Services Include:

Congratulations on your new puppy! Our puppy wellness program is designed to offer your new puppy all the benefits of veterinary services available to him/her from 6 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. Included in this service is a series of examinations and vaccinations that will protect you puppy against many common diseases including: Rabies, DHLPP (canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and leptospirosis), and Bordetella (a.k.a kennel cough). These vaccines will need to be boostered yearly along with other diagnostic testing to ensure the continued well-being of your pet.

In addition, your puppy will be treated for the most common intestinal worms of puppies – roundworms and hookworms. These worms can cause gastrointestinal changes and upsets such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. These and other parasites can even cause your puppy to become anemic (low red blood cells). Performing a fecal test will allow us to treat your puppy accordingly. Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, most parasites must be diagnosed by examining eggs in the stool of your puppy microscopically.

Congratulations on your new kitten! Our kitten wellness program is designed to offer your new kitten all the benefits of veterinary services available to him/her from 6 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age. Included in this series is a series of examinations and vaccinations that will protect you puppy against many common diseases including Rabies, FVRCPC (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Chlamydia) and Feline Leukemia.  Your kitten will also be test for Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and heartworm disease. These vaccines will need to be boostered yearly along with other diagnostic testing to ensure the continued well-being of your pet.

In addition, your kitten will be treated for the most common intestinal worms of puppies – roundworms and hookworms. These worms can cause gastrointestinal changes and upsets such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. These and other parasites can even cause your kitten to become anemic (low red blood cells). Performing a fecal test will allow us to treat your kitten accordingly. Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, most parasites must be diagnosed by examining eggs in the stool of your kitten microscopically.

Biannual exams and testing will provide us with a chance to catch any possible life-threatening issues. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments can result in your companion living a longer healthier life. We provide diagnostic and wellness services for your adult pet including but not limited to: blood testing, intestinal parasite screening, and urinalysis. Your personal yearly check up at your doctor is likely to include these tests and so should your pet's yearly exam. Every year we detect many disease processes in apparently 'normal' adult animals. The results can help us address problems in the early stages. We have the ability to test your dog or cat's eyes for excess pressure easily and safely. This test allows us to diagnose glaucoma and eye infections that could cause blindness if not detected and treated early.

Once your dog or cat turns 7 years of age, we recommend that they undergo a thorough senior wellness exam and diagnostic work-up. Even though you may believe your pet is normal, there are many disease processes that do not show any outward sign until the disease is quite advanced. More advanced diseases can be more difficult to treat and are not always as responsive to treatment as diseases diagnosed early. Early detection of diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, etc. will allow us to administer the appropriate treatments to help extend your pet's life.

Many symptoms that historically have been attributed to old age and considered untreatable are now treatable. For example, some dogs that appear to have lost their mental alertness can be returned to a mental status indicative of a younger age using appropriate therapy. Please feel free to contact us to discuss our senior wellness program in more detail.

• Heartworms are transmitted from mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes have adapted to survive in all climates, including the arctic
• Outdoor AND indoor cats can get heartworm disease.
• By the time your pet shows clinical signs of heartworm disease, the disease can already be in advanced stages.
• Preventing heartworms is EASY, treating heartworms is expensive and very long, potentially fatal process.
• By keeping your pet on a monthly preventative, such as Sentinel, and performing a heartworm test yearly the manufacturer guarantees it's product's effectiveness.  If your pet is on a preventative, has had its yearly tests, and is diagnosed with heartworms, the manufacturer will pay for your pet's treatment.
• If you miss more than two doses of prevention, a heartworm test must be performed BEFORE resuming preventatives.

• Sentinel – Once a month pill for the prevention of heartworms, fleas, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.
• Iverhart – Once a month pill for the prevention of heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

• Revolution – Once a month topical medication for the prevention of heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and ear mites.

• In Florida, we have fleas year round.
• In colder climates, adult fleas survive winter indoors, where they continue to infest pets.
• Female fleas can lay up to 2,000 eggs in their lifetimes.
• The adult fleas you see on your pet represent approximately 5% of the total flea population, and are only the tip of the infestation iceberg.
• Frequent vacuuming of your car, carpet, and furniture can help control fleas. Also frequently wash your pet's toys, blankets, and bedding in the hottest water possible.
• By ingesting a flea, your pet can become infected with tapeworms.
• Severe flea infestations can cause anemia.
• Keeping your lawn mowed short, raking up leaves and brush, and avoiding areas of tall grasses and bushes can help minimize tick infections.
• Ticks can pass diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease to your pet.

