Animal Diagnostic & Wellness Center

Brenda J. Ernest, DVM, Dipl. ABVP - Veterinarian

11816 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617

813-985-2889       

                       close to I-75,  University of South Florida, and New Tampa

 

 

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 Clinical Signs of Disease

Weight loss

Increased appetite

Decreased appetite

Decreased activity

Increased activity

Increased thirst

Increased urine amount

Dry/dull coat

Skin lumps

Bad breath

Blindeness

Limping

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation

Increased vocalization

Behavior changes

Frequent urination

Bloody urine

Breathing changes

Coughing/wheezing

     not your typical pet hospital  

board-certified specialist in dog and cat practice

special interest in ferrets, rabbits, small mammals, and birds


 Senior Care 

Dogs and cats age more quickly than we.   Before we know it, that puppy/kitten is an adult, then aged.  We wonder where the time went.  Although the aging process can't be stopped, it can be slowed through proper nutrition, mental and physical exercise, and preventive health care.

  How old is my pet ?   

These tables give an example of how our pet's age relates to our own age.

                                

                                                

      CATS        PEOPLE                        DOGS             PEOPLE      

    1 year

15 years

 

1 year

15 years

    2 years

24 years

 

2 years

24 years

    5 years

36 years

 

4 years

32 years

    7 years   

45 years

 

7 years

45 years

   12 years

64 years

 

10 years

56 years

   15 years

76 years

 

12 years

64 years

   18 years

88 years

 

15 years

76 years

   21 years

100 years

 

20 years

98 years

                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can tell from the above, our pets are middle-aged at 7 years of age and senior at 10 years.  Large dogs age even faster.  Because of this, it is important to help our pets age as comfortably as possible.  Medical problems that arise in our pets are similar to those that we get.  Arthritis, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are a few of the problems our pets may acquire.  Early detection may help slow or even reverse some of these problems.  

To detect problems, a thorough history and examination should be performed.  An appropriate history means that you have to answer many questions regarding your pet's habbits.  The answers you give will help direct us to possible concerns.  This means that we can order tests for the most likely diseases and not spend your money or time on tests that are unnecessary.   

 

An examination includes :

  •   Ausculting (listening to) the heart and lungs for abnormal               
  •          sounds, heart rate, heart rhythm
  •    Palpating (feeling) the abdomen for pain, fluid, masses
  •    Feeling for enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid glands
  •    Checking the teeth for tartar and disease
  •    Checking the mouth for inflammation and/or masses
  •    Checking the ears for infection
  •    Examining the eyes for abnormalities
  •    Checking the skin and coat for parasites, infection,   
  •            discolorations, lumps
  •    Observing the musculoskeletal system for signs of lameness, swellings
  •    Observing for changes in the mental or nervous system

 

Tests may be recommended for your pet based on the history and physical examination findings.

Some more common tests are:

  • Blood Pressure check    
  • Glaucoma check
  • Blood screening for diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, adrenal disease
  • Evaluate blood for signs of anemia, infection, leukemia
  • Urinalysis
  • ECG (electrocardiogram)
  • Radiographs (x-rays)
  • Ultrasonography
  • Heartworm check
  • Feline viral check
  • Fecal examination

 


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