Hi! Welcome to my page. I am so glad to get the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Randy Werkhoven but please call me Dr. Randy like my other friends.
I have been a friend to the animals my entire life but the journey really took off when I caught my first snake when I was six years old. From that moment on I KNEW that I was to be a Veterinarian.
At six years of age I joined the oldest profession. I am a caretaker for God's creation. For God's word says in Genesis1:26 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
So the plan was laid out for me from early on. I dedicated my time and energies to loving, learning about and being responsible for God's creation. This is our God-given mission and it drives our attitudes and actions toward you, your pets and our world.
I hope this helps you understand why we are different here at Waccamaw Regional Veterinary Center. We make all our recommendations based on this simple question: What is best for the pet? Your pets' safety, comfort and enjoyment are our guide.
That is why we have a comprehensive in-house laboratory. We can have a complete blood chemistry, blood count, electrolytes and urinalysis in 15 minutes if needed. Minutes can mean life!
That is why we are the only Veterinary Hospital in the area that performs all of our surgeries with the laser. The laser seals nerves and reduces pain, seals blood vessels and reduces bleeding, reduces swelling and allows faster return to normal after surgery.
That is why every patient receives preemptive pain medication BEFORE surgery. Before the pain has even been stimulated we are preventing it through multiple avenues in every patient. We believe in nerve blocks, epidural anesthesia, anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medication to go home.
That is why we have the most advanced anesthesia monitoring equipment available that constantly monitors blood pressure, heart rate, core body temperature. respiration rate, electrocardiogram, dissolved oxygen saturation, and expired carbon dioxide levels.
That is why all of our surgery patients have a dedicated nurse by their side from the very beginning to the time they leave recovery.
That is why we put all surgery and dental patients on intravenous fluids. Fluids improve internal organ blood flow and protect the kidneys and other organs from anesthesia related reduction in circulation. They improve blood pressure and allow the anesthetics to be removed from the body faster as well as giving ready access to circulation for emergency measures in the rare instance of complications.
That is why we refuse to give many vaccinations. We have discovered that many pets are receiving vaccinations that no Veterinary Schools in the country recommend.
That is why we encourage annual vital organ screening. Most pets hide their pain and problems from us because their survival instincts tell them that if “they limp then they will be somebody's lunch” so they conceal their problems. We can unlock many answers early by testing internal organ function and treat problems early while good results are still possible.
That is why we close every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM for formal staff training and send our staff to Veterinary Conferences for continuing education. Every staff member receives a minimum of 78 hours of training each year. That is almost 2 weeks of training a year.
That is why I am a Boy Scout Master. We must share the mission with the next generation. We only have one life, one earth and one creation; it is our job and we take it seriously.
By honoring you and your pets we honor our God and King. So if you share our heart for your pets and quality loving care is what you seek for your family then give us a try and become our family too.
Caring daily for what we have been given,
Warmly, Dr. Randy