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25 Yrs. of providing the finest veterinary care for all animals

We care for your pet like they’re part of our family!

A Complete Medical, Dental and Surgical Facility

Blood Analysis Xrays Lab Work Behavioral Consultation Boarding & Grooming Facilities Reptiles & Birds welcome too!

10931 Boyette Road Riverview 671-3400

Office Hours By Appointment Mon. – Thurs. 7AM – 7PM Fri. 7AM – 6:30PM Sat. 8AM – 4PM

Is My Pet In Pain?? By Dr. Bob Encinosa

The signs of pain can be challenging to recognize in pets. They don’t tend to seek pity nearly as much as humans, so whining or other verbal complaints do not usually happen except in the most extreme situations. Panting sometimes indicates pain but increased panting in dogs can be a symptom of many non-painful diseases as well. Even though dogs and cats can’t tell us what is wrong with them, they also don’t lie about or exaggerate their discomfort as often as their human counterparts tend to do. Things like limping, abnormal posturing, inactivity, loss of appetite, eye squinting, tenseness in the abdomen or reluctance to move their head and neck normally, are all common signs of discomfort that should be taken seriously. Two of the most commonly overlooked signs of pain in pets are limping and nausea. Pet owners often assume that just because their pet is not complaining vocally, the limp must not be painful. Not true at all. They only limp when it hurts, and as such, lameness should not be ignored, especially if it lasts for more than a few days. In older animals, enough limb or back pain can cause them to simply become less active, and if not treated, can progress to greater stiffness and eventually muscle atrophy which hastens a decline in their mobility and shortens their life. Appropriate pain therapy can keep this death spiral from happening prematurely. Nausea can happen at low, chronic levels for a variety of reasons and does not always result in vomiting. Nevertheless, it is uncomfortable. In early stages, nausea often shows up as a decreasing appetite and owners often assume that they simply need a change of diet. That is rarely the case. There is usually an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. So pay attention to what your pet tells you…it is usually the truth!

Boyette Animal Hospital is proud to provide your pets with the highest quality of treatment and care from twelve veterinarians and a devoted staff. To make an appointment, please call (813) 671-3400.

Ronald J. Patrick, MD • Holly K. Bartley, APRN • Michelle L. Troyer, APRN Dr. Ronald J. Patrick is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in the Sun City Center area for over 14 years. In addition to dermatologic services, our team of providers offer a full range of cosmetic services for patients of all ages.

• Dermatologic Surgery • Detection and Treatment of Acne and Eczema • Diseases of the Skin,

Hair and Nails • Skin Cancer • Photodynamic Therapy for

Treatment of Precancerous

Lesions • BOTOX®, Kybella®, Fillers • Various Laser Technologies to

Improve Wrinkles, Brown Spots,

Sun Damage and Rosacea • CO2RE® Laser Resurfacing • Laser Hair Removal

SERVICES OFFERED: