Annual Examination

This is the most important part of any visit to our office. We strongly recommend at least one thorough physical examination per year for healthy adult pets. For senior pets, twice annual exam are recommended. We often detect problems that owners are unaware of, and are able to treat these problems much more effectively with early diagnosis. So please, visit at least once a year, even if your pet is not due for vaccines.

We will request that you bring a fresh stool sample with you for your pet’s annual exam. Stool is used to check for intestinal parasites, which are a very common occurrence (up to 30% infection rate in our area).  These parasites are not only dangerous to your pet, but potentially to your family as well, as several intestinal worms can be transmitted to humans.
We also recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs, even if they are on heartworm prevention. Mosquitos transmit heartworm disease, and infection usually causes no symptoms until heart failure is advanced. With annual testing, we can identify these infections and treat them before they become life threatening.

Vaccinations

It is our policy to consider the needs of each patient before deciding on a vaccination schedule. Most pets will need a series of vaccinations as a puppy or kitten, followed by annual or semi-annual boosters. However, we recognize that each pet is an individual, and we will ensure that the vaccines your pet receives are appropriate, necessary, and safe. Please feel free to ask our staff if you have any questions about your pet’s vaccinations.

CATS

FVRCP (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)
This vaccine protects your cat against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, the most common causes of upper respiratory disease in cats. It also protects against a parvovirus, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and a very low white blood count. This disease is often fatal, especially in young kittens. We recommend a series of 2 vaccines for kittens, followed by annual vaccination for outdoor cats, and every 3-year vaccination for indoor cats.

Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia is a viral infection, which can cause tumors in adult cats, and fatal anemia in younger cats. There is no known treatment for the disease, so prevention is essential. We recommend vaccination for outdoor cats, and for indoor cats that have exposure to outdoor cats. Strictly indoor cats with no exposure to other cats usually do not require vaccination
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FiV
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that is transmitted primarily by bite wounds from another cat. Outdoor cats with a history of fighting may benefit from this vaccination, but at this time, vaccinates will test positive for the disease just as infected cats will, making it impossible to be sure of a positive cat’s status. Some veterinarians and shelters are still euthanizing cats that test positive, so we are not recommending this vaccine at this time.

FiP
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a disease caused by a mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus. It primarily affects cats less than one year of age and is almost always fatal. However, the vaccine is not protective against the disease, so we are not recommending it at this time.

DOGS

DA2PP (“Distemper”)
 This is a combination vaccine against canine distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus.  Canine distemper virus is a disease that causes many signs, including fever, vomiting, weight loss, seizures, and death. Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and is frequently fatal to puppies. Adenovirus causes hepatitis (liver disease) with a high likelihood of secondary infection.

All puppies should receive an initial series of at least 3 vaccines, followed by one-year or 3-year boosters, depending on the level of exposure.

Bordatella (kennel cough)
Kennel cough is an infectious bronchitis, which is often transmitted in areas with a high dog population (hence the name), but can also be transmitted by casual contact with an infected dog. It causes 7-14 days of loud coughing, and sometimes leads to pneumonia. Vaccination is by nasal spray, and is recommended for dogs with frequent contact with other dogs (ie, dog parks, kennels, training facilities). Although vaccination is not always protective against infection, it does shorten the course of the disease and helps to prevent complications such as pneumonia.

FERRETS

Distemper
Ferrets are extremely susceptible to the canine distemper virus, and the disease is almost always fatal to them. For this reason, all ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper. They require 3 vaccinations as kits, then annual vaccination as adults.
Rabies
Ferrets are susceptible to rabies, and for the owner’s legal protection in case of a bite to a human, vaccination once a year is recommended.