Medical Services
Our state of the art facility at My Best Friend Veterinary Center offers routine and preventative healthcare, surgeries, dentals, and treatment/management of complicated conditions. We also accept some emergency appointments during business hours.
TEETH CLEANING
Just like in humans, the dental health of cats and dogs is important to their overall health. There are things you as an owner can do to take preventative steps in your pet’s dental care, and the team at My Best Friend Veterinary Center is here to help!
Teeth Cleaning
Why is Pet Dental Cleaning Important?
Teeth cleaning is very important for cats and dogs. Plaque and tartar that build-up on your pet’s teeth can lead to gingivitis. Reddened, bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and bad breath are all signs of gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can progress to a more advanced form of periodontal disease, including bacterial infections that, if left untreated, can cause the loss of teeth.
The same bacteria causing gingivitis and periodontal disease can be carried into the bloodstream and cause damage to your pet’s kidneys, heart, liver and other organs. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
We recommend regular dental cleanings if indicated as part of your pet’s overall health care plan.
Dog & Cat Teeth Cleaning
While we do look at your pet’s teeth when they come in for an annual wellness exam, we also offer dental cleaning as a separate service because we know how important it is they keep their smile bright and healthy!
Because anesthesia is required to keep your pet safe and still during the cleaning, we perform a thorough physical exam and blood tests to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for this procedure. These tests also help us develop an anesthetic protocol that is specific for your pet.
Once anesthesia is administered, the cleaning begins. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment to clean each tooth thoroughly, both above and below the gum line. We polish your pet’s teeth which creates a smooth, lustrous surface that is more resistant to plaque buildup.
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t end after he or she leaves our clinic. Our staff will show you how to brush your pet’s teeth at home. This is an excellent way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and promote good oral hygiene.
Many people come to us asking how to tell if their pet is having dental trouble. Some signs to watch for include if the pet stops eating regularly, paws or rubs its face, or has bad breath that could indicate a problem with their oral health.
In dogs, it is never recommended they use hoofs of any kind for chewing, as they can break teeth. If you are going to give your dog something to chew on, use beef bones or rawhide.
There is also a special diet called T/D which may be recommended to encourage better dental health. T/D diet foods are available both for dogs and cats, and both are used to prevent tartar buildup and gingivitis. Our nutritional counseling services can help determine if your pet’s diet may be affecting their dental health.
If your pet has bad breath, is having difficulty chewing or is refusing to eat his or her normal food, please contact My Best Friend Veterinary Center for an appointment so that we can examine your pet’s mouth and teeth.
PUPPY CARE
Not only are we eager to meet your newest family member but we recommend a physical exam on any new puppy to ensure health issues are addressed as early as possible. We can help you avoid common house training mistakes, behavioral challenges, breed specific health problems and address food related questions.
PUPPY CARE
Please bring all pertinent medical paperwork and a fresh (within 8 hours) stool sample with you to your first appointment.
Pet exams we will discuss during your visit:
- Physical exam
- Fecal exam to screen for intestinal parasites
- Appropriate deworming
- Necessary vaccine boosters
- Heartworm preventative (as needed)
- Flea/tick preventative
- A discussion of Home Again Microchips, which we recommend to all pet owners
Dog Vaccinations
Just like children, puppies require a series of vaccines to help build optimal immunity against common illnesses. Initial vaccines begin at 6-8 weeks old and boosters are given every 3-4 weeks. The puppy vaccination series is usually completed with a rabies vaccine at 4 months of age. At that point, vaccines and heartworm testing become an annual event.
There are an abundance of vaccines available that are not routinely necessary. “Core” vaccines are recommended for most pets, and “non-core” vaccines are reserved for pets with unique needs. Together we will decide on a vaccination schedule that best suits your puppy.
