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Preventative Care Information Sheet

Preventative Care Information Sheet

Canine distemper: Virus that causes respiratory and neurological disease. This virus can be found in the environment or can be transmitted directly from other dogs.

Parvo Virus: Intestinal virus that causes severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting. This virus can be found in the environment or in feces from infected dogs.

Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease that causes liver and kidney failure. Transmitted by urine from raccoons, rodents, skunks and wildlife found in our backyards. Life-threatening disease that can also be transmitted to humans, both from infected dogs as well as from the environment.

Rabies: Fatal viral infection that is transmitted primarily through bite wounds and contact with saliva. Skunks, bats, raccoons, and foxes are the primary carriers in the wild. Vaccination is recommended for ALL cats and dogs. Rabies has the potential to be transmitted to humans and is fatal in both pets and humans.

Kennel cough/Bordetella: A bacterial disease that is very contagious that causes a loud, goose honk cough. It is very contagious, can be airborne and transmitted by casual contact such as sniffing, playing or sharing water dishes.

Canine Influenza: A viral respiratory disease that can cause coughing, sneezing, lethargy. In 2018, there was an outbreak in New York, and in past years, other states. Due to that, kennels are now requiring the vaccine for boarding.

Heartworm disease: A parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitos. Both dogs and cats can be infected. When an infected mosquito bites a pet, the disease is transmitted and the worm matures into a worm that lives in the heart. This can cause severe heart and respiratory disease, coughing, and death. It can be easily prevented by administering a once a month heartworm preventative year round. We recommend starting puppies on HWP as early as 6 weeks and then continue with prevention once a month lifelong. Annual testing is recommended. Although easy to prevent, it is not an easy disease to treat, requiring expensive, painful injections and a minimum of 8 weeks of strict cage rest.

Fecal flotation: Used to diagnose internal parasites or worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccida and giardia. Kittens and puppies are frequently infected with intestinal parasites and are susceptible to re-infection. Therefore, multiple fecal flotations are recommended for young animals. If no eggs are being shed, then the infection cannot be detected. The fecal flotation can be negative, even though infection is present. This is most common in very young pets, which is why multiple stool tests in puppies and kittens are recommended. Roundworms and hookworms have the potential to be transmitted to humans. Adult dogs and cats should have as annual fecal exam.

FVRCP Vaccine (Feline Distemper Vaccine): Combination of upper respiratory viruses that cause sneezing and ocular disease in cats. They can be airborne or transmitted by contact with a contaminated surface. It is recommended that indoor cats are also vaccinated.

FELV/FIV (retroviruses):

Cats carrying either of these viruses may not show any signs of illness. Both diseases disrupt the immune system, allowing other infections and even cancers to harm your cat. These viruses can hide in your cat's cells and avoid detection for months or years. Your cat may not ever show symptoms or signs. Testing at adoption is recommended. Testing may also be recommended later in life depending on each cats lifestyle.

Feline Leukemia (FELV): A retroviral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or blood, either through grooming or fighting. Pregnant or nursing cats can pass the virus on to their kittens as well. There is a vaccine that is recommended for any cats that will be outdoors.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): A retroviral disease that if transmitted through saliva or blood, either through grooming or fighting. Pregnant or nursing cats can pass the virus on to their kittens as well. Although a vaccine does exist, it is generally not recommended.

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