The doctors and health care team at Larkin Veterinary Center are committed to providing you and your pet with the highest level of care. This commitment is demonstrated in both our outpatient, medical and surgical procedures.

Outpatient Standards of Care
We believe that preventative medicine is vital. The goal of our preventative medicine program is to focus on prevention of disease, and on enhancing your pet's quality of life and longevity.

Our role is to educate you about wellness issues as they relate to your pet, the different health risks and diseases that your pet may be predisposed to, and how to prevent or treat these problems.

Advances in veterinary medicine are leading to an increased percentage of aging cats and dogs. Unlike people, your cat can't tell you when or where it hurts. Wellness examinations enable early detection and treatment of potential medical conditions.

When you or your pet come to our hospital for an appointment the client care specialist, nurse, and doctor will spend time discussing preventative health recommendations such as fecal testing annually, annual or senior wellness examinations, flea, tick and heartworm preventatives, vaccinations, testing for lyme disease, adult or senior wellness screening, dental prophylaxis, dental diagnostic procedures and therapeutic drug monitoring profiles.

Medical and Surgical Procedures
All of our patients undergoing anesthesia have an IV catheter and IV fluids. Your pet will have an anesthesia nurse from the time we begin anesthesia to the time your pet is sitting up in a cage.

During the procedure, the nurse will monitor your pet's heart and respiratory rate and also will use sophisticated equipment that measures blood oxygen and blood pressure. An electrocardiogram will monitor your pet's heart throughout the procedure. In addition, patients undergoing an anesthetic procedure will be intubated to supply the critical balance of oxygen and anesthesia.

We also perform a pre-anesthetic blood screening that evaluates your pet's liver, kidneys, and blood sugar, and levels of protein and red blood cells.

First Visits for Puppies & Kittens
We recommend initial visits for the newest furry members of your family at six weeks of age. As the first visit, your new pet may receive vaccinations. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss pertinent information about flea and tick control, diet, and veterinary dentistry to help your new friend off to a good start. 

If you have a puppy, you will learn about heartworm prevention. Your young pets will need to visit again in a few months to complete their vaccination series. 

If you plan to have your pet spayed or neutered, the procedure should be conducted when your pet is between four and six months old.

Annual Wellness Exams for Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs between the ages of one and six should have annual exams that include a comprehensive physical. As pets age, dietary or behavioral concerns may arise. Pets' vaccinations also should be updated. Please feel free to discuss what vaccinations are best for your cat or dog with your veterinarian. Wellness Exams for Your Senior Pets

Pets over 7 years of age should visit us twice a year to maintain their optimum health. We recommend laboratory screenings for your pets before they enter their golden years.

Emergencies
Larkin Veterinary Center maintains the facilities required to handle most emergencies for all of your pets, including avian and exotic animals. Contact us immediately if your pet is experiencing any emergency symptoms. We may be able to help!