Each year, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with our office for your pet’s annual exam and vaccines. These are some of the procedures that we perform at the exam. The doctor will determine which vaccines are needed based on your pet’s lifestyle and health status.

• Wellness exam- This is a physical exam where the doctors assess the general health of the pet and determine if the pet is in sufficient health to receive vaccines. The ears, eyes, mouth, skin, and overall body condition will be assessed. The doctor will listen to the heart and lungs, and also palpate the abdomen for abnormalities. If abnormalities are noted, further diagnostics will be discussed.
  
• DHLPPC- This is a combination vaccine that helps protect against canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, and Corona Virus. Distemper affects all body systems in the dog including the nervous system, respiratory system and the gastrointestinal system. Hepatitis affects the liver. Leptospirosis has been seen more frequently in Indiana lately and affects the kidneys and liver. Parainfluenza in an upper respiratory virus. The Parvo and Corona viruses affect the intestinal tract and can be fatal, if aggressive treatment is not pursued.
  
• Rabies Vaccine- This vaccine is required by law in the state of Indiana, and protects against
  Rabies.
  
• Bordetella Vaccine- Also known as Kennel Cough. This protects against an upper respiratory infection that is easily spread between dogs. Most groomers, boarding facilities, obedience classes, and bark parks require this vaccine. This vaccine is highly recommended if your pet is going to be around other dogs. Due to recent research, we are now recommending that your pet have this vaccine boostered every 6 months if your pet is frequently in contact with other dogs.
  
• Lyme Vaccine- This is a vaccine that will help protect your pet against Lyme Disease. If your pet is routinely exposed to ticks, goes hunting, or takes walks near wooded areas, this is a vaccine that you may consider giving your pet.
  
• Heartworm Test/Lyme/Ehrlichiosis- This is a blood test that checks for heartworm disease. In the past, this test was run every other year. Due to a higher rate of infection, changes in the weather, and recommendations from internal medicine specialists, we now recommend testing annually. This is a fatal disease that can easily be prevented with oral monthly preventatives. This year we have a new test called the 3DX test. Along with testing for heartworm disease, it now tests for Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, which are two diseases spread by ticks. These are emerging diseases in our area, and we have multiple patients that have tested positive to both diseases.
  
• Stool Sample- This tests for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Some of these parasites can be transferred to humans, so it is important to identify if you pet has one of these parasites.

If you have a doctor preference, please let us know.
Our doctors are Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Sprunger, and Dr. Kiley.