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B U S I N E S S you to determine what type of food will be best for its growing body and teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth while they are at home. Finally, a heartworm preventative will be chosen for your puppy or kitten, as both are susceptible to this deadly parasite. “Vaccinating is something we are always studying. Animals have different immune systems than ours. Science has proven that animals are living longer because of proper vaccinating protocols specific to each pet,” explains Dr. McHughes. “I have patients who are 18 and 20 years old; I believe that is because of good, preventative medicine and the right wellness program.” Crosspoint’s services include grooming, bathing, boarding, dental care, dermatology heartworm testing, intensive care, hospice/euthanasia, laser therapy, microchipping, nutrition counseling, pain management, pharmacy, radiology, ultrasound, and surgery. Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital also has ‘fearfree’ certified professionals on staff, another way Crosspoint goes above and beyond to try to decrease any anxiety you or your pet may have during your veterinary experience. Dr. McHughes’ tireless dedication to pet healthcare is accentuated further by her veterinary hospital’s accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. This distinction is shared by only 12 percent
Dr. Christie McHughes
CROSSPOINT VETERINARY HOSPITAL Dr. Christie McHughes has always been hungry for a challenge. “Maybe that’s why I love veterinary medicine,” she muses. And maybe that’s why, after 11 years as a small-animal veterinary associate, Dr. McHughes decided to open her own practice—and build a state-of-the-art hospital to go with it. Well, this
of veterinary clinics in the United States and Canada. Accreditation requires adherence to over 900 quality standards in everything from pain management and patient care to team training and medical record keeping. “It means we are different from other vets. We are held to a much higher standard,” says Dr. McHughes. Growing up on a farm full of animals in Amite,
Covington native did just that. In 2015, she opened the doors to Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital,
Dr. McHughes’ interaction with, and caring for, animals
ready to provide quality care for pets and their owners from Mandeville, Madisonville and
began at a very young age. She says, “I always knew
Covington, plus other parts of St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes.
that I would like to help animals in some way when
“In the practice of veterinary medicine, every day is a challenge. Animals cannot tell
I was older. I feel very blessed that my passion for
me what is wrong or what is hurting them. I just have to know,” explains Dr. McHughes. Just
animals has turned into a livelihood.” After graduating
as in human medicine, early diagnosis is key in veterinary medicine. Crosspoint Veterinary
from Covington High School in 1996, she earned a
Hospital has the latest in diagnostic equipment, including x-ray and blood work equipment,
degree in biology with a concentration in zoology
as well as the latest medications and preventative medicine protocols.
from Southeastern Louisiana University and was then
“Our goal is to educate our clients about exceptional pet care, which always includes
accepted to the Louisiana State University School of
a strong wellness program. It is very important to prevent issues whenever possible. At
Veterinary Medicine. Her concentration was mixed-
Crosspoint, we strive to offer the most reasonable, comprehensive veterinary care available.
animal veterinary care, including small animals and
We want our clients to be involved in their pet’s care and well-being.”
equine. In 2004, after receiving her veterinary degree,
Dr. McHughes’ wellness program includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and blood work to establish healthy baseline values for your furry family member. She will work with 54
Inside Northside
she began her small-animal general practice career in Covington and then practiced at two other hospitals in
