Wellness
Keeping your pet healthy is important to us, and regular wellness examinations
and vaccinations are the foundation to helping them live a long healthy life.
Wellness also consists of preventive care, such as heartworm and intestinal parasite testing.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a critical component to preventive care for your pets.
Thanks to the development of vaccines, pets have been protected from
numerous disease threats, including Rabies, distemper, hepatitis and
others.
To increase public awareness we add this note about Parvo:
Unfortunately we are seeing an increase in the amount of Parvo virus
cases. Parvo is a highly contagious disease cause by a virus. It attacks
the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs. It is spread by direct
dog to dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environments and
people. The virus can contaminate bowls, surfaces, hands and clothing of
people who handle infected dogs.
All dogs are at risk but puppies less than 4 months old, and
unvaccinated dogs are at increased risk.
Some signs are (but not limited to); Loss of appetite, fever, lethargy,
vomiting, and severe, often bloody diarrhea are common signs. Vomiting
and diarrhea usuallycause rapid dehydration. Most deaths occur within
48-72 hours following the onset of clinical signs.
Since Parvo is caused by a Virus, there is no medication or drug
available to Kill the Virus. Just as when people have a flu or virus no
drug actually kills the Virus, but we take drugs to treat the symtoms.
The only thing that can be done is to support the pet until it's immune
system can fight off the viral infection. This consists of I.V. fluids
to replace electrolytes and fluid losses,I.V. drugs to ease the vomiting
and diarrhea etc. Sick pets need to be kept warm and recieve constant
nursing attention. Since it is a highly contagious disease, the pet
needs to be isolated in our contagious ward to prevent spread of the
virus to other animals. Gowns and gloves and masks are required to be in
the room with an infected pet. We also have a container to step in a
special solution to disinfect the shoes of any personnel when leaving
the isolation room.
When a pup develops Parvo, treatment can be very expensive, and the pet
may still die despite the best efforts of excellent care and treatment.
How to prevent Parvo
Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate
Vaccination is extremely important. since young puppies are so
susceptible to infection.
Start vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age,
with booster vaccines every 3-4 weeks until the pet is 14-16 weeks of age.
Ask your veterinarian about a recomended vaccination program. If you have an
adult dog with no history of vaccination, get him/her vaccinated right
away.
Despite aggressive, costly treatment, and excellent care, the outcome of this disease is not always what we hope for. Some do die.
