River City Companion Animal Hospital

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Annual Visit~ It's More Than Just Vaccines

The Importance of Wellness Exams
 

Most of us see our doctors once a year.  We get a good physical exam, check out our weight ( ugh! ), our vital signs, and age appropriate lab work.  We know this is necessary for our overall health.  We want to be sure to catch any illness or disorder early so it can be treated.  Makes complete sense right?   So doesn’t it make sense that a yearly wellness exam is just as important for your pets? 


Your pet’s “annual visit” is about so much more than vaccines.  During a physical exam your veterinarian can find skin issues, growths, weight changes, and dental disease~ things that can easily go undetected at home.   Finding illnesses in the early stages allows for treatment to begin sooner often saving lives and money.

Dental disease is probably the most common abnormality diagnosed during a physical exam.  80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3.  If left untreated, it can decrease life expectancy up to 20%.


While the physical exam allows us to see the outside of your pet, annual lab work gives us a “picture” of the inside.  This is especially important for our senior pets.   Even the simplest thing like a little weight loss can indicate illness.   Age appropriate lab work and a urinalysis allows your veterinarian to ensure the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heart, and other internal organs are functioning as they should.  Since our pets can’t talk and tell us when something is wrong, yearly lab work can save us time and money in the long run.

Checking for internal and external parasites yearly is essential.  Internal parasites are fairly common and can be contracted anywhere~dog parks, while out on a walk, the beach, and even by drinking contaminated water.  Testing your pet annually and treating as needed will keep your pet healthy and eliminate the risk of your family members from being infected as well.  Heartworms affect more than just the heart and are easily prevented.  Annual testing is recommended by the AVMA and is done with a simple blood draw.   We recommend Proheart 6, a twice yearly injection, for year-round prevention for your companion.




This is also the perfect time to ask any questions, discuss diet, behavioral issues, flea control, or anything that comes to mind.   

Wellness exams are one of the  most important things we can do for our pets to help ensure a longer, healthier, life. 





Thursday, January 29, 2015

Pets Have Teeth Too! Companion Animal Dental Care is Important!


 Dental health is extremely important for the overall health of your furry family members- going far past just oral hygiene. Think of all the chewing, licking, and eating your pet does. Is your pet’s dental health routine enough?


Why should you care about periodontal disease?

By three years of age, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease is an infection caused by plaque bacteria.  If left untreated, it can cause serious illness in your pet.  Heart, kidney, liver and chronic inflammatory diseases have all been attributed periodontal disease.  Other medical problems such as chronic sneezing (oronasal fistulas), jaw fractures, eye problems, and oral cancer, can be detected with regular dental cleanings allowing for treatment to begin.


What can I do at home?


You are probably already familiar with your dog’s mouth and breath from the daily welcome home kisses.  Be on the lookout for any particularly offensive odor or discoloration of the teeth or gums.  Keep your eyes open for any changes in eating habits, chewing, or salivating.  These could all be signs of dental distress. 

“Flip the lip”….If you see calculus along with red, inflamed gums, it’s time to have the teeth cleaned.  Sniff….If you smell “bad breath”, you can be reasonably certain your companion has periodontal disease and needs their teeth cleaned. 





Be an advocate for your pet and seek
dental care to keep your furry companions healthy and happy!


Examples of periodontal disease: 
                                                     
                                              Mild gum swelling and inflammation
                                                Some plaque and tarter buildup
        
                             
                                             Severe tarter and calculus buildup
                                                           Severe gingivitis
                                                  Red, swollen, bleeding gums


                              Chronic infection destroying the gums, teeth and bone
                                              Severe tarter and calculus buildup
                                                           Severe gingivitis