Health Maintenance Services
While regular preventive care is the foundation of your pet's good health, the veterinarians and medical team at Animal Hospital of Ivy Square are also skilled providers of a range of healthcare services, including allergy and dermatology treatment, glaucoma prevention, nutrition counseling and prescription diets, and more.
Internal Medicine
Despite the best preventive care, your pet can become sick. For that reason, an important part of our practice is also the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases that affect your pet's internal organs and body systems.
Our veterinarians, supported by our skilled medical team and advanced diagnostic technology, have expertise in many areas of internal medicine and all our doctors work together to discuss each case, giving you and your pet the benefit of our collective knowledge.
Allergies & Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats
Allergies and skin problems are quite common in dogs and cats of all breeds and backgrounds. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
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If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms listed, please make an appointment at our animal hospital. Many types of allergies can be diagnosed with hypoallergenic diet trials and blood tests at our hospital in Charlottesville. If left untreated, allergic reactions and skin conditions can become serious medical concerns.
Glaucoma Prevention
Glaucoma is a common condition in which the fluid pressure inside your pet's eye increases, resulting in damage to the optic nerve, followed by loss of vision and blindness. There are two types of glaucoma. Primary glaucoma is hereditary and develops as your pet ages. Secondary glaucoma develops as the result of an injury or illness. Because secondary glaucoma can progress rapidly, it is considered an emergency situation.
Symptoms of glaucoma include:
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We recommend a routine glaucoma exam as part of regular wellness care for dogs and cats seven years old and older. The exam is not only an effective screening measure for chronic and acute glaucoma, it can also help set a baseline measurement of your pet's normal intraocular pressure (IOP). Establishing an IOP baseline is important because the normal measurement can vary between species, breeds, and even individual pets.
This is a noninvasive, simple procedure that should not cause your pet any pain or discomfort. We use a state-of-the-art instrument called Tonovet and apply a mild anesthetic eye-drop to ensure your pet is comfortable during the exam.
Your Pet's Nutrition
Proper nutrition and a balanced diet, along with fresh, clean water, are essential ingredients for your pet's overall good health. As your pet's caregiver, nutrition is the most significant health variable that you control. Making the best nutritional choices for your dog or cat not only effects general health, but will improve the quality and length of your pet's life.
To support your efforts, your veterinarian will perform a thorough body condition evaluation during every physical examination and offer weight loss counseling if needed. We can also provide you with important information on proper serving size, nutrient needs, and feeding strategies for your individual pet and help you navigate pet food claims so you can make the most informed choices.
Prescription Diets
Some pets have serious nutritional challenges or chronic conditions that may benefit from a special prescription diet. Making this change can have a significant positive impact on your pet's overall health and well-being.
Prescription diets benefit medical conditions such as liver disease, bladder and kidney disease, digestive problems, renal failure, food allergies, diabetes and more. Animal Hospital of Ivy Square carries a selection of high-quality prescription pet foods, including Royal Canin and Hill's. Your veterinarian can recommend one that will best meet your pet's needs.
Behavior Counseling
As doctors, we recognize that behavioral issues can threaten the human-animal bond as much as any medical condition, and we are committed to working with you and your pet to a find solution.
Even with the right training and lots of attention and love, your dog or cat may develop bad habits or unwanted behaviors. The team at Animal Hospital of Ivy Square provides behavior counseling for many of your pet's problems, including inappropriate urination or defecation, urine marking, aggression, nipping and biting, separation anxiety, inappropriate chewing and barking, digging, chewing, and introduction of new pets into the household.
Causes of behavior problems can be environmental, such as a schedule change or introduction of a new baby or pet; learned, as a result of unintentional positive reinforcement; or genetic. Furthermore, any painful disease or condition, or degenerative changes associated with aging, can cause or contribute to behavior problems.
For example, a pet that is fearful of children may become more reactive, irritable, and aggressive as conditions such as dental problems, arthritis, or an infection make him or her more uncomfortable or less mobile. Addressing the underlying medical problem or providing pain relief, along with behavior modification techniques, can often resolve some of these problems.
Our assessment begins with your pet's clinical history and a thorough medical examination. Before beginning behavior therapy, any medical problems that have been diagnosed will be treated. Many problems are easily solved, and our experienced doctors can often provide helpful solutions during regular appointments. Sometimes an extended behavior focused appointment will be necessary to give us the time needed to make a proper assessment and recommendations. Finally some patients benefit from referral to a board certified veterinary behavior specialist. We can help your pet become a happy, well-adjusted part of your household.
Reproductive Medicine
Whether you're an experienced breeder or breeding your pet for the first time, the veterinarians at Animal Hospital of Ivy Square can help. We offer the following services:
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To learn more about all the ways the medical team at our animal hospital in Charlottesville can help guide you through this exciting process, please give us a call today.