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Yearly Comprehensive Physical Exams
The best care you can give your pet includes regular veterinary examinations. A complete physical exam by your veterinarian may find potentially serious conditions before they even affect your pet. A typical examination evaluates your pet’s teeth, ears, eyes, heart and lungs, abdominal organs, and lymph nodes. These examinations are needed more frequently for puppies and kittens as well as for senior pets. For older pets, periodic laboratory testing is an invaluable part of health monitoring. Diabetes, early kidney problems, low grade infections, and many cancers can often be found through laboratory testing.
Also, we welcome pet owners who would like a second opinion of their pet’s diagnosis or condition to visit our hospital, and we will gladly address any concerns about the pet’s treatment and care.
We have a close working relationship with specialists from a variety of veterinary disciplines, including, but not limited to oncology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, physical therapy, behavioral and internal medicine.
In most cases, after a consultation with one of these specialists, your pet may be sent back to us for any continued care they may need.
Puppy and Kitten Care Programs
Adding a new pet to your home—whether it’s a puppy, kitten or adult animal you’ve adopted—is an exciting time filled with new discoveries. It’s also a time of new or added responsibility, such as how to best care for your newest family member’s health. We will outline and explain the necessary procedures and vaccines your pet will need to be protected from serious diseases and illnesses. We’re also here to help you navigate through the many issues you face with pet ownership, such as crate or litter box training, feeding and nutrition, obedience training, behavioral problems, introducing a new pet to another pet, and more. Our clients know to rely on us as partners in their pets’ health and well-being, and we welcome the opportunity to help you create the happy, healthy life you want for your pet.
Geriatric Care Programs
Each phase of your pet’s life is a special time, including your pet’s senior years. While your pet’s health needs change with age, with modern veterinary medicine you can help maintain your companion’s health and vitality throughout his or her lifetime. Care for your mature pet includes more frequent check-ups so we can detect the early signs of a variety of illnesses before they become more serious health problems.
Generally speaking, we advise that pets older than 10 years of age be examined once every 6 months, and those older than 13 years once every 3 months. Common geriatric problems we screen for include kidney failure, bladder infections, heart problems, arthritis, dental infections and thyroid issues. Our doctors will advise you on symptoms and behaviors to look for that could indicate the existence of these health issues. Together, we can make your pet’s senior years healthy, comfortable, rewarding and long!
Dermatology
Skin problems care one of the most common reasons that owners seek veterinary care for their pets. There are many different causes of skin disease, from external parasites to allergies to hormonal imbalances. Fleas, mites, food and pollen allergies, genetic disorders, thyroid and adrenal gland problems are just some of the underlying causes of skin disease in dogs and cats.
Common signs of skin disease are itching/scratching/licking, flaking or crusting skin, redness, change in skin or coat color, odor, hair loss, greasy coat, and ear problems. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment for a full dermatological evaluation by one of our doctors. With proper treatment we can help your pet feel more comfortable.
Diagnostic tools and laboratory tests occasionally must be performed to help determine the underlying cause of a skin disease. If necessary, our doctors can recommend microscopic examinations, fungal cultures, biopsies, allergy or other blood tests for a rapid diagnosis and proper treatment.
Some skin problems are easily resolved and others can be very frustrating to manage. We are here to work with you and your pet to ensure its best care and comfort. Our groomer can even apply special dips and medicated shampoos under the doctors’ supervision if you’d rather not bother doing it yourself.
Our hospital pharmacy carries many types of shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, supplements and medications to maintain your pet’s healthy coat.
Digital Radiography
Digital x-rays allow us to immediately see the results of any images we take, enabling the procedure to be completed more quickly and in a less stressful manner than traditional x-ray methods.
There are numerous advantages of digital x-rays over traditional film x-rays. Not only can we obtain images more quickly, image quality can be adjusted after taking pictures, often eliminating the need for additional x-rays and repeated exposure for your pet. For those times when another x-ray is needed, images can be repeated very quickly, minimizing the time your pet spends being x-rayed, and thereby reducing stress. For example, taking an x-ray with traditional film can take 20 minutes or more, but the same x-ray taken digitally can be done in less than 5 minutes. The result is a significant decrease in stress for a sick pet.
Ultrasound
Advanced diagnostic imaging such as ultrasonography is routinely used. Our in-house equipment affords us the advantage of being able to instantly perform this procedure. Ultrasound often complements x-rays for precise diagnostic imaging. It allows us to see the internal structure of organs, including the presence of cysts, infections and stones. When needed, ultrasound can also be used to painlessly biopsy internal organs. A biopsy instrument can be safely passed into the area while being observed with ultrasound.
