By Carol Mowdy Bond
Contributing Writer
The Piedmont Veterinary Clinic, located at 101 Monroe Avenue NE in Piedmont, is a full-service animal clinic and hospital. The staff welcomes dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, and cattle. And their owners, of course! And the clinic takes emergency cases, as well as less urgent medical, surgical, and dental issue cases.
The clinic sees over 100 patients weekly, and sometimes even more. And the staff offers boarding facilities for current customers.
The office manager for almost 25 years, Michelle Jay said, “We are a mixed practice, seeing large and small animals. We do everyday vaccinations, sick animals, and spay and neuter, and orthopedic surgeries.
“We have a digital x-ray machine, and our own blood machines, where we do much of our own in-house lab work for sick dogs, pre-anesthetic blood work, and thyroid testing. We also have a therapy laser for injury and back problems. Our prices are competitive with Oklahoma City prices, if not better. We are a small town clinic with a big heart.”
Making an appointment is highly encouraged. Emergencies are welcome any time the clinic is open, but it’s best to call prior to going. Examples of emergencies might include an animal hit by a car, ingestion of chocolate, and various poisoning.
The clinic has an open policy, so that animal owners may be with their animals during vaccinations and other minor procedures.
The late Dr. Mark Elwell, and Dr. Tony Epperson, established Piedmont Veterinary Clinic in 1983.
Dr. Rhys Cole, who is a licensed vet treating all types of pets and animals, became a partner in 1994. Jay said, “Dr. Cole helps with many tests that our surrounding FFA chapters need for showing. And he is involved with the FFA chapters. We offer testing, surgery, and paperwork needed for showing and sales.”
A life-long Canadian County resident, Dr. Cole began working at a veterinary clinic when he was 11 years old.
He graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, and he enjoys everything about being a veterinarian.
But Cole has special interests in small animal medicine and surgery, porcine medicine and surgery, and large animal embryo transfer and artificial insemination.
Jay said, “My best advice for pet owners would be to use common sense. If it’s not good for you, it’s not good for your pets. Ask questions of your veterinarian. When it comes to over-the-counter medications, Google is great. But Google does not have a veterinarian license.”
“Our clients are regulars here,” said Jay.
“They become part of our family. Many clients have been here as long as I have, if not longer. Kathy Harris is one of our certified vet techs, and she has been here for over 30 years.”
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays the hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Connect with the clinic by calling (405) 373-1909, or going online at www.piedmontvetclinic.com.
