Our Veterinary Services
Request An AppointmentWe do our best to provide the highest quality of care for your pet while being very cost-conscious. We strive to establish a positive relationship with our clients and their pets. We have had clinic cats for over 20 years that have greeted our clients with welcoming meows. We consistently seek out and stay up-to-date on state of the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment.
Wellness and Preventive Medicine
We highly recommend annual wellness visits for all dogs and cats of any age and health status. At each wellness visit, a brief history, along with any concerns will be asked of you, your pet will then be examined by one of our doctors, and then you will be able to discuss any concerns that you may have with our doctor, who will then recommend a customized plan for your pet. Even if you do not have any primary concerns regarding your pet, it is important to have them seen every year, as early signs of disease can be noticed by our doctors and any diagnostics that are performed in-hospital. If a disease can be prevented or treated early on, then the outcome is much more favorable for your pet.
Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens should receive their first series of vaccinations by six to eight weeks of age. We provide both core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats. Core vaccines are those that are required.
Core vaccines are for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. These vaccines protect against diseases that are easily transmissible, serious, and/or fatal. These include:
-
Rabies Virus
-
What is this?
- One of the most devastating viral diseases affecting mammals, including dogs & humans, that can be fatal.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Saliva from an infected animal biting another dog, cat, or human. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats are important reservoirs for the virus.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- This disease progresses into stages:
-
Furious rabies
- Rabid dogs become aggressive, highly excitable, and display evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth, and rubbish (pica). Paralysis eventually sets in and the rabid animal may be unable to eat or drink. Hydrophobia (fear of water) is not a sign of rabies in dogs, only in humans. The dog finally dies of violent seizures.
-
Dumb rabies (more common form)
- Progressive paralysis involving the limbs, distortion of the face, and difficulty swallowing. Often thought to have something “stuck in the mouth or throat”. The dog ultimately becomes comatose and dies.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination at >16 weeks old, followed by annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Canine Distemper Virus
-
What is this?
- A highly contagious incurable, often fatal, multisystemic (affecting multiple organs) disease.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Direct contact between a susceptible dog.
- Coughing & sneezing can spread the virus as well.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Diarrhea, vomiting, thick yellow discharge from eyes and nose, cough, and in severe cases, seizures and neurological signs, such as ataxia (stumbling), head tilt, and paralysis.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination series at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, followed by an annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Canine Adenovirus-2 (hepatitis)
-
What is this?
- A virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Direct contact with infected animals or materials.
- Urine, nasal, and, eye secretions spread the virus.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Mild cases: Decreased appetite, depression, and a mild fever. Some may develop opacity (cloudiness) of one or both corneas (often called blue-eye). Some also develop respiratory signs, such as eye and nasal discharge and a cough.
- Severe cases: Fever, depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, edema (fluid under the skin), of the neck and head, and possibly jaundice (yellowing of skin and mucous membranes)
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination series at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, followed by an annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Canine Parvovirus
-
What is this?
- Severe, highly contagious disease, similar to feline panleukopenia, that causes severe gastrointestinal disease and immunity suppression
-
How is it transmitted?
- Ingestion of feces from infected dogs.
- This virus can remain stable in the environment and is resistant to heat, detergents, alcohol, and many disinfectants, and can survive up to 3 months at room temperature.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea (powerful smell with lots of mucous, +/- blood). Dogs may also experience a loss of appetite, marked listlessness and depression, and a fever.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination series at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, followed by an annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Canine Parainfluenza Virus
-
What is this?
- Highly contagious virus that causes respiratory disease.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Spread by dogs in group housing, social situations, and sometimes veterinary hospitals through aerosolization of the virus through coughing or sneezing or infected materials.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Some may exhibit no clinical signs or mild clinical signs, such as a dry, harsh cough for 7 days, with or without fever and nasal discharge
- In puppies or immunosuppressed adult dogs, the presence of this virus along with coinfections can lead to a more severe pneumonia and can be fatal.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination series at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, followed by an annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines for dogs. They are just as essential for some dogs based on their lifestyle and risk and include:
-
Canine Bordetella (kennel cough)
-
What is this?
- Kennel cough is a broad term often used to describe an infectious or contagious condition in dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs.
