Wellness Exams
What is a wellness exam?
Wellness exams are annual exams that allow your veterinarian to stay up to date on your pet. It is crucial to keep your veterinarian updated on any changes to your pet’s routine, and on the type and quantity of food, medications, and supplements they receive, so that the best care can be provided to your loved one. Some older animals are recommended to see the veterinarian biannually so that they can be closely monitored for any needed changes to their care. Specialized wellness plans can be created with your veterinarian for specific breeds and/or needs your pet may have. Annual and biannual exams are essential for proactive pet care and provide early detection of any medical issues.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/importance-wellness-exams
What happens during a wellness exam?
During the wellness exam, your veterinarian or technician will take your pet’s vitals: heart rate, respiratory rate, weight, and temperature. They will also feel your pet’s lymph nodes, muscles, body structure, and check their teeth to ensure all is well and working properly. You will be asked about your pet’s eating, drinking, and bathroom habits, and about any known issues (lethargy, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, etc.) to ensure everything is normal. This is the perfect time to mention any questions or concerns about your pet.
If any abnormalities are noted, a more in-depth examination or other tests may be required. Your veterinarian will always discuss findings and recommendations with you before initiating any treatment.
Vaccinations
What are vaccines, and why vaccinate your pet(s)?
Just like for humans, vaccines are a controlled exposure of a disease or virus to your pet’s immune system to help teach your pet’s immune system how to detect and fight that disease or virus. Animals are susceptible to many diseases that can lead to prolonged health issues and/or death. Avoiding high-risk areas and lifestyles, such as boarding kennels and dog and cat shows, and allowing your pet to be outdoors supervised, or safely enclosed (e.g., leash walks, fenced yards/catios) can help minimize the chances of infection. Vaccination is the most effective prevention for infection, making it crucial to your pet’s health to stay up to date.
Most vaccines require an initial vaccination, booster vaccines on a set schedule, and then annual or 3-year boosters after the first set is complete.
Vaccines are categorized as required, core, and non-core. Required vaccines are legally required for all pets to receive. Core vaccines are highly recommended by veterinarians for animals in any lifestyle. Non-core vaccines may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations
Canine Vaccines and What They Protect Against
Rabies – We have all heard of rabies, a fatal and highly contagious viral infection that attacks the nervous system, causing brain disease, hydrophobia, and madness. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread between different animal species, including humans. All mammals are susceptible to contracting Rabies. Rabies is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals via bites; however, it can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with mucous membranes. It is important for you and your pet’s health to keep them current on their rabies vaccine. Signs and symptoms of rabies include aggression, fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and in advanced cases, seizures and paralysis. There is no known cure or supportive treatment for animals affected by rabies. The most humane treatment is humane euthanasia.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/rabies
DAPP – This is a combo vaccine that protects against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza virus.
Distemper is a contagious and possibly fatal virus that affects many body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, which can lead to extreme dehydration, secondary bacterial infections, and/or permanent neurological symptoms (such as seizures and tremors). Symptoms of Distemper include lethargy, eye and nasal discharge, lack of appetite, fever, coughing, or labored breathing. Neurological symptoms can occur as well, including seizures, muscle twitches, head tilting, and loss of coordination. Distemper is primarily spread through respiratory secretions (coughing or sneezing). Or, it can be transmitted through other infected bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or feces. There is no known cure for Distemper; however, supportive care can be provided for dogs affected.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper
Canine Adenovirus (CAV) is a viral infection that causes secondary infections in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. There are two types of Adenovirus: CAV-1 and CAV-2. CAV-1 is associated with Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH), affecting the liver and other organs, while CAV-2 is associated more with respiratory infections, leading to kennel cough. Signs and symptoms of CAV-1 and CAV-2 may include lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing or other respiratory symptoms, jaundice, or even corneal edema (cloudy eyes) in advanced cases. Adenovirus is primarily spread through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated areas. CAV can survive in the environment for months, and treated dogs can still shed and spread the virus through their urine for weeks after infection. There is no known cure for either type of Adenovirus; supportive care, such as intravenous fluids and other symptomatic treatments or medications, can help alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease.
