Cryptorchidism
(undescended testicles)

During growth of a male fetus, the testicles develop in the abdominal cavity, pass through an opening in the body wall called the inguinal canal, and descend into the scrotum. Normally both testicles have descended into the scrotum at or shortly after birth. Occasionally descent is not complete until 5 - 6 months of age. In some individuals, however, one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Dogs with both testicles undescended are usually sterile while those with only 1 testicle undescended are fertile. Undescended testicles are most common in small or toy breeds. Dogs with undescended testicles should be castrated, since the condition is hereditary, the dogs are not eligible for show, and the incidence of testicular tumors in undescended testicles is 14 times greater than in descended testicles.

Pyometra

Pyometra is a severe bacterial infection with accumulation of pus within the uterus. Though it often occurs in middle-aged or older females that have never had puppies, younger dogs are sometimes affected. The condition most commonly develops a few weeks after a heat period. Pyometra results from hormonal influences that decrease the normal resistance to infection. As a result, bacteria enter the uterus when the cervix is open during the heat period, and infection results. If the cervix closes after infection, large volumes of pus can accumulate. Signs of pyometra include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, depression and vomiting. Sometimes there is a discharge of pus from the vagina. The disease may develop very slowly over several weeks.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny white parasites that live in the ear canal of dogs and cats. These mites are highly contagious and frequently infest whole litters of puppies and kittens. If more than one dog or cat is present in the home, and one is found to be infected, then all should be carefully examined for ear mites. Severe ear infections may develop as a result of injury to the ear canal by the mites. A dark, crusty material is found in the affected ear canal. Head shaking and ear scratching are common signs.

Canine Heat Cycle

Estrus ("heat) is the mating period of female animals. Dogs generally have their first heat cycle at 6 - 12 months of age. Some females of the large breeds, however, may not have their first heat cycle until they are 12 - 24 months of age.The heat cycle can be divided into 4 stages:
1st stage: Proestrus - this stage begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding. It normally lasts from 4 - 9 days. Male dogs become interested but the female will not mate them.
2nd stage: Estrus - this is the stage in which the female will accept the male and conception can occur. The vaginal discharge is more yellowish than bloody. It normally lasts 4 - 13 days.
3rd & 4th stage: Metestrus & Anestrus: these 2 stages are periods of ovarian activity, but with no outward signs. False pregnancies frequently occur during metestrus.
*When your dog is in heat, the blood flow to the uterus is substantially greater. This is why there is an additional charge to spay a dog during its heat cycle.
*We recommend waiting 3-4 weeks after the completion of the heat cycle to spay.


Feline Heat Cycle

Estrus ("heat") is the mating period of female animals. Cats normally have their first heat cycle between 5 - 10 months of age, with the average age around 6 months. The female cat has 2 - 4 heat cycles every year, each lasting about 15 -22 days. If she is bred, the heat cycle seldom lasts more than 4 days. If successful mating does not occur, estrus may last for 7 -10 days and recur at 15 - 21 day intervals. It is possible for an unmated female to cycle every 3 - 4 weeks indefinitely. Cats also have a heat cycle 1 -6 weeks after giving birth, so a female may be nursing one litter while pregnant with another. Cats do not have any vaginal discharge or swelling of the genitals during their heat cycle, as seen in dogs. Behavioral changes are they only obvious signs. A cat in heat carries her tail to one side, keeps her hindquarters elevated, exhibits "treading" movements of the hind legs, and seems unusually affectionate. She spends a good deal of the time rolling on the floor and seems very restless. The cat's voice seems more piercing than usual and she may "call" for 1 - 2 days before she accepts the male.


Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is highly recommended prior to anesthetizing your pet. Because your pet cannot describe symptoms to let us know what might be wrong, we recommend blood tests to give us the answers we need, especially before surgery. By testing blood chemistries, we can evaluate the status of your pet's major organs. The function of the liver and kidneys is especially important because these organs process and rid the body of medications used during anesthesia. Hematology tests (analyze and measure individual blood cells) provide an inside look at the blood itself. Platelets play an important role in blood clotting and are critical in helping the body to stop bleeding. Results of these tests will determine your pet's readiness for surgery
*We offer 2 pre-anesthetic panels, your pets age and medical history may determine which panel to choose for your pet.


Laser Surgery

Laser Surgery has been used for surgical procedures, primarily with people for over 20 years. They are proven, versatile state of the art instruments now available for veterinarian services.
How it works:
LESS PAIN - Lasers seal the nerve endings as they cut. This results in less pain, less medication, and a quicker recovery.
LESS BLOOD LOSS - Blood vessels are quickly severed and sealed by the beam. Less blood loss allows the doctor to complete the surgery without having to control bleeding, reducing procedure time.
REDUCED INFECTION - The lasers intense beam energy sterilizes tissues as it is used, this reduces the chance of infection after surgery.
LESS TRAUMA - Lasers are patient friendly, there is no physical contact in the surgical area. This means no crushing, tearing, or bruising of the surrounding tissues, resulting in reduced swelling.
*Laser Surgery is highly recommended for some surgeries. Our staff can help determine if laser surgery is right for your pet.


Feline Leukemia / Feline AIDS Test
(FelV/FIV test)

Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infections are major causes of illness and death in cats. Both viruses affect cats in a similar way, by attacking the immune system. Gradually, the virus wears down the immune system until your cat can no longer fend off minor infections. Cats acquire these viruses from saliva during cat fights, grooming or mating. They can also be spread by blood urine and feces. Kittens may become infected while still in the womb, when the mother bites the umbilical cord or during nursing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either virus. There is a vaccine to prevent contracting FeLV, but as of yet there is no vaccine for FIV.
It is highly recommended having your cat tested to see if he/she has acquired FeLV or FIV. Early detection offers infected cats the best chance for a long, happy life.


Heartworm Test

Heartworms are parasites that live in the blood stream, heart, and large blood vessels of the lungs. They are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected with micofilariae (heartworm larvae) when it takes a blood meal from an infected dog. When the mosquito feeds again the larvae enter the dogs body through the bite wound. These larvae eventually travel to the heart where they develop into adult heartworms. Once they reach the heart they can cause heart failure, liver and kidney disease, or even death. If your dog tests negative for heartworms, it is recommended that they be put on a once a month preventative to prevent them from acquiring heartworms. Once your dog is on the preventative a heartworm test is required once every 2 years. Puppies under 6 months of age are put on heartworm preventative immediately without testing.
* It is highly recommended to have your dog tested for heartworms before anesthetizing, if they have not been on preventative previously or have missed a pill.
Heartworm disease can affect your dogs ability to handle anesthesia.

Dental Disease