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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
