 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 allows us to examine your pet for problems
that may be considered breed specific. This simply means that certain dogs
and cats are pre-disposed to certain health problems. For example, if you
own a cocker spaniel, you have no doubt at some time dealt with an ear
problem.
More Details
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
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