WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS

All dogs and cats should be examined at least once yearly. Puppies and kittens, senior pets, and those with chronic conditions may need more frequent examinations. A physical examination includes checking eyes, ears, and teeth, checking skin for external parasites, listening to the heart and lungs, palpating for lumps, painful areas, or abdominal abnormalities. In addition, the wellness examination may include recommendations regarding parasite prevention, vaccinations, training, grooming, and diet. Lifestyle of the pet and risk factors for disease will be taken into consideration. In addition, any family concerns related to the pet can be discussed such as or behavior issues, interaction with children or a new baby, infectious conditions that can be spread between humans and animals.

VACCINATIONS AGAINST PREVENTABLE DISEASES

Many vaccinations are available to prevent diseases in dogs and cats. We will recommend vaccinations for each pet based on each animal’s lifestyle, age, and risk factors, in addition to local legal requirements. Puppies and kittens should begin their vaccinations when they are approximately 8 weeks old. They should receive a series of vaccines every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age.

CORE VACCINES FOR DOGS

• DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
  • DISTEMPER: A highly contagious yet preventable viral infection that attacks the lungs and nervous system.
  • ADENOVIRUS-2: Protects against canine hepatitis.
  • PARAINFLUENZA: Parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that causes coughing
  • PARVOVIRUS: Parvovirus is an often fatal disease that attacks the lining of the intestinal tract and can damage the heart of very young puppies.
• RABIES: An always fatal viral disease that attacks the nervous system.

OTHER VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR DOGS

• BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA
  Highly recommended annually. An airborne bacterial infection that causes a respiratory infection, “kennel cough”.
• LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS
  A zoonotic infection that can cause kidney and liver disease. Dogs that are exposed to raw sewage or contaminated water are at greater risk as well as dogs that live in areas with high concentrations of maintenance hosts – rats, raccoons, opossum.
• LYME BORRELIOSIS
  A tick-borne disease that affects humans and dogs. Although most commonly found in the Northeastern United States and the upper Midwest, dogs living in California, Oregon, and Washington are at some risk as well. Dogs that travel with their family may have increased risk of exposure.
• CROTALUS ATROX TOXOID (Western diamond rattlesnake vaccine)
  Although not subjected to conventional challenge studies, this vaccine may decrease the severity of the signs and complications of rattlesnake bites. It is recommended for dogs that may contact rattlesnakes in the foothill areas of Southern California.
• PORPHYROMONAS SPP.
  A vaccine that may aid in the prevention of periodontitis.

LINK: American Animal Association, http://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=resources&webcode=CanineVaccineGuidelines

CORE VACCINES FOR CATS

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
  • Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus-1) and calicivirus are the most common viral causes of sneezing and nasal discharge. Secondary bacterial infections may occur.
  • Panleukopenia is sometimes called feline distemper and is caused by a parvovirus transmitted by contact with an infected cat, their feces, or an infected environment. Signs of disease are fever, severe diarrhea and vomiting.
• RABIES: A viral disease that affects all warm blooded animals. The infection attacks the nervous system and is always fatal.

ADDITIONAL VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR CATS

• FELINE LEUKEMIA
  A viral disease that suppresses the immune system of cats. This is an often fatal disease that is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats or with contaminated food dishes or litter boxes.
   
• CHLAMYDIA
  A bacterial cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. Infections are generally mild and vaccination is controversial. To limit vaccine reactions, this vaccine is reserved for cats with high risk of exposure such as cats in catteries with known infections.
   
• FELINE IMMUNODIFICIENCEY VIRUS
  A virus that attacks the immune system resulting in an immunodeficiency disease that makes the cat susceptible to chronic secondary and opportunistic infections. Outdoor cats are more likely to be exposed to FIV through bite and scratch wounds.
   
• BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA
  May cause severe lower respiratory tract disease in young kittens, mainly in crowded environments like shelters and catteries. In adult cats, the disease is uncommon and responsive to treatment making the vaccine unnecessary in client-owned cats.

LINK: American Association of Feline Practitioners, www.aafponline.org

HEARTWORM TESTING AND PREVENTION

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) live in the pulmonary arteries of dogs and if untreated can cause cough, exercise intolerance, difficult breathing, enlarged liver, collapse, and death. In the western part of the country, 1.2% of dogs tested were positive for heartworm antigen. Although the prevalence of heartworm in California is not as high as in other parts of the country, local dogs and cats have contracted heartworm even if they had not traveled out of the area. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and coyotes have been identified as carriers.

LINK: American Heartworm Society, www.heartwormsociety.org

FECAL EXAMINATION FOR INTESTINAL PARASITES

Every pet should have a fecal examination at least yearly. Dogs and cats that are not on year-round prevention and those under one year of age should be checked more often.

The purpose of fecal examinations, regular dewormings, and preventative treatment is to eliminate parasites in our pets that potentially threaten their health. Also, to eliminate any risk to humans by zoonotic parasites.

People at risk of acquiring canine and feline parasitic infections are those that come in contact with the soil such as plumbers and gardeners, as well as children, and people who are mentally disabled. Those most at risk for severe disease are immunocompromised individuals including; infants, the elderly, and those with immunosuppressive diseases or taking immunosuppressive medications including patients with AIDS, certain types of hematopoietic system tumors, and those receiving radiation, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents for organ transplantation or various autoimmune, inflammatory, or neoplastic conditions.

