FAQs

At Altadena Valley Animal Clinic, we believe that the best way to prolong the relationship you share with your pet is to identify disease processes early and prevent the progression of chronic illness, before it becomes a problem. To keep tabs on your pet’s overall health, it is important to maintain annual exams and blood work. We recommend an examination by your veterinarian every 12 months for healthy pets under the age of 7, and every 6 months for healthy senior patients. Those pets with chronic disease or mobility issues may require examination on a more frequent basis. We also recommend annual blood work profiles to provide a continuous record for our veterinarians to identify trends and specific areas to focus on in an effort to prolong the duration and quality of life of our patients.

Periodontal disease (disease of the structures around the teeth such as the gums, bone, and connective tissue) is one of the most common problems that we deal with on a daily basis at Altadena Valley Animal Clinic. Periodontal infections, tooth fractures, and oral masses can be sources of serious discomfort for your pet. Additionally, untreated periodontal infections can cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper veterinary dental care can help prevent your pet from developing painful dental conditions and can extend their life expectancy as well.

Similar to human food intake, a diet that is low in fat and high in protein is essential to the life of your pet. Pets, like people, are unique and individual; they have different needs based on their size, breed, age, and health issues. But no matter what their individual needs are, it is important that pets maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet, and receive adequate exercise to promote living longer with fewer health issues.

When pets are overweight, it creates a tendency towards diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and other chronic health conditions. Using our nutritional counseling services at Altadena Valley Animal Clinic will help simplify just what your pet should be eating and how much.

If you notice your pet acting strangely, including loss of appetite or energy, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible for an examination by one of our doctors. Pets have an instinctive tendency to hide pain and illness so that they do not show any weaknesses that might attract predators. As pet owners, by the time we notice a change in behavior, the animal may have been suffering for several days already.

There are several factors that help determine the best age for spaying and neutering including your pet’s breed (larger breeds wait longer) and individual health status. Typical spaying and neutering for most pets not used for breeding purposes is usually recommended at a younger age. Spaying and neutering help with animal population control and prevent unwanted pets. Just as importantly, spaying and neutering can improve the overall health of your pet, and help in avoiding certain reproductive diseases, and some types of cancer.

Heartworms are a serious life-threatening, year-round parasitic threat to both indoor and outdoor pets. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are extremely common in the warm, moisture rich environment found in Alabama.

Heartworm larvae are carried to healthy animals by mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected animals. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, the microfilaria, larvae of the parasites, will mature into adult worms. Adult heartworms can cause serious damage to the animal’s blood vessels, lungs, and heart, and may ultimately cause death.

The best course of action is to have your pets tested regularly for the presence of heartworms and kept on a heartworm preventative regimen for the rest of their lives. Having your pet on a monthly preventative treatment is much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. There are several options available for the prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. Our doctors will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on their needs and lifestyle.

Recent research in veterinary science indicates that pets classified as mammals experience pain the same way that we do. Our pets typically try to hide the fact that they have pain. At Altadena Valley Animal Clinic, we offer pain management for pets who may be experiencing pain due to trauma, post-operative pain, and chronic pain caused by a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis.

Behavioral changes are the principal indicator of pain. If you notice increasingly diminished function and mobility in your pet, it could indicate chronic pain resulting from a progressive disability. If you suspect your pet may be experiencing pain, visit our experienced and compassionate veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment options. We offer both short term and long-term relief as needed.

Altadena Valley Animal Clinic strives to offer compassionate, comprehensive veterinary care. In order to continue a high quality of service, payment is expected in full at the time of examination or procedure. We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.

Sometimes an emergency occurs with our pets that is not within our immediate budget. If you would like the option of financing unanticipated expenses in order to provide the best care for your pet, we are partnered with Cherry and Care Credit. For more information and to find out if you qualify, please visit: