Our Services
Allergies & Dermatology
Is your pet’s itchy skin keeping you both up at night?
There are many problems that can affect a companion animal’s skin, and the symptoms can be unpleasant. You don’t want your best friend to suffer and neither do we!
Our professional dermatology and allergy services will help get your loved one as healthy on the outside as on the inside.
Diagnosing the Problem
To get your pet feeling better, we must first determine what’s causing the problem. We may be able to tell what’s wrong through a visual exam, or we may need to investigate further. Blood work, skin scrapings and biopsies help us get the answers we need to move forward with a cure.
Some dermatological problems we assist with include:
- Allergies (food and/or environmental)
- Infections (acute or chronic)
- Parasites
- Dermatitis
- Hormonal disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Tumors
- Skin cancer
Developing a Treatment Plan
Once we’ve diagnosed the problem, the next step is determining how to best address it. Depending on the situation, we may prescribe something as simple as a topical cream. More complex conditions may require a longer-term strategy or involve a combination of treatment methods.
Signs of a possible skin concern include:
- Excessive scratching
- Scabbing or flaking of the skin
- Hot spots
- Shedding more than usual
- Biting, chewing or licking at the affected area
- Bumps or lumps on or under the skin
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment. The KKM Veterinary Clinic team can help your loved one live a more comfortable life.
Asthma
If you’ve observed your cat or dog wheezing, having shallow or labored breathing, coughing, or breathing with their mouth open, your pet may suffer from asthma. Household dogs and cats can develop asthma just like humans.
If you believe your pet might have asthma, schedule an exam for your pet today! Our veterinarian will observe your cat or dog for symptoms and may also conduct a chest x-ray on your pet to see if there’s airway inflammation.
We may recommend a blood panel to assess if they’re suffering from another respiratory issue, and we may examine for parasites and heartworms along with a blood count and culture to determine if the animal has a bacterial infection.
From there, our team can recommend a treatment option for your pets. The goal of treatment will be to open their airways to improve airflow and reduce their symptoms. We may also recommend medication, including inhaled or oral steroids that help reduce inflammation, antihistamines that open airways and reduce the pet’s sensitivity to certain allergic triggers, and at times, an aerosol chamber/spacer that helps deliver steroids like albuterol (a bronchodilator). Antibiotics may also be recommended if the asthma is related to a respiratory infection.
If your team is experiencing an asthma attack, please call us or an emergency hospital immediately.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call KKM Veterinary Clinic today at (513) 423-2331.
Coughing and Sneezing
If you notice your dog coughing or sneezing, they may have canine influenza or dog flu. For many dogs, the effects of canine influenza may be mild, and your pet should recover within two to three weeks. If your pet demonstrates these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us early to ensure the issue does not progress to a more serious condition such as pneumonia.
Dental Care
According to the American Veterinary Dental College more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental disease can be very uncomfortable for pets and the longer it is left untreated, the more complicated and expensive it becomes to treat. Furthermore, improper care of your pet's teeth can often be the cause of serious illness. If left untreated, dental problems can lead to larger systemic problems in your pet due to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging the kidneys, heart and liver.
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment immediately:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Teeth Cleanings: Your pet's dental cleaning will begin with a physical examination so that we can evaluate your pet's general health. After the physical exam, your pet will be given an anesthetic for a safe and painless teeth cleaning since most dental disease starts below the gumline. The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar using a hand scaler. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gum line while a curette cleans and smooths the teeth under the gum line in the crevice between the teeth and gums. Then your pet's teeth are polished, and the gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up.
Extractions and Advanced Procedures: Our veterinarians will only recommend tooth extractions if we believe it is necessary for your pet’s wellbeing. We usually recommend this when we identify that your pet has an infected or broken tooth that is likely causing them pain. In the case that we recommend a tooth extraction, we will discuss what this means for your pet and how to properly care for them while they’re healing.
