Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

Regular wellness exams are important in keeping your pet healthy. We highly recommend all pets receive an annual "nose to tail" wellness exam, though more frequent exams are encouraged.  Frequent exams can help spot health problems in your pet before they become expensive to treat and potentially life-threatening.  As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. During your pet's exam, the veterinarian will inspect your pet's eyes, ears, and nose, examine the skin and coat for any unusual lumps or swelling, check your pet's teeth and oral cavity, listen to your pet's heart and lungs, carefully  palpate the abdomen and muscles and perform an orthopedic evaluation of the bones, joints and back.

 Your pet is unique and we enjoy working closely with you to develop a wellness program that is specific to your pet's lifestyle and needs. Your pet's wellness program also includes parasite testing, heartworm and flea control and specialized blood tests for all life stages, in addition to the physical exam.

Immunizations
Preventing illness is one of the building blocks of your pet's overall health. Recent advances in veterinary immunology have made it easy to protect your pet from most major infectious diseases. Many immunizations and preventive treatments are available today that did not exist a decade ago. While vaccines are important, we realize that not every pet requires the same vaccinations. That's why we tailor vaccine schedules based on the individual needs and unique lifestyles of each pet.

 Our immunization programs are based around the most current research and guidelines recommended by the American Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. In general, we recommend our canine patients receive immunizations against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus. After the first series of immunizations are administered, we recommend Distemper vaccinations every three years, beginning at one-and-a-half years of age. Rabies vaccine is administered every three years, and leptospirosis and Bordetella vaccines are given every six to twelve months, depending upon risks of exposure. Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, and Canine Influenza vaccines are given annually, for animals at risk of exposure. For cats, we recommend immunizations against distemper, rhinotracheitis and feline Calici virus. After the first series are completed, we recommend vaccinations every three years, beginning at one-and-a-half years of age. Feline leukemia vaccine is administered annually, depending upon risk factors. Rabies vaccine is given yearly. We encourage you to discuss immunization options for your pet with our veterinarians and our medical staff.

Geriatric Care
Did you know pets are considered 'senior citizens' around seven or eight years of age?  While it may seem like only yesterday that your pet was a frisky kitten or playful puppy, your pet's medical needs change as he or she grows older.  We have developed a comprehensive senior wellness program for pets entering their golden years.  Preventive care is the key to keeping your older pet healthy.  Preventive measures like regular wellness exams, blood, urine and parasite testing can help spot potential health risks before they become a chronic, difficult problem to treat.  Our veterinarians and staff can work with you to develop a wellness plan that takes into account the unique needs and lifestyle of your pet.

Emergency Care
 If your pet requires emergency care outside of regular hospital hours, we refer clients to the Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital, located within ten minutes of our hospital. Please call them at 434-202-1616 or go to their website here for more information and directions.

Animal Hospital of Ivy Square
2125 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, Va 22903
434-295-VETS (8387)