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Facts About Leptospirosis

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:47:40 +0000

Dogs become infected by Leptospira when abraded skin or mucous membranes (eyes, ears, nose, or mouth) comes into contact with the urine of another infected animal either on the ground or in stagnant water. The organisms quickly spread through the bloodstream leading to fever, joint pain, and general malaise which can last up to a week followed by more severe symptoms.

Typical symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite, joint pain, nausea, excessive drinking, jaundice (yellow discoloration), excess bleeding brought on by low platelet count and can lead to organ (especially kidney) failure.

PEOPLE CAN BECOME INFECTED, TOO!

Treatment includes antibiotics and intravenous fluids, which are crucial to support blood-flow through the damaged kidneys so recovery is possible.

There is a vaccination available for Leptospirosis. It works against the common versions of Leptospirosis but vaccination is not routine because the vaccine can cause your pet to have various types of reactions, from mild to serious.

If your pet is exposed to heavily wooded areas with a lot of wildlife or farm animals, or goes hunting or swimming in small ponds or creeks, your pet may be at high risk for Leptospirosis and be a good candidate for the vaccine.

Please contact us if you would like further advice on whether your pet should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

Pet Insurance

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:46:59 +0000

Most of us have insurance of some kind – health, life, automobile, home or apartment dweller insurance. Why not consider insurance for your pet?

This industry has been in existence for over 20 years and interestingly, the European countries have more readily embraced it than the United States has. For example one source of ours shows that in Sweden, 48% of pet owners have insurance for their pets.

Modern veterinary medicine can diagnose and treat illness or serious injury through use of sophisticated tools equal to those available to humans. However, there is a significant cost burden with these. This puts the pet owner in the difficult position of having to choose between their pocketbook and their pet.

Pet insurance may be able to help out in these times. For the most part, pet insurance is similar to human health insurance and can be obtained to help out with maintenance and routine care as well as the more serious accidents or illnesses. Many different plans are available.

The clients of our Clinic that have pet insurance are extremely happy with it.

The two insurance companies listed below are recommended by our clinic. If you would like more information about how to choose the right insurance program for your needs please contact our office.

For the most current information, contact the carriers listed below or search the Internet for additional carriers:

Veterinary Pet Insurance
www.petinsurance.com
1-888-889-4VPI

PetCare Pet Insurance Programs
www.petcareinsurance.com
1-866-275-PETS

The Dangers of Antifreeze

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:46:13 +0000

Prevention is key to avoiding accidental ingestion of antifreeze!
Did you know that antifreeze is lethal to animals? According to a study conducted by the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center, most cases of antifreeze poisoning occur around the pet’s own home and are usually due to improper storage or disposal.

Here are suggestions from the ASPCA regarding the safe use, storage and disposal of antifreeze to help prevent accidental ingestion.

* Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately.
* Check your car regularly for leaks.
* Always store antifreeze in clearly marked containers and in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
* Never allow your pets to have access to the area when you are draining antifreeze from your car.*
* Propylene glycol-containing products, such as Prestone Low Tox™ brand antifreeze, are a less toxic form of antifreeze and could be used instead of conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact us immediately!