Our staff at Rock Knoll Animal Hospital is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here to help you and your pet! They are highly trained and dedicated to making sure that your pets receive the care and compassion they deserve every time they walk in the door!
We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:
- Pocket Pets
- Birds
- Health Certificates
- Preventative Care
- Dental Care
- Dental Surgery
- Surgery
- Advanced Digital X-rays
- Spay and Neuter
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations
- Wellness Exams
- Nutritional Counseling
- Parasite Prevention
- Ultrasound
- In-House Laboratory
- Allergy Testing
- Pain Management
- Emergency and Urgent Care
- Pharmacy
- Dermatology
- Puppy and Kitten Care
- Diabetes
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Small Farm Animals Services
Pocket Pets
Not all pets are furry or four legged! We are proud to provide care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. Caring for exotic pets requires experience and special training, so we have a team that is equipped to provide our exotic patients with high quality care.
Caring for exotic animals can be very different from other pets, so it’s important for pet owners to be educated on the needs of their pets. Nutrition and a proper habitat are major components of properly caring for most exotic pets.
Birds
We are happy to provide care for pet birds. Our team is trained and experienced in caring for avian patients, so we want you to know that your bird is receiving top quality care.
There are many health issues associated with various types of birds, so it’s important to consult with us about your bird’s health. It’s also important for them to receive regular checkups so that we can establish a baseline in their body chemistry and detect any potentially harmful changes.
If you have any questions about how we can care for your pet bird, please contact us today at (405) 634-5700.
Health Certificates
If you want to travel internationally with your pet, you need to plan ahead. Since each country is different, you will have to contact the embassy or consulate where you are going to find out what you need to do.
Though every country has different requirements, most require a health certificate that is done by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Luckily, we have a USDA-accredited veterinarian. If you are not a client, you need to make sure you bring your pets’ records in with you to the examination.
You will always need a health certificate and proof of vaccination. You may also need a microchip and blood tests. Many countries require that your pet get treated for parasites prior to travel. You may also need certificates for the airplane ride.
Since each country is different and we can’t stay up to date will all of the changes in each one, it is important that you call ahead and know what you need. Then, we will make sure that your pet is all ready to go!
Preventative Care
We believe the best way to promote overall health is through preventative care. Regular checkups allow us to establish a baseline in your pets’ health and make us aware of any changes that may indicate future problems.
We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often health problems that go undetected can become more severe issues when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.
Dental Care
One challenge for pet owners is to overcome that piercing stench that comes from your pet’s decaying gum tissue. Like with people, chewing more often through pre-existing dental conditions can lead to the growth of tartar on the teeth, leading to medical issues elsewhere in the body. The ultimate effect is bone erosion and erosion of the teeth and gums that can cause long-term pain and health problems for your pet.
Dental problems are mostly preventable, but other existing conditions can sometimes complicate treatment. Some pets could have root or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Bone softening from subluxations or occlusions can cause a loss of sensation in and around the mouth and lead to emergency vet services. The best way to avoid dental issues from occurring in your pets is by making sure he or she has an annual teeth cleaning. At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City, our team provides the dental care your pet needs to stay healthy.
What Is Veterinary Dental Care?
When you visit our clinic for your pet’s dental cleaning, we will first put your pet under anesthesia for safety purposes unless communicated otherwise due to a medical issue. Our veterinarian will use specialized tools to get rid of any tartar or plaque on your pet’s teeth. If there are any tears in the teeth’s enamel, a special polishing paste will be used. We will also ensure that your pet is free of any broken or infected teeth. The next stage in the process is teeth strengthening and desensitization, where our team uses a special fluoride paste. Your pet’s gum line must also be examined to determine if any problems are not visible on the surface.
Benefits of Dental Hygiene for Pets
Proper dental hygiene will keep your pet free of potential dental health issues such as bleeding gums, broken teeth, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, and more. Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria in your pet’s teeth. The bacteria form plaque will eventually develop into tartar and cause gingivitis in your pet. This leads to infection in the roots and loosening of the teeth.
