Exams and Wellness | El Dorado Animal Hospital | Veterinary Ophthalmologist & Veterinary Dermatologist Fountain Hills AZ

Exams & Wellness

Well services are tailored to individual pet’s needs.

Wellness Services

After gathering information about your pet’s symptoms and health that you observe, a full physical examination is performed and the results of those findings are discussed with you. At this time a diagnostic treatment plan can be established and followed through. Diagnostics may include lab testing, imaging or microscopic sampling of skin, ears or tissues. Treatment options are available on-site and may include injections, hospitalizations and infusions, or oral medications.

Well services are tailored to individual pet’s needs. We take the time to discuss lifestyle risk factors before recommending vaccinations or well tests such as heartworm tests or fecal analysis. We have a wide range of vaccinations available to protect your pet from diseases such as distemper, parvo, kennel cough and even for protection against rattlesnake bites.

Fully-Stocked Pharmacy

Our fully stocked pharmacy makes it convenient to dispense any prescription medications your pet may need. We also consult with you on how to find the least expensive medication options to help fit your budget. Pets who are difficult to medicate, or whose weight doesn’t fit available sizes of medications can have prescriptions made at a compounding pharmacy. Our staff works with you to find the most effective way to treat your pet.

We offer state-of-the-art in-house veterinary lab services and utilize IDEXX Reference Laboratories for a variety of diagnostic and wellness profiles for accurate diagnostic testing.

Pharmacy for Quick and Easy Access to Your Cat, Dog, or other Pet's Medications

Pet Dermatologic Examinations, Care & Treatment Plans

Skin problems in dogs and cats usually aren’t just a quick fix with a pill. That’s why our family veterinarians take extra time to diagnose your pet’s skin condition and come up with an effective treatment plan to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. For rare or more complex problems, we can also refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. We also take time to teach pet owners tips, techniques, and strategies to manage their pet’s skin problems.

Diagnosing Your Pet’s Skin Condition

Many dogs suffer from skin conditions. In fact, dermatitis (a general word for any type of inflammation or irritation of the skin) is one of the top reasons dogs are taken to the vet. Skin allergies are usually the most common diagnosis, but there are many other conditions your dog may be experiencing. Refer to this chart to determine which potential skin condition your dog may have based on the symptoms you notice.

A review of your pet’s history can also help your primary care veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist accurately diagnose your pet’s skin condition. Some of the questions you should be prepared to answer when meeting with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s skin problem include:

What symptoms have you noticed? How long?
When did you first notice symptoms? Have they gotten worse?
Does your pet have a history of skin problems? Any previous treatments?
Does your pet come into contact with other animals? Do they have skin problems?
Have you recently changed your dog’s diet?
How often do you bathe your dog? What shampoo do you use?
Are the symptoms seasonal or year-round?
Have you used any medications for the current condition? Have they helped?
What type of environment is your pet exposed to? Indoors/outdoors? Do they swim in a pool?

Veterinary Ophthalmology Services

If you suspect your dog or cat is having vision problems, bring your pet to El Dorado Animal Hospital. Most eye diseases and conditions can be diagnosed and treated in hospital, though we also have veterinary ophthalmologists and eye care specialists available for referral. Your pet’s optimal health and happiness is our main concern, and that includes how well they see the world around them.

Common Diseases of the Eye

We provide diagnosis and treatment for a majority of eye diseases and conditions affecting the eye. For rare or more complex vision problems, we will refer you to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist in our animal eye care network. Some of the most common eye conditions we see in dogs and cats include:

Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the inner eyelids and white part of the eyes. Conjunctivitis affects dogs and cats equally, through breeds that tend to have allergies or autoimmune skin diseases tend to have more problems with conjunctiva inflammation. Causes include bacterial/viral infections, allergies, dry eye, and in rare cases tumors and cancer. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs and cats include:
- Discharge from the eyes (pus or thick mucus, for example)
- Swollen eyelids and red, “bloodshot” eyes
- Squinting or spasmodic blinking
- Dog or cat constantly rubs the eyes with a paw or against other objects
Cataracts – Cataract refers to cloudiness in the crystalline lens of the eye, which can vary from complete to partial opacity. Cataracts can develop from disease, old age, and trauma to the eye. Genetically inherited cataracts also occur in dogs and cats (although cataracts generally are less common in cats than it is in dogs). Surgery is required to maintain or restore vision. Symptoms of cataracts in dogs and cats include:
- Cloudiness inside the eye (white, gray, or sometimes a shiny blue-green color)
- Noticeable vision impairments
- Increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, and weight loss
Glaucoma – Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes inadequate fluid drainage in the eye and can eventually cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness. Glaucoma is common to certain genetically predisposed dog breeds, such as poodles, chows, and cocker spaniels. Other causes include inflammation, eye tumors, and swelling from injury. Early and aggressive treatment is required at the first sign of glaucoma to maintain vision. Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs and cats include:
- Cloudy or blue appearance at the front of the eyeball
- Squinting or fluttering eyelid
- Light avoidance
- Noticeable vision impairments
- Bulging of one or both eyes
- Redness or “bloodshot” eyes