As your primary care family veterinarian, preventive medicine is one of the most important services we offer. At Crossroads Animal Hospital, we understand that no two animals are the same. Tailoring our approach for each pet and family based upon lifestyle, age, and previous medical history allows us to offer your pet outstanding care from their first puppy or kitten visit through end-of-life. As your dedicated family veterinarian, we will be with you every step of the way!

The first step in creating an individualized preventive care plan is understanding your pet and your family. Our skilled and knowledgeable Licensed Veterinary Technicians and veterinary assistants will take a complete medical and social history each time your pet comes in for a preventive care or medical appointment. Understanding what you are seeing at home, what may have changed for your pet since a previous visit, and getting a complete list of your expectations allows us to get each visit started on the right foot.

Our doctors collaborate with the rest of your pet’s veterinary care team in reviewing the individual patient history prior to starting each examination. Comprehensive physical examinations allow us to establish baseline normals for your pet and identify issues before they progress. We are passionate about maintaining the bond you have with your pet. Preventive health care is the best way to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come.

1. Get your dog or cat a veterinary checkup at least once a year. Even indoor only cats or apparently healthy animals can have subtle health changes that may not be recognized at home.

2. Start a dialogue with your veterinarian. We value the perspective of our clients. You know your pet best. By being open and honest with us about what you are seeing in their home environment, we can ensure that your pet is getting the best individualized care possible.

3. Bring up any behavior issues. Many people don’t realize that even subtle changes in behavior can be an indicator of underlying medical issues. It is important that your veterinary care team know about changes early. Even if the change in behavior is not due to an underlying medical cause, behavioral interventions are most effective the earlier they are implemented.

4. Test regularly. Identifying parasites, infectious diseases, and changes in organ function over time all play an important role in the health of your pet. Our veterinary care team will inform you of the recommended testing and frequency that is best for your pet.

5. Watch their weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and arthritis. If your pet is struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, we can help you develop a targeted feeding and exercise plan.

6. Keep their mouth healthy. As many as 70–80% of dogs and cats have dental disease by the age of three. Left untreated, dental problems cause pain, infection, and inflammation that can take years off your pet’s life.

7. Battle the bloodsuckers. Parasites pose a risk to all pets, even those who live exclusively indoors. Not only are external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos uncomfortable for your pet, but they can also transmit other serious infectious diseases.

8. Tailor vaccinations to your pet. Not all pets need all available vaccinations. Your family veterinarian will know what is best for your pet. At Crossroads Animal Hospital, we follow an evidence-based approach that maximizes your pet’s protection while minimizing potential complications associated with vaccinations.

9. Check the chip. We recommend that all pets be microchipped. This provides the best chance of being reunited with your pet if they become lost. It is important to make sure your contact information is updated with the microchip manufacturer any time there is a change.

10. Discuss benefits, risks, and timing of spay or neuter. Our veterinarians keep up with the latest research and recommendations regarding when to spay and neuter. We will help you decide if and when spaying or neutering is best to achieve the individual health and reproductive goals you have for your pet.

We value your involvement in preventive care for your pet.

It is important that we maintain an open dialogue to help ensure the best possible care for your pet. We encourage you to ask questions and provide feedback. When non-urgent questions or concerns arise between appointments, you can reach out to us via email (reception@mycrossroadsvet.com) or text (517) 305-8591. These platforms allow us to respond efficiently and include our conversations in your pet’s medical record for future reference.

Preventing Dental Disease & Tooth Loss

Stages of Dental Disease Diagram

Dental care is vital to the overall health of your pet. It is estimated that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over the age of three have periodontal or other dental disease.

Dental disease causes chronic discomfort and eventually tooth loss. It also increases the risk of other health issues such as heart, liver, and kidney disease. Chronic inflammation and infection from untreated dental disease also makes other chronic illnesses such as diabetes more difficult to manage.

The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is with daily home plaque control and regular professional assessments. Since dental disease starts below the gumline, it can be difficult to detect at home in the early stages. Annual or biannual professional assessment is the most effective way to catch dental disease before it has progressed. When caught early, periodontal disease can be effectively managed in most pets.

Once periodontal disease is established, it becomes more difficult to treat. Signs of more advanced disease include: discoloration of the teeth, bad breath, difficulty eating, loose teeth, and discharge around the gumline. If you notice any of these changes, you should schedule an appointment to have your pet’s oral health assessed.

Oral Health Maintenance at Home

The best way to make sure your pet’s teeth remain healthy is by starting a dental care routine as soon as possible. Helping your pet become comfortable with having their mouth handled is the first step. Regularly looking at your pet’s mouth and evaluating their teeth is important to catch changes early. The following strategies are important in helping to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Tooth Brushing

Once your pet is comfortable having you handle their mouth, you can begin teaching them to accept having their teeth brushed. Daily tooth brushing is the most effective way to control disease causing plaque.

We recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head such as a toddler toothbrush and a pet-specific toothpaste. With a gentle back and forth action, brush along the gumline at a 45 degree angle. It is most important to focus on the outsides of the upper teeth, especially in the back of the mouth. It is not necessary to brush the inside of your pet’s teeth.

Dental Chews

Adding a daily or every other day dental chew can be a good way to help reach spots that can be missed with brushing. We recommend using a chew that is appropriately sized for your pet and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org). We recommend that all pets be supervised while consuming any edible chews. Don’t forget, all edible treats contain calories so make sure that you account for this in your pet’s feeding plan. If you need help selecting an appropriate chew for your pet or developing a feeding plan to include regular dental chews, please contact us for assistance.

Water Additives

Using a daily additive in your pet’s water that helps decrease plaque causing bacteria can be an important part of a comprehensive oral health management plan. We recommend using Oratene™ or HealthyMouth™. In addition to using a water additive, keeping your pet’s food and water bowls clean is important to reducing unwanted bacteria in the mouth. Using ceramic or metal bowls and washing with warm water and dish soap daily is recommended.

