1. My dog needs his shots. How much will that cost?

  • Adult:
    We offer our clients our Complete Preventive Care Package.
    This includes a Complete Physical Exam, a Distemper/Parvo, Infectious Cough, and Rabies Vaccinations along with a Fecal Analysis which checks for any intestinal parasites and a blood test to check for heartworms. When you get this package, you will receive the best value for the price. If the blood test checks out okay, we will discuss the different options available for heartworm prevention.
  • Puppy (<6 weeks old):
    We do not recommend vaccinating puppies under 6 weeks old. When they are nursing on mom, the puppies get a natural immunity that will last for about 6 weeks. If they are vaccinated before this time, it will actual harm their immune system. Since your puppy is under 6 weeks old, we DO recommend checking for intestinal worms and getting started on heartworm preventive. The price of the heartworm preventive depends on your puppy’s weight so we will check it when you come in.
  • Puppy (6 weeks-6 months):
    Our Primary Puppy Package includes a complete physical exam, the first of a series of Distemper/Parvo Vaccinations and an Infectious Cough Vaccine. We also check to see if your puppy has any intestinal parasites. Some of the parasites we are looking for are transmittable to people, so we will treat for any that are present to keep the family safe. This package does not include the medicine for intestinal parasites or for heartworm preventive. The price of the medicine depends on your puppy’s weight so we will check it when you come in.
  • Puppy (>6 months):
    Our Primary Plus Puppy Package includes everything as dicussed above, but because your puppy is older, he/she may have already acquired heartworms. So before we can put him/her on a heartworm preventive, we must first do a blood test. If it comes out negative, then we will discuss which heartworm preventive may be best for you.

2. My dog needs a 48 hr check-up. The breeder has given shots.

  • Our hospital recommends only using vaccinations given by a veterinarian. There are different qualities of vaccines available and this is the only way to know if your puppy has the protection of the newest, safest, most effective vaccines offered. Because viruses change or mutate, the vaccines must be up-to-date. Also, vaccines are very sensitive, they must be maintained at the appropriate temperature. We guarantee that our vaccines have been handled properly.
  • If older than 12 weeks: By Louisiana State law every dog and cat must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian for Rabies.
  • Please call us to schedule your puppy’s exam as soon as you known their adoption date.
  • Our hospital recommends only using vaccinations given by a veterinarian.

3. I think my dog/cat has worms. I need a dewormer.

  • There are 4 common types of worms and 2 other parasites that dogs and cats can get. There are two types of worms that you can see and two that can not be seen. There is not one dewormer that will kill all 4 worms. The only way we can be sure that we are using the right dewormer is to run a quick stool test. The cost of the dewormer depends on the parasites found and the weight of your pets.
  • Common Worms = hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm
    (others are still possible, but not as common)
  • Protozoa = coccidia, giardia

4. My dog/cat has little white worms in his stool.

  • There are 2 types of worms that can be seen in a dog’s/cat’s stool – roundworms and tapeworms. If you bring in a sample, we would be glad to look at it for you. A stool test called a Fecal Analysis will make sure that he/she does not have any other parasites that may not be seen with the help of a microscope.

5. My dog has blood in his stool. What can I do?

  • There are several conditions that can cause blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum or bloody diarrhea. Some of these condition can be quite serious and even life-threatening. The only way to be certain is to let the Doctor do a physical exam and determine which lab test would be most appropriate. Once we know what we are dealing with, the Doctor can explain the problem and which treatment options are available.

6. How much does it cost to get my pet fixed?

  • The price of the surgery includes a pre-surgical examination, the anesthesia, and the Laser surgery. Your pet will receive one night of hospital recovery time at no additional charge to you. The doctors also recommends a pre-anesthetic blood test. This is a blood test that we run before the surgery which will check out some of his/her organs to be sure he/she is healthy enough to receive the anesthesia.
  • If not a client: we need verification of vaccinations from their regular vet; if not current on vaccines then they can be done the same day as the surgery.

    Vaccinations are required for hospital admission to protect all pets here.

