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Cat sitting on examination table being held and examined by a doctor in uniform

FAQ

What can I expect at my pet's annual appointment?

Your pet will receive a full comprehensive physical examination with the veterinarian. Vaccine protocols will be tailored to your pet based on your pet's exposure risks as well as your concerns and preferences. Dogs may receive Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, Leptospirosis, Rabies, Bordatella, Lyme and Influenza. Cats may receive Panlukapenia, Rhinotraceitis, Calici Virus, Rabies, and Leukemia. A blood screening, urine sample, heartworm test, and fecal sample are checked to ensure your pet is healthy.

Do I need an appointment for my pet?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday and Thursday from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. Saturday from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Our doctor appointments start at 9:00 am daily.

What forms of payment do you accept?

For your convenience, we accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, AmEx, and Care Credit. Full payment is expected at the time of service.

Can I make payments?

Payment is required at time of service.

How do I refill my pet's prescriptions?

For prescription refills, please phone 7-10 days prior to running out of your pet's medication so we can check with the doctor for authorization, and have your pet's medications ordered and ready for you to pick up. Special order medications are ordered weekly.

How do I order my pet's prescription food?

You need to obtain a prescription from a veterinarian. We place orders for Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin weekly. Please call in your food order request by Monday evening to ensure your order will arrive that week. Orders usually arrive by Wednesday evening. We do not keep all prescription diets in stock, so please place your order in advance.

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a major health concern of dogs and cats. It develops when a pet is exposed to the parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The worm larvae travel to the heart and lungs, and develop into long worms. If left untreated, heartworm infection can lead to severe lung disease and heart failure. We test for heartworm disease yearly with a blood test. The American Heartworm Society recommends year round prevention with oral medication such as Heartgard Plus.

How can I prevent my pet from getting fleas and ticks?

We carry several flea and tick preventative products, administered monthly to ensure your pet stays parasite free.

Do I need to check my pet's fecal sample yearly?

Yes, intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, and coccidia can cause digestive upset, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and related problems. These parasites are detected by microscopic examination of your pet’s stool. Once diagnosed, intestinal parasites can be treated with oral medications.

Should I get my dog or cat spayed or neutered?

Yes! If you are not planning to breed or show your pet, we recommend that your dog or cat be spayed or neutered. In addition to avoiding unwanted pregnancies, pets that are “fixed” tend to be healthier and live longer. It can also help with some behavioral problems.

Isn't the surgery risky?

Although there is a small amount of risk with any surgery, only a very small percentage of pets have any complications associated with the surgery. The vast majority of pets tolerate the anesthetic and surgery very well and are back to normal within 1-2 days. We recommend performing a blood test prior to surgery to detect any internal problems, such as kidney or liver disease. An intravenous catheter and intravenous fluids are administered to maintain your pet’s blood pressure during the procedure. Anesthetic monitoring devices aid the Licensed Veterinary Technician in monitoring your pet during the procedure.

Why should I put my dog or cat through it?

Female dogs that are not spayed have a 50% chance of developing mammary (breast) cancer. About 50% of mammary cancer in dogs is aggressive, and can spread to the lungs or other organs. In cancer, that number jumps to 85%, and metastasis occurs very quickly. In addition, every time your female goes into heat, she is at risk of developing a life-threatening infection in her uterus called pyometra. Another risk is unwanted pregnancy; even females who never leave the yard can be impregnated by a persistent neighborhood dog that jumps the fence. All it takes is a few moments!

Male dogs that are not neutered can have a tendency to develop undesirable “male” behaviors such as urine marking in the house, and roaming. A dog that roams is more likely to be hit by a car, contract infectious diseases, or be stolen. Unneutered males are at risk of developing an enlarged prostate, which may become infected. There are also several types of cancer that are more common in intact males.

Will the surgery affect my pet's personality?

Although it can help with certain behavioral problems, in most cases, the surgery has little effect on the pet’s overall temperament. Do not expect it to “calm down” a hyper dog, or make a mean dog nice.

Will my dog or cat get fat & lazy if I do the surgery?

It is true that spaying and neutering will cause your pets’ metabolism to slow down, which can lead to obesity if their diets are not adjusted. As soon as your pet is spayed or neutered, we recommend cutting back on their food to compensate for the slowing of their metabolism. Most pets that are spayed and neutered are just as active and playful after the procedure as they were before.

I may want to breed my dog or cat. Can I have the surgery done later?

Yes. Middle-aged, healthy dogs and cats, are not too old to be spayed or neutered. However, make sure you have done the research ahead of time to understand the commitment and responsibility involved in breeding your dog.

What is involved in the surgery?

For females, the surgery is called ovariohysterectomy. This means that the ovaries and uterus are removed through an incision in the belly. Males are castrated, meaning that their testicles are removed through a small incision in front of the scrotum.

You need to keep your pet quiet for several days after the surgery to prevent the incision from opening. You will also need to check the incision a few times daily. You will be given detailed instructions when your pet is discharged.

Does my pet have to be fasted prior to the surgery?

Yes, dogs and cats should be fasted before anesthetic procedures. We recommend that food be withheld after 11:00pm the night prior. Water may be offered in small amounts. Food does not need to be withheld for small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, chinchillas, ferrets, and reptiles. These pets have higher metabolic rates and most are unable to vomit, thus food and water should be available at all times.

Need to contact WWVH for further questions?

If you have any further questions or want to set up an appointment, please call us at (586) 751-3350.