Dental Diets

There are several types of kibble that have been specially designed to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation in your pet’s mouth. Although regular kibble does not effectively control or prevent dental disease, the specially formulated diets can be helpful as part of a larger oral health maintenance plan. We find these diets to be most effective in small breed dogs. Since large dogs and cats frequently do not thoroughly chew their food, these diets may not be highly effective in these pets.

Professional Dental Assessment and Treatment

In addition to daily plaque control at home, regular examination by a veterinarian is essential to your pet’s oral health. Our veterinarians perform an oral examination as part of their physical exam. This helps identify warning signs of periodontal disease as well as detect other oral health problems such as worn or broken teeth, resorptive lesions, and oral masses. If there are signs of dental or oral cavity disease, we will discuss recommendations for further assessment and treatment.

Often, the full extent of dental disease cannot be determined on a conscious examination. We recommend annual or semi-annual intra-oral assessment and treatment with cleaning above and below the gumline under general anesthesia for most pets over the age of three. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art digital dental x-ray to ensure we are able to detect even hidden disease and provide the appropriate treatment for your pet.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets. Caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, adult worms that grow up to a foot long and live in your pet’s heart and blood vessels in the lungs. This parasite is spread by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites an infected member of the canid family such as a domestic dog, coyote, or fox, and ingests the larval form of the heartworm called microfilaria. The parasite then undergoes a maturation process inside the mosquito. When the mosquito takes its next meal, it injects the infective stage of the heartworm into an unsuspecting dog or cat.

It is important to remember that an indoor lifestyle does not protect a pet from heartworm infection. Mosquitoes carrying heartworm infection can easily come indoors.

Most pets do not show any symptoms of infection until the disease is advanced and permanent damage has occurred. This is why it is important for all dogs over 7 months of age to be tested for heartworm annually. While annual testing is not generally recommended for cats, your veterinarian may recommend testing based upon your cat’s lifestyle or other risk factors.

Heartworm prevention is essential. Although dogs can be treated for heartworm infection, heartworms can permanently damage their blood vessels and lungs. Meanwhile, there is no approved treatment for cats. In cats heartworm can lead to chronic respiratory disease and even sudden death.

Prevention is Easy

1. Heartworm prevention is safe, simple and effective. Preventive medication is available in pills or topical drops that are given monthly. It is also available as an injection given by your veterinarian every 6-12 months.

2. Puppies and kittens should be on heartworm protection by 8 weeks of age.

3. Year-round protection with some heartworm preventives also protects your pet from other parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and intestinal parasites. Your veterinarian can determine what is best for an individual pet.

4. Heartworm prevention is affordable on most budgets. Many companies offer rebates when purchased in quantities of 6 or 12 doses. We are happy to work with you to find a product that is convenient and affordable for you.

Treatment is Hard

1. Heartworm treatment can be life-saving for a dog, but is complex and time-consuming. Owners need to follow their veterinarian’s instructions carefully to help avoid treatment complications. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats.

2. When dogs are diagnosed with heartworm infection, they can be given medications to kill the adult heartworms and help minimize complications. When cats are diagnosed with heartworm infection, veterinarians can prescribe medications to help stabilize their condition but can’t cure them.

3. The treatment period for dogs lasts for 3-4 months. Throughout treatment, it is essential to keep dogs quiet to avoid serious or even fatal complications. That means cage rest, with just short, on-leash trips outside for dogs to relieve themselves. Some dogs will also need to spend time in the hospital.

4. Heartworm treatment in dogs can cost $1,000 or more in medications and veterinary services. Again, there is no approved treatment for cats, so prevention is essential.

Fleas and ticks are more than just an inconvenience. Exposure to flea and tick bites can have serious consequences as these parasites may transmit infectious diseases and cause uncomfortable dermatologic conditions.

Diseases caused by fleas include:

Tapeworms

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Anemia

Feline Infectious Anemia

Cat Scratch Fever

Flea Life Cycle

On average, fleas take about 3 to 4 weeks to develop from egg to adult. If the temperature is cooler, development can take longer.

As adult fleas feed, they excrete large amounts of partially digested blood called flea dirt. Flea dirt looks like fine pepper pellets or coils. Most flea dirt falls off the host and into the environment where it becomes essential food for the flea larvae.

Flea Life Cycle Diagram

Stage 1: The adults lay eggs, which are small, pearly white ovals that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Fleas lay eggs directly in the host’s hair coat. The eggs, which are very smooth, fall off easily into the environment as the host moves. (Compare the pet to a salt shaker.)

Large numbers of eggs will be located in the areas, such as bedding, where the pet spends the most time.

Eggs take about 1–10 days to hatch depending on the temperature and humidity.

Stage 2: Flea larvae hatch from the eggs. Flea larvae will not survive in areas exposed to direct sunlight or rain, so they burrow down in the area where the eggs were dropped. Their primary food source is flea dirt.

Stage 3: In about 5–11 days, the flea larvae develop into flea pupae, which are encased in a sticky cocoon that becomes covered with surrounding debris, providing camouflage.

Stage 4: On average, pupae develop into adult fleas in 8 to 9 days, but they also can lay dormant in the cocoon for up to 6 months. The flea will only emerge from the cocoon in response to external stimulation, such as vibrations or changes in light. Adult fleas are tiny, reddish- brown insects with flat bodies, which allow them to move easily through the host’s hair coat.

Usually, by the time a pet owner notices the pet has fleas, the infestation has been developing for 6 to 8 weeks and includes several flea generations. It will take time to get rid of the environmental infestation.

