Vaccination and wellness care are very important in maintaining optimal health for your pet, and preventing the many serious diseases and parasites that your pet may come in contact with. We recommend yearly and biannual comprehensive exams for your pet, depending on where they are in their life stage, in order to ensure that your pet stays healthy. One size does not fit all when it comes to health care. The protocols and treatment recommendations offered are tailored for each pet and its family.
We begin your pet wellness visit by talking with you about your pet’s history, lifestyle, health status, and the needs and desires of the family. This will help us determine which plan will work best for your pet. After checking your pet’s weight, the doctor will determine whether or not a nutritional weight loss and/or exercise program might benefit your pet. Your veterinarian will then conduct a complete physical exam from nose to tail. We also check the mouth for any signs of tarter build-up or dental diseases, and may recommend a dental treatment or preventative care protocol. Your doctor may also recommend a specialized blood test depending on the life-stage, and physical findings of your pet.
PET VACCINES
It is very important to us that pets are not over-vaccinated, which is why our doctors research the prevalence of contagious diseases in the area, and base your pet’s vaccine program on a risk assessment, including lifestyle and severity of a disease. As part of our client education commitment, we believe you should know what vaccines are being administered, and what they are protecting your pet against. Your pet’s vaccination program may include the following vaccines:
IMMUNIZATION FOR DOGS
Distemper is a widespread, highly contagious disease, which can be carried by raccoons. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and convulsions. Distemper often results in death, and survivors are usually impaired for life.
Hepatitis (CAV-1) may vary from a disease that is so mild it may not even be noticed, to one that is fatal. Hepatitis affects the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2) is one of the viruses involved in the “kennel cough complex. This disease is seldom fatal, but can be a nuisance. Dogs that are properly vaccinated for hepatitis are also protected against CAV-2.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica is the bacterial cause of “kennel cough, and often complicates CAV-2 or CPI infections. Bordetellosis may be fatal in puppies.
Rabies infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies (hydrophobia) attacks the central nervous system, causing death.
Parvo is a widespread, highly contagious disease that often results in death. Symptoms include vomiting, severe, often bloody, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads throughout the entire body targeting the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes and reproductive system. Infection in the liver and kidneys can be fatal. The Leptospira Spirochete bacteria is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and other animals.
IMMUNIZATION FOR CATS
Panleukopenia is all called feline distemper, or enteritis. Signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and high fever. This highly contagious viral disease is often fatal.
Rhinotracheitis or FVP, attacks the upper respiratory tract causing sneezing and coughing. Another common symptom is a mucous discharge from the eyes and nose. Recovery is slow, and the disease is often fatal.
Calcivirus, or simply called “calici, attacks the lungs and lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia. Ulcers may also be seen on the tongue and lips. Calci is often complicated by other infections, and can be fatal.
Rabies infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies (hydrophobia) attacks the central nervous system, causing death.
Feline Leukemia virus is commonly associated with many diseases of cats. It is not only a cause of lymphosarcoma, but may induce a “fading kitten syndrome, blood disorders, or reproductive failures. To date, there is no effective treatment for Feline Leukemia virus diseases. Leukemia testing can help identify infected cats.
PARASITES
At your pet’s visit, your doctor or veterinary technician will talk to you about parasite prevention and detection. Parasites weaken your pet’s health by causing diseases, and depriving your pet of essential nutrients. The most common external parasites are fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. The most common internal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and tapeworms.
Heartworm is a serious disease caused by a worm that lives in the animal’s heart. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, and is often fatal if left untreated. Your veterinarian can perform a blood test to determine if your dog is infected, and can recommend ways to prevent this serious disease. Early detection and treatment of parasites is important, and can be accomplished with periodic testing and physical exams. We recommend bringing a stool sample with you to your pet’s appointment. For your convenience, we provide fecal collection kits at our clinic at no charge. Heartworm preventative, flea control, and de-wormers are available at our practice