Twice Yearly Exams

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Exam, lab, senior, new, adopt, medication, preventive, sick, immune, changes, test, health, x-ray

Twice Yearly Exams

Twice Yearly Exams

It is one of my exam room mantras -- "all pets, especially seniors, need twice yearly examinations and yearly blood and urine testing. "I am glad I actually listened to myself.

Though my cat, Zachary, appeared to be perfectly fit, on his 16th birthday, I popped him into his carrier and brought him with me to work for his twice yearly exam. I am sure he thought this birthday present was as exciting as receiving a gift of underwear. I was surprised to discover that even though his lab tests a year earlier were absolutely normal, they weren't now. His test indicated that his kidneys were weakening and he had evidence of an overactive thyroid. By diagnosing these conditions early, I was able to monitor his lab values, modify his diet, and medicate him resulting in extending his good quality of life until 19 years old.

Pet owners are often skeptical when I discuss the need for twice yearly examinations. As a rule, people don't visit their own doctors unless they're ill. Veterinarians as a whole, practice preventative medicine. We want to prevent your pet from becoming ill and when we are able to diagnose a problem early they are usually easier and less expensive to treat and typically have a more favorable outcome.

Pets age more rapidly than you and I. As our bodies mature, things start to wear out. Internal organs and our immune systems weaken. The incidence of cancer ramps up. Even our ability to move around with ease becomes compromised. By having your pet visit your veterinarian at least every 6 months for a wellness exam, you and your veterinarian, working as a team can help to insure that your pet ages successfully.

You are a critical member of this team approach. You know your pet better than anyone else. Keep a wellness diary and make note of changes in - appetite, attitude, and body weight. Record any odor from the ears or mouth, jot down differences in water intake, bowel patterns, vision or ability to hear. Though these changes may be small, subtle can be significant.

Bring your diary with you to the wellness exams. This information is part of the history portion of the visit. Depending on the history and the physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostics such as blood and urine testing, an electrocardiogram to determine the heart's health, x-rays or possibly an ultrasound study. Together, the history, physical examination and diagnostics give your pet's doctor the most accurate assessment of your dog or cat's quality of life.

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Daily Pet News


An End to Pet Allergies?
In the movie, Cats and Dogs, Jeff Goldblum’s character invents a vaccine for humans that cures dog allergies. Well, real life scientists are currently working on an injection that will cure cat allergies. Early studies show the vaccine is effective at reducing cat allergy symptoms by about 40%. When the irritants are injected instead of breathed in naturally, they turn off the T-Cells. The body builds a long term tolerance to the allergen, allowing the patient to interact with cats without the severe coughing and sneezing.

Pets, Plants, and Dangers
If you have been outside at all lately, then you have seen the trees and flowers in full bloom. And while they are beautiful, some plant life is very dangerous for your pets. The toxins can cause difficulty breathing, convulsions, or organ failure. Among a list of toxic plants are lilies, azaleas, elephant’s ear, oleander, and sago palms. The ASPCA website has a complete list.

Algae to Control Diabetes in Pets
Research shows that algae can help to control diabetes in pets. It’s important to start with a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to reduce the fluctuation in blood sugar. Couple the diet with spirulina and results should be quicker and better. Various studies show that the algae can balance blood sugar, reduce fat, inhibit osteoporosis, and speed up healing.

Where to Find a Particular Breed of Dog
Are you in search of a specific breed of dog? There is a new website called PerfectPetFinder.com that is designed find your perfect companion. The website has a form that can be used to help choose a breed for you. The form will indicate the most compatible breed based on living quarters, and activity levels and personality of the pet owner.

Cats and Vets
Cats are far less likely to visit the vet than dogs, but not because they are healthier. In fact, they are 4 times more likely to contract rabies. But many cats don’t like to travel and may have anxiety simply from being put in their carries. Some owners assume this is the case and do not even attempt to round up their cats. Unfortunately, the cats are getting the short end of the stick as they need to be examined , just as dogs.

What to Do When You Lose Your Pets
People lose pets everyday, but what do you do if you find one? A good place to start is by visiting local pet stores and posting flyers in the area. You can also call a veterinarian, and a local shelter. Get the word out through as many channels as possible to speed up the reunion. If you have the time, the means, and the desire, you can take care of the scared animal after getting checked by your veterinarian.

Pet Airways Riding High
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Benefits of Seizures Assistance Dogs
Epileptic children can benefit from specially trained seizure assistance dogs. The dogs can alert parents when their children have a seizure. They will also roll the seizing child onto its side so it will not choke. At times when a child may walk into traffic or other dangerous predicaments during a seizure, the dog will take the form of a protective blockade.

Twin Horses
A recent birth is worth mentioning. An Indiana mixed breed horse gave birth to twins. Horses only conceive twins in approximately one in every ten thousand pregnancies. And of those 1 in ten are carried to full term with a very small portion of the foals being born as healthy individuals. However, these twins have beaten the odds and are doing well.

Dangers of Biking with Long Leashes
A San Jose women died recently when she became entangled in a long dog leash when she was passed on a running trail by a biker and his dogs. The unfortunate accident has led to a change in leash law. From now on, San Jose trail patrons will only be allowed to use 6 foot leashes or shorter. Shorter leashes are not only safer, but are much better for training your dog to stick by your side.