Dentistry

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases found in dogs and cats. The most common dental problem is known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar and calculus contributes to this progressive disease.

Did you know that your pet’s bad breath is caused by bacteria? Your pet’s mouth is full of bacteria. Many of these bacteria will breed on the surface of your dog’s teeth to form plaque. Allowed to remain on his or her teeth, plaque will mineralize and become known as tartar and ultimately calculus. When this tartar and calculus press on the delicate gum tissue, the gums become inflamed and infected, this is known as gingivitis. Eventually, the slow destruction of the pet’s teeth will occur, as gum recession and infection worsen and the tooth is then lost to disease. In addition, bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections, kidney problems, and liver problems are frequently caused by dental disease.

The goal of a professional dental cleaning is to remove the tartar and plaque above and below the gumline. Special dental instruments are used to do this. Ultrasonic scalers, hand scalers, polishers, and sealants are used. Tartar and calculus removal above the gumline is the most important part of this treatment, since this is what causes gum recession and tooth infection.

Your pet will need to stay with us for the day. General anesthesia is utilized for this procedure This way, we can properly clean and examine your pet’s teeth. We understand that many people are concerned about general anesthesia, so please give us a call to ask our staff any questions you may have.

Document: Dental Disease Chart

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Dietary Counseling

Good nutrition begins from birth, and we can help answer any questions that you may have about your pet’s dietary needs. We carry Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Science Diet as well as Purina Prescription food.

Your pet’s weight is a very important part of your pet’s overall health and well being. Breathing problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, skin problems, and reduced activity levels are only a few health risks that can be a result of excess weight. We will assess your pet at every visit to assure that they are at their optimal body condition. The Body Condition System is a tool we use to help classify your pet’s physical shape.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

General Surgery

Please know that when you leave your furry family member with us for any surgical procedure, his or her well being is our top priority. We want you to feel comfortable with the procedure that is being performed and that your pet is in safe capable hands. Our doctors and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have in regards to your pet’s recommended or scheduled surgical procedure.

On the day of surgery, you will be introduced to one of our trained nursing staff when you arrive and check in for your pet’s surgery. They will review the scheduled procedure with you, give you information about what will be happening during your pet’s procedure and stay, and answer any questions.

Here we see a picture of Dr. Marvin and Sarah in surgery. This pet is undergoing a neutering procedure and is being carefully monitored during his surgery. Bellevue Animal Clinic provides every monitoring tool available to its surgery patients. Blood pressure, pulse oximetry, ECG, temperature control, intravenous support, and qualified trained staff, including Certified Veterinary Technicians, are utilized.

We also realize that many people have reservations about placing their pet under General Anesthesia. During your discussion at check-in, our nurses will recommend appropriate anesthetic screening and safety measures for your pet. Although we can not completely eliminate the chance of an anesthetic reaction occurring, we take every precaution to reduce these risks to their absolute minimum.

For more information specific to spaying and neutering, please see the references below:

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Laboratory Services

We utilize in-house lab equipment for many diagnostics including an in-house chemistry serum analyzer and hematology analyzer for quick results. We also have access to many Veterinary commercial laboratories for specialized diagnostics and testing.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Microchipping

An integral part of assuring your pet’s safety and well being includes making sure your pet can be identified if he or she is ever lost and found. We can assist you with this through the process of microchipping. Please ask us about this very important service. You may also visit Home Again online at http://public.homeagain.comfor more information on this national identification and recovery system.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Parasite Prevention

Heart worms, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and ticks are a few parasites you may be familiar with. Dogs and cats alike are susceptible, and some parasites have zoonotic potential and can be passed on to other family members. We will recommend products that will help you protect your pet and family.

More information available here: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Pet Loss / In Memorium

The loss of a beloved pet is never easy. You should never feel alone during such a difficult time. We wish to help you find comfort and strength through all possible available resources. You know you have the support of family, friends, and the staff here at Bellevue Animal Clinic, but these websites and contacts are another available support system that will allow you to share your feelings and concerns with others who are going through a similar time of loss. We hope that these will help.

http://aplb.org/index.html
http://www.petloss.com
http://aahahealthypet.com/petcare/PetMemorial.aspx

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic

Radiology

We have full x-ray capability at all of our hospitals. X-rays, or radiographs, are very important diagnostic and screening tools for your pet. Radiographs are films that have been exposed to radiation. They allow our doctors to see inside your pet: skeletal structure, internal organs, and possible foreign bodies, for example. The image on the film appears in degrees of contrast, or shades of black, grey, and white, depending on the density of the structures being radiographed.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic, Maumelle Animal Clinic

Therapeutic Laser Treatment

K-Laser Class IV therapeutic lasers deliver specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce a photochemical reaction and therapeutic effect. Physiological effects include increased circulation, reduced inflammation, pain reduction and enhanced tissue healing. Laser therapy has been used in Europe since the 1970s and was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005. Click Here for more information.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic

Ultrasound

An ultrasound examination is an imaging technique that allows internal body structures to be seen by recording echoes of ultrasonic waves. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound waves are not radiation. This equipment directs a narrow beam of high frequency sound waves into an area of interest. Basically, it is the reflection of the sound waves that are converted into electrical impulses that are then displayed on a monitor for the doctor to see. Some uses of this technology are: pregnancy diagnosis, heart evaluation, and identifying changes in abdominal organs. It can be very useful in the diagnosis of cysts and cancers.

Available at: Bellevue Animal Clinic