Heartworm Protection
Heartworm is a parasite that your puppy can get from mosquito bites. All puppies should be started on heartworm preventative during initial vet visits. These medications prevent heartworm disease as well as the common intestinal parasites roundworms and hookworms. We recommend testing your dog for heartworm disease every year with your annual visit, a recommendation that is supported by the American Heartworm Society.
Flea Treatment and Tick Prevention for Your Puppy
In addition to being annoying and gross, fleas and ticks can transmit a number of parasites or pathogens that can develop into serious and potentially life threatening diseases. Flea allergies and related skin infections are also a common sequela of these parasites. Fleas and ticks can easily be avoided with appropriate monthly preventatives. These options will be discussed during your initial visits to help get your puppy the right coverage.
ANNUAL WELLNESS EXAMS
Regular examinations keep your pet healthy. We recommend that all pets undergo a complete wellness exam at least once a year. Frequent routine exams help us identify and treat dog and cat diseases.
ANNUAL WELLNESS EXAMS
Most importantly, we do a complete examination of your pet which allows us to develop a comprehensive health profile for your pet. This information aids us in future treatment and helps us identify medical problems at an early stage, before they develop into serious conditions that are difficult and expensive to treat.
Pet Exams in Olivette, MO
Our annual exams include:
Wellness Exams – Our wellness exams involve inspecting your pet from nose to tail. We take time to discuss any concerns you may have during the visit, such as any behavioral issues affecting your pet’s health. We can then make recommendations to continue to improve their health and send you on your way with the knowledge you need to keep them happy and healthy.
New Puppy Exams – A new puppy can be a big responsibility, and our new puppy exams are not only helpful for owners, but for pets as well. Your puppy gets used to coming to the vet for a checkup, and you receive information and can ask questions about the best way to care for your puppy as he or she grows.
New Kitten Exams – Kittens can be a joy in any home, and keeping your kitten healthy is important. Our new kitten exams help both owners and kittens acclimate to regular checkups.
Vaccinations – Vaccines are an important part of your dog and cat’s health. Keeping up with your vaccination schedule is important, and our office sends regular reminders when it comes time for you to visit again so you don’t have to try to remember.
Heartworm Protection – During your wellness exam and any time you come to visit, we discuss heartworm protection with pet owners. Pets benefit when steps are taken to prevent heartworm from affecting their health.
Tick and Flea Treatment – Not only does prevention make your pets happy, it help protect the health of your family. We offer a range of treatment options to handle tick and flea infestations.
Microchipping – Often done at a young age, microchipping gives owners peace of mind in case their pet wanders off or gets lost. These chips are placed over the shoulder blades by injection at new puppy and kitten exams, but can be done on older dogs as well during their wellness exam or during spay and neuter procedures.
Nutrition Counseling – We can discuss weight control and special diets if you find your dog or cat’s weight has changed significantly at any time. Their health is as important to us as it is to you, and giving you the tools you need to succeed is our goal.
Behavior Modification Techniques and Education
Stool Analysis – Done during annual exams, a stool analysis helps your vet determine if there are any internal intestinal parasites or worms harming your pet’s health. If these are evident, we take steps to help your pet recover.
Pedicure – Our grooming services are second to none, and during your exams, you can choose to have your dog or cat receive a pedicure from our experienced team.
For annual exams for your dog or cat, and continuous support their whole life, contact us today!
KITTEN CARE
Not only are we eager to meet your newest family member but we recommend a physical exam on any new kitten to ensure health issues are addressed as early as possible.
KITTEN CARE
We can help you avoid common house training mistakes, behavioral challenges, breed specific health problems and address food related questions. Please bring all pertinent medical paperwork and a fresh(within 8 hours) stool sample with you to your first appointment.
During your first visit, we will discuss:
- Physical exam
- Fecal exam to screen for intestinal parasites
- Spay & neuter services
- Appropriate deworming
- Necessary vaccine boosters
- Flea/tick preventative
- Heartworm disease discussion
- A discussion of Home Again Microchips, which we recommend to all pet owners
Cat Vaccinations
Just like children, kittens require a series of vaccines to help build optimal immunity against common illnesses. Initial vaccines begin at 6-8 weeks old and boosters are given every 3-4 weeks. The kitten vaccination series is usually completed with a rabies vaccine at 4 months of age. At that point, vaccines and heartworm testing become an annual event.
