Preventative Care: What to expect at your pet’s biannual examination
At Lower Columbia Veterinary Clinic, we recommend a physical examination and consultation with one of our doctors
every six months. We believe pets need an exam this frequently because many health concerns can develop in a short
period of time. The earlier conditions are recognized and treated, the better the outcome can be. It also gives us time to
ensure you are informed about new foods, medications, products, or diagnostics that may benefit your pet.
When you arrive for your pet’s examination, you will be promptly greeted by one of our friendly staff members. You will be
shown to an examination room and your pet will be weighed and have his/her temperature taken by a technician. The
technician will inquire about any concerns you have related to your pet’s health. This information will be conveyed to the
doctor. The doctor will provide a complete examination of your pet which will include the ears, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs,
abdomen, skin, legs, and lymph nodes.
The doctor and our staff will be asking many questions in order to ensure we are providing the best care for your pet.
These questions may include:
What do you feed your pet?
Do you use flea control and how often?
Has your pet been de-wormed? What product was used and when?
When was the last time a stool check for parasites was performed?
Do you travel with your pet?
Do you have your pet groomed?
Does your pet go to a boarding facility?
Is your pet on heartworm control?
Has you pet ever been tested for heartworm?
Is your pet currently taking any medications?
Do you brush your pet’s teeth or offer tartar control treats?
After the examination, any abnormalities will be discussed and recommendations will be made. You will
be provided with a complete written estimate for additional procedures prior to them being performed.
If your pet needs vaccinations, the doctor will review which one(s) will be necessary for your pet depending
his/her environment and risks. The vaccinations we currently offer for dogs include:
3 year DA2P-protection against distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus (including the new Parvo C strain). This should be
given to all dogs unless vaccination titers are performed and shown to be adequate.
Rabies-protection against rabies virus. This vaccination is required by law.
Lepto-protection against leptospirosis. This vaccination should be administered to dogs that hunt or are around wildlife.
Lyme-protection against a disease spread by the white tail deer tick. This should be given to dogs that live or travel to areas
where ticks are present.
Bordetella-protection against kennel cough. This vaccine is required by most boarding facilities, groomers, and for puppy
kindergarten classes.
For cats, we currently offer:
3 year Feline HCP-protection against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. This vaccination should be given to
indoor and outdoor cats.
Rabies-protection against rabies virus. This should be given to all indoor and outdoor cats.
FELV-protection against feline leukemia. This should be given to cats that go outside or come in contact with outdoor cats.
What to expect when your pet will be anesthetized for a procedure or surgery…
Prior to anesthesia, your pet will receive a complete examination by one of our doctors. This examination will include evaluation of
your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, legs, and lymph nodes. If the doctor finds your pet is healthy enough to
receive anesthesia, a complete written estimate will be provided.
Prior to anesthesia we highly recommend blood work that includes a CBC (complete blood count) and a chemistry panel (evaluation
of your pet’s liver, kidneys, blood sugar, and protein levels). This test allows the doctor to see if anesthesia is safe for your pet and if
specific medications can be used for pain control. This test is required if your pet is over the age of seven and is highly
recommended for all other pets.
Once the doctor has performed the examination and the blood work is complete, your pet will be given a sedative that includes pain
medication. When your pet is sleepy, an IV catheter will be placed and IV fluids will be administered. The IV catheter will provide
access to a vein should further anesthetics, pain medication, or emergency medications need to be administered. The administration
of IV fluids will help maintain normal blood pressure and allow for a faster recovery from anesthesia.
After the IV catheter has been placed and your pet is receiving IV fluids, the doctor will administer the IV anesthetic. This will cause
your pet to become unconscious. The doctor will pass a tube down your pet’s windpipe to allow the administration of oxygen and gas
anesthesia. At this time, your pet will be placed on several monitors. These monitors constantly evaluate heart rate, breathing rate,
blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. These monitors help the doctor to keep your pet as safe
as possible while under anesthesia. We also use warm water heated blankets to ensure your pet’s temperature remains normal while
under anesthesia.
Once anesthesia is complete, your pet will be transferred to recovery. The doctor and our staff will closely monitor your pet to ensure
a safe anesthetic recovery. We use warm blankets and heating devices to continue to help your pet stay warm. You will receive a
phone call once the doctor determines your pet is recovering normally.
With most procedures and surgeries your pet will go home the same day. Prior to leaving the hospital, you will meet with the doctor
to discuss how the procedure went and important discharge instructions. You will receive a written copy of the doctor’s
recommendations for post-anesthesia care. Any medications that are needed will be discussed. A member of our staff will contact
you the following business day to ensure a normal recovery from anesthesia. As always, we would encourage you to contact us
with any questions.