Frequently Asked Questions
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
We proudly serve the pets Chattanooga, TN and beyond.
At Highway 58 Animal Hospital, we get many interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 423-892-8539 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
How safe is my pet’s procedure?
Although there will always be a minimal amount of risk associated with anesthetizing your pet, we take every precaution available to ensure that those risks are minimized, including most of the same fail-safe measures that your physician would provide if you were placed under anesthesia. We monitor vital signs throughout all stages of surgery and recovery. We also have written protocols for all emergency drugs in place for each pet under anesthesia.
Additionally, all patients are closely monitored by our highly trained technicians during the recovery process, ensuring that your pet receives the most compassionate and proficient care possible. The behind the scenes care and technologies employed to ensure your pet’s safety are just one of the many factors that differentiate the quality in care that we provide.
How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?
It is very important to schedule yearly exams for your pet so that your veterinarian can monitor your pet’s overall health. At Highway 58 Animal Hospital, to ensure that we identify health issues early, we recommend an examination by one of our veterinarians every 12 months for healthy pets under the age of 7, and every 6 months for healthy senior patients. Those pets with chronic disease or mobility issues may require examination on a more frequent basis.
Blood work is a wonderful way to identify disease processes early and prevent the progression of chronic disease. We recommend annual blood work to provide a baseline for our veterinarians to identify trends and specific areas to focus on in an effort to prolong the duration and quality of life of our patients. Whether your pet is a youngster or a senior, regular blood work can help detect some diseases early, making it easier to catch a potential problem early and avoid complications and expensive treatments.
How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in behavior?
What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?
What if my pet has an after-hours problem?
Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga
6393 Lee Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 822-8304
Veterinary Care and Specialty Group
3812 Tennessee Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37409
(423) 591-0270
What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
Heartworms are extremely common in warm and humid environments, and can infect both our canine companions AND our feline friends. Heartworms are transmitted from infected mosquitoes as juvenile worms known as microfilaria. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, these immature worms can grow into adults which can cause serious damage to the animal’s blood vessels, lungs and heart, and may even cause death.
Once your pet has been tested for heartworms and has been found to be heartworm free, a monthly preventative can keep your dog or cat healthy. Having your pet on a preventative treatment is much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. There are several options available for the prevention of this potentially life threatening disease. The experienced veterinarians at Highway 58 Animal Hospital will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on their needs and lifestyle.