In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as great service. Our goal at Berryessa Veterinary Service has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our hometown personal service in a clean, modern veterinary facility.
Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a history of your pet's current and past problems, current prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, parasite control program, diet, and activities. A physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet's head, body and tail, and all his assorted cavities will be conducted by one of our doctors.
It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet. Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history. If you are switching veterinary clinics due to a recent move or other reason, please try to bring recent medical records from your previous vet with you.
Choose a veterinarian who is willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes, and one with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable. Choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform other procedures requiring anesthesia, such as spaying, neutering, and teeth cleaning. The general risks inherent to anesthesia are small but should not be ignored. For very old, very young or very ill pets, we may recommend a few tests, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he/she might need an IV drip; antibiotics and/or pain medication may be necessary before and after.
Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist, a veterinarian who has completed advanced studies in a specialty such as internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, or emergency care, if your pet must undergo a procedure that requires overnight monitoring or additional diagnostics. We work closely with board certified surgeons and radiologists who can diagnose and treat your pet here at our clinic in Winters.