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.
Vaccination
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.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
Nutritional Counseling
Comprehensive Examination
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 2 to 7 years of age. If your pet is 7 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.
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.
Heart Disease Treatment
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.
Kidney Disease Treatment
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.
We are proud of our clinic's facility and hope it meets your needs as well. As soon as possible, upon arrival, you and your pet will be escorted to one of our two exam rooms. Our in-house laboratory is able to deliver rapid, accurate results. Our hospital area has a surgical suite, treatment area and recovery ward. We also have an isolation room to house any contagious pets. We have a fully stocked pharmacy for most of your prescription needs. Our nutritional line provides our clients the proper diet for their pet from adolescent through geriatric years. We also offer prescription diets for those patients with special health needs. Our kennel and grooming area are climate controlled for year round comfort. Please feel free to call and set up a tour of our facility.
Don't let our name fool you, Acute Care Veterinary Clinic is actually a full service small animal veterinary hospital. We offer the latest in preventative health care, vaccinations, routine checkups and consultations as well as radiology service, diagnostic lab screenings, dentistry and surgical procedures. For your convenience we also offer first rate boarding services. We pride ourselves in compassionate, competent care.
Grooming
In addition, our canine and feline boarding facilities are clean, comfortable and climate controlled. Bathing and grooming are also available and performed by experienced, compassionate professionals.