Services Offered

Wellness Exams

The Value of Your Pet’s Annual Physical Exam

Annual Veterinary care is crucial for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our pets throughout their lives. Annual check-ups are vital not only for updating vaccinations but also for conducting thorough physical examinations. These exams allow veterinarians to establish a baseline of your pet's health and detect any subtle changes that might indicate underlying issues.

For senior pets, the frequency of visits should ideally increase to twice a year. This is because aging pets can develop health issues more rapidly than younger ones, and regular check-ups can help catch these problems early. By discussing any changes or concerns you've noticed with your veterinarian during these visits, you enable them to tailor a care plan that meets your pet's specific needs.

Ultimately, the goal of these preventative care visits is to promote early detection and intervention, thereby improving your pet's quality of life and potentially extending their lifespan. Building a relationship with your veterinarian ensures that your pet receives personalized care and attention throughout every stage of life.

What Happens During Your Pet’s Physical Exam?

The thorough physical examination conducted by veterinarians plays a crucial role in maintaining your pet's overall wellness. During this exam, every part of your pet is assessed, from their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth to checking for any lumps or abnormalities through palpation. Listening to heart and lung sounds helps detect any cardiac or respiratory issues that may not be apparent otherwise.

Beyond the external examination, discussing changes in your pet's behavior, appetite, and general wellbeing provides valuable insights into their health. This dialogue helps veterinarians understand your pet's individual needs and any potential concerns that may require further investigation.

Annual tests such as bloodwork, parasite screenings, and urinalysis offer an internal perspective on your pet's health. These tests establish a baseline for comparison over time, enabling veterinarians to detect subtle changes in organ function or the presence of parasites that may not show outward symptoms initially.

For instance, heartworm, a potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes, can only be detected through a specific blood test. Checking your pet's stool for intestinal parasites, both visible and microscopic, is also critical as some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans.

Discussing preventative measures for parasites is essential during these visits, as preventing parasites not only protects your pet but also reduces the risk of transmission to other animals and humans in your household.

Overall, these comprehensive veterinary assessments and discussions ensure proactive care for your pet, addressing potential health issues early and promoting a long and healthy life

Reducing the Stress of a Veterinary Visit (Cats and Dogs)

Helping your cat feel comfortable with their carrier is a great way to reduce stress during vet visits. Here are some tips to make the carrier a positive experience for your cat:

1. Familiarization: Keep the carrier accessible at home and make it a part of your cat's environment. Place familiar bedding or a favorite blanket inside to make it more inviting.
2. Positive Associations: Feed your cat meals inside the carrier. This helps them associate the carrier with something positive—like food—rather than just trips to the vet.
3. Use of Pheromones: Feliway is a synthetic pheromone product that mimics the calming pheromones cats release naturally. It can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with vet visits and carrier use. You can purchase it here on Amazon 
4. Desensitization: Gradually acclimate your cat to being in the carrier by starting with short periods and gradually increasing the time. This can help reduce their fear of confinement.
5. Carrier Selection: Choose a carrier that allows easy access and has removable parts for cleaning. Some cats prefer carriers that can open from the top as well as the front.

By making the carrier a safe and positive space for your cat, you can help alleviate some of the stress associated with vet visits. This approach can also make it easier to transport your cat when necessary, ensuring they receive the care they need while minimizing anxiety for both you and your pet.

1. Practicing outings with your dog beyond just vet visits is a great way to reduce their anxiety and make future trips smoother. Here are some tips for acclimating your dog to outings and veterinary visits:
2. Casual Outings: Take your dog on short trips to places they enjoy, such as parks or pet-friendly stores. This helps them associate leaving the house with positive experiences.
3. Happy Visits: Inquire with your veterinary clinic about "happy visits." These are relaxed visits where your dog can socialize with staff, get treats, and explore the clinic environment without any procedures or treatments. This helps them build positive associations with the vet's office.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise during and after outings or happy visits. This reinforces good behavior and helps them feel more comfortable in new environments.
5. Familiarization with the Car: Just like with cats and carriers, help your dog become comfortable with car rides. Start with short trips and gradually increase the duration to desensitize them to car travel.
6. Routine Vet Visits: Maintain regular veterinary check-ups even when your dog isn't sick. This helps them become familiar with the process and reduces fear associated with occasional visits.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can help your dog feel more at ease during veterinary visits and other outings. Building positive associations and reducing stress will ultimately contribute to your dog's overall wellbeing and happiness.

