How safe is my pet’s procedure?

Each procedure is different for each animal, and some are more complicated than others. For example, a routine spay or neuter at Hartselle Animal Clinic is generally performed on younger animals and is generally an extremely safe surgery. A more complicated procedure on an older dog or cat is naturally going to have more risk involved. No matter the level of surgery, we recommend preanesthetic bloodwork to help ensure there are no unknown conditions prior to surgery. Once the procedure begins, our surgical monitoring equipment helps us maintain your pet’s heart rate and blood pressure. Upon completion, your dog or cat will be monitored by our staff to ensure they recover as quickly as possible.

How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?

At Hartselle Animal Clinic, we believe that the best way to prolong the relationship you share with your pet is to identify disease processes early and prevent the progression of chronic illness, before it becomes a problem. To keep tabs on your pet’s overall health, it is important to maintain annual exams and blood work. We recommend an examination by your veterinarian every 12 months for healthy pets under the age of 7, and every 6 months for healthy senior patients. Those pets with chronic disease or mobility issues may require examination on a more frequent basis. We also recommend annual blood work profiles to provide a continuous record for our veterinarian to identify trends and specific areas to focus on in an effort to prolong the duration and quality of life of our patients.

Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

Periodontal disease (disease of the structures around the tooth--the gums, bone, and connective tissue) is one of the most common problems that we deal with on a daily basis at Hartselle Animal Clinic. Periodontal infections, tooth fractures, and oral masses can be sources of serious discomfort for your pet and can cause your pet to lose teeth prematurely. Additionally, untreated periodontal infections can cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper veterinary dental care can help prevent your pet from developing painful dental conditions, avoid loss of teeth, and can extend their life expectancy as well.

How long should I wait to bring in my pet if I notice a change in behavior?

If you notice your pet acting strangely, including loss of appetite or energy, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible for an examination by one of our doctors. Pets have an instinctive tendency to hide pain and illness so that they do not show any weaknesses that might attract predators. As pet owners, by the time we notice a change in behavior, the animal may have been suffering for several days already.

What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

Heartworms are a serious life-threatening, parasitic threat to both indoor and outdoor pets. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are extremely common in a warm, moisture rich environment. Heartworm larvae are carried to healthy animals by mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected animals. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, the microfilaria, larvae of the parasites, will mature into adult worms. Adult heartworms can cause serious damage to the animal’s blood vessels, lungs, and heart, and may ultimately cause death. The best course of action is to have your pets tested regularly for the presence of heartworms and kept on a heartworm preventative regimen for the rest of their lives. Having your pet on a monthly preventative treatment is much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. There are several options available for the prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. Our doctor will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on their needs and lifestyle.