No two pets are alike, and this is especially true when it comes to dental health. The degree of plaque and tartar formation and susceptibility vary. Some animals will develop heavy plaque and tartar buildup as early as two years while others maintain a healthy mouth well into old age.
Vaccination
The implant itself is a chip, about the size of a large grain of rice. It is placed under the skin during a painless procedure, much like a routine vaccination. The microchip lasts a lifetime and uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to provide a permanent and unique ID for your pet. They are not GPS-based devices. Rather, when a scanner is passed over your pet’s implanted microchip, it transmits the ID number.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
The Valley Animal Hospital originally opened in San Juan in March 1946. A recent graduate of the Iowa State Veterinary College, Dr. Robert E. Norton, made his way to the Rio Grande Valley to escape the Minnesota winters as well as some eye problems associated with the cold weather. Settling in San Juan, Dr. Norton set up shop in a wood frame house with kennels under trees in the orange grove behind the hospital.
Behavioral Counseling
Since behavioral problems are one of the most common reasons pets are taken to animal shelters and put to sleep, they are an important issue. The problem is preventable in most cases. The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, holds true here. Let’s talk about how a lovable, 2-month old pet can turn into a problem in just a few short weeks and how it can be avoided with proper socialization.
For dogs, cats and ferrets, one of the most dangerous and deadliest transmitted diseases is heartworm. While cases of heartworm disease have been reported in all 50 states, the most common areas are along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as along the Mississippi River. This means that the Rio Grande Valley is a hotspot for heartworm. If you’re a new pet owner or simply want to learn more about heartworm disease, check out the following facts.
Upper Respiratory Illness Treatment
While dogs and ferrets are more susceptible to heartworm disease, ferrets tend to have symptoms similar to those of cats. Heartworm infections commonly result in cardiac and respiratory problems, as well as death, in all pets. Unlike dogs and ferrets, cats are often able to spontaneously rid themselves of heartworms without showing any symptoms.
The most common vaccines protect against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and rabies, though a variety of others exist that may be administered by veterinarian recommendation.
Healthy Diet – Senior pets are generally less active, so they’ll require a lower caloric intake. Try feeding your pet high quality foods specifically for aging pets while limiting portion sizes. If your pet suffers from joint pain or related issues, ask your vet if supplements are a good addition to their diet.
Heart Disease Treatment
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis and can result in heart failure, organ damage, lung disease and death. These worms are only spread through the bite of a mosquito that has previously extracted blood from an infected animal. The worm will only mature and reproduce while living inside the animal. The name “heartworm” is given to the parasite because of the area the adult worms infect: the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Home dental care is as important for your pet as it is for you. Periodontal disease affects 85% of adult dogs and cats and can lead to pain, bad breath and tooth loss. Even worse, chronic oral infections can spread harmful bacteria to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. Routine home dental care should be a part of every pet’s preventive medicine program. Learn More
Laser Oral Surgery Dental X-rays of diseased, mobile, or suspicious teeth are also provided to determine the correct course of treatment for your pet. To see the Texas Veterinary Medical Association’s (TVMA) recommendations for dental cleaning, click here.
Veterinary Surgery
Laser Surgery
Spaying and Neutering
Valley Animal Center offers a variety of pet services to keep yours in top shape. Many animal hospitals offer canine and feline spaying and neutering services. Dogs, cats and rabbits can be spayed or neutered, and you can rely on our staff to help you through the process. Spaying and neutering can provide many benefits for you and your pet. Read on to learn what they are and what you can expect as a pet owner.
The Valley Animal Hospital has always been at the forefront of animal dentistry in the Rio Grande Valley, providing state of the art dentistry services for more than 20 years. We strive to maintain the most technologically advanced dental equipment to care for all your pet’s dental hygiene needs. Some of our state-of-the-art tools include a Dental X-ray Unit, an IM3 Ultrasonic Scaler, and an IM3 Dental Unit. Our doctors also attend dental seminars and regularly consult veterinary dental specialists to ensure your pet is receiving only the best care available. Veterinary Dental Services provided include...
Microchipping
When it comes to our pets, safety should be a top priority that warrants extra preventative measures. Microchip implants are one of the best methods for ensuring that your pet is returned home and is a good start to ensuring their safety.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, schedule an appointment with our veterinarian. Here are some symptoms to look out for...