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Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

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Author: pismobeachvet

Parasite Control In Your Pet

Posted on March 19, 2013May 16, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Parasite Control for Your Pet

What are our goals for parasite control?

Create individualized, cost-effective parasite control programs that are safe for your pet and your family, allowing for long-term control of internal and external parasites.

What parasites are my pets at risk?

Common external parasites in this area are fleas, ear mites, demodex and scabies mites, and ticks. Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases to your pets and your family (such as tapeworms, cat scratch fever, and lyme disease) and are year-round in this area.  Scabies mites can be transmitted to people and cause a severe rash.

Common internal parasites in this area are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia. These parasites are typically NOT visible with the naked eye in the feces. A microscopic fecal examination is needed to evaluate for their presence.  ALL of these parasites can be transmitted to people. Children and seniors are at greatest risk. These parasites can cause anything from diarrhea to severe skin lesions to blindness or death in humans.  A Center for Disease Control study found roundworm infections in 14% of people in America!

Heartworm disease is a mosquito transmitted parasite that causes fatal heart and lung disease in affected animals.  We currently recommend year-round protection for all dogs in this area.

For more information visit: www.capcvet.org, www.petsandparasites.org, www.cdc.gov/healthypets

Summary of Our Parasite Prevention Products


Heartgard
(ivermectin) is an FDA-approved oral medication that controls roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms and prevents heartworm disease. It is given monthly, year-round.

Bravecto (fluralaner) is an FDA-approved oral (dogs) and topical (cats) medication that kills fleas, ticks, and mites.  It is given every three months, year round.

Preventic Collar (amitraz) kills and repels ticks on dogs for 3 months.

Revolution PLUS (selamectin) is an FDA-approved topical medication that kills fleas and flea eggs, ticks, scabies and ear mites, prevents heartworm disease, and kills roundworms and hookworms (cats only).  It is given monthly, year-round.
Trifexis (milbemycin oxime and spinosad) is an FDA-approved medication that kills adult fleas, controls roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms and prevents heartworm disease.  It is given monthly, year-round.

Vectra and Vectra 3D (dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, permethrin (dogs only) are topical parasiticides that kill all flea life-stages.  In dogs, Vectra 3D kills ticks and repels ticks and mosquitoes.  They are given monthly, year round.

Parasite LetterDownload

Catalog/Online Prescription Policy

Posted on March 19, 2013May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Catalog/Online Prescription Policy

At Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic, it is our policy to take every possible step to ensure that our patients receive the very best pharmaceutical products available. This is especially important with life-threatening illnesses such as heartworm disease. However, we understand and empathize with the desire to find products cheaper. We know that several catalogue houses may sell these products cheaper than we are able to in some cases. If you wish, we will gladly write prescriptions for your pet for these products in lieu of selling them here. We do, however wish for your decision to be an informed decision, and want you to know several things regarding catalogue house prescription sales:

1. All major manufacturers maintain a strict policy of sales exclusively through licensed veterinarians. All catalogue house sales are through non-approved channels.

2. Most guarantees that manufacturers make regarding their products are null and void if their products are purchased through non-approved channels. This includes the guarantee reimbursement programs for many flea control products, as well as all heartworm and intestinal parasite claims.

3. Pharmaceuticals manufactured and labeled for use in other countries (namely Australia) have been illegally diverted and sold through these discount houses in the United States.

4. Because of the illicit business practices of many of these companies, drug manufacturers will not sell their products directly to them. These companies solicit veterinarians and veterinary staff to resell products to them. This has been linked to product theft from veterinary hospitals, subsequently increasing veterinary fees, and it
has resulted in the resale of stolen goods by these companies.

5. Discount houses have been cited by the FDA and State Boards of Pharmacy for violating prescribing procedures. PetMedExpress (a.k.a. SaveMax, 1-800-PETMEDS), in particular, was recently fined over $100,000.00 by the FDA and Florida Department of Health. This particular discount house has also recently been sued by the Texas Board of
Veterinary Medical Examiners and the Texas Pharmacy Board, and has Pharmacy
Board inquiries pending in 19 other states.

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6. Our products come with a person to help you utilize them in the most efficient manner. For example, we do not charge for consults for flea control if a prescription flea control product was purchased here.