There are an abundance of vaccines available that are not routinely necessary. “Core” vaccines are recommended for most pets, and “non-core” vaccines are reserved for pets with unique needs. Together we will decide on a vaccination schedule that best suits your kitten’s lifestyle.
Cat Neutering & Spaying
Spaying and neutering is the only effective birth control option for pets. When you decide to spay or neuter your cat, you are part of the solution to fight the homeless pet population problem and reduce the number of healthy animals who face euthanasia in shelters.
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)/FeLV (feline leukemia virus)
These are two viruses that your kitten can get from other cats via blood or saliva exposure. Some kittens are born with them while others are exposed to these viruses via fighting with cats that have either virus. Both FeLV and FIV can be fatal to your kitten. It is important to ensure your new kitten has been tested prior to exposing your new family member to any other cat in the household. These viruses are just one reason why an indoor only kitten is a safer and healthier kitten.
Flea and Tick Prevention
In addition to being annoying and gross, fleas and ticks can transmit a number of parasites or pathogens that can develop into serious and potentially life threatening diseases. Flea allergies, related skin infections or severe anemia (blood loss) are also a potential sequela of these parasites. Fleas and ticks can easily be avoided with appropriate monthly preventatives. These options will be discussed during your initial visits to help get your puppy the right coverage.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworms are a parasite that your cat can get from mosquito bites. Unlike dogs, the topic of feline heartworm testing and prevention is controversial. Although it has been proven that cats can get heartworm disease, present available testing has not proven effective in detecting heartworms so it is unclear how many cats are truly affected by this parasite. Due to this inconsistency different doctors take a different approach to feline heartworm prevention. Together we will decide what approach works best for your four legged friend.
VACCINATIONS
Taking care of your pet goes beyond grooming and making sure they are well-fed and loved. It also means getting your pet vaccinated for common diseases that can have harmful consequences on their health. Not only are vaccines beneficial for your pet’s health, but they are safe to administer and have few, if any, side effects.
Vaccines
If you have ever lost or even just thought you lost your dog or cat, then you know what a stressful and scary situation it can be.
Microchipping
Some pets have a tendency to wander off or even run after cars, wildlife, and other pets. Although we do the best to train our pets, keep gates and doors closed, and build tall fences, all too often our beloved pet can get out and become lost. Collars and tags are great and can lead to a quick return in many cases. However, collars are not always used, can come off rather easily, and are sometimes even ignored.
For these reasons we recommend your pets have a microchip performed by the friendly veterinarians at My Best Friend Veterinary Center! Microchips are one of the most reliable and effective ways to make sure your lost pet finds their way home.
What Are Pet Microchips?
Microchips are small, sterile medical implants that can help your pet be traced back to you. The microchip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and made of an outer layer of an inert glass. Inside the chip are the electronic components. The microchip itself doesn’t have a power source; instead it is energized by the electromagnetic energy of a specialized scanner.
The chip then emits a radiofrequency that encodes a unique identification number. It is that number that a veterinary office or shelter can use to alert the manufacturer of the microchip that the pet has been found. The manufacturer maintains a database with all the information about that pet and their owners.
We can then make contact with the owner so they can pick up their loved one. Scanning for a microchip is also routinely done at shelters or veterinary offices when a new pet first comes in, even if just there for vaccines or a health issue.
Recent studies have investigated the “return-to-owner” rate of animals that were picked up and turned into shelters. These studies showed lost dogs who have microchips have a return rate 238% higher than those without, and cats with microchips have an amazing 2000% higher return rate! The peace of mind that the microchip can provide, although not measurable, is certainly invaluable.
