Veterinary Wellness Services
Pet Wellness Exams
Pet wellness exams are the most important preventive health procedure and diagnostic aid available for your dog or cat. Wellness visits and pre-vaccine exams are just as important to pets as annual exams are for us. At Maple Shade Animal Hospital in Dale City, VA, we believe early detection benefits your pet's overall health and often allows us to treat and cure a disease or problem before it is too late.
Maple Shade Animal Hospital cares for dogs and cats in Dale City and Woodbridge, VA. During a comprehensive exam, our veterinarians check the following parameters in detail:
- Weight
- Temperature
- Body condition
- Coat and skin quality
- Cardiovascular function
- Respiratory function
- Teeth and gum condition
- Eyes, ears, nose, throat
- Rectal/anal sac condition
- Abdominal palpation to detect abnormal intestine, kidney, liver or spleen size, as well as detect large tumors from these organs
- Lymphatic system
- Basic neurological system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Behavior and socialization progress.
Pre-vaccine exams are required for your pet for three very important reasons:
- Immune system compromise: To ensure vaccine efficacy, the doctor must make sure the pet is healthy. The vaccine may not respond well or provide the intended protection if given to a sick animal.
- Vaccine reaction: The injection site should be monitored for vaccine reaction.
- Maturation rate in animals is very fast: Because young animals mature at such a fast rate, a complete physical must be performed to spot any developmental concerns.
Pet Dental Care
Clean teeth and a healthy mouth are a key part of your pet's overall health and wellness. Without proper cleaning, plaque and tartar can build up on your pet's teeth, leading to periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can potentially lead to liver, heart and kidney damage. At Maple Shade Animal Hospital of Dale City, Virginia, our veterinarians provide full service dental care for your pet, including dental x-rays, exodontics, oral surgery and prophylaxis. Our staff also will discuss with you how to best care for your pet's teeth at home.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Maple Shade Animal Hospital of Woodbridge and Dale City, VA is proud to offer veterinary acupuncture to our patients. Dr. Christine Learman currently is completing certification requirements in veterinary acupuncture. Acupuncture is a medical treatment designed to stimulate the body's own natural healing process. Small needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points along the body, according to set pathways or guidelines. The stimulation of these points leads to the release of natural chemicals. These checmisals help reset broken or damaged biochemical and physiologic pathways in the body. Acupuncture for pets can be effective for a variety of animal diseases. Though most often used for pain relief, acupuncture can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, urinary disorders, dermatological problems and other health issues.