Animal Clinic of Billings: Schmidt Lindsay DVM

We perform thorough Comprehensive Physical Exams for dogs, cats, and exotic pets to assess overall health, detect early signs of disease, and establish baseline wellness parameters. Each exam includes detailed evaluations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems, ensuring early identification of potential issues. Regular physical exams are key to preventive care and proactive health management for pets of all ages at the Animal Clinic of Billings.

We offer comprehensive Puppy & Kitten Wellness Packages tailored to the unique needs of young pets during their critical growth stages. These packages include vaccinations, deworming, fecal testing, parasite prevention, and dietary guidance—all designed to build a strong foundation for lifelong health. We follow a structured health plan with recommended visits at 8, 12, and 16 weeks to ensure proper development and protection from common diseases.

Our Senior Pet Wellness Care focuses on addressing age-related health challenges in pets typically 7 years old or older. We recommend semi-annual comprehensive exams, including bloodwork and urine testing, to identify early signs of disease such as diabetes, kidney dysfunction, or arthritis. Our senior care plans include individualized nutrition, pain management, mobility optimization, and regular screenings to preserve quality of life.

We provide essential Core Vaccinations, including Rabies, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia / Distemper, Parvovirus for canines), to protect pets from highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases. These vaccinations are the cornerstone of preventive care and are legally required in Montana for Rabies. We follow individualized vaccination schedules based on lifestyle, risk factors, and recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

We provide Heartworm Testing & Prevention as a critical component of preventive care for dogs. Annual testing allows early detection of heartworm disease, which can lead to heart and lung damage if untreated. Once confirmed, we prescribe safe and effective preventive medications, paired with rigorous mosquito control measures to protect your pet. All pets receive a heartworm test before starting any preventative treatment to ensure accuracy.

We offer Flea & Tick Prevention treatments tailored to your pet’s specific needs—whether it's topical applications, oral medications, or collars. Our flea and tick protocols also help reduce health risks associated with secondary infections, allergies, or zoonotic diseases such as Lyme and Rock Mountain Spotted Fever. We recommend year-round prevention, as fleas and ticks can pose a threat regardless of the season in Montana’s climate.

We provide safe, permanent microchipping for dogs and cats to ensure they can be identified and returned home if lost. Each microchip is registered with the necessary databases, including international registries, to maximize the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and one of the most effective means of pet recovery in case of theft or getting lost.

As part of routine diagnostics, we provide nutritional guidance to support overall health and manage conditions such as obesity or diabetes. From condition-specific diets to individualized meal plans, we offer weight management programs with continuous monitoring and support to improve your pet’s quality of life. Dietary counseling is key to preventing chronic diseases.

Our Parasite Deworming services address intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and protozoa through targeted medications and regular fecal testing. Deworming is particularly critical for puppies and kittens, as they are especially susceptible to parasites that can cause malnutrition, gastrointestinal upset, and other health problems. We provide safe and effective dewormers based on the type of parasite and your pet’s health needs.

We provide Behavioral Counseling services to address a range of common problems such as aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, or litter box issues. Our veterinarians work with owners to diagnose behavioral concerns and develop treatment plans that may include modification techniques, medication, environmental adjustments, and professional training recommendations. We understand that behavior in pets often stems from unmet needs or medical conditions, so a thorough health assessment is part of our approach.

We routinely utilize our advanced diagnostic laboratory to perform a full spectrum of bloodwork, including Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panels. These tests provide critical insights into overall health, organ function, and hidden diseases such as endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid disease or diabetes), infections, or internal inflammation, enabling us to tailor the best treatment plan for your pet.

We provide detailed Urinalysis services to evaluate kidney function, urinary tract health, and monitor for underlying issues such as infections, diabetes, or kidney disease. These tests are especially valuable for senior pets, as they give important insights into overall health. Urinalysis can also help detect signs of urinary crystals, bladder infection, or other abnormalities before symptoms become apparent, allowing us to offer timely preventive or therapeutic care.

We conduct Fecal Testing to screen for intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, and digestive health issues. This routine test is particularly important for puppies, kittens, and pets ingesting unknown substances outside. Through parasite screenings, we develop tailored deworming protocols to protect against common parasites like hookworms and giardia. We also ensure that fecal exams occur as part of regular wellness checks and before any dental anesthesia process.