7. Shipping charges, delays, mis-shipments, and damaged products are several of the reasons that many clients feel that the hassles of dealing with the catalogue houses are not
worth the savings.

8. Understand that the sales of many of our retail products help subsidize the cost of other services at the hospital, namely many emergency and rarely used drugs.

If you prefer to purchase your products at catalogue houses, we will gladly write prescriptions for these products according to the following guidelines:

1. All state and federal prescribing laws apply, the same as if you purchase it here.

2. For products that are prescribed on a semi or annual basis, namely heartworm/flea
prevention medication, we will write one prescription per pet per year at no charge.  You must pick this prescription up in person. We strongly recommend that you fax this to them and retain the original yourself. If this prescription is lost or filled improperly by the catalog house, additional copies will be provided to you at a nominal fee.

3. To avoid any potential doctor-patient confidentiality issues, we will not communicate with the discount house in any form or fashion.

4. It is your responsibility to ensure that the prescription is sent, filled, labeled, shipped, and used correctly. The discount houses have a reputation for poor customer service, and we cannot be expected to take the time to oversee their operations.

5. We will not become involved in any product failure issues for products purchased
through these discount houses. This includes flea, heartworm, and intestinal parasite prevention.

As an alternative to online pharmacies, Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer our own online pharmacy, VetSource!

Use our online pharmacy to shop for prescriptions, over the counter products, and food that will be delivered straight to your door!

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!  Thanks for you understanding

-Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

Internet RxDownload

Hospitalization / Anesthesia Check-In Form

Posted on March 19, 2013May 16, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Last name: __________________________________          

First name(s): _______________________________

 

Pet name: ___________________________________          

Contact Phone number(s): ___________________

 

  • I hereby authorize the admission of my pet to Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic for diagnostic procedures, medical treatments, and/or hospitalization. The phone number above is my best contact during this time.
    • [ ] If checked, my pet is being admitted for a procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation.  I give consent for Pismo Beach Veterinary clinic to proceed with anesthesia/sedation on my pet. Though Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic does everything possible to make anesthesia/sedation safe, I understand that this is never without some inherent risk.
  • Though I understand that every attempt is made to return belongings in their original condition, I assume responsibility for any lost or damaged personal belongings (including leashes, collars, bedding, toys, etc).
  • If my pet has fleas, flea protection will be used so as not to infest other patients in the clinic. The cost will not exceed $35.00.
  • If an emergency occurs, including a life threatening emergency, and I, nor my emergency contact can be reached, I authorize the doctor to do what s/he deems necessary for the care of my pet and agree to pay for such services.
  • If circumstances arise or currently exist under which my pet has a cardiac or respiratory arrest (initial one):

_____  I authorize CPR to attempt to save my pet’s life (additional charges will apply)        

______I elect to not resuscitate my pet (DNR)

  • I am aware that there is no overnight monitoring of patients at Pismo Beach Veterinary Hospital. I am responsible for making arrangements for transfer to an emergency clinic should overnight monitoring be required.
  • All charges are due at time of pick up. In the event that I fail to pay, I understand that I may be subject to all billing and/or finance charges associated with my account and any collections fees and costs incurred.
  • We make every attempt to create accurate estimates. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise in which we may have recommendations beyond your estimate. Please select from the following scenarios:

___A:  Please do whatever you deem necessary for the care of my pet, even if this exceeds my estimate

___B:  Please contact me if it is expected that my estimate will be exceeded by more than $150

___C:  Please contact me if it is expected that my estimate will be exceeded by ANY amount

If you select options B or C, please make sure that you will be AVAILABLE by phone

  • All of my questions regarding the care of my pet have been answered to my satisfaction.

 

 

Signature: ______________________      Date: ____________________________ 

Hospitalization Consent formDownload

Client Registration Form

Posted on March 19, 2013May 16, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic — Client Registration Form

Last Name:  ___________________ First Name(s):  ______________________

Address:  __________________________ City/Zip:  ______________________

Home Phone:  _________________ Cell Phone:  ________________________

Place of Employment:  ___________________ Work Phone: _______________

Driver’s License: ________________________

E-Mail Address:  __________________________________________________

How did you hear about us?  _________________________________________

 

Pet’s Name:  _________________

Species:  Canine □     Feline □      Other: ___________________

Breed:______________________

Color:_______________________

Sex: M □  F □     Altered? Yes □ No □

Date of Birth: _____________

Date of last vaccinations:

Cats:  FVRCP: ________

FELV: _______­­ Rabies: ________

Dogs: DHLPPVC: _________ Rabies: _________

 

Pet’s Name:  _________________

Species:  Canine □    Feline □    Other: ___________________

Breed:______________________

Color:_______________________

Sex: M □  F □     Altered? Yes □ No □

Date of Birth: _____________

Date of last vaccinations:

Cats:  FVRCP: ________

FELV: _______­­ Rabies: ________

Dogs: DHLPPVC: _________ Rabies: _________

Pet’s Name:  _________________

Species:  Canine □     Feline □    Other: ___________________

Breed:______________________

Color:_______________________

Sex: M □  F □     Altered? Yes □ No □

Date of Birth: _____________

Date of last vaccinations:

Cats:  FVRCP: ________

FELV: _______­­ Rabies: ________

Dogs: DHLPPVC: _________ Rabies: _________

 

Pet’s Name: __________________

Species:  Canine □    Feline □    Other: ___________________

Breed:______________________

Color:_______________________

Sex: M □  F □     Altered? Yes □ No □

Date of Birth: _____________

Date of last vaccinations:

Cats:  FVRCP: ________

FELV: _______­­ Rabies: ________

Dogs: DHLPPVC: _________         Rabies: _________

I understand that payment is due at the time of service. I agree to take full financial responsibility for this pet’s medical care.

My preferred method of payment is:  Credit □   Cash □    Check □

Signature: _________________________________________

Client RegistrationDownload

Boarding Check-in

Posted on March 19, 2013 by pismobeachvet

 Boarding Check-in

Last name:___________________  First name(s): _____________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Home phone: _________________ Cell phone(s): _______________________

Emergency Contact(s): ___________________________________________

Drop-off date: ____________ Pick-up date and time: ____________________

 

Pet name: _______________

Species: ________________

Breed: __________________

Color: __________________

Sex: _________ Altered? ___

Date of Birth: ____________

 

Date of last exam: ________

Date of last vaccinations:

Cats:    FVRCP______

FELV________ Rabies ______

Dogs:   DHPP________Rabies______

Bordetella_________

 

Boarding instructions:

  • With my pet, I also dropped off (circle):  Food            Medications         Bed              Bowl(s)           Toy(s)                         Leash              Other: _________
  • Feeding instructions: Please list type of food, quantity, and frequency:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • Medications:  Please list name, dose, and frequency:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Boarding Policy/Consent:

I understand that:

  • Though every attempt is made to return belongings in their original condition, I assume full responsibility for any lost or damaged personal belongings (including leashes, collars, bedding, toys, etc).
  • I must provide proof of a current physical exam (within one year) and vaccination status.  Special exceptions may be made only by doctor approval.
  • If my pet has fleas, flea protection will be used so as not to infest other patients in the clinic.  The cost will not exceed $23.00.
  • If an emergency occurs, and I cannot be reached (or my emergency contact cannot be reached), I authorize the doctor to do what s/he deems necessary for the care of my pet.
  • My pet will be walked at least 3 times daily.  If s/he becomes soiled, s/he will be cleaned.  Any additional bathing will be at my expense.
  • All charges are due at time of pick up.

 

Signature: ____________________________________

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Antihistamine Handout

Posted on March 19, 2013May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Antihistamine Drugs and Dosages

Note:  The following information is provided as a reference and is not intended to replace veterinary care.  Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations based upon the particular needs of your pet.

In general, antihistamines are intended for maintenance of allergic conditions.  They are typically effective only in the face of mild itchiness and will appear to have little or no effect if the patient is already extremely itchy.  If the itchiness is severe, or if the pet has secondary skin infections, your veterinarian will likely prescribe additional medications.

Antihistamine trials are best performed once the pet’s allergic condition is under reasonable control.  The idea is to find the antihistamine drug that best suits the pet for maintenance and prevention of future allergic flair-ups.  Any antihistamine drug that is used should be given for at least one to two weeks to assess its effectiveness and should not be given concurrently with any other antihistamine.  In general, we recommend trying 3-4 different products before giving up on antihistamines.

