We need our animals, whether they are acting as pets or valued workers. Our animals improve our quality of life. So when it comes to looking after them, we want to provide the best care possible. We look for veterinary advice that matches our approach to animal health, advice that treats our animals with the same care and respect that we do. We look for veterinary clinics that deliver health to our animals and peace of mind to us.
In Contra Costa County, there are many veterinary practices to choose from in Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg, as well as veterinary services that cover Danville, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez.
Considering all the pet care options, how do you choose the veterinary clinic that suits you and your animal? Finding a vet who’s easy to talk to and understand, who’s understanding when you talk about your animal may take some effort, but it will be worth it when you find the right partner. The following articles can help define what you’re looking for and determine if a given veterinarian is the right match for you.
Find Licensed Veterinarians In Brentwood, Concord, Richmond, Antioch and across Contra Costa County
When you’re looking for the finest veterinarians for your animals, you actually have more knowledge that you know– in many ways, the health care you provide for your animals is similar to human health care. For example, many today advocate the preventative, or wellness, approach, where close attention is paid to keeping well over the long run, instead of just responding to specific problems or emergencies. Much veterinary advice advocates the same preventative approach to pet care, keeping pets healthy for the long term to avoid as many problems as possible.
If problems do arise, the veterinarian you choose should be able to discuss options with you calmly so you can make informed decisions. Before emergencies arise, you should consider how you want to respond and find veterinarians who match your approach. If you take a holistic approach, you can find holistic veterinary clinics. Many veterinary clinics take a traditional medical approach. Here as well, you want to find veterinary advice that you are comfortable with. For example, veterinarians can offer more or less aggressive treatment options. Medical treatments such as dialysis, MRI’s, and cardiac pacemakers are available for animals; such treatments can be considered extreme. Deciding whether or not to use all these options can be a trying and emotional decision. If you can find a veterinarian who can talk about the hard issues with you before problems arise, you can be more comfortable making life-changing decisions about your animal’s care.
All veterinarians in California must be licensed by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB). You can use the VMB Web site to find out if your veterinarian is registered. Notice of any completed or pending disciplinary actions against the license holder for formal charges filed by the VMB appears in the license listing.
The VMB also verifies licenses for Registered Veterinary Technicians. Registered Veterinary Technicians help in veterinary hospitals and clinics. Both veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians must display their licenses in their premises. If they come to you, for example if you live on a farm, they must carry pocket versions of their licenses that you can ask to verify.
If you do look up license information, remember that the VMB does not include information on specializations, such as specific branches of medicine. You can rest assured that Diamond Certified veterinarians have been evaluated thoroughly, including licensing requirements. However, if you need to find a veterinarian near you in Contra Costa County and cannot find a Diamond Certified veterinarian, you’ll have to check the licensing yourself.
Find the Veterinary Advice You Need in Contra Costa County
For the best animal care, find a veterinarian you can talk to easily and openly. For most pet owners, your main relationship will probably be with a general practitioner. These veterinary clinics often work with cats and dogs, considered companion animals. Other veterinarians treat exotic animals. Exotic pets include primates, snakes and other reptiles, birds, ferrets, hedgehogs, amphibians, fish, and other small animals. Some veterinarians focus on large animals, such as beef cattle. A small percentage of veterinarians focus exclusively on horses. Other veterinarians may have practices focused on dairy farms, or meat production, or other agricultural interests. These veterinarians typically visit the farm when animals need care. Mobile veterinarians are sometimes available for pets, as well. Depending on your animal population, you may need to find one or more vets who focus on particular species.
At times, your animal’s needs may go beyond what your general practice veterinarian can address, and you may be referred to a specialist.
One kind of specialist specializes in types of medicine – such as cancer, nutrition, surgery, pathology, or behavior. This kind of specialist must complete an internship, residency, and pass the exam set by the governing board for the specific specialty. These specialty boards are recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Most often, animals are referred to a medical specialist veterinarian by a general practice veterinarian, since specialists typically do not see the public without a referral. Dentists and ophthalmologists are exceptions, since these are medical specialists but will sometimes see a patient immediately. They then refer you to a general practice veterinarian for preventative care and routine follow-ups. Medical specialists may also be staffed in pet emergency rooms, especially in busy metropolitan areas, and may work with the public in that way, but typically patients are referred to medical specialists.
