Some Preventative Measures May Add Happy Years To Your Dog’s Life

1. Some Preventative Measures May Add Happy Years To Your Dog’s Life Every pet owner loves their animal and wants what is best for them. That is why we take our pets to the animal clinic to be seen by the veterinarian – right from the time that they arrive in our homes when they are relay small. This is true, too, for adopted and senior pets too, for example. The vet handles all the health care issues, whether your pet needs their annual vaccinations, whether they simply need medication for a relatively small issue, or whether they need one or more surgeries. We take them to a trusted veterinarian that offers knowledge and experience with regard to all health care demands for pets. Therefore we ensure that our pets receive preventative care too – not only when they are sick or injured because of a fight with another animal. We want to know that we do everything in our power to ensure they stay as healthy for as long as possible. Therefore we visit the vet for regular checkups and wellness tests. One of those tests concerns the well-known PennHip evaluation to establish whether your puppy is likely to develop dysplasia in the future. This test can be done early on, even when the pup is only four months old. A good vet performs a straight-forward test, and if he/she finds that future dysplasia is a possibility, then a relatively easy procedure can correct this potentially debilitating issue. Another test to certify your animal’s hips is the so-called OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) test, which is done only later on, such as when the young dog is two years old. The OFA test, referred to as OFA certification, is in essence a DNA test that establishes what potential health problems may lie ahead for your dog in the future. This test was first developed in the 60s of the previous century and has since then become hugely popular in man’s understanding of dogs’ DNA and what that means for their health. The test is done by a registered veterinarian, preferably by an experienced professional. It involves taking x-rays and offering radiographs which offer a normal, ventrodorsal view of the dog’s pelvic area. Details are recorded, analyzed and discussed with the dog’s owner. The test is done to establish what the likelihood would be that the animal may suffer from hip dysplasia in the future. But in addition to its core function to test for future hip dysplasia, OFA is now also used to track issues with dogs’ knees and to suggest a way to treat these before a problem develops. OFA is essentially a preventative measure that, through x-rays, can help ensure that dogs do not develop skeletal issues such as bad hips and knees. OFA certification covers genetic diseases and helps save animals pain and discomfort, and their owners many unhappy hours. That is why it is imperative to take your dog in for OFA testing as young as possible as treatment options become limiting when problems are diagnosed only later on. Very often your dog may start showing signs of discomfort and pain when treatment may no longer be an option. If your vet establishes early on that hip dysplasia will be an issue in the animal’s adult years, he/she can perform a fairly straight-forward procedure when the animal is small. Later on it may be more difficult, and total hip replacements may have to be considered, for example. In some cases triple pelvic osteotomy – in medium-to-large breeds – is an option. OFA is a great, even necessary, procedure to help ensure dog owners they offer their pet the best chance at a happy, healthy life for as long as possible. This is true for all pets whether you live in Boulder, CO or in Greeley, CO for that matter. About Us : At Powell Veterinary Service we offer all pet owners almost 30 years of dedicated, unrivalled service to ensure their pets remain healthy and happy. We offer great experience and are proud of the services we offer regarding all aspects of animal care. We perform surgeries, we spay and neuter, we offer boarding facilities and we provide puppies for different activities that appeal to our clients. At PVS we also offer a wellness service for pets to ensure any conditions are picked up early. We are Kersey, CO based and serve the surrounding areas. We are available by appointment, but also for emergency situations. Pets are our passion and we ensure that your animal receives excellent treatment from our practice. For more about us please visit https://powellvets.com/