Surgical referral form

Thank you for choosing Tender Loving Care  as your partner in veterinary surgical care.  We strive for the highest level of communication throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Your patients and clients are of great importance to us and we will treat them as the individuals they are by providing excellence and compassion every step of the way.

What to Expect Prior to Surgery

We welcome your inquiries and consultation prior to referral. We will evaluate your radiographs and other diagnostics to complete the right treatment protocol. No charges will incur when only verbal reporting is conducted. 

A CBC, biochemical profile and UA (+/- culture) are indicated for most elective orthopedic patients. Thoracic radiology is sometimes recommended for patients with cancer or those that are over the age of 8 years. A critical evaluation of the skin is very important to prevent cancelation on the day of surgery due to pyoderma. 

Post Procedure

You will be provided with the complete discharge instructions and summary of care given to the client. While it is our preference to see the client during the recovery period, if distance doesn't allow, we can provide radiographs and interpretation via email free of charge. We request a follow up radiograph 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Referral Form

If rDVMs have a case to refer to us, please click the green link below. Please complete the form and email to [email protected] along with the medical records and diagnostics.  If rDVMs have questions about a case please contact us directly and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Your clients may call us at 815-235-1401 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a consultation as well.



Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Freeport Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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  • "I have taken my fur babies to Tender Loving Care Dr. Heitzman for over 12 years now and won't go anywhere but! Dr. Heitzman and staff have ALWAYS been so caring, gentle and compassionate with my animals as if they were their own! Not only putting animals health first, but listening to my concerns as pet owner. Every concern or question is addressed with the utmost compassion, even silly questions are answered with the same sincere care! Thank You Dr. Heitzman and staff for your compassion, concern and truly caring for my babies as you have from day one many years ago and continuing thru the present to the future!!!!"
    Colleen M
  • "Dr. Heitzman and his staff are so wonderful and caring! They understand that our furry friends mean so much to us. They listen and care about what we tell them. To me and my four legged friends they are truly the best around! Thank you so much!"
    Melissa C.
  • "Super Vet...calm, caring and conscientious! Office staff are efficient and courteous."
    JoLique P.
  • "This is the place to take your pet! I love that when I call them, say who I am, they remember me and my dog. Dr. Heitzman is wonderful and I totally trust him in the care of my furry baby. He also took care of both of my cats before they passed away. I won't take my pet any where else."
    Amy P.

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