Preventive Medicine
Vet Visits
Next to you and your family, your veterinarian is one of the most important people in your dog's life. You should identify a veterinarian for your new dog before you bring it home and arrange for a first appointment as soon as possible. The first vet visit gives you and your veterinarian an opportunity to establish your dog's baseline level of health and identify any potential long-term or chronic health problems. This visit can confirm the health status identified when you purchased your pet.
When you meet with the vet, be sure to discuss your daily care routines, home environment, any anticipated problems or concerns you may have, ask questions about any behaviors about which you need more information and your grooming preferences, particularly nail clipping. Your vet will examine your dog to ensure healthy bones, joints and muscles, and good heart, eye, ear and other organ functions. The vet will also do a blood test to check to make sure your dog has the right levels of nutrients and minerals.
Your dog may experience some stress going to the vet. The best way to alleviate this is with positive reinforcement, attention and happy visits. Stop in at the vet's office with your dog a couple of times when it doesn't need to be examined so that your dog associates the clinic with positive experiences. Pet your dog and give it praise when it behaves calmly and well at the vet's office. Take some treats to help keep your dog happy and to have staff give your pet. Fortunately, vet staff is experienced at handling dogs of all sorts and will likely make your job much easier.
After the first visit and your dog's initial vaccinations, you should plan on getting your dog checked by the vet once a year. You may need to go more frequently if the vet is clipping your dog's nails.
Nutrition
Dietary Needs for Cats & Kittens
Kittens are weaned from their mothers at 4-6 weeks of age. Like all animals they require certain nutrients for their developing bodies. Kittens should be fed a high quality diet such as Hills Science Diet for proper nutrition and growth.
Adult cats need high quality foods as well. Give Science Diet maintenance formulas from ages 1-6. After age 6 Science Diet has a line of senior formulas that meet your pet's needs.
Dietary Needs for Dogs & Puppies
Puppies are generally weaned from their mothers at 4-6 weeks of age. Their growth rate is extraordinarily rapid compared to humans. Therefore, they need a high-quality diet such as Hills Science Diet Puppy formula for proper nutrition. Large and giant breeds of dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Mastiffs need a growth formula diet that is specifically labeled for large and giant breeds. Science Diet has developed a growth formula which optimizes bone development, and minimizes concerns in large and giant breed puppies.
Adult dogs need high-quality food as well. Science Diet Maintenance/Adult formulas are recommended from ages 1-6.
After age 6-7, Science Diet has a line of senior formulas which are specifically developed to meet your pet's changing needs as it grows older.
Permanent Identification
Microchips
Microchips are tiny, passive electronic devices, ranging in size from 12 to 28 millimeters in length and 2.1 to 3.5 millimeters in diameter. The smallest microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. The microchips used at Indian Tree Animal Hospital are individually inscribed and programmed to store a unique, permanent, 10 to 15 digit alphanumeric identification code. The microchip is coupled with an antenna and sealed in an inert glass capsule.
The microchip is implanted into an animal using a procedure similar to a routine vaccination. After implantation, the device remains with the animal for life, where it provides the animal's unique ID number anytime it is scanned by an electronic ID scanner. Once implanted into the animal, the microchip remains inactive until read with a scanner that sends a low radio frequency signal to the chip, providing the power needed by the microchip to send its unique code back to the scanner and positively identify the animal. The use of a universal microchip allows the ID number to be stored permanently inside the animal, just under the skin, where it cannot be lost or altered. The microchip will last for the life of the animal with the unique ID number intact.
Senior Wellness Care
A thorough physical examination performed one to two times annually can check for signs of weight loss, heart, lung and dental disease, cataracts, glaucoma, arthritis and cancer. Lab tests, such as a complete blood count can help identify certain infections, anemia, certain types of cancer, bleeding disorders, and immune disease. A serum chemistry profile can identify internal diseases of the liver, kidneys, and endocrine disorders such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Some types of cancer can also be detected.
A complete urinalysis will test for kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and bladder stones, and urinary tract cancer. Another useful test, called a fecal exam, checks for internal parasites and intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Additional tests such as radiographs, electrocardiography (ECG), ultrasound/imaging and thyroid testing may also be recommended. A senior program offers significant health benefits! Ask us about how we can help your pet live a longer healthier life!
