Optional Items and Why They are recommended

         Optional items offered and why they are recommended

Preanesthetic blood work (for patients under 5 years old):

This blood work is recommended at the time of spay or neuter, or any anesthetic procedure for multiple reasons. We at Atwood Animal Hospital would like to make anesthesia as safe as possible. Anesthesia can affect internal organs so we want to make sure that they are all functioning properly to assure the anesthesia is safe for your pet. It checks the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, red and white blood cells and screens for diabetes. It can tell us if there may be a problem prior to anesthetizing your beloved pet.

Preanesthetic blood work for patients over 5yrs:

This blood work is required for patients over the age of 5. Again we need to make sure there aren’t any underlying problems that could potentially negatively affect the animal while under anesthesia. This blood work checks additional liver and kidney values for these middle age patients.

Preanesthetic Heart Ultrasound:

This is recommended for all patients, but is required for those over 8 years. We do a screening to make sure the heart valves, muscle and chamber are functioning properly. If there are any concerns, the doctor may recommend further testing or postpone the procedure until we are certain that anesthesia won’t harm your pet.

Home again Microchip:

This is recommended for all pets. Unfortunately many people lose their animals each year. Some get out of the house, and can’t find their way home and others are actually stolen. Whatever the reason, we want these pets to return home safely. This microchip has reunited hundreds of pets with their owners. It is a tiny chip that is placed under the skin in between the shoulder blades. When scanned a number will appear that is exclusive to your pet. After being registered by our staff it will be in a database. If someone finds your pet and brings it to a shelter or hospital they will scan them first to see if they have a chip, and then contact Home Again which will contact the owners. Home Again can also fax fliers to local animal hospitals and shelters in the town or area where the pet was lost. We can microchip your pet at any time, but most owners prefer it be done while the animal is asleep, because it is inserted through a large needle.

Dental Vaccine:

The Porphyromonas vaccine aids in the prevention of canine periodontal disease. Periodontitis, the most common bacterial infection in dogs, can lead to long-term effects such as tooth loss, heart, kidney and liver disease if left untreated. When used as a part of a complete dental care