Brand names may vary – generic products are typically available and effective.  Side effects are typically minimal but can occur.  The most common side effect is drowsiness.  Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian if side effects occur. Be sure to check the product label and make sure it does not contain any other active ingredients, such as pseudophedrine or a nasal decongestant, which is often indicated by a “D” after the product name.

antihistamine

 

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AntihistamineDownload

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Posted on March 18, 2013 by pismobeachvet

The Importance of an Annual Physical Exam:

It’s Not Just About the Vaccines Anymore

Pets can’t talk, so they can’t tell us when they are not feeling well.  They won’t whine when their joints hurt, they won’t usually stop eating when their teeth hurt, and they often show no outward signs in the early stages of chronic disease.  From species to species, clinical signs of illness can vary significantly. Cats are a good example: symptoms can be so subtle that by the time the owner notices that a cat is sick, the animal may already be in serious trouble.  This is the very reason why we recommend that all pets, regardless of their age or perceived health, be seen at least yearly for a physical exam. Older animals, or those with known disease conditions, may need to be seen every three to six months.  Though it may be the vaccine reminder that brings an owner in, vaccination is actually among the least important parts of managing an animal’s health.

At Pismo Beach Veterinary clinic, we are experts in detecting subtle physical signs in an animal patient, and it all starts with a physical exam.  We start at the head evaluating eyes, ears, teeth, mouth and lymph nodes and work our way back: listening to the heart and lungs, palpating internal organs in the abdomen, and of course taking that dreaded temperature!  This quick but crucially important physical exam allows us to make appropriate health care recommendations for your pet.  Since we don’t see your pet everyday, it is easier for us to spot subtle changes like new lumps and bumps, weight gain or loss, and changes in demeanor or attitude.

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The following are some examples of frequently overlooked aspects of managing a pet’s health as well as some common disease conditions that we may diagnose at your annual physical exam:

  1. The practice of protecting your dog from diseases by vaccination and from parasites such as worms, fleas, and ticks should start during puppy-hood and continue throughout his/her lifetime.  Parasites can not only act as a way to spread disease to your pet, but also to family members – especially children and those with weaker immune systems.  Vaccines, especially in young animals, are an important part of assuring that your animal is well protected from serious infectious diseases.
  2. How many people look in their pet’s mouth, especially cat owners?  Over 85% of pets over the age of three have some degree of dental disease.  If we take the idea that a pet year is worth seven human years, a five year old cat that has never had a dental cleaning is like a thirty five year old person whose teeth have never been brushed! Can you imagine? If left untreated, dental disease has been shown to have impacts on the heart, kidneys, and lungs and can take years off your pet’s life.
  3. Itchy skin and skin and/or ear infections are among the most common things that we see in our patients.  Most of these issues boil down to allergies and can in many cases be significantly improved with over-the-counter medication, diet, and parasite control.  The key ingredient is consistency and an open line of communication.  This allows for a custom-catered approach to managing your pet’s allergic conditions.
  4. Unfortunately, just like the rampant problem we see in humans, obesity is a huge issue with dogs and cats.  Our perception of what a “normal” pet is supposed to look like is generally quite skewed because the average pet is now overweight.  Lifespan studies have shown that obesity is a significant risk factor for arthritis as well as other medical conditions, and can actually take years off your pet’s life.  At Pismo Beach Vet, we not only keep an accurate and ongoing record of your pet’s weight, but can advise you on some simple things you can do to improve the animal’s body condition.  It is easy to get offended, but remember that your our job is to help promote long, healthy, and happy lives for all of your pets!

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before. However, with this increased lifespan comes an increase in the types of ailments that can afflict senior pets. As pets reach the golden years there are a variety of conditions and diseases that they can face, including weight and mobility changes; osteoarthritis; kidney, heart, and liver disease; hormone or metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyper- or hypo-thyroidism; and of course cancer.

  1. Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs and cats.  A friend of mine was asking me for weeks about her dog who had begun “sitting funny” but showed no other signs of pain or illness.  I encouraged her to see her regular vet.  She eventually scheduled a physical exam and the pet was put on anti-inflammatory pain medications.  She saw such an enormous improvement in her animal’s activity level that she actually thought the pain medications must include some sort of stimulant!  What really happened is that her dog had been living with chronic pain for months or years and she had not noticed because he did not complain.
  2. Nearly 20% of senior female dogs are walking around at any given time with a urinary tract infection but may show little or no outward signs. A simple urine panel can enable us to diagnose and treat this problem.
  3. Over 10% of cats over the age of ten have the beginnings of chronic kidney disease.  The earlier we diagnose this condition with routine blood work, the better our chances of slowing the progression of the disease.