Feline Senior Care Facts
- Most cats are considered senior at 8 years of age.
- Cats age 5-7 years to every human year: significant changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.
- Senior pets need special health care: blood tests, urinalysis, fecal exams, radiographs, and ultrasound are tests that are recommended.
- Nutritional needs change as your pet ages. Due to decreased activity, senior pets often need to consume fewer calories. Obesity is a serious health problem and can lead to other problems such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. Protein malnutrition may be associated with 50-70% of kidney and liver disorders.
- Senior pets often suffer from dental disease. Inflamed gums and teeth can cause pain, infection, tooth loss, bad breath, kidney, and heart disease.
- Senior pets may have behavioral changes: they appear disoriented, forget their housetraining, sleep more, and interact less with family members. Newer therapies can address senility behaviors.
Canine Senior Care Facts
- Most dogs are considered senior at 7 years old (giant breeds are considered senior at 5 years old).
- Dogs age 5-7 years to every human year; significant changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.
- Senior pets need special health care: blood tests, urinalysis, fecal exams, radiographs, and ultrasound are tests that are recommended.
- Nutritional needs change as your pet ages. Due to decreased activity, senior pets often need to consume fewer calories. Obesity is a serious health problem and can lead to other problems such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders. Protein malnutrition may be associated with 50-70% of kidney or liver disorders.
- Senior pets often suffer from dental disease. Inflamed gums and teeth can cause pain, infection, tooth loss, bad breath, kidney and heart disease.
- Senior pets may have behavior changes; they may appear disoriented, forget their housetraining, sleep more and interact less with family members. Newer therapies can address senility behaviors.
Spaying and Neutering
Most pet dogs are spayed (females) or neutered (for males) to remove reproductive organs and prevent pregnancy. But health issues provide other compelling reasons for spaying and neutering dogs.
Female dogs have a high incidence of cancers of the reproductive system. Spaying removes the ovaries and the uterus, preventing the production of estrogen, which leads to most of the reproductive cancers. A vast majority of unspayed older females contract a life-threatening infection of the uterus, call pyometra. This infection is caused by problems with progesterone, another female hormone which is eliminated through spaying. Female dogs should be spayed before their first heat, if possible, which generally occurs between six months and one year of age.
Males that are not neutered often exhibit extremely aggressive behaviors, which can be dangerous to them, other animals and people. A dog that was well-behaved and calm in its youth can suddenly show a pack mentality and become more aggressive, chase cars, try to get loose to roam freely, or bark and growl a lot -- all as a result of high testosterone levels. Many of these habits become hard to break. A male dog neutered between six months and one year of age will retain its youthful calm.
Spaying and neutering are common surgeries. They require some form of anesthesia and most vets prefer for the dog to remain in the hospital overnight. Your dog may be under the weather for a few more days as a result of the surgery, but will heal within a matter of a week or so.
Declaw and Tendonectomy
Declaw In Cats And Kittens
(onychectomy)
Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior for cats. The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn fragments of nails. Though scratching is normal for cats, this behavior can be destructive and costly in the home. For many cat owners, declaw or tendonectomy is the only solution.
A declawed cat should be confined indoors, since the claws are its primary means of defense. A house cat has little need for defense and is a more suitable pet because it can no longer ruin furnishings or scratch people.
Declawing (onychectomy) is performed under general anesthesia and consists of surgical removal of the nail bed versus the incision of a tendon (tendonectomy). At Indian Tree Animal Hospital, we believe in reducing pain and decreasing healing time therefore only performing these procedures with laser. The feet are usually bandaged, and the cat may be hospitalized briefly. After the bandages are removed, your pet will be able to walk normally, though tenderness may be evident for a few days.
Dentals
All of us can understand the importance of dental care for their pets, because the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease is the same for animals as it is for people. There is no reason to believe that animals do not feel the same pain of sore gums and a toothache that we feel. So, the main reason to care for your pet's teeth is to prevent pain.
If you never brushed your teeth, your mouth would be sore and you would have trouble eating. You might feel tired all the time because the infection in your mouth would spread throughout your body. The exact same thing happens in your pet's mouth. The mouth is the door to the rest of the body. It has a very good immune system to protect it against the constant barrage of bacteria and toxins it deals with every minute. But it needs some help. We must keep it clean of the plaque that is constantly forming on the teeth.
