General Medicine

Our general medicine veterinarians are highly skilled and trained to take care of your special companions, from birth through their senior years. We perform all levels of service, such as preventative medicine, diagnosis of disease, medical treatments, and emergencies.

Some of the more common problems we see include, but are not limited to, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea), skin conditions (rash, scratching, odors), ear infections, urinary tract infections, allergic problems, eye problems, cardial conditions, infectious diseases, and common orthopedic problems, such as lameness, arthritis, and ruptured ligaments.

Wellness and Preventative Medicine

Your companion's health and well-being is our #1 concern. A wellness examination gives us a chance to evaluate your pet's overall health and to detect problems before they turn into serious illnesses. The importance of this is paramount and why we schedule 30-minute appointments as opposed to the professional standard of 15 minutes.

Because most of our companions age faster than we do, it is essential that your companion be examined at least once a year. As they get older twice-yearly exams are recommended. As part of the wellness exam, a complete physical will be performed along with any routine testing that may be indicated. The early signs of many disease, including heart disease, can often be recognized during a routine health exam. Weight loss or gain could indicate different metabolic diseases such as thyroid disease, renal disease, liver disease or diabetes. Your companion's—

• Ears and skin will be examined for fungal, bacterial or parasite problems, as well as allergic sensitivities.
• Eyes will be examined for abnormalities such anemia, cataracts, jaundice, allergies, and neurological abnormalities.
• Oral cavity will be examined for tarter build up, gingivitis, dental abnormalities, such as fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infections, and other problems.
• Reproductive tract system will be evaluated for discharge, swellings, as well as mammary tumors. If your companion has not been neutered or spayed, our veterinarians will discuss the health benefits of doing so.
• Abdomen will be palpated for masses, discomfort, or changes to internal organs.
• Musculoskeletal system and lymph nodes will also be evaluated at this time.

During the wellness exams it is very important to mention any unusual symptoms or behavior that you have noted in your special companion, such as changes in appetite, vomit, diarrhea, excessive scratching, drooling, panting, or drinking excessively.

Disease Prevention

Vaccination against infectious diseases has had a tremendous effect on reducing and eliminating illness in people and animals. At Tuckahoe Animal Hospital we will create a vaccination program based on your companion's lifestyle and likelihood of exposure to disease.

Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats. Core vaccines for dogs generally include Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Coronavirus. For cats core vaccines include Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Herpes Virus.

New York State law mandates that all cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies.

Other vaccines that are routinely utilized, but catered to your specific needs, are Bordetella and Lyme for dogs, and Feline Leukemia vaccine for cats.

Parasite Prevention

Dogs and cats are commonly affected by different endoparasites (parasites of the gastrointestinal tract and ectoparasites (parasites of the skin). Various medications are available but our trained professional will choose the ones we feel are most beneficial for you companion.

Fecal exams are recommended at least once yearly.

Laboratory Services

In addition to the exceptional level of care and extensive services that are offered at Tuckahoe Animal Hospital, we also provide state of the art laboratory services. Most of our laboratory work is performed at an outside laboratory where it is reviewed by Board Certified Clinical Pathhologists and Anatamohistopathologists to assure accuracy with our diagnoses. We are able to perform some tests in-house. This enables a patient to go safely to surgery, aid with early disease detection, and monitor patients with chronic diseases or while hospitalized.