The Platinum Care Plan includes everything in the Silver Plan, and more!  As animals age, what they should be receiving on an annual basis changes, just like with us.  There are many differences between the Platinum Plan and Silver Plan, as you can imagine the healthcare differences between a young and senior dog are vast! 

During the annual dental cleaning, we will use Sevoflurane anesthesia as opposed to Isofluane.  Both anesthesitics are acceptable, but Sevo will be much easier on the older pets as they are put under, and also when they are waking up.  Their body systems  have changed so much over the years, it is important that we take the best care possible.  As in the Gold Plan, we will still do dental radiographs to look for underlying problems that cannot be detected during the physical examination. 

Heart disease is also a concern for older pets, so for those dogs on the Platinum plan, we will take radiographs of the chest on an annual basis to watch for any changes as your pet ages.  We will also use a specialized tool to check for eye pressure changes every year.

The bloodwork done annually for our Platinum members is extensive, including 25 chemistries, a complete blood count, thyroid check, and urinalysis.

We believe in preventative care for all pets of all ages.  Senior pets on the platinum plan will have the very best preventative care available, to extend their life with you as long as possible — which is our ultimate goal. Feel free to call us if you would like additional information.  817.431.3735 

The Gold Care Plan includes everything in the Silver Plan, and more!  As animals age, what they should be receiving on an annual basis changes, just like with us.  The biggest difference between the Gold Plan and Silver Plan is that dental radiographs are included.  When pets are middle-aged, it is more common for them to have dental disease, so including dental radiographs on this plan is a must! 

The Wellness Plans are a big hit among our clients, so we are here to help with any details needed — just give us a call!  817.431.3735 

As another reminder, this is the last year that we will be offering the dental month discount.  Our Wellness Plans have INCLUDED this original dental discount, so please be sure to check the plans out ~ you have to enroll to take part!

Our Receptionists, Heather, Ashley, and Shanthea will  be more than happy to schedule your pet’s cleaning today!  817.431.3735

The Silver Care Plan is designed for dogs over 35 pounds, and between the ages of one and four years.  For our smaller dogs under 35 pounds, it meets the needs of those between the ages of one and five years. They include everything “Wellness” your pets need annually for a monthly payment… some as low as $39 per month!

These basic needs are included in the plan:  Semi-annual physical examinations, any necessary vaccinations, intestinal parasite checks, heartworm panels, and comprehensive bloodwork to analyze major organ function.  Annual dental cleanings are included as well.

What is impressive is that we have included many discounts on almost all other items otherwise not included in the plans.  You will receive 50% off of all other “Sick” exams, 10%  off services, prescriptions, heartworm preventative, and flea control.  The only things that aren’t included are major surgeries, diets, and retail items (shampoos, treats, etc).

We are very pleased to offer these plans to all eligible pets, so give us a call to learn more! We are always happy to help!

Other plans are available for those pets not eligible for the Canine Silver Care Plan, and those will be outlined soon.  In the mean time, you are more than welcome to call us to see if there is a plan for your pet in particular — I am sure there is!

Today, Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital announces to the public immediate availability of their premier wellness plans, enabling pet owners to provide preventative wellness care to their pets while making monthly payments.  Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital also announces that just 1 week after availability, 35% of pets being seen for their annual wellness visits are signing up for the plans.   The veterinarians and staff collaboratively developed species, breed, and age-specific wellness plans not only to help pet owners take care of their dogs and cats, but ultimately improve the quality and quantity of their pets’ lives.

“Our goal for offering wellness plans to our clients is based on two principles,” said Ken Slough, DVM. “First, Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital strives to promote healthy pets through highly educated owners, and secondly, to give our clients the means to accomplish this goal.”

The plans include annual vaccinations, heartworm and fecal testing, wellness bloodwork, and dental prophylaxis for young adults.  Older adults have more intense wellness care such as dental xrays, chest radiographs, eye pressure checks, and blood pressure checks.  Even puppies and kittens have their own special plans that include their spay or neuter.  Many customers have already commented on the steep discounts included in the different plans:  50% off office visits, 10% off most other services (excludes major surgeries), and 10% off prescriptions, heartworm preventative, and flea control. 

