- Wellness Examinations
From puppyhood and kittenhood into old age, wellness examinations are integral to preventive care. It is during these examinations that problems can be found which may not have been detected otherwise. One example was a dog who during his annual exam, a abdominal mass was palpated on his spleen. He was taken to surgery the next day and thanks to this finding, he was spared the possibility of an acute splenic rupture and death. Had his owners not brought him for his wellness examination, the outcome very well may have been different.
Conditions that are commonly detected during wellness examinations include:
| Congenital Disorders |
Eye Diseases |
| Skin Disease, Including Masses |
Periodontal Disease |
| Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) |
Heart Murmurs |
- Vaccinations/Vaccination Guidance
Four Paws believes that there is a place in this world for vaccines. They have eradicated so many horrific diseases in a relatively short period of time. However , what is a good vaccine for one patient may not necessarily be a good vaccine for another patient. Likewise, there will be individual differences in family philosophy towards vaccinations. Four Paws understands these differences and will work with you not to change your mind about vaccines but to discuss the issues, studies and concerns, and allow you to make an educated decision. We believe strongly in not giving multiple vaccinations at one time but rather, spreading them out over a period of time.
If you are unsure if your pet should have vaccinations, please contact us for an appointment. We can go over the risks/benefits of each vaccination and help you make the choice that is right for you and your companion.
- Annual Blood Screening
We strongly believe in annual blood screening. Because our patients cannot tell us when they feel ill, we rely not only on our examination but also on diagnostics such as blood screening to look for disease, such as kidney or liver problems. In addition, some of our patients are on medications which require regular bloodwork monitoring.
- Heartworm Testing
Heartworm tests are very important! These are yearly blood tests that are done to determine your companion's heartworm status. Unfortunately, this year has brought a higher percentage of heartworm positives.
- FeLV/FIV Testing
We recommend FeLV/FIV testing for all kittens and regular testing for cats who go outdoors. Knowing the status of these diseases is vital to not only allowing us to enhance your cat's immune system to maximize his/her health for as long as possible but also to preventing the spread of the disease.
- Nutritional Consultation
Nutritional Counseling at Four Paws can be an in-home discussion on the dietary requirements of various life stages or illnesses. Or it could involve a “field trip” to a local pet store to help navigate the ever confusing world of pet food dets!
- Illness Examinations
We can examine your companion for numerous issues. These are just a few clinical signs for which patients may be seen:
| Weight Loss |
Allergies (itching) |
| Weight Gain |
Skin Problems (hair loss, dry skin, etc.) |
| Upper Respiratory Infections |
Incontinence |
| Skin Masses |
Inappropriate Urination |
| Diarrhea |
Increased Thirst/Increased Urination |
| Vomiting |
Increased or Decreased Appetite |
| Behavioral Problems |
Eye Problems |
Blood laboratory services are offered with same day or next day results in most cases.
- Anesthesia/Surgery/Dentistry
Cases which require anesthesia and/or surgery will be referred to local veterinary hospitals with which we have an affiliation and to veterinarians who we trust to serve as our “referral” service for these types of cases.
- Emergencies
Because we are a house call practice, taking emergency calls is not always possible. After speaking with you, we may elect to refer your pet to one of our local emergency facilities, particularly if sedation, anesthesia or hospitalization will be required.
