For a healthy adult pet, we recommend a visit to our clinic
ANNUALLY.
Since pets age at a much quicker rate than humans, these visits will become increasingly important in early detection of any changes in their health.
Our wellness protocols are designed to prevent disease and prolong the lives and life quality of your pets. As soon as you welcome a new pet into your home, you should consider preventative care to protect their health. For puppies and kittens, we recommend beginning a vaccination series between six and eight weeks of age. While adequate vaccination is important, the comprehensive physical examinations, intestinal parasite screenings and prophylactic dewormings also given during this series will help ensure your new family member gets started on the right paw for a happy, healthy life.
At Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, we can keep your pets happy and healthy by utilizing the following:
COMPREHENSIVE PET EXAM
The physical exam is a very important aspect of your pet’s wellness. During this exam, the doctor evaluates the entire pet, which includes:
- An eye exam using an ophthalmoscope
- An ear exam using an otoscope
- A heart exam using a stethoscope
- Other points evaluated include teeth, skin, coat, vital signs, body condition, and joints. Doctors also use their hands to palpate the abdominal contents.
Early Disease Detection
Although a comprehensive exam is imperative, it may not tell the whole story. Monitoring lab parameters, such as blood analysis and urinalysis each year, alerts us of potentially threatening trends of the internal organs and helps identify internal disease at the earliest stage possible.
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Our hospital offers thorough diagnostic and treatment capabilities to care for your pet’s health care needs. We have access to advanced cardiac diagnostic ultrasound and consult with a variety of board certified specialists to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care. Internal medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disease inside the body. Common examples include:
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney/Urinary Disease
- Internal Infections
- Cancer
- Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, Endocrine System (e.g., Diabetes, Adrenal, Thyroid, etc.) and heart disease
CLIENT EDUCATION & CONSULTATION
Another important aspect of wellness care during the examination process is educating clients. Together as partners, we can ensure that your pets receive all they need to live long and healthy lives.
Feel free to ask us any questions. And of course, we take it upon ourselves to keep you in the know.
Screenings
We also offer annual blood screenings for all of our patients. If done routinely, these screenings will help our doctors detect potential diseases before they become a serious issue. If caught early, many common diseases can be managed through dietary modifications. Since pets usually don’t exhibit symptoms of many serious diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, until the disease is in its advanced stages, early detection leads to early treatment and can prolong your pet’s life.