Compassionate Veterinary Care

For Pets In Vaughan, Ontario

Veterinary internal medicine for dogs and cats in Vaughan, Ontario Is an important part of pet health care. It is essential to find a qualified veterinarian near you who can provide immediate comprehensive medical services for your pet. Veterinary internal medicine involves diagnosing, and treating diseases in pets such as allergies, cancer, seizures, and heart disease. Find comfort in knowing that a compassionate veterinarian is near the Thornhill community. Dr. Bouchard is a member of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Book An Appointment for your pet online!

During your pet’s annual wellness exam, Dr. Bouchard will perform a complete physical examination, including looking at your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and teeth. She will also listen to your pet’s heart, as well as assess neurological and gastrointestinal systems for any signs of abnormalities.

Veterinarian checking out cat

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is a branch of medicine specializing in hormonal imbalances. Pets with endocrine disorders can display a multitude of signs, including:

  • Increased drinking and urinating
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Excessive panting
  • Recurrent infections
  • Vomiting

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to help diagnose conditions such as chronic diarrhea, chronic vomiting, or weight loss. It can also be used when trying to locate and remove swallowed foreign objects.

A specialist comes to Summeridge Animal Clinic to perform this procedure in house. A flexible scope is inserted through your pet’s mouth or rectum to examine your pet’s stomach or colon.

Neurology

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with the nervous system, your pet’s brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Back or neck pain, head tilts, seizures, paralysis of the back legs or all four legs, and difficulty walking are signs of a neurological problem. By performing a comprehensive exam, which includes a neurological assessment, the problem can be localized to a particular area of the body. Sometimes referral to a specialist is necessary for specialized diagnostics, such as an MRI, and corresponding treatment.

Summeridge Animal Clinic values the trust our clients place in us in caring for their pets. If your pet requires additional care after a procedure, we are able to offer hospitalization and follow-up care.

Cancer Treatment

Learning your pet has cancer is a scary time, one no pet owner wants to go through. Dr. Bouchard and the staff at Summeridge Animal Clinic are trained to look for any signs or symptoms that may indicate cancer, how to test for a reliable diagnosis, and most importantly how to help you make the best decisions possible regarding your pet's health care.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that causes cells to multiply uncontrollably, moving into surrounding tissue and organs. There are numerous kinds of cancers that dogs and cats are susceptible to developing. Cancer comes in two forms, either localized (limited to one area) or generalized (spreading throughout the body).

Possible Symptoms of Cancer

  • Lumps and bumps
  • Abnormal odors
  • Abnormal discharges
  • Non-healing wounds
  • Weight loss
  • Change in appetite
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Changes in bathroom habits
  • Evidence of pain
Small dog resting in the sun

What Treatment Options Are Available?

  • Surgical treatment—Most cancers can be treated surgically, removing the “lump“ and a portion of healthy tissue surrounding the infected area. Your veterinarian will discuss with you whether local or general anesthesia will be used, as well as if a specialist should be consulted.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs—This type of therapy is easily accessible and cost effective. It has been shown to provide relief in some cancers, especially in bladder tumors.

Dr. Bouchard and her staff will discuss all options available to you and, when necessary, provide reliable referrals to a veterinary oncologist. Most importantly, they will work with you in finding the most effective and compassionate way to care for your pet while keeping him or her comfortable.

Cardiology

Summeridge Animal Clinic knows your pet is a valued member of your family. You want only the best for him or her, and good health is a top priority. While heart problems can occur at any age, older pets are more likely to develop this condition.

During your pet’s routine wellness exam, Dr. Bouchard and her staff will look for any signs or symptoms that may indicate a cardiac concern, as they understand early detection of a problem provides the best opportunity for long-term health.

Veterinarian checking out cat

Veterinary Cardiology

Veterinary cardiology deals with the valves and muscles of your pet’s heart. Detecting a cardiac condition includes screening for any abnormalities at the routine exam, completing a health history, and a complete physical examination. If a concern presents, additional tests and, if needed, a follow-up referral to a veterinary cardiac specialist may be necessary.

Signs of Heart Disease

  • Coughing
  • Decreased appetite
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Increased tiredness

Echocardiogram

If a cardiac problem is suspected, your pet’s veterinarian may recommend an echocardiogram of the heart. This non-invasive, safe, and painless test is an ultrasound of the muscles and valves of your pet’s heart. Summeridge Animal Clinic works with an ultrasound specialist who comes to our clinic to perform this test, and we will be happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Learning your pet has, or may have, a heart condition can be scary. Dr. Bouchard and her staff wish the best for our clients and their pets. We work with our clients to develop the best treatment plan for the four-legged family members.

Dermatology

No one likes itchy skin, especially not your pet. Skin disease is becoming more and more common among area pets. Unlike humans, pets cannot tell us if something itches, burns, hurts, or is irritated.

Symptoms of Possible Skin Irritations

While your veterinarian will check for any obvious skin irritations, you can also watch for signs and symptoms that something might be bothering your pet:

  • Dry, flaky, irritated skin
  • Hair loss
  • Rashes
  • Redness
  • Scabs
  • Scratching

Possible Causes of Skin Problems

Since a pet can't tell us their symptoms, the veterinarian often finds the diagnosis by eliminating other possibilities. Some things that may be causing your pet uncomfortable skin problems:

  • Fleas
  • Food allergies
  • Shampoos
  • Ringworm
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Skin infections
  • Stress
  • Changing of the seasons

Diagnosing Veterinary Dermatological Conditions

Dr. Bouchard will examine your pet during the annual wellness exams for any abnormalities that may suggest a skin condition. If you have any concerns that something may be wrong, this is a perfect time to talk with your veterinarian about your concerns. If further information is needed, we may perform one of the following:

  • Cytology
  • Skin scrape
  • Biopsy

While most skin conditions can be taken care of in-house, if additional assistance is needed, Summeridge Animal Clinic can help you with a reliable referral to a specialist.

Eye Care

A variety of eye diseases are reported in medicine. The eye is a complex structure, which includes the retina, cornea, lens, iris, and additional structures to support the eye.

Any suspected eye problem should be seen immediately, as it is often impossible to tell the severity of a problem at first glance. Simple problems, such as corneal ulcers, can quickly become worse and result in corneal rupture, or even blindness. Glaucoma can cause sudden blindness unless treated very shortly after its onset.

Your veterinarian should immediately see any eye that is red, cloudy, puffy, or has any discharge. If you notice any of these signs, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Happy cat with large eyes

Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your pet’s next appointment.

Dog in a field

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