Maintaining your pets health through a long life is the goal of all responsible pet owners.  The veterinarians and staff at the Oxford Veterinary Hospital are trained and committed to help you achieve that goal with our preventative health care program which includes vaccination, parasite control, dietary counseling, and regular Wellness Exams.

An appointment for a Wellness Exam is recommended yearly up to 7 years of age, then twice yearly thereafter.

Our appointments are scheduled for 20 minutes duration with our veterinarians.  Checking in may take about 10 minutes.  Therefore, we recommend you arrive at least 10 minute before your scheduled appointment, allowing the veterinarian adequate opportunity to address all your pet's health maintenance needs.

When possible, always collect and submit samples your pet's urine and stool.  The stool is tested for microscopic parasites that may be infecting your pet without symptoms and have the potential to be transferred to you and your family. To read more information on zoonotic diseases please click here. The urine should be tested yearly to make sure there are no infections. 

If you have medical records from other veterinary facilities, bring them along or have them faxed to us before your appointment. If you would prefer, we can call and get them faxed for you.

Wellness Exams (Preventative Health Care Visits) begin with being admitted at our front desk where the receptionist will record your pet's current weight.  At this time, we will also confirm the reason for your pet's visit.  After this is done, either the receptionist or the technician will review your pet's history with you.  They will ask you questions concerning your pet's diet, flea control, tick control, heartworm preventative, medications/supplements, and activity level. Your observations of any signs of disease are very important and will be recorded so they can be addressed by the veterinarian.In the exam room, a technician will measure your pet's body temperature, take the urine and stool samples you provide, check your pet for presence of fleas, and collect a blood sample for scheduled blood tests.  The technician will then go over the recommendations for your pet. For instance, we recommend a yearly fecal exam, lyme/erlichia/anaplasma/heartworm disease testing for dogs, and blood work panels depending on age. For your cat we recommend feline leukemia/aids testing every other year on outside cats and a yearly fecal and a yearly fecal exam. 

 
Your veterinarian, Dr. Mease, Dr. Gaultney or Dr. Winning will then review the information gathered, possibly asking for more details on issues of concern.  Then your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam, checking all your pet's major systems including heart, lungs, skin, and teeth for evidence of problems or signs of pain or discomfort.  Based on your pet's information and the veterinarians findings during the exam an individualized Preventative Care Plan will be recommended.   This usually includes choosing the correct parasite control, diet, vaccination and blood work panel that is best for your pet.  Your veterinarian will also grade your pet's dental disease and give you a dental report card for their record.  At this time we will discuss when to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet. 

Most Common Blood Work Panels:

 Senior Wellness Profile is a test of your pet's blood, stool and urine that will let us know if there are any problems that have yet to show symptoms.  This is recommended yearly on animals older than 7 years of age.

Early Detection Profile is a test of your pet's blood that is a smaller panel then the comprehensive wellness profile. This also includes a urine and stool sample if available.  This is recommended for the younger animals under the age of 7.

If abnormal findings and signs of disease are identified, a Diagnostic Plan will be set up between you and the veterinarian.  This may involve more diagnostic tools such as radiographs or further blood work.

If health concerns are identified, the veterinarian will recommend and discuss a Treatment Plan. Our recommendations are first based on what is best for the animal.  We will always attempt to present all options and allow you as the animal's caretaker to decide what course to take.