Jeremy Curtis is a new client to Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital this year, and feels the wellness plans are great for special needs pets.  Jeremy easily identified, “the biggest benefit is the discount on the additional office visits since I have an older pet who has to come in so frequently.”

Linda Csiza, a long-standing client of Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital, recently signed two of her dogs, Emily and Ruby onto the Gold Plans. The Gold Plans will enable Linda to more easily follow the recommendations made by her veterinarian, Dr. Beth Loter, since finances will be less of a concern at the time of each visit.  And considering Emily and Ruby would be seeing Dr. Loter even if she never enrolled, this allows Ms. Csiza to take advantage of the discounts automatically included.

“I think the opportunity for having wellness plans is a proactive way of promoting a good state of health and wellness for our pets,” said Linda Csiza. “This provides a great opportunity to maintain healthy and active ‘fur-children’ who are so important in our lives.  This is an economical approach to pet care.”

The wellness plans are available to any pet in good general health, as determined by their veterinarian at Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital.  If not established with Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Ken Slough, Dr. Beth Loter, and Dr. Jennifer McCutchon are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm, on Thursdays from 8:30am – 8:00pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am – 12:00pm.  WSVH suggests scheduling by appointment to allow decreased client wait time.  Further information is available by contacting the hospital directly.

Anal glands are glands that are located near the rectum of dogs and cats.  They serve absolutely no purpose although it is believed that at one time it was a “marking” mechanism to let other dogs or cats know that the animal had been here.  Most pets will automatically express the anal  glands whenever they defecate, although they may be expressed spontaneously in times of stress.  If you are present when these glands are expressed, you are aware of just how unpleasant the odor can be.  On occasion the glands may become impacted and can be very uncomfortable for your pet.  This is when the “scooting” occurs and is your pet’s attempt to relieve the discomfort.  Other signs of discomfort may include  licking or biting at the anus, sitting uncomfortably, having difficulty sitting or standing, or chasing of the  tail.  A trip to your veterinarian is in order to diagnose and treat the situation.  Pets that are obese or have soft stools may have more problems with their anal glands.  While anal gland problems are more common in dogs, they can also be present in our feline friends.

Normally the fluid produced by anal glands is a liquid the consistency of oil.  However, when it is not expressed it becomes thickened and may actually become impacted and cause the anal glands to abcess if not expressed.  If your pet has issues with his/her anal glands, it is important that they be expressed regularly to avoid complications.  If this is a recurring problem for your pet, the best treatment is removal of the anal sacs.  While this is not a complicated procedure, it is time consuming and not a procedure every veterinarian chooses to perform.  Having this procedure done on a pet with recurring anal gland problems will avoid the pain and discomfort experienced with this most unpleasant problem.

Recently, an adult, indoor only cat we’ll call “Rags” for privacy reasons, presented to me for signs of decreased energy and acting abnormally for the past day and a half.  “Rags” was reported to have a wheezing sound and potentially trying to get up a hairball.  Physical examination revealed increased respiratory effort and wheezes in her lungs.  After taking chest x-rays, it was determined that her heart was enlarged and that she had inflammation and fluid buildup in her lungs which was leading to her respiratory difficulty.  Bloodwork results showed that “Rags” had been exposed to heartworms and she was diagnosed with Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease.  “Rags” was given supportive treatments and started on a monthly heartworm preventative and with time she improved.  While “Rags” responded well to treatment, not all cats infected with heartworms are so lucky.  

Heartworms are parasites which infect dogs and cats through the bite of a mosquito.  Juvenile heartworms pass into an animal’s body after the mosquito takes a blood-meal.  The heartworm larvae then begin migrating through the animal’s body towards the vessels of the heart and lungs.  It can take up to 6 months for adult heartworms to reach these vessels. 

Cats tend to be more resistant to development of adult worms and have fewer and smaller worms than dogs.  However, cats can have very dramatic and even fatal complications associated with the parasite.  It only takes one heartworm migrating through a cat’s lungs to cause serious inflammation and injury to the lungs. 