At Crossroads Animal Hospital we have three goals when it comes to controlling fleas

Eliminate the flea infestation on the pet.

Eliminate the environmental infestation by controlling eggs, larvae and pupae

Prevent re-infestation through long-term maintenance of flea control

Diseases transmitted by ticks include:

Lyme Disease

Anaplasmosis

Ehrlichiosis

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Babesiosis

Bartonellosis

Hepatozoonosis

Tick Life Cycle

Ticks have three distinct phases: larvae, nymph and adults.

Tick Life Cycle Diagram

Phase 1: Tiny voracious six-legged larvae hatch from eggs and search for a host. Larvae attach to a host and take their first blood meal, then drop to the ground and molt into nymphs.

Phase 2: Nymphs wait in place for a host. Nymphs attach to a host, take a blood meal and drop to the ground, where they molt to adults.

Phase 3: Newly molted adult ticks locate a host, feed and typically mate on the host. After feeding and mating, the fertilized female drops to the ground, lays her eggs and dies. Males may mate with several females before dropping off and dying.

Flea & Tick Control

Diligent flea and tick control is essential to preventing unwanted parasites and the diseases they can cause. We recommend all pets be on year round flea prevention since fleas can easily live indoors even during colder months. Tick prevention is needed any time the outdoor temperatures are above freezing for more than 1-2 hours per day.

Flea and tick prevention is available in various forms including: monthly topical liquid, monthly oral tablet, or an impregnated collar. It is important to understand that not all flea and tick preventives are created equal. Most of the generic and over-the-counter products are not effective. Some over-the-counter preventives can even be toxic, especially to cats. Veterinary prescription products are safe, effective, and have the fastest speed of kill available which is essential for helping to decrease transmission of infectious diseases.

Our staff is happy to discuss the options available for flea and tick prevention. We can help select the product or products that would be best for your pet based upon their individual health history and lifestyle.

What are vaccinations and why do they matter?

Vaccination is the only effective form of protection from certain viral and bacterial diseases. They enable your pet to fight infection by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific viruses and bacteria. Vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and deadly diseases and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Diseases can be carried by rodents, wild animals, fleas, ticks, other pets, and even on your hands, shoes, and clothing. Some viruses are airborne and can enter your home or expose your pet in other indoor spaces such as daycare, boarding facilities, pet stores, and grooming salons.

Immunity produced by vaccination does not last forever. This is why it is important to have your pet revaccinated regularly to ensure their level of immunity remains high enough to prevent disease. Our veterinarians follow the latest research and recommendations for vaccinations schedules, types, and intervals in order to ensure your pets are protected while minimizing the potential for adverse effects of vaccinations.

Vaccinations are designated as either core, meaning they are recommended for every pet, or noncore, which means they are recommended for pets at risk for contracting a specific disease. Your veterinarian may reclassify core and noncore vaccinations depending on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and where you live.

Core vaccines are recommended for all pets either because the disease the vaccine protects against is extremely severe, is especially common, or the disease is a threat to humans (zoonotic).

5 reasons to vaccinate your pet

1. Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses.

2. Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented.

3. Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be passed between animals and also from animals to people.

4. Diseases prevalent in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can infect unvaccinated pets.

5. In many areas, local or state ordinances require certain vaccinations of household pets.

Core Vaccinations for Dogs

Vaccines that every dog should receive, called core vaccines, include the following:

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease that is contagious not only to other animals but to people as well. This disease is transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal. Bite and or scratch wounds from wildlife or domestic animals that are not fully vaccinated pose a risk of rabies transmission. This vaccination must be given to puppies when they are between three and four months of age. A booster must be given one year later, then every one to three years after that, depending on the vaccine manufacturer and state requirements. Your pet’s veterinarian can help you decide how often you should vaccinate your dog against rabies. Your pet’s rabies vaccination status is extremely important if your pet is ever bitten by another animal or bites a person. If either of these occur and you cannot prove that your dog is vaccinated for rabies, it could be subject to a strict quarantine for up to six-months. In most areas, rabies vaccination for all dogs over 4 months of age is mandated by law.

Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvo (DHPP)

This vaccine protects dogs against several important and potentially fatal diseases including canine distemper and parvovirus. It is given to puppies at three to four week intervals starting at six to nine weeks of age. Puppies must receive at least two vaccines after 12 weeks of age to be protected. Adult dogs with unknown vaccination histories, or older puppies also must receive two vaccines initially. A booster is given one year after the initial series, then every three years thereafter.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure and severe liver disease in dogs. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease. In the United States, most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreational activities involving water. Infection resulting from contact with an infected pet is much less common, but it is possible. This vaccine is commonly included in combination with the DHPP vaccine but is also available as an individual vaccine. It is given initially as a series of two vaccines and then annually thereafter.

Bordetella

Bordetella is an easily contracted bacteria that causes a hacking cough or, occasionally, a snotty nose. Because this disease is easily transmitted including by other members of the canis family (such as coyotes and foxes) it is recommended that all dogs be vaccinated. This is especially important for dogs that have exposure to dogs outside their household, including neighbor dogs. As with the others, it needs to be given initially as a series of two vaccines and then every six to twelve thereafter.

Non-Core Vaccinations for Dogs

Vaccines that are given based on geographical location and lifestyle, called noncore vaccines, include:

Lyme disease

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species of ticks. It is caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or person’s bloodstream through a tick bite. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in specific organs or locations such as joints. Lyme disease can cause both acute and chronic illness and can be difficult to treat especially in chronic cases. The Lyme vaccine needs to be given initially as a series of two vaccines and then annually thereafter.

Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection affecting dogs and also cats. At present, two strains of canine influenza virus have been identified in the United States which are the H3N8 and H3N2. Depending upon the strain, canine influenza can cause serious, even life threatening, respiratory disease in dogs. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs that will be in shared indoor spaces with non-household dogs such as those who go to daycare, boarding facilities, groomers, training classes, pet stores, and even some outdoor spaces such as dog parks where close nose-to-nose contact is likely. This vaccination is available as a single strain (monovalent) or dual strain (bivalent) and is given initially as a series of two vaccines and then annual thereafter.

Core Vaccinations for Cats

Vaccines that every cat should receive, called core vaccines, include the following:

Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (RCP)

This combination vaccine protects against three of the most common infectious diseases in cats. Feline calicivirus and the rhinotracheitis virus are the two of the viruses most commonly responsible for upper respiratory infections in cats. They are common viruses and almost all cats will be exposed to them at some point in their life. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is caused by a parvovirus that can be fatal for infected cats, especially young or immunocompromised cats. The RCP vaccine is given to kittens at three to four week intervals starting at six to nine weeks of age. Kittens must receive at least two vaccines after 12 weeks of age to be protected. Adult cats with unknown vaccination histories, or older kittens also must receive two vaccines initially. A booster is given one year after the initial series, then every three years thereafter.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease that is contagious not only to other animals but to people as well. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal. Bite and or scratch wounds from wildlife or domestic animals that are not fully vaccinated pose a risk of rabies transmission. This vaccination must be given to kittens when they are between three and four months of age. A booster must be given one year later, then every one to three years after that, depending on the vaccine manufacturer and state requirements. Your pet’s veterinarian can help you decide how often you should vaccinate your cat against rabies. It is important that all cats, even those that do not go outside, be vaccinated. One of the most common ways rabies is transmitted in Michigan is by bats. Bats can easily get into your home and may expose your pets without you knowing. Your pet’s rabies vaccination status is also important if your pet is ever bitten by another animal or bites a person. If either of these occur and you cannot prove that your cat is vaccinated for rabies, it could be subject to a strict quarantine for up to six-months.

Non-core Cat Vaccinations for Cats

The second type, non-core, are given based on geographical location and lifestyle. These include:

Feline leukemia: Feline leukemia (FeLV), is a widespread, incurable virus that typically suppresses a cat’s immune system, is the most common cause of cancer in cats. FeLV is species-specific, so humans and dogs are not at risk.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a complex retrovirus that causes immunodeficiency disease in domestic cats. Immunodeficiency is the medical term used to describe the body’s inability to develop a normal immune response.  As a result of immunodeficiency, most infected cats do not show symptoms and have normal life expectancy, however they are prone to developing other infections and certain types of cancer. A retrovirus, such as FIV is in the same class of viruses as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive and often fatal disease that is caused by a coronavirus. In most cases, a coronavirus causes mild, treatable symptoms (respiratory and/or gastroenteritis) in cats. In rare cases, the coronavirus may mutate to a more virulent form which is able to weaken the cat’s immune system and spread throughout the body by way of the white blood cells, often resulting in death. Kittens and cats under the age of 3 are at greatest risk for FIP. As cats mature and their immune systems strengthen, their risk is reduced.

Bordetellosis is a contagious bacterial disease of cats that primarily causes upper respiratory tract abnormalities. Easily spread in kennels, bordetellosis is most severe in young kittens (less than six weeks old) and in kittens living in less than ideal hygienic conditions. However, any cat with a pre-existing airway disease (e.g., feline herpesvirus and calicivirus infections) is susceptible to Bordetellosis, no matter how old it is. 

On the first day of nursing, kittens receive disease-fighting antibodies from their mother's milk. These antibodies provide protection but typically fade away between 6 and 16 weeks of age. To ensure ongoing immunity, puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccinations. These shots prompt the immune system to create antibodies against certain viruses and bacteria, allowing your pet to fight off infections.

Vaccinations for puppies and kittens usually begin when they are between 6 to 8 weeks old and are typically completed by the time they reach 16 weeks of age. Our veterinarians will assist you in determining the best vaccines for your pet, considering their specific risk factors.

It's crucial to remember that the immunity gained from vaccinations is not permanent. To maintain your pet's protection against diseases, regular booster shots are necessary. Our team will inform you of the appropriate time for your pet's booster vaccinations as they progress into adulthood. This ensures that their immunity levels remain high enough to prevent illness.

Puppies and kittens change rapidly during their first year of life. Regular examination by a veterinarian and preventive care such as vaccinations and parasite management are essential to set your puppy or kitten up for a happy healthy life.

Starting at 6 weeks of age, we recommend puppies and kittens receive check ups every 3 to 4 weeks until they are at least 16 to 18 weeks old. Some pets may also need monitoring of bone, joint, or dental development between 16 weeks and one year of age depending upon breed and initial examination findings. During the rapid growth phase, there can be important changes in your pet’s health and development. Some of these changes may result in the need for time-sensitive care to prevent lasting problems for your pet.

Regular vaccine boosters and starting parasite prevention is also important to protect your pet against disease. We tailor our vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s individual lifestyle and breed using guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Both puppies and kittens should have certain diagnostic tests over the course of their first year of life. Puppies should be tested for heartworm and tick-borne diseases between 7 and 12 months of age. Kittens should be tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) by 16 weeks of age.

Fecal examination and testing is important for identifying intestinal parasites including roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, giardia, and coccidia. These parasites can cause problems such as blood loss anemia, diarrhea, and failure to thrive.

As your pet ages, their medical needs will change. Since pets age faster than humans, annual or biannual examinations are important for identifying these changes early. In most cases, the earlier changes are noted, the more effective treatment can be.

Some changes such as weight gain or loss, changes in appetite or thirst, changes in urination or bowel habits, stiffness, development of lumps, changes to haricot, vision changes, or changes in behavior can be identified at home. Other changes, however, occur internally and cannot be discovered without skilled physical examination and laboratory testing.