Plaque is a clear, thick substance consisting of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. In fact, plaque is 80% bacteria and forms within 6-8 hours after brushing. It sticks to the teeth and collects in the pockets around the teeth. If not removed, an infection will result. This infection will eventually overwhelm the body's immune system.
Signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease:
- Bad Breath
- Drooling
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Vomiting
- Gums swollen or red, may bleed
- Brownish-yellow calculus (tartar) on teeth
- Receded gums
- Loose or missing teeth
The best defense against plaque is regular brushing at home in combination with professional scaling and polishing.
Dental Care for Puppies and Kittens
The sooner you start caring for your pet's teeth, the longer they will live! It's true: periodontal disease is directly related to geriatric diseases such as liver, kidney, heart, and nervous system diseases. If you can keep your pet's mouth healthy they will live longer healthier lives.
The baby teeth of puppies and kittens erupt at 3 to 6 weeks of age. Adult teeth replace these by 6 months of age. Most people adopt pets between 6 and 12 weeks of age, so this is a perfect time to begin proper home dental care. When the adult teeth erupt, they should be brushed daily. This is much easier if your pet is already used to having its mouth and teeth handled.
Start within a day or two of bringing your new pet home. Pet the muzzle with your finger. Start at the side of the nose and rub your fingers along the muzzle and whisker. Then do the other side. Cats often do this naturally as part of their play with you. Do not let your pet bite your finger, even softly in play. Such behavior is not teeth brushing; it is early aggressive mouthing behavior. If s/he does, stop your "brushing" training say "NO!" firmly, and resume the petting gently. This may be as far as you will get the first day or two. Be sure to only go as far as you can successfully.
Build each day on the previous day's success. You may only be able to put your hand on the muzzle the first day or two. This is fine, just remember to go slow and make it fun and part of the play you do with your pet. Use lots of praise and even a treat, if that helps. After your pet is used to the top muzzle (maxilla) being handled, start "petting" the bottom muzzle (mandible). Start in the front and rub your finger along each side. Get up close to the lips.
It is important to do this every day. Only then will it become a habit and part of your pet's daily life. It is actually easier to do it daily than every other day, or weekly, or monthly. By doing it daily, your pet looks forward to it and will train you to remember it. Some pets actually come running for the attention when they seen the toothbrush.
Gradually, after 1-2 weeks, you will be able to "pet" the gums with your finger or a soft bristled toothbrush. This should only take 30 seconds. Try to put your finger along the gums to the last molars (below the eye). By 6 months of age, your pet will be so used to having its mouth, teeth, and gums handled, brushing those new white adult teeth will be easy.
Vaccinations & Vaccination Schedules
Many of the serious disease of cats can be prevented by vaccination. With over 50 million pet cats in the United States alone, your pet is bound to come in contact with an infectious disease at some time. Even if you always keep your pet indoors, your cat can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, in dust, or on clothing. Vaccination is a safe cost-effective method of protection against costly treatment, or even premature death of your cat.
Kittens
Vaccination series should begin between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks and receive booster vaccinations every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age. Kittens will receive a one year rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and again the following year.
Adult Cats
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are required by law in most cities and counties. We offer both a one year and a three year rabies vaccine. The three year rabies vaccination may be administered to your pet after two years of age.
Feline Leukemia:
Leukemia is a very serious viral infection. There is no treatment, and a cat that has it may spread it through direct contact (blood, saliva, urine, etc.) to other cats. They may not show distinct signs of illness as the virus attacks the immune system. It can also cause tumors. All cats should be tested for FeLV, and any cats going outside should be vaccinated. Kittens can receive their first vaccination at 8 weeks of age and should have a booster 3-4 weeks following. Adult cats should receive the vaccination annually.
Giardia Vaccination:
This vaccination may help prevent cats from picking up Giardia, a single-celled intestinal organism with human transmission risks.
FIV/FIP Vaccinations:
We currently do not recommend these vaccinations as part of the core protocol for cats. Current literature has shown questionable benefit and possibly increased risk of reaction. We will discuss them with owners of cats at risk on a need-based specific basis.
