(540) 894-4572

Mon & Thurs: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Tues, Wed, Fri: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat & Sun: Closed

FAQs at Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital

Have a question about your pet’s care, our services, or what to expect at Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital? We’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help—just give us a call at (540) 894-4572.

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General Veterinary Care

Why does my dog need a blood test before starting heartworm prevention?
Dogs can become seriously ill if placed on heartworm prevention while already carrying a significant heartworm burden. Even pets who have been on prevention consistently carry some risk—a missed dose, a pill that wasn't fully absorbed, or improper topical application can all allow the disease to take hold. A yearly heartworm test allows us to confirm your pet is clear before continuing prevention and to catch any infection as early as possible. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Many heartworm prevention manufacturers also require proof of annual testing to honor their product guarantees.
Does a fecal sample test for heartworms?
No. Heartworm disease is a blood-borne illness transmitted through mosquito bites—it cannot be detected in a stool sample. A routine blood test is required to confirm whether your dog has heartworm disease.
How long should my pet be on heartworm prevention?
Our veterinarians recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle or how much time they spend outdoors. Heartworm disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can be fatal if left untreated. Year-round prevention is the most reliable way to protect your pet and is required by most manufacturers to maintain their product guarantees.
Why are vaccinations so important?
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools we have for keeping pets healthy. They protect against serious, preventable infectious diseases and are tailored to each pet's individual risk factors and lifestyle. During your pet's wellness exam, our veterinarians will develop a vaccination schedule specific to your dog or cat. Learn more about what's included in our pet wellness and preventative care visits.
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs, spread easily through the air and through direct contact with infected animals. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria that affect the upper respiratory tract. The best way to reduce the severity and spread of kennel cough is through regular vaccination. Several vaccine options are available, and our team can recommend the right one for your dog's lifestyle and exposure risk.
When does my pet need bloodwork?
We recommend annual bloodwork for most adult dogs and cats. Routine blood testing helps detect infections, organ dysfunction, and early signs of disease—often before symptoms appear. Early detection gives us more options and typically leads to more effective treatment. We often coordinate annual bloodwork with your pet's heartworm test for convenience, though it can be performed at any time of year.
How do I know if my pet is in pain?
Some signs of pain are obvious—limping, for example—but many are more subtle. Watch for changes in behavior, decreased appetite, excessive vocalization, unusual lethargy, or reluctance to move or be touched. If your pet seems off in any way, trust your instincts and call us. We'd rather you reach out and have it be nothing than wait on something that needs attention.
How do I get my pet's prescription medications?

Our in-house pharmacy carries a wide selection of prescription medications and therapeutic diets. Our team can help you identify the right medication, confirm the appropriate dosage, and review any potential side effects or interactions. If your pet experiences an adverse reaction to any medication, contact us right away. You can also submit prescription refill requests through our online forms page.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and flexible payment plans through CareCredit, Cherry, and Scratchpay. Payment is due at the time services are performed. If you have questions about managing veterinary costs, visit our payment options page to learn more.

What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
We understand that schedules change. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please contact us as soon as possible so we can offer that time to another patient in need. Call us at (540) 894-4572.

Dental Care

Why does my pet need professional dental cleanings, and how often?

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see in dogs and cats—and one of the most impactful on overall health. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to damage in the heart, kidneys, and other organs. Every six months, we recommend professional dental exams, tooth scaling, and polishing to maintain healthy teeth and gums and to address problems before they become serious. Learn more about our pet dentistry services.

Do I need to brush my pet's teeth at home?

Yes—and the earlier you start, the better. Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective at-home practice for reducing plaque and tartar buildup between professional cleanings. We recommend beginning before your pet's adult teeth come in to get them comfortable with the process. If daily brushing isn't feasible, dental-formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats can also help. Ask our team for product recommendations at your next visit.

Surgery

What happens during my pet's surgery?

Throughout every surgical procedure, your pet is monitored continuously by a dedicated veterinary technician using advanced equipment. We track heartbeat and rate via ECG, carbon dioxide levels (ETCO2), blood pressure, respiration rate, blood oxygen concentration, and body temperature. Your pet also receives IV fluids throughout the procedure to maintain hydration and support circulation. Learn more about our full surgical capabilities on our pet surgery page.