How To Prevent Dental Disease Before It Begins: Regular wellness visits allow us to check your pet’s mouth and teeth and identify issues before they progress. Additionally, at-home dental care, including regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and using teeth cleaning treats, can prevent plaque from building up. Lastly, avoid hard toys and bones that can potentially damage your pet’s teeth.
Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is one of the easiest ways to keep your pet healthy. At KKM Veterinary Clinic, we offer individualized nutrition counseling and customize a recommendation for your unique pet. Our doctors will perform a thorough body-condition evaluation during every physical examination and can give nutritional recommendations based on what we see. We can also provide you with important information on proper serving size, nutrient needs, and feeding strategies for your individual pet.
Digital Ultrasound
We offer medical imaging to aid in the diagnosis of many different conditions. Ultrasound is a painless and noninvasive way to evaluate organs and bones allowing us to better understand what is occurring in a pet’s body. In some cases, medical imaging can detect conditions and situations that may otherwise have gone undetected for months or years. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound is conducted by our trained and compassionate staff, making it both safe and effective.
End of Life Care
We understand that regardless of the situation, saying good-bye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult situations a pet owner will ever make. Our staff of compassionate, caring professionals can help you through this painful experience. We will work with you to ensure your pet's comfort and dignity during his or her last days and final moments. We are happy to accommodate special requests and help you make arrangements for cremation or other options. Sedation will be administered prior to performing the euthanasia to ensure your pet is at ease. We are here to help you through this transition and make this process easier for you.
Exotic Veterinarian
KKM Veterinary Clinic provides veterinary services for many exotic pets, including pocket pets like rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, hedgehogs, ferrets, snakes, and other reptiles.
Exotic pets are all unique creatures that deserve a personalized veterinary care. Our knowledgeable team and state-of-the-art hospital have the resources to care for them. While these animals may be different from cats and dogs, one thing remains the same: exotic pets need routine veterinary care too! For most pets, an annual exam will suffice, but for some, such as birds, semi-annual exams are better.
Although a lot of information regarding exotic animals is widely available on the internet, it is often difficult to determine what sources to trust. Not only can our team provide medical assessments, we can also help you prevent many diseases related to improper habitat and diet, which are common in these animals. Please schedule an appointment so we can discuss your exotic pet’s nutritional needs.
Ophthalmology
The Veterinarians at KKM Veterinary Clinic have years of experience treating eye conditions in pets, including glaucoma, removal of eyelid masses, treatment of eye infections and more. If you suspect your pet has an eye condition, if your pet is pawing and scratching at their eyes frequently, or if you notice a discharge from your pet’s eye, we’re happy to conduct an examination and develop a treatment plan based on our findings. If you feel your pet needs to see a specialist, we will make a recommendation.
Laboratory
Our state-of-the art laboratory and diagnostic equipment allows us to do many lab tests onsite. Labs are essential to detect disease and underlying causes of illness in your pet. We may recommend lab work for a variety of reasons, some common tests include complete blood counts, urinalysis and chemistry panels. Our laboratory is staffed by experienced veterinary technicians that will ensure your pet’s tests are interpreted quickly and accurately, allowing us to begin your pet's treatment immediately.
Microchipping
Microchipping is the most effective means of identification for your pet. Like vaccinations, microchipping is safe, quick and causes little pain. We always recommend an ID tag be attached to your pet's collar, but the microchip will serve as an extra layer of protection if an accident does occur. Most veterinary hospitals and shelters are equipped with a handheld microchip scanner that can be used to check for a chip. If the pet has one, it will transmit its ID number to the scanner via a low-frequency radio wave. From there, they can retrieve the pet owner’s contact information from the manufacturer and call the owner.
Parasite Prevention and Control
Parasites can pose a variety of health concerns for your pets and your family, but we can help you develop a prevention routine to keep everyone safe. At KKM Veterinary Clinic, we recommend keeping your pets on year-round prevention to stop pests before they become a problem.
Common parasites include fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. During your pet’s annual exam, we will test your pet for parasites with a thorough physical exam, a fecal test, and a blood test. Even if your pet is on year-round prevention, annual tests are still extremely important to detect parasites even if you aren’t seeing any symptoms.
