Business Details
47 Years
experience
Emergency
services
AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Care in Gastonia, NC
TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Forestbrook has been dedicated to comprehensive pet care in Gastonia since 1979. Founded on principles of holistic treatment and cutting-edge veterinary medicine, we combine advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, and compassionate pain management to serve dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Our AAHA-accredited facility features Fear-Free Certified professionals and Dr. Mark Epstein, Gastonias only Board-certified canine and feline specialist, who leads a team committed to lifelong learning and community trust.We prioritize transparent communication, preventive care, and innovative therapies to enhance pets' quality of life, ensuring owners receive tailored guidance and support. With decades of experience and a focus on the human-animal bond, we aim to redefine veterinary care through relationships built on empathy and expertise.
Services
Preventative Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Surgical Services
Dental Care
Pain Management
Senior Pet Care
Exotic Pet Care
Allergy Testing
Pet Boarding
Telemedicine Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of trusted veterinary care in Gastonia since 1979.
- AAHA-accredited facility with board-certified specialists on staff.
- Fear-Free Certified team prioritizing low-stress pet handling.
- Advanced pain management protocols developed by industry-leading experts.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing for surgeries and dental procedures.
Associations and certifications
- AAHA
What people say
Fear-Free Certified staff
Board-certified specialists
Transparent pricing options
Support for exotic pets
Compassionate pain management
Services
Preventative Care
Preventative care at TotalBond Veterinary Hospital includes biannual exams, vaccinations, and parasite control tailored to your pets age and health. Early detection of issues through routine checkups reduces long-term risks, while personalized nutrition and weight management plans prevent obesity-related diseases. Our focus on proactive care ensures pets maintain optimal health throughout their lives.
Diagnostic Imaging
Our hospital offers digital X-rays, ultrasound, ECG, and capnography for accurate diagnosis of internal conditions. In-house lab work delivers rapid results for blood tests, urinalysis, and biopsies, enabling timely treatment decisions. Advanced imaging supports early detection of heart disease, arthritis, and cancers, ensuring pets receive targeted care swiftly.
Veterinary Surgery
TotalBond provides routine and advanced surgical services, including spays, neuters, and orthopedic procedures, with a focus on pain management. Board-certified specialists collaborate with our team for complex cases, ensuring optimal outcomes. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and 24/7 post-op monitoring minimize risks while prioritizing comfort during recovery.
Dental Services
Professional dental cleanings and extractions address periodontal disease, which affects 80% of pets by age three. Using ultrasonic scaling, digital X-rays, and nerve blocks, we ensure thorough care while minimizing pain. Preventative education helps owners maintain oral health at home, reducing systemic infection risks linked to untreated dental issues.
Pain Management
Our pain management protocols integrate medications, acupuncture, and laser therapy to treat acute and chronic conditions like arthritis. Dr. Mark Epstein, a certified pain specialist, develops multimodal strategies to improve mobility and quality of life. Continuous research informs evidence-based approaches that address both physical discomfort and emotional well-being.
People
Dr. Mark Epstein
Co-Owner, Medical Director, DVM, DABVP, CVPP
Dr. Epstein, a Board-certified canine and feline specialist, pioneered pain management protocols and co-founded TotalBond Veterinary Hospital. He lectures nationally and authored guidelines for AAHA, emphasizing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Dr. Sara Toner
DVM
Dr. Toner specializes in surgery and oncology care, bringing expertise in chemotherapy and post-operative recovery. Her warm demeanor and focus on client communication foster trust and relief during critical pet health challenges.
Dr. Emily Salmon
DVM
Dr. Salmon excels in surgical techniques and preventative medicine, prioritizing patient comfort and owner education. Her approach blends meticulous attention to detail with a calming presence for anxious pet families.
Megan
CVPM
As Practice Manager, Megan oversees clinic operations and critical care support. A veteran team leader, she emphasizes staff well-being and client satisfaction while managing emergency protocols and community outreach.
Allie
Senior Veterinary Assistant
Allie, with 28 years of experience, coordinates appointments and patient care flow. Her long-term relationships with clients and pets ensure continuity of care, blending efficiency with personal touches.
Questions
What services does TotalBond Veterinary Hospital offer?
We provide preventative care, diagnostics, surgery, dental services, pain management, and care for exotic pets. Specialized programs include senior pet wellness and Fear-Free handling.
Are your vets certified in pain management?
Yes, Dr. Mark Epstein is a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and author of AAHA pain management guidelines, ensuring advanced protocols for chronic or acute conditions.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, Cherry Payment Plans provide flexible financing for veterinary care. Flat-rate pricing is available for spay/neuter and dental procedures.
Are you AAHA accredited?
Yes, TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Forestbrook is AAHA-accredited, reflecting high standards in medical care, facilities, and client service.
What exotic pets do you treat?
We care for small mammals, reptiles, and birds, with specialized knowledge addressing species-specific health needs and dietary requirements.
Do you handle emergencies?
Yes, we welcome emergency cases during operating hours and provide urgent care triage for injuries or sudden illness in pets.