Why does my pet need bloodwork before surgery?
Anesthesia requires all of your pet's major organs to be functioning properly. Pre-surgical bloodwork allows us to evaluate kidney and liver function, as well as red and white blood cell levels, before administering anesthesia. If we identify an abnormal finding, we either modify the anesthetic protocol or delay the procedure until the underlying cause is identified. Our goal is to perform the safest anesthesia possible and return your pet to you healthy.
What are the directions for the night before surgery?

Your pet should not have any food after 12:00 AM midnight on the day of their surgery; their food bowl should be put out of reach before then, after they have had any regular evening meals. Water can remain available but should be removed by 7:00 AM on the morning of the procedure. Your veterinary team will provide any additional preparation instructions specific to your pet's procedure when you schedule the appointment.

What other precautions do you take before surgery?
Prior to every procedure, we perform a complete physical examination, an ECG to evaluate heart function, and placement of an IV catheter. The IV catheter serves two important purposes—it allows us to administer anesthesia medications and IV fluids, and it ensures we have immediate access to the bloodstream in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Chronic Disease & Medication Monitoring

My pet has Addison's disease. How often do they need monitoring?
Pets with Addison's disease require electrolyte evaluation every 3 months to ensure their levels remain stable. A full blood panel and urinalysis are also recommended every 6 months as part of ongoing disease management.
My pet is on long-term NSAIDs (such as Rimadyl, Previcox, Metacam, or Deramaxx). Do they need monitoring?
Yes. Long-term NSAID use requires bloodwork and urinalysis every 6 months. These medications are metabolized through the liver and can cause damage with extended use. Regular monitoring is required in order for us to continue dispensing these medications safely.
How is diabetes monitored in dogs and cats?
For dogs, glucose curves are typically performed every 4–7 months depending on how well the condition is controlled. Full bloodwork and urinalysis are also important—uncontrolled diabetes can lead to glucose in the urine, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections.

For cats, glucose curves are generally performed every 6–12 months depending on control. For cats who are difficult to monitor with standard curves, fructosamine levels can be measured as an alternative. Full bloodwork and urinalysis are recommended for cats as well.

My pet is on seizure medication. What monitoring is required?
Dogs and cats on seizure medications should have their medication given as directed, with an appointment scheduled 4–6 hours after the dose for accurate blood level testing. Because seizure medications are metabolized by internal organs, full bloodwork and urinalysis are also recommended yearly.
My pet is being treated for Cushing's disease. What does monitoring look like?
For pets on Trilostane or Lysodren, a drop-off appointment is needed 4–6 hours after the morning medication to obtain accurate results on an ACTH stimulation test. This test should be performed at least every 12 months and may be needed more frequently depending on how well the condition is responding to treatment. Full bloodwork and urinalysis should be completed every 6 months.
My dog is on thyroid medication. How is that monitored?
For dogs on thyroid medication, it's important that the medication has been given consistently for at least 10 days prior to testing. Full bloodwork is also recommended annually at the same time as the thyroid test.
My cat is on thyroid medication. How is that monitored?
Give the medication at your cat's normal scheduled times and bring them in during the day for a blood draw. We also recommend full annual bloodwork at the same time as the thyroid level check.

Emergencies

What do I do if my pet is having an emergency?

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency during our regular business hours, please call us immediately at (540) 894-4572 or bring them directly to our hospital at 1835 New Bridge Rd, Mineral, VA 23117. Do not wait.

If your pet needs emergency care outside of our regular hours, please contact one of the following facilities in our area:

Veterinary Referral and Critical Care
1596 Hockett Rd
Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103
Phone: (804) 784-8722

Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital
370 Greenbrier Dr, Suite A-2
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: (434) 202-1616

Partner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center
1616 Three Chopt Rd
Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 206-9122

UrgentVet – Short Pump
11521 W. Broad St
Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 533-7733
Hours: Monday–Friday: 3:00–11:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

UrgentVet – Midlothian
14300 Winterview Pkwy Ste 106
Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone: (804) 924-0404
Hours: Monday–Friday: 3:00–11:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

UrgentVet – Carytown
3531 Ellwood Ave
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804) 362-0202
Hours: Monday–Friday: 3:00–11:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Better Pets Urgent Care
6127 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 442-2713
Open 24/7

For more information, visit our emergency resources page.