Wellness Visits
Assiniboia Animal Hospital's Goal is to Provide Compassionate and Comprehensive Care for Your Pet
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We know that your pet isn't just an animal—they're a beloved member of your family. That deep, special bond you share with your companion is something our entire team understands intimately, because we're pet owners too. When you walk through our doors, you can trust that your furry friend will be cared for with the same love and compassion we give our own.
Our greatest priority is simple: to provide exceptional medical care for your pet in an atmosphere that is as calm and welcoming as possible, helping them feel safe and comfortable during their visit.
We are deeply committed to preventative health, focusing on wellness plans to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout their life. Should illness or injury ever arise, please know our experienced veterinary team is here for you. We are skilled in a wide range of medical and surgical cases, and we often collaborate on complex health issues to ensure your pet receives the most thoughtful care. If your companion ever needs highly specialized treatment, we will be there to personally connect you with our network of trusted specialists.
We invite you to explore the services we offer. If you have any questions at all or would like to schedule a visit, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 204-889-5570. We look forward to meeting you and your cherished pet!
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Your Pet's Annual Wellness Exam: The Foundation of Good Health
Because pets can't tell us when something is wrong, regular wellness exams are the cornerstone of a long and healthy life. We recommend a comprehensive physical exam for your pet at least once a year, with more frequent visits encouraged for seniors or pets with chronic conditions.
A routine wellness exam helps us establish a baseline for your pet’s health and allows us to detect potential issues long before they become serious problems. This visit is also the perfect opportunity for you to discuss any questions you have about your pet's health, diet, or behavior. We use this time to provide you with the latest information and advice on home care for your specific breed and type of animal.
During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarians will perform a thorough "nose-to-tail" checkup:
Cardiac Health Assessment: Listening to the heart with a stethoscope to detect early indicators of cardiac disease, such as murmurs or irregular rhythms (arrhythmias). Early detection can lead to treatment that manages the condition and preserves quality of life.
Respiratory Evaluation: Assessing your pet's lungs for signs of infection, inflammation, or other breathing difficulties to ensure clear and healthy pulmonary function.
Oral and Dental Examination: Checking the teeth and gums for tartar buildup, periodontal disease, and other abnormalities. For puppies and kittens, we ensure their bite is developing correctly and baby teeth are being lost on schedule.
Eye Examination: Screening for common ocular conditions, cataracts, or other issues that could impact your pet's vision. Like many diseases, eye problems are most effectively treated when caught early.
Ear Check: Looking inside the ears for signs of infection, parasites, allergies, or other problems that can cause discomfort and lead to chronic ear disease.
Skin, Abdomen, and Lymph Node Palpation: We carefully feel for any unusual lumps, swellings, skin issues, or signs of internal abnormalities. This can help us identify metabolic diseases, which are common in middle-aged and older pets.
Joint and Muscle Assessment: Evaluating joints and muscles for signs of arthritis, injury, or developmental issues in young pets, like hip or elbow dysplasia. We also observe your pet’s walk to assess their gait and overall mobility.
Specialized Care for Senior Pets
As pets age, their healthcare needs change. They are more susceptible to age-related conditions, and early detection is the key to managing these challenges successfully. At Assiniboia Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to helping your pets live their senior years with comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life.
We have developed a proactive wellness program tailored to the unique needs of senior dogs (generally 7 years and older) and cats (10 years and older). Because pets age much faster than we do, we recommend a wellness check every six months for our geriatric patients. These visits, combined with diagnostic testing, give us a window into your pet's internal health and allow us to find and address problems before they show obvious physical signs.
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Our Geriatric Wellness Screening may include:
- A Comprehensive Senior Physical Exam: We pay special attention to changes in weight, dental health, joint mobility, skin condition, and overall vitality that can signal underlying issues.
- Diagnostic Lab Work: Blood and urine tests are invaluable tools. A Chemistry Panel assesses organ function (kidney, liver), a Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks for infection or anemia, and a thyroid test (T4) can screen for hormonal imbalances.
- Parasite and Infectious Disease Screening: We may recommend tests for heartworm, tick-borne diseases, and, for cats, Feline Leukemia and FIV.
Your Role in Senior Pet Care
Between visits, you are our most important partner in your pet's health. Please contact us if you notice any of the following signs at home:
- Sudden changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Noticeable increase or decrease in appetite or thirst
- Changes in urination frequency
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- A new or worsening cough
- Difficulty moving, stiffness, or reluctance to play
- Changes in behavior or activity level
By identifying and treating age-related diseases early, we can often extend the precious, quality years you have with your companion.
Customized Vaccination Plans
Vaccinations are safe, effective, and one of the most important tools we have to protect your pet from preventable infectious diseases. Veterinary science is constantly advancing, providing ever-safer and more effective vaccines to shield our pets from harm.
At Assiniboia Animal Hospital, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our vaccination protocol is customized based on established veterinary guidelines, your pet’s age, lifestyle, and unique risk factors. This balanced approach ensures your pet gets the protection they need while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
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Nutritional and Behavioral Counseling
Nutritional Counseling Proper nutrition is fundamental to your pet’s long-term health. During every exam, we will assess your pet’s body condition and discuss their diet with you. Whether your pet needs a specific diet to manage a medical condition (like kidney disease, food allergies, or urinary stones) or you simply want advice on the best food for their life stage, our trained staff is here to help. We can guide you in choosing the right diet to keep your pet healthy, active, and happy.
Addressing behavioral challenges and behavioral issues can be a significant source of stress for pet owners and is a primary reason pets are surrendered. We provide counseling for a wide range of problems, including separation anxiety, aggression, inappropriate urination, and destructive chewing.
The first step is always a thorough examination to rule out any underlying medical cause for the behavior. From there, our veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a tailored plan to help modify and manage your pet's unwanted behaviors. If the issue requires more intensive intervention, we can refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
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