DURHAM, N.C., May 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Hope Animal Hospital is working to raise awareness about the importance of regular check-ups for cats. These wellness screenings check for heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, dental disease, and diabetes. According to veterinarian Dr. Soren Windram, annual exams help detect the warning signs for disease, which allows veterinarians to provide proactive treatments that can extend and improve quality of life.
Chapel Hill veterinarian Dr. Soren Windram and fellow veterinarian Dr. Kay Bishop are urging pet owners to schedule annual wellness exams for cats.
"An annual wellness exam is the best gift that a cat owner could give their pet," said Dr. Windram. "Annual exams are absolutely essential to detecting the warning signs of illness in cats, before a potential health condition compromises a cat's health."
A wellness exam includes a full physical and diagnostic blood work. According to Dr. Bishop, the results from this diagnostic test can help determine signal whether a pet needs additional follow-up exams. The veterinarian also checks that the cat is up to date on all needed vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper.
"Regular wellness exams are so important and we recommend semi-annual exams for senior pets," said Dr. Bishop. "The earlier our team can detect an underlying health problem in older cats, then the more options we then have available for treatment. At our animal hospital, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic and medical procedures to provide quality, compassionate care for our pets."
Dr. Windram and Dr. Bishop provide full service feline wellness care, including all core and non-core vaccinations, spay and neuter animal surgery, and animal dentistry. According to the veterinarians, regular dental exams are an important complement to pet wellness care.
"Many pet owners are surprised to learn that the build-up of plaque along the gum line can ultimately lead to serious bacterial infections," said Dr. Windram. "Since pets cannot brush their own teeth, a regular dental cleaning helps remove plaque before it causes permanent damage and periodontal disease. If bacteria passes beneath the gum line, it can easily enter the blood stream and cause damage to internal organs, including the heart."
The veterinary clinic also offers Chapel Hill and Durham cat boarding services in cat condos. In order to ensure the safety of all boarded pets and reduce the risk of illness, cats must be vaccinated against rabies and feline distemper. Proof of vaccination is required prior to admittance for cat boarding. The cat condos feature a prominent view of outdoor activities, so cats can safely keep an eye on local squirrels, birds and other small animals. Bathing services are also available for cats prior to pick-up from boarding.
New Hope Animal Hospital provides veterinary medical care for dogs, cats and pocket pets. The Durham veterinary clinic also provides full service dog and cat boarding. Pet owners may learn more by visiting the veterinary clinic's website, http://www.nhah.com/.