Preventative medicine

Canine

Many canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog. Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently available:

Canine distemper is a widespread, often fatal disease. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, starting with distemper-measles vaccination at 6-9 weeks of age.

Canine adenovirus type-1 and type-2cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively. Hepatitis caused by adenovirus type-1 may cause severe kidney damage or death. Adenovirus type-2 is an important factor in kennel cough.

Canine bordetella (B. bronchiseptica) may contribute to kennel cough. This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type-2 infection, parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems.

Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which may lead to permanent kidney damage. The disease is easily spread to other pets and to humans.

Canine parainfluenza is another cause of kennel cough. Although parainfluenza is often a mild respiratory infection in otherwise healthy dogs, it can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs.

Canine parvovirus infection is a disease of widespread distribution which may cause severe dehydrating diarrhea in dogs of varying ages. Parvovirus infection is especially dangerous for puppies.

Rabies, one of the world�s most publicized and feared diseases, is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through bite of an infected animal.

Feline

Many feline diseases can now be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your cat. Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently available:

Rabies, one of the world's most publicized and feared diseases, is almost always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through bite of an infected animal. In 1981-82, for the first time, more cats than dogs were reported to have rabies. This situation has led many authorities to recommend rabies vaccination for all cats.

Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) is among the most widespread of all cat diseases, and is extremely contagious. Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, feline panleukopenia causes high death loss, particularly among kittens.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation. As the disease progresses, a discharge is noticeable from both nose and eyes.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is another serious feline respiratory infection. Often occurring simultaneously with FVR. Signs of infection are similar to FVR (fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge), but calicivirus infected cats may also have ulcers on the tongue.

Feline pneumonitis is caused by the organism Chlamydia psittaci. Signs of pneumonitis are similar to those of FVR and FCV (sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes).

Feline leukemia is a viral disease which can take several forms. Some cats have transient infections with few ill effects. Others have persistent infections varying in severity, some of which may be fatal over time. Extensive scientific research has shown no relationship between feline leukemia and human leukemia.

Parasite Prevention

Parasite Prevention not only protects your pet, but it also protects your family.

Roundworm, whipworm and hookworm are all 100 percent preventable. These intestinal parasites that pets and wildlife may be harboring can be shed in their feces at parks, playgrounds and sandboxes. The microscopic eggs of these intestinal parasites are often unknowingly ingested by children as they play.

The Center for Disease Control recommends a schedule of multiple dewormings to reduce the chance of infection. It is important to have your pet's feces examined yearly by a licensed veterinarian to ensure your pet is not harboring parasites. Many of the parasites do not cause your pet to become symptomatic until long after an infection has taken place.

How do roundworms harm people?

Roundworms enter the body when ingested as eggs that soon hatch into larvae. These larvae travel through the liver, lungs, and other organs. In most cases, these "wandering worms" cause no symptoms or apparent damage. However, in some cases the produce a condition known as visceral larva migrans. The larvae may cause damage to tissue and sometimes affect the nerves or even lodge in the eye. In some cases, they may cause permanent nerve or eye damage, even blindness.

How do hookworms harm people?

Hookworms larvae typically move about within the skin, causing inflammation in the affected skin. This is called cutaneous (skin) larvae mirgans. One type of hookworm can penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs.

Take steps to prevent infection.

  • Have puppies and kittens dewormed by your vet an early age.
  • Start or keep your pets on a preventive drug program that treats and controls these worms.
  • Learn to recognize and avoid possibly contaminated soil, sand, plants, and other objects. Teach children to do the same.
  • Keep play areas, lawns, and gardens, around your home free of animal waste.
  • Bag and dispose of pet feces.
  • Cover sandboxes when not in use.
  • Obey leash laws.

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Tuesday:

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