WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: ANNUAL WELLNESS SCREENING

Annual Wellness Screening – Why It’s Important

We all want what’s best for our pets. However, when it comes to long term health, outward appearances are not always the whole story. Up to 10-14 percent of pets brought to veterinary clinics have some type of underlying disease or illness. Furthermore, many of these pets who seem healthy upon a physical exam may actually have health issues that can go undetected without an annual wellness screening.

The development of disease can be subtle. This is due in part to the fact that when an organ system starts to fail, the organ will try to compensate, bringing its function back as close as possible to normal. However over time, this compensation mechanism will fail and the pet will become ill. Consequently, once the pet is in organ failure, treatment options become limited, expensive, and the prognosis may be poor.

What to Expect

An annual wellness screening is a simple blood test designed to detect problems before your pet shows any outward symptoms. At Fisher Glen, our lab performs these annual wellness checkups, which test for such factors as:

  • Liver function
  • Kidney function
  • Pancreas function
  • Electrolyte levels
  • Mineral balance
  • Blood sugar
  • Infection
  • Inflammatory disease
  • Anemia

We usually have results within 24 hours, and as a result we can then make any necessary treatment recommendations at a point when treatment will truly make a difference to your pet’s life.

In conclusion, at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital we believe in preventative medicine. If you can prevent an illness early on it’s easier on your pet, on you, and on your pocket book. Wellness programs not only help your pet live longer, but also help them to live better. Consider booking an appointment with Fisher Glen Animal Hospital today for an annual wellness screening checkup!

For more information or to book an appointment, please Contact Us Today to speak to one of our technicians, or visit our Veterinary Services page to learn more about everything we offer at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital!

UPDATE: Due to popular demand, we are excited to announce that here at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital we now offer Complete Animal Wellness Plans, designed to give your pet the best quality of care at the most affordable price! 

WHY DO WE ASK FOR STOOL SAMPLES FOR YOUR PET?

Stool Samples – Why Are They Important?

We get it – collecting and bringing in a fecal sample is not fun. But here’s why it’s important. When you bring in your stool samples, we process it and check for microscopic parasites or parasite eggs. Unfortunately, some intestinal parasites found commonly in dogs and cats can also infect humans. Children, the elderly, or people who are immunosuppressed are especially at risk. In humans, the larva of these parasites travel through the body and may cause serious illness, including blindness.

The Bigger Picture

In the United States roundworms infect three to six million people each year. In some areas tests have shown parasite exposure in almost a quarter of the population. A recent study in Halifax showed that over 25% of school children had antibodies indicating exposure to roundworms.

Even pets that don’t leave the house can carry immature forms of parasites they had as puppies or kittens. They can also become infected from eggs that come in on shoes or potting soil. There are plenty of chances for your outdoor pet to pick something up. A good prevention program, including fecal exams and regular deworming (at least 4 times per year), can help keep both you and your furry companions healthy.

According to the results of a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 14% of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara, or internal roundworms, contracted from dogs and cats. We recommend deworming your pets a minimum of four times yearly, and running a fecal test at their yearly exams.

While you’re here, why not check out our Veterinary Services section to learn more about everything we offer here at Fisher Glen Animal Hospital? You can also check out our Blog to browse through all the latest in news, pet health tips, and useful information, or learn about our new Complete Animal Wellness Plans designed to give your pets the best quality of care at the most affordable price! Finally, Contact Us if you have any questions, or you’d like to make an appointment today. We look forward to hearing from you!