Present this coupon to claim your pet's free first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Shop your veterinarian's online pharmacy for pet medications, preventatives, and prescription food. Enjoy home delivery, AutoShip, and savings.

Online Veterinary Pharmacy: Home Delivery & Savings

Keep your dog or cat safe this Halloween with tips for managing anxiety, preventing escapes, avoiding toxic treats, and reducing holiday hazards.

Halloween Safety for Pets: 5 Tips for Dogs and Cats

Learn how to recognize signs your pet may be overweight and discover simple ways to support a healthy weight through nutrition, activity, and veterinary care.

Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

Prepare your pet for the unexpected this National Preparedness Month with tips for emergency kits, evacuation plans, identification, medications, and more.

National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare Your Pet for an Emergency

Learn the differences between wet and dry cat food, their benefits, and how to choose the right diet for your cat's age, health, and needs.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Which Is Best for Your Cat?

Sat Apr 12 2025 19:50:36 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Mid Island Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

Embedded content

care-memberships

care-plan

career-page

careers-section

<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>

Get In Touch

<b>Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.</b>

<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.

chagas-disease

<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>

chagas-disease-ahsv

contact-us

copy-of-chagas-disease

Accordion Title

#1f2937

forms-page

form-section

get-in-touch

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

Our <b>East Side Entrance</b> is located on Early Street, across from the Hanover Apartment Building. Our <b>North Side Entrance</b> is located on Irby Avenue, across from Woody’s Cheesesteak.

parking

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

promotions

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when you should call your veterinarian or when you should wait and see. One of the key aspects of pet ownership is understanding when our beloved furry friends need professional medical attention. Not every sneeze or scratch necessitates a trip to the vet, but recognizing when something is amiss and seeking timely veterinary care is crucial. The following information is a general guideline, but if you are at all concerned about your pet, you should always call your veterinarian!</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Illness for a veterinarian visit:</strong></h2><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Lethargy (tiredness)</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If your pet has non-specific lethargy and is not showing any signs of pain and seems to be acting fine otherwise (i.e., still eating, drinking, going to the bathroom normally), you can usually wait 24 hours. Make sure your pet has nice pink gums. If their gums are pale or white/grey in appearance, then do not wait and call your veterinarian right away.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Vomiting</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If your pet vomits one time but is acting fine otherwise, this is usually not cause for concern. If your pet vomits and has diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, or has gotten into something and/or is just not acting like themselves, you should call your veterinarian. If your pet vomits more than once in 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian right away. (Dog owners, be sure to educate yourself on <strong>bloat</strong>.) The exception to this is if you have a cat that is bringing up a hairball. They will often vomit up more than one hairball in 24 hours.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Diarrhea</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If your pet has one episode of diarrhea in 24 hours and is acting fine otherwise, you can usually sit and wait. If your pet has more than one episode of diarrhea in 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian. If you see blood in diarrhea or the diarrhea is black, call your veterinarian right away. If your pet has diarrhea and is vomiting, is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, has gotten into something, or is just not acting like himself, call your veterinarian.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Decreased Appetite or Anorexia</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If your pet has decreased appetite for less than 24 hours and is acting fine otherwise, you can usually wait 24 hours. If your pet is not eating at all, do not wait and call your veterinarian right away. If your pet is acting abnormally and has a decreased appetite, call your veterinarian. If your pet has a decreased appetite or has not eaten for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. A decreased appetite or lack of appetite is very <strong>serious in cats</strong> since they can decline quickly.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Increased Frequency of Urination</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you notice your pet in the litterbox more frequently, asking to go out to potty more frequently, or seeing them urinating more frequently, you should call your vet. If you notice blood in the urine, call your veterinarian. It is also helpful to bring a freshly collected urine sample with you to your appointment. Make sure your pet is producing urine, especially in cats.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Decreased Urine Volume</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you notice your pet trying to urinate more frequently and very little urine is coming out, call your vet. If you notice no urine, call your vet immediately. This is especially true in cats. If you notice a few drops of urine or no urine production, call your veterinarian immediately because your pet could have a <strong>urinary obstruction,</strong> which is a life-threatening emergency.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Increased Appetite</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you notice your pet has an increased appetite, especially in cats, this can be a sign of an underlying problem. If your pet has an increased appetite for more than a few days and it is not due to increased activity, call your veterinarian.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Changes in Weight</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you notice that your pet is losing or gaining weight without any changes in activity or diet, you should <strong>take your pet in for a physical exam</strong>. There are many conditions that cause weight loss that can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and managed properly. There are also medical conditions that cause weight gain that may need to be managed.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Our pets bring a lot of joy to our lives. They are also very good at hiding illness, pain, etc. If you are at all concerned about the health of your pet, contact your veterinarian. One of the biggest mistakes in animal care that pet owners make is taking a sit-and-wait attitude when it is something that should have been seen days or weeks before. Cats, in particular, are great pretenders. They often don’t show how ill they are until they are in dire straits.</p><h4 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>If you are ever on the fence about whether or not you should call your veterinarian, trust your gut and call!</strong></h4><p dir="auto"></p>

The following information is a general guideline, but if you are at all concerned about your pet, you should always call your veterinarian!

Guidelines For When You Should Call The Vet

gtm_67fa102303a946b407b50736

Join our veterinary team! The team at Mid Island Animal Hospital is committed to providing the best pet care possible.

midislandanimalhospital

Compassionate and quality care for your pets.

Same day appointments and walk-ins available

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

Mid Island Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a no-interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Free Exam for New Clients! See Below for Details.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Mid Island Animal Hospital faqs cover commonly asked questions.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Your pet 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.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Sheet title

Guidelines For When You Should Call The Vet

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs

Sheet title

Guidelines For When You Should Call The Vet

Recent Blogs

Online Veterinary Pharmacy: Home Delivery & Savings

Halloween Safety for Pets: 5 Tips for Dogs and Cats

Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

Related Blogs

Why Do Cats Vomit Hairballs and How to Prevent?

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?

Feline Leukemia: Symptoms and Treatments for Cats

FAQs

Is Mid Island Animal Hospital open on Saturdays?

How long has Mid Island Animal Hospital served Hicksville?

Do you accept walk-ins at Mid Island Animal Hospital?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?