Anesthesia
Dental Care
Dermatology and Allergies
Diagnostic Services
Emergencies
Pain Control
Spay and Neuter
Surgery
Toxicity and Pet Dangers 

 

Other Services: 
Behavior Counseling 
Boarding 
Health Certificates
Micro-Chip Identification 
Nutritional Counseling

 

Anesthesia: 

Undergoing anesthesia is taken very seriously here, and is treated with the utmost caution and attention to detail.  Each of our patients receives a pre-surgery examination and if needed a pre-surgery blood test before undergoing anesthesia.  During anesthesia, your pet’s vital signs are carefully monitored at all times.  A Doppler is used to monitor blood pressure. An Apnea monitor tracks respiration, and a Pulse-Oximeter monitors the oxygen content of the blood and heart rate.  Prior to many surgeries an IV catheter is placed to provide fluids to maintain blood pressure and circulation, as well as administer certain medications.  A warming blanket is carefully wrapped around your pet to keep him warm at all times to maintain body temperature during anesthesia.

  
Dental Care: 

Many people don’t realize how important dental care is to the overall health of their pet.  Interestingly, dental disease is the most widespread disease for dogs and cats.  Periodontal (gum) disease is very common, and other dental problems such as broken teeth, abscessed teeth, and oral tumors are all painful conditions that can be frequently overlooked.  Pets will often mask their discomfort, and owners can be completely unaware that their pet is in pain.  Some signs of periodontal disease are bad breath, sensitivity around the mouth, loss of appetite, and difficulty eating or chewing. 

We emphasize a strong hygiene program in order to minimize dental disease.  Just like your own teeth, your pet’s teeth will accumulate plaque and calculus without proper care, which can progress to periodontal pockets, bone recession, abscess and tooth loss.  A pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste are recommended, and we will show you how to accustom your pet to regular brushing.  Most pets need a professional dental cleaning by 3 years of age, and yearly thereafter.  This routine care will help to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and avoid the need for costly and painful dental surgery later.  Here at Pleasanton Veterinary Hospital we are fully equipped to perform thorough dental cleaning, polishing, radiology and oral surgery.  

Dermatology & Allergies: 

The integumentary system is the largest organ system of the body, comprised of the skin, hair and nails.  We are equipped to diagnose, treat and manage a variety of conditions including skin infections and allergies, skin cancers, hair loss, foot diseases, nail disorders, “hot spots” (moist acute dermatitis), ear infections and other diseases and conditions affecting this system. 

Some of the diagnostic tests used here include: 
          Skin and ear cytology
          Skin and ear bacterial culture
          Skin fungal culture
          Skin scraping
          Skin biopsies
          Skin mass removals

Skin Allergies:  Itchy skin is a common and frustrating problem with dogs and cats.  The most common reasons for itchy skin are allergies and parasites.  Environmental allergies are not only common with people, but also for pets.  Allergies to grass, trees and pollen can be quite severe and cause your pet to be miserable and scratch incessantly.  Environmental allergies can be “seasonal”, with symptoms being worse in the spring and fall.  Food allergies can also be a problem and cause scratching and hair loss.  Some pets are allergic to flea saliva.   Treatment depends on first diagnosing the source of the problem and then implementing a treatment plan, which could include such things as antihistamines, steroids, antibiotics, topical treatments and diet changes. 

Diagnostic Services:  

Of primary importance is the quick and accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition.  When your pet is not feeling well, it is critical that we immediately obtain reliable information so that a plan of action and treatment can begin without delay.  Our in-house laboratory is well equipped to provide us with these essential results within minutes. 

On-site blood, urine and fecal tests can provide invaluable information in diagnosing such things as bacterial, viral and fungal infections, blood disorders, hormonal imbalances, urinary disorders and the presence of parasites.  X-rays can provide us with life-saving information and help to diagnose such things as broken bones, bladder and kidney stones, cardiopulmonary disease, as well as chronic conditions such as arthritis and slipped disks.  If needed, we may use an outside laboratory for more detailed results.  In addition, a veterinary specialist routinely comes to our hospital to perform ultrasounds used to diagnose various cardiac and abdominal conditions.