With some internal diseases such as liver or kidney disease, by the time signs of illness are outwardly observed, organ damage is already in the advanced stages. For this reason, we recommend that all pets over the age of 7 receive annual or semi-annual lab work including blood and urine analysis.

Our senior wellness exams and laboratory testing allow us to detect early signs of illness and begin treatment when it is most likely to be effective.

We offer a fully stocked in-house pharmacy with a wide variety of commonly prescribed medications.

If your pet requires a medication we do not carry, we will order it for you or provide a written prescription for you to use at a local pharmacy. When you are in need of a refill, text, email, or call the office. Our staff will review your pet’s medical and prescription history to ensure accuracy then fill the prescription. If there are any issues, or when your pet’s refill is ready to be picked up, our office will contact you.

Benefits of buying medication through us include:

1. Convenience

2. Guaranteed by the manufacturer (not always true with online purchases)

3. A thorough understanding of your pet’s medical history and needs

4. On-going monitoring of your pet’s health and medications

We also offer the convenience and expanded selection of a fully manufacturer backed online pharmacy. If your pet needs a veterinary prescription medication or parasite preventive that we don’t carry in the office, we can fill this medication and have it shipped directly to you through our online pharmacy.

Skin Care Services for your Dog or Cat

There are many skin disorders known to affect pets. These disorders may be the result of an infection (bacteria, fungus, or parasite), allergies, autoimmune disorders and metabolic diseases such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.

Because many skin diseases bear close symptomatic resemblances to one another, diagnosing the cause of skin problems can be like detective work—ruling out one possibility at a time. At Crossroads Animal Hospital, we employ an evidence based step-wise approach to dermatologic problems. We remember that common conditions occur commonly and uncommon conditions occur rarely. We will always start with the least invasive testing and treatments first. For those pets that need it, we can discuss more extensive diagnostics and treatments.

Some dermatologic concerns can be easily fixed while others such as skin allergies cannot be cured and are treated only by managing symptoms. We understand that chronic incurable diseases like allergies can be frustrating for pets and their people. Our goal is to help manage chronic conditions effectively while minimizing discomfort to the pet and reducing stress for our clients.

Common Dermatological Conditions We Treat:

Flea allergy dermatitis

Atopy (environmental allergy)

Otitis (ear disease)

Bacterial diseases (staph infection)

Parasitic skin diseases (fleas, demodex and sarcoptes mites)

Fungal skin diseases (such as ringworm)

Food allergy

Skin cancer

Skin diseases of the foot or nail

Seborrhea

Alopecia (hair loss)

Nutritional skin diseases

Endocrine and metabolic skin diseases

Auto-immune skin diseases

Drug reactions

Animals suffer from eye problems similar to those that affect humans. If your pet is squinting, rubbing their eyes, you notice color changes to the surface or inner portions of the eye, or if there is any swelling, redness, or discharge, they need to be seen by one of our veterinarians as soon as possible.

At Crossroads Animal Hospital we believe that treatment for diseases of the eyes and visual pathways is a vital part of maximizing your pet’s quality of life. Although we do not have a veterinary ophthalmologist on staff, all of our doctors are trained to evaluate the eyes and can diagnose and treat many diseases and injuries. Should a patient come in with a condition that needs more complex evaluation or treatment, we will provide you with a referral to a board-certified ophthalmologist.

Crossroads Animal Hospital is equipped with specialized equipment used to evaluate and diagnose eye issues, including:

Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure

Fluorescein stain to diagnose corneal scratches or ulcers

Schirmer tear test strips to diagnose keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“dry eye”)

Slit lamp for evaluation of the anterior chamber of the eye

Ophthalamoscopes and panoptic lenses for retinal exams

Health and wellness is about more than just the physical. At Crossroads Animal Hospital we understand that your pets emotional and mental health is just as important as their physical wellbeing. When behavior changes occur it can be distressing for both pets and their people. Our goal is to help support you and your pet if or when behavior concerns arise.

Changes in behavior can be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Any time there is a significant change in behavior, the first step is a comprehensive physical examination with one of our veterinarians. Identifying physical changes that may be a source of pain or result in changes in vision or hearing is an important first step in developing an effective behavior management strategy. It is also important to evaluate for internal diseases such as urinary tract disorders, endocrine (hormone) diseases, or changes in organ function which could be contributing. Behavior changes at home can sometimes be the only outward sign of a significant medical problem so it is important to let your veterinary care team know about any changes you have noticed.

Behavior concerns can arise at any stage in life and are always best addressed as soon as possible. Remember that anything the brain practices doing, it gets better at doing and is more likely to continue doing in the future. It is much more difficult to treat a behavior concern that has become a habit than it is to interrupt a developing concern while it is in the early stages.

Effective management of behavior problems usually involves a combination of medication, environmental management, and behavior modification. For most behavior concerns there is no “magic bullet”, but with early intervention and a well developed behavior modification plan, most pets can be well managed. In more complex or severe cases, referral to a board certified veterinary behaviorist may be warranted.

Our goal is to approach any behavior concern with compassion and understanding. We strongly oppose the use of punishment and aversive based training methods as these fail to address the underlying cause of behavior problems, cause unnecessary stress to pets, and can worsen behavior problems over time. Our veterinarians and technicians are trained in current evidence-based behavior management techniques.

Diet is an often overlooked part of a pet’s overall health and wellbeing. It should come as no surprise that what and how much your pet eats directly impacts their health. Achieving the right nutritional balance helps to prevent disease and allows your pet to better manage any existing medical conditions. This can significantly improve the length and quality of life.

Making the Best Decisions for Your Pet

One of the biggest issues when it comes to maintaining good nutrition for pets is the amount of confusing information being presented to owners. The sheer number of pet food brands promising to be the best option for your pet can make anyone feel overwhelmed or exhausted. In addition to that, information about what does and does not constitute a healthy weight for an individual pet isn’t always readily available.