If gingivitis remains untreated, the disease continues damaging the bone structure eventually getting into the bloodstream and causing irreparable damage to the kidney, liver, and heart. Proper dental care also protects pets from broken teeth. If your pet is exposed to hard toys with weak teeth, he or she can end up breaking teeth causing infections and a lot of pain.
Dental Surgery
Just like humans, pets can have dental problems, too. Relieving pain and improving dental function is an important part of overall health care for pets. At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK, we provide a variety of dental treatments, including pet dental surgery. Whether you have a dog or cat, we can diagnose dental problems and provide effective solutions to help your pet feel better and eat comfortably.
Pet dental surgery does not have to be a scary process for you or your pet. Surgery can help your pet stay healthy and avoid other health complications.
Dogs may need dental surgery for a number of problems. Retained baby teeth can crowd adult teeth and make eating difficult. Dogs sometimes chew hard objects and may break a tooth, which can become painful. Older animals may have decayed teeth. Gum disease could develop and require surgery. Cats also develop dental problems, such as decayed teeth or resorbed teeth, that may require surgery.
What Happens During Surgery?
Before any dental surgery, our veterinarian will administer a number of tests to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. On the day of surgery, the animal will be put under with an anesthetic. An assistant will monitor breathing and heart rate carefully while your pet is asleep. The necessary procedure will be done while the animal is unconscious and unable to feel pain. After the procedure, your pet will be monitored to ensure the effects of the anesthetic are wearing off. Generally, you will be able to take your pet home the same day for rest and recuperation.
Aftercare for Dental Surgery
Our veterinary team will provide specific instructions for your pet’s care after dental surgery. These will include allowing your pet to rest in a quiet area until the anesthetic wears off completely. Provide plenty of fresh water to drink and avoid giving your pet hard food. Instead, a small meal of food softened with water or canned food is advised. Our vet may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to administer. Do not offer your pet chew toys or other hard objects until cleared by our vet during your follow-up visit.
Surgery
Getting the care that you need for your pet is of the utmost importance. In Oklahoma City, you can depend on Rock Knoll Animal Hospital. At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital we are capable of performing the various surgeries that may be needed for your pet. From a spay and neuter to something more comprehensive, we can help!
Emergency Vet Services
Accidents are bound to happen. It’s how you react to them that’s important. Did your pet get hit by a car? Are they sick to their stomach? Are they experiencing another symptom that has you worried? Time is often of the essence, and you don’t want to wait until normal veterinary office hours.
At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive emergency vet services to make a difference. If there’s an emergency, we’ll get your animal in immediately. We can perform digital x-rays, ultrasounds, and more on-site. It allows us to know what’s going on to know how to help. After all, a diagnosis is going to ensure your dog, cat, or other animal gets the proper level of care.
While we do have set office hours Monday through Saturday, we do have emergency care hours, too. This way, you can call us with confidence knowing that a veterinarian from our team will be able to help.
Explore Different Surgeries for Your Pet
Just as humans need surgery from time to time, so do animals. Often, the surgeries aren’t too different, either. Our goal is to provide the necessary support to your pets so that they’re not scared. We also work to provide after-care so that they recover as quickly as possible.
We offer several different surgeries including:
- Spay and neuter
- Orthopedic (including hip dysplasia)
- Facial reconstruction
- Internal surgery
All sorts of things can happen. It might be an accident that requires a cast, such as a bone fracture. It could also be as a result of something else, requiring internal surgery or a surgery that will correct a birth disorder. We can run the necessary diagnostics to know what is going on and what surgery can do to provide the necessary assistance.
Advanced Digital X-rays
At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK , we are proud to be on the cutting edge of medical technology. Radiology is a technique and diagnostic tool that we use to look inside the body in an entirely non-invasive way. X-rays allow us to create images of all the body’s organs.
In other words, the use of radiology gives us a view of the internal organs in your pets’ body that we otherwise could not see. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians detect and prevent illness.