The other kind of specialist is species-specific and certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). These veterinarians may specialize in more than one species. Species specialties include dairy practice, beef cattle practice, feline practice, and avian practice. These species specialists are evaluated through casework and exams every ten years to continue to qualify. These species specialists work with the public without referrals and may be your regular veterinarian.
When you’re looking to find veterinary advice, you want to know exactly what is being offered. Some veterinarians are not board-certified specialists, although they may still be able to help you with your animal. A “board-eligible” veterinarian may still be in the process of completing the requirements and have not yet taken the qualifying exam.
Some veterinary clinics present themselves as having a “practice limited to” a certain area of medicine, for example, behavior or surgery. In both cases, the veterinarians are not specialists, although they may have knowledge that can help your pet. You should also be aware that membership in an association, organization, or club does not show that a veterinarian has passed the specialty board exams. You should be careful that when you are referred to or looking for a specialist, the specialist is actually board certified.
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- Find A Veterinarian You Trust In Contra Costa County
- Know What You Are Looking for in A Contra Costa County Veterinarian
- Questions to Ask Contra Costa County Veterinarians on the Phone
- When Meeting with Contra Costa County Veterinarians
- Ask for Help From Previous Patients in the Area, Including Pacheco, Rheem Valley, Oakley, and Port Chicago
- Find and Retain a Good Veterinarian in Contra Costa County
- How To Get Good Service From Contra Costa County Veterinarians
- How Can You Be a Good Veterinary Customer?
- Top Service Requests for Veterinarians in Contra Costa County
- Rely on The Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee
- Glossary of Terms for Contra Costa County Veterinarian
Contra Costa – Veterinary
- The following companies have earned and maintained a Diamond Certified Rating
- The Certification Process
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Antioch, CA 94509
Antioch, CA 94509
Serving all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties including Hayward, Berkeley, Fremont, Oakland, Richmond, Antioch, Concord and Walnut Creek.
Services include dog & cat checkups, annual vaccinations, pet dental cleaning and tick & flea prevention. Brands include Science Diet, Cosequin, Frontline and Advantix... License 4012, 7664 | DCID9257572233Search Diamond Certified Companies
You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a veterinarian that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified veterinary hospital. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated veterinary clinic and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:
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Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.
More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.
It’s always best to find a veterinarian before an emergency occurs. If you have a vet and are looking for a new veterinarian, consider what you think needs to change. Do you want more consultation time with the doctor? Do you want less pressure to perform extreme and costly procedures? Do you need more information about cost considerations? Do you feel shy about asking for more details of what tests are being performed and why? What exact issues can you pinpoint that are making you dissatisfied with your current pet care provider? The more you can identify precisely what’s wrong, the more you’ll know what to look for in your next veterinary clinic. You’ll also have a good idea of what to ask to find a veterinarian who offers high-quality services.
It can be easy to panic if your animal experiences an emergency and you don’t already have a veterinarian. In this case, it’s a good idea to have some questions already noted down. That way, you’ll have less to think about and can focus on the answers you’re getting. Whether in an emergency situation or not, here are some questions to help you when you when you prepare to speak to a veterinarian:
1. Do I want a Diamond Certified company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Guarantee?
2. What are my animal’s exact problems? (coughing, bleeding, diarrhea, vomiting)
3. How long have the symptoms been noticed? Have they happened before?
4. Has your animal’s behavior changed in any way? (sleeping, eating, grooming, itching)
5. Has your animal’s outward appearance changed in any way? (coat condition, eye discharge)
6. What does your animal eat? (brands, amount, type – wet or dry)
7. Have you noticed any change in your animal’s way of moving? (hesitations, missed jumps)
8. What is your animal’s age?
9. What vaccines does your animal have?
10. Does your animal have any chronic or other conditions?
For the best results, it’s a good idea to find veterinary advice you trust before any emergency. Before making an office visit, you can ask some questions on the phone to see if the veterinary clinic will suit your needs. Having a list of questions will help you focus on the interview. Write down the answers to help you evaluate different veterinary advice. Some useful questions to ask:
1. Has your company earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
2. Does your practice treat my specific animal? (cat, dog, ferret, horse, snake, reptile)
3. If I do have an unusual pet – how often do you see such animals? (ferret, snake, fish, bird, primate).
4. Do you offer pet care insurance?
5. I belong to a pet health insurance plan that requires my providers to be in-network. Are you in the network for my plan?
