Before begining vaccinations on your new kitten, a Feline Leukemia test should be performed. Kittens will then begin their vaccination series at six weeks of age and should continue receiving vaccinations at 3 week intervals until they reach twelve weeks of age. This will allow your kitten's immune system to produce enough immunity to fight off infectious diseases. If you have adopted or accquired an older cat with an unknown history, then it is recommended to test them for both
Comprehensive Examination
We typically recommend a once a year physical exam and vaccinations called a Canine Annual Exam and twice yearly routine parasite screenings. We also recommend keeping your dog on once monthly heartworm and flea prevention. We have several product lines to choose from and we are happy to help you choose which is right for you and your pet.
Westside Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer a wide variety of all the latest veterinary products and medications for your pet. This includes, but not limited to, heartworm and flea preventions, deworming products, shampoos and veterinary diets, and a full line of therapeutic medications for your pet's needs. We think you will find that our prices are competitive with online pet pharmacies, but most importantly, when purchased from us, you are getting peace of mind that the products are safe and recommended by our veterinarians.
We recommend switching your senior pet from adult maintenance dog food to a high quality senior or mature adult dog food. This will help maintain their health as senior dog foods lower the protein content so there is less strain on their kidneys and these diets often include extra vitamins and minerals that your pet needs as they age. Some diets even include glucosamines and chondroitins as a supplement for their joint health. This is especially helpful for larger breed dogs with arthritis. Also, you need to consider having your pet examined twice yearly instead of once yearly so that we can detect and discuss problems sooner that may arise. Senior patients are more prone to developing kidney, liver, and thyroid disease and even diabetes or cancer, so twice yearly exams help to detect these problems and begin appropriate therapy sooner. Most senior pets also require dental cleanings more often which is very important because severe tarter can trap bacteria that can cause an abscess or can enter your pet's bloodstream and cause an infection of their heart valves.
General surgery and some orthopedic surgery is performed such as spay, neuter, and cruciate repair and many others.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying prior to a first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer in the future and avoids ovarian and uterine cancer and infections (pyometra) and neutering helps prevent prostate cancer and infections and avoids testicular cancer as well.
To use our online prescription refill service, your pet must be a current patient with us and in most cases must have been seen for an examination within the past 12 months. Certain cases will require your pet to be examined within 6 months, and some medications can not be refilled without a current blood test to monitor the level of the drug or to check for potential harmful side effects from the medication. We will contact you at the number you provide on this form if we are unable to process your request in the event your pet needs a current exam or bloodwork. We appreciate your understanding on this matter as we want to provide the safest and best health care for your pet.
X-Ray
Both our offices utilize Digital Radiography in place of traditional "film" X-rays. This technology has meny benefits, including...
We do not offer grooming services but can provide this service at Moffett Road Veterinary Clinic. Our groomer, Julie Dahl, is in high demand and appointments are often booked well in advance. Please call us at (251) 344-3921 for information and reservations.
Senior Pet Care
Once your dog has reached 7 years of age, it is now considered a senior or geriatric patient. There are several things you need to consider for your senior pet to ensure their continued health. Remember also to continue all of their preventative medications as well such as heartworm and flea preventions.