When it comes to dental disease, most pet owners don’t realize the extent of the problem until it is quite advanced; hence the importance of yearly to twice yearly physical examinations including a thorough oral health care assessment. In the early stages of dental disease, Dr. Krausman can recommend home dental health care measures such as tooth brushing, dental treats and rinses, and dental diets. When professional dental care is needed for your pet, general anesthesia is necessary. Dr. Krausman will discuss the procedures involved in a COHAT (comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment) plan with you when dental care is needed. Dr. Krausman will do an assessment to decide which stage of dental disease your pet has and if additional dental care is needed.
Vaccination
Getting your new puppy or kitten off to a healthy start sets the stage for their lives as healthy adults. Regular physical examinations, core and elective vaccinations, fecal testing for parasites, and deworming are all important elements of ensuring good health for your puppy or kitten. Dr. Krausman can help your family learn about potty training your pup, performing nail trims on your puppy or kitten, dietary recommendations, and potential health hazards for your new pet.
Nutritional Counseling
Comprehensive Examination
Unlike some mobile veterinarians that offer a limited scope of services, Vet-On-wheels is fully-equipped to provide services for your pet ranging from physical exams, dentistry, to surgery and euthanasia. In addition to receiving excellent mobile vet care, your pet will also have complete one-on-one time with Dr. Krausman.
When health problems are identified, a medical plan will be outlined to evaluate the problems in depth. If your pet appears to be healthy enough for routine preventive care, we will discuss which immunizations are advised, as well as parasite prevention including heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, etc.). Annual age-appropriate lab tests, testing for heartworm and/or tick-borne diseases, and fecal tests for parasites may also be recommended for your pet.
One of the most common but also frequently overlooked health problems for companion animals is dental disease. By age 3, most pets have some degree of periodontal disease. This occurs as a result of bacterial infection along the gum line, due to the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance containing millions of bacteria that forms along the tooth surface and gum line. Without frequent removal, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. Left untreated, this leads to gradual destruction of the gum tissue and supportive structures around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss. Not only is periodontal disease harmful and painful because it results in loss of teeth, but it can also cause damage to important vital organs such as the...
These conditions will start to become more prevalent as your pet gets older. For this reason, we recommend twice-yearly veterinary visits for pets over 7 years of age. Your aging pet may be showing early signs of osteoarthritis such as stiffness after rest or play, difficulty going up or downstairs, and reduced activity. Early intervention with joint supplements and prescription arthritis medications when indicated, along with modified nutrition and exercise plans, can greatly improve your pet’s comfort and mobility. Likewise, performing annual screening lab work on your older pet can help identify early stages of medical problems that might go unrecognized, and progress significantly without treatment.
Thyroid Disease Treatment
Elvis had lost interest in food, lost significant weight, and was lethargic for several days. Dr. Krausman made a house call and discovered that Elvis was suffering from hyperthyroidism and a heart murmur. Dr. Krausman prescribed medication for hyperthyroidism, but while I waited for it to come, Elvis ate less and less and I became frightened.
Heart Disease Treatment
Heartworm is another important endoparasite, but one which is not zoonotic. Heartworm infections result from pets being bitten by infected mosquitos. The larval form of the heartworm travels through the bloodstream to the heart where it develops into an adult. The adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and left untreated, result in progressive heart failure and death. In initial stages of heartworm disease, pets may be asymptomatic. As the condition progresses, symptoms may evolve including a cough and exercise intolerance in dogs, and vomiting/coughing in cats. Treatment of heartworm disease can be very risky for the pet, and very costly. Preventing heartworm disease is the best option for your pet.
Kidney Disease Treatment
We love Senior Pets! Senior pets have special needs and benefit from more regular veterinary visits compared to their younger counterparts. Many of our animal patients are elderly and are being treated for chronic conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and intestinal disease. We try to help with a combination of pain medications for arthritis, nutritional supplements, and therapeutic laser treatments that we can offer through the Maywood Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Krausman refers medical workups and surgery to the Maywood Veterinary Clinic. She often recommends a pet be brought there for radiographs, surgery, dentistry, or hospitalization and treatment. This hospital offers laser surgery which is often less painful with a quicker recovery time than standard surgery. All of the latest techniques in medicine and surgery are available here, with a compassionate staff of 20 and a cardiologist and ultrasonographer on call.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are additional topics to consider; the appropriate age for the timing of sterilization surgery may vary upon the species and breed of your pet. You may also want to consider Pet Health Insurance – a great way to get your new little family member off to a good start. Last but not least, you’ll also want to consider whether your new puppy or kitten may need preventives such as monthly heartworm prevention and flea/tick preventives. We realize that adding a new family pet can come with lots of questions... but don’t forget, we’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to call.
Laboratory testing for baseline blood counts and organ function tests, or infectious disease. Blood and/or urine samples may be collected from your pet, for reference lab tests.
Some pets experience age-related behavioral changes that can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction, which is similar in some ways to dementia. Dr. Krausman can recommend diet modification and supplements to help improve your older pet’s mental sharpness. Getting older doesn’t have to be fraught with troubles for your pet... see your vet regularly to help keep your senior pet healthy and comfortable.