Chastain Veterinary Medical Group

What Is a PennHIP Evaluation?

Hip dysplasia is a condition found in many dogs, and is characterized by an improperly formed hip-joint. This condition causes the bones within the leg to move around excessively, ultimately resulting in long-term wear and tear.

This video takes a closer look at PennHIP evaluations for canines. There has been much debate over the past several years about which screening method is best for detecting hip dysplasia in canines. At the Chastain Vet Med Group we consider the radiographic PennHIP evaluation to be the most consistent and objective technique available. Both Dr, Sue and Dr, Clint are certified in PennHIP radiography. The radiographic PennHIP technique is also especially useful because it can determine a dog’s susceptibility to the condition as early as 16 weeks of age. Watch this full clip to learn more.

Is your dog at risk of developing hip dysplasia? Find out by contacting the Chastain Veterinary Medical Group at Meadow Brook Animal Hospital of McKinney at (972) 529-5033 or at Preston Road Animal Hospital of Dallas at (972) 239-1309. We offer PennHIP screening as well as pet boarding, pet grooming and a number of pet wellness services.

New Review for Meadow Brook Animal Hospital of McKinney

A Simple Pet Owner's Guide to Heartworm Disease

Heartworm Disease refers to an ailment affecting dogs primarily (but also sometimes cats and ferrets), in which a parasitic worm invades the heart and pulmonary arteries, infecting the animal and causing damage to the vital organs. Although we  can determine if your pet has heartworm, that’s far from ideal because the worms in that case will already be present. It is far better, simpler and cheaper to prevent the disease in the first place. That’s why it is important to educate yourself a little about the causes and symptoms of the disease:

Causes and Risk Factors

Pets contract heartworm disease when they are bitten by mosquitoes infected by microfilariae—or small heartworms that mature into the infective larvae that invade the heart, arteries, and lungs. The infective larvae then mature into adult worms after approximately six months. While heartworm disease can affect nearly any dog or cat, dogs that live in warm, humid regions tend to be at a greater risk, since these areas provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.

Symptoms to Look For

The number of heartworms inside your pet builds up gradually, and therefore may not cause symptoms during the early stages. Heavily infected dogs may show symptoms, including a mild persistent cough, fatigue after mild or moderate exercise, reduced appetite, reluctance to move, and weight loss. Symptoms to look for in cats may include gagging or rapid breathing, lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting.

Treatment Options

There are no current heartworm treatments available for cats—however, studies by the American Heartworm Society show that cats tend to be more resistant than dogs. The most common treatment utilized for dogs includes a series of injections done on an outpatient basis. In order to spare your pet discomfort and yourself the cost of treatment, you should do everything you can to prevent heartworm disease from taking hold.  

Are you taking the steps necessary to protect your pet from heartworm disease? Give the Chastain Veterinary Medical Group a call at Meadow Brook Animal Hospital of McKinney at (972) 529-5033 or at Preston Road Animal Hospital of Dallas at (972) 239-1309 for more information about preventing, diagnosing, and treating heartworm disease. We also offer pet grooming and pet boarding.

We are sad to say farewell to Dr. Megan

Employee Spotlight: Leah Essenburg

Hi, I’m Leah Essenburg. I have worked in Client Services at the Chastain Veterinary Medical Group at Meadow Brook Animal Hospital for about seven months now. I have an Associate of Arts degree from Richland College and I am looking forward to attending the Art Institute in the fall, for study of graphic design. I have four dogs at home; they are, Samuel, Ginger, Olivia, and Dallas.