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 Annual
Health Screens
As part of your pet's annual vaccination
program, we will give your pet a thorough physical exam. This procedure
allows us to determine the overall physical health of your pet. It also
allows us to examine your pet closely for problems that may be
considered breed specific. This simply means that certain breeds of dogs
and cats are pre-disposed to certain problems.
For example, if you own a cocker
spaniel, you have no doubt at some time dealt with an ear problem. Our
physical examination will help alert you to potential problems which may
occur. The physical exam, however, does not allow us to determine the
overall health of the internal organs. To check for any internal organ
dysfunction, a blood screen is required.
This short procedure will detect any liver and kidney problems as well
as check for anemia, diabetes, and infections. We recommend this
screening for all pets two to seven years of age. If your pet is seven
years or older, ask about our senior care program. As in all health
evaluations, early detection is the key as it allows for more and better
treatment options. If you have any questions, please feel free to call.
Canine Geriatric
Program
As dogs age, we know that they, like people, have a greater risk for
developing certain diseases and conditions. For example, we know that
the incidence of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease,
arthritis, and oral/dental disease increases with advancing age.
However, when such diseases are diagnosed in their early stages,
treatment to cure such disorders or delay their progress can be given in
most cases. For that reason, we recommend that all of our canine
patients that are seven years of age or older have an annual geriatric
evaluation. This evaluation includes a complete and thorough physical
exam, a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, urinalysis and
thyroid test. As in all health evaluations, early detection is the key
as it allows for more and better treatment options.
Feline Geriatric Program
Older cats can develop a myriad of medical problems, but there are three
common problems that we see in geriatric patients: diabetes, kidney
disease, and hyperthyroidism. All three diseases affect the other
systems over time and are, if left untreated at an early stage, fatal.
If these chronic disease processes are detected soon after they start,
they may be very treatable and controllable.
Generally, we recommend that cats seven years and older have blood drawn
and checked annually. Diagnostic tests include blood chemistries, a
complete blood count, urinalysis, and thyroid test. It is in this way we
can detect the problem before it becomes a major medical problem. As in
all health evaluations, early detection is the key as it allows for more
and better treatment options.
We have tried to make our senior care program as affordable as possible,
so that your pets' may benefit from the same tests and evaluations that
we use on our own aging pets. We know how difficult it is to say goodbye
to an old friend, therefore we hope to keep you and your pet together as
many years as possible.
Pet Dental
Program
A major part of your pet's health is oral and dental hygiene. If your
pet is 3 years or older, he already has tartar and plaque build-up on
his teeth and probably needs a dental cleaning. Most older pets will
have advanced tartar build-up and some degree of gum disease. The
problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your
pet's teeth. Plaque harbors the bacteria, which can infect gum tissue
and the root system. This often results in healthy teeth having to be
extracted because the root structure has been compromised. A more
serious consequence of dental disease occurs when the infection spreads
via the bloodstream to other vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and
brain.
The first step in improving your pets
oral health is a complete dental exam. If a dental cleaning is
recommended for your pet, a doctor will discuss the procedure with you.
Since we have yet to figure out how to get most pets to sit in a dental
chair with their mouth open, the procedure will be done under
anesthesia. Preliminary blood work prior to the dental is recommended to
rule out any underlying health conditions that might compromise the
safety of anesthesia. Older pets should have a more comprehensive blood
profile run.
Dental procedures are recommended
annually in most cases. Ask us about home dental care and procedures you
can perform at home to ensure your pet's oral health.
Signs Of Poor Dental Health
- Loss Of Appetite
- Bad Breath
- Inflamed Gum Tissue
- Oral Sensitivity
- Tartar And Plaque Buildup
We also offer the
following services!
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