Primary Care & Wellness

The Wellness Examination:

Your pet’s:

Abdomen will be palpated to detect abnormalities such as enlarged organs or masses. Other painful areas may indicate problems with the intestines, kidneys, liver or other organs.

Eyes will be examined to determine abnormalities, such as anemia, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice and allergies.

Heart will be examined for murmurs and abnormal rhythms.

Joints and muscles will be examined to detect the possible presence of inflammation, arthritis and tumors.

Lungs will be examined for fluid build-up, wheezing, and abnormal effort to breathe.

Lymph nodes will be examined to detect the possible presence of inflammation and swelling

Oral cavity (gums, teeth, tongue and palate) will be checked for tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infections and other problems.

Reproductive system will be examined for swellings, discharges, and breast or testicular lumps. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, our veterinarian will explain the health benefits of doing so.

Skin, ears and hair will be examined as a means of detecting allergies, infections, warts and tumors, fleas, ticks and other parasites.

Services:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Blood testing
• Fecal testing
• Dentistry
• Disease prevention
• Geriatric medicine
• Microchipping
• Pain management
• Parasite prevention
• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Rehabilitaiton
• Spay/neuter
• Surgery
• Vaccination protocols

Be sure to mention any of these signs in your pet to your primary care veterinarian:

• Change in appetite
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Excessive panting
• Excessive scratching
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Lameness or stiffness of the limbs
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Disease Prevention

Vaccination against infectious diseases has tremendous effects on reducing illness in your pet. At Oradell Animal Hospital, we will create a vaccination program based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure to disease.

Core vaccines are generally recommended for all cats and dogs. For cats, core vaccines include panleukopenia, rabies, calicivirus and herpesvirus. For dogs, core vaccines include distemper, rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus and bordetella.

Non-core vaccines are administered to your pet depending upon exposure, risk and lifestyle. For cats this includes a vaccine that protects against leukemia virus. For dogs, this includes vaccines that protect against Lyme Disease and Leptospirosis and influenza.

For puppy and kitten vaccination protocols click here.

To microchip your pet, simply call to make an appointment. This is a safe, simple and permanent form of pet identification designed to quickly identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. Similar to administering a routine injection, within seconds a microchip with a unique identification code is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet. Once your pet is microchipped, you must fill out the enrollment form enclosed with the microchip. The information will then be stored with a service database and is always available.  If your pet is ever lost, he/she can be scanned at animal shelters or veterinary clinics to reveal their identification number.

Doctors in Primary Care/Wellness

Rita Angelo, VMD

Dr. Angelo graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small and animal medicine here at Oradell Animal Hospital and remained on staff as a senior general practitioner at both our Paramus and Fort Lee locations. Dr. Angelo was appointed Hospital Director of Oradell Animal Hospital in 2019.

Frank C. Boren, DVM

Dr. Boren graduated from the University Of Florida School Of Veterinary Medicine and has remained on the staff of Oradell Animal Hospital since completing an internship here in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Boren has a special interest in exotic and zoo animal medicine. He is the veterinarian for the Bergen County Zoo and is consultant for The James A. McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Dr. Boren sees appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus and at our Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey office.

Donna Bucciarelli, DVM

Dr. Bucciarelli is a graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship at Oradell Animal Hospital. She is most interested in emergency and critical care medicine and dentistry. Her interests include cooking, swimming, yoga and travel. Donna is a member of the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps (NJMRC). Donna volunteers her time and professional expertise to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources.

Jamie DeSantis, VMD

Dr. DeSantis graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Oradell Animal Hospital. Dr. DeSantis' interests include emergency medicine, internal medicine, endocrinology, and toxicology. He also enjoys skiing, fly fishing, Tae Kwon Do, and Tough Mudder races. Dr. DeSantis sees appointments at the Paramus office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and at the Fort Lee office on Thursdays.

