by harbor21 | Sep 2, 2021 | Dogs, Food, Tips
Our facility stands out as the premier choice for pet owners due to our convenient location, specialized care, and a team of well-trained, compassionate staff. We treat every pet as our own, aiming to make their stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, truly a home away from home. We go above and beyond to meet all your pet’s needs during their visit. You can specify individual requirements such as medication administration, bathing, or even a medical procedure, and we’ll ensure they are met. Our climate-controlled environment guarantees your pet’s relaxation and comfort, regardless of the reason for their stay!
Why should I board my pet?
Whether you are planning to travel for a few days or a few months, consider boarding your pet during your trip. Your mind will be at peace knowing that your pet is being taken care of in a safe and secure environment.
by harbor21 | Aug 3, 2021 | Tips
Did you know that pet dental health issues and periodontal disease is a growing epidemic? Over 70% of cats and 85% of dogs have dental disease by the age of 3.
Preventing periodontal disease is crucial for a longer, healthier life for your pet. Common indicators of this disease include bad breath, excessive drooling, fractured teeth, reluctance to eat or play with toys, and pawing or rubbing of the face. Poor oral health can also lead to sneezing and eye infections. Periodontal disease can progress to tooth decay and gingival infections, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially damage vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart.
- Stage 1: Characterized by red, swollen gums and plaque accumulation on teeth.
- Stage 2: Presents with bad breath, plaque, and calculus on teeth; damage is reversible at this stage.
- Stage 3: Involves severe plaque and calculus accumulation, bleeding gums, bad breath, and permanent damage.
- Stage 4: Marked by gingivitis, bleeding gums, pus, severe bad breath, tooth root exposure, and tooth loss, indicating permanent damage.
Home Dental Health Routine
Establishing a home dental care routine for your pet is an essential first step. Familiarizing yourself with the appearance of a healthy mouth will help you identify early signs of oral diseases. Introducing mouth handling at an early age will accustom your pet to the process, fostering a lifetime of good habits. Brushing your pet’s teeth is as vital as brushing your own. Pet-specific toothpaste, soft-bristled brushes, and treats designed to combat plaque and tartar accumulation are available in our in-house pharmacy or through our online pharmacy.
Dental Do’s and Dental Don’ts
- Do: Begin brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste using your finger or a pet finger toothbrush to acclimate your pet to having something in their mouth, gradually progressing to a toothbrush designed for pets.
- Do: Aim for daily dental home care. Brushing is preferred, but on days when brushing isn’t possible, provide a dental chew.
- Don’t: Use human toothpaste on your pet.
- Don’t: Attempt to clean the inner surface of your pet’s teeth, as their tongue and saliva naturally clean this area.
- Don’t: Consider dental home care an alternative to a full professional dental cleaning if your pet has advanced dental disease. Even a Stage 1 dental score requires professional veterinary care to restore your pet’s teeth to a healthy condition.
Pet Dental Visits with a PetCare Veterinarian
As part of every wellness visit, it is crucial that your pet receives an oral examination to assess their oral health status. Similar to humans, annual professional dental cleanings are key to keeping your pet pain-free and healthy. Dental X-rays should be performed periodically to detect dental diseases not visible to the naked eye. If dental disease is advanced, an anesthetic dental cleaning will be necessary. Pathology below the gum line will be revealed through full-mouth X-rays, which are conducted under anesthesia.
PetCare Animal Hospital is dedicated to serving Haughton and the surrounding communities, always providing the most compassionate care possible. We have trained veterinary dentists and a passionate veterinary team equipped to handle emergencies, wellness exams, routine dental work, and everything in between. Call us today at 318-390-7561 to schedule an appointment and check on your pet’s dental health.
by harbor21 | Aug 3, 2021 | Dogs, Food, Tips
What is K-Laser Therapy?
K-Laser therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to create beneficial therapeutic effects. The device’s power can be modulated and pulsed without negatively impacting normal tissue.
Conditions Treated by K-Laser
The K-Laser is an FDA-cleared Class IV programmable laser designed to deliver therapeutic power strong enough to promote healing in diseased and damaged tissues, thereby alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. Promising results have been observed in treating various conditions, including:
- Acute painful muscle, tendon, or joint injuries
- Arthritis
- Painful spinal conditions (e.g., pinched nerves)
- Dermatitis
- Oral infections
- Wounds
- Ear infections
Distinction Between K-Laser and Other Laser Therapy Devices
Unlike Class III or “cold lasers,” which typically range from 5 to 500 milliwatts, the K-Laser is a high-powered therapeutic device with an adjustable output from 100 to 6,000 milliwatts. This extensive power range allows for a broader array of treatment protocols. The K-Laser system achieves a level of power and penetration not attainable with cold laser devices.
Patient Experience During K-Laser Therapy
K-Laser therapy is generally well-tolerated, causing minimal sensation. Patients typically experience no pain or discomfort, and anesthesia is not required. Some individuals may report a slight warming or tingling sensation during the procedure.
