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Pet Patient Center

Fear Free Cat & Dog Care

Are you looking for a local vet serving Franklin, TN? You’ve come to the right place! The veterinary team at South Franklin Animal Hospital strives to deliver superior cat and dog care. Below, you’ll find a range of resources — whether you’re a new or returning patient, please review all to ensure your appointment goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Want to speak with someone at our vet’s office? Give us a call!

615-595-2337

FAQ

My pet’s appointment is coming up; what should I expect?

Your pet’s check-up will include a full physical exam and may include teeth and gum cleaning if needed. You’re in great hands with Dr. Cheryl Sammons, who is known for delivering excellent animal care.

How often should I take my pet in for a check-up?

This varies depending on your pet’s age and health status. Typically, we recommend at least one appointment a year.

Do I need to bring anything to appointments?

While we can work with whatever you have, the more information, the better. Please come with any necessary documentation (medical records, behavior journal, etc.).

What payment methods do you accept?

Payment is expected when services are rendered. In order to focus on our patients’ needs, customer service, and minimizing costs, we do not bill. We accept debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), checks, and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card. We are able to make some special arrangements through the CareCredit program. We also accept pet insurance.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Pets

We are blessed that pets are living a much longer life than 20 years ago. This is due to owner commitment, preventative medicine/treatment/care, improved diets, supplements…but reality is all animals, like humans, have a lifespan, and organ failure is the cause of most deaths.

Renal/Kidney failure, heart failure, organ cancer, osteoarthritis have been the most common cause of humane euthanasia or death, but now with extended living, the brain is the organ failing. Brain failure with age is due to the exact reasons as in humans- 1/amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, 2/reduced glucose uptake/metabolism in the brain, 3/oxidative damage to the brain, and 4/perivascular changes, including arteriosclerosis and infarcts. Only the first of these changes are due genetics. 2-4 is brain health/vitality.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome/CDS is seen in aging animals. There is no predilection/preference for breed, sex, or size of dog. It is seen in cats, as well as dogs. Symptoms can be very vague, wax/wane, but will progress.

D-Disorientation I-Altered Interaction S-Change in Sleep-Wake Cycle H-Problems w/House training A-Change in Activity (DISHA)

Treatment/Recommendations can be made by us through appointment.

Canine Influenza Vaccine Recommendations

**SFAH will require all dogs here for boarding, surgery, and/or bathing to have influenza bivalent vaccine as of June 2019.

Monovalent vaccines do not cross-protect with other strains. Both H3N8 and H3N2 are viruses that cause respiratory infection in dogs. H3N8 originated from equine in 2004. H3N2 originated from avian in 2005.
Diagnostic testing for H3N8 is difficult. Infection resembles other viral/bacterial pathogens that cause infectious respiratory dz complex. H3N8 virus is shed for 7 days, with decreasing shed at 5 days. H3N2 virus is intermittently shed for up to 20 days.
ne or both strains have been found in 46 out of 50 states of U.S. Only states with no confirmed cases North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii, and Alaska.
The Kennel and Boarding Safety Recommendations: “Social dogs, including those that are boarded, groomed, group-trained or group-walked, are at more risk of dz
The 2017 AAHA Vaccination Guidelines state: ” Any dog deemed at risk for exposure to influenza virus should be vaccinated against both H3N2 and H3N8.

**SFAH does carry a bivalent vaccine with both strains H3N8 and H3N2. The vaccinations is administered initially with two boosters, 3 to 6 weeks apart. Then annually thereafter. H3N8/H3N2 vaccine is $41.00 per booster. Visit https://www.dogflu.com/ for more information.

Veterinary Services

Boarding & Grooming Services