Countryside Animal Clinic of Sterling
Make an appointment - (703) 444-1666

 

Routine Health Guidelines : Adult Wellness Schedule

 

                     
   Adult Pet Wellness Program
 
 
 
The primary goal of Countryside Animal Clinic and any pet lover is to give our cats and dogs the best quality of life for as long as possible. Achieving this goal requires a comprehensive plan for maintaining health and monitoring for problems. We are committed to being proactive in promoting wellness rather than just reacting to illness. With this in mind, we have designed a program that incorporates the current recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Companion Animal Parasite Council, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. Your pet’s specific program may vary based on our veterinarian’s assessment of his individual needs. We appreciate you allowing us to care for your four-legged family members and look forward to a long and healthy partnership.
 
  1.  Physical Examination
 
    • Annually for healthy adults
    • Every 6 months or less for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Cushing’s disease, renal disease, etc.
    
 
  1. Intestinal Parasite Screen
 
    • Annually for most pets
    • More frequent testing for field dogs, outdoor cats, or households with small children
    • Requires a fresh fecal sample
 
 
  1. Annual Blood Parasite Screen for dogs
 
·        Blood test for Heartworm disease as well as 3 tick borne diseases:
Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis
 
 
  1. Annual Lab Work: CBC, Chemistry Profile & Urinalysis
 
·        Junior Wellness Profile for pets younger than 7 years. 
 
·        Senior Wellness Profile for pets older than 7 years. This is a more
extensive screen for the aging pet, to include a T4 to assess for thyroid abnormalities.
 
  1. Vaccination Recommendations
 
DOGS: DAPP (K9 Distemper combination) administered every 3                                                                    years starting at 2 years of age as approved by AAHA guidelines
                         Lyme vaccine yearly
                         Rabies every 3 years starting at 1 year of age
                         Leptospirosis as indicated by risk assessment
                         Bordetella as required for boarding or grooming
 
CATS:  FVRCP (Feline Distemper combination) administered
 every 3 years if totally indoor; otherwise annually if goes outdoors
                         Rabies given yearly using a Feline-specific non-adjuvanted vaccine
                         FELV (Feline Leukemia) yearly if goes outdoors and had a
 negative FELV/FIV test
                        
 
  1. Heartworm prevention given monthly on a year-round basis for all dogs, and cats that go outdoors. We carry Tri-Heart Plus and Interceptor for dogs and Heartgard and Revolution for cats. Ask us for recommendations based on your pet’s needs.
 
 
  1. Flea and tick control all year round for both dogs and cats. We carry Frontline Plus, Advantix(dogs), and Advantage(cats). Revolution is recommended for outdoor cats and indoor cats in homes with young children as it treats for heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. We can suggest an appropriate product for your pet’s needs.
 
 
  1. Dental cleaning as deemed necessary at annual physical exam.  Routine dental care is critical for preventing more serious health challenges. Perform at-home care as recommended.
 
 
      9.   Chondroprotectants such as Synovi-G chews or Cosequin                              
            are available to maintain joint health. Recommended for use as young
as 2 years for large breed dogs, 5-6 years for medium size dogs, and
            7-8 years for cats. May be started younger if pet has orthopedic
            problems.
 
 
10.    Additional Considerations:
·        Intraocular pressures for glaucoma prone breeds
·        T4 for junior pets in hypothyroid prone breeds
·        Blood pressure measurement in patients with chronic renal disease, cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, or cats >10 years of age.