Treatment Frequency for K-Laser Therapy
The number of necessary treatments varies depending on the patient and the specific condition being addressed. However, 6-10 sessions are typically sufficient to achieve treatment goals, with positive results often noted after the initial few treatments. Each K-Laser session lasts approximately 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and nature of the treated area. Chronic cases may require periodic booster treatments following the initial treatment plan.
by harbor21 | Aug 3, 2021 | Dogs, Food, Tips
PetCare Animal Hospital is committed to providing our clients access to the top diagnostic laboratories in the country to ensure that their pets wellness status or illnesses are diagnosed correctly. New medical diagnostics are constantly being discovered while existing ones are continually being improved; therefore, we are always assessing and incorporating the latest innovations in diagnostic testing.
Here are a few of the more common diagnostic tests we perform:
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A Complete Blood Count shows a complete picture of all of the cells that circulate in the blood. This test helps diagnose anemia, infections, and leukemia among other disorders. It is an important screening test for your pet’s annual wellness examination.
2. Blood Chemistries and Profiles
The results of Blood Chemistries and Profiles reveal the health of all the major organs in the patient’s body (including the heart, liver, and kidneys) in addition to detecting hormonal abnormalities that may be present. This is also recommended as part of your pet’s annual wellness examination to ascertain the general health of your pet.
3. Urinalysis
Also known as Complete Urine Analysis, a Urinalysis is important in determining the health of your pet’s complete urinary system (including the kidneys and the urinary bladder). It aids in detecting urinary tract infections, which are very common and can remain undetected without proper testing. A urinalysis is also recommended as part of your pet’s annual wellness screening.
4. Heart Worm Testing
This test, performed annually, now tests for much more than just heart worms. Several important diseases transmitted by ticks, including Lyme Disease, are accurately detected using this latest technology.
5. Fecal Testing
Also performed annually, Fecal Testing detects the presence of parasitic worms as well as identifying other microscopic organisms that cause acute and chronic gastrointestinal problems.
6. Cytology
The microscopic examination of your pet’s skin, or “lumps and bumps”, is performed in our in-house laboratory by our doctors and trained staff. We also send cytology samples to specialized laboratories that have been determined to be the best in diagnosing particular diseases should the need arise.
7. Histopathology
The microscopic examination of your pet’s skin, “lumps or bumps”, or any abnormal tissue that has been biopsied or removed from your pet is sent to (and performed by) expert laboratories to identify the cause and severity of the suspected condition.
8. Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity
Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity testing is performed when an infection does not respond to current treatment or is suspected to be a more serious infection or chronic problem. The report identifies the bacteria that is causing the infection and tells us the best antibiotic to use to combat the infection. The laboratories that perform this service for us are staffed with experts in bacterial and fungal infections.
9. Surgical Procedures
Our Surgical Procedures suite is fully equipped with the latest in monitoring and life-saving systems for routine and specialty surgeries. At PetCare Animal Hospital, your pet’s safety and comfort is our top priority. Inside our state-of-the-art surgical suite, all animals under anesthesia are closely monitored with specialized equipment such as:
- Pulse Oximetry Measuring Oxygenation
- ECG Machines
- Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Temperature Probes
- Newly developed equipment to maintain body heat
and most importantly,
- A surgical nurse evaluating these monitors and your pet during the entire surgery
Using state-of-the-art machines and monitoring devices, we can adjust the anesthesia based equipment readings to ensure your pet’s safety under our care.
Before surgery, pre-anesthetic blood screening is evaluated to give us a more complete picture of your pet’s internal health. This allows us to create the safest anesthetic protocol to meet your pet’s specific needs. Each patient has pre-medications tailored to each individual patient to ensure their safety and comfort. Surgical incisions are treated with a Class 4 K-Laser immediately after surgery to promote healing and decrease pain at the incision site. After your pet’s surgery, they are recovered individually and placed in our surgical recovery area, allowing us to continuously monitor them in a controlled environment.
by harbor21 | Aug 3, 2021 | Dogs, Food
When you acquire medications and products from your veterinarian, you can be confident that these items have been:
- Handled correctly
- Maintained within proper temperature guidelines
- Backed by the manufacturer’s guarantee
Some online pharmacies offer products at significantly lower prices due to large-volume purchases. This practice may result in medications being stored in warehouses for extended periods, without verified proper storage or handling, before reaching your doorstep.
Manufacturers distribute essential prescription medications, such as Heartgard, Nexgard, Revolution, and Trifexis, directly to veterinarians under FDA-approved guidelines. Procuring these products from your veterinarian ensures appropriate handling and processing, thereby providing the manufacturer’s guarantee and our comprehensive after-purchase patient support. This support can be crucial if your pet experiences any issues while on these medications. These vital consumer safeguards are also extended to products purchased through our online pharmacy.
Pet owners commonly utilize online pharmacies for two primary reasons:
- Competitive pricing
- Convenient doorstep delivery
Now, you can enjoy the convenience of an online pharmacy coupled with the assurance of our guarantee and product support. Furthermore, manufacturers occasionally provide exclusive deals and rebates through veterinarians, which we can then pass on to you when you purchase your pet’s medications from us. By choosing to purchase medications through our practice, you have the flexibility of having your prescriptions filled during your pet’s appointment or opting for the convenience of online ordering and home delivery. The choice is yours!
