regular exams and x-rays are essential for monitoring the progression of arthritis
10/31/2024
🎃 Happy Halloween from Salazar Veterinary Hospital! 🎃
As we all enjoy spooky season, let’s keep our furry friends safe! Here are some Halloween pet safety tips to keep in mind:
🕸️ Keep treats out of reach: Many candies are unfortunately toxic to our furry friends, including chocolate and sugar-free candies. Be sure to keep to keep all sweets safely stored away!
👻 Costumes: Are you dressing up your pet today? Make sure the costume fits well and doesn’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
🕷️ Proper Identification: With doors opening and closing all night, it’s important to double-check that your pet is wearing a tag in case they get out. You’ll also want to make sure microchip information is up-to-date!
🎃 Anxious Pets: With all the excitement of Trick-Or-Treaters, some pets can become anxious. It might be a good idea to set up a cozy spot, away from the front door, where they can relax if they need a break.
We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! 👻🎃
10/25/2024
Is your pet developing any new lumps or bumps? As a pet parent, it’s natural to be concerned when you find a growth on your pet. While not every mass is serious, some can indicate more pressing health issues. It’s best to have it checked out, especially if you notice any of the following things:
✅ Rapid growth
✅ Color changes, discharge, or bleeding
✅ Attachment to deeper tissue
✅ Discomfort or lethargy
Early detection is important and allows us to explore more treatment options, such as surgical removal. Our veterinary team is here to provide a thorough examination and explore those options with you.
10/07/2024
Due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton, our office will be closed on Wednesday, October 9th. We will keep you updated on our status for Thursday, depending on if we have power and any damage from the storm. If you need any medication refills, please contact us today so we can process your request ASAP. For any emergencies during our closure, please contact Veterinary Emergency Clinic (VEC) at 407-644-4449.
We hope everyone stays safe during the storm!
10/04/2024
Have you ever wondered what exactly Veterinary Technicians do? Our technicians are the backbone of our practice, providing compassionate care and expertise for every patient that we see. Here’s a glimpse into all the work that they do:
🐾 Patient Care: From taking vital signs to administering medications and vaccines, our techs are trained to provide the best care possible for your furry family members.
💉Surgery Support: They assist in surgeries, monitor vital signs during anesthesia, and provide post-op care to make sure your pet recovers safely from anesthetic procedures.
🩺 Lab Work: Vet techs are phlebotomists and x-ray techs! They are trained to collect blood samples, place IV catheters, and take x-rays of different areas of the body. Their work running diagnostic testing helps vets make the best medical decisions for our pets.
💊 Medication Management: Filling medications is another responsibility of vet techs. They are not only trained to fill medications, but they can also teach you how to properly administer them at home!
🐈 Emotional Support: They offer comfort to anxious pets (and their humans!), making visits less stressful for everyone. Our techs are well-versed in animal behaviors, taking extra care to meet pets where they are.
Our Veterinary Technicians are not just assistants, they are skilled professionals who make a huge difference in the lives of your pets. Next time you’re in, be sure to thank them for all their hard work!
09/25/2024
Due to the incoming Hurricane Helene, our office will be closed tomorrow, September 26th. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, September 27th. In the event of an emergency, please contact VEC (Veterinary Emergency Clinic) at 407-644-4449. We hope everyone stays safe tomorrow!
09/20/2024
At Salazar Veterinary Hospital, we care about your pet’s safety just as much as you do. Did you know that many lost pets have no form of identification? That makes it extremely difficult to help them find their way back home. This is where microchipping comes in.
A microchip is a simple, permanent form of identification that can help reunite your furry family member in the event that they are lost. Unlike collars and tags, a microchip cannot fall off or become damaged.
The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin and can be scanned with a microchip reader. Most vet offices and shelters have these readers and can scan a lost pet for a microchip. If your pet is ever found, the chip will contain your registered contact information. It’s important to remember to update your information in the event of a move or phone number change.
Not sure if your pet’s microchip info is up to date or which company it’s even registered with? We can help! Just let us know and we can do a little homework to see what info your pet’s microchip company has on file and point you in the right direction if it needs to be updated.
09/13/2024
As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry family members. Unexpected vet bills can add up quickly, especially in emergency situations! This is where pet insurance comes in.
