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. Only a blood screen will do that. 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.
Senior Care Program
Today, people live longer, healthier lives than they typically did years
ago. In large, part that's due to a better understanding of the
importance of factors that can influence ageing, such as preventative
health care and nutrition. Similarly, the dogs and cats that make up
such an important part of our lives are also living longer, healthier
lives. We are observing that a growing number of our patients are canine
and feline "senior citizens." Part of the reason that pets are
able to live longer now than a few years ago, is the tremendous advances
that have occurred in veterinary medicine. A greater knowledge of
diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments are available to us
today. Perhaps the greatest reason for why animals live longer, better
lives, is the increased knowledge that the pet owners have about the
importance of preventive health care measures---immunization, parasite
control, spaying and neutering, and early disease detection, to name a
few.
As dogs and cats age, 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, malignant and benign tumors, arthritis, loss of vision,
and oral/dental disease increases with advancing age. However, when such
conditions 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 dog and cat patients that are 7
years of age or older, have an annual geriatric evaluation. This
evaluation includes a thorough and complete physical examination, a
complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, urinalysis, and
radiography. When the evaluation is complete and all the tests have been
received, we will discuss the findings with you, and advise you of any
needed treatment or change in diet.
Just as when people have an annual
physical, in most cases the results are normal. Even then, it's good to
know that everything is "all right" and the evaluation
provides valuable "baseline data" on which to compare future
results. If a condition is revealed, you know it has been discovered as
early as possible and treatment can be started. Importantly, we can work
with you to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
It's the least we can do in return for all the love that our pets give
us.
If you have any questions about our
senior care evaluation for your pet for now or in the future---please
call us anytime during normal practice hours. We look forward to talking
with you.
Dentistry
More than 85% of all dogs and cats ages four years and older
suffer from periodontal disease. This can cause bad breath,
tooth loss and bleeding gums which can allow bacteria to enter
the animal's blood stream, thus causing more serious internal
infections.
We offer complete dental
care, exams and professional cleanings. We also work closely with
a local dentist who assists us in performing root canals and other
dental procedures. Our technicians will train you in performing
basic dental hygiene for your pet at home.
 Radiology
and Ultrasound
The
radiology room is located just off of the main treatment room.
With the advanced equipment, radiographs can be taken and processed
in a timely manner. We are then able to rapidly diagnose
many internal ailments and begin treatment without delay,
Our EKG equipment provides both diagnostics and monitoring support
for the heart.
We
also offer ultrasounds on an appointment basis. Ultrasound
provides a non-invasive way of evaluating internal organs, much
the way that human diagnostics are performed.
Pet
I.D. Microchips - We
use Home Again Microchips and are linked to their Pet Recovery
Service. Installation of microchips is available daily and recommended
as early as 8 weeks.
Boarding
- For established
clients we do have short term boarding available for both dogs
and cats. Our boarding spaces are very limited and are reserved
on a first come first serve basis. In order to board your pet
with us all pets must be current on vaccines, including rabies,
bordetella, dhpp for dogs and rabies, fvrcp for cats. All pets
who wish to board must first schedule a day trial where they
would come and stay for the day and we would monitor their behavior
in a kennel situation. This day trial is no charge to the client
but must be scheduled prior to making kennel reservations. If
we feel that our particular boarding situation does not fit
your pet we can make other recommendations i.e. petsitters,
larger or indoor/outdoor boarding kennels.
boarding
fees are charged by the night. Animals picked up after 1pm on
the day of dismissal will be charged an additional night of
boarding. Boarding animals receiving baths will be available
for pick up after 4pm.
If
you have any questions please don't hesitate to call.
Health Certificates
- We provide interstare as well as international health certificates.
we can also assist you with completing travel schemes to other
countries.
Immunizations
- We perform physical examinations yearly and vaccinate according
to your pets' lifestyle. We vaccinate all animals against Rabies,
as required by law. According to your pets' lifestyle and risk
factors, we vaccinate against other diseases such as Bordetella,
Lepto, Lymes, Felv, etc.
Bathing
- We also provide bathing services on an appointment basis Monday
- Friday. We do not currently have a groomer on staff but we
can make recommendations should you need one.
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