6. Can you tell me what vaccinations my animal needs?
7. Can you tell me how many registered veterinary technicians you have and how many that are not licensed?
8. Is there someone on call 24/7 for emergencies? Or do you refer to an emergency center?
9. What is night care like at your facility?
10. If my pet needs special care, do you refer to specialists?
11. What are the procedures for preparing for surgery?
12. Can you provide a clear list of costs and expenses?
Once you’ve done some preliminary speaking with the veterinary clinics, you can take the step of going to Concord, Richmond, Antioch, or other to smaller cities such as Hercules, Lafayette, Point Richmond, or El Cerrito to speak to the veterinarians in person. Some questions to keep in mind include:
1. What is your recommended schedule for a sickly animal at the age of my animal?
2. Do you perform routine tests for my animal? If so, what are they, and what are they looking for?
3. What are the typical issues, if any, for my specific kind of animal? (for example, hip dysplasia for large dogs)
4. How do you determine if my animal needs care from a specialist? And how will communication between your office and the specialist work?
5. I want to take a wellness approach to maintain my pet’s health. What would you recommend?
6. Can you tell me what you consider extreme medical care for my animal –pacemakers, dialysis?
7. Can you help make my animal behave?
It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified veterinarian because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality from a veterinarian in Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.
If you can’t find a Diamond Certified veterinarian within reach, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your veterinarian. Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the veterinarian are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the veterinarians will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.
If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the practice’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied. Some useful questions include:
1. Why did you ask for veterinary advice? Was it routine care, or a critical issue?
2. Were you satisfied with the care provided?
3. If you had emergency care after hours, were you pleased with the availability and the response times?
4. Are costs made clear up front? Do you think the costs are fair?
5. Did you feel listened to?
6. Do you think that the tests performed on your animal were useful? Did you understand why they were performed and what the outcome was?
7. Were you ever referred to a specialist? What type of issue led to the referral?
8. Are you still with this veterinary clinic or are you looking for a new pet doctor?
9. Would you recommend this veterinarian?
In an emergency, you just want help – fast. So it’s a good idea to have discovered a veterinary clinic you feel comfortable with before an issue arises. Even if your own vet is not on call at the time of emergency, you can ask them in advance for recommendations for the best available emergency care in Contra Costa County.
Invest a little time in getting to know the local veterinarians in Contra Costa County, so that you can develop a relationship with a veterinarian you trust. You’ll then feel more comfortable talking to the vet when important decisions do arise. And if you take a wellness approach and have regular visits with your veterinarian, your animal can also become more comfortable with the vet. The vet will be able to immediately review the long-term record of your animal’s health. You’ll feel comfortable that you and your veterinarian have your animal’s best interests at heart.
Your choice of veterinarian … So before deciding on the best veterinarian in Contra Costa County for you, it’s important to consider the following questions.
1. Can the veterinarian satisfy your needs for outstanding communication, knowledge of specific species or breeds, medical philosophy, emergency care, specialist referrals, and costs?
2. Can you communicate issues to the veterinarian?
3. Can the veterinarian clearly make suggestions, procedures, and recommendations so that you can understand your choices?
4. Does the veterinarian share your determination to provide the most healthy life for your animal?
Caring for your animals is a big responsibility at any time. But once you’ve found a veterinary clinic you can trust, some of that burden is lifted. You’ll have a partner to help you keep your pet healthy throughout his or her life. If an emergency does come up, you’ll know that you can trust your veterinarian to give the best advice for your pet, based on really knowing it – and you.
When you take your animal in, be very clear about what you came in for. If it’s a routine check up, and you are not sure what that means, don’t be timid about asking for a detailed description of what will happen. If it’s for a specific problem, describe the problem clearly. Mention any changes in behavior or anything that you think might be related. Don’t be intimidated into skipping what you feel is important.
You may have to repeat answers you’ve already given to a receptionist or veterinary technician, if your veterinarian wants to go over them. Remain calm and patient – remember that everyone is trying to help your pet. Your veterinarian may have several options or care plans for you. If it’s not clear to you, ask about the differences between them – what steps each one involves, what different outcomes might be expected, what are the costs associated with each.
