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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 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 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 insure 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. Pet Dental Program 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. We also offer the following services! |
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Annual
Health Screens