The Microchipping Procedure
The microchip is implanted using a large gauge needle, which will place the chip in the subcutaneous space (the loose tissue space between the skin and muscle layers) in the area of the upper back. We use this this area of the back, also referred to as the “scruff,” because in this location the skin has fewer pain receptors.
Since the procedure isn’t entirely painless we often prefer to microchip puppies and kittens at the time that they are under anesthesia for their neuter or spay surgery. Although this is the most convenient time, we often will microchip pets that have already been spayed or neutered at a regular appointment without the need to sedate them. Although a little more intense, the pain from the implantation is much like a vaccination and is only momentary.
Microchipping Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions regarding microchips. For instance, contrary to what some people believe, these microchips are not tracking devices and cannot be used to locate a pet via GPS or other tracking technology. Those types of devices are available to add to a collar, but not as an implant. Although those collars can be useful in certain situations, we do not feel they are a replacement for the implanted ID microchip. Collar-based ID or GPS devices are expensive, easily forgotten, fall off, lose power, or are disregarded.
Another misconception about the microchip implants is that they require a paid membership to keep them active. This is not true. Many microchip manufacturers offer extra services as a part of an optional paid membership. However, once the chip is paid for, implanted, and registered, it will continue to work, and the manufacturer will continue to maintain the database even without the paid membership. Some, however, may charge you a small fee to update your contact information in their database, which should be done each time you move.
If we implant the chip here at My Best Friend Veterinary Center, our clinic will be linked to the chip in the database as well, providing a second point of contact so your pet can find their way home.
Our Microchip Technology
We use microchips made by HomeAgain®. These are high quality devices made by a good and reliable company. They do not charge a fee if you need to update your information in their database, and they are helpful with any issues. Their microchips are 134.2 kHz ISO certified, meaning that they meet the standard required for international travel to most countries.
If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, or if you are unsure if it does, we can easily help! We try to keep all of our patients’ microchip numbers on file in our system as well. Also, check with us if you are planning on traveling abroad with your pet or if your contact information has changed. We can help make sure that everything is taken care of.
At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we want to make sure that your pet stays safe and happy in your home and we believe that microchipping is one important way to ensure that. Please contact us if you have any other questions.
Microchip Lookup
Find your pet’s microchip registration company and contact information: Pet Microchip Lookup
For more information about microchips, visit these sites:
HEARTWORM DISEASE, TREATMENT & PREVENTION
Heartworm disease is a very real threat to our pets here in St. Louis. Not only is our area considered “high risk,” but if your dog is not getting regular heartworm prevention treatment, they are particularly susceptible to this devastating disease.
Heartworm Prevention
Let the St. Louis veterinarians at My Best Friend Veterinary Center help protect your dog today – contact us!
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm that grows to 10-16 inches long and lives in the heart and the major blood vessels between the heart and lungs. The parasite is contracted from mosquitos that can carry the microscopic larvae of the heartworms. Over a six-month period, these immature larvae grow into the adult worms that cause the dog to get sick.
Almost 300,000 dogs get heartworms each year in the U.S., including a few cases here at My Best Friend Veterinary Center.
Heartworm Prevention in St. Louis
As part of our annual wellness exam, we will ask questions to help ensure your dog isn’t showing signs of the disease, as well as listen to their heart and lungs for any abnormalities. Even if no clinical signs are apparent, we recommend that all dogs get a simple and affordable blood test at this time to ensure they do not have evidence of the parasite in their bloodstream before safely administering preventatives.
We recommend all dogs that live here in the St. Louis area stay on a heartworm preventative medication year-round. These medications prevent the disease by killing the microscopic larvae before they get a chance to grow into the adult worms that cause problems.
Heartworm Treatment
There are many different heartworm preventatives available, but all of them are prescription medications. They come in…
- Injectable medications
- Topical medications
- Oral medications.
