1) For adult animals, we recommend a yearly exam and vaccinations. A thorough physical examination can reveal health problems before they progress to serious issues. Commonly detected health concerns during routine examinations include: heart disease, tumors, dental disease, musculoskeletal problems, dermatology problems, and many more.
2) Young animals and sometimes older pets may need to be seen more frequently. Pets under a year old are seen several times while receiving their vaccination series. Since their immune system is immature, young pets are more prone to certain infectious diseases and intestinal parasites. Preventative health care is essential for a healthy long life.
3) At the age of seven, our pets are now considered seniors. For senior pets, we recommend biannual visits and yearly bloodwork which can help detect early health problems such as kidney, thyroid, and liver disease that could not be picked up on a routine exam.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering your pet will prevent unwanted litters, help protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with your pet being intact.
Early spaying of female dogs and cats can help protect them from uterine infections and breast cancer. Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland), testicular cancer, and roaming behavior to locate a mate. These risks increase if the pet is neutered or spayed later than 6 months age.
The procedure has no effect on a pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Some pets tend to be better behaved following surgical removal of their ovaries or testes, making them more desirable companions.
Other Surgical Procedures
We provide many other high-quality routine surgeries for your pets. For more specific information on the surgical procedures we offer please contact our office.
We take anesthesia seriously here at Spanish Trail to ensure that your pet will be safe during any procedure. We use the same gas anesthesia that is used in human hospitals to control the depth of anesthesia your pet will be in. We monitor carefully using our state of the art anesthesia equipment which includes ECG, capnography (blood CO2 level), blood pressure, temperature, and blood oxygen level. We recommend a pre-surgical screening that includes X-rays and blood work prior to any anesthetic induction to minimize anesthesia risk. These tests enable our veterinarians to further assess each animal’s general health, further evaluate their heart and lungs, and also evaluate kidney and liver function prior to anesthesia. If problems are identified, we can then make a decision with you to change our anesthesia protocol and proceed with surgery, or delay surgery while we treat identified problems.
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. Even minor issues, such as tartar buildup, can lead to more serious issues if they aren’t treated. When necessary, we will recommend a professional dental cleaning, which includes the ultrasonic removal of harmful tartar and polishing of the teeth.
Did you know that much of our pet’s dental disease lies underneath the gum line? Dental x-rays help us visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, dental x-rays help us find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save your pet unnecessary discomfort.
We offer high quality digital x-rays that aid in rapid diagnoses for your pet. X-rays are performed while you wait and the Doctors will review them with you in the examination room.
We offer Ultrasound by appointment with Dr. Siverio. She is a veterinarian specially trained in ultrasound techniques and travels to clinics throughout the Pensacola area. Ultrasounds can be performed while you wait for your pet.
We offer in house bloodwork for your pet with our state of the art Idexx blood machines. We can have results within 15 minutes to aid in rapid diagnoses for your pet. A chemistry panel, complete blood count, urinalysis and heartworm test can be performed.
AVID FriendChip is the professional way to identify your pet, and it’s proven safe and effective. It is a small microchip that is injected, just like a vaccination, under the skin of your pet where it remains safely for life. The microchip contains a one-of-a-kind identification number that distinguishes your pet as a special member of your family. Then if your lost pet is found by a shelter or another hospital they will use a scanner to detect whether or not he/she has a microchip. When a chip number is detected, AVID’s 24 hour hotline at 800-336-2843 is called for your phone number, your veterinarian, or your alternate contact, and your pet comes safely home.
To encourage everyone to microchip their pets, at the time your puppy or kitten is spayed or neutered, Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital will pay the microchip registration fee for your pet. All you will be required to pay is for the microchip.
As general practitioners, we understand that we cannot provide all services that your pet may require. We know when it is in the best interest of your pet to get an expert involved and we will help set up referrals to specialists when needed.
The following specialists are available through the Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center: critical care, surgery, dermatology, and ophthalmology.
Clients can also be referred to other specialty/referral clinics or veterinary colleges for specialist in the area of expertise for their pet’s specific problem.