During the last couple decades, we have seen major advances in pet health care.  This coincides with a shift in practices that emphasizes prevention of disease.
VACCINATIONS:
 Regular physical exams, including fecal testing and vaccinations are the most important preventative measures you can take to ensure the health of your pet.  In general, vaccinations of kittens should begin at 8 weeks and continue at 3-4 week intervals until your pet is 16 weeks or older.  A physical exam precedes the actual vaccine administration to ensure your pet is healthy enough to be vaccinated.  Cats should have certain vaccines  boostered every 1-3 years, based upon a discussion of lifestyle risks.

--Panleukopenia (”feline distemper”):  an extremely contagious, 
frequently fatal (especially in kittens) enteric viral disease.
--Calicivirus/Herpesvirus:  main cause of feline respiratory disease.
Commonly, young kittens are most effected with nasal and ocular discharge and
other eye problems.  Some cats become persistently infected for life after
initially recovering from the disease, shedding virus when under stress.
--Rabies:  a potential zoonotic disease which is usually fatal if contracted
--Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and FIV:
 Feline leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two viruses that
suppress a cat’s immune system, making them unable to fight off other infections.
Unfortunately, once infected, both of these viruses are usually fatal, although it
can take months to years for symptoms to develop.  We advise that all cats be
tested for both of these diseases when they are brought in for their first exam.

Feline Leukemia and FIV  
               
Feline leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two viruses that suppress a cat's immune system, making them unable to fight off other infections. Unfortunately, once infected, both of these viruses are usually fatal, although it can take months to years for symptoms to develop. We advise that all cats be tested for both of these diseases when they are brought in for their first exam.
   
Fleas and Ticks 
               
Fleas and ticks are common problems for potentially every pet owner. New advances in parasite control products are now available, making treatment and prevention of these troublesome and disease-carrying pests much easier than in the past.
    
Heartworm Disease   
               
The recognition of heartworm disease in cats is becoming more commonplace in recent years. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and are considered a major problem in Lower Michigan. There is now a very accurate heartworm test for cats and very effective heartworm preventatives which we recommend for all cats.
    
Nutrition   
               
Providing a complete and balanced diet is essential to maintenance of good health. All cats should be on a quality diet made specifically for cats. The doctors can talk to you about your pet's dietary needs in more detail an make recommendations, as needed.
   
Dental Care    
               
 Dental care is also emphasized at an early age; we recommend prophylactic brushing at home to lessen the accumulation of tartar and plaque that will lead to periodontal disease. We recommend that pets have annual dental check ups. Professional dental cleanings are recommended, as needed, performed under general anesthesia.
   
Intestinal Parasites 
               
Intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms) and other intestinal parasites (coccidia and giardia) frequently cause serious disease of the gastrointestinal tract. A stool sample is tested upon your pet's first visit and then annually.

SENIOR CARE & YEARLY WELLNESS EXAMS:
 A yearly physical exam is perhaps the most important key to maintaining the heath of your pet. After your pet’s 7th birthday, he or she is considered a “senior”.  Since we see increased age-related problems after this age, exams are advised every 6 months.