    Dogs: Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella(kennel cough), Rabies

    Cats: Feline Respiratory/Distemper, Rabies (we also offer Feline Leukemia vaccine)

7. What does it mean if my dog/cat is eating grass / vomiting?

  • Some pets eat grass when they have an upset stomach. There are several reasons why your pet may be vomiting. The best treatment depends upon what is causing his/her upset-stomach or vomiting. To determine the cause, the doctor would do a physical exam and perform a few lab tests. After we have the right diagnosis, then we would better be able to help him/her.

8. Why is my dog scooting his rear on the ground?

  • The two most common reasons for itchy rears/scooting are intestinal worms and anal glands. We should schedule an appointment for him/her to see the doctor to determine the cause. Please bring in a fresh stool sample with you so we can check for intestinal worms. We will explain the problem your pet is having and how you can prevent or control it.

9. Why is my dog shedding / losing all of his/her fur?

  • If there appears to be a problem with the skin, then answer: There are many possibilities of what can be wrong with his/her skin. Some problems can be serious and some are not. I can make you an appointment so the doctor can take a look and determine the cause. Which time would be most convenient for you?
  • If the skin appears healthy, the answer: All dogs naturally go through a shedding cycle especially in our hot, humid environment. If the shedding is excessive, there may be an underlying problem. You may want to make an appointment so the doctor can take a closer look.

10. My pet has red spots/bumps/rash on his/her stomach. What could that be?

  • Hives: The bumps you are describing sounds like hives. This usually is associated with some type of reaction occurring in the body and there can be many causes. The only way to find out what is going on is if Doctor takes a close look and to make sure that these bumps are not serious. He may be able to prescribe a treatment to make them go away.
    Needs to be seen quickly if face/throat area is swollen or having difficulty breathing!!
  • Pimples: There are common 3 things that cause pimples to form on the skin: mites, ringworm, and a bacterial infection. Since these 3 problems all look identical on the skin, the only way to find out what is going on is if a Doctor takes a close look and possibly run a few diagnostic lab tests. Once we know what we are dealing with, the Doctor can explain the problem and how to treat it.
  • Scabs or Rash: There are many types of rashes and infections that can occur on the skin. The only way to know what is causing it, is to let the Doctor take a close look. He may need to run a few diagnostic lab test to make sure. Once we know what we are dealing with, the Dr can explain the problem and how to treat it.

11. My pet won’t stop itching! What can I do?

  • Ears: There are several common problems that affect the ears of dogs and cats and make them itchy. Some of these can be quite serious. For example; your pet may have ear mites, a bacterial or yeast infection, or severely inflamed. The only way to find out what is going on is if the Doctor takes a close look and possibly run a few quick lab tests. Once we know what we are dealing with, the Doctor can explain the problem and how to fix it.
  • Skin: There are several common problems that affect the skin of dogs and cats and make them itchy. Some of these can be quite serious and contagious to other pets as well as people. The only way to find out what is going on is if the Doctor takes a close look and possibly run a few quick lab tests. Once we know what we are dealing with, the Doctor can explain the problem and how to fix it.

12. I don’t get paid until next week. Can I pay for today’s visit then?

  • Our hospital accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover if you would like to put it on a credit card. For larger or unexpected bills, we also offer Care Credit and Scratch Pay for invoices over $200. You can find out more information at CareCredit.com and Scratchpay.com.

13. Fleas! The flea control I’m using isn’t working! I need something else!

  • There are several flea control products available. Some work better than others.
  • To understand how to control fleas, there are many things to consider: 1. Flea life cycle, 2. Multiple pet family…ALL pets should be treated (indoor/outdoor, dogs/cats), 3. Fenced in yard? 4. Shampoo used, 5. Skin Conditions, 6. etc, etc, etc.
  • You will also need to use multiple approach…pets/house/yard every 2 weeks up to 3 months
    • Pet… use the safest, most effective, up-to-date products.
    • House… vacuum/sweep, then spray. Throw away bag from vacuum.
    • Yard… rake or mow, then spray