ALLERGY THERAPY

Prevention begins at 6 weeks, when most dogs are taken away from their mothers. You can help your pet live a longer and healthier life by taking preventive measures against many contagious diseases with vaccinations.

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DE-CLAWING YOUR CAT

Feline de-claw is an operation performed to eliminate destructive clawing of indoor furniture or to eliminate injury by an aggressive cat.  It is recommended for indoor cats only since it removes a primary source of protection.  Instinctive "claw sharpening" is common in cats and most cats are difficult to train to use a sharpening post exclusively.

Dr. Bleish has over 25 years experience doing de-claw surgeries. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia with pain medicine given pre and post-operatively.  Only the front claws are removed.  It is an ideal application for laser surgery.

The surgery is best performed at 4 months of age when the animals will experience minimal discomfort.  With the laser even adult cats can be done with few problems (less swelling, pain and bleeding).

As with all surgeries, we recommend a pre-anesthetic blood testing screening.  To find out more about it, please click on the following link.

We normally schedule de-claw surgeries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but other arrangements can sometimes be made if necessary.

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their cat de-clawed. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pre-surgical examination for your pet, please contact our office at 816-741-8338.

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DENTAL CARE FOR DOGS AND CATS

• Yearly dental exams allow the veterinarian to identify dental development problems early when the pet can benefit from early intervention.

• Pets can benefit from regular home dental care which includes both regular brushing and a proper, nutritional food.

• To introduce brushing: dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats.  Rub the soaked finger gently over the pets mouth and teeth.  Make the initial sessions short and positive.  Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.  Finally, you can introduce a toothbrush designed for pets available from your veterinarian.

• Don't use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal's stomach.

• There is now a specially formulated dietary dog food with dental benefits that you can feed to dogs once they switch to maintenance food.  This food, T/D (made by Hill's) is available through veterinarians and can actually reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar while the dog is eating. This is what Dr. Bleish feeds his own dog and cats.

• Avoid feeding table scraps to dogs and cats, not only does it add tartar quickly it also adds extra calories to a pets daily diet and they may gain unnecessary weight.

• Let us know if we can send you more information about Hill's Prescription T/D food specially formulated to help keep your pet's teeth cleaned after we have cleaned them or more information about teeth cleaning.  Call us at 816-741-8338 or send us at email at AnimalCareTeam@aol.com

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EUTHANASIA

Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens (Pet Cemetery) is the pet cemetery that we recommend.  They offer a wide range of services from individual cremation to private funerals for your pet.  We will work together with you and them to make sure that your last wishes for your pet are taken care of.  They are located in a beautiful part of southern Platte County and it is a good idea to go visit them before you need their services.  That way you will have some idea what your options are before them you need.  The Bleish family had a private ceremony and beautiful pink casket for their favorite family cat Bif.  They also have chosen cremation for another personal pet named Jack.  Dr. Bleish and his family think very highly of the staff at Rolling Acres and think that you will be satisfied with their services as well.

For more information you can check out their website at www.visitrollingacres.com or call them at 816-891-8888 or fax at 816-891-8781.

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EXAMINATIONS

Every time your pet comes in for a puppy or kitten or adult package of vaccinations they receive a comprehensive physical examination.  They also receive a full examination any time that you bring them to the clinic, with any kind of incoming concern.  Our pets are just like our "human babies" in that they cannot communicate to us what is wrong, so we have to rely on the examination and our diagnostic tools to help us.

During a physical examination we look in the ears.   We are checking for inflammation, redness, and ear mites.

We look in his eyes.  We feel around his neck and scruff.  We run our hands down his entire body - we are ruling out lumps, bumps and fleas to learn more about fleas and ticks.  We palpate each leg.  We look under he tail.  We are ruling out worms.

We check the bottom of his feet to make sure the pads of his feet are healthy and to see if his nails need trimming,  Regular nail trimming is needed for most pets.  Pet owners can bring their pet to the veterinarian and we will trim the nails for you. 

We check their temperature - normal is 101.5 degrees - 102.5 degrees

We run a stool check to rule out worms and bacteria

For dogs we run a heartworm, lyme and ehrlichea test

Blood work is sometimes necessary.

We weigh them to determine their Body Conditioning Score (BCS).

We discuss their current nutritional habits of your pets including pet food, table scraps, vitamins, medications, and supplements.

Based on their BCS, we will give you a recommendation for food, vitamins and supplements if needed.  Sorry, but we never recommend table scraps. 

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their puppy or adult examination. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done. After the examination the Doctor will fill out a "Pet Report Card" that will detail his/her findings and recommendations. If possible the doctor would like you to schedule an appointment at pick up time so that he can go over his findings with you.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your pet's examination please call our office at 816-741-8338.

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LASER SURGERY

We are proud to be one of the first Animal Clinics in North Kansas City to provide Laser Surgery.

Laser technology is used in veterinary surgery to take the place of a scalpel blade. A carbon dioxide laser is used because of its favorable wavelength.  The laser beam is directed to a precise location through a hand-piece similar to using a pencil.  The laser seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts.  There is less bleeding (usually none), less swelling, and less pain. 

It has been very useful in routine surgeries such as spays and neuters and it is especially ideal for feline de-claws.  Other applications include tumors removals, and upper airwave surgeries for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.

Laser surgery has been very rewarding and exciting.  Operator experience is an important factor and Dr. Steven Bleish has been performing laser surgeries since 2001.

We look forward to seeing you and your pets and hope that laser surgery is an option for your pet when they need surgery as it does decrease swelling and pain and should provide for a faster recovery.

If you would like to know if your pets surgery would qualify for laser surgery, please call our office to schedule a pre-surgical assessment or to ask any other questions that you may have.  Call us at 816-741-8338.

