Mention this offer to claim $25 off your pet's first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Sat Apr 12 2025 02:40:00 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Crestwood Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

landing-page

contact-us-section

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto"><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Nick Rataj is originally from La Grange, Kentucky. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a minor in Chemistry from Murray State University. He received his graduate degree at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Extending his education, he took an equine internship as an associate at Park Equine Hospital from 2017 through 2019. Before starting with us at Crestwood Animal Hospital in October 2022, he worked at Vetco Total Care from 2020 to 2022. His interests in the veterinary field include preventative medicine, general practice, and acupuncture. Outside of work, Dr. Rataj enjoys all things outdoors, such as rock climbing, disc golf, snow sports, and jet skiing, and even has a private pilot license! He has also hiked the Appalachian Trail in its entirety, which took 4 months and 3 weeks. He has a labradoodle named Barley, a cat, and a Bernese mix named Chimmy Chunga.</strong></span></p><p dir="auto"><br></p>

Dr. Nick Rataj

Veterinarian

gtm_67f9852803a946b407b4f0e7

If you are interested in working at the Crestwood Animal Hospital, please submit your cover letter and resume to the form below.

crestwoodanimalhospital

Easily schedule your pet's next visit in just a few clicks.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Fear Free offers expert education on pet well-being, enrichment, and reducing fear, anxiety, and stress.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

USA TODAY and Statista have named Crestwood Vet Hospital among the top veterinary clinics in the nation.

This program is leading the movement to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their family

This program is leading the movement to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their family.

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a no-interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

Physical rehabilitation involves the diagnosis and management of patients with either painful or functionally limiting mobility issues, particularly those afflicted by orthopedic or neurological conditions.

Pet Rehab

Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

Pet Nutrition

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


Pet Prescriptions

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Pet acupuncture at () provides gentle, drug-free relief for pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. This holistic therapy boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports healing for happier, healthier pets.

Veterinary Acupuncture

Enhance your pet's recovery and mobility with custom rehabilitation at (). Our expert team uses therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and underwater treadmill sessions to reduce pain, rebuild strength, and restore comfort. Schedule your pet's rehab consultation today.

Pet Rehabilitation

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Spay And Neuter

Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


Dental Radiology

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Sheet title

Dr. Nick Rataj

Veterinarian