Behavioral Counseling
We offer individualized dog and cat behavioral counselling on a variety of issues including aggressive behavior and inappropriate elimination. If you are concerned about some aspect of your pet’s behavior, please contact us and request an appointment.
Health Screening Tests
In order to ensure the best health for your pet, screening tests let us see what’s going on under the surface to better prepare your pet for the life ahead.
Renal Dysplasia
Renal dysplasia is an uncommon but significant disease found in some Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. Renal dysplasia is a disease in which the kidneys fail to develop normally. Dogs usually become clinically ill before one year of age. If you are a breeder testing for this can significantly reduce your chances of breeding this inherited problem in your dogs.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
We offer testing for this disease which, in some breeds, is a highly inheritable trait. Von Willebrand’s disease is similar to hemophilia in humans and can result in life threatening bleeding. Often dogs that carry this disease in their genetic makeup go undetected until an emergency situation arises during a routine procedure such as a spay or neuter. In some cases, the disease may become apparent when a small superficial injury results in significant blood loss. Knowing your dog’s condition ahead of time can make the difference between life and death.
Commonly affected breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Poodles and Pembrooke Welsh Corgis. As many as 50% of Dobermans are affected with this disease.
Some animals show no signs of the disease but are carriers of the genetic problem. If these dogs are allowed to reproduce, they can pass the disease on to their offspring. If you are a breeder, consider using this test before breeding your dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
We are able to radiograph your dog’s hips for hip dysplasia at 24 months of age. We will forward these radiographs to a Board Certified Radiologist for OFA certification. Correct positioning of your dog is essential for proper radiographic evaluation, so a general anesthetic is required to make the procedure less stressful for him or her.
Nutritional Counseling
Animals have various nutritional requirements depending on their age, breed and health status. Decisions regarding your pet’s nutrition should not be made without first consulting a veterinarian.
Geriatric animals have significantly different requirements than young growing puppies or kittens. Animals with diabetes or kidney disease also have different requirements.
Your veterinarian will be able to make informed decisions regarding your pet’s choice of diet given their age, breed and health status.
Veterinary Specialist Referrals
The majority of your pet’s health needs will be met at our practice; however, there are circumstances where a veterinary specialist may be required. Under these circumstances, we may direct you and your pet to a specialist who is a veterinarian with advanced knowledge in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. In some cases, specialized equipment is required to perform procedures that are not routinely performed by general veterinary practitioners. Examples of veterinary specialists include ophthalmologists, oncologists, surgeons, etc.