Most veterinarians will provide an estimate for any costs. You should be clear that you understand what is covered under the estimate. For example, if your animal is being operated on, are overnight boarding costs already included in the estimate if an overnight stay is involved? Be aware that outside laboratories could cause additional charges. Remember to ask if there may be other charges that the veterinarian is not yet able to estimate.
Always Communicate with Your Contra Costa County Veterinarian
Once you’ve worked with your veterinarian to determine your animal’s treatment plan, make sure you are clear on the next steps. Determine what you must do as the owner – do you have to give medications? If so, what is the schedule? If the animal is undergoing surgery, how long is the operation expected to last? Confirm that the veterinary clinic will call you once the operation is completed, if you are leaving the facility. Make sure that you have numbers to contact the veterinarian at all times. Determine the best numbers to use outside regular hours.
It's the veterinarian’s responsibility to provide high-quality health care for your animal. But you play a big part in the success of your veterinarian, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Contra Costa County veterinarian.
- Be clear and upfront with the veterinarian. Let them know what you want from your veterinarian, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
- Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
- Before you hire a veterinarian in Contra Costa County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the veterinary representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local veterinarians occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.
- Ask your veterinarian if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.
- Be sure your veterinary clinic has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re treating your animal. The work will move along more smoothly if your veterinarian can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or treatment authorizations.
- When your veterinarian’s office contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the veterinarian on schedule.
- Pay for the veterinary work promptly.
- Why would you want to be a good customer? Veterinarians in Contra Costa County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.
Check Your Animal’s Treatment Against Any Written Report
Once your animal’s treatment is complete, you can ask for a report of what was done. Your veterinarian must give you copies of your animal’s treatment record if you request them. Make sure that the record includes details of medications provided, records for any overnight stays, and a record of what happened during those stays.
Veterinary clinics treat all kinds of animals for all kinds of reasons – preventative care, accidents, diseases, increased production in farm animals, and poisonings, to name a few. The reasons for veterinarian visits also vary according to the species or breed involved. The following are some of the most common reasons that patients see a veterinarian.
Preventative Care
Pets see a veterinarian for standard examination and care. Routine care can include vaccines against contagious diseases. The rabies vaccination is required in all states. Other vaccine laws vary by state. Routine care can also include heartworm prevention, or neutering or spaying, or follow-up care. Preventative care schedules vary based on the species and age.
For example, a young puppy may need several visits a year to get all required vaccines and to check on healthy development. Dogs from one to five years may only require an annual visit, if generally healthy. After five years, more frequent visits may be required to monitor health, especially in large breeds.
Accidents
Accidents that require a visit to the vet can range from car accidents with bruising and broken bones to accidental poisoning . Vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea may be signs the animal has eaten something he should not have.
Ear Infections
Ear infections typically occur when bacteria causes inflammation. Infections could also be caused by tumors or polyps in the ear, foreign objects in the ear, or trauma, such as that from an auto accident Signs of an ear infection range from no visible symptoms, to head shaking or pawing at the infected ear, to balance problems. Most bacterial infections are treated by antibiotics. Cleaning your the ears regularly can help prevent infections, but at the same time, too vigorous and frequent cleaning can hurt the ear.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, licking, scratching, and rubbing. Sometimes there is a family history of skin allergies. Pollens - from weeds, trees, or flowers - can cause problems for allergic animals. Mold spores and dust mites, and even animal dander can also excite allergies. If the allergy source can be identified, veterinarians may be able to inject the allergen into the animal, decreasing sensitivity to that allergen. In other cases, anti-itching treatments are applied. Diet may also contribute, and changes may be recommended.
Stomach Upsets
Stomach upsets happen for a any number of reasons. Often the animal has eaten something he should not. Other causes include parasites and irritable bowel syndrome. A noisy stomach, diarrhea, bad breath, bloating, pain, no appetite, and vomiting are all signs to pay attention to. Resolution depends on what the underlying cause is.
Intestinal Inflammation
Intestinal inflammation can be caused by parasites, sudden changes in what the animal is eating, or by foreign objects. Look for not only frequent defecation or runny stool, but also a failure to defecate. Treatment often includes medication and fluids to replace any losses. Change in diet may also be recommended.
Eye Infections
Eye infections appear as redness in the eye, swollen eyelids, discharge, and scratching at the eyes. Eye infections can turn serious quickly, eventually causing permanent vision damage. Act as soon as you see signs. Eye infections causes range from allergies to conjunctivitis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but usually requires medications or steroids.
