Veterinary Services

Just as a person would have a yearly exam at their own doctor’s office, we recommend annual physicals for all patients. Routine health exams are one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your cat or dog’s health. At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we recommend that your cat or dog has a routine wellness check-up once a year to ensure your pet is happy and healthy.

Our wellness check-ups are a simple and effective way of monitoring your cat or dog’s health. In addition to a full snout to tail exam, we may customarily recommend the following for your pet:

• Fecal parasite testing
• Vaccinations
• Baseline bloodwork and/or urine screening
• Heartworm and tick panel screening tests
• Preventative medicine (such as heartworm, flea, and tick preventions)

Pets age differently for every human year, so an annual physical is an equivalent of a human check-up every five, seven, or even ten years! Our pets often can’t express themselves when they are suffering from an illness or disease and may not present symptoms with the onset of an illness or disease. These routine check-ups help the doctor to recognize early signs of illness that may otherwise not necessarily be noted at home. Remember, for an owner that sees the pet every day, gradual changes aren’t as easily noticeable. Some pets may need exams more often, such as seniors or those with chronic diseases.

Some signs that your pet may be suffering from an illness or disease include but are not limited to:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased activity or lack of appetite
• More or less frequent urination
• Coughing
• Hair loss/itchy skin
• Difficulty moving – stiffness or lameness
• Increased appetite or thirst

Periodontal disease is the most common illness in dogs and cats over three years of age. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue, leading to infection and loss of bone surrounding the teeth.

“Bad breath” is the first sign owners often notice at home. Inflamed gums are painful, but some cats and dogs will not show dental pain. Meanwhile, bacteria below the gum line can enter the bloodstream, and studies have proven that pets with severe periodontal disease sustain microscopic damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart tissue.

Prevention is the key to managing periodontal disease; daily oral hygiene at home is combined with periodic professional cleaning. When necessary, extraction of diseased teeth will keep your cat or dog’s mouth clean and healthy.

At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we offer dental care for your pet. Teeth are ultrasonically scaled both above and below the gum line, followed by polishing. The goal is to protect and save healthy teeth, and when necessary, remove diseased, painful teeth. In cats, tooth resorption causes painful teeth that must be extracted for comfort. Most cats and dogs are eating within 24 hours and will eat even dry food following multiple dental extractions.

How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in pet dogs and cats. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with proper dental care, including brushing at home.

• The first step is to start with a clean, healthy mouth, such as a young pet with healthy new teeth and gums or after your pet had had a professional dental cleaning.
• You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste. Human toothpaste and baking soda may cause problems with dogs and cats. Veterinary toothpaste has flavors that are appealing to dogs and cats. Anything other than a bristled toothbrush will not get below the gum line (the most critical area to brush). A finger brush is a good option for introducing your pet to brushing.
• There are several important facts about our pets’ mouths that tell us when, where, and how to brush. Periodontal disease in dogs and cats usually affects the upper back teeth first and worst. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into “tartar” (calculus) that cannot be removed with a brush. Because of this progression, brushing should be done daily to remove the plaque from under the gum line.
• Pick a time of day that will conveniently become part of your pet’s and your daily routine. For dogs, just before a walk and for both dogs and cats, before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time. Take a few days to let both of you get used to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time. Start by offering them a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. The next time, let them taste the toothpaste and then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the toothbrush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet’s teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease prevention. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of their teeth, so much the better.
• Even with the best tooth brushing, dogs and cats will still need occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.

We have an in-house pharmacy to help serve you and your pet. We offer prescriptions on request. If we don’t have a medication that you need, we will work with you to find the best solution for your pet.

Pets need surgery sometimes, just as we do. Bringing your pet in to undergo surgery can be difficult for you and your pet. This is why at Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we strive to meet the highest level of patient care while providing your pet with surgical diagnostics and treatment in our surgical suite. Some of our common surgeries include, but are not limited to:

• Routine spaying/neutering
• Mass removal
• Cystotomy
• Enucleation
• Hernia repair

Pre-Surgical Steps

To reduce patient risk, it is recommended to run pre-surgical blood screens. This screening is essential as it can reveal an underlying illness or disease, especially in older pets. All patients are monitored with EKG leads and blood oxygen levels.

Pain Management

Pain management is evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis. We strive to provide a comfortable recovery for your pet. When your pet is discharged, we may send additional pain medication for your pet at home. Our staff will go through the post-care procedure for your pet and dosage information on any medications.

Post-Surgery Care

When it is time for your pet to be discharged, our staff will provide you with detailed information with instructions on how to care for your pet properly post-surgery. It is important to follow instructions to help assist your pet in their speedy recovery.

When should I spay/neuter my dog or cat?

We offer spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs starting at four months of age. For canines, spay and neuter recommendations vary based upon breed and size of the pet. Your vet will provide you with recommendations based upon the individual patient during an exam.

What is a chronic disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that has a slow progression over a long period of time and can often be maintained with treatment.

Some types of chronic diseases include:

• Dermatological conditions
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Degenerative joint disease

Does your cat or dog suffer from a chronic illness and require specialized care? At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to helping you provide the proper treatment for your pet. On occasion, this means medications or fluid therapy, which may need to be routinely given at home with follow-up appointments done in the hospital. Discussing long-term care and disease management options is an essential step in disease management. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time for your family. Our team can help you start your new puppy or kitten off right!

First Vet Visit

Our vets recommend that you set up your pet’s first visit with us soon after adoption. It’s important to get your new pet set up with a good parasite and vaccination program as well as a thorough examination to assure your puppy or kitten is healthy and prepared to stay that way.

Vaccinations

Starting puppy and kitten vaccinations while keeping them on a schedule is critical to protecting their fragile systems from the most common diseases.

Parasite Screening

Puppies and kittens eat or sniff at many things that can carry the eggs for internal parasites. Checking yearly for intestinal worms and administering necessary treatments is an essential means for assuring your puppy or kitten will absorb nutrients and grow from the food you provide. 

Spay/Neuter

Our team usually recommends spaying or neutering at six months of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of other health problems. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, and our veterinarians will have an open discussion with you to decide on the best time to spay your neuter your particular dog or cat.

Outpatient service offers :

• Digital radiology
• Prompt review of scans
• Anesthesia monitoring
• Online radiology consultation available, appointment, and follow-up veterinary services

To provide clients and patients with even more diagnostic tools, our X-rays have more detail than ever. Also, being fully digital means that patients referred out can bring their X-rays with them on a CD or be emailed ahead. We strive to ensure that all patients get the best treatment available to them promptly and efficiently.

What are some reasons that my pet may need x-rays?

• Foreign objects
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other chest related issues
• GI upset
• Heart conditions
• Masses/cancers