- Several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, often simultaneously, which can include adenovirus type-2 (different than adenovirus type-1 that causes infectious hepatitis), parainfluenza virus, canine coronavirus, and bacterial agent bordetella bronchiseptica.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Spread by dogs in group housing, social situations, and sometimes veterinary hospitals through aerosolization of the virus through coughing or sneezing or infected materials.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Loud cough, often described as a ‘goose honk’, runny eyes, and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and depressed behavior. Most dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough when the throat is rubbed or palpated or during and after exercise.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart starting as early as 12 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
-
-
Canine Leptospirosis Virus
-
What is this?
- A bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals that primarily affects the liver or kidneys, which if undetected can be life-threatening.
- It was once more common in rural, wooded areas; however, it is now commonly found in urban settings.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Ingestion of infected urine or rodent-contaminated garbage, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or thin skin (i.e. dogs swimming in contaminated water).
- Carried mainly by rats and other rodents, but can be carried by almost any mammal, including humans.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Three main forms of the disease:
- 1. Hemorrhagic (bleeding): high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite. Multiple small hemorrhages (areas of bleeding) occur in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting may occur. This form is often fatal.
- 2. Icteric or Jaundice (liver): begins like the hemorrhagic form, and many clinical signs are the same. Additionally, yellowing (jaundice or icterus) of the mouth and whites of the eyes can occur and in severe cases, the skin will turn yellow.
- 3. Renal (kidney): renal failure can occur. These dogs are very lethargic, anorectic (unwilling to eat), and may vomit. Their breath may have an offensive odor, and ulcers often develop on the tongue. Other signs include diarrhea, excessive drinking, and frequent urination. There may be red staining of the urine (due to blood). The dog may be reluctant to move and show abdominal discomfort. Fever is invariable, and temperature may be below normal in the more advanced stage. Dogs that survive the acute renal form may be left with chronic kidney disease.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart starting as early as 12 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
-
-
Canine Lyme Disease
-
What is this?
- A disease that is carried by an infected tick that can cause pain within joints and damage the kidneys.
- Most dogs infected take 2-5 months before symptoms appear and by this time the disease may be widespread throughout the body.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Bite of an infected tick (Black-legged tick or Deer tick).
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Generalized pain, lack of appetite, high fevers, limping that may appear suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. Non-specific signs that may indicate it is affecting the kidneys include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and weight loss. The kidney form of this disease is less common but often fatal.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Tick preventatives.
- Vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart starting as early as 12 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
-
-
Canine Influenza Virus
-
What is this?
- Highly infectious disease for dogs.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Respiratory secretions (sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge), contaminated objects such as kennel walls and floors, food and water bowls, collars, and leashes, and clothing and skin of people who come in contact with infected dogs.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Cough, runny nose, and a fever. The most common clinical sign is a cough that is unresponsive to antibiotics or cough suppressants and lasts 10-21 days, and may be moist or dry and be associated with reduced appetite and lethargy.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart starting as early as 12 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
-
Core vaccines are for all cats, regardless of lifestyle. These vaccines protect against diseases that are easily transmissible, serious, and/or fatal. These include:
-
Rabies Virus
-
What is this?
- One of the most devastating viral diseases affecting mammals, including cats & humans, that can be fatal.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Saliva from an infected animal biting another dog, cat, or human. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats are important reservoirs for the virus.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- This disease progresses into stages:
-
Furious rabies
- Rabid cats become aggressive, highly excitable, and display evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth, and rubbish (pica). Paralysis eventually sets in and the rabid animal may be unable to eat or drink. Hydrophobia (fear of water) is not a sign of rabies in cats, only in humans. The cat finally dies of violent seizures.
-
Dumb rabies (more common form)
- Progressive paralysis involving the limbs, distortion of the face, and difficulty swallowing. Often thought to have something “stuck in the mouth or throat”. The cat ultimately becomes comatose and dies.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination at >16 weeks old, followed by annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Virus (herpes)
-
What is this?
- Infectious virus that infects cats of all ages and is a major cause of upper respiratory disease and the most common cause of conjunctivitis (inflammation of tissues surrounding the eye, especially the lining of the lids and third eyelid).
-
How is it transmitted?
- Direct contact with virus particles spread in saliva and in discharges from the eyes and nose of an infected cat.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, excessive blinking, squinting, and discharges from the eyes and nose that range from clear to water to thick and purulent (containing yellow/green pus). It may also cause keratitis (inflammation and infection of the cornea) leading to corneal ulcers.
- In chronic or severe infections, keratitis can lead to corneal scarring or chronic ‘dry eye’.