Besides preventing heartworm disease, most of the medications will prevent or treat many intestinal worms and parasites – some of which they can potentially pass on to people! It’s important to note that when used as directed, these medications are very safe and very effective.
Heartworms in Dogs and Cats
Although we mainly worry about heartworm disease in dogs, it can occur in cats as well. Cats are not as susceptible to heartworms because their bodies often can control and get rid of a heartworm infection on its own. Despite this fact, sometimes cats can develop a severe or fatal heartworm infection.
Testing for heartworm in cats is not often accurate. Therefore, for cats that spend time outside, we do recommend medications that prevent heartworms as well as fleas. This is most often a topical product such as Revolution®.
Contact My Best Friend Veterinary Center!
If you have any questions about heartworm disease, safety and prevention, or which medication is best for your pet and your lifestyle, then please let us know. We have various heartworm medications available at our clinic, many of which offer a guarantee if bought through us.
If your pet is not currently on heartworm medication, please contact our office in Olivette to set up an appointment with one of our veterinarians. We can schedule a blood test that helps get your pet started on the right preventative.
For more information on heartworm disease, try these sites:
DIAGNOSTICS
While regular wellness check-ups are vital, so are specialized tests for preventative screening or when you sense something is not right with your best friend. We utilize a wide range of diagnostic equipment including in-house digital radiology and a state-of-the-art laboratory.
Diagnostics
Radiology, or x-ray, is an effective diagnostic tool used to diagnose a variety of conditions in your dog or cat including orthopedic abnormalities, intestinal obstructions, organ enlargement, heart disease stages, and many other vital uses.
Our in-house laboratory allows most screening tests to be completed within a very short period of time. Routine fecal screenings, urinalysis, heartworm tests, complete blood counts, pre-surgical screenings and blood chemistry profiles are among the many tests where results are available very quickly. We also routinely look at cells from masses to evaluate for possible underlying cancers. Reliable independent veterinary laboratories are utilized when deemed appropriate.
My Best Friend Veterinary Center partners with trusted local veterinary specialty centers for advanced surgical, oncology or cardiology cases. We also use local specialists for ophthalmology and dermatology cases, internal medicine consultations, endoscopic procedures or critical cases.
FLEA & TICK TREATMENT
No one likes to think about their pets getting fleas or ticks. Often just the suggestion makes you start scratching! Besides the diseases they can carry, these creepy crawlies are just plain gross.
Tick & Flea Treatment
Fleas on Dogs and Cats
Fleas are a common cause of disease and discomfort in dogs and cats. In the US, the common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the predominant flea species that affects our pets and wildlife. These little bugs are commonly found on wild mammals and in our yards, often carried there by mice, rabbits, or other animals.
The flea will bite their host to feed on the blood before reproducing and laying eggs. A single flea can lay over 40 eggs a day, which can stay viable for up to 9 months before hatching. The flea eggs survive best in shady, protected areas near the ground. This means carpet and upholstery are ideal places in your home for flea eggs.
Fleas also love warm environments. So although fleas are not as active in the winter, it is still warm indoors all year-round in St. Louis. It only takes a couple of warm days for fleas to become active and hitch a ride inside, especially considering our recently mild winter seasons.
Signs of Fleas
There are many signs that accompany fleas, including…
- Pet is scratching more than usual – Flea bites are itchy. If your pet is getting bitten, usually the first sign is that they are scratching or chewing more than usual. It doesn’t take long for things to get out of control and for your pets to become miserable. This is especially true in the animals that are allergic to flea bites and will develop a strong reaction to even a single bite—which can remain itchy for weeks!
- Flea dirt – This is the digested blood meal from the flea. It is often described as pepper-like flakes in the dog or cat’s hair coat.
- Live fleas on the skin – You may notice live fleas if you look closely at their skin but, often, you might not see anything. This is especially true in cats, who are very effective groomers and will end up ingesting the adult fleas before you have a chance to see them.
