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"I was going to a different vet and my dog got sick. I called the original vet and they were unable to see us for over a week. D...N... recommended me to call your office. I called and my dog was seen about one hour later. Everyone was great, very polite and accommodating. I will not be returning to my old vet and I hope to keep going to your office. I had a great experience there and I will recommend your office to everyone I know. Thank you!"

• Annual Physical Exams
• Vaccinations
• Flea/Tick/Heartworm Medicine
• Intestinal Parasite Screens
• Blood-work Screenings
• Dental Cleaning/Maintenance

     Preventative medicine for pets is medical care given to help avoid certain illnesses and conditions. It comprises annual physical exams, vaccinations, senior blood-work screens, heartworm testing and prevention, intestinal parasite screens and dental prophylaxis. Flea and tick control products also serve as preventive medicine. The annual physical exam is designed to allow for a comprehensive clinical "snapshot" of your pet, where the condition of teeth, eyes, ears, heart and lungs, body weight, coat condition, and other parameters are reviewed. Evidence of abnormality is noted, and the significance is discussed with you. For example, dietary issues may be discussed with owners of animals with chronic illnesses or obesity.

     Vaccinations are designed to help the immune system ward off selected infectious diseases. Schedules are determined individually. For example, some canine vaccines may be given every six months, others yearly, and still others, tri-annually. Feline vaccines are generally given every three years, but your cat's circumstances may warrant a different schedule.
    Puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccines at three week intervals and depending on the age at which the series is begun, they may receive one or two boosters. All cats and dogs should be vaccinated for RABIES, as this is an important public health issue and is required by law.

    Most dog owners are familiar with heartworm testing and preventive medication. Heartworm is a parasite carried by mosquitoes. The microscopic form carried by them can grow in an infected, non-protected dog to a sizeable worm attached to blood vessels in the heart and lungs, causing heart failure in the worst cases. Monthly preventive medication is prescribed to prevent heartworm disease and is very effective.

    Fecal testing is important, especially in puppies and kittens, and for pets that go outside, to identify intestinal parasites. Most intestinal parasites can cause some degree of distress and illness in pets, and some can be transmitted to humans. Regular testing helps prevent a public health issue.

     The idea behind a senior blood-work screening is to obtain information, confirm or deny a suspicion, rule out potential health problems or identify problems at an early stage that a physical exam might not reveal. Sometimes a change in diet or the introduction of medications may help a pet deal with a chronic problem and improve quality of life. Senior panels help to pinpoint and define these areas of concern for older pets.

     Regular dental care for pets contributes to general well being by maintaining oral health and cleanliness. Dental disease is often a silent disease. All pets are subject to dental problems that can cause pain and infection. Tooth brushing, dental chews and diets can all help keep mouths clean. Dental cleaning under anesthesia is also a means of preventive oral health care for dogs and cats. Lastly guinea pigs and rabbits often need regular tooth trimming to eat properly.

     As you can see, preventive medical care helps the veterinarian help your pet stay healthy and comfortable. Early diagnosis of problems in an asymptomatic pet allows for early intervention - before an illness or chronic condition has a chance to get out of hand.

last edited 06/20/2008