Please Contact us at (928) 649-8387 to schedule your pet a Wellness Exam.

Surgery

Our state of the art surgical suite and advanced anesthesia monitoring equipment helps to ensure your pet has a safe surgical procedure. We offer a variety of procedures listed below but not limited to:

Our Surgical Services:

• Ovahystorectomy (Spay) / Orchiectomy (Neuter) / Cryptorchid
• Dental Cleanings
• Lumpectomy/ Tumor removals
• Wound and Laceration Repair
• Exploratory Surgery
• Eye Enucleation
• Cherry Eye Surgery
• Abcess Repair

What to Expect On The Day of The Procedure:

We understand that dropping your pet off for a surgical procedure can be stressful. Please know that our team is available to speak to you anytime to ease your nerves and give you an update whenever you would like.

What Does Surgery Day Look Like?

The process described outlines a thorough and meticulous approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pets undergoing procedures requiring anesthesia. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and their importance:

1. Comprehensive Examination: Before any procedure, a comprehensive examination is crucial. This ensures that your pet is in optimal health for anesthesia and identifies any potential risks that need to be managed during the procedure.
2. Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work: This step is essential as it provides valuable information about your pet’s organ function and overall health. It allows the veterinarian to tailor the anesthesia protocol specifically to your pet's needs, minimizing risks and ensuring a smoother recovery.
3. IV Catheter Placement: Placing an intravenous catheter is standard practice to maintain hydration, administer medications including anesthesia and pain management drugs, and manage blood pressure during the procedure. This proactive approach helps in stabilizing your pet’s condition and supporting a quicker recovery.
4. Pain Management: Providing effective pain management is critical for your pet’s comfort and recovery. A tailored pain management plan helps reduce stress, manage discomfort, and support a more positive recovery experience.
5. Surgical Preparation: This includes shaving and cleaning the surgical site to reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining sterility during these preparations is vital for preventing complications post-surgery.
6. Monitoring During Procedure: Continuous monitoring of vital signs by trained veterinary staff ensures that any changes in your pet’s condition can be addressed promptly. This vigilance helps maintain safety and allows for immediate intervention if needed.
7. Post-Procedure Care: Once the procedure is completed, monitoring continues until your pet is fully awake and stable. Clear communication about post-operative care and any medications needed is provided to pet owners during discharge.

By following these meticulous steps, veterinary teams strive to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet during surgical procedures involving anesthesia. This approach not only prioritizes safety but also supports a smoother recovery process, promoting overall wellbeing and comfort for your beloved companion.

Post Procedure (Recovery)

The care and attention to detail described during the post-procedure and recovery phases for pets undergoing anesthesia are commendable. Here’s a breakdown of the procedures and considerations outlined:

1. Recovery Process: After the procedure, your pet is paired with a dedicated recovery veterinary assistant who monitors their vital signs closely. 
2. Communication with Pet Owners: The veterinary assistant will promptly call you to provide updates on your pet's condition and to arrange a discharge appointment. This ongoing communication ensures that pet owners are kept informed about their pet’s recovery progress.
3. ICU Care: For pets at higher risk of complications, an ICU ward is available where a veterinary assistant remains with them continuously. This level of monitoring helps ensure immediate intervention if any issues arise during recovery.
4. Continued Monitoring and Care: Throughout the recovery process, the veterinarian continues to monitor your pet’s progress. They adjust the pain management plan as necessary to ensure your pet remains comfortable and well-supported during their recovery.
5. Personal Consultation: The veterinarian will meet with you personally to discuss the procedure in detail and provide guidance on what to expect during your pet’s recovery at home. This personalized approach helps address any concerns you may have and ensures you have the information needed to care for your pet post-surgery.
6. Supportive Team: The veterinary team is dedicated to supporting you and your pet throughout the entire process. They are available to answer any questions and provide assistance as needed, ensuring a supportive environment for both pets and their owners.
7. Emergency Contact: It’s emphasized that maintaining availability at the provided telephone number during the procedure is crucial. This ensures that you can be contacted promptly if any unforeseen circumstances arise, allowing for swift decisions and minimizing the time your pet spends under anesthesia.

Overall, this comprehensive approach to anesthesia and post-operative care reflects a commitment to the health, comfort, and safety of pets. It aims to provide peace of mind for pet owners while ensuring the best possible outcomes for their beloved companions.

 

Other Services:

• Boarding cats & dogs 
• Urgent Care 
• Fully equipped Diagnostic Lab, Digital Radiography and Ultrasound.