Below are a few resources that might be helpful to you and your pet. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or concers.
Why do my pets need an annual exam?
Each year for your pet is equivalent to at least 4 or more human years. A lot can happen in that time. During the annual exam the veterinarian carefully goes over your pet from head to tail. Subtle changes such as weight loss/gain, skin tumors, eye/ear changes, dental disease, heart disease, arthritis, abdominal masses, endocrine disease, and much, much more can be evaluated and discussed. Hopefully, conditions can be diagnosed early and treated, helping your pet live a long, happy life. As your pet ages the doctor will recommend blood and/or urine tests to further evaluate organ function (or dysfunction) and start appropriate treatment or dietary changes.
Rabies Vaccination
At Caring For Life, Inc., we use Merial Purevax non-adjuvanted vaccines for cats. This vaccine requires annual revaccination for Rabies, but reduces the risk of vaccine-induced sarcomas. The canine rabies vaccine, IMRAB is a 3 year vaccine. This vaccine is also approved for use in ferrets.
Should I vaccinate my cat for Feline Leukemia?
According to the guidelines set forth by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the FeLV vaccine is recommended annually for all cats who go outside where they have exposure to other cats, and/or live with a FeLV infected cat. It is also recommended for all kittens due to their unique susceptibility to Feline Leukemia Virus infection.
What about other vaccines?
These are best discussed with your veterinarian. Vaccination schedules are tailored for each pet, taking into consideration factors such as exposure risk, age of pet, previous reactions, etc. Generally, we recommend that all dogs be immunized for the following "core" vaccines/diseases: Parvo, Distemper, Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus, and Leptospirosis. "Non core" vaccines that are available but not required (again depending on exposure risk) are Bordatella (Kennel cough), and Lymes disease. Bordatella is required for boarding and grooming. For cats, we currently recommend all cats be vaccinated for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Feline Leukemia vaccine is considered a "core" vaccine for kittens and outdoor cats only and a "non-core" vaccine for all indoor adult cats. Other "non-core" vaccines for cats include FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), and Giardia vaccine.
How do cats get infected with FIV? Is there a vaccine?
Cats get FIV from bite wounds, usually from fighting. They can also contract the disease through breeding. This is one of the most common infectious diseases in outdoor cats, especially intact males. There is a vaccine for this disease. Unfortunately, it is not 100% effective, but we do recommend it for cats who are at a high risk.
I understand that annual vaccinations are important, but my pet seems to have reactions to them consistently. Should I stop vaccinating my pet?
No, but we have modified the vaccination schedule and minimized the frequency of vaccinating your pet while still keeping your pet protected. We will discuss your concerns and formulate a pre-treatment plan prior to vaccinating your pet.
Why do I have to test my dog for heartworms if I give a preventative every month?
Heartworm preventatives are not 100% effective. Occasionally a dose gets missed, spit out, vomited, or just not adequately absorbed, resulting in inadequate protection. Heartworm testing is a safeguard against your pet suffering from heartworm disease without your knowledge. Furthermore, giving some types of heartworm preventative to a dog that has heartworm infection may actually result in a shock-like reaction due to a rapid kill of immature heartworms.
My dog's ears stink. My dog's teeth stink. What should I do?
Make an appointment to see a doctor, there could be a number of reasons why either of those would have an odor. Gingivitis, tartar, and periodontal disease are a few things which can cause mouth odor. There are multiple types of ear infections that can cause ear odor.