In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high-quality care as well as great service. We have assembled a veterinary health-care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care, and our commitment to you is to offer world-class service in a state-of-the-art veterinary facility.
Your pet’s annual vet check-up will include a comprehensive physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet’s head, body and tail. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect.
It’s a good idea to keep a medical diary with the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, as well as notes on things like your pet’s elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet’s behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet’s medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it’s good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.
Choose a veterinarian you and your pet are comfortable with, who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain the procedures your pet undergoes. Choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to perform surgery and procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest screening exams, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.
If your pet needs an advanced procedure, Dr. Hess may refer you to a specialist, who is a veterinarian who has completed studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery and emergency care.