Joseph DeSanto, DVM

Dr. DeSanto graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital. He then joined the staff upon completion of his internship. Dr. DeSanto enjoys internal medicine and veterinary dentistry. He is one of the founding veterinarians of Bergen County's Animal Emergency Preparedness Program. Dr. DeSanto loves to travel and experience new cuisine. He sees appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus and in our Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey office.

June Hacker-Traiger, VMD, CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Dr. Hacker graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital and remained on staff. She enjoys working with exotic animals. She sees appointments at both Oradell Animal Hospital and our Ft. Lee, New Jersey office. Dr. Hacker's hobbies include reading and bicycling. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

Dara Hofstadter, DVM

Dr. Hofstadter attended Ramapo College of New Jersey, Seton Hall University School of Law, and The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Her special interests include internal and geriatric medicine. She enjoys painting, drawing, eating out, and going to concerts with friends. She is involved with a small animal rescue organization and loves spending time with her three rescue dogs, Pearl, Cookie and Mr. Midnight, and two birds. Dr. Hofstadter practices in our Paramus and Hasbrouck Heights locations.

Tanya Karlecke, DVM

Dr. Karlecke received her Bachelor of Science degree in pre-veterinary medicine from Mercy College in 2000. She went on to earn her degree of veterinary medicine at Iowa State University in 2006 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Karlecke then completed a small animal rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital, and she has been employed by us since completing the program. Dr. Karlecke's professional interests include emergency and general practice medicine. In her free time, she volunteers with the Newark Pet Health Community, enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband, two children, two German Shepherds and three cats.

Ross Koenig, DVM

Dr. Koenig graduated from Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship in small companion medicine at Oradell Animal Hospital and remained on staff. Dr. Koenig sees appointments at both Oradell Animal Hospital and our Ft. Lee, New Jersey office.

Julie Lee, VMD

Dr. Lee grew up in Edgewater, NJ and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, as well as , her dog and 3 cats. Dr. Lee sees emergencies in our Paramus location and general medicine appointments in Fort Lee.

Marisa Palmer, VMD

Dr. Palmer received her undergraduate degree in Biology from New York University and her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Her professional interests include oncology, internal medicine, and general practice. In her free time she enjoys attending concerts and music festivals, and spending time with her English Labrador, Finn

Reena Shah, DVM (I-131)

Dr. Shah graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital and since then has remained on staff. Dr. Shah is involved with Oradell Animal Hospital's radioactive iodine program for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. She likes to cook and spend time with her family.

Lori Siracuse-Parker, VMD, CVMA (Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist)

Dr. Lori Siracuse-Parker is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her internship in general medicine at Oradell Animal Hospital. As a certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist (CVMA), Dr. Siracuse-Parker is qualified to practice medical acupuncture, laser therapy and medical massage. She sees appointments in both Paramus and Fort Lee.

Heather Troyer, DVM, DABVP (Board Specialized in Canine and Feline Practice), CVA, (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist), CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner)

Dr. Troyer graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She completed a one-year internship at the Animal Medical Center in NY, NY from 2001-2002 and joined the staff at Oradell Animal Hospital in 2005 as a member of the general medicine and surgery group. In 2008, Dr. Troyer became board certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice (general medicine and surgery), which awards specialty certification to practitioners who demonstrate expertise above and beyond what is required to practice veterinary medicine. In 2009, Dr. Troyer helped to create the Oradell CARES program. Oradell CARES is designed to assist families and patients with hospice and care giver support issues through both in-home evaluation and out-patient management. In addition, Dr. Troyer was awarded certification in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida, in 2010, and completed additional curricula in Tui-Na, a unique form of massage specific for Traditional Chinese Medicine. She most recently rounded out her education by becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management in 2014. She practices integrative medicine, especially in cases where quality of life issues are paramount, and practices both out-patient and in-home pain management using both eastern and western techniques. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, running, and cooking. She frequently writes for medical journals such as Clinician’s Brief and Veterinary Team Brief, and actively promotes continuing education at our hospital through lectures and wet labs, and promotion of student externship programs.