The Physical Examination
We perform thorough examinations for all of our patients. Our exam includes:
- Medical history
- Eye, ear, nose and throat examinations
- Temperature, pulse and respirations
- Cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs) evaluation
- Abdominal palpation
- Lymph node palpation
- Dental examination
- Dermatological (skin) examination
- Testing for external and internal parasites
- Nutritional counseling
After the initial comprehensive examination, we analyze your pet’s medical record and determine any treatments, level of vaccination or titer testing, spaying or neutering, heartworm prevention, parasite control and dietary changes.
We focus on WELLNESS. We use the American Animal Hospital Association vaccination protocols, which limit vaccines to only what the pet needs, as well as using 3 year duration vaccines whenever possible. We never recommend vaccines that the pet does not need! For another option, many clients like to use the option of titer testing. This involves testing a blood sample for antibodies toward certain illnesses that we vaccinate against. If the titer is protective, no boostering is done. If the titer is low, then we vaccinate at no additional cost to you. Another aspect to wellness is the blood testing of blood samples to evaluate internal health. We have several options of wellness bloodwork that vary in extensiveness and cost. We can find an option that fits for you.
We utilize a 20-watt carbon dioxide laser to do many of our surgeries. Although healing time may be extended by a couple days, there are many benefits. The laser seals small blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts. This greatly decreases bleeding and pain associated with surgeries. It is most obvious when used for the feline onychectomy, or declawing procedure. Cats show significant decreases in pain and bleeding postoperatively. Additionally, over the past year and a half, we have added Marcaine ring blocks to the protocol. This effectively numbs the paws for about eight hours, allowing the patient to recover from the anesthesia virtually pain free. Other pain measures are then used as the Marcaine fades.
For ear disease, we can use an endoscope called the Vetscopẻ as part of the treatment protocol. The Vetscopẻ allows us to flush out the outer ear canal, retrieve foreign material from the ear, and visualize the tympanic membrane, or ear drum. We can determine if middle ear disease is present, flush the middle ear, extract polyps, foreign bodies and tumors, as well as infuse medications directly into the middle ear. We are actually one of the few clinics in central Ohio able to perform laser surgery within the ear canal!
By utilizing both modern and ancient technology, we can work on extending the life of your pet. We can make medical, dental, nutritional, and supplemental suggestions to best fit your pet.
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| Intraocular pressures on Alley Convery |
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