HEARTWORM DISEASE – IT’S DEADLY……BUT
PREVENTABLE!
Preliminary
heartworm screening involves a very accurate
blood test to detect the presence of
heartworms. If a dog shows symptoms of the
disease, additional tests may be recommended
before treatment or prevention procedures
begin.
Step II –
Treatment
Advancements in veterinary medicine have
resulted in very effective medications to
treat heartworm disease. Successful
treatment depends on early detection.
Step III –
“An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of
Cure”
We love our patients and are strong
advocates of disease prevention and wellness
programs to keep them healthy. A small pill,
taken monthly, will help your dog avoid the
risks of heartworm disease and will save you
the inconvenience and expense of treatment.
Your dog will need to come into our office
for the simple blood screening. If no
heartworm is detected, we will start him on
the preventative medication immediately.
Do Cats Get
Heartworm Disease?
The incidence of heartworm disease in cats
is not as common as in dogs. However, there
is no medication to treat cats, and
therefore no cure. Prevention is your best
option. Ask us about the preventative
medication formulated for cats.
WELLNESS EXAMS: MORE THAN AN OUNCE OF
PREVENTION
It’s common
knowledge that pets age faster than
people…..nearly 7 times. Therefore, a pet’s
annual medical exam could be more essential
than a human’s annual physical. Our pets may
have medical problems for a long time before
we realize something is wrong. The annual
exam can help our doctors detect medical
problems before they become serious or
life-threatening.
Here are just
some of the areas we check during a wellness
exam:
- Heart &
Lungs – Studies show that 1 in 10 pets have
heart disease. Early detection and treatment
can prolong a pet’s life. Annual health
exams often help doctors detect heart
disease in its early stages.
- Mouth & Teeth – Teeth, gums, tongue and
palate will be checked for any
abnormalities. Periodontal disease can lead
to serious health problems; therefore, the
doctor will determine whether a dental
procedure is necessary.
- Ears – Some pets are susceptible to ear
infections. The doctor will check for any
suspicious discharge or inflammation.
- Skin & Coat – The condition of your
pet’s skin and coat will be examined, since
the condition may indicate presence of
health problems. The doctor will also be
checking for fleas, ticks, parasites, and
any wounds on your pet.
- Eyes – Eye examinations can uncover
serious conditions affecting your pet, such
as jaundice, anemia or infections. Your
pet’s eyes will also be examined for signs
of glaucoma or ulcers.
- Nose – Doctor will check for signs of
unusual discharge, changes in size, shape or
texture
- Overall Body Assessment – Feel abdomen
to check internal organs; assess lymph
nodes, joints, and muscles to determine
condition
The wellness
exam appointment is also the time for your
pet to receive necessary vaccinations. Our
doctors determine the appropriate
vaccinations for each pet on an individual
basis.
To
better educate yourself regarding pet issues
and wellness, please visit the National Pet
Wellness web-site at
http://www.NPWM.com.