Our clinic uses state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology to capture high-quality images of bones, organs, and soft tissues. X-rays help diagnose fractures, joint issues, foreign bodies, and intestinal blockages, as well as assess pregnancy status in pets. This imaging modality is essential for precise diagnosis and surgical planning.

We conduct real-time ultrasound examinations in-house to diagnose internal abnormalities, monitor pregnancies, inspect organs such as the liver or kidneys, and evaluate heart health. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, pain-free method for examining soft tissues and internal structures, including reproductive health, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiac conditions.

We offer Allergy Testing including serum blood allergy panels that identify and confirm environmental, food, and inhalant allergies specific to your pet's home region. If symptoms like frequent itching, ear infections, or dermatitis are ongoing, our diagnostics help to determine the allergen and guide treatment options such as dietary changes, allergy immunotherapy (shots or oral drops), or topical therapies. Identifying allergies allows us to improve the quality of life and manage chronic discomfort effectively.

We conduct Eye Pressure Testing (Glaucoma Screening) alongside regular exams to detect elevated intraocular pressure, which is the leading cause of glaucoma and blindness in pets. Early detection through tonometry allows for prompt medical intervention to slow or prevent vision loss. This evaluation is integrated into routine eye health assessments for senior pets or those with a history of ocular conditions. Early detection and management are crucial for preserving your pet’s vision and comfort.

We provide Blood Pressure Monitoring to diagnose and manage hypertension in pets caused by underlying diseases or as a side effect of medications. Our state-of-the-art monitors allow us to check blood pressure precisely during scheduled wellness visits or when your pet's condition warrants ongoing measurements. Effective management of high blood pressure can prevent secondary damage such as heart, kidney, or retinal issues. This is a critical component of preventive care for senior pets.

Our EKG / ECG (Heart Monitoring) service records electrical activity of the heart to detect irregularities such as arrhythmias or congenital heart defects. We perform EKG tests as part of annual wellness exams for pets with heart conditions, seniors, or pre-surgical assessments. Detecting early heart-related issues enables better management plans through medications or lifestyle adjustments. Proper monitoring keeps pets comfortable and aids in timely intervention when necessary.

Our clinic offers in-house dental radiographs to assess oral health comprehensively, including the evaluation of root structures, bone loss, and hidden dental issues such as abscesses or fractures. Capturing precise X-ray images enables thorough diagnosis and treatment planning for oral health procedures, ensuring minimal invasiveness.

We perform dental extractions for fractured, infected, or problem teeth under anesthesia to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. Our surgeons assess each case using dental X-rays to evaluate root structures and ensure complete removal. This prevents infections and pain, promoting better oral health and overall well-being.

We perform routine spay and neuter procedures, including ovariohysterectomies (for female pets) and castrations (for male pets). These surgeries help control the pet population, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and eliminate unwanted pregnancies. Our team follows strict safety protocols, providing anesthesia, pain relief, and tailored post-operative care for a smooth recovery.

We offer cesarean section surgeries for difficult deliveries, particularly in brachycephalic breeds or pets experiencing dystocia (obstructed labor). Our team ensures safe surgical care, including pre-operative diagnostics via ultrasound or X-rays to plan the best course of action. Recovery support is provided with post-operative monitoring and pain relief during the newborn care process.

Our Wound & Laceration Repair services include comprehensive treatments for cuts, punctures, and abrasions that require surgical suturing or specialized wound management. We focus on cleaning and disinfecting wounds thoroughly, using advanced techniques like surgical debridement when necessary. This care reduces the risk of infections, accelerates healing, and minimizes scarring, ensuring your pet's swift recovery and comfort.

In emergency situations, we provide immediate critical care to stabilize seriously ill or injured pets, including interventions for trauma, poisoning, or organ failure. Our team administers life-saving treatments such as IV fluids, pain management, airway support, and diagnostics to determine the best course of action for rapid stabilization.

We offer Hospitalization & 24-Hour Monitoring services to ensure continuous care for pets with infections, chronic diseases, or those recovering from surgery. Our hospital facilities provide secure recovery environments with veterinary supervision, round-the-clock monitoring of vital signs, and immediate access to emergency services. We ensure that patients receive any necessary treatments, medications, or intravenous fluids, promoting faster healing and comfort through dedicated care.

To support critically ill pets during hospitalization or emergency stabilization, we administer controlled oxygen therapy through specialized equipment. This ensures proper oxygenation, which is crucial for patients with respiratory distress, heart or kidney conditions, or those recovering from anesthesia or surgery.