What’s great about having the support of a team who doesn’t believe veterinary medicine should be one-size-fits-all is being able to seek recommendations unique to your pet. Our veterinarians and veterinary technicians have training and firsthand experience dealing with various aspects of pet nutrition. Whether you need pet food recommendations or you’d like us to create a personalized feeding and exercise plan to assist your pet with weight loss, we can help.

Body Condition Scoring: Feline

Body Condition Scoring: Canine

What is laser therapy?

Cold Laser therapy has quickly become a standard for excellent medical care in both animal and human medicine. It uses a non-ionizing light source in the visible and near-infrared electromagnetic spectrum to stimulate cells to produce energy molecules and improve circulation through a process called photobiomodulation. As a result, damaged tissue receives increased oxygen, vital sugars, proteins, and salts while wastes are removed.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free way to reduce pain and inflammation as well as promote tissue healing. The treatments are relatively fast and feel great!

We offer laser therapy for post-operative patients as well those with acute injuries or chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. If you would like to learn more about laser therapy and determine if it may be right for your pet, please let us know!

What is a microchip?

A microchip is an electronic device that is about the size of a grain of rice. It gets implanted between the shoulder blades and remains there indefinitely. In rare cases the chip may migrate to another area of the body but this does not affect its function or pose a risk to the pet in most cases. The implant procedure is relatively painless and it’s as quick and easy as receiving a shot.

How does microchip identification actually work?

Every microchip comes with its own unique ID number which is transmitted by radio frequency to a compatible scanning device. Once the chip is implanted, you create an account with the company’s registry to make sure your contact information is associated with the unique identifying number for your pet.

Most veterinarians and animal shelters have microchip scanners that allow them to read the chip number and get in touch with the microchip company to report the pet as found. The microchip company then reaches out to the owner to let them know their pet has been located and where.

Does my pet really need a microchip?

We highly recommend it. You may be surprised to learn that 1 in 3 pets get lost over the course of their lifetime. Without permanent and searchable identification, 90% of them don’t come home. Luckily, that can be prevented, especially because almost all humane organizations, shelters, and veterinarians now utilize microchip scanners.

Saying Goodbye

When a pet’s quality of life deteriorates to the point where they experience more bad days than good days, you may be faced with the difficult decision regarding whether to choose euthanasia.

The same way we provide compassionate care for pets in their early days, we are prepared to support you and provide end of life care for them during their last. As partners in your pet’s health, we will make sure you are informed about all potential treatment options before you make a decision. We understand that making a choice for euthanasia is never easy. We promise to be there to support you and your family every step of the way.

Should you decide euthanasia is the right choice for your pet, we will ensure you are prepared for the process and answer any questions you may have about what is going to happen. We hope you will find some comfort knowing our humane methods will ensure your pet is laid to rest peacefully.

Description of the process

Scheduling the procedure: Please contact us to help determine if euthanasia is the right option for your pet. This may involve a consultation with your pet’s doctor. If your pet has not been seen recently, then an examination may be needed to help determine this.

Paperwork: One of our team members will help determine your wishes for your pet’s remains, complete forms, and take care of charges before the procedure is started. This allows you to focus on your pet throughout the procedure, and afterward you can leave without having to return to the lobby.

Twilight Sedation: When you are ready, the process starts with an injection that is a combination of a sedative to help your pet relax and a pain medication to help relieve your pet of any pain it may be feeling. It can take anywhere between 2 to 15 minutes to take effect depending on the individual pet. After this has taken effect, your pet will be very relaxed and in a “twilight” but still conscious and know you are there.

IV Catheter: Once your pet is relaxed, one of our technicians will place an intravenous (IV) catheter in a convenient area on one of your pet’s legs. An IV catheter ensures that the doctor will be able to administer the final injections effectively.

Euthanasia: When you are ready, the doctor will give your pet a series of two injections into the IV catheter. The first injection is an anesthetic induction agent which will ensure that your pet is completely unconscious and slow the breathing. The second injection is an overdose of another anesthetic agent that stops its heart and helps them pass peacefully.

At Crossroads Animal Hospital, one of our top priorities is to create a safe, comfortable environment for every pet that requires surgery.

We offer most soft tissue surgeries including:

1. Spay & neuter for dogs and cats

2. Tumor removal

3. Wound reconstruction

4. Enucleation (removal of the eye)

5. Eyelid surgery (entropion, ectropion, “cherry eye”, and scroll cartilage repair)

6. Medically indicated amputations (tail, toe, and limb)

7. Splenectomies

8. Cystotomy (bladder stone removal)

9. Penile urethrostomy

10. Intestinal surgery (including biopsy and foreign body removal)

11. Biopsy of masses and some internal organs

During these surgeries we utilize modern and sophisticated surgical techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet. For patients that have more complex medical needs requiring advanced equipment or techniques, we work with several referral hospitals with board certified veterinary surgeons. Most orthopedic surgical procedures are referred to one of these practices.

The Surgical Process

Most surgical procedures are completed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is a drug-induced, reversible loss of consciousness that allows pets to undergo complicated or painful medical procedures without the distress or pain they would normally feel if they were conscious. Each anesthesia is tailored to your pet’s needs. Safety is our highest priority. Although anesthesia is necessary for many veterinary procedures, it is important to understand that undergoing anesthesia is not a simple procedure.

While undergoing general anesthesia, pets often cannot control their own airway or breathing, making the use of ventilators and breathing tools essential. Animals can also have adverse reactions to the anesthesia drugs administered before, during and after surgery.

