ONLINE NEWSLETTER
| Big Creek Hours |
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| Monday | | 8am – 7pm |
| Tuesday | | 8am – 7pm |
| Wednesday | | 8am –1pm |
| | | 3pm – 7pm |
| Thursday | | 8am – 7pm |
| Friday | | 8am – 6:30pm |
| Saturday | | 8am – 3pm |
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| Please call for appointments |
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 Frequently Asked Questions
Medicine, Testing and Pharmacy
Wellness Exams
Surgeries and Dental Procedures
Medicine, Testing, and Pharmacy
Can I give my pet the same medicines I use?
While some medicines can be used by both people and pets most cannot. In addition, the dosage needs to be determined by our medical staff, based on your pet’s condition, size, and age.
When can’t I get a prescription refill for my pet?
1. If we haven’t seen your pet in the past year. We must have a doctor – patient relationship to prescribe medicines.
2. If we need to do testing before your pet gets a refill.
3. If we have never seen this condition before in your pet.
4. If the doctor wants to see your pet before prescribing a refill. (We will explain the reason)
My pet is on a long-term medication, how often do I need to get him or her tested?
Once your pet is regulated, they will normally come in for periodic testing. We will let you know the frequency times.
Is there anything I can do to have a more accurate blood test done for my pet?
1. If your pet is getting a Complete Blood Count, Routine Blood Screen, Comprehensive Blood Organ Screen, or
T4 Thyroid test we recommend your pet not being fed the morning of the test.
2. For Blood Glucose tests, please feed your pet as normal and give your pet’s insulin as normal.
3. If your pet is getting other types of tests we will let you know whether there are any special requirements before
the test.
Can I get my pet’s medicines from an on-line pharmacy?
The only on-line pharmacy we work with is Vet-Centric. We recommend that you read what the Food and Drug Administration says about getting your pet’s medications on-line. Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware. If you still want to get a medicine on-line please let us know during your pet’s examination. If your pet needs a prescription written at another time, there is a nominal script writing fee. You can pick-up the prescription from us or we can mail it to you.
Wellness Exams
Why does my pet need a Wellness Exam?
Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s general health and become aware of any health problems before they become serious illnesses. Since your pet cannot vocalize his feelings, you must rely on regular physical examinations by a veterinarian and your at-home observations to assess your pet’s health. We may also wish to perform diagnostic tests, including blood tests and/or x-rays, to evaluate your pet’s health.
How often does my pet need a Wellness Exam?
Every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to five to seven human years, so it is important that your pet receives a wellness exam at least every year, and more often when he enters his senior years. Many aspects of your pet’s health can change in a short amount of time, so make sure your pet does not miss even one exam!
What can I expect during my pet’s wellness examination?
1. History – We will be asking questions about your pet’s Life Style, Life Stage (puppy/kitten, adult, or senior),
Special Conditions, Nutrition, Heartworm/Flea Preventative, Environmental factors, and Unusual Behavior.
2. Physical Examination – Your pet will receive a complete 12 body system physical (equivalent to an exam by
both your physician and your dentist).
3. Testing (see In-house Laboratory)
4. Vaccinations - In general we follow the recommendations of the American Veterinary Medical Association,
the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practioners as to which
vaccinations we recommend for your pet and the frequency they are administered.
5. Year Round Health Plan – At Big Creek Pet Hospital, your pet will receive an individualized HealthMap™
explaining our medical team’s year round recommendations for your pet. Your pet’s HealthMap™ is separated
into five major areas:
a. Examinations & Immunizations
b. Wellness Preventions
c. The Family/Pet Bond
d. Diagnostic Tests
e. Quality of Life
What is the difference between a Wellness Exam and a Diagnostic Exam?
The Wellness Exam is a periodic examination whose primary purpose is preventative medicine. The Diagnostic exam is used primarily when your pet is sick or injured. A Diagnostic Exam is slightly more expensive than a Wellness Exam, but, the cost of “scheduled” Progress/Recheck Exams are included in the price of a Diagnostic Exam.
Surgeries and Dental Procedures
Is there a risk for my pet undergoing surgery?
Any time anesthesia is used or surgery is done, there is a slight risk of complication (less than .25%). We use a very safe gas anesthesia, Isofluorane, which is also used for many human operations.
What can I do to minimize the risk to my pet undergoing a procedure?
1. The night before your pet undergoes a procedure, take the food away after 8 pm, water is okay.
2. If your pet is sick 48 hours before a procedure please let us know. Have your pet’s blood tested.
3. Let us know if you have given your pet any medications the morning of the procedure.
Why should my pet get pre-anesthesia bloodwork?
Pre-anesthesia bloodwork helps identify possible problems with your pet that may not be evident during the physical examination. Extra precautions may be taken during the surgery or the procedure may be rescheduled based on the results of the bloodwork.
When should the pre-anesthesia bloodwork be done?
Most bloodwork can be done the day of the procedure. However, if your pet was tested and was well within the past 30 days this bloodwork can be used.
Can I watch the procedure?
Yes, you can watch most surgical procedures. Please let us know the morning of the procedure if you would like to watch and we will schedule a time for you to return and watch the procedure.
Why should I get my pet neutered (male) or spayed (female)?
1. Reduces or eliminates the risk of certain diseases.
2. Removal of sexual urge, which results in less roaming behaviors.
3. Reduction of certain types of aggression.
4. Elimination of risk of uterine and ovarian cancer (females) and testicular cancer (males).
Why should I get my pet’s teeth cleaned periodically?
Just as we do, your pet needs to have his or her teeth periodically cleaned. If they have a problem in their mouth, they may be less likely to eat and may be in pain. While pets don’t get cavities like we do, they can get gingivitis and periodontal disease. Bacteria formed in the mouth due to oral infections can be ingested and cause problems with internal organs. Experts estimate that up to 85% of pets three and older have some kind of dental disease.
Do you do laser surgery?
Yes, we do laser surgery, but like any tool only when appropriate.
Does my pet need post-surgical/post-dental pain medications?
Most times after a procedure, we strongly recommend your pet take home pain medications. We suggest you let our medical team decide if your pet should have take home pain meds.
Does my pet need antibiotics after the procedure?
We do not routinely send your pet home with antibiotics, as they don’t need it.
Does my pet need antibiotics before the procedure?
Before some surgeries and higher-level dental cleanings (levels 3 & 4), we will recommend your pet take antibiotics before the procedure to treat already present infections.
How do you monitor my pet’s vital signs during the procedure?
We have a variety of monitoring equipment we use depending on the procedure, your pet’s special needs, and estimated duration.
Do you have someone that stays overnight to monitor a sick patient?
No, we do not have someone that stays overnight. We will make recommendations as to whether your pet should be transferred to have overnight/weekend monitoring.
What surgeries don’t you do?
We do not do all types of orthopedics, especially for larger dognor do we do we currently do procedures use an endoscope. Our doctors will explain whether they recommend your pet getting surgery here or with a specialist.
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Big Creek Pet Hospital
16949 Bagley Road
Middleburg Hts., OH 44130
Phn: (440) 234-5831 |
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After Hours Emergency Care
provided by the Westside Animal
Emergency Clinic
Phn: (216) 362-6000
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© 2007 Big Creek Pet Hospital
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