Spay and Neuter
Spay and neuter pet surgeries can be somewhat controversial topics, but most veterinarians and animal welfare groups highly recommend these procedures. Spaying or neutering your pets comes with significant health and behavioral benefits, as well as general peace of mind. Here are some reasons you might want to consider having our veterinarian spay or neuter your pet at Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City.
The Legal Benefits
Oklahoma City does not currently require residents to spay or neuter their animals as of 2021, but laws are always changing and some legislators have been pushing to have mandatory spay/neuter legislation introduced. However, you may still run into problems if your unneutered dog or cat is picked up by animal control.
The Health Benefits
Spaying and neutering can also provide numerous health benefits. Female dogs in particular can be susceptible to certain health conditions. One somewhat common issue is pyometra, an infection of the uterus. Spayed dogs are immune. Spayed females also have a significantly reduced chance of mammary cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system.
However, there can be benefits to delaying spay and neuter pet surgery, such and encouraging bone development in working dogs. Our veterinarian in Oklahoma City can help you assess the risks and benefits for your dog.
The Risks of Spay and Neuter Pet Surgeries
Spay and neuter procedures are generally very safe and routine surgeries. There is always a small risk of adverse reactions or complications, but usually, animals come out of them just fine. Pet surgery is safer in younger animals simply because they are more resilient and less likely to have underlying health issues, but even older animals generally do well with spay and neuter surgery. The major concern is usually the anesthesia, which can be dangerous for older pets, animals with underlying health issues, or giant-breed dogs such as Great Danes.
Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?
Most pet owners do better with a spayed or neutered pet. It can reduce the risk of certain cancers, and it also reduces the risk of behavioral issues such as marking territory or fighting. You also won’t have to worry about your pet accidentally contributing to the animal overpopulation problem. Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your pet around six months of age or older.
Microchipping
The loss of a beloved animal due to theft or a sudden escape can be heartbreaking for its owner. Our Oklahoma City veterinarian recommends microchipping as the most successful method for protecting cats and dogs in these situations. Implanting a chip is fast and convenient at our Rock Knoll Animal Hospital.
An animal that has undergone microchipping has a much greater change of returning home than one without a chip. Only about one of every five dogs that reach a shelter each year eventually returns to its owner. The situation is more dismal for cats, with just a 2 percent chance of reuniting with their families.
Microchips offer easy maintenance in addition to peace of mind. Issued by multiple manufacturers, all chips have a life expectancy longer than that of the pets that receive them. Owners only need to initially register contact information in the manufacturer’s database and then make sure the data remains current. During wellness exams, our Oklahoma City staff scans the pet to confirm that the chip is in place and functioning properly.
Inserting a microchip is harmless to a pet and occurs quickly. An owner can opt to schedule a time for the procedure or decide to add it during another appointment.
Microchips are far more secure than detachable collars. Our doctor advises that the optimal protection for a pet is a microchip plus a breakaway collar with identification tags attached to it.
What Owners Can Expect
A microchip is an electronic device placed inside a miniature glass container. It has the shape and size of a grain of rice. Insertion by our veterinarian takes just seconds.
Microchipping involves implanting the chip under the skin using a hypodermic needle. The site typically selected lies between the shoulder blades. Discomfort is usually minimal, much like that associated with everyday injections.
Every chip bears a unique manufacturer-assigned number. When an unidentified animal arrives at a vet practice, shelter, or police station, the staff scans it with a special wand. If the animal has a microchip, the unique number displays. When the correct owner contact information is on file, it is possible to begin the process to help get the pet home.
Vaccinations
It is recommended by veterinarians to begin a vaccination schedule early in your pet’s life. While your pet is maturing, their immune system is weak, and they are prone to pick up severe or even deadly diseases. Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City can help make sure your cat or dog is staying up to date with their vaccines. This service is critical for the safety and wellbeing of your pet and others around them.
