Veterinary Services

Bringing a puppy or kitten home is an exciting experience, and early veterinary care helps build the foundation for a lifetime of good health. 

At Keowee Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive puppy and kitten care, including wellness examinations, vaccinations, parasite testing, and deworming. Our knowledgeable team can also provide guidance on nutrition, potty training, nail care, and keeping your new pet safe and healthy. 

We can help you determine the appropriate timing for spaying and neutering based on your pet’s individual needs, as well as discuss pet health insurance and the importance of routine heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.  

We understand that welcoming a new family member can come with plenty of questions, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule your pet’s first visit!

Routine wellness examinations play an important role in maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. These visits allow our veterinarians to monitor your pet’s health, identify potential concerns early, and recommend preventive measures based on their individual needs. 

At Keowee Animal Hospital, we tailor each wellness examination to your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history, helping them stay healthy through every stage of life. 

Every wellness examination includes: 

• A review of your pet’s medical history 
• Evaluation of vital signs
• A thorough nose-to-tail physical examination 
• Laboratory testing as recommended (additional fees apply)
• A personalized consultation and healthcare recommendations based on your pet’s individual needs.

We love senior pets! As pets age, their healthcare needs change, making regular veterinary visits especially important. Routine examinations can help identify age-related conditions early and allow us to address concerns before they become more serious.

Common health concerns in senior pets include:

• Arthritis
• Dental disease
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Endocrine (hormonal) disorders

At Keowee Animal Hospital, we generally recommend wellness examinations every six months for pets over seven years of age, although individual needs may vary by species, breed, and overall health. Annual screening laboratory tests can also help detect underlying conditions that may not yet be showing noticeable symptoms.

Changes in mobility, such as stiffness, difficulty climbing stairs, or decreased activity, may be early signs of arthritis. Depending on your pet’s needs, treatment options may include joint supplements, prescription medications, nutritional adjustments, and modified exercise routines to help maintain comfort and mobility.

Some senior pets may also experience changes in behavior, memory, or awareness associated with cognitive dysfunction. Our veterinarians can evaluate these changes and discuss appropriate management options to support your pet’s quality of life.

Growing older doesn’t mean your pet can’t continue enjoying a happy, comfortable life. With regular veterinary care and early intervention, we can help make their golden years as healthy and enjoyable as possible.

Pets are part of our families, and preventing parasite infestations is an important part of keeping them healthy. Both ectoparasites (external parasites) and endoparasites (internal parasites) can affect your pet throughout their lifetime.

Ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, are not only a nuisance but can also transmit vector-borne diseases to pets and humans. These include Bartonella infections (associated with cat scratch disease), Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can also cause flea allergy dermatitis, a condition that results in intense itching, inflammation, and skin irritation.

Roundworms are among the most common endoparasites found in pets. Other intestinal parasites include hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Pets typically become infected by accidentally ingesting microscopic parasite eggs from environments contaminated with the feces of infected animals. Some parasites can also be acquired through the ingestion of intermediate or transport hosts, such as rodents (certain Taenia tapeworm and Toxocara roundworm species) or fleas (Dipylidium tapeworm species).

Some intestinal parasites are also considered zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. For example, if a person accidentally ingests roundworm eggs, the larvae may migrate through the body, potentially causing organ damage or even blindness. Hookworm larvae found in contaminated soil or grass can penetrate human skin and cause a condition known as cutaneous larva migrans.

Heartworm is another important endoparasite, although it is not considered a zoonotic infection transmitted directly from pets to humans. Heartworm disease is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. The larvae migrate through the bloodstream and eventually develop into adult heartworms, primarily affecting the pulmonary arteries and heart. If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to serious cardiovascular and respiratory complications and may be fatal.

In the early stages of heartworm disease, pets may be asymptomatic, meaning they show no noticeable signs of illness. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include coughing and exercise intolerance in dogs, as well as coughing, vomiting, or respiratory difficulties in cats. Treatment of heartworm disease can be complicated, costly, and carry significant risks.

Because of the potential health risks to both pets and their families, it is important to maintain a year-round parasite prevention program. Several preventive medications, when used properly, are highly effective at reducing the risk of heartworm disease and certain intestinal parasite infections. Consistent flea and tick prevention can also help reduce exposure to vector-borne diseases.

Additionally, you can help reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission by practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, thoroughly washing raw vegetables, avoiding undercooked meats, and promptly cleaning up pet feces from your yard.

For more information about pets and parasites, visit Pets & Parasites⁠ or consult with one of our knowledgeable team members at Keowee Animal Hospital.

One of the most common, yet frequently overlooked, health concerns in companion animals is dental disease. By age three, most pets have developed some degree of periodontal disease. This condition begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film containing millions of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line.

Without regular removal, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. If left untreated, bacteria and inflammation can gradually damage the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

In addition to affecting your pet’s oral health, periodontal disease has been associated with health concerns involving vital organs, including the:

• Heart
• Liver
• Lungs
• Kidneys

Many pet owners may not recognize the signs of dental disease until it has progressed significantly. This highlights the importance of annual or twice-yearly physical examinations, including a thorough oral health assessment.

In the early stages of dental disease, your veterinarian may recommend at-home dental care, such as regular tooth brushing, dental treats, oral rinses, and specialized dental diets.

When professional dental treatment is necessary, general anesthesia is required to allow for a thorough examination and cleaning. Your veterinarian will discuss the recommended procedures involved in a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) with you.

A COHAT typically involves a visit to the veterinary hospital and may include:

• Pre-operative laboratory testing
• IV catheter placement
• General anesthesia
• Dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Professional teeth cleaning and polishing
• Dental charting
• Tooth extractions, when indicated

Upon discharge, our veterinary team will review any necessary instructions regarding post-procedure medications, feeding recommendations, and when to resume at-home dental care.

Maintaining your pet’s oral health is an important part of their overall well-being. With regular veterinary examinations, professional dental care, and consistent home maintenance, you can help keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy for years to come.