Lower Urinary Tract Diseases
Especially common in cats, lower urinary tract disease has no defined cause, though there are some thoughts about why it happens, some considering viruses as the source.
Cats with the disease have a hard time urinating, may have blood in the urine, may urinate frequently, or may urinate in inappropriate places. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some cases require surgery when the urethra is blocked. In other cases, medication is used. In some cases, changes in diet designed to increase urine volume to improve bladder flushing are sufficient.
Hypo/Hyper- Thyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. Indications of hypothyroidism include weight gain without increased food, droopy eyelids, flaky skin, dull coat, baldness, and stiff joints. The treatment requires thyroid supplements, for the life of the animal.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is too much of the thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism. Indications can include weight loss, bigger appetite, poor appearance, breathing problems, heart murmur, lump on the next indicating an enlarged thyroid gland, or hyperactivity. Treatment can reduce the amount of excess hormone produced.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs in animals, as well as humans, including dogs and cats. In early stages, animals can be very thirsty and hungry. They may lose weight even if eating the usual amount of food and will have lots of urine. Later on, they may lose all appetite and show depression and lethargy. Diabetes can be treated with diet and exercise, though in some cases, insulin therapy is required.
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Easy Ways to End Disputes with a Contra Costa County Veterinarian
Having a sick pet or animal causes worry, and on top of that, you don’t always know whether your animal is responding as well as he or she is expected to. The best way to alleviate this concern is to have a good relationship with your veterinarian. You should feel free to express any concerns you have about lack of progress.
Listen carefully to the veterinarian’s answers. As with human illnesses, healing times vary among particular animals. If you don’t feel pleased with your pet’s progress, you can always seek another opinion. If you do look for another vet, your veterinarian by law must provide copies of your pet’s records. Your veterinarian is allowed to charge a duplication fee for the records.
When you seek veterinary advice about your pet’s progress, try to remain calm. For your part, bring as much detail as possible. When did the issue first show itself? Compile a list of all the steps you have taken, whether change in diet, change in outdoor habits, medicines, procedures, operations, and the like. Ask your veterinarian for records of treatment during any overnight stays. Try to be calm and focused. Explain your expectations. Be open to revising unrealistic expectations to a more realistic approach.
For fee disputes, try to resolve the matter with your veterinary clinic. Fees should be clear upfront, and changes should be discussed with you, when possible. Sometimes a veterinary clinic cannot quote an exact price, for example, if work is being performed by an outside laboratory. In this case, the veterinary clinic should be clear about the possibility of increased fees. If you cannot work out a fee disagreement, the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) recommends small claims court to resolve the issue. You can also report the firm to the Better Business Bureau.
For those who need financial assistance with vet care, some help may be available. The organization RedRover offers some grants, based on need and circumstances. Their Web site describes how to apply for these grants. The site is also a good place to look for additional resources for pet care funding, including state and national programs, as well as programs devoted to certain breeds or diseases.
If you believe your pet has suffered from poor treatment or that a veterinary clinic is acting in a way that harms or may cause harm to animals, you can file a complaint with the VMB by downloading a form from the Web site. When filing, focus on factual information, rather than any conclusions you have drawn. The VMB requests the following information:
- Animal’s name
- Breed
- Age
- Current condition
- Dates of veterinary visits
- Complaint summary
- Supplementing information including bills, forms from veterinary hospitals, letters, and any witness statements
A complaint can take two-four weeks to be received by the VMB. The VMB then reviews to ensure that they have jurisdiction. The VMB explicitly does not address issues of fees or fee collection. The VMB takes cases related to fraud, incompetence, negligence, unprofessional conduct, and facility standards, among others. The VMB resolves the case with a range of outcomes, from fines, to closing the case, to referrals for further investigation or review.
Below are some terms you may come across in your veterinary adventures. Use the definitions below to help understand your animal’s issue, but never be shy about asking the veterinarian for further explanation about any term or phrase you would like explained.
acute renal failure
The animal’s kidneys no longer function.
Also known as: ARF
anorexia
A refusal to eat or decline in appetite. In animals, often a signal of an underlying medical condition.
bumblefoot
In guinea pigs, the feet can become red, swollen, overgrown, or have sores. In very severe cases, amputation may be required, so quick treatment is recommended.
The simplest preventative is to keep the guinea pig in a smooth-bottomed cage, instead of a wire-bottomed cage, and to keep the environment clean and dry. In cases that have gone beyond the basic remedies, the feet may have to be cleaned and treated and medications prescribed.
Also known as: pododermatitis
caudal
The part of the animal toward the tail, or cauda. The region toward the head is called the “cranial” region.
cloaca
In lower vertebrates, turtles, birds, a tube used to pass body fluids include excrement and reproductive matter.
cruciate
A “cruciate injury” refers to damage to ligaments in the knee, often apparent from limping or refusal to walk on the leg. Treatment, up to surgery, is required to prevent long-term damage.
Also known as: ruptured cruciate
decubital ulcer
Appears when the animal has had pressure applied to a specific point for too long – a skin or tissue is lost and a sore appears.
Also known as: bedsore
diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin (Type 1) or does not respond properly to the insulin present (Type 2). As a result, the body cannot convert glucose to energy for use by the organs and muscles. Diet and exercise are part of the treatment, but some animals will need insulin.
dystrophy
A phenomenon that occurs when a body part or muscle grows in a way that is not expected, or that is defective.
eye infections
Eye infections have many causes, from foreign objects in the eye, to allergies, to conjunctivitis. Eyes appear red, or swollen, or watery. Get help as soon as possible, since permanent eye damage can occur.
epizootic catarrhal enteristis
In ferrets, this viral disease attacks the intestinal lining, so that the animal cannot absorb or digest food.
Symptoms include watery greenish diarrhea, black stools, weakness, or weight loss. ECE is treated with medication and possible changes to diet.
Also known as: ECE
fungal infections
In fish, fungal infections can attack several body systems, including the brain, liver, and kidney. Treatment varies but may include medicating the fish’s water or adjusting salt, calcium, and electrolyte levels, or even raising the tank’s temperature.
The Saprolegnia fungus appears as cottony growths on the fish, light grey in color. The fungus appears when dead and decaying organic matter is present in the environment.
The Ichthyophonus hoferi fungus is less common, and symptoms vary by fish species. All fish show small growths, black in color. It is most often caused by infected raw food.
glycosuria
Glucose appears in the animal’s urine.
heartworm
Heartworm develops when an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito and acquires the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Prevention offers the best approach, and medications are readily available to prevent heartworm.
Symptoms vary based on the species involved, and can include anything from coughing to weight loss and lethargy. Once established, heartworm can be difficult to diagnose or treat, depending on the species.
histology
The science devoted to understanding how body tissue behaves.
immunization
When an animal is immune from a disease, they are cannot contract that disease. It’s important to know that if a vaccine fails or the animal does not react properly to the vaccine, the animal is not protected against the disease. A vaccination must succeed to product immunity.
inflammatory airway disease
In horses, inflammatory airway disease appears as a loss of energy or performance, along with nasal discharge, mucus in the airway, and coughing. No one knows exactly what causes this respiratory condition, but horses of all types can get it. There seems to be a correlation between horses that spend large amounts of time in dusty stables and the presence of the disease. Antibiotics typically clear the disease.
Also known as: IAD
low passage vaccine
A low passage vaccine is used on young animals. Vaccines are biological products that contain microorganisms designed to prevent animals from contracting the disease contained in the vaccine. In the low passage vaccine, the disease organism in the vaccine has been less weakened than that used in a “normal” vaccine, which may work more effectively with young animals.
lymphocystis
In fish, lymphocystis is a viral disease that attacks both freshwater and saltwater fish, creating growths that resemble cauliflower. Sometimes medication is prescribed, but often no steps are taken because the disease does not harm the fish, and the medicine may not be effective.
mange
Mange is caused by mites and occurs in dogs and cats. Animals may show patches where lesions occur. If more generalized, manage can be identified by red skin, loss of coat, or lesions and scales.
Also known as: demodicosis
metabolic bone disease
In reptiles, metabolic bone disease occurs when animals do not have the proper balance of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous. The disease appears most often in reptiles fed only plants and insects. Reptiles that eat whole prey typically do not suffer from the problem.
Symptoms can include a soft lower jaw, limping, lumps on the jaw, legs, or spinal column, or bowed legs. Treatment can range from changes in diet to supplements.
