Advancements in Veterinary Medicine
Just as human medicine has made great strides in the past few decades, veterinary medicine has made important strides as well, often adapting human procedures and technologies for pets. From new antibiotics to open-heart surgeries, from advanced flea and tick control to total hip replacements, veterinarians have more ways to help our pets stay healthy than ever before. And with pet health insurance, you can help your pet receive the most up-to-date care possible.
New Technologies for Diagnosis & Treatment
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissue like the brain, the spinal cord and internal organs.
Endoscopy is a technique for viewing internal organs by inserting a small tube equipped with light and video into the body. It can also be used to perform biopsies.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to view soft tissue like organs, muscles and tendons. It's painless, non-invasive, relatively easy, and has no known side effects.
Echocardiography is a specialized form of ultrasound used to view the heart and evaluate its function.
Laser surgery uses a laser scalpel to perform operations like biopsies, eye surgery and tumour removal. Because it doesn't cut with heat or force, but rather by dissolving atomic bonds, it provides high precision, results in less bleeding and promotes faster healing.
Other Treatments & Procedures
Flea and tick control has come a long way in the last ten years. Today a number of topical oils are available which kill fleas and ticks and interrupt their reproductive cycle. Some also work to prevent heartworms, mites and other parasites.
Dental technology for cleaning plaque, tartar and calculus from pets' teeth not only prevents periodontal disease and gum disease, but also prevents more serious infections of the heart and the kidneys that originate in the mouth.
Microchip identification implants small computer chips with ownership information in pets, allowing lost or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners.
What It All Means for Pet Owners
These new technologies and therapies are great news - there's more that veterinarians can do to diagnose and treat our pets. But while many of these treatments are relatively inexpensive, others can cost a great deal. Pet health insurance can be an excellent way to provide your pet with the best care available for a lifetime of health and happiness.