- Other non-specific symptoms may include fever, lethargy (tiredness), anorexia (poor appetite), and enlarged lymph nodes.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination at 4 or 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 20 weeks of age, followed by annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Feline Calicivirus
-
What is this?
- An infectious disease that causes upper respiratory infections and oral disease.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes of an infected cat. Nasal secretions made airborne can also spread the virus.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, excessive blinking, squinting, and discharges from the eyes and nose may become clear or yellow/green in color. In addition, ulcers of the tongue, hard palate, gums, lips, or nose can develop causing the cat to drool or salivate excessively as the ulcers are very painful.
- Other non-specific symptoms may include fever, lethargy (tiredness), anorexia (poor appetite), enlarged lymph nodes, and squinting.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination at 4 or 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 20 weeks of age, followed by annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (distemper)
-
What is this?
- Severe, highly contagious disease, similar to canine parvovirus, that causes severe gastrointestinal disease and immunity suppression.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Transmitted in all excretions, particularly feces of infected cats, either by direct contact with an infected cat or contaminated objects/water.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- Depression or listlessness, which may progress to collapse. Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent and may contain blood. The hair coat quickly becomes dull and rough, and the skin loses its elasticity due to dehydration.
- Often, cats will also develop other infections since their immune system is weakened.
- In young kittens with severe infections, sometimes, the only clinical sign is sudden death.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Vaccination at 4 or 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 20 weeks of age, followed by annual booster, then every 3 years.
-
-
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
-
What is this?
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects cats worldwide.
-
How is it transmitted?
- Primarily through bite wounds. It can also be spread from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during birth.
-
What are the clinical signs?
- FIV may cause a weakened immune system, allowing secondary infections to take hold. Clinical signs can vary and may include fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and more.
- Cats with FIV can lead normal lives for extended periods. However, they may be more prone to infections and illnesses.
-
How can this be prevented?
- Prevention involves keeping cats indoors to reduce exposure to infected cats. Testing and early detection are crucial.
-
Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines for cats. They are just as essential for some cats based on their lifestyle and risk.
-
Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV)
-
What is this?
A virus that can cause a variety of diseases in addition to leukemia (i.e. lymphoma or lymphosarcoma).
-
How is it transmitted?
Direct contact between cats through their saliva (i.e. grooming, water bowls), nasal secretions, urine, and feces.
While this virus is not highly contagious, transmission requires a prolonged period of close contact between infected and susceptible cats.
Another source occurs when a pregnant cat infected with FeLV gives birth passing it onto the kittens. -
What are the clinical signs?
There are 3 forms of this disease:
- Abortive infection: 20-30% of cats will successfully eliminate the virus before it can spread throughout the body.
- Regressive infection: 30-40% of cats have the virus spread into organs or bone marrow before the immune system removes it from the bloodstream. Anything that causes suppression of their immune system will cause the virus to circulate again.
- Progressive infection: 30-40% of cats’ immune systems are unable to rid of the virus and it spreads to the lymph nodes and organs. Following infection, these cats become persistently and permanently infected with the virus and are at the highest risk of developing FeLV-related disease. It can be many months to years between the initial virus infection and the onset of related clinical disease.
-
How can this be prevented?
Vaccination at 4 or 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 20 weeks of age, followed by an annual booster, then every year, every other year, or as needed based on the cat’s lifestyle.
-
-
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
-
What is this?
This is a virus that is virus-specific to cats. It is similar to HIV (aids) in humans, in that it attacks and weakens the immune system and there is no cure.
-
How is it transmitted?
Naturally occurring infections occur when an infected cat bites another cat, directly inoculating its saliva through the bite wound, which will infect the other cat. A susceptible cat can also become infected when other body fluids, particularly infected blood, as it enters the body.
-
What are the clinical signs?
There are 3 forms of this disease:
- Acute stage: Anorexia, diarrhea, stomatitis (inflammation & painful sores in mouth), lethargy, weight loss, and enlargement of lymph nodes.
- Subclinical (asymptomatic) stage: Often no clinical signs are seen with this stage. They remain asymptomatic for years or even their whole life.
- Chronic stage: This is often the most recognized stage and can cause oral disease, multisystemic diseases, cancer (i.e. lymphoma), eye abnormalities, and many other secondary or opportunistic infections/diseases due to a compromised immune system.
-
How can this be prevented?