In-House Laboratory
Pets often need laboratory testing when they are sick to make a diagnosis and determine the correct treatment for their problem. We have a vast array of in-house diagnostic testing equipment that enables us to rapidly evaluate your pet’s health. This includes testing for infections, diabetes, kidney problems, and many other illnesses.
General Surgery
Surgery may sound like a daunting event for your pet, but in the hands of an experienced veterinarian, it can be the lifesaving procedure it is intended to be. While general surgery is used in cases of emergencies such as traumatic injuries or life-threatening tumors, it also includes preventative medicine such as spaying and neutering. Additionally, surgery is an invaluable tool in making a diagnosis when other non-invasive methods do not provide sufficient information for a proper diagnosis.
Surgical monitoring is essential for safe surgery. Prior to receiving general anesthesia, we perform pre-anesthetic blood testing on our patients and, often, an electrocardiogram to assess their overall health. During surgery, our patients are maintained on equipment that monitors their electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body temperature, blood pressure and respiration.
Medicated Baths
The skin is the largest, and one of the most remarkable organs of the body. Through different layers of cells, hair, and glands that work together, the skin protects the body in a variety of ways. It functions as a protective barrier from injury and disease, guards against exposure to the elements, helps to regulate body temperature and prevents dehydration. With all the skin has to do and all that it is exposed to, it is not uncommon for damage to occur to the skin or any of these supporting structures in dogs and cats. This can result in common clinical signs such as redness, loss of hair, scaling, crusting, and itchiness.
For example, fleas, ticks, and other parasites can damage the skin’s protective quality as they feed on a blood meal. Allergies, thyroid disease and other systemic illnesses can also do the same. In these cases medicated baths are commonly used with other medications since they contain specific ingredients to fight infection and inflammation. These baths help restore the skin to its normal flora or balance, allowing it to better heal. Since medicated baths are often used in conjunction with other medications, they should only be administered after discussing your pet’s treatment plan with your veterinarian.
Video Ear Scope/ Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections are a common occurrence in both dogs and cats. Since their ears curve differently than those of humans, it is very difficult to see down to the level of their eardrums with standard medical equipment. Our fiber optic ear scope allows us to evaluate these deep portions of your pet’s ears. Use of this otoscope has shown us that many pets have ear infections that have perforated the eardrum and spread into the middle ear, causing a painful middle ear infection similar to those that young children have. Our video-otoscope allows us to clean out and treat the middle ear. By doing so, many pets that have suffered for years with painful, chronic ear infections have been cured and relieved of their discomfort.
Behavioral and Training Assistance
Behavioral issues such as inappropriate chewing, house soiling and aggression can sometimes originate from undiagnosed health issues. That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring your pet in for a complete physical examination to rule out any medical causes for behavioral problems. In cases where no physical cause is found, we can provide training assistance, referrals to behavioral professionals, and/or drug therapies when appropriate.
Chemotherapy Administration
Advances in technology and veterinary medicine have made it easier to detect many forms of cancer earlier than ever. Many veterinary treatment options are available these days, including chemotherapy in certain instances.
Pets diagnosed with cancer are referred to a veterinary oncologist. In select cases, after examination by the oncologist, pets may be sent back to us for treatment, where we administer the chemotherapy that is prescribed. This eliminates the need for travel to a referral center. Pets are more at ease with the familiar setting of our hospital, treated by the caring technicians they have grown to know and trust.
Radiation Therapy is another option available for treating certain forms of cancer as well as for treating feline thyroid tumors. We work closely with a local veterinary center that offers this procedure for pets.
Opthamology Exams
Your pet’s eye health is an important part of his/her quality of life. As part of a full physical examination, your pet’s eyes will be examined by one of our veterinarians.
The Ophthalmologic Examination
Eyelids and Lashes
Examination begins with the areas surrounding the eyes, including the skin, eyelids, cilia (lashes), conjunctiva and tear ducts.
Vision
Vision and neurological function relating to eye and lid movement are assessed.
Sclera and Cornea
The sclera is the white part of the eye surrounding the clear cornea. These components are checked for scratches, ulcers or inflammation and changes in color or clarity.
Anterior Chamber
This is the space between the cornea and pupil which is filled with aqueous humor (fluid). It is the site where the aqueous humor drains out of the eye. If the aqueous humor cannot properly drain out of the eye, the pressure can build up inside the eye, causing optic nerve damage and eventually vision loss, a condition known as glaucoma. Normally, this space is very clear and will be assessed for any change in clarity or color.
Pupil and Iris
Beyond the cornea lies the pupil and iris. The pupil is the black, central opening that changes size as the amount of light varies. Pupils are checked for symmetry and response to change in light exposure. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. Close examination here detects any irregular surface or pigment changes.
