Pet Wellness Exams in Charleston, SC
Our veterinarians and staff at West Ashley Veterinary Clinic believe that prevention is a preemptive strike on disease. As a practice, we are known for our practical application of medicine, gentle handling, and caring attitude for every pet and person that enters our hospital.
Veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving science, and our veterinarians routinely attend continuing education to ensure that they are informed about the most recent technological and medical advancements. If necessary, our vets can refer our patients to board-certified specialists in our area for consultations or specialized imaging like CT or MRI scans.
Pet Examinations
After a puppy or kitten completes a series of vaccines, we recommend a complete physical exam at least once a year. Since senior pets are more prone to health problems like diabetes, arthritis, organ failure, and cancer, we typically recommend bi-annual exams and bloodwork.
Pet Wellness Exams
- Dental evaluation
- Vision assessment
- Cardiac and pulmonary auscultation
- Abdominal palpation
- Lump and bump check
- Lymph node exam
- Skin and ear evaluation
- Musculoskeletal and neurologic exam
- Weight and body condition assessment
If necessary we can recommend advanced diagnostics, provide treatment, or provide nutritional and weight management recommendations.
Vaccines
Vaccines protect pets from potentially deadly viruses and diseases, so it is essential to keep your pet’s vaccines current. Our vets will develop a vaccination and parasite prevention plan based on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle in accordance with the recommendations of the American Animal Hospital Association for dogs and the American Association of Feline Practitioners for cats. We believe in practical vaccinations based on solid science using a more comfortable approach and often use an extended vaccine protocol to minimize the frequency of administration.
Dog Vaccines:
- DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) vaccine every 3-4 weeks from 6-8 weeks to 16 weeks of age; Leptospirosis can be added, depending on exposure risk
- Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and yearly thereafter; three-year rabies vaccine also available
- DHPP or DHLPP vaccine at 1 year of age and every 3 years thereafter
- Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine, based on exposure risk; given every 6-12 months depending on boarding facility requirements
- Flu vaccine, based on exposure risk, given with a booster in 2-4 weeks and then yearly
- Lyme vaccine available, but not routinely given; administered if animal is deemed to be high risk
Cat Vaccines:
- FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) vaccine every 3-4 weeks from 8 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age
- Rabies at 16 weeks of age and yearly thereafter
- FELV (feline leukemia virus) vaccine given twice, 3-4 weeks apart, between 8 and 16 weeks of age, if kitten will be going outdoors
- FVRCP vaccine given at 1 year of age and every 3 years thereafter; annual FELV vaccinations (outdoor cats only)
Nutrition Counseling
Pets can benefit from nutrition advice from our veterinarians and special veterinary diets supplied by our hospital.
- Obesity
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Kidney failure
- Bladder crystals and stones
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Allergies
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes
Guaranteed Prescription Diet Refund
Our prescription foods are guaranteed when purchased from our clinic. If you or your pet is not satisfied with the diet you purchased, we’ll either exchange the product for a different one or provide a full refund for any unused portion of dry food and/or any unopened cans.
