The Role of Preventive Care in Managing Chronic Conditions for Pets

Preventive care may be essential in keeping your pet happy and healthy so don’t let him go without it. If you are interested in preventive care from a veterinarian, we at Oxford Animal Hospital, serving The Villages, FL, and Oxford, FL, can help your pet get the support he needs.

What Is Preventive Care?

Preventive care can help keep your pet healthy. Typically, it involves wellness exams, dental cleanings, nutritional counseling, and vaccinations. Sometimes, in the course of a routine exam, the veterinarian will discover a chronic condition. As alarming as it is to hear your pet has an illness that may never go away, thanks to the wellness exam, a veterinarian found it early, so treatment and proper care can begin immediately. Early detection may be important in managing chronic conditions such as:

•             Diabetes

•             Kidney disease

•             Liver disease

•             Heart disease

•             Obesity

•             And more

Treatment for Chronic Conditions

When the initial diagnosis occurs, a vet on our veterinary team will explain exactly what the condition is, how it will affect your pet's life, and discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. We will then consult with you to develop a plan for long term management of the condition. The treatment plan will be specifically designed for your pet's condition and will take into consideration factors such as age, breed, size, and overall health. The goal is to control the condition and maintain your pets' quality of life with as little discomfort as possible. Treatments may include:

•             Medication (insulin, anti-inflammatories)

•             Dietary changes (for obesity)

•             Other lifestyle changes

•             And more

Routine Wellness Care

Regular preventive care visits may be be needed to keep the condition from becoming worse, keep your pet comfortable, and ensure he is responding properly to whatever treatment the vet has prescribed.

These visits also allow you the opportunity to tell the vet about any concerns you have or new symptoms you've recognized. These preventive care visits will also allow the vet to adjust medication and suggest additional treatments based on your pet's progress. A chronic condition in your pet can be scary, but with proper care, your pet may still be able to live a good life.

Get Pet Care from a Veterinarian Near You at Our Animal Hospital

If you're in The Villages, FL, or Oxford, FL, area and your pet needs treatment for a chronic condition, our veterinary team at Oxford Animal Hospital are here to help. Give us a call with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call us at (352) 461-1346 for pet care from a veterinarian near you at our animal hospital.