Sources: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hepatitis-adenovirus-infection-in-dogs https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough
Parvovirus, or just Parvo, is a well-known, highly contagious, and potentially fatal virus that primarily affects the body’s rapidly dividing cells. The intestinal tract and bone marrow are the most affected. Heart muscles and cells can also be affected in young dogs. This is a fast-acting virus where symptoms can start and cause a rapid decline and/or death within 48-72 hours after the initial signs of the infection. Signs and symptoms include lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea (usually with blood present), hypoglycemia, difficulty breathing, and more. Parvovirus is primarily spread through contact with contaminated feces and environments. Parvovirus can survive for years on contaminated surfaces like kennels, the ground, people’s hands and clothing, and shared objects such as bowls and toys. There is no known cure for Parvovirus; intensive, 24/7 supportive care can be provided to affected puppies and dogs in hopes of helping them fight and overcome the virus.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes respiratory issues, often leading to kennel cough. Infected dogs can show a wide range of symptoms, including eye and nasal discharge, a dry cough (often described as a harsh, “honking” sound), lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. Some dogs may show extreme symptoms, while others may only have a mild dry cough. Parainfluenza is transmitted through respiratory secretions, like coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or items such as kennels, bedding, bowls, or toys. Infected dogs can shed and spread the virus for up to four weeks after infection, even if they have no symptoms. For the best and most effective treatment, a diagnosis must be confirmed by a veterinarian. Treatments include medications, rest, and rehydration (typically IV fluids). Avoiding high-risk areas, such as dog parks and boarding kennels, can help minimize the chances of infection.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-influenza
Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Leptospira that leads to severe damage to the kidney, liver, and other organs, causing dysfunction or failure of the affected organs. Leptospirosis can be fatal in severe cases. The bacteria are spread through contact with the urine of infected animals to the mucus membranes or damaged/diseased skin. Leptospira can thrive for a long time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil. Leptospirosis is another zoonotic disease (like rabies), where dogs or humans can become infected from other species of animals. Signs and symptoms include reduced or no appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of limbs, and rapid breathing, to more extreme symptoms of jaundice, abnormal thickening of skin, and bloody urine, feces, vomit, or sneezing. Treatments can range from daily, at-home antibiotics to in-hospital care for fluids, oxygen therapy, or plasma transfusions, depending on the severity of the bacterial infection and symptoms.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis
Bordetella – Bordetella compares to the Parainfluenza Virus, as it also causes respiratory inflammation leading to kennel cough. The difference is that Bordetella is a bacterial infection caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium. Infected dogs can show a wide range of symptoms, including eye and nasal discharge, a dry cough (often described as a harsh, “honking” sound), lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. Some dogs may show extreme symptoms, while others may only have a mild dry cough. Bordetella is spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or items such as kennels, bedding, bowls, or toys. Treatments include medications, rest, and quarantine. Avoiding high-risk areas, such as dog parks and boarding kennels, can help minimize the chances of infection.
Source: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/bordetella-vaccine-for-dogs
What is kennel cough? Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), or “kennel cough,” is a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system. Several different viruses or bacteria can contribute to a CIRDC diagnosis, and dogs can be affected by multiple organisms at one time. Kennel cough can be spread through respiratory secretions, such as coughing and sneezing, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or items, like kennels, bedding, bowls, or toys. Humans can spread the disease with contaminated clothing or hands. Avoiding high-risk areas, such as dog parks and boarding kennels, can help minimize the chances of infection; however, vaccination is the most effective preventative. The most common symptom is a persistent, dry, “honking” cough. Other symptoms may include eye or nasal discharge. Treatments vary from medications to quarantine and rest, depending on the specific infection or disease and severity.