Unfortunately, a vaccine no longer exists in the USA. If an FIV (+) cat is identified in a multi-cat household, all of the other cats should be tested, and no new cats should be introduced.
It is also not recommended to bring any FIV (+) cats into an FIV (-) household, but if this does happen it is highly recommended to separate these cats from each other and ensure they do not fight.
-
-
Feline Chlamydia Felis
-
What is this?
A bacterial agent that causes conjunctivitis in cats.
-
How is it transmitted?
Since chlamydia lives inside cells of the body and is not able to survive for long in the environment, the spread of infection relies on direct or close contact with an infected cat.
Young cats and kittens are especially vulnerable to this infection, although chlamydia can be detected in cats of all ages. -
What are the clinical signs?
The bacteria primarily infect the conjunctiva, which are delicate membranes lining the eyelids and covering the edges of the eyeballs, causing conjunctivitis. In cats with conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes swollen and red, making it more visible. The nictating membrane (third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye) may protrude partially across the eye). One of both eyes may be affected.
Affected cats initially develop a water discharge from the eyes that quickly becomes thicker and is usually a yellow or green color. The eyes are uncomfortable, and cats often keep the affected eye(s) closed. After one or two days, sniffles and sneezing may also occur. In kittens, the infection may spread to the lungs and cause fatal pneumonia.
If left untreated, conjunctivitis and the associated discomfort and discharge may persist for several weeks or months, during which time the cat is a source of infection to other cats. Infected cats may appear to recover and then develop a relapse. -
How can this be prevented?
Two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart starting as early as 9 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
-
Microchipping
Help your best friend have the best chance of being reunited with you if they become lost. A microchip is only the size of a grain of rice, but provides peace of mind should you ever find yourself in this situation.
Surgical Procedures
Some of the most common surgeries we perform include:
- Spaying (females) and neutering (males)
- Mass removals
- Removal of a pyometra (infected uterus)
- Cesarean section
- Bladder stone removals
- Eyeball removals
Dentistry
Your pet’s oral health can influence their overall well-being. We check their teeth and gums at every wellness visit to look for signs of dental disease or other dental problems. Based on the appearance of your pet’s teeth, a dental cleaning will be recommended by your doctor. Preventative oral health is the best way to reduce dental disease, such as brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-approved products, dental-specific diets, and dental chews that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Committee (VOHC). We recommend Veggie Dent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews.
Senior Pet Wellness
Dogs and cats are considered “senior” when they are seven years of age or older, but this can vary based on their breed. We recommend having bloodwork performed one to two times annually to ensure no early-onset diseases are developing and to establish a baseline for your senior pet. Like people, older pets have an increased risk of kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and orthopedic diseases. Being able to recognize health problems early on can result in a better outcome and quality of life for your pet.
In-House Laboratory
Mishawaka Animal Center offers in-house laboratory services, which help ensure your pet is diagnosed efficiently and accurately. These include complete blood counts (CBCs), serum biochemistries, fecal sample analysis, urinalysis, and specific infectious disease ELISA tests.
Digital Radiograph
Radiography is used for diagnosing many conditions, including orthopedic diseases, heart diseases, gastrointestinal problems (i.e. foreign bodies), bladder, kidney, or gallbladder stones, internal masses (i..e cancer), and many other conditions. These high-quality images are essential in diagnosing specific health concerns.
Prescription Diets
What we feed our pets contributes to their health and longevity. Each pet has its own needs, depending on breed, lifestyle, overall health, age, and medical requirements. We will help assess your pet’s nutritional needs and provide recommendations to meet those needs.
Boarding
When you are away, we know the care of your pet is very important to you. Our staff will care for your pet as if it were one of our own. We recommend that you bring your pet’s own food and any medications they may need during their stay. Our food options include Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin for dogs and cats and Hill’s Perscription Diet I/D for dogs with GI upset during their visit. For medium and small dogs, we offer elevated beds and blankets, and for large dogs and cats, we offer lots of comfortable blankets. Dogs are let outside three times a day during the week and twice a day on the weekends. Please contact us for more information.
End-of-life Care
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is a very difficult experience. Our team takes great care in creating a comforting and quiet atmosphere for you and your pet during this difficult time. We offer Private and Group Cremation services through Palmers Pet Cemetery. We offer clay impression paw prints that we can make in-hospital for you to take home that day or ones can be ordered through Palmers Pet Cemetery services. Special accommodations can be arranged and made for you and your pet at your request.