Despite the potential hazards, anesthesia is critical to provide humane care and can be relatively safe if proper steps are taken. To decrease the likelihood of anesthesia related complications, we strictly follow the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Standards of Accreditation that address pre-anesthetic and emergency procedures, patient monitoring before, during and after surgery, and anesthetic supplies and equipment.

When your pet is admitted to our hospital for surgery, several steps are taken before the actual surgery.

Exam: First, your pet’s attending doctor will do an examination. They will listen to the heart and lungs, to determine if there are any current issues that would prevent us from proceeding safely with surgery. A complete history, including information regarding past surgeries and your pet’s age and breed, will help minimize risk. This is the time to address your concerns or any fears you may have with surgery or anesthesia.

Preanesthetic blood screening: Our pets cannot tell us when they are unwell or if there is something wrong. Preanesthetic blood work is an important tool for us to evaluate your pet for underlying problems with infection, dehydration, kidney or liver disease, anemia, blood or clotting problems, electrolyte abnormalities, or even cancer. After your pet has been examined and the preanesthetic blood work evaluated by your pet’s veterinarian, your pet will then be prepared for surgery.

Pre-medication: A Licensed Veterinary Technician will administer pre-medications to reduce pain and calm your pet. This also helps reduce the amount of anesthesia needed.

Pain management: At Crossroads Animal Hospital, we consider pain reduction a high priority. We provide pain medications prior to and during the surgical procedure, use local anesthetics to block pain at the surgical site and dispense post-operative medications to go home with the pet. Staying on top of pain is important for a quick and comfortable recovery.

IV catheter: Once your pet is relaxed from their preanesthetic medication, a Licensed Veterinary Technician will place an intravenous (IV) catheter in one leg prior to anesthesia. The catheter provides a route to administer induction medications, IV fluids, and allows us to access your pet’s blood stream quickly in the event of an anesthetic emergency.

Administer induction agent: Then a short acting anesthetic is administered through the IV to allow your pet to fall asleep and allow for endotracheal intubation (placement of a breathing tube).

Anesthetic maintenance: Once the patient is intubated, a mixture of gas anesthesia and oxygen will be administered directly into the lungs.

Prep surgical area: In many cases we are performing surgery on areas that must remain sterile and free of contamination. We use sterile surgical techniques including clipping hair and cleaning the surgical area with a topical antiseptic agent.

Warming blanket: Your pet is then transferred to the surgical suite. Because anesthesia will cause a sharp reduction in body temperature we keep your pet warm with a heated air blanket and circulating warm water blanket. This helps ensure your pet will wake up warm and comfortable.

Doctor prepares for surgery: In preparation for surgery, our veterinarians follow strict sterile surgical procedures. This includes using surgical scrub on hand and arms, wearing surgical caps and masks as well as sterile gowns and gloves. We also use individually sterilized surgical packs with instruments and sterile drapes for each patient. When proper surgical techniques are employed there is minimal risk of infection following surgery.

Anesthetic monitors: While under anesthesia, a licensed veterinary technician will closely monitor your pet while the veterinarian performs surgery. Using sophisticated equipment, as well as hands on attention, they will be checking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen, electrocardiogram (EKG), heart rate and respiratory rate. Reacting to changes to these parameters is important for your pet’s safety.

Surgical procedure: Surgery is performed by a licensed veterinarian. Our veterinarians are skilled and experienced in the procedures we offer. They complete continuing education regularly to ensure that they are utilizing the latest techniques and best surgical practices available. Our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) assist the doctor when needed and carefully monitor the patient throughout the procedure.

Post-operative recovery: This is a crucial time for safety. Pets need to be monitored closely as they wake up from the surgery. They are kept warm, comfortable and pain-free. A Licensed Veterinary Technician supervises your pet’s recovery period to ensure they are safe, and get rest and TLC in the hospital prior to discharge. Most patients will be transitioned home in the afternoon to continue their recovery.

Pain medications are routinely prescribed for your pet’s post-surgery comfort.

Detailed instructions: When your pet is released from the hospital, you will meet with a technician or the doctor and receive a detailed instruction handout to help you with your pet’s home care.

Recheck visit: A follow-up visit 7-14 days after the procedure will help us monitor your pet’s recovery and remove any sutures, staples, or surgical drains if needed. We are always available to answer questions or concerns at any point during your pet’s recovery period.

Dental health is a key component of the overall health for your pet. Our doctors have many years of extensive training in the diagnosis and treatments of veterinary dental disease. Our investment in dental equipment includes dental radiology, advanced patient monitoring equipment, and an active patient warming system allowing us to provide the highest level of dental care for our patients. We are uncompromising in providing safety including preanesthetic blood screening, fluid therapy, total body warming, and pain management.

Crossroads Animal Hospital dental protocols have been developed with your pet’s safety, pain management and quality of dental care as our top priorities. While many hospitals make these safety features optional, it is our strong belief that when your pet is in our hands we will not cut corners. We are proud of our dental practice and have made every effort to provide the highest level of care to ensure your pet’s safety and therapeutic success.

When your pet is admitted to our hospital for a dental procedure, the following steps are taken.

Exam: First, your pet’s attending doctor will do an examination. They will listen to the heart and lungs, to determine if there are any current issues that would prevent us from proceeding safely with the dental procedure. A complete history, including information regarding past dental care, previous surgeries, and your pet’s age and breed, will help minimize risk. This is the time to address your concerns or any fears you may have with surgery or anesthesia.

Preanesthetic blood screening: Our pets cannot tell us when they are unwell or if there is something wrong. Preanesthetic blood work is an important tool for us to evaluate your pet for underlying problems with infection, dehydration, kidney or liver disease, anemia, blood or clotting problems, or electrolyte abnormalities. After your pet has been examined and the preanesthetic blood work evaluated by your pet’s veterinarian, your pet will then be prepared for their procedure.