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  NEUTER SURGERY

Neutering male dogs and cats is recommended for any individual animal not to be used for breeding. Dr. Bleish has over 25 years experience doing this operation. The surgery is best tolerated at four months of age.  The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can be done with a laser, which reduces swelling, decreases bleeding and pain.

For further information about laser use during neuter surgery click on this link.

To increase safety for your pet during general anesthesia we recommend that all pets have a pre-anesthetic blood screening that helps to determine whether it's major organs can handle anesthesia.  These tests are required for all pets seven years and older but we recommend it for all pets.  For further information click on this link.

Advantages of neutering are health care and behavior.  It eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and prostate disease (especially common in older male dogs). It reduces roaming, undesirable sexual behavior, urine marking, and territorial fighting (especially with cats).  It eliminates the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, which adds to the pet overpopulation problem.

We normally schedule neuter surgeries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but other arrangements can sometimes be made if necessary.

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their pet neutered. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done.

If you would like to know if your pet would qualify for neuter surgery, please call our office to schedule a pre-surgical assessment or to ask any other questions that you may have.  Call us at 816-741-8338.

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Spay Operation

A Spay Operation for a female puppy or kitten is recommended at 4 months of age.  The operation is much better tolerated at a young age than as an adult.  On a large breed dog, it is easier on them when they are 20 pounds at 4 months, versus 80 pounds at a year old.  The entire uterus and both ovaries are removed through a midline abdominal incision.  It is recommended to perform the operation before the first heat cycles, which is usually 6 to 10 months of age depending on the breed.

Advantages of spaying your female dog include the inconvenience of a 3 week heat period, no chance of mis-breeding and adding to the significant  overpopulation problem, removal of certain health risks, such as breast cancer and pyometra (serious uterine infection).

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using isoflurane gas anesthesia, which is considered to be the safest agent for general anesthesia.  Pre and post operative pain medications are administered.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing and laser surgery are both options that are available for the safety and security of your pet.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing may contribute to putting your pet in a lower risk category for receiving anesthesia and laser surgery which reduces bleeding (usually none), causes less swelling and results in less pain. 

To increase the risk of safety for your pet during general anesthesia we recommend that all pets have a pre-anesthetic blood screening that helps to determine whether it's major organs can handle anesthesia.  These tests are required for all pets seven years and older but we recommend it for all pets.  For further information click on this link.

We normally schedule spay surgeries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but other arrangements can sometimes be made if necessary.

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their teeth cleaned. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done.

Dr. Bleish has over 25 years experience doing this operation.  If you would like to schedule a pre-surgical consultation or an appointment please call our office at 816-741-8338.

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SURGERY - ORTHOPEDIC

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using isoflurane gas anesthesia, which is considered to be the safest agent for general anesthesia.  Pre and post operative pain medications are administered.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing and laser surgery are both options that are available for the safety and security of your pet.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing may contribute to putting your pet in a lower risk category for receiving anesthesia and laser surgery which reduces bleeding (usually none), causes less swelling and results in less pain. 

To increase the safety for your pet during general anesthesia we recommend that all pets have a pre-anesthetic blood screening that helps to determine whether it's major organs can handle anesthesia.  These tests are required for all pets seven years and older but we recommend it for all pets.  For further information click on this link.

We normally schedule  surgeries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but other arrangements can sometimes be made if necessary.

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their teeth cleaned. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done.

Dr. Bleish has over 25 years experience doing this operation.  If you would like to schedule a pre-surgical consultation or an appointment please call our office at 816-741-8338.

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SURGERY - SOFT TISSUE

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using isoflurane gas anesthesia, which is considered to be the safest agent for general anesthesia.  Pre and post operative pain medications are administered.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing and laser surgery are both options that are available for the safety and security of your pet.  Pre-anesthetic blood testing may contribute to putting your pet in a lower risk category for receiving anesthesia and laser surgery which reduces bleeding (usually none), causes less swelling and results in less pain. 

To increase the safety for your pet during general anesthesia we recommend that all pets have a pre-anesthetic blood screening that helps to determine whether it's major organs can handle anesthesia.  These tests are required for all pets seven years and older but we recommend it for all pets.  For further information click on this link.

We normally schedule spay surgeries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but other arrangements can sometimes be made if necessary.

Some customers find that when their pet is boarding with us that it is a good time for them to have their teeth cleaned. Please let us know when you make the appointment for boarding if you would like this done.

Dr. Bleish has over 25 years experience doing this operation.  If you would like to schedule a pre-surgical consultation or an appointment please call our office at 816-741-8338.

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VACCINATIONS

Prevention begins at 6 weeks, when most dogs are taken away from their mothers. You can help your pet live a longer and healthier life by taking preventive measures against many contagious diseases with vaccinations protecting your pet

Platte County and Kansas City, Missouri, both require that dogs and cats have a current Rabies vaccination.  Citizens within the Kansas City, Missouri, city limit need to register their pet annually with a pet registration and license.  There is a small fee for this and you will receive a special tag and license showing that your pet is current on their Rabies vaccination.  The license has a number on it that can be traced back to you, should your pet ever get lost.  This is also true of the Rabies tag that we will give you. 

So, not only does the Rabies License and Rabies Tag prove that you are being a good pet owner by keeping your dog's Rabies vaccine up to date, but you are also providing your pet with identifications that could be "tickets home" should they ever get away from you.

Specific vaccinations are given every 3 weeks until the pet is 15 weeks old.  After that your pet will need a Bordetella Vaccination booster every 6 months and a DHLPPC (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Corona Virus), Rabies, and Bordetella booster one year from the 15 week vaccinations. The Bordetella needs to be updated every 6 months, and the DHLPPC needs to be updated yearly during their annual comprehensive physical examination.  The Rabies vaccination is also repeated annually.

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