“Veterinary services” are not limited to any one category of treatment, procedure, or product. Instead, they represent a range of health care offerings provided by doctors trained in the care of companion animals. Some offerings that support the health and quality of your pet’s life are recommended consistently at specified intervals. Still, other services are recommended as your dog or cat ages and as their needs change.
Our primary veterinarian at Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf, Dr. James Gillen, has acquired special interests in preventing, diagnosing, and managing dermatologic (skin) and parasitic conditions. Skin conditions such as canine atopic dermatitis (eczema) and parasites can harm the quality of your pup’s or kitty’s life. They also represent just a few of the threats to your pet’s good health and wellbeing. Below, we’ve identified some of the most sought-after and essential services provided by our expert team to patients and their pet parents from throughout the Jacksonville area:
- Preventive care – Why “treat” when you can “prevent”? While even the best veterinarians cannot prevent all conditions, several distressing and potentially dangerous pet diseases can be prevented with little foresight and proactive intervention. These diseases include canine parvovirus (“parvo”), tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, obesity, diabetes, poisoning, heartworm, ear and fungal infections, and rabies. Vaccinations and routine exams at our pet hospital can prevent the likes of deadly viruses and detect potential problems early into the disease process when they can be managed and treated effectively.
- Professional dental care – Just as dental diseases pose threats to our health, oral disease and tooth loss can negatively affect the quality of your furry family member’s life. And can put them at risk of damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Harmful oral bacteria do not “stay put.” It can travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Fortunately, our skilled and gentle techniques and technologies thoroughly remove bacteria and plaque and promote a healthy mouth. These professional cleanings at our hospital are easily integrated into your pet’s healthy routine. We can also recommend products and cleaning techniques to support oral health at home.
- Wellness exams – Every healthy person must visit their family physician at least once a year. The same goes for our pets; our vet must check on your fur-baby on an annual basis. If your pet is a senior or has comorbidities, such as diabetes or arthritis, we may recommend more frequent visits and follow-up appointments. During comprehensive, regular exams, Dr. Gillen assesses everything from the health of your pet’s ears and eyes to their skin and hair quality. Sophisticated, in-house diagnostics complements our professionals’ expertise. You can trust our onsite lab, which features several precision technologies, not limited to digital x-rays and ultrasound.
- Heartworm prevention and testing – Heartworm is one of the most severe health issues that a dog (or cat) can develop. Fortunately, this progressive disease can be avoided with a preventive as recommended by Dr. Gillen. Additionally, all dogs should undergo annual tests for heartworms. These foot-long worms “live” in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, where they cause potentially deadly damage to these and other organs.
- Parasite testing and control – Our isolating heartworms as its own category of services is not meant to minimize the threats posed by a range of other internal and external parasites. We partner with pet parents to prevent or promptly detect the likes of tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and fleas, ticks, and mites. In doing so, we help keep all of the pets in your family (and the broader community) healthy due to the nature of how these diseases are spread. Consistent vaccinations, along with other preventive products and services, are a “must” to enjoy many happy years with your pet.
Our Wellness Plans for puppies, kittens, and grown cats and dogs are a great way to stay on top of the needed services to keep your fur family healthy. These plans also represent an exceptional value. And, while we emphasize wellness and prevention, accidents happen. Emergency and critical care services are available in the event of the “worst.” Call us at (904) 560 8006 to schedule your appointment at Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf.