At Montgomery Animal Clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of general veterinary services and emergency care to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. Our team is committed to delivering the highest level of care, from routine wellness visits to emergency interventions.
For more information on these services or any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (910) 572-3781. We’re here to help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life!
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family is an exciting time, and setting the stage for a healthy life starts with their first few visits to the vet. Regular physical exams, core and elective vaccinations, fecal testing for parasites, and deworming are essential in ensuring your new pet’s good health.
Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through the process, offering advice on everything from potty training and nail trims to dietary recommendations and potential health hazards for your new puppy or kitten.
Spaying and neutering are important considerations, and the right time for sterilization surgery can vary depending on your pet’s species and breed. Additionally, pet health insurance is a great option for getting your new family member off to a strong start.
We also recommend starting your puppy or kitten on preventives such as monthly heartworm protection and flea/tick preventives to help keep them healthy. We understand that bringing a new pet into your home comes with lots of questions, but rest assured, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions—we’re happy to assist!
Annual wellness exams are a cornerstone of your pet’s long-term health and happiness. These exams provide our veterinarians with the opportunity to detect any potential health issues or risks early, helping to ensure a longer, healthier life for your pet. Our veterinarians tailor each wellness exam to your pet’s unique needs, taking into account factors such as age, breed, and gender.
At MAC, we are committed to providing the best possible care, ensuring your animal companion lives a healthy, happy life.
Each wellness exam includes:
Regular wellness exams are an essential part of proactive pet care. Let us help ensure your pet’s continued well-being!
At Montgomery Animal Clinic, we have a special place in our hearts for senior pets. As pets age, their needs change, and they require more frequent veterinary visits to maintain their health and quality of life. Age-associated conditions often begin to emerge as pets grow older, and regular checkups help to catch these issues early. Common age-related conditions include:
For pets over the age of 7, we recommend bi-annual veterinary visits to monitor their health. As pets age, they may start to show early signs of osteoarthritis, such as stiffness after resting or playing, difficulty going up or down stairs, or reduced activity levels. Early intervention with joint supplements, prescription arthritis medications, and a customized nutrition and exercise plan can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and mobility.
Annual screening lab work is also crucial for senior pets. It can help detect early stages of medical issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing for timely treatment and a better outcome.
In some cases, senior pets may experience age-related behavioral changes, which could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans. Diet modifications and specific supplements can help enhance your pet’s mental sharpness and overall well-being.
Getting older doesn’t have to mean a decrease in your pet’s quality of life. Regular veterinary care can keep your senior pet happy, healthy, and comfortable for years to come.
Pets are beloved members of our families and keeping them healthy includes preventing parasite infestations. Both ectoparasites (external parasites) and endoparasites (internal parasites) can affect your pet at any stage of life, and managing these risks is key to their well-being.
Ectoparasites (External Parasites)
Ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, are more than just a nuisance to your pet. These parasites can transmit vector-borne diseases like:
Fleas can also cause severe skin irritation and inflammation in pets, leading to a painful condition known as flea allergy dermatitis.
Endoparasites (Internal Parasites)
Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in pets, but others like hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can also be problematic. Pets typically ingest parasite eggs (microscopic in size) from fecally contaminated areas or by consuming infected rodents or fleas. These parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. For instance:
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease, caused by mosquitoes infected with heartworm larvae, is another serious risk for pets. The larvae travel through the bloodstream to the heart, where they mature into adults. Over time, untreated heartworms cause progressive heart failure and can be fatal. While heartworm disease isn’t zoonotic (not transmitted to humans), it is still crucial to prevent it.
In its early stages, pets may not show symptoms. As the disease progresses, you might notice a cough, exercise intolerance in dogs, or vomiting/coughing in cats. Treatment for heartworm disease is costly and risky, making prevention far more effective.
Year-Round Parasite Prevention
To protect both your pet and your family, it’s essential to keep your pet on a year-round parasite prevention program. Several preventive options can greatly reduce the risk of heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and tick-borne diseases.
By practicing good hygiene (frequent handwashing), avoiding raw vegetables or undercooked meat, and cleaning up pet feces in your yard, you can help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
For more information on pet parasites, visit petsandparasites.org and feel free to reach out to us. Our friendly staff is always here to help!
Dental disease is one of the most common but often overlooked health problems in companion animals. By age 3, most pets will show some degree of periodontal disease. This condition is caused by bacterial infections along the gum line due to the buildup of plaque, a sticky substance teeming with bacteria that forms along the surface of the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar. If not properly removed, tartar causes damage to the gums and the structures that support the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss.
Why You Should Care
Not only does periodontal disease cause painful tooth loss, but it can also have far-reaching consequences for your pet’s overall health. Left untreated, the bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, including:
This is why it’s essential to stay proactive about your pet’s dental care to prevent serious health complications.
Catching the Problem Early
Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize the extent of dental disease until it’s quite advanced. This is why yearly to twice-yearly physical examinations are critical, with a thorough oral health assessment as part of the exam. During these visits, your veterinarian will check for early signs of dental disease and offer recommendations for improving your pet’s oral health.
Prevention and Professional Care
In the early stages of dental disease, your veterinarian may suggest home dental care practices, including:
However, when professional dental care is required, general anesthesia is typically necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the procedure. A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) plan may include:
After the procedure, our veterinary team will provide you with clear instructions on post-dental care, including medications, special feeding instructions, and when to resume your pet’s home dental routine.
The Result of Proper Dental Care
Remember, taking care of your pet’s mouth isn’t just about preventing bad breath—it’s about ensuring they lead a long, healthy life. A happy, healthy mouth means your pet can continue to enjoy eating, playing, and interacting with their family.
Don’t wait for dental disease to take a toll on your pet. With the right care, your pet can live a longer, healthier life!
When your pet is unwell or injured, it can be difficult for them to communicate exactly what’s wrong. That’s where a thorough physical exam and medical history, including symptoms you’ve observed at home, become essential. However, if the diagnosis is not immediately clear after the initial exam, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests to gather more information.
Types of Diagnostic Tests
1. Laboratory Testing
Laboratory tests are critical for evaluating your pet’s blood counts, organ function, and the presence of infectious diseases. Depending on your pet’s condition, blood and/or urine samples may be collected for testing.
2. Imaging
Advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasound, are invaluable for diagnosing a range of conditions, including:
Most imaging procedures can be done with gentle restraint, but some pets may need sedation for comfort and safety.
3. Microscopy
Microscopic examination of lab samples, such as ear swabs, skin impressions, and needle biopsies of tumors, helps diagnose dermatologic (skin) and otic (ear) conditions. It is a valuable tool for evaluating the health of your pet’s skin, ears, and other tissues.
4. Ocular Testing
For pets with eye issues, specialized tests such as:
The Importance of Diagnostic Testin
Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in crafting the best treatment plan for your pet. They allow your veterinarian to:
Your veterinarian will carefully explain the purpose and process of each test and help prioritize which ones are most important for diagnosing your pet’s illness or injury. With the right diagnostic tools, we can work together to ensure the best care for your furry friend.
We use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to help identify underlying health issues and keep your pet feeling their best. Since our animal companions can’t tell us where it hurts, lab testing plays a vital role in diagnosing a wide range of medical concerns — from dehydration, anemia, and infection to more serious conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and pancreatitis.
Recommended Annual Testing
We recommend yearly testing to monitor your pet’s health and detect disease early, including:
In-House Laboratory Capabilities
We perform many routine and emergency tests in-house, with results available to our veterinarians within about an hour. This allows us to make timely treatment decisions, especially during urgent situations.
Common In-House Tests Include:
Reference Laboratory Testing
Some tests require specialized equipment and are sent to Idexx Reference Laboratories, our trusted external partner. Results from these tests typically return within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the specific sample and test.
Common Send-Out Tests:
Lab work is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps us catch problems early and make informed medical decisions. Whether your pet is due for routine wellness screening or is showing signs of illness, our experienced team is here to help.
At some point in your pet’s life, they may need surgery — whether it’s a routine procedure like a spay or neuter, or an emergency surgery for a condition like an intestinal obstruction. Whatever the reason, you can trust our experienced team to provide the highest standard of care before, during, and after surgery.
Our Surgical Capabilities
We offer a full range of surgical procedures for dogs and cats, including:
What to Expect Before Surgery
To ensure the safest possible experience, we require a pre-surgical physical examination with one of our veterinarians before scheduling any procedure. During this appointment, we’ll go over:
Pre-Surgical Testing
We recommend baseline lab work to identify any underlying conditions that could affect surgery or anesthesia. For example, abnormal clotting, low platelets, or liver/kidney disease may require adjustments to anesthetic protocols.
Fasting Instructions
Our staff will provide clear instructions about when to withhold food and water prior to surgery, based on your pet’s age, breed, and health status.
Surgical Day Process
You’ll be walked through everything that happens the day of surgery — from drop-off and sedation, to anesthesia monitoring, the procedure itself, and recovery.
Discharge and Aftercare
Most pets go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight for monitoring. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule any necessary recheck appointments to ensure proper healing.
In an emergency, every second counts. When your pet arrives for emergency or urgent care during our regular business hours, our experienced veterinary team is ready to act immediately.
What Happens When You Arrive
Our trained staff will perform a triage assessment right away to determine the severity of your pet’s condition. If the situation is life-threatening, we may ask for your consent to initiate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) without delay.
The initial triage focuses on:
If urgent care is needed, your pet will be taken to our treatment area for immediate evaluation and stabilization.
Emergency Stabilization May Include:
Once your pet is stable, your veterinarian will discuss the next steps, which may include:
These tests help identify the cause of the issue and guide appropriate treatment.
Available During Normal Business Hours
We see emergency and urgent care cases only during our regular business hours. If your pet experiences an emergency outside of these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital.
Our mission is to deliver the highest standard of care while building lasting relationships with our clients.