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 Covington native did just that. In 2015, she opened the doors to Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital, ready to provide quality care for pets and their owners from Mandeville, Madisonville and Covington, plus other parts of St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes.

“In the practice of veterinary medicine, every day is a challenge. Animals cannot tell me what is wrong or what is hurting them. I just have to know,” explains Dr. McHughes. Just as in human medicine, early diagnosis is key in veterinary medicine. Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital has the latest in diagnostic equipment, including x-ray and blood work equipment, as well as the latest medications and preventative medicine protocols.

“Our goal is to educate our clients about exceptional pet care, which always includes a strong wellness program. It is very important to prevent issues whenever possible. At Crosspoint, we strive to offer the most reasonable, comprehensive veterinary care available. We want our clients to be involved in their pet’s care and well-being.”

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 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 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, Dr. McHughes’ interaction with, and caring for, animals began at a very young age. She says, “I always knew that I would like to help animals in some way when I was older. I feel very blessed that my passion for animals has turned into a livelihood.” After graduating from Covington High School in 1996, she earned a degree in biology with a concentration in zoology from Southeastern Louisiana University and was then accepted to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her concentration was mixedanimal veterinary care, including small animals and equine. In 2004, after receiving her veterinary degree, she began her small-animal general practice career in Covington and then practiced at two other hospitals in the Covington and Mandeville areas.

But it is not just about her veterinary practice. Dr. McHughes takes her passion for veterinary medicine beyond that. “I am very involved in veterinary organized medicine, such as the local, state and national veterinary medical associations, and take a special interest in politics that affect my profession. I also serve as a board member for the Southwest Veterinary Symposium.”

Dr. McHughes also takes pride in her superb staff. She says, “I have a full-time veterinary associate, Dr. Eugene Jenkins, who is a crucial part of the Crosspoint team, as well as the best receptionists and veterinary nurses and assistants in the area. We strive to make each pet and owner’s experience a positive one.”

Dr. Christie McHughes approaches the challenges of her life the same way she meets the challenges of her profession—head on. Married for 18 years, and the mother of three rowdy boys, her family now has a farm of their own, where they manage cattle and goats on 30 acres. “I love the fact that God has granted me the gift to manage it all.” She says that the Serenity Prayer is used a lot in her life: “Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

“In order to be a good wife, mother and doctor, you have to be a good listener and have trust. A good veterinarian must be a good listener and trust the client and what they are telling you. They know their pet better than you do. It’s my challenge to find the answer as to why the concern—a challenge I will give my all to!”

Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital is located at 70323 LA-1077 in Covington. 888-1566. crosspointveterinaryhospital.com.