What To Expect From A Pet Vaccination
It is recommended for your pet to start vaccinations around six to eight weeks of age. It will protect dogs or cats as they are naturally curious creatures who can easily contract a disease. Here are a few reasons why it is crucial to have your pet vaccinated:
- Vaccines are an excellent way to prevent viral/bacterial infections.
- Most pets have little side effects and are back to normal in a day or two.
- They can help your pet live a longer and healthier life.
- Certain vaccines (i.e., rabies) are state law to be pet owners.
An Overview Of Dog Vaccinations
Dogs can receive what is called “core” and “non-core” vaccines that will help them against various diseases that threaten their quality of life. Below are the most common dog vaccinations that our clients will receive:
- Rabies, Canine parvo, canine hepatitis, Bordetella, canine distemper, parainfluenza
Our veterinarians will discuss with pet owners what vaccines they should receive based on recommendations and lifestyle. Once your dog has received its initial vaccines in early life, they will then get boosters every 1-3 years, depending on the kind of vaccine that was given.
An Overview Of Cat Vaccinations
Cats also receive “core” and “non-core” vaccines. Below are the common vaccines for our feline visitors:
- Rabies, feline leukemia, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia, canine influenza
Are Their Risks Involved With Vaccinating My Pet?
Vaccines are agreed by most veterinarians to be safe for animals to receive. It is normal for pets to feel lethargic, have a loss of appetite, or have some discomfort, but vaccines go a long way for preventative protection. If you have missed one, our friendly staff can help your pet get back on track.
Wellness Exams
For most of us, keeping our pets healthy and safe is nearly as important as keeping the rest of our family safe. Pets are truly an extension of our families and we want to keep them feeling great through every facet of their life. Ongoing veterinary care is an important part of keeping them well. A yearly wellness exam is critical in keeping your pet healthy. At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital, we take the health of your pet seriously. Our team will be on the lookout for possible health issues that could impact your pet if left unchecked.
Nose To Tail Pet Exam
During your pet’s annual wellness check, we will perform a complete exam to ensure he or she is healthy. During this exam, the veterinarian will examine your pet’s eyes, nose, and mouth. We will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. We will also examine your pet’s skin and fur to check for allergies and skin conditions. Finally, we will want to watch your pet walk to observe his or her gait.
Vaccinations
If you want your pets to live a long and healthy life, you need to make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations. During your pet’s annual visit, we will administer any vaccinations that your pet may need.
Weight Checks
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53 percent of dogs and 55 percent of cats in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. If your pet is overweight or obese, he or she is prone to serious health conditions. Because these conditions are so common, it is essential that you schedule an annual visit with our team. During this visit, your pet’s weight will be checked. If the veterinarian finds that your pet is overweight, they can help you create a diet and exercise plan to help get your pet to a healthy weight.
Preventative Medications
If your pet is going to remain happy and healthy, he or she will need preventative medications. Flea and tick medication is essential in protecting your pet from a flea infestation. Also, ticks carry serious diseases. These medications are important. During your pet’s annual visit, you can order his or her yearly supply of the medication.
Heartworm is a serious disease, and without proper treatment, it can result in death. To be sure that your pet is protected, he or she will need to take a heartworm pill every month. During your pet’s annual exam, you can order a supply of heartworm medication.
Nutritional Counseling
The sustenance of a healthy diet is fundamental for the general health and wellness of your pet. If your pet gets overweight, it can develop dangerous medical complications and health concerns. Proper nutrition is crucial for your pet’s wellness. At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK, our veterinarian provides pet nutritional counseling to ensure that your animal stays healthy.
Importance of Diet
Diets are different for each pet. Giving proper pet nutrition on a balanced diet ensures your pet gets the right number of vitamins and minerals required to maintain its health. It’s imperative as a pet owner to understand that some pets have food allergies, warranting dietary changes. There are many different foods available on the market, making it daunting to come up with the best selection of pet food. Food that our veterinarian recommends for your pet is always beneficial. In addition, many foods prescribed by our veterinarian for your pet get formulated to maximize benefits.
