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Preanesthetics
Pre-anesthetic Testing: There are two components of safety in the use of anesthetics. The first is proficiency in their use. The second component is evaluating anesthetic risk in individual patients. Examination require scheduling a group of biochemical tests to gauge the health of the major organs of the body. Necessary tests include a B.U.N. and creatinine test to gauge kidney health and ALT, AP, bilirubin, and cholesterol to detect liver problems. Glucose analysis and total blood proteins detect diabetes and debilitating diseases and an EKG may detect heart problems. Include a hematocrit, a differential and total white blood cell count.
When we know of problems in advance we can make modifications in anesthesia that protect the pet.
Pre-anesthetic administration: Often a pre-anesthetic sedation agent such as acepromazine or Valium to pets to calm them down before surgery. Excited dogs often require more anesthetic and may even react differently badly to anesthetic drugs. Once the sedative or tranquilizer has taken effect I shave the patient’s arm and place an intravenous catheter in its recurrent radial vein. This gives me easy access to the pet’s blood stream for fluids and other medications in the event of an emergency. Selection Of The Proper Anesthetic Agent: Various anesthetics are administered in one of three ways. They can be injected locally around nerves, injected into the muscle to work systemically or they can be inhaled as a gas. Injected systemic and inhaled anesthetics move through the blood stream to the brain where they render the pet unconscious or insensitive to pain. Anesthetics that are injected near nerves block the sensation of pain distant to the point of injection. Ideal anesthesia uses neither more or less of the anesthetic than the amount necessary to perform the surgical procedure. Give just enough of the drugs to maintain the pet pain-free and relaxed during the procedure. This amount is different for each patient. More painful procedures, such as intra-abdominal surgery, or spaying and orthopedic surgery require more anesthetics than procedures such as teeth cleaning or superficial tumor removal.
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Radiology
Specialized, expensive equipment is required to expose and develop the X-ray film. The pet’s chest is measured with a special ruler and the exposure time of the X-ray machine is set. The pet is then placed gently on his side to obtain the “lateral” view. Invisible X-rays then pass from the tube of the radiograph machine, through the animal and onto the X-ray film underneath the pet. Depending on the density of the tissues and organs and the ability of the X-rays to pass through these tissues, different shades of gray will show up on the developed X-ray. This process is then repeated with the animal on his back to obtain the “ventrodorsal” view. Taking two views of the chest will give your veterinarian a more complete study and allow a more thorough interpretation of the chest. The film is then developed. Radiographs usually take about 5 to 20 minutes to obtain, plus the development time needed for the film (5 to 30 minutes). In some situations, your veterinarian may request the assistance of a radiologist or specialist in evaluating and interpreting the radiographs.
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Preventative Wellness
Protective And Wellness Services: Vaccinations (immunizations, "shots") have saved the lives of millions of pets. Before the days of effective vaccines, pets routinely died from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and complications of supper respiratory infections. Current vaccination programs protect our pets (and us) from the threat of rabies. Newer vaccines, including those administered through the nostrils, have been developed to protect against a variety of infections.
Pets older than 2 years: Annual revaccination (boosters) is recommended for the first year after the "infant vaccines"; thereafter, you should discuss the benefits and risks of annual vaccination with your vet. In the past, the DHLP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus) vaccine was typically given each year. These recommendations may be changing. Specific vaccine requirements for individual pets should be discussed with your veterinarian. The most appropriate vaccination program for your pet should be followed.
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Exams
Regular Exams
Regular check-up exams are just as important for your pet as they are for you. When you bring your pet in for a check-up, your veterinarian is able to develop a clear picture of your pet’s overall health and wellness. We recommend your pet have at least one regular check-up each year, though more frequent exams are better. During a wellness exam, your veterinarian will listen to your pet's heart and lungs, evaluate your pet's vision, check for unusual lumps or swelling, look inside the mouth and ears and evaluate your pet's joints and muscles. Blood work also may be recommended. Wellness exams can spot health problems before they become more serious or difficult to treat. A routine exam is an excellent time to talk to your veterinarian about behavioral issues, nutritional recommendations and any health issues related to your pet.
Senior Pet Exams
As animals move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions commonly known to affect older people also affect our canine and feline companions, including kidney, heart, and liver disease; tumors; cancer; diabetes; depression; arthritis; thyroid conditions; hormonal problems; neuroses and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet’s needs are essential to quality of life.
Senior wellness exams provide hidden answers. Studies have shown that as many as 20 percent of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to diagnose or treat. A semi-annual senior wellness exam can include laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.
In-house Laboratory
Our laboratory can perform a variety of diagnostic procedures for your pet, including blood counts, serum chemistries, electrolytes, cross-matching and parasite identification. These procedures allow us to help diagnose disease and acute symptoms easily, without causing stress or discomfort to your pet.
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