Canine Vaccine Schedule
Required:
- Rabies
– Initial vaccine at 12 weeks old
– First booster one year after initial vaccine
– Subsequent boosters every 3 years
Core:
- DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus)
– Initial vaccine at 6-8 weeks old
– Booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old
*Typical schedule is 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old, 16 weeks old*
– Next booster one year after booster at 16 weeks old
– Subsequent boosters every 3 years
- Leptospirosis
– Initial vaccine at 12 weeks old
– First booster in 3-4 weeks after initial vaccine
– Subsequent boosters every year
Non-Core:
- Bordetella
– Initial as early as 8 weeks
– Yearly boosters required
Feline Vaccines and What They Protect Against
Rabies – We have all heard of rabies, a fatal and highly contagious viral infection that causes brain disease, hydrophobia, and madness. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread between different animal species, including humans. Rabies is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals via bites; however, it can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with mucous membranes. It is important for you and your pet’s health to keep them current on their rabies vaccine. Signs and symptoms of rabies include aggression, fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and in advanced cases, seizures and paralysis. There is no known cure or supportive treatment for animals affected by rabies. The most humane treatment is humane euthanasia.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/rabies
FVRCP – This is a combo vaccine that protects against Feline viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia virus.
Feline viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious, species-specific respiratory disease that’s caused by the feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1). FVR is also the most common cause of conjunctivitis (pink eye, or inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids). Symptoms include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge (clear to purulent), excessive blinking or squinting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. FVR is spread through the mucous membranes, such as saliva and discharge from the eyes or nose, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or items, like kennels, bedding, bowls, or toys. The disease can survive in the environment as long as the surface remains moist. There is no known cure for FVR; however, supportive treatment can help alleviate symptoms. Treatment ranges from different medications, quarantine, and hydration.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-herpesvirus-infection-or-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus that leads to upper respiratory infections and oral disease. Symptoms include typical respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and conjunctivitis. Cats with a calicivirus infection often develop ulcers on their tongue, hard palate, gums, lips, and/or nose. These ulcers cause excessive drooling and lead to loss of appetite due to the pain associated with them. Calicivirus can be spread through contact with infected mucous membranes (saliva or eye/nasal discharge), or through airborne droplets caused by sneezing or coughing. Treatment can range from at-home care with eye medication, oral medications, and anti-inflammatory medication injections. For severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization for monitoring and more intensive treatment.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-calicivirus-infection
Panleukopenia virus (FPV), also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral infection that primarily affects the body’s rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestines. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are the most susceptible to the disease. FPV is transmitted through contact with an infected cat, infected bedding, litter boxes, kennels, bowls, and infected feces, urine, or nasal discharge. Fleas can spread FPV between cats, and infected pregnant cats can give the disease to their unborn kittens. Most cats that become infected with FPV show no symptoms. Common symptoms are typically observed in young kittens (under one year old) and include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, and abdominal pain. There is no known cure for Panleukopenia virus; supportive care can be provided to affected kittens and cats in hopes of helping them fight and overcome the virus.
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/feline-panleukopenia
FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a common viral infection that leads to significant secondary infections and/or diseases, such as cancer, blood disorders, and immunodeficiency. FeLV is a retrovirus, meaning that it stays dormant in an infected cat’s system permanently. Infected cats can shed the virus in their saliva, feces, urine, or milk. Bites, grooming, sharing bowls, bedding, or litter boxes can also spread the disease. Unborn kittens of an infected cat are also at risk of contracting the disease. FeLV only survives in the environment for a few hours, so it is unlikely for infection to occur without prolonged direct exposure to an infected cat. Symptoms include loss of appetite and weight, persistent fever, upper respiratory infections, recurring UTIs, or skin infections, diarrhea, and poor coat and eye condition. Once contracted, there is no known cure for FeLV; however, infected cats and kittens can still live a normal and happy life with treatment. Treatment typically is supportive care for any secondary conditions caused by the virus, such as antibiotics for infections.
