I have a spoiled rotten,10 yr old neutered male Shih Tzu, named Kuro. He's also blind, but still my sweet baby!
Although it's only him and me now, there's a lot of talking around our house. I didn't realize he knows so many words! Some people say it's repetition, but I prefer to think he's that smart.......We moved to Michigan from Indiana 4 years ago, and for the first 7 years of Kuro's life, the only expense I had was vaccinations, grooming,and buying toys. ( Lots of toys)
But time passes on and age starts taking a toll, and he started having problems: bladder, tumor on paw,liver enzymes too high, dental work, eye problems,and for the past few months, skin problems.
Dr. Dhaliwal has done all of Kuro's surgeries, and worked with me on the other problems. He never loses his patience, and stays calm while I am asking my 100 questions .
Dr. Dhaliwal is definitely in the correct profession. It seems he has a passion for not only helping animals, but he takes every opportunity to learn new techniques so he can help them even more.
The staff is also very nice. They greet you with a smile, take the time to talk, explain meds,etc. and if Dr. D. doesn't call to check on Kuro after a procedure, the staff will, and that means a lot to me.
Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital is a caring place, and everyone makes sure your pet is given the best care. Whatever it takes to make you and your pet "HAPPY!"
The Comprehensive physical examination is the most important practical skill for a clinician to develop. It can also be one of the most challenging. A good physical examination can detect minor abnormalities before they become serious problems as well as identify major organ dysfunction without extensive and expensive diagnostic tests.
We welcome new kittens and puppies: For many families this is where it all begins. Puppy and kittens receive Comprehensive Physical Examination while their families learn about immunization programs, nutrition, behavior, dental care, and flea and parasite control.
Annual Wellness exam: Every interaction we have with an animal is used as an opportunity to assess their physical condition. Every pet gets a complete physical examination before they are vaccinated or admitted for dental, surgery or boarding. With an experienced veterinarian, this can be done quickly and easily. Our veterinarians examine the animal thoroughly from head to tail and everything in between; then give appropriate recommendations.
Senior Wellness exam: Dog and cats age 4 to 5 times faster than we do, and as a result, health problems can progress much more rapidly. We recommend that you to bring your senior pet in at least twice a year for their thorough and extensive physical examination. Common problems senior pets experience are; cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, vision problems, dental disease, heart conditions, liver and intestinal disorders. We are very sensitive to the needs of older pets. Once again, the value of a Comprehensive Physical Examination cannot be underestimated.
Pre-anesthetic exam: Careful pre-operative assessment is necessary for selection of appropriate anesthetic regimens. Many surgical and anesthetic complications are a result of pre-existing clinical conditions, most of which are associated with abnormalities that could have been identified by a skilled examiner. A good physical exam can point to many conditions and cause a change in anesthetic or surgical technique, monitoring, and support.
Pre-boarding exam: We give complementary physical examinations to boarding animals to assess any existing medical condition or external parasites.
Check list of Changes in Your Pets Health or Behavior. Any change observed should be examined by your Veterinarian:
Appetite o Decreased o Normal o Increased
Weight o Loss o Gain o Stable
Water Consumption o Decreased o Normal o Increased
Bowel Movement o Constipated o Normal o Diarrhea (how long?): _________________
Urination o Decreased o Normal o Increased Amount o Increased Frequency
Incontinence (loss of housebreaking) o Yes o No Straining to urinate? o Yes o No
If yes, for how long & explain: _______________________________________________________
Vomiting? o Yes o No If yes, for how long & explain:__________________________________________
Coughing? o Yes o No If yes, Panting: o Yes o No
Sneezing? o Yes o No
Gagging? o Yes o No
Any Listlessness? o Yes o No If yes, explain:________________________________________________
Any weakness? o Yes o No If yes, explain:______________________________________________________
Shaking head? o Yes o No
Scratching? o Yes o No If yes, where: ______________________________________________________
Significant hair loss? o Yes o No
Do you use any flea control products? o Yes o No If yes, what kind: ________________________________
Scooting? o Yes o No
Unusual Lumps or Bumps? o Yes o No If yes, explain:
Bad Breath? o Yes o No
Unusual Discharge? o Yes o No If yes, location:
Lameness? o Yes o No If yes, which leg:
Difficulty rising? o Yes o No If yes: After sleeping? o Yes o No After Exercise? o Yes o No
Difficulty climbing stairs? o Yes o No
Any Behavioral changes? o Yes o No If yes, explain: _________________________________________
Mandy previously had surgery at another veterinary hospital for the removal of a growth on her hind leg. For some unfortunate reason, the area became badly infected that the doctor's opinion was amputation to save Mandy's life.
At first, I was devastated about this news and wanted to get a second opinion. Therefore, I began seeking other veterinary hospitals that specialized in this area. However, for some reason Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital would constantly reappear on my list. I began to read the testimonies from his previous clients and suddenly a peaceful feeling came over me. Even though Dr. Dhaliwal's hospital was a great distant from Detroit to Ypsilanti Michigan, it was worth the ride.
Mandy's outcome was the same, yet the calming and patient manner in which my dog and I were given from Dr. Dhaliwal and his loving staff made a difference. Today, Mandy is still running, climbing and playing even with three legs and I am thankful for the time and quality of life I still share with her.
Crystal Matthews
August 2012
mianimalhospital@gmail.com