Pet Wellness Services
Prevention is the key to your pet's long-term health. Dr. Siegel and the medical staff at Attleboro Veterinary Clinic in Attleboro, MA recommend that your pet receives a complete wellness examination at least once a year, but more frequent exams are encouraged. During wellness exams, we perform a complete physical and recommend a heartworm test, fecal flotation test for intestinal parasites, and may recommend additional tests that can indicate the presence of underlying diseases. To keep your pet parasite free, we also recommend preventive medication for heartworms, fleas, and ticks. Our preventive approach allows us to detect potential medical issues before they become serious health concerns that are expensive to treat.
Regular examinations are our chance to assess your pet's overall health, discuss any changes we see, educate and update you on advancements in medical care, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Wellness exams are especially important for senior pets, which are animals over seven years of age. They provide us with a general picture of your pet's overall health and are invaluable in diagnosing and treating your companion.
During your pet's annual wellness exam we:
- Examine teeth, throat, and oral cavity
- Check vision and examine the eyes
- Examine the ears for infection, ear mites, allergic reactions, and other related health issues
- Examine the respiratory system
- Assess your pet's heart
- Palpate lymph nodes and abdomen
- Inspect the skin
- Palpate joints and muscles for arthritis and other orthopedic conditions
- Test to evaluate the function of internal organs, blood, and other systems
Deworming and Fecal ("Stool") Check: Dangerous parasites are always present in the environment. If brought into your home, these parasites can be passed from your pet to you and your family. Regular fecal checks and deworming are the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites to your pet. It also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which can contaminate lawns or any place a pet defecates.
Regular Blood Work: A complete physical includes a heartworm test, parasite screening, and may include a blood test. Not only can a chemistry panel and complete blood count (CBC) identify the presence of underlying disease processes, but these tests help create a baseline should your pet become ill. Additionally, blood work may be necessary if a dental cleaning, removal of a skin mass, or any other procedure that requires anesthesia is recommended.
At home, watch for subtle changes in your pet's body weight, appetite, water intake, urination and bowel habits, as well as general attitude and activity level. These changes may be signs of medical problems. Lumps and bumps under the skin may be harmless, but can be cancerous. Ear infections, abscessed teeth, and gum disease are common, painful conditions that may not become obvious until seriously advanced. A comprehensive physical exam is the tool to evaluate your pet's health status and to help you make informed decisions about the care of your special companion.
Vaccines
We tailor vaccine protocols to your individual pet, taking into account benefits and risks as well as environment and health status.
Vaccinations are not only safe and effective, they are an important and fundamental aspect of your pet's preventive healthcare plan. Diseases that once were relatively common and fatal to pets are now easily preventable through vaccination. Vaccinating your pet against rabies is a legal requirement and helps protect you and your family from this deadly disease.