FAQs

Please feel free to send us a message suggesting we add a particular question and answer to the list.

What is Arthritis?
What is Bordetella?
What is Cushing's Disease?
What is Euthanasia?
What is FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)?
What is FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)?
What is Heartworm Disease?
What is a Heart Murmur?
What is Hip Dysplasia?
What is Kennel Cough?
What is Parvo Virus?


Arthritis

One of the most common ailments affecting pets is arthritis. As dogs and cats age, it is very common for them to suffer from painful joints. Very rarely do I see a geriatric dog that does not have at least a mild degree of arthritic disease. Unfortunately, arthritis and the pain that results from it, is probably the most common reason that older dogs are euthanized.

The most common symptoms an owner will notice in an arthritic animal are difficulty in rising from a laying position and decreased activity. Unfortunately for the animal, many people see the symptoms of arthritic pain and simply assume that their dog is just "slowing down as a result of old age." 

Due to recent advances in anti-inflammatory medicines, the pain of arthritis can now be dramatically decreased.  There is a new class of medicine that is making a dramatic difference in many animals with arthritis. This a drug that has all the pain alleviating properties of a very potent aspirin but none of the gastrointestinal side effects. In addition, there are chondroprotective drugs (drugs that help repair and build up the damaged cartilage associated with arthritis) that can make a wonderful difference for a painful pet. 

If your animal seems to be "slowing down with age," please don't assume this is normal or unmanageable. I have no doubt that if animals could speak they would tell us the pain of arthritis is often times excruciating. 

If you have any questions about arthritis or the medicines that we recommend please don't hesitate to call us.
 
Note: Never give your pet medicine without checking with your veterinarian first. Some drugs are dangerous to pets even in small doses.



Bordetella

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the name of the specific germ most commonly associated with the disease "Kennel Cough." Kennel Cough is a severe infection and inflammation of the trachea (wind-pipe) and bronchi (the tubes leading to the lungs).

The symptoms of Kennel Cough are a raspy, loud, cough and sometimes a production of phlegm, which is usually swallowed by the dog. This can be very irritating and debilitating for the dog and a noisy nuisance for the owner. 

Kennel Cough is a contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog and is very common where dogs are housed together in large groups, thus the name. Some recent evidence indicates that cats may be involved in the transmission of Kennel Cough and may even suffer from the disease on occasion.

Kennel Cough is prevented by vaccination and most kennels require proof that an animal has been vaccinated before they will agree to board an animal.

I recommend Bordetella vaccines for any dog that has any risk of coming in contact with another animal.  This means virtually every dog that goes for walks or has routine annual check-ups at the veterinarian. It is much easier and less expensive to prevent the disease than to treat the disease.
 
Kennel cough is very rarely deadly unless the dog is suffering from a pre-existing condition and is usually treated successfully with appropriate medicines, although it may take as long as two weeks for the alleviation of symptoms.



Cushing's Disease

Cushing's Disease is the common name for hyperadrenocorticism.  This is a disease in which too much cortisone is secreted from the adrenal glands and results in a number of serious symptoms.  The most common symptoms that occur in pets are increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, development of a "pot-bellied" appearance and lethargy.
 
Cushing's Disease is a very serious disease that if left untreated can lead to the death of your pet. Fortunately it is relatively simple to diagnose with blood tests and there are treatments available that can control this terrible disease and sometimes even cure it. 

If you think your animal may be showing you any of the symptoms listed above please don't hesitate to contact us.



Euthanasia

It is a very unfortunate fact that at some point in our lives we will have to say good-bye to a beloved pet that has meant so much to us. This is not an easy time for anyone and we realize this. Therefore we try to make this experience as comfortable and compassionate as possible for both you and your pet.

The medicine that we use for euthanasia allows the pet to fall asleep peacefully.  In most cases the pet feels no pain or suffering whatsoever.  This is why we allow owners to be present at the time of euthanasia if they desire. After euthanasia owners are encouraged to take as much time as they feel necessary to say good-bye to their pet.
 
If you have any questions regarding this difficult decision please feel free to contact us. If you decide it is time for you to take this step, please call and let us know so that we can arrange an appointment time for you that will not require a long time in the waiting room or any other disturbances. We will try to make this as peaceful a visit as possible.



FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

F.I.V. (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a deadly virus that affects cats. Often referred to as "kitty AIDS," this virus destroys the immune system of cats and makes them very susceptible to infection from other germs that their bodies could normally fight off.

Fortunately, a vaccine for this disease recently became available and is proving to be an effective means of prevention. We recommend that any cat that is at risk of coming in contact with outdoor cats be vaccinated with the F.I.V. vaccine. In addition, In an attempt to try to eliminate the disease from the cat population, it is recommended that all kittens be tested for F.I.V.