LINKS:
CAPC Companion Animal Parasite Council, www.CAPCVET.ORG
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/nciod/dpd/animals.htm
Pets are Wonderful Support, www.pawssf.org/library_safepetguidelines.shtml

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

We are excited to offer digital radiography for our patients. Just like switching from film cameras to digital cameras, digital radiography has several advantages over traditional radiography. Seconds after an image is taken, we can see it on a monitor. Processing the film in a dark room is not necessary- eliminating the need for a wet-chemical processor, film storage bins, and radiographic viewers. This also decreases the time a dog or cat needs to be up on the x-ray table and the overall time it takes to get results. The image can be manipulated electronically to improve its quality if necessary, thereby decreasing the need for retakes - which is easier for both your pet and our technicians. If a second opinion is desired, we can quickly and easily send the image to a specialist rather than send films by mail or having them hand delivered. Another advantage is that we can easily make a copy on a CD for you to keep.

ON SITE LABORATORY TESTING

In addition to an outside veterinary reference laboratory, we have a complete in-house laboratory which allows us to run blood chemistry tests, complete blood counts, urinalysis, electrolytes, and blood gases. Routine heartworm, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and parvovirus tests are also run on site. This allows rapid results when needed for preanesthetic testing, critical inpatients, or recheck results needed the same day or even while the patient and client wait.

MICROCHIP IDENTIFICATION

We offer resQ pet tracking system as permanent identification. A small microchip is injected under your pet’s skin. resQ offers a no-cost pet registration database.

LINK: www.petlink.net

DENTAL CARE

Dental checkups and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Your dog or cat’s teeth and gums will be checked at each examination. Dental disease is a common health problem, one that we see daily. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, tooth loss, and difficulty eating. In severe cases, periodontitis can develop which is inflammation and infection of the deeper tissues surrounding the teeth. This can be a source of infection that can spread to other parts of the body such as the heart and kidneys.

Home dental care is needed to maintain good dental health. Brushing your pet’s teeth at least three times per week can help prevent dental disease. We can help you learn to do this. In addition, toys, treats, rawhide chews, and special diets are available to help keep your pet’s teeth clean. We have a variety of enzyme treated chews, teeth brushing products, and dental diets available.

If a dental cleaning is needed, your pet will be anesthetized and an in depth dental examination will be performed checking for broken or missing teeth, oral masses, or periodontal disease. Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary. Finally, the teeth will be cleaned and polished.

SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA

An examination may determine that anesthesia and surgery are necessary for your dog or cat. Many clients express their concern about the safety of anesthesia. Modern techniques make anesthesia very safe. Healthy animals undergoing a spay, neuter, dental, or mass removal have extremely low risk of complications. The majority of complications and deaths occur when the patient’s condition is critical prior to surgery. Risk can be affected by the experience of the staff, the anesthetic drugs used, and the monitoring of the patient.

At Family Dog and Cat Hospital we incorporate the highest standards of care for our anesthetized patients. When comparing the cost of anesthesia between hospitals remember to compare the type of care and the cost of equipment used for the comfort and safety of your dog or cat.

Ask us about the following:

• Preanesthetic blood work is recommended for all patients. Young, healthy animals should have basic blood tests, checking blood sugar, kidney values, liver enzymes, and red blood cell count. Some animals may require more extensive testing. The purpose of preanesthetic testing is to identify abnormalities that may affect anesthesia.
• For all but the shortest procedures, an IV catheter is placed in a vein and intravenous fluids are administered during anesthesia. Some anesthetic drugs may cause decreases in blood pressure. IV fluids will counteract this. An IV catheter also allows quick access to a vein if emergency drugs are needed.
• Maintenance of body temperature is important during anesthesia because cats and small dogs in particular lose body heat under anesthesia. Hypothermia can complicate anesthetic recovery. To keep our patients warm while under anesthesia we have recirculating warm water pads and a heated surgery table. Temperature is monitored before, during, and after anesthesia.
• Intubation means placing an endotracheal tube placed through the mouth into the trachea. Oxygen and gas anesthetic are administered through the endotracheal tube. If the patient is not breathing well, we can control respiration if necessary. The gas anesthetic we use is isoflurane.
• Pain control. Our protocol involves preemptive pain control which blocks pain pathways before the surgical procedure starts. A balanced protocol is used which blocks pain pathways from as many directions as possible. Generally, more than one drug is used during the procedure and pain medication is sent home afterward.
• Patient monitoring during anesthesia ensures that the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are functioning well and that the patient is at an appropriate level of anesthesia. Life Windows monitors the following parameters:
  • EKG to monitor the heart rate and rhythm.
  • Pulse oximeter to monitor the percentage of oxygenation of the blood. Blood pressure monitor.
  • Monitor to record respiratory rate and carbon dioxide

PRESCRIPTION DIETS

Prescription diets by Hills, Royal Canin, and Purina are available. We can special order any size of maintenance or prescription diet not in stock. Call for details.