Services – East Chattanooga

Puppy and kitten wellness visits also present an opportunity to discuss your new pet’s recommended vaccine schedule and the best plan for parasite testing, treatment, and prevention. Our doctors and other staff members are well-educated about veterinary vaccines and parasite control, and our goal is to give you the best advice for your puppy or kitten.

Our hospitals are experienced at caring for your rabbits, ferrets, snakes, or whatever furry or scaly creature you have. When you meet with our exotic veterinarian, Dr. Gabrielle Falk, not only will your pet get an examination, but she will also address any concerns you have and provide any further education needed to help make sure your pet is getting the best care possible! We also provide grooming care as needed for nails that are hard to manage.

Some of the exotics we treat:

• Ferrets
• Guinea Pigs
• Rabbits
• Reptiles
• …and more

Endoscopy has proven to be a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in veterinary medicine. As a practice, we consider it a goal to offer state-of-the-art medicine and diagnostic testing. At Animal Clinic Inc. of Chattanooga, we strive to offer our patients the highest level of medicine, and we are glad to be able to offer endoscopy as one of our diagnostic procedures.

Although many important diagnostic tests can only be performed by outside laboratories, other tests can be performed in-house. Having access to accurate in-house diagnostic test results can help our veterinary care team serve your pets’ needs by expanding the testing options available to all our patients.

It can be easy for a pet owner to become overwhelmed by the available selection of pet foods, all of which claim to have specific benefits for pets. We can offer expert advice to help you negotiate the complicated array of choices. Let our nutritional counseling service help you achieve and maintain optimal nutrition for your pet.

Canine osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or simply arthritis, is a common condition in dogs that involves the progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage in a joint. Articular cartilage is the smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to move smoothly against each other.

Osteoarthritis can develop as a result of various factors, including aging, genetics, joint instability, trauma, or underlying joint conditions. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced joint function. Over time, the surrounding tissues may also be affected, leading to further discomfort.

Common signs of canine osteoarthritis include:

1. Limping or favoring one leg: Dogs with osteoarthritis often show signs of lameness or may avoid using a particular limb.
2. Stiffness: Dogs may exhibit stiffness, especially after resting or during cold weather.
3. Difficulty in getting up or lying down: Arthritic dogs may struggle with basic movements, such as standing up or lying down.
4. Reduced activity level: Dogs may become less active and may be less willing to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed.
5. Swelling or enlargement of the joints: In some cases, the affected joints may appear swollen or larger than normal.
6. Pain or discomfort: Dogs may show signs of pain, such as vocalizing, panting, or licking at the affected joints.

Management of canine osteoarthritis often involves a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions. This may include:

• Pain medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain relievers may be prescribed by a veterinarian to manage pain and inflammation.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reducing stress on the joints.
• Physical therapy: Certain exercises and physical therapies can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Joint supplements: Some dogs may benefit from supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which can support joint health.
• Anti-inflammatory diets: Specialized diets with anti-inflammatory properties may be recommended.

It’s important for owners to work closely with their veterinarian to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to the individual needs of their arthritic dog. Early detection and intervention can help improve the quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis.

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, please feel free to contact us.