Diagnostic procedures done on-site include:

Biopsies 
Blood Testing  (chemistry profile, pre-anesthetic blood profile, general health profile, CBC or complete blood count,  and  electrolytes) 
Cytology 
Electrocardiography  (EKG)
Exploratory Surgery 
FeLV and FIV Testing  (Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
Fine Needle aspirates 
Heartworm Testing 
Microbiology  
Parasite Identification 
Parvo Testing 
Radiography 
Urinalysis

Emergencies: 

If your pet needs immediate care due to a medical condition or injury, every minute can count.  Rest assured your pet will be given the highest priority in an emergency situation.

Procedures and protocols that may be implemented include:

Diagnostic Blood Testing 
Diagnostic X-Rays 
Emergency Surgery 
Intravenous Fluid Therapy 
Oxygen Therapy 
Toxicity Treatment

Pain Control:

Acute pain is of sudden onset, whereas chronic pain is long term and often ongoing for an extended period of time.  Signs of pain in certain animals are masked, especially with cats, and even a slight change in behavior can indicate that your pet is in pain. Our doctors will diagnose the cause of your pet’s pain and work with you to provide the best pain relief.

There are many behavioral and physiological signs of pain.  Some of the more common ones seen by pet owners include:

Abnormal Postures: 
Hunched back 
Inability to lie down 
Reluctance to move 
Low tail carriage

Abnormal Gait: 
Stiffness 
Non-weight bearing on a certain limb 
Limping 
Abnormal nail wear (due to weight shifting)

Abnormal Movements: 
Restlessness 
Thrashing 
Circling

Abnormal Behaviors: 
Focusing on an area of pain by licking or chewing 
Lack of appetite 
Lack of grooming, unkempt appearance 
Abnormal urination or defecation 
Aggression  
Lethargy 
Panting when not too warm, stressed 
Hiding 
Yawning (sign of stress) 
Vocalization, whining, crying

Spay and Neuter: 

Spaying and neutering your pet has tremendous benefits for you, your pet, and your community.  Unless you will be breeding your pet, we strongly recommend that you spay (females) or neuter (males) your dog or cat between the ages of 4 to 6 months. 

Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a longer and healthier life by eliminating or reducing the incidence of certain health problems.  Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, especially if your pet is spayed before her first estrus cycle.  Neutering your male eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

Dogs and cats in general make much better family pets and are happier if they are spayed or neutered.  Unsterilized animals can exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.  Males are sexually active all year round and if not neutered and allowed outside, they are more likely to roam in search of females and can fight with other males due to the possibility of increased male aggression.  Male cats are more likely to spray a strong smelling urine outside and inside your home in order to mark their territory.  Female cats will continue to go into heat until bred, often exhibiting anxious behavior, cry incessantly, and can attract unwanted males to your home.  A female dog in season can attract male suitors from miles away.  A mere fence will slow but not stop the meeting … where there’s a will, a dog will find a way!

There are millions of unwanted cats and dogs born every year.  There are simply not enough homes for all of the animals.  Those born outside in the wild will often lead very difficult lives, fighting off disease and searching for food.  Animal shelters are overburdened, and the rate of euthanasia due to lack of homes is painful to contemplate.  By spaying and neutering your pets, you can help to reduce the over-population of dogs and cats in our community. 

Surgery:

Our doctors are highly trained in surgical techniques and will provide your pet with the best and safest treatment.  We have an advanced surgery suite with state-of-the-art equipment.  An incubator is available if needed.  Our pre-surgery evaluation helps to ensure that your pet can safely undergo anesthesia, and a trained technician is assigned to each pet for post-surgery care.  If needed, a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon with specialized training will come on-site to perform a more complicated surgery such as Cruciate repair or anal gland removal.

Surgeries routinely performed include:  
   
Abscess Surgery  
Bladder Stone Removal  
Dental Surgery  
Fracture Repairs  
Stomach and Intestinal Surgery to remove foreign objects  
Spay and Neuters  
Wound Repair

Toxicity & Pet Dangers: 

There are many items kept in and around our homes that present serious health risks to our pets.  Below is a partial list.  If you suspect that your pet may have injested something potentially dangerous, call us immediately.

