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Veterinary Services Wellness Exams, Vaccinations, and Preventive Health Care
.............................................................................................................................................................. Routine health examinations are critical to the long-term health and well-being of your pet. During the comprehensive exam, we will take a thorough history and examine your pet from head to tail: mouth, teeth, eyes, ears, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, and legs. We will also check your pet’s weight and body condition, and compare it with past measurements. Routine exams can help us find small problems before they adversely affect your pet’s health. Our veterinarians will take your pet’s lifestyle, life stage, and health into consideration when developing a schedule for wellness care, such as vaccinations, deworming, and fecal examinations for internal parasites. Puppies and Kittens—examinations, vaccinations, and deworming are recommended every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-9 weeks of age and continuing until the pet is fully vaccinated. For young puppies and kittens, vaccinations should be given until the animal is at least 16 weeks of age. For older kittens and puppies starting vaccinations later, at least two doses of vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart are required for full protection. Adult Dogs and Cats (up to 7 years of age)—Adult dogs and cats should receive a health examination at least annually. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s lifestyle and health risks and determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your pet. Dogs may need vaccinations for rabies, DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus type-2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus), bordetella, and porphyromonas. A routine fecal examination should be done on all dogs at least annually. Dogs not on heartworm prevention that includes a monthly dewormer should also receive a broad-spectrum dewormer at least annually. Cats may need vaccinations for rabies, FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), and leukemia. A routine fecal examination should be done on all cats at least annually. Cats that go outside who are not on a monthly dewormer, such as Revolution, should receive a broad-spectrum dewormer at least annually. Senior Dogs and Cats (7 years old and older)—Many cats and dogs begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age. Senior dogs and cats should receive semiannual examinations, so that disorders can be found and treated early, and ongoing medical conditions can be evaluated. We may recommend additional tests, such as bloodwork, urinalysis, blood pressure readings, or radiographs to monitor your pet’s health. This care is necessary to keep your senior pet in the best possible health for the longest possible time. Click here for more information on senior pet care. Click here for more information on senior cats . Exotics and Birds—At Gladstone Veterinary Clinic, we open our doors to many different species. We are happy to see your birds, pocket pets, rodents, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, frogs, snakes, pot-bellied pigs, and fish. These pets also benefit from annual health examinations to stay healthy and happy. ........................................................................................................................ Vaccinations against preventable infectious diseases help your pet live a long, healthy life. Your puppy or kitten will need a series of vaccinations in order to boost their immune system and become fully protected against diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, leukemia, and rabies. After the initial puppy or kitten series, these vaccines should be boosted one year later. After that, some vaccines can provide protection for up to 3 years. Your veterinarian will take your pet’s lifestyle and risk into consideration when developing a vaccination schedule so that your pet does not receive any vaccinations that he or she doesn’t need. The goal is to make sure that the vaccine protocol is protecting your pet from risks they face, without vaccinating unnecessarily. Once a pet has received the initial series of puppy or kitten vaccines and boosters 1 year later, we prefer to schedule vaccine boosters on a rotating three-year schedule for most patients, providing a lighter burden on the immune system with each annual exam. Canine Vaccines Rabies DA2PP
Bordetella is the primary causative agent of Kennel Cough or Infectious Tracheobronchitis. Infection with Bordetella Bronchiseptica causes a bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” It is analogous to a chest cold for humans and is typically only a serious condition in young puppies or immunocompromised individuals; in general, it resolves on its own. Because it is common for Bordetella to be accompanied by at least one other infections agent (such as Adenovirus Type 2 or Parainfluenza), kennel cough is actually a complex of infections rather than infection by one agent. The vaccine may not provide complete immunity against the disease, but it will lessen the severity of disease. This vaccine should be given to any dog who will be boarded or hospitalized, who goes to a groomer, who frequents dog parks or dog daycare, or goes to dog shows or sporting competitions. Porphyromonas is also known as the dental or periodontitis vaccine. This vaccine is used as an aid in prevention of canine periodontitis, which affects 85% if dogs over 3 years of age. It may be used in young adult dogs with a breed-specific higher risk of developing periodontal disease. It may also be used in adult dogs following dental cleaning to help slow the development of dental disease. The use of this vaccine is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Feline Vaccines Rabies FVRCP Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an extremely contagious viral disease caused by feline herpes virus-1. It causes fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, eye and nasal discharges, and coughing. Infection with feline herpes virus can be lifelong and reactivation can occur during periods of stress. Feline calcivirus is also easily transmitted from one cat to another. Symptoms include fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue, and pneumonia that can range from mild to severe. Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus together account for 90% of all infectious upper respiratory tract diseases and can be very difficult to treat. As with feline herpes virus, infection can be lifelong. In addition to upper respiratory tract disease, lameness and chronic oral inflammatory disease have been linked to calicivirus infection. Feline panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper. This virus can survive up to one year in the environment, and causes listlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration, fever, and even death. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine Reactions From time to time, dogs and cats may have mild side effects from vaccines. Some pets may seem tired, feel warm to the touch, or lose interest in food. These signs are often caused by a low-grade fever. In many dogs and cats, this is a natural response to the vaccine’s effect on the immune system. These side effects often start within a day or so after vaccination, and they should go away within a day or two. If these mild signs persist beyond several days, you should contact us for further instructions. Some vaccines may cause a little sting when they are given and may hurt for a moment or two. In some cases, there may be swelling, warmth, or redness where the vaccine was injected. This is a normal response for some dogs and cats. These signs often go away quickly, but some may take a few days or weeks to completely disappear after the injection is given. You should check the area where the vaccine was given to monitor for these signs. Please call us if you have any concerns. Very rarely, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur within minutes to hours after a vaccine is given. The patient may vomit, have diarrhea, have trouble breathing, or collapse. Sometimes, the pet’s face or body may begin to swell or develop hives as if stung by a bee. If you see these signs, please call us or the emergency clinic immediately. If your pet has a history of vaccine reactions, please let us know prior to vaccination. There is a lot of controversy about whether or not immune system disorders can be caused by vaccination. We do know that immune system disorders suspected of being associated with vaccination are very rare. When they occur, these diseases may harm the pet’s blood cells, platelets, eyes, or kidneys. Please discuss any history of immune-mediated disease with your veterinarian prior to vaccinating your pet. In these cases, your veterinarian may elect to waive vaccinations for your pet. Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas Vaccine-associated sarcomas are also very rare. They are seen in cats and have been reported more commonly associated with the leukemia vaccine. In these cases, a lump appears at the injection site and doesn’t go away and may even grow. Early treatment can be very helpful, so be sure to check your cat for any lumps that may develop at site of vaccination, and notify us immediately. For cats that are at risk of feline leukemia (cats that go outside and cats that are exposed to leukemia-positive cats or cats that go outside), the risk of the disease is much greater than the risk of developing a vaccine-associated sarcoma. For cats that stay indoors and are not at risk, we do not recommend this vaccine. For more information on vaccine-associated sarcomas, please go to http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/vaccsarc.html. ........................................................................................................................ Deworming and Fecal Examination for Internal Parasites There are several types of intestinal parasites that infect virtually all puppies and kittens and can commonly infect adult animals. These include tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Giardia and coccidia are also common intestinal parasites in dogs and cats. Although these parasites live inside the pet, they produce eggs too small to be seen with the naked eye. These eggs are passed in the pet’s feces. It is impossible to conclude that your pet does not have internal parasites on visual examination of the stool, so we use a microscope to analyze your pet’s fecal sample to identify any intestinal parasites. An appropriate medication can then be prescribed for treatment. Not only are your pets at risk, but many of these internal parasites can be transmitted to humans, especially children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 17% (approximately 1 in 7) of the people in the US test positive, and have had exposure to dog or cat roundworms. Dogs on heartworm prevention are already receiving a monthly dose of dewormer against some of these parasites; dogs not receiving monthly heartworm prevention should receive a broad-spectrum dewormer at least annually. We recommend Revolution for outdoor cats to protect against fleas and some internal parasites. Fecal examinations can detect anything that is missed by these other deworming treatments and should be performed on all pets at least annually. Protect your pets and your family from internal parasites. For more information go to www.petsandparasites.org. For specific information on internal parasites in cats, please go to http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/parasite.html. The Scratching Post—My Little Secret So, just so you know, I’m really the one in charge around here. And because I like you, I’m going to let you in on a little secret, but don’t tell anyone. I had… uh-hem, worms. It’s true—lots of them, it was so disgusting. It’s taken me awhile to be comfortable enough to admit that to anyone, but I started thinking that I could maybe help other cats, and maybe even dogs, too. (Although they don’t really deserve it—all they do is stand around and drool and act foolish: ”Oh, boy, what’s going to happen, now? Yippee.”) Geez...idiots. Anyway, I guess even idiots don’t deserve to have worms. Oh, they were in my stomach and my intestines...all over, I guess. I didn’t even really realize it had gotten so out of hand. You know, I don’t bother myself with going outside anymore. I’ve got so much work to do around here, and all. But I had this one little flea (I’m sure it was only one...I’m very clean), and the little buggar bit me, so I ate him. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but that’s when the tapeworms started. And I guess I probably got the roundworms from my mom...or it could’ve been from that grass I ate outside when my stomach wasn’t feeling so good one day. I’m just thankful it’s over. The doctors set me up with a broad-spectrum dewormer, and now I’m on a monthly dewormer called Revolution. It kills fleas, a bunch of internal parasites, and even those nasty ear mites. It just might be the best thing since sliced sardines. Yummm… I love sardines. In fact, I think I hear the can-opener. Anyway, talk to the good folks at Gladstone about fecal exams and deworming for your 4-legged friends. Just remember...you didn’t hear it from me! ........................................................................................................................ If your dog or cat is itching or scratching, fleas are a likely culprit. We often think of flea season beginning in early spring and lasting into the fall, but fleas can survive year-round in western Oregon’s mild climate. Fleas that live on your pet can easily spread to your house or yard, and vice versa, so it’s important to treat both your pet and your pet’s environment. Adult fleas jump on your pet when they sense heat or vibration telling them that a host is near. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. The eggs fall off of your pet and develop into tiny worm-like larvae, which hide in carpeting, furniture, bedding, in between couch cushions, and other dark places. The larvae mature as they feed on fecal matter dropped by adult fleas, and they become adult fleas, continuing the cycle. Signs of fleas include adult fleas on your pet’s skin or in your house, flea eggs on your pet’s coat (white oval shapes the size of table salt crystals), flea excrement on your pet’s skin (dark specks that turn reddish in water), and irritated skin or excessive itching, which can lead to hair loss or a bacterial skin infection (ranging from a “hot spot” to a severe skin infection). In addition to causing itching, irritation, and extreme discomfort, fleas can also lead to anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, Bartonellosis (Cat Scratch Fever), and other diseases. When ingested, fleas can cause tapeworms. Preventing flea problems is important for both you and your pet. In order to be truly effective, a year-round flea control program is necessary. There are many types and brands of flea prevention products available to pet owners, from often unsafe and unreliable over-the-counter products to a wide range of veterinary products. We recommend Advantage, Frontline Plus, and Revolution topical flea products monthly for safe and effective prevention of fleas. We can help you choose a product that is right for your pet. Regular vacuuming helps remove flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. Don’t forget to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty and rinse the canister, as fleas can hatch in the bag after vacuuming. If you use a fogger or flea spray in your house, yard, or kennel, be sure to read the directions carefully and choose one that will kill flea eggs and larvae in addition to adult fleas. A Warning for Cat Owners: Use Flea & Tick Products Safely! ........................................................................................................................ Although not a major problem throughout most of the Portland metro area, ticks can be a problem in some areas, and are certainly a concern when traveling to the beach, mountains, or to Southern Oregon. Ticks are often unnoticed initially. They attach themselves to your pet’s skin and feed on blood until they are engorged. They may feel like a bump when you run your hands through your pet’s hair. Ticks thrive in high humidity and moderate temperatures, but can be found all over the country. Ticks may carry and transmit diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (which can both cause serious health problems in pets and people), ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. The best way to find ticks on your pet is to run your hands over the whole body. Check for ticks every time your pet comes back from an area you know is inhabited by ticks. Ticks attach most frequently around the pet's head, ears, neck, and feet, but are by no means restricted to those areas. The safest way to remove a tick is to use rubbing alcohol and a pair of tweezers. Dab rubbing alcohol on the tick, and then use the tweezers to take hold of the tick as close to the dog’s skin as you can; pull slowly and steadily. Try not to leave the tick’s head embedded in the dog’s skin. Don’t squeeze the tick because it might inject some disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or other agents, into the animal during the process. Risk of disease transmission to you, while removing ticks, is low but you should wear gloves if you wish to be perfectly safe. Do not apply hot matches, petroleum jelly, turpentine, nail polish, or alcohol to ticks, because these methods do not remove the ticks and they are not safe for your pet. Once you have removed a live tick, don’t dispose of it until you have killed it. Put the tick in alcohol or insecticide to kill it. After you pull a tick off, there will be a local area of inflammation that could look red, crusty, or scabby. The tick’s attachment causes irritation. The site can get infected; if the pet is scratching at it, it is more apt to get infected. A mild antibiotic, such as over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment can help, but usually is not necessary. The inflammation should go down within a week. If it stays crusty and inflamed longer than a week, it might have become infected. The best approach is to avoid ticks