• Vectra 3D – Once a month topical medication for prevention of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites, and sand flies.

• Revolution
• Vectra

A heart problem can affect your pet at any age although it is more often found in older pets. Heart problems can lead to congestive heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart no longer has the ability to pump blood around the body effectively. If an animal is suffering from congestive heart failure, it usually accumulates fluid in the lungs although it can result in fluid accumulation in the abdomen as well. Animals suffering from congestive heart failure often experience difficulty breathing and frequent coughing. Some causes of heart failure include: congenital heart disease (animals born with a heart problem), valvular heart disease (abnormalities of the valves of the heart), heartworm disease, and arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances). Many heart problems can be identified on physical examination. Additional tests are usually required to accurately identify the cause of the heart disease. Additional tests include EKGs (electrocardiograms), radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasounds. Heart disease is a serious life threatening condition but early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can extend your pet's life.

A complete medical assessment begins with a thorough physical examination whereby your pet is assessed for any abnormalities. Blood tests can be performed as necessary to assess the proper functioning of your pet's kidneys, liver, pancreas, and endocrine system including the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. Urine tests can detect similar problems. Depending on your pet's condition, we may recommend further diagnostic tests such as radiography (X-rays), endoscopy (internal scoping), ultrasound or surgery.

Dermatology refers to the study of the skin. Skin disease is a frequently observed problem in dogs and cats. Diagnosing a skin problem in your pet may simply require an examination by a veterinarian; however, most skin diseases or problems require additional steps to accurately obtain a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic procedures may include blood work, urinalysis, skin scraping, biopsies, etc. The cause of skin problems can range from hormonal disorders to the common flea. You should book an appointment for your animal if you notice any excessive itchy behavior, loss of hair, and / or the presence of scabs or scale on the skin.

Endocrinology is the study of hormones and there are several common endocrine disorders found in dogs and cats. Hypothyroidism is often diagnosed in dogs. Hypothyroidism indicates that the animal has low levels of circulating thyroid hormone. The opposite is true for cats. They are frequently diagnosed with high levels of circulating thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Additional endocrine problems include Cushing's disease and Addison's disease. There are many signs observable in pets with endocrine disease. These signs include (but are not limited to) the following: abnormal energy levels, abnormal behavior, abnormal drinking, urinating and eating behavior, excessive panting, skin disorders, and weight gain or loss. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the only way to treat your pet, so if your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, please contact the veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

With our in house lab, we can perform many diagnostic tests on site, including urinalysis, kidney and liver function, and fecal tests.

X-rays are routinely used to provide valuable information about a pet's bones, gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, and colon), respiratory tract (lungs), heart, and genitourinary system (bladder, prostate). It can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to provide a list of possible causes for a pet's condition, identify the exact cause of a problem, or rule out possible problems.

When a pet is being radiographed, an x-ray beam passes through its body and hits a piece of radiographic film. Images on the film appear as various shades of gray and reflect the anatomy of the animal. Bones, which absorb more x-rays, appear as light gray structures. Soft tissues, such as the lungs, absorb fewer x-rays and appear as dark gray structures. Interpretation of radiographs requires great skill on the part of the veterinarian. Sedation is occasionally used to obtain the best possible images.

Ultrasonography, or ultrasound, is a diagnostic imaging technique similar to radiography (X-rays) and is usually used in conjunction with radiography and other diagnostic measures. It allows visualization of the deep structures of the body. Ultrasound can be used for a variety of purposes including examination of the animal's heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bladder etc. It can also be used to determine pregnancy and to monitor an ongoing pregnancy. Ultrasound can detect fluid, cysts, tumors or abscesses.

A 'transducer' (a small hand held tool) is applied to the surface of the body to which an ultrasound image is desired. Gel is used to help the transducer slide over the skin surface and create a more accurate visual image. Sound waves are emitted from the transducer and directed into the body where they are bounced off the various organs to different degrees depending on the density of the tissues and amount of fluid present. The sounds are then fed back through the transducer and are reflected on a viewing monitor. Ultrasound is a painless procedure with no known side effects. It does not involve radiation.

Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell (VRSC) technology offers new hope for debilitating diseases and career-ending tendon and ligament injuries, fractures, cartilage damage, and degenerative joint disease. Dr. Antuñano is one of the few veterinarians in the Brandon/Valrico area certified to perform the Vet-Stem procedure.

The following uses have been implemented by companion animal veterinarians with reported favorable outcomes:

• Canine osteoarthritis - hip, elbow, knee
• Canine immune mediated rheumatoid arthritis

VRSCs have been shown to improve quality of life and regenerate healthy tissue. Vet-Stem now offers regenerative stem cell therapy to credentialed small animal veterinarians. Development and refinement of the clinical science for canine injuries or diseases is underway with academic and clinical veterinarians. Vet Stem is currently evaluating the use of VSRC for neurological, heart, kidney, liver, and immune mediated diseases. There are certain applications when VSRCs are not recommended. These include cancer, sepsis, and topical wounds.

Since the cells come from and are returned back to the same animal (autologous), there is almost no risk of rejection or reaction. Although the chance of post-treatment inflammation is minimal, the process of injecting a tendon or joint with any substance carries a risk that you should discuss with your veterinarian. Vet-Stem processes the cells in a sterile environment and adds an antibiotic to the cell suspension before returning the cells for injection.

• There is only a 48 hour turn around time
• Easy and safe to collect
• Can turn into many types of cells
• Higher yield of regenerative cells
• Stem cells are your pet's own naturally occurring cells
• Lacks political/ethical controversy compared to embryonic stem cells

For more information, please visit: www.vet-stem.com

Spaying refers to the surgical procedure performed on female animals to render them infertile. There are many benefits to spaying your female companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of the dog and cat overpopulation. Second, spaying will eliminate the sometimes 'messy' heat cycles that attract male dogs to your house from miles away. Third, you will help prevent diseases in your pet such as pyometra (infection in the uterus) and mammary cancer. Spaying involves surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question the type of anesthetic used, the monitoring equipment and procedures followed, and what is included in the price you are quoted. We use several monitoring devices during your pet's anesthetic. A veterinary technician continually assesses your pet's vital signs during the procedure. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our facility to learn more about our spaying procedures.

Neutering refers to the surgical procedure performed on male animals to render them infertile. There are many benefits to neutering your male companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of the dog and cat overpopulation. Second, neutering will eliminate undesirable and at times, embarrassing behavior in your male companion such as mounting, marking, aggression, and escaping. Third, you will help prevent diseases in your pet such as prostate disease and testicular cancer. Neutering involves surgical removal of both testicles. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question the type of anesthetic used, the monitoring equipment and procedures followed, and what is included in the price you are quoted. We use several monitoring devices during your pet's anesthetic. A veterinary technician continually assesses your pet's vital signs during the procedure. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our facility to learn more about our neutering procedures.

Soft tissue surgery includes surgeries not associated with bone. Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed at our clinic is the removal of masses or 'lumps' on animals. Many masses or 'lumps', once removed and tested, are benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a 'lump' is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

Lacerations (or cuts) are also common in pets and suturing will reduce the chance of infection, improve healing time and reduce scarring.

Many breeds of dogs are susceptible to ear infections. Surgical treatment on ears improves air flow into the ear canal and can reduce the occurrence of ear infections. Tearing in your pet's eyes can mean an infection is present or it may be a sign the cornea (outer layer of the eye itself) has been damaged. A damaged cornea may require soft tissue surgery to allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring. Less scarring will improve the ability of your pet to see. In some animals, the cornea (outer layer of the eye) may be damaged by the eyelid hairs surrounding the eye. Surgical intervention involving the eyelid improves the comfort in these animals. It also reduces the chances of corneal scarring and enhances the animal's vision in the long term.

Orthopedic surgery refers to bone surgery. There are many different situations where bone surgery may be necessary including leg fractures, hip dysplasia, disc disease, etc. Most orthopedic surgeries can be performed at our clinic. Occasionally we refer our patients to a Board Certified surgeon to perform back surgery and other very complex surgeries. Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. A cast can be applied to the leg to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention. "Pinning" is a surgical technique whereby a long stainless steal rod is inserted into the middle of the bone. The rod traverses the fractured area. "Plating" is a surgical technique whereby a flat stainless steel 'plate' is attached to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture. "External fixation" is a technique used to stabilize fractures with a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture. The method of repair will depend on the location and type of fracture present.