Medical Services
In-House Bloodwork
When it comes to the health of your pet, especially in dire situations, sometimes you just can’t wait for a blood panel to be sent off. In order to help meet the needs of our patients in these situations, our clinic offers some of the most common blood panels in-house in order for us to get the information much faster. By having results within an hour as apposed to 24 hours, we can develop a treatment plan much faster and get your pet back on the right track.
We also offer more specialized testing through an off-site laboratory with most test results being received within 24 hours.
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In-House Diagnostics (fecal exams, urinalysis)
Think your pet might be harboring intestinal parasites? Think your pet might be showing signs of a possible urinary tract infection? Our clinic offers in-house testing to check for a variety of intestinal parasites, urinalysis to check for potential urinary tract infections, and several other diagnostic tests to keep your pet in top shape. Even if you can’t seem to get a stool or urine sample, our trained and friendly staff can collect and run the samples needed to determine the best treatment for your pet.
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General Pet Exams
One of the most important aspects of keeping your pets happy and healthy is to ensure they have their annual wellness exams. Whether your pet is a youngster, adult, or senior, these exams allow the veterinarian and staff to assess and maintain your pet’s health by keeping up to date on vaccines, identifying any new health issues, or keeping old health issues in check.
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The annual examination includes an evaluation of all of your pet’s major organ systems. We’ll use this time to ask you questions about your pet’s behavior, appetite, exercise habits, and regular activities at home. This is also an excellent time for us to discuss any routine diagnostic testing that may benefit your pet or to recommend any vaccinations that may be due. If your pet seems healthy, an annual examination is a good opportunity to note any changes, such as weight gain or loss or other subtle changes that may not be evident at home.
Sometimes, information obtained during the annual examination can help detect early signs of illness and address health issues before they progress.
Your pet’s annual exam is also a good time to talk to your veterinarian about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your pet’s health. It is the goal of our staff to ensure that any questions you may have are answered as best as possible and to address any concerns you may have to the fullest extent.
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Finally, wellness examinations help us establish a relationship with you and your pet. Through your pet’s physical examinations, other wellness procedures, and our consultations with you, we get to know your pet and learn about his or her lifestyle, personality, health risks, home environment, and other important information. We encourage you to use wellness examinations to take an active role in your pet’s health care.
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Dental Exams and Cleanings
One of the most important ways you can ensure your pet stays happy and healthy is to have your pet’s teeth examined and cleaned regularly. Lack of dental hygiene can pose a significant risk to your pet’s health. The plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth allow excess bacteria to grow and can cause a variety of different health issues, ranging from gingivitis and tooth decay to more serious issues such as heart disease and kidney disease.
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How do you know it is time to have your pet’s teeth looked at? The most common sign owners notice first is bad breath. As the dental disease progresses, excessive drooling, reddened gums, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth may become apparent.
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The staff here at Chesapeake Vet Clinic are trained to both identify and treat a variety of different dental issues. By giving your pet a dental cleaning, we can not only get your pet’s teeth sparkling again, but keep them happy and healthy for years to come!
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X-Rays and Radiology
Radiology is a valuable asset to have when it comes to providing the best care for your pet by giving us the ability to look inside the body to determine how best to treat our patients.
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A radiograph (sometimes called an x-ray) is a type of photograph that can look inside the body and reveal information that may not be discernable from the outside.Radiography can be used to evaluate almost any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs, as well as the bones.
Radiography is painless, safe, and completely non-invasive, and it uses only very low doses of radiation. Because the level of radiation exposure needed to perform radiography is very low, even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo radiography.Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones as well as the size, shape, and position of many of the body’s organs. The size of organs is important because some medical conditions—such as kidney, heart, or liver disease—can alter the size of these organs.The shape and position of organs can be altered or distorted by certain medical conditions, including intestinal blockage or cancer. Tumors, depending on their size and location, can also sometimes be detected using radiography. Radiography can also be used to diagnose bladder stones, broken bones, chronic arthritis, certain spinal cord diseases, and a variety of other conditions.