Benefits of Pet Nutritional Counseling
Pet nutritional counseling educates you as a pet owner on what to feed your pet and the importance of keeping your pet healthy. Other benefits include the following:
It Help Prolong Your Pet’s Lifespan
The diet prescribed to your pet by our veterinarian helps it avoid various illnesses. In addition, a healthy diet mitigates the chances of your pet contracting malnourishment and obesity. This protection extends your pet’s longevity and improves its life.
Establishes the Right Amount of Food for Pets
Overfeeding and underfeeding both have negative consequences for pets. Feeding your pet in excess can result in obesity, diabetes, and other health complications. On the other hand, underfeeding can make your pet malnourished and feeble. Speaking with the team at our animal hospital will ensure that you know the exact amount of food your pet needs. Each animal is different, so the amount of food and times it is fed daily will differ based on breed, size, and health.
Helps You Create a Feeding Schedule
Different animals need to be fed more or less often depending on breed, activity level, and more. Younger pets will likely need to eat more often throughout the day, as they are still growing. Mature pets can eat less often. It is important to create a schedule for your animal that it can get used to. This will help your animal avoid stomach problems and other issues.
Parasite Prevention
The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.
At Rock Knoll Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. Pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounding is a quick and painless procedure. It uses sound waves to allow us to see inside your pets, without using the harmful radiation produced when we take x-rays.
We are pleased to be able to offer ultrasounds, along with all of our other diagnostic tools, to help your sick pets start to feel better soon. The quicker we can find the problem, the sooner your pets will be back to their normal selves.
In-House Laboratory
We are very proud of our laboratory. We are able to perform many diagnostic tests quickly and efficiently in it. We can do many simple tests but are also able to offer some more complex ones, too! We are able to run heartworm tests, leukemia and FIV tests, and full blood work for those who are interested in it. There are also many other tests we offer our patients.
The best part of being able to run laboratory tests in our hospital is that we can diagnose your pets much sooner than if we had to send the blood work out to another laboratory. Whenever your pets are not feeling well, we can offer you results and a diagnosis in minutes instead of making you wait a day (or more) for the results.
Allergy Testing
Dogs and cats can be allergic to almost anything, similar to allergies in people. Pets can be allergic to allergens in their household environment, outside environment, or even their food. Symptoms can range from itchiness and ear or eye infections to constant licking, and even vomiting or diarrhea. Many pets suffer from allergies which can directly affect their quality of life, as well as their owner’s.
Pain Management
Pets that are in pain are miserable. For this reason, we will do whatever we can to keep your pets comfortable.
We have many different choices when it comes to treating apets’ pain. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are very helpful with mild pain. We also prescribe steroids which can offer a lot of relief. We also have stronger pain medications if the non-steroidal medications are not enough. We also offer glucosamine in tablets and injections to help with arthritis.
Emergency and Urgent Care
As a responsible pet owner, you probably take your animal friend to the vet regularly. However, you never know when an emergency will arise. Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City is available at times when your pet needs care in unexpected situations. Here’s why we’re one of the top providers to choose for urgent pet care needs.
Our staff is dedicated and well trained to handle emergencies of all types. If you’re experiencing an emergency, please call us immediately. Our team of professionals will be able to determine the best course of action for your pet.
Conditions We Treat
You can bring your pet to us for just about any condition or ailment. We offer an array of vet services to pets in or near the Oklahoma City area. You can bring your companion animal to us if it has a fever, earaches, coughing and sneezing, eye or nose discharge, occasional vomiting or diarrhea, wounds, malaise, parasite bites, and just about any other problem that it may have. Our loving and compassionate emergency vet team can diagnose and treat your animal quickly and with the highest level of care and concern.
Scheduling an Appointment for Urgent Care
During an urgent situation, you want help right away when your pet is hurting. We understand that, which is why we offer convenient hours and on-demand treatment. All you have to do is contact our animal hospital and let us know that your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. We will do our best to schedule you and your pet in between appointments. We are able to move things around so that your dog, cat, or other pet can get the care it needs to make a speedy recovery.