Ticks on Dogs and Cats
Ticks are less associated with acute itching and skin problems but are more notable for the diseases they carry. Missouri is one of the most tick-ridden states in the country, but ticks typically prefer areas of tall grasses and thick underbrush. If you go hiking, hunting, or have wooded areas in your yard, then your dog is more likely to come into contact with ticks.
Adult ticks are usually noticeable on the skin of your dog, but it can be harder to find in longhaired animals. With ticks having multiple stages to their lifecycle, we may only recognize large adult ticks, while the smaller immature stages can be extremely hard to see.
Luckily, cats are usually effective at grooming ticks off themselves quickly, so they are less prone to tick related issues. An important thing to know is that it takes a full feeding cycle (about 24 hours) for ticks to transmit disease. So although preventative medications are not designed to prevent a tick from biting, they will kill the tick before it has a chance to transmit any diseases.
Ticks and Fleas Carry Disease
Fleas and ticks themselves are not the only problem. Fleas, for instance, carry other parasites and diseases, such as tapeworms. This is so common that we often recommend treating tapeworms at the same time as flea infestation treatment. Fleas can also carry murine typhus, cat scratch fever (yes, this is a real disease!), Mycoplasma haemofelis (a parasite that attacks red blood cells), and even the plague.
Many people are aware of the diseases ticks can carry, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Another important note is that these diseases and parasites can also affect people! Preventing infestation makes our pets happier and keeps everyone in the house healthier.
Tick and Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats
There are lots of medications available to help prevent and effectively treat a variety of flea and tick problems. Typically prevention is the easiest and cheapest way to deal with the issue.
Preventative medications include….
- Collars are unfortunately not very reliable and are especially prone to user error which can further decrease efficacy, so we rarely recommend them.
- Shampoos are also not a recommended and are really only effective as part of a treatment plan when combined with other treatments.
- Topical medications, such as Frontline Gold® or Revolution®, are often a good choice with cats.
- Oral preventatives, such as Nexgard®, are the best available for dogs.
Contact Us For Flea and Tick Prevention!
When trying to treat a current flea or tick problem during a wellness exam, our veterinarians can:
- Help examine your pet to see if they need specific treatment for their skin.
- Determine if testing or treating for associated diseases and parasites is necessary.
- Develop a plan to rid your pet and home of fleas.
SURGERY
Surgical procedures often are a necessary component of your pet’s general health care plan. My Best Friend Veterinary Center provides the highest quality surgical care, recovery and pain management for your pet. Our clinic contains state-of-the-art surgical and anesthetic equipment to perform a variety of surgical procedures.
Surgery
Dog and Cat Surgeries Performed by Us:
- Spay and Neuter
- Declawing
- Soft Tissue Surgery, including:
- exploratory surgery
- cystotomy
- anal gland removal
- tumor removal
We try to avoid hospitalization because animals do better in a familiar environment; however, when hospitalization is necessary we encourage you to call for updates and arrange for visits. We love your dogs and cats as much as you do, and desire to make surgical procedures of any type as painless and stress-free as possible—for the patient and owner!
SPAY AND NEUTER
Spaying and neutering is an important preventative step in looking after your pet's health. Check out this page to learn more about the benefits it provides and our recommendations on the timing of the procedure.
SPAY AND NEUTER
Spay and Neuter Procedures Explained
Spaying or neutering describes surgical sterilization. Spaying of females involves removal of the uterus and ovaries. In males, neutering involves removing the testicles.
Spaying female cats or dogs and neutering male cats or dogs prevents contributing to the pet overpopulation we currently have in the United States. Many people are surprised to learn how difficult it can be to place a litter of puppies or kittens until after they have been born.
Spaying and neutering is the only effective birth control option for pets. When you decide to spay or neuter your animal, you are part of the solution to fight the homeless pet population problem and reduce the number of healthy animals who face euthanasia in shelters.