Like human health insurance, pet insurance can help cover the costs of unexpected illnesses, accidents, and some even cover preventative care. The earlier you start using insurance, the better, since they won’t cover any pre-existing conditions. There isn’t one specific insurance that we recommend, but it’s important to do your research to compare prices and coverages. It’s also important to keep in mind that most pet insurances work based on reimbursement - you pay the clinic and the insurance reimburses you a percentage of the bill based on what you’re signed up for.
Give yourself some peace of mind about your pet’s health and consider signing up for pet insurance. Keep your pet and your wallet happy!
Not sure where to start? Head over to Pawlicy.com and let them help you find a plan that best suits your needs!
09/06/2024
Everyone, meet Holly! Holly has been coming to us for a couple of years now and she has some great owners. She’s battled chronic ear infections, seizures, and even a splenic tumor. Her owners’ diligence with preventive measures and never ignoring small problems has made it possible for us to keep her comfortable during her golden years. Holly came to us for a laser therapy session today to help with the arthritis she has in her spine. Isn’t she the cutest with her “doggles” on? 🥰
08/29/2024
In observance of Labor Day, our office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. We encourage everyone to double-check medications and call, text, or email the office for any refill requests so we can ensure your pets have everything they need for the extended holiday weekend. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
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Videos
The much anticipated and happy ending to Winston's case! 😊🐶💙 Thanks for following along!
#veterinarian #vetmed
#vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Review Winston’s x-rays with us! Can you spot the tumor? (Hint: it’s really big! 😱) #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Let's take a closer look at Winston's bloodwork and discuss why we require it before putting pets under anesthesia! 🐶 #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Everyone, meet Winston! We’re going to show you Winston’s case as he goes through a splenectomy. Follow along with us for this four part series! 🐾 #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
The origins of Salazar Veterinary Hospital (SVH) could easily be traced back to Dr. David Salazar’s youth, as he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a veterinarian and start his own practice. But let’s skip forward to recent years...
Dr. Salazar graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2012 and accepted a position at a mixed animal practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After nearly two years of working with everything from dogs and cats to horses and pigs, he decided to move back to his home state of Florida to be closer to his family. Shortly after relocating, he met and began dating April Evans, who (as an animal lover) was immediately drawn to his passion for his profession. On November 7, 2015, David and April married.
With Dr. Salazar’s varied and intensive experience as a veterinarian and April’s managerial background, becoming practice owners seemed like a no-brainer. In late 2015, they began looking into purchasing an existing veterinary hospital. After three years of exploring this option and failing to find a hospital that felt “right,” Dr. Salazar decided that the best way for him to achieve his dream would be to open a hospital from scratch. So, in December 2018 -- with barely any idea of the process ahead -- Dr. Salazar contacted a veterinary practice consulting group for guidance and applied for a bank loan. Before the end of 2018, Salazar Veterinary Hospital, LLC was created.
The funny thing about starting a business is that some things move quicker than anticipated, while other things require a lot of sitting around and waiting. Basically, patience and adaptability are key. Even with consultants and excellent contacts, though, the process has not been smooth or easy. Finding the right location to open a hospital was a challenge -- while Orlando is still developing, it’s also pretty jam-packed and lacking lease spaces appropriate for a veterinary hospital. Let’s not even get started on the process of negotiating lease terms and how long that took! Connecting with a contractor who could see Dr. Salazar’s dream through to fruition was (mostly) painless, but waiting on approvals and permits from the city to even begin construction was excruciating.
Now that the ball is rolling and construction is well underway, the light at the end of the tunnel (“Grand Opening Day”) is finally in sight. There is still much to be done -- as this is being written, Salazar Veterinary Hospital is currently four blank walls, concrete flooring with plumbing protruding, and exposed air conditioning ducts where a ceiling will eventually be. Outside of the construction zone, Dr. Salazar and April are diligently working at hashing out the day-to-day details of daily hospital operation to ensure they can meet their ultimate goal which they set forth at the inception of SVH: “Through preventative care, our ability to help pets in need, and our passion for building the human/animal bond, our primary goal is for patients to live long and prosperous lives so their families can love them longer.”
The Salazar family -- David, April, and their 3-year-old son, Hunter -- welcome you to join them on their journey toward opening Salazar Veterinary Hospital. Progress updates will be posted regularly, along with appearances in the community, information about the hospital, and more. We look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!