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<p dir="auto">At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.</p><p dir="auto">Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.</p><p dir="auto">Your dog’s evaluation may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Comprehensive physical exam</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cardiac screening</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Advanced diagnostics when needed</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.</p>

<p dir="auto">Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.</p>

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
<br><br>
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
<br>• Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
<br>• Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
<br>• Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
<br>• Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
<br><br>
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.</p><p dir="auto">Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.</p><p dir="auto">Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Heart disease</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Arrhythmias</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Sudden death</p></li></ul><p dir="auto"></p>

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<b>Do not wait for symptoms to appear.</b>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">The more treatment options are available</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The better heart damage can be managed</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The higher the chance of improving quality of life</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.</p>

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Lethargy or decreased activity</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Fainting or collapse</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Irregular heartbeat</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Difficulty breathing</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Unexplained weight loss</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.</p>

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

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<p dir="auto">At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.</p><p dir="auto">Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.</p><p dir="auto">Your dog’s evaluation may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Comprehensive physical exam</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cardiac screening</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Advanced diagnostics when needed</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.</p><p dir="auto">Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.</p><p dir="auto">Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Sudden death</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Heart disease</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Arrhythmias</p></li></ul><p dir="auto"></p>

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<p dir="auto">Puppies and kittens grow rapidly, develop strong immune systems, and learn the behaviors that shape them as adults. Early veterinary care ensures that they get the foundation they need to stay healthy, protected, and well adjusted. This guide explains what new pet owners should expect, starting from the very first exam through the milestones of the first year.</p><h2 dir="auto">Your Pet’s First Veterinary Exam: What to Expect</h2><p dir="auto">The first exam usually occurs within the first week of bringing your new puppy or kitten home. This visit allows your veterinarian to assess overall health, identify any early concerns, and create a personalized care plan for the first year. A complete physical exam evaluates weight and growth, heart and lung function, eyes, ears, nose, throat, oral development, skin and coat, lymph nodes, abdomen, musculoskeletal structure, and behavior. During this visit, your veterinarian may also perform fecal testing for intestinal parasites, start your pet on parasite prevention, and discuss nutrition, training, and any questions you may have. Bringing any existing medical records helps your veterinarian continue appropriate care.</p><h2 dir="auto">Vaccine Schedule for Puppies and Kittens</h2><p dir="auto">Vaccines protect young pets from serious infectious diseases. Because puppies and kittens lose maternal immunity gradually, they require a series of boosters for full protection. Core puppy vaccines typically include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies. Core kitten vaccines typically include feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Boosters are typically administered every three to four weeks until your pet is about 16 weeks old. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule based on age, lifestyle, and health status.</p><h2 dir="auto">Parasite Prevention and Early Diagnostics</h2><p dir="auto">Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to parasites, and many carry intestinal parasites before adoption. Your veterinarian may recommend fecal testing, deworming, monthly flea and tick prevention, monthly heartworm prevention for dogs, and parasite control for cats depending on lifestyle. Consistent prevention keeps young pets healthy and reduces the risk of parasites spreading to people or other animals.</p><h2 dir="auto">Nutrition for Healthy Growth</h2><p dir="auto">Growing pets require balanced diets designed specifically for puppies or kittens. These diets provide the correct ratios of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support development. Feed a diet labeled for growth or all life stages, avoid unnecessary food changes, discuss portion sizes with your veterinarian, and avoid overfeeding. Do not feed homemade or raw diets without veterinary guidance. Your veterinary team can help you select a diet that supports healthy growth.</p><h2 dir="auto">Microchipping and Identification</h2><p dir="auto">Microchipping provides permanent identification if your pet becomes lost. It is a quick procedure performed during a regular exam or at the time of spay or neuter surgery. Collars and tags are helpful, but microchips offer a reliable safety net.</p><h2 dir="auto">Socialization and Early Behavior Development</h2><p dir="auto">The first year is a critical period for social and behavioral development. Early experiences shape how pets respond to new people and environments. Your veterinarian may recommend controlled exposure to new situations, positive reinforcement training, crate training for puppies, litter box optimization for kittens, and early behavioral guidance to prevent fear based behaviors. Establishing good habits early supports long term confidence and well-being.</p><h2 dir="auto">Spay and Neuter Planning</h2><p dir="auto">Spaying or neutering protects your pet’s health and prevents unplanned litters. Timing varies by species, breed, and medical considerations. Your veterinarian will discuss the recommended timing during early visits. Some pets benefit from surgery around six months of age, while others may have individualized timing based on orthopedic or behavioral factors.</p><h2 dir="auto">Follow Up Visits During the First Year</h2><p dir="auto">Puppies and kittens typically have more veterinary visits in the first year than at any other life stage. These visits allow your veterinarian to complete vaccine boosters, monitor growth, adjust nutrition and preventives, address behavioral questions, perform spay or neuter surgery, and transition your pet to adult wellness care.</p><h2 dir="auto">Building a Healthy Future Starts Now</h2><p dir="auto">Early veterinary care sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. By understanding what to expect during the first year, new pet owners can help their puppies and kittens grow into strong, confident, and healthy adults. Schedule your new pet’s first exam with your nearest United Veterinary Care clinic to start them on the right path from the beginning.</p><p dir="auto"></p>

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting experience, and the first year of life is the most important time for establishing long term health.

New Pet Care Guide: What Every Puppy and Kitten Needs in the First Year

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Your cat can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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New Pet Care Guide: What Every Puppy and Kitten Needs in the First Year

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