Our knowledgeable healthcare team will help you develop a prevention plan that fits your lifestyle. You can keep your pets safe with either monthly oral medication or topical treatments. We will discuss what method can most effectively address your family’s needs.
Pet Arthritis
Arthritis in pets, similar to humans, is the result of inflammation of the joints. Over time, pets can develop joint problems due to injury, age or genetics. As they age, many dogs and cats begin to demonstrate pain and stiffness, mobility issues and inability to jump or walk. Pets often hide the symptoms of arthritis, but it’s important to catch these signs because arthritis can lead to pain and inflammation in other areas of the body.
If you believe your pet is suffering from arthritis, our team may be able to help your pet regain mobility. We may recommend physical therapy or a special diet to keep your pet active. We might also recommend an x-ray to assess where their pain is originating. From there, we can administer pain medication and other recommendations.
Pharmacy
We maintain a fully stocked pharmacy to fill your pet’s prescription needs quickly and conveniently. We also encourage you to browse our online pharmacy for convenient delivery and additional products.
Puppy and Kitten Care
The dedicated team at KKM Veterinary Clinic is here to help you ensure your puppy or kitten gets off to the best start possible. Make sure to schedule your new pet’s first appointment within the first few weeks of bringing them home. The initial visit provides us an opportunity to meet and offers you a chance to ask questions. We strive to address any concerns you may have about owning a puppy or kitten and teach you the best ways to care for your new family member. This is a special time for you and your pet, and we want to ensure you feel supported in this transition.Our comprehensive approach addresses your pet’s needs from vaccinations to a proper diet. During your pet’s first visit we will conduct a physical exam, develop a vaccine schedule, discuss your pet’s diet, and develop a parasite prevention plan. We will also discuss the importance of getting your pet spayed or neutered and microchipped.
Senior Pet Care
As pets age, their needs change. Pets over the age of 7 are more susceptible to diseases and heal more slowly, however, with proper care you can help your pet live a longer, happier life. Our team at KKM Veterinary Clinic can help you navigate your pet’s senior years with you.We do recommend more frequent wellness exams which will help us detect problems before they become advanced. Additionally, we may recommend changes to your pet’s diet, exercise, and other aspects of their healthcare as they mature.It can be very difficult to detect when your pet is in pain, but there are some signs that they may be experiencing discomfort in their older years. If you notice any of the following, your pet may be in pain:
- Difficulty getting up, easing into a comfortable position or limping.
- Fatigue including decreased stamina on walks.
- Reluctance to be groomed, picked up or touched in certain areas.
- Urinary or fecal accidents.
- If any of these behaviors begin to occur, visit us so a source of the pain can be identified, and treatment can begin.
Spay and Neuter
Spay and Neuter Services
At KKM Veterinary Clinic our goal is to provide care that will help your pet live their healthiest and happiest life. If you do not plan to breed your pet, spaying or neutering your pet is a great option. It offers numerous medical and behavioral benefits, while also helping to reduce the number of unwanted litters, which all too often become strays.
How Your Pet Benefits from Spay or Neuter Surgery
Spaying refers to the surgical removal of a female pet’s ovaries and uterus, while neutering refers to the surgical removal of a male pet’s testicles. Both surgeries are 100% effective in preventing unwanted breeding, but they also bring with them other benefits:
- No longer experience messy, frustrating heat cycles
- Less urgency to roam and find a mate (which too often leads to accidents with cars)
- Less likely to exhibit urine-marking behavior
- Reduced chance of mammary gland tumors
- No more risk of pyometra (uterine infection)
- No chance of uterine or ovarian cancers
- Decreased aggression
- Less urgency to roam and find a mate (which too often leads to accidents with cars)
- Less likely to exhibit urine-marking and mounting behavior
- Reduced chance of prostate problems
- No risk of testicular cancer
When to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
The general timeline for a spay or neuter surgery is about 6 months of age, however, that timeline can vary. Some larger breed dogs benefit more from a later surgery at 12-16 months of age, while female kittens typically benefit from an earlier surgery. Our veterinarian will discuss your pet’s options with you, so your pet has their surgery at the appropriate time.