These are but a few examples of the importance of regular check-ups with your veterinarian.  Ultimately, with advances in diagnostic testing and training, our focus in veterinary medicine has shifted from reactive to preventative medicine.  Annual examinations and periodic blood screening allow us to diagnose or prevent disease before it becomes advanced or even occurs at all, thereby improving both the quality and the length of life for those important members of your family.

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Dental Health And Your Pet

Posted on March 18, 2013 by pismobeachvet

Dental Health and Your Pet

Do you suffer from embarrassment when your veterinarian looks in your pet’s mouth?  Do you nearly faint when you pet licks your face?  If so, your pet is

bad-dogprobably way overdue for a dental cleaning.  February is National Pet Dental Month so now is a good time to find out what you may be missing inside your pet’s mouth.

Approximately 85% of animals over the age of three suffer from some degree of dental disease and if left untreated it can affect their heart, lungs, kidneys, and also cause significant pain.  If we make the assumption that once pet year is roughly equal to seven human years then it follows that a 5 year old dog that has never had a dental cleaning is like a 35 year old person that has never brushed their teeth or been to the dentist.  Can you imagine?

 Things to Look For:

Many animals will show not outward symptoms, even with severe dental disease, so it is important that you keep a close eye on your pet’s teeth.   Though it is important to have your veterinarian evaluate your pet at least annually for dental disease, there are some simple things that you can look for at home:

  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Significant dental tartar, redness of the gums, or discharge or bleeding from the gums
  • Pain or difficulty eating, eating from one side of the mouth
  • Drooling excessively
  • A tendency for your pet to shy away when you try to look at his/her mouth
  • Decreased appetite or interest in food, especially with kibble

The 4 Stages of Dental Disease
The 4 Stages of Dental Disease

What Can Be Done at Home

There are a number of things that you can do as an owner to help ensure that that special member of the family has a great smile for life:

  • Brush, brush, brush.  Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to help promote dental health.  I can always tell when an owner has been brushing consistently.  It is important to use a veterinarian approved toothpaste since regular human toothpaste cannot be swallowed.  Most animals enjoy their toothpaste since it comes in a variety of flavors like chicken, beef, and malt.  There are also a number of dental pastes and rinses that can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with brushing.  Thirty seconds a day (or even 2-3 times per week) will help  keep your veterinarian away!  See  http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/  for more information on dental products.
  • Dental diets.  There are a number of dental diets available and they definitely help with tartar buildup in most pets.  The idea behind most of these diets is that they are a special consistency so that when the pet takes a bite, the individual kibbles will scrape along the tooth enamel and help remove plaque.
  • Dental chews and toys.  There is a huge selection for dental treats and toys on the market today.  Though none of these products are as effective as brushing, they can help to promote dental health.  Talk with your veterinarian regarding which products he/she recommends.

Dental Cleanings and Why Anesthesia Doesn’t Have to Be Scary  

Even with excellent home care, your pet will still need to have dental cleanings throughout his or her life.  Just like in humans, your veterinarian will ultrasonically scale the teeth and polish them afterwards.  We perform dental cleanings under anesthesia because this allows us to clean above and below the gum line (where most of the dental disease is located) and assess the need for extractions.  This allows the animal to sleep through the whole process, meaning less trauma physically and mentally for the patient.  The idea is to create a pain free environment for the pet and allow for a thorough cleaning.

Anesthesia is always a concern for pet owners.  However, with modern advances in monitoring equipment and anesthetic agents as well as pre-anesthetic diagnostics, anesthesia is an extremely low risk procedure for most pets.  Prior to any anesthesia, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, looking particularly for evidence of heart or lung disease.  It is also recommended that all animals undergoing anesthesia have recent blood work to check for evidence of kidney or liver disease.

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Throughout the entire procedure, your veterinarian’s trained staff will continuously check vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, ECG, and oxygen saturation in the blood to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated anesthesia.  Additionally, many veterinarians will place intravenous catheters and run fluids throughout the procedure to help support heart and organ function.  If you are still concerned, ask your veterinarian for a clinic tour and an explanation of all the things he or she does to keep your loved ones safe.

