Pet Physicals

 Medicine as taught when I was in school has advanced tremendously and continues to improve. Ultrasound-dental procedures-endoscopy-chemotherepy in cancer treatment –laboratory diagnostics – pulse oximitry to monitor oxygen and heart rate during surgery- EKG for heart function during surgery etc.etc. I and my collegues attend seminars just trying to stay current on new techniques and protocols. Unfortunately, the cost to the client continues to increase as well, and the veterinarian is caught in the vise of providing good medical care and the finances of the client. Sometimes a good balance is hard to find.

The following is the protocol recommend for pet physicals:

Day one post delivery, the offspring are examined for cleft pallot, disinfect umbilical chord, exam for hernias and any other congenital abnormalities.

At three weeks of age , the youngsters are checked for intestinal worms and an  internal parasite medication given.

For the young pet, booster vaccinations are given at 6-9-13-and 17 weeks of age. A pet is not fully protected from vaccinations given until two weeks post 17 wk vaccination. This protects the pet from contagious animals and their environment.  Parasite exam and flea control-heartworm prevention is started. Kittens are tested for FELV, heart auscultation for juvenal inherited defects, umbilical hernia, cleft pallet, retained testicles and normal eye anatomy are evaluated.

The middle age pet (3-7) years will be given a complete blood count to rule out anemia and suggestion of a low grade infection .A liver, kidney, and pancreatic profile is suggested. Ear health is ascertained along with an exam for glaucoma and cataracts. Lumps and nodules will be given a needle aspirate and sent to an outside lab for pathological examination. The teeth will be observed for dental health. Heart and lung auscultation will be preformed. A blood sample will be tested for heart worms, erlichia, and Lymes disease.

The older pet will receive a physical similar to the middle age dog along with an assay for symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Urinalysis is suggested to screen for diabetes and kidney health.
Booster’s vaccinations are given annually.

The only procedure required by law is a rabies booster annually.

      Heart worm (3) test is suggested every 2 years unless prevention has not been given monthly, then an annual       test is recommended.

      Halloween is on the way and it would be a very good idea for your pets to be put in a safe environment so they will not be frightened by all the ghouls and goblins. Be safe and have fun.

Have a good month of October and visit us on the web @ www.IRAHINC.com or email us at User32960@aol.com