If you have any questions regarding this disease, please don't hesitate to contact our office.



FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

Fe.L.V. (Feline Leukemia Virus) is a very deadly virus affecting cats. This germ is an oncogenic virus (oncogenic means cancer causing) that is spread from cat to cat by intimate contact or fighting. 

There is a vaccine currently available to protect your cat against this disease. At our clinic we recommend all cats receive their leukemia vaccine unless there is 100% certainty that she will never come in contact with another cat. We also recommend that all kittens are tested for this disease so that we can control the amount of exposure infected cats have with non-infected cats.
 
If you have any questions regarding this deadly disease please don't hesitate to contact our clinic.



Heartworm Disease

Heartworms are parasites that live in the hearts of dogs and cats. They are transmitted by mosquitoes from one animal to another. If a dog or cat develops heartworm disease and they are not treated, there is a very good chance the animal will die from the infection.

The thing to keep in mind when dealing with heartworm disease is that it is much easier, safer, and less expensive to PREVENT the disease than to TREAT the disease. This is why we stress the importance of yearly heartworm prevention.



Heart Murmur

When a veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart, there are two specific abnormalities that they are listening for, (1) Heart Murmurs and (2) Arrhythmias. A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that usually is the result of a heart valve not closing like it normally should. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart beat.

Both of these conditions can be congenital (the pet is born with the condition) or acquired (the pet develops the condition with age). One of the surprising facts about heart murmurs is that they are often related to poor dental health. A lot of clients find this strange and hard to believe. But what happens so often, is that the bacteria that grow on the teeth of dogs and cats after years of not brushing actually get into the blood stream from the gums and lodge on the heart valves. Eventually this results in a bad heart that may ultimately fail.

This is one very important reason for regular dental care of your pet. If you have any questions regarding heart disease and how it may be related to dental health, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.



Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a disease that affects the "ball and socket" joint of the hip (where the back leg attaches to the pelvis).  Symptoms of hip dysplasia are usually related to the arthritic changes that occur as a result of the bad joint.  Pain and sometimes a strange walking or running posture will be evident. Diagnosis is made with the aid of x-rays.

Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease that can affect any dog, large or small, pure breed or mix. However, certain breeds such as the German Shepherd and Rottweiller, are especially susceptible to this disease.

Surgery is the only cure for this dreaded disease. The arthritis can be controlled with some of the new anti-inflammatories and joint strengthening medicines now available.

If you have any questions regarding hip dysplasia please don't hesitate to contact us.



Kennel Cough

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the name of the specific germ most commonly associated with the disease "Kennel Cough." Kennel Cough is a severe infection and inflammation of the trachea (wind-pipe) and bronchi (the tubes leading to the lungs).

The symptoms of Kennel Cough are a raspy, loud, cough and sometimes a production of phlegm, which is usually swallowed by the dog. This can be very irritating and debilitating for the dog and a noisy nuisance for the owner.
 
Kennel Cough is a contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog and is very common where dogs are housed together in large groups, thus the name. Some recent evidence indicates that cats may be involved in the transmission of Kennel Cough and may even suffer from the disease on occasion.

Kennel Cough is prevented by vaccination and most kennels require proof that an animal has been vaccinated before they will agree to board an animal.

I recommend Bordetella vaccines for any dog that has any risk of coming in contact with another animal. This means virtually every dog that goes for walks or has routine annual check-ups at the veterinarian.  It is much easier and less expensive to prevent the disease than to treat the disease.
 
Kennel cough is very rarely deadly unless the dog is suffering from a pre-existing condition and is usually treated successfully with appropriate medicines, although it may take as long as two weeks for the alleviation of symptoms.



Parvo Virus

Canine Parvo Virus is one of the saddest diseases that veterinarians must treat. This deadly disease affects unvaccinated dogs, especially puppies. The parvo germ destroys the intestinal lining of affected dogs and causes them to vomit severely and have bloody diarrhea. If not treated appropriately with I.V. fluids and medicines most of these puppies will die a horrible death due to dehydration.

There is a very effective vaccine available to prevent this disease. If puppies receive their parvo vaccines on an appropriate schedule (every 2-3 weeks depending on the vaccine used and area in which the dog lives) there is virtual certainty that they will not develop the disease.  Unfortunately many pet owners do not stick to the schedule recommended by their veterinarian and as a result they and their puppy must endure the very painful and expensive treatment procedures to fight off the disease.   Every veterinarian has heard the following expression too many times, "I don't understand doc, he got a parvo shot a few weeks ago, why does he have parvo now".

If your puppy develops diarrhea or begins vomiting please seek veterinary assistance immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to maximize the chances of survival for your puppy.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.