Pet Wellness in Westminster, CO

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.

On average, veterinary physical exams discover three additional health concerns than what is known by the pet owner.

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

The staff at our hospital is equipped, trained and experienced to provide the highest level of care in times of illness. From a comprehensive in-house laboratory and diagnostic equipment to a state-of-the-art ICU, we are here when you need us.

Breed Specific Certifications

Penn-hip Certifications
PennHIP stands for the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program.

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia (CHD). More information can be found on the PennHIP website located at www.pennhip.org. Only specially trained radiologists can perform this evaluation and one of the radiologists we use is trained in this procedure.

OFA Certification
The Mission of the OFA

To promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.

The OFA is guided by the following four specific objectives:

• To collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic diseases of animals.
• To advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases.
• To encourage and finance research in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals.
• To receive funds and make grants to carry out these objectives.

The OFA Databases

The OFA databases are core to the organization’s objective of establishing control programs to lower the incidence of inherited disease. Responsible breeders have an inherent responsibility to breed healthy dogs. The OFA databases serve all breeds of dogs and cats, and provide breeders a means to respond to the challenge of improving the genetic health of their breed through better breeding practices. The testing methodology and the criteria for evaluating the test results for each database were independently established by veterinary scientists from their respective specialty areas, and the standards used are generally accepted throughout the world.

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.

Laboratory Services at Arrowhead Animal Hospital, P.C.
Laboratory testing is one of the most important diagnostic tools for both detecting and diagnosing illness in your pets. Technological advances have made possible an incredible inventory of in-house tests. Arrowhead Animal Hospital, P.C. has extensive lab equipment and trained staff to provide results as quickly as possible. Our in-house tests include:

Blood Tests:

• Pre-anesthetic Panel
• General Health Profile
• Electrolytes Thyroid Panel
• Complete Blood Count
• NSAID Panel
• Kidney Panel
• Pancreatic Testing
• Heartworm
• Diseases
• FeLV/FIV
• The Pre-anesthetic Panel along with Electrolytes and a Complete Blood Count are recommended prior to routine surgery, such as spays and neuters. It provides safe anesthesia for your pets by screening for underlying diseases or illness.

The General Health Profile is the most comprehensive panel for use in establishing baselines, screening senior pets and evaluating sick animals. We recommend it be run on clinically ill patients to help target the causes of common presenting signs.

Complete Blood Counts help screen for anemia, infection, and dehydration. Microscopic exam of a blood film is always performed along with the blood counts to look for blood cell abnormalities and blood parasites.

NSAID Panels (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Kidney Panels are used for therapeutic drug monitoring and treatment monitoring. We also use Idexx, an outside reference lab, for expanded testing. They offer daily pickup and very fast turnaround time for results.

Fecal Analysis & Tests:

Fecal Parasite Exam
Parvo Test
Giardia Test
Because you can contract certain parasites from your pets, routine fecal parasite exams are highly recommended. All of these tests are particularly important when faced with chronic diarrhea. The results will help your pet receive the appropriate treatment.

Other:

Urinalysis
Skin scrapings
Lump aspirates
Ear swabs
Vaginal smears
Semen analysis
These are microscopic exams that involve careful sampling and interpretation by the veterinarians and trained staff at Arrowhead Animal Hospital, P.C.

The field of veterinary pain management has been an area of intense interest and progress over the last decade. There are two basic types of pain: acute pain & chronic pain. Acute pain is the type that abruptly begins to hurt. It may be due to trauma, surgery, etc. Chronic pain is pain that has been present over a longer period of time (i.e. – arthritis, back pain, etc.). We believe that a multimodal approach to pain management is the most effective, and can tailor a protocol to your individual pet to manage its pain. See the tabs to the left for further information on each type of pain.

Acute Pain Management

Acute pain by definition is pain that is sharp; poignant and has a short and fairly severe course. When this type of pain occurs, contact our office and schedule an appointment to have your pet examined to determine what is causing the pain and the best plan to relieve it.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain by definition is pain that continues over a long period of time. There are many ways to manage this type of pain depending on the actual cause of the pain. Surgery, medications, or Laser therapy are just a few of the types that may be able to ease the chronic pain your loved one is experiencing.

Laser Therapy for Pets

What will the application of laser therapy do for my pet?

Laser therapy applied with the Companion therapy laser system provides a sterile, pain-free, surgery- free, drug- free treatment which is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems, and pain. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion will benefit from this revolutionary new approach to Veterinary medicine.

Laser therapy is the only course of treatment that actually stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in increased circulation from the body, an anti-inflammatory reaction, relief from pain and an acceleration of the healing process.

What to expect during a Companion Laser Therapy treatment session for your companion?

Simply put, it provides relief.

As the laser is administered, your pet will relax and enjoy, much like you, experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Angry feline companions will start to purr and most of our canine companions will actually fall asleep during their therapy session.

Frequently, after therapy, the quote is heard: “Our young animal is back” or “she acts like a puppy again.” – Pain relief is provided in just a few minutes of therapy and that alone improves the quality of life for your best friend.

For more information go to the Companion Therapy Laser Website: http://www.companiontherapylaser.com/Pages/pet-owners