During surgical procedures and recovery, we administer intravenous fluid therapy to maintain hydration, stabilize blood pressure, and support organ function. IV fluids are also utilized to deliver necessary medications and assist with dehydration, shock, or post-operative nausea, ensuring vital systems remain stable throughout care.

We employ a comprehensive multimodal approach to pain management, combining medications (e.g., NSAIDs, narcotics), physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and laser therapy. We prioritize pain prevention and relief for both chronic conditions and post-operative recovery to maximize comfort and quality of life for your pet.

We coordinate advanced imaging services, including CT scans and MRIs, to provide detailed three-dimensional views of internal structures. Sedation is used for CT scans, while MRI procedures require anesthesia to ensure clarity and diagnostic accuracy. These imaging modalities are particularly useful for identifying tumors, spinal diseases, and complex injuries that traditional X-rays cannot reveal.

Our Medical Grooming services accommodate pets with health conditions that necessitate specialized grooming, such as dermatologic issues, post-surgery recovery, or joint ailments. This includes careful nail trimming, medicated baths, hair removal in hard-to-reach areas, and therapeutic haircuts tailored to your pet’s needs. These gentler grooming techniques help with skin disorders while keeping pets comfortable and healthy during their recovery or treatment processes.

We offer specialized Nail Trimming & Dremeling services to maintain pet paw health and prevent complications. Overgrown nails can lead to joint pain and discomfort, so we carefully trim nails and utilize nail grinders for precise control, especially for nervous or anxious pets. Our professionals ensure the integrity of quicks and reduce the risk of over-trimming, supporting healthy and hazard-free conditions for your companion.

We provide Anal Gland Expression services for pets struggling with impacted anal glands. This common condition in dogs and rabbits often causes discomfort, pain, and fecal staining. Using sterile techniques, we safely express and manage these glands, which reduces health risks associated with chronic issues like infections, abscesses, or scooting behavior. When needed, manual expression may be supplemented with specialized medical treatments.

We provide Acupuncture as a complementary therapy to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and aid recovery from various conditions such as arthritis, spinal injuries, and postoperative discomfort. Our certified veterinary acupuncture specialists utilize precise needle insertion techniques based on traditional veterinary medicine principles. Combined with pain management, acupuncture supports enhanced overall wellness and improves mobility for pets needing alternative therapeutic measures.

We utilize advanced cold laser therapy, often called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), to stimulate cell regeneration and reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. This drug-free treatment is highly effective for post-surgical recovery, arthritis, wounds, and acute injuries in both dogs and cats. Our therapy sessions are gentle and comfortable, with immediate results visible in many patients.

We offer Chiropractic Adjustments performed by certified veterinary chiropractors to correct spinal misalignments and improve neuromuscular function. This therapy often aids pets with mobility issues caused by degenerative joint diseases, trauma, or muscular strains. Through gentle manipulations, chiropractic adjustments improve spinal alignment, alleviate pain, and enhance overall activity levels. Always performed by certified professionals to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

We provide specialized physical rehabilitation services tailored to individual patients, focusing on injury recovery, pain relief, and improved mobility. Techniques include therapeutic exercises, joint mobilization, electrotherapy, and underwater treadmill therapy, all designed to alleviate discomfort and regain full function following surgery or trauma. Our therapy team creates personalized recovery programs for each pet.

We offer Hydrotherapy (Underwater Treadmill) as part of our Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation services, providing buoyancy and low-impact exercise for pets recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing chronic joint problems. This water-assisted therapy reduces stress on joints, promotes muscle strengthening, and improves cardiovascular endurance. Ideal for various conditions, our hydrotherapy approach helps pets regain mobility and enhances quality of life.

Our Massage Therapy helps manage pain, promote circulation, and reduce muscle tension, benefiting pets with arthritis, chronic pain, or recovery from injuries. Our trained professionals perform gentle, individualized massage techniques to ease discomfort and improve relaxation. This therapy often compliments other rehabilitation methods, supporting overall well-being and recovery for pets needing complementary care.

We offer Standard Pet Boarding services designed for pets who need temporary care while their owners are away. Our boarding facilities provide a safe, comfortable environment equipped for both social interaction and individual attention, based on your pet’s needs. We ensure cleanliness, regular feeding schedules, and opportunities for exercise to maintain pet well-being under the care of our trained staff.