ATLANTIC VETERINARY SERVICES
Exam Treatment Radiology Surgery
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Examinations
The annual examination is much more than just a cursory check-up. It is most often during these exams that a veterinarian can pick up the early warning signs of a serious problem that may affect the patient's future health. Serious problems can often be corrected or at least slowed in progress when they are detected early.
The Nose to Tail Exam
Just like it sounds, the veterinarian will start at the nose (or tail) and work all the way to the opposite end.
The Nose
The first stop is, of course, the nose. With your pet's nose, the veterinarian is checking for more than just to see if it is cold & wet. Respiratory infection, tumors, and immune system disfunction may be evident.
The Eyes
A thorough ophthalmic examination is important. The eyes should also be clear of debris and discharge. The lens should be evaluated for catarracts and the retinas free of problems.
The Mouth
The patient's mouth is inspected for abnormal growths, wounds, and the condition of the teeth. A mouthful of healthy teeth should look clean, and white, and your veterinarian can indicate if your pet needs a professional cleaning. Lumps on the outside of the jaws can indicate swelling from an infection or oral tumours. The color and moisture of the gums give information on the patient's level of hydration and may alert to the possibility of anemia.
The Ears
Ears are notorious for harboring bacteria & fungi that cause foul odor, and infection. A clean ear is a good ear, and it is a very good idea to keep alert for ear mites, a pesky inhabitant of ears that are highly contagious to other pets in the household.
The Neck is evaluated for dermatitis, parasites, stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Moving onward from the head, the next stop on the Nose to Tail exam is the chest.
The Lungs
Using a stethoscope, a veterinarian will listen to the patient's lungs for any sounds of congestion, cough, or abnormal breathing patterns. Infections, tumors, and cardiac disease may cause abnormal lung sounds.
The Heart
Listening to your pet's heart is an important step in the exam. The heart is evaluated for murmurs, rate, rhythm, and pulse quality. Early detection of heart disease can help your pet live a longer, more comfortable life.
The Skin and Coat
The largest organ of the body, the skin can tell you many things about your pet's health. Your vet will check for fleas, ticks, and other external parasites, as well as swelling, lesions, lumps, and condition of the coat. A dull coat on the outside means an ill pet on the inside.
Abdomen
Source of many woes, the abdomen is next. By palpating your pet's abdominal organs and groin area, a veterinarian will feel for any lumps, distensions, bladder stones, pain, and possible infections.
Forelimbs and Hindlimbs
The legs are evaluated for any sources of pain and arthritis. Muscle condition and lymph nodes are examined. The paws are checked for dermatitis and the toe nails are trimmed if needed.
Back and Tail
A trip down your dog's spine and tail tells if their are any spinal problems that may need correcting.
The last stop is under the tail as the veterinarian checks for parasites, hernias, nerve function and any trouble with the anal sacs.
There is quite a bit more to an annual exam than most people think. Without regular check-ups, some subtle symptoms may go undetected and owners will oftimes find themselves with an extremely sick patient on their hands. It is so much better to prevent a problem than to require emergency treatment. Please make sure YOUR pet sees a VETERINARIAN AT LEAST ONCE EVERY YEAR. That is like seeing your doctor once every 7 years!
Treatment Area
Radiology
X-rays are used to make Radiographs. Radipgraphs are vital in detecting bone fractures, bladder stones, hip and elbow certifications, and for finding and assessing tumors. They can be helpful in locating foreign material such as swallowed fishhooks and ingested bones. They are used to aid in decision making regarding Cesarean Section surgery by allowing the surgeon to actually see the size and number of feti present. In order to have a quality x-ray film the subject must be motionless for the fraction of a second while the exposure occurs. Some cats and dogs are very cooperative and others will need sedation to calm them for the procedure.
Operating Room
Modern veterinary surgery is done under sterile conditions designed to minimize the chances of bacterial contamination. Instruments, gowns, t and other accessories are sterilized in an autoclave. As well, the surgeon scrubs the hands and wears sterilie, disposable surgical gloves. Masks and sterile operating gowns are also important. By adhering to sterile surgical techniques, postoperative infections are seldom encountered.
Excellent quality anesthesia and patient monitoring go hand in hand with excelllent surgical skill to ensure patients recover quickly and heal with mimimal discomfort.
Pharmacy
We offer a wide variety of medications for animals diagnosed with a specific problems or if you are in need of monthly preventatives.
Laboratory
The laboratory is used to process bloodwork, urine and stool specimins, and is used for many other diagnostic tools to help determine potential problems with you pet.