Anesthesia-free dental cleanings have become an increasingly available option for pet owners.  These procedures are controversial among veterinarians because it is impossible to perform as thorough and painless a cleaning as can be achieved with anesthesia.  The American Veterinary Dental College actually advises strongly against anesthesia-free cleanings.  The AVDC considers these procedures to be inappropriate for a number of reasons including the inability to clean below the gum line, the fact that a licensed veterinarian is often not involved in the procedure, and the fact that these procedures are often very stressful and painful for the pet.  The AVDC considers these procedures to be “purely cosmetic.”  See  http://www.avdc.org for more information.

It’s What You Don’t See That Is Sometimes the Most Important 

Dental disease is a commonly overlooked but very important aspect of your pet’s health.  Though many owner’s think of dentistry as a cosmetic issue, it is a

Dental disease impacts the entire body!
Dental disease impacts the entire body!

actually extremely important to help ensure that your pet is pain free and to prevent adverse affects on the heart, lungs, and kidneys.  Talk to your veterinarian today about what you can do to help ensure your pet has a healthy and happy smile for life!

 

 

 

 

 

References:

http://www.avdc.org > American Veterinary Dental College

http://www.petdental.com > Hills Science Diet dental nutrition services

http://veterinarypartner.com/ > Handouts and information on a huge array of animal health topics

http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/ > The makers of C.E.T. pet dental products

http://dogbeachdental.com > Southern California Veterinary Dental Specialties, a referral hospital for advanced pet dentistry

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We Are An AAHA Hospital!

Posted on March 18, 2013 by pismobeachvet

AAHAA few weeks ago, we underwent our regular AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) inspection and were evaluated on over 900 standards including: quality of care; diagnostic & pharmacy; management; medical records; and facility.

We are proud to say that we once again received our accreditation, making this the 17th year that we have been recognized as an AAHA hospital, thus maintaining our place among the top 15% of veterinary hospitals in the United States!

To read more about what it means to be an AAHA hospital, click here…

 

 

What is AAHA?

Posted on March 17, 2013 by pismobeachvet

AAHASo you are probably wondering, “what is an AAHA hospital and why should I care?”

In the 1930s, a group of veterinarians created standards to help bring common guidelines, practices and procedures to the veterinary profession. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), along with a group of veterinary experts, developed the AAHA Standards of Accreditation as benchmarks of excellence. The AAHA Accreditation Program helps veterinary hospitals incorporate these standards of quality care and procedures into their day-to-day practices, ultimately raising the level of care being provided to companion animals while also increasing loyalty among veterinary staff members. Being AAHA-accredited also provides a way for veterinary hospitals to show their commitment to excellence in their communities and to their clients.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of more than 42,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its standards for hospitals and pet health care. Approximately 3,200 veterinary hospitals voluntarily participate in the AAHA hospital evaluation program (about 15% of veterinary clinics in the US). Consultants regularly visit these hospitals to ensure compliance with AAHA’s standards for services and facilities.

AAHA is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. AAHA-accredited hospitals voluntarily choose to be evaluated on standards in the following areas: quality of care; diagnostic & pharmacy; management; medical records; and facility. Why does this matter to you? Here are a few examples of how AAHA’s standards impact you and your pet.

  • The standards require hospitals to provide diagnostic services (x-ray and laboratory) so that we can quickly and accurately diagnose your pet.
  • The standards focus on the quality of care in the areas of: anesthesia, contagious diseases, dentistry, pain management, patient care, surgery and emergency care.
  • Accredited hospitals have an onsite pharmacy (another standards area) so we can begin treatment immediately.
  • AAHA standards also require that medical records be thorough and complete which helps us to better understand your pet’s medical history and how past health issues might be impacting their current medical status.

The Standards developed and published by AAHA are widely accepted as representing those components of veterinary practice that represent high quality care. The Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain consistent with evolving knowledge and technology.

Accreditation helps veterinary hospitals stay on the leading edge of veterinary medicine and provide the quality and range of services you and your pet deserve.

In March, we underwent our regular AAHA inspection and were evaluated on over 900 standards.  We are proud to say that we once again received our accreditation, making this the 18th year that we have been recognized as an AAHA hospital!

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