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t AdvAnced AnimAl cAre,
the patients are not just pets – they’re
family. And veterinarians Leslie
and David Steele and their staff go
the extra mile for their four-legged
patients.
“We like to offer a level of care
only certain people are looking for, but for people whose
pets mean a lot to them,” she
said. “For some, the animals
we see feel like their children.”
For Leslie Steele, becoming a vet was always in the cards.
“It’s all I ever thought about since I was 6 years old,”
she said.
The Alabama native
received her bachelor’s degree in
Microbiology before attending
Auburn University’s College of
Veterinary Medicine, where she
met her husband, David. They
moved to the Lowcountry and
opened Advanced Animal Care
in 2001. The practice specializes
in dogs and cats and offers
services including wellness visits,
vaccinations, cardiology, oncology,
diagnostics and more. Both
veterinarians and their team stay up-to-date with the latest
techniques in advanced veterinary medicine, including
laser therapy.
For surgeries, Steele uses a carbon dioxide laser for
routine procedures, which causes less swelling and bleeding
and offers a faster recovery time than surgery with a
traditional metal scalpel. The practice is accredited by the
American Animal Hospital Association.
The patients are not the only ones meant to feel like
family at Advanced Animal Care, according to Jessica
Hecker, a veterinary technician manager who started
working at the practice four years ago.
“I immediately fell in love with both the vets here and the
way they care about their staff,” she said. “I feel like I have
Going the Extra Mile for
Four-Legged Patients
AdvancedAnimal Care
By NATAlIE CAulA HAuFF
found my home here at Advanced Animal Care. It’s definitely
an amazing environment to work in. It’s very positive.”
The staff consists of three technicians, an office
manager, a receptionist and Drs. Leslie and David Steele.
“We’re a tightknit bunch,” said Hecker. “We consider
ourselves a small family.”
The positivity of the practice can be seen in the
treatment of the patients, according to Hecker and Dr.
Leslie Steele.
“We like to develop and enhance the animal/human
bond,” said Hecker. “We make sure the animals have a
good experience. Some pets are traumatized going to the
vet. We are focused on trying to eliminate that fear.”
Veterinarians wear many hats, according to Dr. Leslie
Steele. While they treat their
patients, they also console the
pets’ owners and help them make
difficult decisions, such as deciding
when to let their longtime friend
go. Hecker and Dr. David Steele
are currently working on the
development of a hospice program
to assist clients with the terminal
palliative care of their pets in a
home environment, providing
comfort for the animal and
support for the owner.
“Of course, the worst part of our job is euthanasia,” said
Dr. Leslie Steele. “We know it’s something the owner will
remember forever, so we make it as peaceful as possible.”
Since the Steeles want to be sure their employees are
doing their best in treating their patients with the respect
they deserve, the staff is now undergoing training for low
stress handling of pets.
“Instead of holding a dog down, we take it more slowly,
work with treats to gain their trust,” she said. “Our goal is for
every pet to be happy to walk through the front door.”
Advanced Animal Care is located at 3373 South Morgan’s
Point Road in Mount Pleasant. To learn more, visit
www.advancedanimalcaremp.comor call 843-884-9838.
Drs. David and leslie Steele treat their patients, but they
also help pet owners make difficult decisions.
A
Photo courtesy of Advanced Animal Care.