Benefits of Spaying a Dog or Cat
Your dog or cat sees many health benefits from being spayed or neutered. Neutered dogs and cats have less risk of prostate cancer and testicular tumors. Similarly, spayed dogs and cats are less likely to develop pyometra, a serious and life-threatening uterus infection. Females also benefit from a reduced chance of developing breast tumors if they are spayed.
Behavioral benefits may also result from a pet being spayed or neutered. For example, animals in heat often roam outside of their yard to find a mate. If a dog or cat is spayed/neutered, they are more likely to stay in their yard or become a “homebody.”
Spay and Neuter Services FAQ’s
Is spay or neuter surgery painful? Can it harm my pet?
Spay/neuter surgery is completely safe. While the surgery is conducted, we put your pet under general anesthesia. As with any surgery, using anesthesia does come with some risks, but we have a number of safe anesthesia methods available such as isoflurane, a gas anesthetic administered through an endotracheal tube.
Postoperative care also includes pain reducing medication so your dog or cat can recover with little pain.
At what age should my dog or cat be spayed or neutered?
Both dogs and cats can be spayed/neutered as young as six months old. We often use the first puppy care or kitten care visit to discuss spaying/neutering and can complete it at the same time a microchip is inserted under the skin while they are asleep.
Shouldn’t a female dog or cat have one litter, or at least one heat cycle, before being spayed?
We recommend you have your dog or cat spayed before their first heat cycle or before they expect their first litter. Spaying early on is more effective at reducing the risk of breast tumors as opposed to waiting until the first heat cycle occurs. Dogs and cats are more predisposed to cancer if they do not undergo spaying/neutering.
Can a pregnant dog or cat be safely spayed?
A pregnant dog or cat may be spayed early in their gestation cycle. However, performing surgery late into the pregnancy (past 40 days of gestation) is risky and we do not recommend it.
Don’t sterilized dogs and cats become overweight?
If an animal is sterilized, they do not typically put on weight. If you do notice a weight problem developing, it is important to talk to your veterinarian about an overfeeding issue. We often address weight issues during your annual visit, but if you are concerned before that, please contact our office.
My dog is a guard dog. If I neuter him, will that stop him from protecting my house?
No – male dogs who are used as guard dogs typically do not lose their protective instincts if they are neutered.
Does spaying or neutering make dogs and cats less affectionate?
No – spaying or neutering your pet does not make them less affectionate.
My dog leaves urine marks all over my house. If I neuter him, will that stop?
If a male dog marks in the house, neutering him is very likely to reduce the likelihood that they will mark, but it may not stop the behavior entirely.
Contact My Best Friend Veterinary Center
If you are interested in having your dog or cat spayed/neutered or have additional questions, contact us today!
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Being concerned with your pet’s health is only natural. After all, when they have mobility issues or something in their behavior changes, all attentive dog and cat owners look for ways to help. One service offered at most veterinary clinics, including our own, that can help with a diagnosis is a radiograph, often called an “X-ray.”
Digital Radiography
At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we have invested in state-of-the-art digital radiography, which produces fast and extremely detailed X-ray pictures. Thanks to our very beloved and generous client, Nancy Burke, we were able to switch over to digital when we built our new facility in 2012. In 2013, Nancy also helped us invest in a digital dental unit, allowing us to visualize and evaluate the health of tooth roots. Our whole staff is thrilled with these new radiographic tools, and clients love how fast we can show them such great radiographs!
Pet Exams and X-Ray Services
When people think about X-rays, they might think about bone breaks or problems with the skeletal system. However, medical imagery services such as digital radiology examine more than just bones.
Radiology is an effective diagnostic tool used to diagnose a variety of conditions in your dog or cat including orthopedic abnormalities, intestinal obstructions, organ enlargement, heart disease stages, and many others. For example, utilizing digital radiography can be a first step in ruling out tumors or bladder stones. Additionally, the condition of the lungs and airways can be reviewed using this technology to diagnose problems with your pet’s respiratory tract.
