Welcome to Veterinary Regional Referral Hospital, Decatur Alabama
Dr. Michael Newman and Dr. Kathleen Mullins, along with a staff of caring professionals, work closely with your general practice veterinarian to insure that your pet’s surgical and diagnostic needs are met. We are dedicated to helping you and your pet enjoy each other’s company for years to come.
General Surgery
Our Hospital is equipped to perform most major soft tissue surgeries, particularly of the abdomen and chest. Surgeries involving 
neoplasia(cancer) are frequently performed. Follow-up chemotherapy is also available in appropriate cases.
Orthopedic Surgery
This includes joint and fracture repair using the latest equipment and techniques. All forms of fixation devices are available for use in the most complicated orthopedic cases.
Hips
Examinations and surgical recommendations are part of our hip evaluation program. We are presently emphasizing early detection and treatment where necessary for hip dysplasia in puppies. Routine examinations start at four months of age.
Spinal Column
Our caseload has evolved into a major referral center for spinal column disease. This includes intervertebral disc herniations, infections, neoplasia (cancer), and degenerative changes. Evaluations include plain and contrast radiography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Critical Care
Many times a critically ill patient needs continuing care. The Veterinarians who provide our emergency services also provide critical care after-hours.
Advanced Imaging
Our capabilities include digital imaging and computerized tomography (CT). With these advanced techniques, we are better able to diagnose diseases in dogs and cats. Our state-of-the-art in-house lab is another capability that speeds the diagnostic process.
Continuing Education
Our service offers additional help to area veterinarians in the form of case reviews, second opinions, hands-on assistance with surgical cases, scheduled rounds as well as phone and radiographic consultations.
Emergency Services
We have veterinarians on staff who handle after-hours emergencies. Our emergency care service, that is care for a situation needing immediate attention, does not require a referral and is available only after-hours.
Quality Pet Care in a Compassionate Environment
Dr. Newman’s education, training and nearly 30 years of experience give him the knowledge to provide his patients with the best care. Dr. Newman is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a master’s degree in veterinary surgery. He also obtained a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Newman completed a two-year internship at Grady Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio with mentoring by surgeons from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also completed a residency in surgery at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and became part of the Auburn faculty while completing his master’s degree and his surgical residency.
In addition to his training, Dr. Newman sits on the Council for American Veterinarian Medical Association for Research, the Council for Jefferson State Veterinary Technician School, the board for Animal Shelters and Decatur Animal Services, and is the Immediate Past President of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association.
The newly built, state-of-the-art hospital offers services to clients in North Alabama, Southern Tennessee, and even into Corinth, MS and Nashville. To facilitate these services, Dr. Newman installed a T1 line, which is a very high speed internet line for accessing files. This allows Veterinarians to easily set up their own account with the hospital which gives them instant access to their client’s files. It also assists them in diagnosing and treating their patients more quickly. This quick access can make the difference for the comfort and survival of a beloved pet.
Disc Herniation in dogs, a potentially devastating condition, is just one of the many conditions that require immediate diagnosing. This condition occurs more frequently in dachshunds, but can affect any breed. Often times, people tend to wait to seek medical care for their pet because they are not aware of the symptoms and severity of this condition. For this reason, Dr. Newman gives the following information.
This illness usually occurs when a pet is around four years of age. The initial symptom is that a pet just does not feel good because of the pain. They may develop muscle contractions (Abdominal Splinting) or what appears to be a drunken walk (Ataxia). Their condition may progress slowly or very rapidly. Eventually, they will become weak in the rear limbs until they are unable to pick themselves up (Paraparesis). This is caused from the disc pushing on the spinal cord, as opposed to humans with this condition where it hits the nerves. Since the spinal cord is exquisitely sensitive to any pressure, without treatment, paralysis occurs. After paralysis, there is no recovery, so time is truly an issue with this condition.