Veterinary Services
What We Offer
Preventative care, specialist internal medicine consultations, surgery, and dental care — delivered by a team who treats dogs and cats exclusively, and knows your pet by name.
Led by
Dr. Adam McClure, DVM
Preventative Care
Preventative care is the foundation of everything at Northside. Dr. Adam McClure's practice philosophy is built on a simple conviction: an open, honest, and friendly relationship with clients is the most powerful tool in medicine. "Being available to readily answer any questions and taking the time to explain how to prevent problems is an important part of my practice philosophy."
In practice, this means a routine wellness visit at Northside is not rushed. Dr. Adam takes the time to conduct a thorough physical examination — nose to tail — and to talk through what he finds. Vaccination schedules are reviewed against each pet's specific lifestyle and risk profile, not applied as a one-size-fits-all protocol. Parasite prevention options are discussed: which products are appropriate for this pet, in this season, in this region of Northern Virginia.
Northside sees dogs and cats only. This is not a limitation — it is a deliberate choice that allows the practice to develop genuine depth of expertise in small animal care. Every protocol, every recommendation, every piece of advice is calibrated specifically for the species and the individual animal.
The communication-first philosophy also manifests in how preventative care connects to the rest of the practice. When Dr. Adam notices something in an examination that warrants Dr. Fiona's internal medicine perspective, the conversation happens the same day — not after a referral appointment three weeks away. Two-generation continuity of care means the practice relationship can span a pet's entire lifetime: the same level of personal investment Dr. Adam brings to his first appointment with a patient is the same he brings twenty years later.
Regular examinations, current vaccinations, appropriate parasite prevention, and a veterinarian who takes the time to explain everything — this is what preventative care at Northside looks like.
Led by
Dr. Fiona McClure, DipACVIM
Internal Medicine & Complex Cases
When a pet's condition becomes complex — when vomiting won't resolve, when weight loss doesn't have an obvious explanation, when lab results suggest something systemic — most general practices refer to a specialist. At Northside, the specialist is already here.
Dr. Fiona McClure is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, board-certified in small animal internal medicine. This is the highest specialist qualification in the field. Veterinarians with this credential typically practice at referral hospitals, where an internal medicine consultation runs $300–$600 or more per visit. At Northside, that expertise is part of your relationship with the practice.
Dr. Fiona's specific areas of practice are gastroenterology, Cushing's disease, and feline medicine — three of the most common categories of complex cases in small animal medicine. Chronic vomiting, weight loss, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, unexplained lethargy, suspected adrenal dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, difficult-to-diagnose feline conditions: these are the cases she manages in-house, with the benefit of knowing the patient's complete history.
Her diagnostic approach begins with a thorough history. What has the patient been eating? How long has this been going on? What treatments have already been tried, and what happened? She asks the questions that surface pattern, and she explains her reasoning — what she's looking for, why she's ordering a particular test, what the result means. "Quality health care begins with excellent client communication" is the practice philosophy; Dr. Fiona applies it to the most complex cases the practice sees.
Her fellowship at the Cornell Feline Health Center — one of the world's premier institutions for feline research — gives her particular depth in cats. Complex feline cases that other Arlington practices would refer out can be managed at Northside, by a veterinarian who has known your cat for years.
What is an ACVIM Diplomate?
A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine has completed additional years of residency training beyond veterinary school, passed rigorous board examinations, and been recognized as a specialist by their peers. Internal medicine specialists like Dr. Fiona are typically found at referral hospitals — not general practices. Having Dr. Fiona as part of Northside's team means complex cases — Cushing's disease, chronic gastrointestinal conditions, challenging feline diagnoses — can be evaluated and managed here, by a veterinarian who already knows your pet. No referral required.
Led by
Dr. Adam McClure, DVM
Surgical Care
General surgery at Northside — spay, neuter, growth removal, and other soft tissue procedures — is led by Dr. Adam McClure. His approach to surgery follows the same communication-first philosophy that guides preventative care: thorough explanation before the procedure, consistent protocol on the day of surgery, and close attention to recovery.
The pre-operative protocol is clear and consistent. No food after 10:00 PM the evening before surgery. Drop-off is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. At drop-off, consent forms are reviewed and signed. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and an EKG are available as optional safety screens — Dr. Adam will discuss whether these are appropriate for your pet's age and health status. Surgical procedures are performed between noon and 4:00 PM.
For most procedures, discharge happens the same day — typically between 6:30 and 7:30 PM. Post-operative care instructions are provided in writing at discharge, and Dr. Adam is available by phone to answer any questions that arise during recovery. Suture removal, when needed, is scheduled 10–14 days after surgery.
An anesthetic procedure also presents an excellent opportunity to have your pet microchipped, if they haven't been already. Dr. Adam routinely discusses this option at the pre-operative appointment.
Northside sees dogs and cats only — which means the surgical protocols are refined for these specific species. There are no exotic animals, no unusual anatomical surprises, no unfamiliar anesthetic considerations. Every surgical patient benefits from a team with deep, focused experience in small animal surgery.
Post-operative monitoring begins in recovery and continues through discharge. Clients receive clear guidance on what to watch for — redness, swelling, any sign of infection — and when to call. The post-operative period is taken as seriously as the procedure itself.
Led by
Dr. Adam McClure, DVM
Dental Care
February is National Pet Dental Health Month — but at Northside, dental care is a year-round concern. Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions in dogs and cats, and one of the most preventable. The challenge is that pets rarely show obvious signs of dental pain until the condition has progressed significantly.
Dental disease begins with tartar buildup. Tartar, left unaddressed, leads to gingivitis — inflammation of the gums — and eventually to periodontal disease, which affects the structures supporting the teeth. The systemic effects extend beyond the mouth: bacteria from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys. A dental cleaning is not just a cosmetic procedure; it is a meaningful contribution to overall health.
A dental appointment at Northside follows the same pre-operative protocol as other surgical procedures — no food after 10:00 PM the night before, drop-off between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, procedures performed under anesthesia. The examination under anesthesia allows for a thorough inspection of every tooth and the surrounding tissue, followed by scaling and polishing. If extractions are needed, Dr. Adam discusses this with the client before proceeding.
For at-home dental care, Northside recommends Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved products — toothbrushes, enzymatic toothpastes, dental chews, and water additives that have been evaluated for efficacy. The best at-home dental care routine is one the pet will tolerate: Dr. Adam helps clients find an approach that works for their specific animal.
Dr. Mary Hahn's deep experience with cats is particularly relevant in dental care — feline tooth resorption and feline stomatitis are conditions that require experienced hands and a patient with a history. For cat owners concerned about dental health, Dr. Mary's perspective is invaluable.
Questions about care for your pet?
Call (703) 525-7115