What is Optimum Wellness?
Just as preventative medicine is important in humans, the same is equally true for pets. Perhaps we can make the argument that it is even more important in veterinary medicine because animals age much more rapidly than humans, they cannot communicate their symptoms verbally, and they are genetically designed to hide their symptoms. Therefore, we practice a proactive approach to pet health care and the early detection of diseases and abnormal metabolic changes. In this way, we are able to keep pets healthier, enabling them to live longer, thus enhancing the human/animal bond which research has shown helps people remain healthy and live longer lives.
A recent study involving a large number of senior dogs and cats revealed that 23% of the dogs and 17% of the cats that had normal physical exams actually had underlying diseases diagnosed by laboratory testing. All the pets in this study were considered senior because they were seven years of age or older. The diseases found included: renal disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s Disease involving the adrenal glands, liver disease, diabetes and blood disorders.
Because of this study and others, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) have developed guidelines that recommend biannual veterinary health visits for all senior pets (i.e., seven years of age and older). Diagnostic laboratory testing, beyond the annual fecal and heartworm test done when vaccines are given, is recommended annually.
We know that early detection of disease positively impacts the quality of life for pets and early detection of metabolic changes increases treatment success in senior pets. To assure the best possible care for your pets, we have developed the Optimum Wellness program that incorporates the guidelines stated above to identify these treatable problems early. We offer senior profile testing that includes: blood chemistries, CBC (complete blood counts), thyroid testing, and a urinalysis for all senior dogs and cats. We have successfully negotiated special pricing with the foremost veterinary reference laboratory in the U.S., and are passing these savings on to you.
The main focus of the Optimum Wellness program is for our senior patients. However, we also offer a Junior Wellness program for dogs and cats who are under seven years of age. This is an opportunity for a complete physical examination and blood screen including: a complete CBC and select chemistries that are most commonly found to be abnormal in younger pets. Other testing is offered depending on the breed (i.e., ocular pressure measurements for the many breeds of dogs susceptible to glaucoma, blood pressure screenings for pets with heart or other major organ problems). As with our senior patients’ laboratory tests, we have negotiated substantial discounts.
To obtain more information or to enroll your pet, simply call our receptionists at 706 896 1244 or email us at lcah@brmemc.net (home page).
We are truly excited about the Optimum Wellness program for senior and junior cats and dogs. It is good medicine based on proven science offered at an affordable price that will enable your pet(s) to live longer, healthier lives.
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Here's some of Dr. Burr's family: Susan (Hospital Administrator too), Tango the orange tabby, Opie the Golden, and Blitzen the Dachsund. Missing is Fuzz the black and white DSH, Grace an orange and white mixed hound puppy, and Jon and Jessica (two legged animals off to college).
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