General Medicine

In an effort to provide your pet with superior medical care, we offer digital radiographs to augment other diagnostics. Medical imaging gives the doctor a photographic representation of abnormalities or injuries that aid our veterinarians to provide a safe, accurate diagnosis to facilitate prompt treatment of the problem.

Reasons for diagnostic imaging: 

• Assess any swollen tissue and dental problems. 
• Detect possible bladder and kidney stone. 
• Determine the location of broken bones or bone fractures.
• Evaluate the status of a pet’s pregnancy. 
• Help identify if a pet has heart disease. 
• Help obtain a biopsy sample. 
• Locate foreign bodies that a pet might have swallowed.

Types of diagnostic imaging

CT Scan - CT scans provide 3D digital images that give the veterinarian a better view of soft tissues. When compared to other forms of imaging, CT scans depict more precise details. We refer out for this modality.

Digital  Radiographs (X-rays) - are a common diagnostic technique used to evaluate your pet. Our office utilizes digital X-rays because they are more accurate and display a higher contrast. Because of their accuracy, technicians are able to take fewer images resulting in less pet discomfort. Digital X-rays also project less radiation than traditional X-rays, which allows your pet to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Ultrasound -  Ultrasound is another form of imaging. This diagnostic is perfect for pets in sensitive situations (e.g. pregnancy), pets that might be suffering immense pain, or pets who are partially immobile. Ultrasounds are very gentle and are typically used to examine the abdominal and chest.

What does diagnostic imaging involve?

The process for getting images of your pet depends on what type of diagnostic that is being performed and the size of your pet. For smaller pets, images are often taken with the pet lying down in various positions that allow our veterinarians to examine the problem area.

Pets with a disease or condition often feel increased anxiety and stress. Because of this stress, they can be uncooperative during any imaging procedures. In these situations, our staff patiently tries to make your pet feel comfortable and guide them to cooperate. If a pet is aggressive or remains unwilling, the veterinarian may opt to mildly sedate your pet while performing diagnostic imaging. Also, for tests that require a pet to be absolutely still, anesthesia is typically administered.

If you have any questions about digital imaging services, please feel free to contact our office.

What is Heartworm? 

Heartworm is a life-threatening parasite contracted through mosquito bites. These parasites migrate from the mosquito bite to the right side of the heart. Early symptoms include coughing and exhaustion, especially when exercising. Rarely, this parasite gets lost within the host and spread to other parts of the body, causing blindness, immobility, or seizures. Without treatment, roundworms build up in the pulmonary vessels and heart, causing a pet to cough up blood, faint, and lose significant weight. It eventually results in congestive heart failure.

How is Heartworm prevented?

Heartworm preventative is routinely given to all dogs from June to November, for their entire life. A routine Heartworm test is performed at the 1-year exam and yearly thereafter. This simple test only requires a couple drops of blood and results are available within 10 minutes. If the test is negative, the dog will be put on monthly preventative. If the Heartworm test is positive, treatment is implemented.

Losing a pet is a difficult situation, and we understand the hardship in having to make that final decision. Our veterinarians are skilled in assessing pain management and do not recommend euthanasia casually. We also make certain that the process of putting your pet to sleep is carried out in a humane manner.

When being euthanized, pet owners are welcome to be in the room as their pet passes, and if they prefer, a pet can be sedated prior to administering euthanasia. The final injection is a chemical that mimics an overdose of anesthesia, allowing your pet to fall into an eternal sleep. As it enters the bloodstream, the chemical targets the brain and heart, first preventing nerves from sensing pain, then gradually stopping the heart from beating.

When being euthanized, pet owners are welcome to be in the room as their pet passes, and if they prefer, a pet can be sedated prior to administering the euthanizing injection. This final injection quickly takes your pet from anesthesia to cardiac and respiratory arrest and finally into their eternal rest. This is pain smooth and free.

Common reasons for euthanasia: 

• Behavioral problems, namely aggression, which cannot be corrected.
• Illness or injury that would cause suffering if the pet were kept alive.
• Illness or injury that requires medical or surgical procedures beyond your financial means. 
• Organ damage that cannot be repaired. 
• Rabies. 
• Terminal illness such as cancer.

What happens after euthanasia?

After putting your pet to sleep, we can arrange to have your pet cremated with or without their ashes returned, or buried in a pet cemetery. Because saying goodbye is difficult, we recommend having after death plans arranged prior to your visit for euthanasia. No matter what you decide to do, don’t feel pressured to choose one option or another; choose the option that is best for you. Some pet owners feel that an urn with their pet’s remains helps the grieving process. Others think leaving the pet with the vet is easier for them emotionally. Because your pet has peacefully passed, it is now your decision to do what is best for you.

The bereavement process is different for every pet owner. Some only take a couple days for mourning while others take months. It is completely normal to mourn the loss of your pet, and you should never feel obligated to put a time limit on what is the “right” amount of time.

If you have any questions about the process of putting a pet to sleep, or want to schedule an appointment to see if it would be beneficial for your pet’s condition, contact our office at your convenience.