altogether. We recommend Frontline Plus and Revolution monthly for safe and effective protection against ticks. ........................................................................................................................ Heartworm Testing and Prevention Heartworms are large, spaghetti-like worms that live in the hearts of infected dogs and occasionally cats. They can be anywhere from 6-10 inches in length. Heartworm larvae are transferred to pet when that pet is bitten by an infected mosquito. This means that even indoor dogs and dogs that don’t have contact with other animals are still susceptible. The larvae mature to adult worms, which can clog the heart and arteries in an infected dog, eventually leading to heart failure. We follow the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society and other experts in recommending monthly heartworm prevention and testing every two years for all of our canine patients. The current reported incidence of heartworm disease is low in the Portland area, but it is becoming more prevalent as a result of our mobile society. In addition, heartworm disease is a much bigger problem in Southern Oregon and throughout the rest of the US and in many parts of Canada. The only way to protect your dog from this fatal disease is to test your pet and start monthly prevention, such as Heartgard Plus or Revolution. These products also provide your pet with a monthly deworming against many internal parasites (discussed further below). With our in-house testing capabilities, we can tell within about 10 minutes if your dog is infected and begin steps toward treating the disease. Testing should be repeated every two years to ensure that your pet has remained adequately protected. Additional information about heartworm disease can be found at the American Heartworm Society’s website. Feline Leukemia (FeLV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Both feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can be transmitted from cat to cat through breeding and fighting, and from a mother cat to her kittens. Cats can be infected with either of these viruses for long periods of time before they show any signs, but both viruses can be fatal. Any new cat or kitten should be tested before bringing him/her into a household with other cats. We also recommend testing any cat that has been fighting. After being transmitted via a bite wound, FeLV and FIV may take up to 60 days to show up on a blood test. Why is a Feline Leukemia Test Required Prior to Vaccination? ........................................................................................................................ Microchipping (Permanent Identification) We believe very strongly that microchipping helps owners to be reunited with lost pets. Although tags and collars are important, they can tear or slip off. With microchipping, on the other hand, a veterinarian injects a tiny computer chip (about the size of a grain of rice) just under your pet’s skin, between the shoulder blades. A number on the microchip is entered into an international database. If your dog or cat is found, any animal hospital, shelter, or humane society can use a microchip reader to read the unique ID number contained on the chip. That number can be used to find your information in the database. The chip can’t be lost or damaged, and it lasts for the pet’s lifetime. If you ever need to change your contact information, it can be done with a single phone call. ........................................................................................................................ Nutrition and Prescription Diets Confused by the myriad of pet diets out there? We can help you make informed decisions about the right food for your individual pet. For information on feline nutrition, please go to: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/feedcats.html. We carry a wide range of veterinary prescription diets for your pet’s nutritional needs:
Please call ahead to see if we have the product you are looking for. We are happy to special order prescription diets for you. ........................................................................................................................ It is estimated that at least 40% of our dogs and cats are overweight. Those extra pounds may cause health problems when a pet exceeds 10-15% of his or her ideal body weight. An overweight pet is predisposed to joint problems such as arthritis, respiratory difficulties, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver disease, decreased heat tolerance, increased incidence of skin disease, increased anesthetic/surgical risks, increased risk of diabetes, and decreased resistance to infectious diseases, among other problems. At 15% more than his/her body weight, a pet is officially obese. No one likes the “O” word, but there are some things you can do to help your pet shed those extra pounds. Weight loss should be accomplished slowly, with a nutritionally-balanced diet. All members of the family need to work together to help achieve the weight loss goal for the pet. As appropriate for your pet, a moderate weight loss program can also aid weight loss. We can help evaluate your pet to see if and how much weight loss is needed, help you select a reduced-calorie diet, and also to help calculate appropriate feeding amounts for your specific pet. Because dogs and cats vary widely in actual energy requirements, your pet’s actual response to a standardized weight-loss program will also vary. Regular weigh-ins will help us make any adjustments. Weight Loss Tips:
........................................................................................................................ Rabies Licensing for Clackamas and Multnomah Counties For your convenience, we can license your pet(s) for Clackamas or Multnomah Counties here at our hospital. Your pet must be current on his or her rabies vaccination. If we did not administer the rabies vaccination, you must show proof of vaccination. You can also go online to the appropriate county website to license your pet: www.co.clackamas.or.us/dogs/license.htm or www.multcopets.org.
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