Feline Vaccine Schedule
Required:
- Rabies
– Initial vaccine at 12 weeks old
– First booster one year after initial vaccine
– Subsequent boosters every 3 years
Core:
- FVRCP (Feline viral Rhinotracheitis (herpes), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia virus)
– Initial vaccine at 6-8 weeks old
– Booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old
*Typical schedule is 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old, 16 weeks old*
– Next booster one year after booster at 16 weeks old
– Subsequent boosters every 3 years
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) *Core vaccine for all kittens under 1 year old*
*A negative FeLV test result is required before vaccination*
– Initial vaccine at 8-12 weeks old
– First booster 3-4 weeks after initial vaccine
– Subsequent booster in one year (this will complete the series for kittens)
Non-Core:
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) *Non-core vaccine for indoor only cats 1+ years old*
*A negative FeLV test result is required before vaccination*
– Booster every 2 years (after initial kitten series) if risk is low; cat is indoor/outdoor
– Booster every year (after initial kitten series) if risk is high; cat is primarily outdoors
*Yearly testing is recommended for high-risk cats*
Heartworm Disease, Testing, Treatment, and Prevention
Source: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/heartworm-disease
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm is a potentially fatal parasite that infects a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and other wild canids and felids. Heartworm infection damages the infected animal’s blood vessels and limits the heart’s pumping ability. This results in severe heart and lung disease. Once an animal starts to show signs and symptoms of heartworm infection, it is considered to have heartworm disease.
Heartworm is only transmitted by mosquitoes. Below is the step-by-step cycle of heartworm infection.
- A mosquito bites an infected animal, and young heartworms (called microfilariae) enter the mosquito’s system.
- Within 2 weeks, the microfilariae have developed into infective larvae inside the mosquito.
- The infective larvae are passed onto the next host after the mosquito bites and feeds on another animal.
- During the first 3 months of infection, the larvae migrate throughout the animal’s body and eventually into the blood vessels and lungs.
- In the following 3 months, the larvae continue to grow and mature into heartworms, which damage heart vessels and reduce the heart’s pumping ability, ultimately resulting in lung and heart disease.
- If both sexes of heartworms are present, they will reproduce new microfilariae and cause an immune response and damage to other internal organs.
Adult heartworms can live in dogs for 5-7 years, and several months to several years in cats.
Signs and symptoms of heartworm disease include coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, and vomiting.
Heartworm Testing
Annual testing is recommended for dogs. Testing cats is recommended before preventatives and afterwards at the discretion of your veterinarian. A negative heartworm test result is required before any prevention administration for dogs and cats.
Your veterinarian will perform a blood test to help determine if an infection is present. Antigen tests detect the presence of adult female heartworms, while antibody tests determine if your pet has been exposed to heartworms. Chest x-rays and echocardiograms can also be performed to help confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the severity, and find the best treatment plan for the infected animal. Your dog or cat may need a variety of these tests to diagnose and plan treatment.
If your pet has a negative heartworm test result, prevention can safely start. If your pet has a positive heartworm test result, further testing (chest x-rays, bloodwork, and echocardiograms) will help determine the best treatment plan.
Heartworm Treatment
The best treatment for heartworm disease is prevention. Once contracted, heartworms are extremely difficult and dangerous to treat. Heartworm is very progressive and life-threatening; the earlier it is detected, the better the chances are of successful treatment and recovery.
Currently, there is no effective and safe treatment for heartworms in cats. Medication to help reduce the inflammatory response resulting in heartworm disease may be prescribed. Or in severe cases, surgery to remove the heartworms can be performed; however, this is a very high-risk procedure.
There are treatment options for dogs, but it still comes with high-risk. Treatment focuses on killing the adult worms and microfilariae present in the dog. It is important to consider that the worms are dying inside the dog’s body, requiring complete rest during and for some time after treatment. Medications may be prescribed to help minimize the body’s inflammatory response to the worms dying and breaking down inside the dog. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the heartworms; however, this is a very high-risk procedure and is typically only done if it is the best option for the dog’s survival.
Heartworm Prevention
As previously mentioned, prevention is the best treatment for heartworm contraction and disease. There are many types of prevention, with oral and topical options. The preventatives will not kill any present heartworms, making it essential for a negative test result to be confirmed before administering prevention.
It is recommended to test every 12 months and to administer prevention year-round. Annual testing ensures your pet does not subsequently become infected and ensures the correct medication and dosage are being administered. There have been reports of infection despite year-round prevention, so annual testing is the best way to ensure your pet stays protected.