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Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

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Learn how to recognize signs of pain in dogs and cats, understand changes in behavior and mobility, and know when to contact your veterinarian.

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At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.<ul><li>Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</li><li>Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</li><li>Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</li><li>Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</li><li>Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</li></ul>Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
 
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
 • Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
 • Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
 • Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
 • Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
 
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li><li>Sudden death</li></ul>

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Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:<ul><li>The more treatment options are available</li><li>The better heart damage can be managed</li><li>The higher the chance of improving quality of life</li></ul>Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:<ul><li>Lethargy or decreased activity</li><li>Fainting or collapse</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li></ul>If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

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At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Sudden death</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li></ul>

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Have an older pet at home?&nbsp;Just like humans, pets can develop several new health issues as they enter their senior years. Often attributed to simply “slowing down,” it is not uncommon for many of these age-related problems to go untreated or even unnoticed. However, many of these changes can be effectively managed with proper veterinary care.Common age-related medical issues in pets include:<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Arthritis</h2>Arthritis is a general term that describes a variety of diseases characterized by inflammation within the joints. These disorders often result in progressive joint pain and stiffness.Signs of arthritis include limping, muscle atrophy, stiffness, repeated licking over a joint, and reluctance to run, jump, or climb. Treatment aims to control the pain associated with arthritis as well as slow any further progression of the disease.This can be accomplished with diet, weight management, oral medication, joint supplements, and acupuncture.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Cognitive Dysfunction</h2>Also known as “doggie dementia” or senility, cognitive dysfunction is an age-related deterioration of mental abilities, including learning, memory, and awareness.Signs of cognitive dysfunction in pets include disorientation, confusion, anxiety, decreased interaction with family members, loss of house training behaviors, and changes in sleep cycles.Unfortunately, cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured; instead, the goal of treatment is to address the pet’s clinical signs and slow the disease’s progression. Treatment options include an antioxidant-rich diet, oral medication, nutritional supplements, and regular moderate exercise.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Heart Disease&nbsp;and Kidney Disease</h2>As pets age,&nbsp;their organs gradually begin to decline. The organs most commonly affected by this “wearing out” process are the heart and kidneys. Heart and kidney failure include a progressive loss of organ function over time.Heart disease progresses slowly in most pets. The clinical signs may be difficult to recognize or may appear to come on very quickly. Signs to look for include slowness to recover from exercise, an increase in respiratory rate (rapid breathing), coughing and lethargy, exercise intolerance, or weight loss.&nbsp; Heart disease can be treated to improve your pet’s quality of life. Most forms of heart disease can be detected during an annual exam and with the help of chest radiographs (x-rays), electrocardiogram (EKG), and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram).Signs of kidney disease include lethargy, decreased appetite, and increased thirst, as well as an increase or decrease in urination. Early kidney disease can be identified with blood work and urinalysis. This disease process can be slow, and symptoms may not be evident to the owner right away. It is possible to treat some forms of kidney disease and slow the progression of others.Treatment for both diseases may consist of oral medication, nutritional supplements, fluid therapy, diet changes, and acupuncture.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Dental and Periodontal Disease</h2>Dental disease is very common in pets, it is just as common in dogs and cats as it is in humans!While it comes on slowly, dental disease tends to worsen as pets age due to a decline in immune function. Dental and periodontal disease puts a strain on your pet’s health and can be quite painful. We know that these factors affect quality of life; fortunately, this condition is completely treatable.Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may include daily tooth brushing and oral care at home, dental cleaning under anesthesia, or oral surgery to remove broken or infected teeth.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Hyperthyroidism</h2>One of the most common diseases affecting older cats, hyperthyroidism, is caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormones that increase the body’s rate of metabolism, resulting in weight loss and increased appetite. This disease also often leads to hypertension (high blood pressure).Clinical signs of hyperthyroidism include increased thirst and urination, a rough or unkempt hair coat, increased vocalization, and poor body condition.Traditional methods of treatment include oral medication, diet, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.Remember, because dogs and cats age so rapidly (about seven times faster than humans), health problems tend to progress faster in pets as well. Early detection can help prevent disease and minimize the suffering of an older pet. Bi-annual exams and yearly wellness laboratory bloodwork and urinalysis are highly recommended for all pets eight years and older. Comprehensive integrative consultations can help address many quality-of-life issues as well.For more information about caring for your senior dog, click here. For your senior cat, click here.If you need to schedule an exam for your senior pet, contact us today!

Just like humans, pets can develop several new health issues as they enter their senior years. Often attributed to simply slowing down, it is not uncommon for many of these age-related problems to go untreated or even unnoticed. However, many of these changes can be effectively managed with proper veterinary care.

Senior Pets: Old Age is Not a Disease!

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Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

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Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

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Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


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Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

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Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

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Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


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Senior Pets: Old Age is Not a Disease!

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Related Blogs

North Port Pet Wellness Bundles: Affordable Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats

Senior Cat Care: Promoting Wellness at Every Age

Aging Changes in Dogs and Cats

FAQs

Sheet title

Senior Pets: Old Age is Not a Disease!

Recent Blogs

North Port Pet Wellness Bundles: Affordable Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats

Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency

Related Blogs

North Port Pet Wellness Bundles: Affordable Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats

Senior Cat Care: Promoting Wellness at Every Age

Aging Changes in Dogs and Cats

FAQs

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?