In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as great service. Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our world class service and a state of the art veterinary facility.
Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet's head, body and tail, and all his assorted cavities. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect. It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.
Choose a veterinarian who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable. Try to have it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few exams, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.
Dr. Struve or Dr. Riordan may refer you to a specialist, veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care, if your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience.
When it comes to veterinary care, we believe that you deserve more than just high-quality medicine. You also deserve to receive exceptional service. At Veterinary Associates of Manning, our entire team is committed to delivering on these two fundamentals with each and every interaction. That being said, if you’re new to our family, there are certain things you can and should expect while your pet is in our care. Let’s go over a few of these things below.
Annual Checkups
Your pet’s yearly appointment will include a comprehensive, “nose to tail” physical exam and occasional diagnostic tests. We’ll also develop and implement a preventative care plan to include things like vaccines, nutritional guidance and more.
Because animals can’t speak, they rely on us to serve as their voice. To that end, as your pet’s caregiver, you can assist us in this by maintaining an accurate wellness diary for your companion. This should include not only records on his or her vaccinations and medical procedures, but also notes on things like your pet’s elimination habits, as well as any physical/behavioral changes or other unusual occurrences.
We recommend bringing this diary with you to every vet appointment. Oftentimes, something that seems small and inconsequential can end up being the missing puzzle piece that helps us diagnose and treat your pet effectively.
Anesthesia
Whenever an animal is sedated, there is always a certain degree of risk. While Veterinary Associates of Manning uses only the safest and most effective anesthetic products, we also strongly recommend that any patient undergoing sedation be thoroughly tested first. By doing so, we are able to identify potential concerns in advance so that we can better prepare for them before and during the procedure.
Specialist Referrals
There may be some instances in which our doctors might recommend that your pet be seen by a specialist. These are highly skilled veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in certain specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care.
If your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience, we will gladly provide you with a professional referral and work together to ensure that your companion receives the best care available.