Whether you come in for an emergency exam or want some advice on addressing a new problem, such as a walking issue your dog or cat now has but did not before, our skilled technicians are here to help. Once your digital imagery is processed, you will review it with a veterinarian and have your questions answered about what the X-ray pictures show. When the need arises, we may also send it to specialists skilled in reviewing the pictures to confirm the diagnosis. From there, we can create a care plan to help your pet’s condition improve.
When dogs or cats come to My Best Friend Veterinary Center to get X-rays, our caring and friendly staff will take them into our X-ray suite and assist them to get in the right position. When pictures are taken, we ask that pet owners not be in the room in order to avoid being exposed to the X-ray beam unnecessarily. Pets are most often awake for X-rays, not sedated.
Your pet is part of your family, and having a skilled veterinarian on your side will help them live happy and healthy lives. For compassionate and reliable digital radiology services for your cat or dog, look no further than My Best Friend Veterinary Center! Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn about our many other services.
COLD LASER THERAPY
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has become an important therapeutic tool in veterinary medicine. It uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues without generating heat (which is why it’s referred to as "cold") to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. A typical treatment takes 10-20 minutes, is non-invasive, and most pets find the procedure minimally stressful.
Surgery
Dog and Cat Surgeries Performed by Us:
- Spay and Neuter
- Declawing
- Soft Tissue Surgery, including:
- exploratory surgery
- cystotomy
- anal gland removal
- tumor removal
We try to avoid hospitalization because animals do better in a familiar environment; however, when hospitalization is necessary we encourage you to call for updates and arrange for visits. We love your dogs and cats as much as you do, and desire to make surgical procedures of any type as painless and stress-free as possible—for the patient and owner!
ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Veterinary practices increasingly rely on ultrasound technology to diagnose a wide range of conditions. Unlike X-rays, which are more effective at visualizing bone structures, ultrasound excels at imaging organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and heart. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal organs and tissues, providing us with valuable and detailed information without the need for exploratory surgery.
Digital Radiography
At My Best Friend Veterinary Center, we have invested in state-of-the-art digital radiography, which produces fast and extremely detailed X-ray pictures. Thanks to our very beloved and generous client, Nancy Burke, we were able to switch over to digital when we built our new facility in 2012. In 2013, Nancy also helped us invest in a digital dental unit, allowing us to visualize and evaluate the health of tooth roots. Our whole staff is thrilled with these new radiographic tools, and clients love how fast we can show them such great radiographs!
Pet Exams and X-Ray Services
When people think about X-rays, they might think about bone breaks or problems with the skeletal system. However, medical imagery services such as digital radiology examine more than just bones.
Radiology is an effective diagnostic tool used to diagnose a variety of conditions in your dog or cat including orthopedic abnormalities, intestinal obstructions, organ enlargement, heart disease stages, and many others. For example, utilizing digital radiography can be a first step in ruling out tumors or bladder stones. Additionally, the condition of the lungs and airways can be reviewed using this technology to diagnose problems with your pet’s respiratory tract.
Whether you come in for an emergency exam or want some advice on addressing a new problem, such as a walking issue your dog or cat now has but did not before, our skilled technicians are here to help. Once your digital imagery is processed, you will review it with a veterinarian and have your questions answered about what the X-ray pictures show. When the need arises, we may also send it to specialists skilled in reviewing the pictures to confirm the diagnosis. From there, we can create a care plan to help your pet’s condition improve.
When dogs or cats come to My Best Friend Veterinary Center to get X-rays, our caring and friendly staff will take them into our X-ray suite and assist them to get in the right position. When pictures are taken, we ask that pet owners not be in the room in order to avoid being exposed to the X-ray beam unnecessarily. Pets are most often awake for X-rays, not sedated.
Your pet is part of your family, and having a skilled veterinarian on your side will help them live happy and healthy lives. For compassionate and reliable digital radiology services for your cat or dog, look no further than My Best Friend Veterinary Center! Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn about our many other services.