Surgical Services
KKM Veterinary Clinic offers a wide range of basic surgical services, from spays and neuters to soft tissue and orthopedic procedures. During your pet’s procedure, their safety and comfort are our top priority. We will develop a safe and effective anesthetic protocol for your pet to ensure they experience very little pain. Our state-of-the-art hospital is equipped with the latest anesthetic and monitoring technology to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable throughout their surgery. We are here to answer any questions regarding your pet's specific surgery and even offer a pre-surgical consultation as an essential part of the process. Your veterinarian will also provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure your pet is recovers quickly.
Tumor and Mass Removal
It’s not uncommon for your pet to develop a lump occasionally, especially if your pet is older. If you feel a new bump, don’t panic – these are not always a cause for concern. If your pet develops multiple bumps, a bump larger than a pea, or a harder bump, we recommend bringing them in so we can perform an examination. Additionally, if you notice a change in your pet’s behavior, such as losing appetite, this might indicate a larger underlying issue.
When you bring your pet in for an examination, we may recommend a biopsy. Depending on how large the growth is, your pet may need a local anesthetic. The biopsy results usually take 1-2 weeks to come back. If we determine that the growth is cancerous, we will recommend removal.
Before removing a tumor, we will recommend that your pet undergo a variety of pre-surgical tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. If we decide to move forward with the tumor removal, we’ll provide thorough pre-surgical instructions.
If you’ve noticed an odd lump or bump, schedule an appointment so that our knowledgeable veterinarians can do an assessment.
Urgent Care
We focus on keeping your pet happy and healthy. Unfortunately, pets occasionally experience an illness or injury that requires urgent care. Our clinic is equipped to handle urgent care during hospital hours, schedule permitting. If your pet has an emergency outside of our hours, we encourage you to contact the following 24-hour fully staffed veterinary emergency clinic:
Care Center Cincinnati
Open 24/7
6995 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249
(513) 530-0911
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an essential part of your pet’s health care plan starting from the time they are very young. Pets should begin their vaccinations between 6 and 12 weeks of age and require boosters throughout their life. Many common diseases can easily be prevented by vaccinating your pet.
Core vaccines, or essential vaccines, for canines include rabies and DAPP. Core vaccines for felines include rabies and FVRCP. Depending on your geographical area and pet’s exposure, you may also consider optional, non-core vaccines. Noncore vaccines for canines include leptospirosis, bordetella, parainfluenza, lyme disease and canine influenza. Noncore vaccines for felines include feline leukemia.
At KKM Veterinary Clinic we’ll help you create a vaccine schedule appropriate for your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and environment. We will also review any possible side effects of your pet’s vaccinations and how to address them.
Wellness Care
At KKM Veterinary Clinic we recommend regular comprehensive wellness exams from the time pets are young. Wellness exams are a critical part of your pet’s healthcare routine no matter what their size, breed, or age. Routine wellness exams are important to maintain your pet’s wellbeing and detect any medical issues before they progress. During your pet’s exam, we will assess their overall body condition, eyes, ears, mouth, internal organs and systems, skin and much more. We will also discuss with you any other recommended services, such as dental cleanings or diagnostic testing. If any areas of concern are identified during your pet’s exam, we will develop a treatment plan together.
Wellness Plans
Our goal is to provide quality medicine and offer quality products to our clients to take care of their pet's needs. We know that it can be challenging to pay for everything in one visit for what your pet needs for annual care and that is where our wellness plans can help.
We've designed our wellness plans to include both annual care recommendations and flea and heartworm preventatives all together into one plan. When our client signs up for a plan, they are able to save money on the costs overall and spread the payments out into a budget-friendly monthly fee.
Feel free to stop in or ask about the plans on your next visit.
