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Frequently asked Questions
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (lep-toh-sper-OH-sis) is a bacterial infection passed through the urine of infected wildlife such as opossums, racoons, rats, and livestock. We have had cases of this in our local area so our doctors recommend every dog be vaccinated against it. This is an infection that your dog can pass on to you, making it even more important to protect your family. If your pet has not recently been vaccinated for Leptospirosis they will get the initial vaccine then come back three to four weeks later for a booster. At this point they will be protected for one full year. Felines appear to have a natural resistance to Leptospirosis therefore it is not necessary to vaccinate them.
Why is it important to have a basic wellness screening?
Animals age much faster than humans do. Because of this it is extremely important to monitor their vital organs. Many animals do not show symptoms of disease until it is well progressed and catching it early enough can help to prevent further onset. We recommend a wellness lab workup once a year until the pet is seven years old. After seven years old a pet is considered a senior and their bodies begin to change even more rapidly. Because of this change we recommend exams and labwork every six months. Included in a basic wellness screening is a blood chemistry profile, CBC, and urinalysis. These tests assess: pancreas, liver and kidney function, thyroid levels, electrolytes, proteins, infection, anemia, etc.
Why should I have my pet spayed/neutered?
Spaying and neutering your pet has long-term health benefits including preventing breast and testicular cancer, heat cycles, life-threatening uterine infection, and can prevent some behavioral problems. It is also important to help control the pet population, four to six million dogs and cats in North America are euthanized in animal shelters each year.
Why don't you give a three year Rabies vaccine in cats?
We do not give a three year Rabies vaccine in cats because of the increased chance of vaccine related cancer. We use MERIAL's PureVax that does not use the whole Rabies virus. Instead it uses the proteins that are needed for protection. There are no chemical additives in this vaccine. This greatly reduces the risk for vaccine related sarcomas (cancers).
Why does my pet need a Bordetella vaccine if I never have her boarded in a kennel?
Bordetella vaccines are given to canine patients to help prevent the extremely contagious virus Bordetella bronchiseptica, commonly called "kennel cough". The name "kennel cough" comes from a history of spreading quickly through areas of many animals, such as a boarding facility. Canines can contract this virus by coming into contact with any infected dog. Dog parks, grooming facilities, boarding facilities, doggy day cares, and meeting other dogs on a walk are common ways to catch the virus. Because of the widespread risk of infection we recommend the vaccine be given every six months.
My cat doesn't go outside, why does he need to be on heartworm prevention?
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitos and it only takes one mosquito to infect your pet. Studies show that 28% of cats infected with heartworm disease are indoors. There is no treatment for this fatal disease in cats and for this reason we recommend keeping your cat on heartworm prevention year round.
Do you recommend microchipping my pet?
Yes, we strongly recommend every pet be microchipped. Microchip implantation is done by injecting a small microchip just underneath the skin. It only takes a second for a pet to disappear and providing them with a microchip significantly increases the chances of them being returned to you. All animal shelters and veterinarians carry microchip scanners to help locate lost animals. It is also very important to keep your microchip information up to date with the microchipping company. If your pet has a microchip but is not registered with you have them scanned and receive the company name and microchip number. Once you have that information you can contact the company to have them registered under your name.
Here at Pinellas Animal Hospital we use the resQ Pet Identification Systems. Once the microchip is placed a member of our staff will register your information on resQ's website. For any further questions please call us or visit www.petlink.com.
My pet needs a procedure requiring anesthesia and I'm nervous, what should I expect?
Any anesthetic procedure puts a patient under risk but here at Pinellas Animal Hospital we require a panel of preanesthetic lab work to assure the pet is well enough to handle the anesthesia. These tests assure us that the patients internal organs are functioning normally. A surgical technician monitors your pet throughout the procedure. We also place an IV catheter to administer warm fluids through the entire procedure and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
My pet is on a long term medication, why does she have to have labwork and an exam every six months?
Drug levels need to be monitored on a regular basis, just as in humans. We need to be sure the medication is still effective as well as ensuring the patient's safety from potential side effects. Monitoring the drug level in the patient's bloodstream lets us alter the dosage of the drug to suit each individual's needs. Exams are just as important to lead us to early detection and evaluation of the pet with the doctor. Depending on the medication, labwork will be performed two to four weeks after the medication is started, and if all is ok every six months afterward.
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