 Harmful Foods:

Alcoholic beverages, avocados, bones, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, moldy/spoiled foods, onions, raisins,  raw yeast dough, salt, tea leaves,  gum/candies sweetened with xylitol.

Harmful Plants:

Aloe, asparagus fern, azalea, calla lily, clematis, cyclamen, daffodil, daylily, diffenbachia, easter lily, english ivy, eucalyptus, ferns, foxglove, heavenly bamboo, honeysuckle, hydrangea, iris, lantana, lawn mushrooms, oleander, pyracantha, poinsettia, rhododendron, tulips, wisteria.

Harmful Household Items: 

Anti-inflammatory mediations (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), anti-depressants, antifreeze, bleach, cold and flu mediations, detergents, diet pills, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fabric softener, flea and tick products, home insect products,  liquid potpourri, mothballs, pesticides, rat and mouse bait,  slug and snail bait, solvents, tobacco products, vitamins.

Dangerous Objects:

Balls (specifically balls that are small and smooth), balloons, batteries, bread twist ties, buttons, coins, cotton swabs, dental floss, needles, nylons, paper clips, plastic wrap, ribbons, rubber-bands, socks, string, towels, yarn. 

Hazards:

Around the House: Balconies, bath tubs or sinks, candles, doors and windows, electrical cords, fireplace, toilets, washer and dryer.

Outside the House: Antifreeze/coolant, compost (particularly if moldy), deck lattice, fences and gates, fire pit or grill,  gasoline, hot tubs, swimming pools. 

 

OTHER SERVICES

Behavior Counseling:

Sometimes our pets can exhibit behavior that you wish to modify.  Some behaviors can be rooted in medical issues, others can be brought on by emotional stress, and some behaviors are simply a matter of training.  We will determine the underlying cause of your pet’s behavior, and help you find resolutions to your pet’s problem so that both you and your pet can lead a happier life.

 

Boarding: 

Boarding facilities at Pleasanton Veterinary Hospital are available for your feline companions.  As part of the hospital, your cats are in very close proximity to our doctors and staff at all times during our working hours.  We will accommodate your kitty with their individual diet and administer any needed medicines during your absence.  Boarding can often be a convenient time for you to have us complete their annual examination and vaccinations.  And it goes without saying … we supply unlimited hugs and kisses!

Health Certificates and Travel: 

If you plan on traveling, especially out of state or out of the country, it may be required to show that your pet is current on their examination and vaccinations.  Airlines will also often have requirements of documentation regarding your pet.  We can help you determine what will be required, and provide you with a health certificate that shows your pet is in compliance with any requirements.

Micro-Chip Identification

It can be a family tragedy if your pet becomes lost.  The Micro-chip identification program has become widespread, and can greatly increase the odds of your pet being returned to you if lost.  A tiny chip containing your pet’s information in easily inserted just under the skin and stays there securely for the rest of your pet’s life.  Most veterinary offices, animal shelters and rescue groups routinely scan “found” pets today, reuniting many lost pets with their owners, sometimes months later.  There may be a day when your pet loses his way, and you could be forever grateful to the microchip that brought him back home to you.

 Nutritional Counseling:

Our doctors will advise you of the most beneficial diet for your individual pet.  The optimal diet for your dog and cat may change over time as your pet changes and ages.  Today there are many nutritional options, and our doctors are familiar with the benefits associated with each diet.  We carry many prescription diets right here in our office that can help address weight and health issues.

As with us humans, obesity has begun to affect many of our pets and can have serious medical consequences by causing more physical ailments and leading to a shorter lifespan. The cause of obesity is rarely due to the breed of your pet or hormonal issues.  Usually, obesity is the result of too much food and too little exercise.   Limiting calories through decreasing the quantity of food you give your pet, or by providing a recommended prescription diet, will provide them with well balanced nutrition and optimize their weight to minimize health issues associated with obesity.