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The Importance of a Yearly Physical Exam
When we recommend examining your pet twice a year, this equates to you and I being examined by our physician every three to four years. Because pets age so rapidly a twice-yearly comprehensive examination is the most important health care procedure you can provide for your pets. Frequently, we will be able to prevent a major health problem if we catch it early enough. Cats especially tend to "hide" or compensate very well with many problems until they are very advanced. (Hence the term-9 lives). Therefore, twice-yearly physical exams are imperative.
New Puppy
Puppies are usually first examined between 6-8weeks of age are vaccinated against fatal viral diseases like distemper and parvovirus.We will typically examine a stool sample to check for intestinal parasites (worms). All puppies are dewormed for roundworms as these parasites have serious public health significance. Puppies are also started on a once-a-month heartworm/intestinal worm preventive tablet. Nutrition and puppy training are discussed. Establishing a relationship early on in your pets life enables you to call with any questions you may have and feel confident with the SCV should a problem occur at a later time in your pets life.
New Kitten
Kittens are usually first examined between 6-8wks of age. We vaccinate them against feline distemper and upper respiratory viruses. We deworm all kittens for roundworms (which they are frequently born with) and screen them for feline leukemia virus. Leukemia, a contagious viral disease that cats and kittens may harbor without showing signs of illness can frequently be fatal. Nutrition and litter box habits are also discussed. Establishing a relationship early on in your pet's life enables you to call with any questions you may have and feel confident with us should a problem occur at a later time in your pet's life.
Dentistry
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Dentistry Station and X-Ray |
Dental disease is the most common, but unfortunately, one of the most overlooked problems that pets acquire. Over 75% of pets over three years of age have some degree of dental disease. Plaque and tarter build up on your pets teeth and if allowed to continue unchecked, bacteria will eventually find its way into the surrounding gums (gingivitis) and can even find its way into the bloodstream. Believe it or not, this is a leading cause of heart, liver, and kidney disease. A once or twice yearly professional cleaning and dental exam similar to the one you may have had yourself is imperative for most pets. Remember, not every pet needs a perfect mouth, but your pet deserves a healthy pain free mouth!
Neuter
Having your male dog or cat neutered is probably the one most important health care procedure you can do for your pet unless you are planning to breed him. Neutering your pet has numerous health benefits. Intact male cats tend to mark their territory in the house by spraying urine. Male dogs that are not neutered become much more predisposed to diseases including prostate cancer as well as perianal tumors. While neutered pets have a tendency to gain weight, this can be avoided by proper diet and exercise. Contrary to what you may have heard there is no change in your pet's personality.
Spay
Having your female dog or cat spayed is probably the one most important health care procedure you can do for your pet unless you plan to breed her. Unfortunately, when not spayed, pets become extremely susceptible to breast cancer as they age. We have found that if your pet is spayed before entering her first heat cycle the risk of breast cancer is dramatically reduced. Uterine infection or pyometra is another life threatening complication that dogs/cats are predisposed to as they age if left unspayed.
Ultrasound
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Ultrasound Monitor |
Ultrasongraphy is an important noninvasive diagnostic tool. Normal organs and diseased organs reflect sound differently, allowing us to diagnose various diseases. Echocardiography allows the visualization of the hearts internal chambers, valves and surrounding blood vessels.Endoscopy
Endoscopy is another diagnostic tool that we use commonly. Most often the digestive tract will be "scoped" by passing a thin lubricated tube into the GI tract itself. With a viewfinder, the lining of the GI tract can be visualized. Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract like inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, lymphoma, etc. are frequently diagnosed this way. There are however many diseases that may appear similar, making a biopsy of the GI tract necessary.
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Unlike domestic animals, reptiles acquire a unique set of illnesses making their care a challenge. Many times, unfortunately, some of these "pets" are so specialized in their requirements (i.e. temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.) that I find myself telling people that sometimes no matter what we do, many of these animals have extreme difficulty coping with an artificial environment. Diet can also be an incriminating factor. Iguanas for example that are fed low calcium diets develop osteodystrophy. Owners frequently believe their Iguanas are "chubby". when actually, this is due to abnormal swelling from pitting of the bones as their bodies try to mobilize calcium.