Posterior Chamber
The posterior chamber is the fluid-filled space immediately behind the iris but in front of the lens. The fluid that fills this chamber is also called the aqueous humor (as in the anterior chamber). The aqueous humor helps to nourish the cornea and the lens.
Lens
The lens is directly behind the pupil. The lens is used for focusing and should be clear. Changes here may be related to normal aging, cataracts, or trauma.
Vitreous Cavity
The vitreous cavity is located behind the lens and in front of the retina. It is filled with a gel-like fluid, called the vitreous humor. The vitreous humor helps maintain the shape of the eye.
Retina and Optic Nerve
The retina and optic nerve are at the very back part of the eye. Together they are responsible for collecting the light image and communicating it to the brain for processing. Proper vision requires that all these components and the brain are healthy and functioning normally.
Diagnostic Tests
Schirmer Tear Test (STT)
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) – Digital Tonometry
Measures pressures within the eye and is used to detect glaucoma and uveitis (inflammation of the anterior or posterior chambers).
Fluorescein Stain Test
Green dye is dropped onto the corneal surface and is used to detect corneal ulcers (scratches or defects in the cornea). Some of these lesions are impossible to detect without this special dye.
Other Tests
Systemic diseases can affect the eyes. If indicated, other diagnostic tests may be recommended. Systemic diseases that can affect the eyes include diabetes, dental disease, Feline Leukemia/FIV, lymphosarcoma and other tumors, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, tick-borne diseases, clotting disorders, etc.
Common Diseases of the Eye
Dry Eye (KCS)
Glaucoma (elevated intraocular pressure)
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis
Abnormal eyelashes or eyelids
Corneal ulcers or abrasions
Hypertension resulting in loss of vision
Genetic Diseases
Normally the eyes are bright and clean without discharge or redness. Please seek care and contact us immediately if you notice any signs of ocular disease such as:
• Squinting
• Redness
• Discharge or excessive tearing
• Rubbing of the eyes
• Change in vision (bumping into objects or failure to recognize familiar surroundings or people)
• Cloudiness
• Inability to blink
• Pupils of different sizes
• Eyeballs that appear sunken or swollen
Most conditions and injuries can be treated at our hospital. For certain complex cases, you may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Telemedicine with Boarded Consultants
Ultrasound and x-ray images are interpreted by our experienced veterinarians, and when necessary, can be shared with specialists such as radiologists, oncologists, neurosurgeons or cardiologists through the use of Telemedicine. Digital x-rays, ultrasound images and ECGs are transmitted over the internet to these specialists, allowing their diagnostic help to be available.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy allows us to see inside your pet and correct certain problems less invasively than with traditional surgery. For example, we can instantly pass our endoscope into the stomach of a pet that may have swallowed a foreign object. Early removal of such objects while they are still in the stomach can prevent the item from entering the intestinal tract—a potentially more serious problem. Without an endoscope, a full abdominal surgery would be required, along with its lengthy, and often uncomfortable, recovery.
Many pets suffer from a chronic, painful, inflammatory intestinal condition similar to people with Crohn’s Disease. These pets may seem to have sensitive digestive systems with frequent episodes of diarrhea or vomiting. With our endoscope, we can rapidly and painlessly biopsy the intestines to diagnose this condition and immediately begin treatment.
Endoscopy also allows us to perform minimally invasive intestinal procedures such as biopsies, cultures, and feeding tube placements, the last of which can be a life-saving procedure in seriously ill cats. With an endoscope, we can also examine the throat, windpipe, and lungs of your pet. We can visualize these areas to obtain biopsy samples and cultures to determine the correct antibiotics or medications to treat conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma.
Dental Care
Regular dental cleanings are an important part of your pet’s health care. Painful gum disease is a very common, but often overlooked, problem for pets. Tartar can build on teeth causing bacteria to spread into the bloodstream and settle into internal organs, specifically the heart and kidneys. Heart murmurs are often due to dental bacteria that has gone into the bloodstream and infected the heart. Kidney failure in middle-aged pets is also frequently due to infected gums and teeth. Additionally, dental infections are often quite painful to pets.
Proper dental care can be easily achieved with routine dental cleanings and sound dietary management. Cleanings and polishings are done using state-of-the-art dental equipment. Prior to your pet’s dental cleaning, pre-anesthetic blood work, and often, an electrocardiogram is taken to ensure your pet’s well-being and alert the doctor to the presence of any pre-existing conditions such as dehydration, diabetes, and heart, kidney, or liver disease which could complicate the procedure. |