Dogs and Puppies
Vaccinations & Vaccination Schedules
Many of the serious diseases of dogs can be prevented by vaccination. With over 50 million pet dogs in the United States alone, your pet is bound to come in contact with an infectious disease at some time. Even if you always keep your pet indoors, your dog can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, in dust, or on clothing. Vaccination is a safe cost-effective method of protection against costly treatment, or even premature death of your dog.
Puppies
Vaccination series should be started between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and needs to be boosted every three to four weeks until the animal is 16 weeks of age. Puppies will receive a one year rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age and again the following year.
Adult Dogs
Rabies
Rabies vaccines are required by law in most cities and counties. We offer both a one year and a three year rabies vaccine. The three year rabies vaccination may be administered to your pet after two years of age.
Combination Vaccines
The staff at Indian Tree Animal Hospital is concerned about the total well-being and health of your pet. Recently, numerous research studies have shown adequate antibody protection from combination vaccines beyond one year. In order to remain medically progressive, we are offering you the choice of having your pet receive this combination vaccination on a rotational schedule.
It is important for you to understand that none of the vaccine manufacturers have labeled combination vaccinations for efficacy beyond one year (distemper, parvo, parainfluenza and hepatitis viruses). Therefore, Indian Tree Animal Hospital is requiring a blood titer test each year the combination vaccination is not given, until a multiple year label is approved. This test will assess adequate protection in your pet from the distemper and parvoviruses. If a protective titer is not proven, a distemper combination vaccine will be recommended at that time.
Other Vaccines
Other vaccinations we recommend are as follows:
Bordatella vaccine
For dogs that frequent the kennel, groomer, or dog parks, to name a few of those at risk for contracting this upper respiratory viral infection.
Leptospirosis vaccine
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be found in most animals, including livestock (cattle, pigs and sheep) and wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rats, and other rodents). The bacteria are passed via the urine into water sources, where they reside and reproduce.
Leptospirosis is prevalent in rural, suburban and urbanized areas. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil and recreational water sources such as ponds and lakes. Additionally, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes present and increased risk of exposure to this disease.
Your dog can become infected with leptospirosis by drinking, swimming in or walking through contaminated water. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut in the skin or through mucous membranes (such as eyes, nose or mouth). Leptospirosis is a contagious disease and can be transmitted from dog to dog. In urban areas, infected dogs can transmit the disease to otherwise-low-risk dogs. Exposure risk increases during the summer and early fall months, and other periods of high rainfall.
Although cats are potentially at risk for leptospirosis, they appear to have natural resistance. For this reason, cats are not vaccinated for leptospirosis.
Can people get Leptospirosis?
Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 200 human cases of leptospirosis a year are identified in the United States.
You may reduce disease risk by complying with the following preventative measures:
1. Vaccinate your dog and livestock.
2. Avoid water that might be contaminated with bacteria, especially water that is
stagnant.
3. Practice good sanitation, including washing you and your children's hands-
especially when handling anything that might have your dog's urine on it.
4. If your occupation or lifestyle involves routine exposure to wildlife or standing
water, wear protective clothing to avoid exposure.
PARASITE CONTROL
Ectoparasites (Fleas and Ticks)
Fleas are external parasites that cause a skin allergy, a common skin disease for dogs and cats. Ticks latch on to the skin and burrow in to feed on blood. Both can be itching, annoying and unhealthy for your dog and you. Keeping your dog flea and tick free is easier today thanks to new products that can be applied once-a-month. However, you need to visually inspect your dog's skin for signs of fleas during daily grooming and check for ticks after returning from an area known to have them, like wooded camping sites.
We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.
Intestinal Parasites
We recommend semi-annual or annual fecal testing depending on your pet's lifestyle. Dogs and cats also are commonly infected with intestinal parasites, some of which may be transmitted to people. This jeopardizes the health of pets and creates a significant risk to the public.
The public's exposure to zoonotic parasites is of a magnitude generally not recognized by veterinarians, physicians, or members of the general public. Three to six million people in the United States are infected with Toxocara larva migrans each year, and the overall seroprevalence ranges from an average of 3.5 percent to more than 23 percent in some areas. And while the prevalence of ascarids (Toxocara canis, T. cati) and hookworms (Ancylostom spp.) varies by locale, these parasites are present in virtually all regions of the United States, resulting in a relatively high infection rate in puppies and kittens.
