Breed-Specific Preventative Wellness

In the constantly evolving industry of veterinary medicine, many exciting advancements have been made. These new technologies allow veterinarians the opportunity to offer newer, better, and more effective care for their clients, from laser therapy and acupuncture to stem-cell treatments. While many people consider their veterinarians to be animal health experts, they often only bring their pets in to see them for immunizations or illness. One new approach to pet health that is gaining interest is breed-specific preventative wellness.

The knowledge that different breeds have the tendency to develop specific conditions or diseases is not a new one. What is new is the concept of building lifetime wellness programs around specific breeds. Las Vegas veterinarian Dr Beerenstrauch recently opened Pet Health and Lifetime Care Center on Desert Inn with the intention of educating clients to see wellness care as customized medicine built around the unique breed risks of their pets. To emphasize this approach, Pet Health designs a Feline Health and Canine Health Lifetime Care Program specifically for each pet to provide a longer and healthier life for each pet patient. Rather than treating illnesses as they arise, breed-specific care gives veterinarians the ability to screen patients for high risk conditions and diagnose diseases earlier. Nutritional and dental wellness plans help round out the program, potentially increasing the quality of life and lifespan of pets.

It is important that the prospective pet owner research the breed of pet they are interested in to gain a better understanding of the risks for breed-specific illnesses. For example, Great Danes are at risk for bloat, Boxers for cardiac problems, and Poodles have a higher chance of developing diabetes. For mixed breed pets, DNA testing can aid in identifying their ancestry, assisting the veterinarian in developing a wellness program.

Following a breed-specific wellness plan with a veterinarian that understands the risks of each individual breed strengthens the bond between vet and client, allowing them to proactively work toward screening for and identifying illness. If Poodles are at risk for developing diabetes, early testing and treatment can help prevent disease-related complications such as blindness and neurological damage. Early diagnosis can make the difference in a pet’s quality of life and help pet parents keep down the costs of health care.

As veterinary medicine continues to advance, genetic testing and research will continue to offer new answers on the prevention and treatment of breed-specific illnesses. This will continue to improve the quality of life for pets, as well as increase their overall lifespan. If you are looking for a different kind of veterinarian in the Las Vegas area and would like more information on breed-specific wellness programs, contact Las Vegas veterinarian Dr. Beerenstrauch at Pet Health and Lifetime Care Center on Desert Inn at (702) 910-4500 to schedule an appointment.