Our urgent care hours are when we are open only. If an urgent situation happens after hours, we will direct you to a 24-hour vet hospital in the local area.
Care for a Variety of Pets
Our emergency vets are experienced in caring for various species. Therefore, you can feel confident coming to us for help as we most likely can meet your pet’s needs. We will gladly care for your cat, dog, rabbit, bird, reptile, or small farm animal with the highest level of concern.
Pharmacy
Nothing is more stressful than having a sick pet. You sympathize with your pet because you love it so much that you want to give it immediate care and comfort. Therefore, you need a veterinarian who has convenient hours, high-quality service, and a strong reputation with pet owners in the Oklahoma City area. Furthermore, you need a hassle-free way of getting your pet’s prescriptions filled. Rock Knoll Animal Hospital has a solution for all of your pet’s needs. You can get medication for your companion animal in two convenient ways: in-clinic pharmacy and online pharmacy.
Our In-Clinic Pharmacy in Oklahoma City
One convenient way that you can get your pet’s medication is through our in-clinic pharmacy. We have an inventory of pills, oral medications, topical agents, and other items that you might need to care for your pet in our clinic in Oklahoma City. We can hand you your prescription and save you the trouble of standing in line at a different physical location. We’re all about convenience, and we’re delighted to make your pet healthcare experience as simple as possible.
Our Online Pharmacy
Alternatively, we have an online pharmacy that you can use if we don’t have the medication that you need at our in-clinic pharmacy. You can shop online in the comfort of your home and order first-time prescriptions and refills. Someone will deliver them right to your house so that you can give your cat, dog, rabbit, reptile, pocket pet, bird, or small barn animal the care it needs on-demand. You won’t need to leave your home to start your pet’s treatment regimen.
Dermatology
Your pets’ skin is the largest organ of the body. Allergies, parasites, infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers can all affect your pet’s skin.
We offer specific diagnostic tests like allergy testing, fungal testing, cultures and biopsies, along with the most cutting edge treatments to ensure the health of your pets’ skin.
Puppy and Kitten Care
A new puppy or kitten can be a great addition to your family. Puppies and kittens are adorable and they make excellent companions. If you plan to adopt a puppy or kitten, it is essential that you understand that it is a major responsibility. Your pet will depend on you for everything, including food, shelter, love, and attention. It is also your responsibility to ensure your pet is healthy. When you bring your new puppy or kitten home, you should schedule an appointment at Rock Knoll Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City. This first visit is very important and lays a foundation for good health for your new friend.
Check Your New Pet’s Overall Health
During your pet’s first visit, our veterinarian will perform an exam to ensure that your pet is healthy. If it was born with any health issues, our vet can begin treatment early. The first visit to our vet will give you peace of mind that your new pet is healthy.
Vaccinations
Your new pet will need vaccinations to allow it to live a long and healthy life. Most of the necessary vaccinations need to be administered during the first year of your pet’s life. During your new pet’s first visit to the vet, it will be given the first round of vaccinations. Our vet will also schedule a follow-up so your pet can get the next round of vaccines.
Discuss Spaying and Neutering
It is best to have your new pet spayed or neutered. During your new pet’s first check-up, our veterinarian will discuss the benefits of spaying and neutering and what to expect. If you adopted a kitten, it can be spayed or neutered as young as eight weeks old. Male puppies should be neutered at six months old, and female puppies should be spayed between five and six months before they go into heat for the first time.
Microchipping
During your pet’s first visit to the vet, you should have it microchipped. Dr. Payne can implant a tiny microchip under your pet’s skin near the shoulder blade. The number on the scannable microchip will coincide with your contact information in the nationwide lost pet database. If your pet gets lost, the microchip can be scanned so you can be reunited with your pet quickly. Having your pet microchipped will give you peace of mind that your pet won’t be lost for too long.