Heartworm
- Adult Heartworms live in the right side of the heart.
- They are 6-14 inches long. Several hundred may be present in the dog!
- Heartworms impair blood circulation, resulting in damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Serious damage may occur, even before outward clinical signs are detected by the owner.
- Advanced signs include difficult breathing, coughing, tiring easily, listlessness, and loss of weight, and fainting.
- Heartworms are found throughout the United States and Canada.
Mosquitoes spread heartworms:
After ingesting blood from and infected dog, the MICROFILARIA (“baby” heartworms) is transmitted to another dog or cat when the mosquito bites it. Once the heartworms mature, they begin reproducing additional microfilaria. A mosquito must ingest the microfilaria before they can become infectious. The mosquito must then inject the heartworm larvae into the susceptible pet. It takes about 6 months for adult Heartworms to develop in a dog after an infected mosquito bites it. Heartworms occur in all breeds of dogs: large and small, shorthaired and longhaired, inside-dogs and outside-dogs. Heartworms also now are known to infect cats. Diagnosis of Heartworms is by blood test to detect the “baby” heartworms in the blood. A special test to detect “occult heartworm disease” is sometimes required when heartworms are suspected, even if the initial screening test is negative, because a small number of dogs may have adult heartworms but yet have no microfilaria in the bloodstream. Treatment is very SUCCESSFUL when the disease is detected early. The adult worms are killed with an inject able drug given in a series of 2 injections. A few days later, the worms begin to die, and are carried by way of the bloodstream to the lungs where they lodge in small blood vessels. They slowly decompose and are absorbed by the body over a period of several months. Other injections are required to kill the microfilaria (baby heartworms) at a later time.
HEARTWORMS CAN BE PREVENTED!!!!
We strongly recommend the new once/month heartworm preventives, which also aid in the prevention of other internal parasites. It should be given all year long routine testing for Heartworms once each year is suggested for all dogs!
We RECOMMEND that Heartworm preventive be given all year long.
BENEFITS OF YEAR-ROUND PREVENTION:
- Mosquitoes can survive the winter inside your home. A mosquito which is carrying
- With the displacement of Hurricane Katrina dogs from New Orleans, we have seen an increase in dogs testing positive for heartworm even during the winter months.
- Only one bite can infect your pet.
Eliminates the possibility of infection during the “off-season.” A year-round prevention program virtually eliminates the possibility of contracting heartworm disease because no “off-season” will exist.
- Convenience. It will be more convenient to “stay on schedule” to remind you to give the Heartworm prevention
- Provides protection for dogs that travel to warmer climates during the winter. Although mosquitoes are not prevalent in New England year-round, some areas of the country, such as the Southeast, has a year-round population of mosquitoes. This may pose a threat to any dog not on year-round heartworm preventive if they travel or reside in those areas of the country that have a long mosquito season.
Reasons for this include:
- The heartworm preventive medication may be vomited or spit out by your dog without your knowledge, thereby, exposing your pet to heartworm disease.
- Either by accident or oversight, you may forget to give the monthly preventive.
None of the routine heartworm tests are able to detect immature or early heartworm infestation. Your dog may have had an undetectable infection at the time of his/her last heartworm test, and therefore, could have a dangerous infection. Heartworm preventives WILL prevent new infections of heartworms, BUT it CANNOT prevent the progress of pre-existing heartworm infection.
Training
We recommend bringing your new puppy to basic obedience training and socialization. It benefits your pet and you by opening basic communication between the two of you. We have trainers at our boarding/kennel facility, Indian Tree Pet Lodge and Doggy Day Camp, who may assist you and your pet. Please call 303-421-5544 to schedule your puppy training class.
Behavioral Counseling
We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression.
Poisoning
Many common indoor and outdoor plants can be poisonous to dogs. Before your bring your dog home, get rid of any houseplants that appear on the list below. Don't let your dog eat plants and leaves when outdoors. If you do suspect poisoning, get your pet to the veterinarian immediately. You should also keep the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center hotline number near your phone in case of emergency. You can reach this 24/7 hotline by calling toll free 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-424-4357).
Following is a partial list developed by the ASPCA's Poison Control Center of common plants that are poisonous