Also known as: nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
mucosa
Membrane, such as those of the mouth and nose, that covers body cavities or passages that are exposed to the air. These specialized membranes often provide diagnostic signs – for example, dryness can indicate dehydration, while yellowing may indicate liver problems.
Also known as: mucous membranes
nephrosclerosis
Hardening of the kidneys.
parvo
This canine viral disease spreads most often through contact with an infected fog or through an infected dog’s feces. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and significant weight loss. Young canines are especially vulnerable to catching it and are more likely to die from it. Some breeds are similarly susceptible, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and English Springer Spaniels.
Also known as: canine parvovirus, CPV
pet insurance
Pet insurance provides coverage for cats and dogs. Most companies cover only cats and dogs, but one company is available to cover exotics. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. You may have to choose from a network of providers.
Also known as: pet health insurance
pleurisy
Inflammation of the membranes lining the inside of the lungs.
rabies
Can be fatal and can pass to and infect humans. A disease transmitted by virus spread by saliva from infected animals.
raddle
In sheep breeding, a ram is marked with colors on its chest- known as a raddle. These colors transfer to the ewe during mating, making it easy to determine which animals have mated.
Tyzzer’s Disease
In hamsters, watery diarrhea and pain mark this bacterial infection. The hamster may also have not want to eat or show a hunched posture. The disease is highly contagious, since spores disperse throughout the environment. Treatment includes antibiotics and possibly supplements.
Also known as: Clostridium piliforme
urinary tract infections
This disease of the bladder and urethra does not have a known cause. Sufferers may have blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, or blocked urine flow. They may also urinate in unusual places. Treatment can be a simple as changing to a moist food diet or as complex as surgery for a blocked urethra.
Also known as: Idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (IFLUFD), Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), Interstitial Cystitis, Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS)
vaccine
A biological substance introduced to make the animal resistant to a specific disease. The vaccine often includes substances that are or are similar to the microorganism that actually causes the disease.
vital signs
The vital signs are temperature, respiration, and pulse; they indicate whether life is present or not.
Contra Costa County Veterinary Information | |||
| Popular Veterinarian Brands | Types of Veterinary Services & Products Available in Contra Costa County | Cities Served | Zip Codes Served |
| Revolution Flea & Tick Control | mobile veterinary clinic | Alamo Antioch Bay Point Bethel Island Blackhawk Brentwood Briones Byron Canyon Clayton Clyde Concord Cowell Crockett Danville Diablo Discovery Bay El Cerrito El Sobrante Hercules Hilltop Mall Kensington Knightsen Lafayette Los Medanos Maltby Martinez Moraga North Richmond Oakley Orinda Pacheco Pinole Pittsburg Pleasant Hill Point Richmond Port Chicago Port Costa Rheem Valley Richmond Rodeo San Pablo San Ramon Tara Hills Vine Hill Walnut Creek Walnut Heights West Pittsburg | 94506 94507 94509 94511 94513 94514 94516 94517 94518 94519 94520 94521 94522 94523 94524 94525 94526 94527 94528 94530 94531 94547 94548 94549 94553 94556 94561 94563 94564 94565 94569 94570 94572 94575 94582 94583 94595 94596 94597 94598 94801 94802 94803 94804 94805 94806 94807 94808 94820 94850 |
| BioSpot Flea & Tick Control | holistic veterinary medicine | ||
| Bach Rescue Remedy Anxiety Treatment | spaying & neutering | ||
| Rimadyl | small animal veterinary treatments | ||
| Science Diet Prescription Pet Foods | large animal veterinary care | ||
| Cosequin | bird veterinary care | ||
| Hills Prescription Diet Dog & Cat Food | pet x-rays / radiology | ||
| Purina Prescription Dog & Cat Food | pet diabetes treatment & diagnosis | ||
| Greenies Dental Treats | pet ultrasounds | ||
| Frontline Flea & Tick Treatment | dog and cat boarding | ||
| Advantix Flea & Tick Preventative | pet dentistry / veterinary dentistry | ||
| Advantage Flea Treatment | dog & cat grooming | ||
| Zodiac Flea & Tick Products | veterinary surgery | ||
| Heartgard Heartworm Preventative | animal vaccinations | ||
| veterinary check ups | |||
| emergency veterinary treatment | |||
| veterinary acupuncture | |||
