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EXAMINATIONS:
1. Young Adult – (Ages 1 year to less than 7 years of age) –Examinationsevery year
2. Mature/Middle Age Pets – (Ages 7 years to 10 years of age) – Examinations every 6 months.
3. Senior Pets – (Over 10 years of age) – Examinations every 6 months.
Each year in a pet’s life equals 5 to 7 human years therefore health issues can go undetected or change dramatically if the older pet is only seen once a year.
At each exam your pet will be weighed, it’s body condition/score monitored and it’s overall general appearance will be assessed. The pet’s coat and skin condition, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums will be examined. The heart and lungs will be auscultated (auscultation is the method of listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination) and the abdomen and lymph nodes will be palpated. The musculoskeletal, neurological and genital/urinary systems will be evaluated.
During your pet’s exam we can discuss issues with behavioral changes, answer any specific questions you have and present new information in areas such as pet insurance options, microchipping, nutrition or flea and tick control.
We are also happy to demonstrate nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.
VACCINATIONS:
Pet Vet has adopted the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ 2006 Feline
Vaccine Guidelines and the American Animal Hospital Association’s 2006 Canine Vaccination Guidelines:
In general :Adult Dogs and Cats ( Over 2 years of age) – If a pet received distemper vaccines as a puppy/kitten and 1 year later then the distemper vaccine will be boostered every 3 years after that. Vaccines have been proven to protect pets longer than 1 year and over vaccinating can lead to health problems. Pet Vet has also decreased the components in the distemper vaccines to follow the recommended guidelines.
Each association divides their recommendations into “Core, Non Core and Not Recommended” vaccine categories.
The Feline recommendations are as follows:
1. Core Vaccines – Recommended for All Kittens/Cats:
A. Feline Distemper (DRC): Distemper ( Panleukopenia Virus), Rhinotracheitis (Herpes Virus) and Calicivirus. Booster every 3 years.
B. Rabies: Booster yearly.
2. Non Core Vaccines – Recommended for At Risk Kittens/Cats:
A. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Highly recommended for ALL kittens. At risk cats live or are allowed outdoors, have a housemate positive for the virus or live in a house where many cats come and go.
B. Feline Immune Deficiency Virus (FIV): At risk cats live or are allowed outdoors, have a housemate positive for the virus or live in a house where many cats come and go.
C. Bordetella Bronchiseptica: Cats at risk are those in shelters, breeding operations or boarding facilities with confirmed infections.
D. Chlamydophila felis (Chlamydia):. At risk cats live with a housemate with confirmed infection.
3. Not Generally Recommended:
A. Feline Infectious Peritonitis
B. Giardia
The Canine recommendations are as follows:
1. Core Vaccines – Recommended for All Puppies/Dogs:
A. Canine Distemper (DHP): Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvoviris: Booster every 3years.
B. Rabies: Booster yearly or every 3 years
2. Non Core Vaccines – Recommended for At Risk Pupppies/Dogs:
A. Leptospirosis: Booster yearly. Not recommended for Toy Breeds unless at risk. At risk dogs have access to standing puddles/pools of water that could be contaminated by infected dogs or wildlife.
B. Bordatella and Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough Syndrome): Booster every 6 months. High risk dogs include those who go to classes/club outings/shows or visit the groomer or are kenneled.
C. Lyme: Booster yearly. At risk dogs live in or will visit regions where the likelihood of exposure to ticks is high or where the disease is endemic.
3. Not Generally Recommended:
A. Giardia
B. Corona
INTESTINAL PARASITES: Pet Vet follows the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s recommendations:
Many intestinal worms, such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm are common in pets and can be transmitted to other pets and to people.
Adult cats should have fecals checked 1 to 4 times a year depending on whether they are on monthly preventative.
Adult dogs should have fecals checked 1 to 2 times a year if on year-round heartworm medication or, if not on year-round medication, then stool checks are recommended 2 to 4 times a year.
BLOOD TESTING:
A Canine Heartworm: Pet Vet follows the American Heartworm Society’s recommendations:
Preventative: Year-round administration is recommended, however preventative may be given only during the warmer months (March through November).
Blood testing: Testing should be performed yearly. Testing should be done before restarting preventative if not given year-round.
There are many types of preventatives, and we will be happy to discuss the options and help you choose the one that is best for you and your dog.
B. Feline Heartworm: Pet Vet follows the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ recommendations.
Infection is rarer in cats than in dogs and may clear on its own.
Blood testing: Testing should be conducted periodically.
Preventative: Preventative is available and recommended for all cats, especially for those at risk. At risk cats live or are allowed outdoors or have a housemate positive for heartworm.
C. Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus:
A cat’s last test should occur at 4 months of age or older. |