A cat suffering from heartworm disease can present with signs often mistaken for an asthma attack.  Signs can range in severity and may include vomiting, decreased energy, weight loss, coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, convulsions, and even sudden death.  Cats who survive the initial complications of heartworm disease may still have long term effects due to the damage to their lungs. 

All cats in high mosquito areas, such as Texas, are at risk, even indoor only cats.  The only way to prevent complications associated with heartworms is through giving a monthly heartworm preventative. Heartworm testing is now available and recommended for all cats as part of their annual wellness visit.

For more information about Feline Heartworm Disease contact , Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital at 817.431.3735 or click here.

The most dangerous temperature is often 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the presence of 70 percent or 80 percent humidity. At this temperature—and higher temperatures—less evaporative cooling and heat loss take place so the body is unable to cool itself well through panting.

Cats and dogs inside closed cars—even with the windows slightly open—that are exposed to direct sun face a dangerous risk of heat stroke. Even when the temperature is as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 20 minutes, resulting in death in less than an hour.

Clinical signs: Signs of heat stroke while exercising: constant panting, slowing down, collapse, dark red gums, little urine production (or very concentrated, yellow/brown urine), and lethargy. Pets with heat stroke frequently have body temperatures greater than 108 degrees Fahrenheit, which often leads to permanent organ damage (kidney failure, bloody diarrhea), altered clotting (disseminated intravascular coagulation), or death.

Treatment: If any of these signs occur, it is imperative for pet owners to cool their pets immediately in a pond or pool and immediately call their veterinarian. Treatment includes rapid whole-body cooling with cool water baths (not ice), fans, cold towels, and alcohol applied to the paw pads. Aggressive therapy with IV fluids, IV protein (colloids), electrolyte and blood glucose monitoring, plasma transfusions, urine output monitoring, and supportive care are necessary for survival.

Prognosis: Good if treated early and before the body temperature has reached critical levels. Prevention is key—pet owners should carry a water bottle and offer fresh, cool water frequently to their dog, and to keep their pet wet and cooled during walks in hot weather if possible.

So I have to ask myself… as the manager for the veterinary hospital supporting this community and those around it, how do we help?  What can I do to raise awareness and make sure that all of these pet owners know what their options are?  How do I rally our team of Veterinarians and staff members to make sure this is a subject we discuss at the time of the physical examinations?    

The answer to all of these questions is to just start talking about it!  So that’s what I am doing today!

A microchip is permanent identification for your pet, and is about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted between the shoulder blades.  The microchip has a unique number that is scannable at all veterinarians and shelters.  Your pet’s number is registered to a national database that is available 24 hours a day by phone or the internet.  The database allows your pet to first and foremost be returned to you, but also in a much more timely manner.  I have to remind you that there are lost dogs (and cats!) coming into our hospital daily, and the first thing we do is scan them for a microchip!

To learn more about microchipping your pet, click here.  Then when you are ready to microchip your pet, or have any questions for us, please give us a call at 817.431.3735.  We are always happy to help!

The first thing that many pet-owners think of when they consider taking their pet to the veterinarian is which vaccines do they need?  We cannot determine the safest and most effective vaccination plan for your pet unless we know what his or her lifestyle is.  We will ask you several questions that will help us determine which vaccinations we will be recommending and which ones we will not.  Any time a pet is vaccinated, there are risks.  Therefore, we insist on giving your pet only those vaccines which will be beneficial, excluding any that are unnecessary.  This will reduce the risk of vaccine related problems.  For more information on vaccination recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) click here.

While vaccinations are an important part in maintaining your pet’s health, the physical examination is the most important part of your pet’s preventative health care. During this examination, the veterinarian will look in your pet’s eyes and ears, listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, examine the skin and hair, and feel for any internal physical abnormalities.  We will also talk to you extensively about the behaviors of your pet and their environmental conditions. All of these things together will allow us to discuss with you the risk factors that will influence specific vaccinations and preventative health care tests that we recommend for your pet.

Give us a call when you need us… we are always here to help!