Questions and Concerns
When you first adopt a puppy or kitten, it is not uncommon to have many questions regarding diet, behavior, and energy level. During your pet’s first visit to our animal hospital, you can ask our veterinarian any questions about your new friend.
Diabetes in Pets
Pet diabetes is a condition that your cat or dog may have or develop and occurs when your pet’s blood sugar levels rise too high. Your pet may either have type I or type II diabetes. Type I diabetes is when your pet produces little to no insulin to combat blood sugar levels. On the other hand, your pet may have type II diabetes, which stems from insulin resistance — when your pet does not respond to the insulin. A pet is born with type I diabetes but may develop type II diabetes at any time during his or her life.
You may notice that your pet is thirstier than normal if he or she starts to develop diabetes. Additionally, your pet may urinate more than normal.
Pet diabetes can also cause changes in your pet’s appetite and lead to unexplained weight loss. In addition, your pet might not have energy or may sleep more than normal due to an increase in tiredness.
Although you may not want to smell your dog or cat’s breath, if you do, you may notice that your pet has a fruity or sweet-smelling breath.
Your pet’s eye may appear cloudy as well.
Complications from Diabetes in Pets
Unfortunately, if you do not receive treatment for your pet’s diabetes, he or she may lose his or her eyesight. A dog or a cat may suffer from high acid levels in his or her blood, known as ketoacidosis. Your cat may also experience recurring infections and pancreatitis. Dogs, on the other hand, may develop cataracts.
Treatment for Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a manageable condition that may require diet changes and possibly a medication. Pets with type I diabetes receive insulin while type II diabetes is usually manageable with an oral medication.
You will receive education regarding how to take care of your pet and monitor his or her sugar levels. You will also receive education about when to bring your pet in for an emergency vet visit, such as signs your pet’s blood sugar is dangerously low or high.
You now have a better understanding of diabetes in pets. Additionally, you will know how to identify the signs of diabetes.
Orthopedic Surgery
We offer a variety of solutions and treatments for your pets’ orthopedic issues. We understand that orthopedic problems can be a big challenge for both pets and pet owners so we are dedicated to working with you and communicating with you throughout the process.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our orthopedic capabilities or how we can care for your pet, please contact us today at (405) 634-5700.
We treat problems related to age, congenital defects, or trauma. Whether your cat or dog needs soft tissue or orthopedic treatment, the veterinarians at Rock Knoll Animal Hospital are here to help. We are the right option for pet owners in Oklahoma City looking for the highest quality of care. We will help you prepare your pet for surgery and care for them during the critical recovery stage.
Orthopedic Surgery for Pets
We use orthopedic surgery to help correct musculoskeletal issues in cats and dogs. If your pet has been involved in an accident or another traumatic event, they may be suffering from fractured bones or torn ligaments. Sometimes, aging pets suffer from osteoarthritis. Orthopedic surgery can treat these conditions and many more. We walk you through the process and let you know when to come in for checkups and follow-ups to make sure everything went as planned.
Soft Tissue Pet Surgery
We also perform soft tissue surgery. If your pet has an issue related to skin, muscles, or internal organs, we can often treat it via soft tissue surgery. Examples of these procedures include reconstructive, shunt, and cancer surgeries
What Happens After Pet Surgery?
Your cat or dog will likely spend at least a few hours under the care of our veterinarians following surgery. When you take your dog or cat home after the operation, we will provide specific instructions to help your pet heal quickly and safely.
For extensive surgeries, we may keep your pet under observation for a few days. Other surgeries are less complicated and do not require an overnight stay at the clinic. Here are a few things to expect if you take your dog or cat home soon after surgery:
- Your pet will need a lot of rest in the first 24 hours following surgery.
- They will be groggy and uncoordinated as the anesthesia wears off.
- You may want to crate your cat or dog the first few days after surgery. This will limit their activity and give them a chance to heal.
- Add blankets to the pen, room, or crate where you confine your pet to help them stay comfortable.