Pre-medication: A Licensed Veterinary Technician will administer pre-medications to reduce pain and calm your pet. This also helps reduce the amount of anesthesia needed.

Pain management: At Crossroads Animal Hospital, we consider pain reduction a high priority. We provide pain medications prior to and during the dental procedure. We also use local anesthetics to block pain at the surgical site and dispense post-operative medications to go home with the pet for those who need oral surgery and tooth extraction. Staying on top of pain is important for a quick and comfortable recovery.

IV catheter: Once your pet is relaxed from their preanesthetic medication, a Licensed Veterinary Technician will place an intravenous (IV) catheter in one leg prior to anesthesia. The catheter provides a route to administer induction medications, IV fluids, and allows us to access your pet’s blood stream quickly in the event of an anesthetic emergency.

Administer induction agent: Then a short acting anesthetic is administered through the IV to allow your pet to fall asleep and allow for endotracheal intubation (placement of a breathing tube).

Anesthetic maintenance: Once the patient is intubated, a mixture of gas anesthesia and oxygen will be administered directly into the lungs.

Full mouth intraoral dental radiographs (x-rays): Digital radiographs (x-rays) are an essential component to assessing your pet’s oral health. A complete set of digital dental x-rays are performed as a standard for proper care. Many dental diseases start or occur below the gumline where they cannot be seen during an oral exam. Dental radiographs help reveal problems lurking beneath the gums, such as periodontal disease, foreign objects, cysts, and even tumors. They also help prevent unnecessary extraction of teeth. Studies have shown that, without the help of digital x-rays, significant dental issues are missed in up to 75% of pets.

Exam: Our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam in addition to reviewing the dental radiographs. This allows them to check for signs of disease like gum loss, root exposure, or periodontal pockets around the roots of the teeth. They will also assess the other tissues in the oral cavity to ensure that there are no other concerning abnormalities. All abnormalities are charted for the medical record.

Thorough cleaning: The major goal of teeth cleaning is to remove the plaque and tartar that irritates the gingival tissue, causes pain, and is a source of bacteria affecting the teeth, gingiva, bone, and bloodstream.

A dental cleaning is performed by a Licensed Veterinary Technician using an ultrasonic scaler as well as hand tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth including under the gum line, where most dental disease occurs.

After thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, the teeth are polished with prophy paste on a low-speed handpiece. This helps remove minor scratches to create a smooth enamel surface and help reduce the recurrence of dental tartar.

Oral surgery & tooth extraction: Pets that fracture their teeth or have developed advanced periodontal disease will likely require oral surgery for removal of teeth. We make every effort to save teeth that we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is so advanced that treatment without extraction is unsuccessful. All oral surgery and tooth extraction is performed by an experienced licensed veterinarian. Our veterinarians have advanced training and undergo continuing education to ensure that your pet receives the best possible dental care.

Recovery: Most pets that have dental procedures will go home the same day. We will schedule a discharge appointment to review information regarding the dental procedures completed and follow-up care.

Detailed instructions: When your pet is released from the hospital, you will meet with a technician or the doctor and receive a detailed instruction handout to help you with your pet’s home care. Daily home plaque control is an essential part of keeping your pet’s mouth healthy long term. Our team will help you develop a home plaque control program that works for you and your pet.

Recheck visit: A follow-up visit 10-14 days after the procedure will help us monitor your pet’s recovery, evaluate extraction sites, and review home care. We are always available to answer questions or concerns at any point during your pet’s recovery period.

Crossroads Animal Hospital maintains an in-house laboratory that allows our team to quickly perform blood and urine tests instead of having to ship them to a third party laboratory. This is especially valuable if your pet is ill or needs emergency surgery.

Our In-house laboratory equipment provides fast, accurate results and can help us see if your pet has any of the following:

1. Kidney disease (including SDMA which is an early renal disease test)

2. Liver disease

3. Low red blood cell count (anemia)

4. Hidden infection(s)

5. Dehydration

6. Electrolyte abnormalities

7. Low blood sugar

8. High blood sugar (diabetes)

9. Heartworm

10. Feline Leukemia Virus testing

11. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

12. Tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma)

13. Parvovirus

14. Endocrine (hormone) diseases such as Addison’s, Cushing’s, or hypothyroidism

15. Urinary tract infection

16. Pancreatitis

17. Canine Pregnancy Testing

We also offer other in-house testing such as fine needle biopsy/aspiration for diagnosing lumps, skin and ear cytology, and skin scrapings to check for mites.

4 Common Questions About Blood Work & Your Pet: Handout

Lab Testing For Cats Handout

Lab Testing For Dogs Handout

We utilize a variety of third-party reference laboratories when more advanced testing is needed. We contract with Idexx, Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and other specialized laboratories when needed to ensure that your pet is receiving the best possible evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Digital x-rays assist in diagnosing illness & injury

Digital x-rays allow us to better diagnose and treat sick and injured pets by providing us with high quality imaging results and reducing overall radiation exposure. They can capture digital images of both the body and teeth.

There are multiple benefits to choosing digital x-ray over conventional x-ray including:

1. Images are more accurate and quicker to obtain

2. Retakes are seldom required which limits radiation exposure

3. Imaging results can be sent to other veterinarians and radiologists with ease

4. Records can be stored electronically, so they won’t get damaged or lost

5. Using digital x-rays lets us provide our patients with superior care and supports our

A non-invasive way to diagnose sick & injured pets.

Ultrasound is one of the most widely used imaging tools in veterinary medicine, second only to radiographs (x-rays). It allows veterinarians to look at real-time images of organs without surgery.

Ultrasounds are particularly important to diagnose conditions that cannot be seen on radiographs or that are better evaluated from a three-dimensional view, such as tumors of the spleen and liver, gallbladder disease, certain bladder stones, etc.