ANNUAL PHYSICAL
EXAM
First and foremost an annual physical exam by your veterinarian is
the most important preventive measure for your trusted
companion. Although it is important to get you pet it's
"shots", it is equally, or more important to have your pet examined
by your veterinarian every year, and prior to receiving it's
shots. A thorough physical exam will alert you to conditions
before they become problems, and assure you that your pet is
healthy enough to respond properly to the vaccinations.
During your office call, please question the veterinarian on
concerns you may have regarding your pet's behavior, weight, diet,
aging changes, or other related issues. While receiving an
exam, your pet can have it's toenails trimmed for no extra
charge. Pets will hide their illnesses, so physical exams are
important!
TRANSPORTING YOUR CAT TO THE
VET
A plastic or cardboard cat carrier or crate is a good investment
for trips outside the home. It will provide your cat with a safe
private place and offer security from large dogs. If used routinely
at home, it will help calm the cat when taken from the home for any
reason.
Many serious infectious diseases of
cats can be controlled by vaccination. With over 20 million
pet cats in the U.S., your cat is quite likely to come in contact
with an infectious disease at one time or another. Even
indoor cats can be exposed to viral diseases carried in the air, in
dust, or on clothing. Vaccination is inexpensive
protection against costly treatment and the premature death of your
cat! Continued protection can be assured by yearly
booster vaccinations.
VACCINATIONS
FVRCPC is a 4 in 1 vaccine that protects against the following
diseases:
FELINE
PANLEUKOPENIA
is also known as cat distemper and is a highly contagious and often
fatal disease in young cats. it is easily transmitted from
cat to cat. Signs include depression, loss of appetite,
vomiting, and diarrhea.
FELINE RESPIRATORY DISEASES
include several different infectious agents.
They are all highly contagious and are widespread. Upper
respiratory infections are easily spread from cat to cat by
sneezing, etc. Even a stray cat that seems to be outwardly
healthy, may be a carrier of the disease and can infect your pet,
even through a screen window. Signs of these diseases
include: sneezing, fever, nasal discharges, runny nose, coughing,
conjunctivitis (eyelid infections), mouth ulcers, and general
depression.. These diseases include rhinotrachetis,
calicivirus, and chlamydia. Kittens between the ages of 6 and
14 weeks should receive this vaccine every 3 weeks. A SERIES
of vaccinations is necessary to build the antibody protection
needed to help your kitten develop a high degree of immunity
against these diseases. Adult cats should receive a yearly
FVRCPC vaccination. Any adult cat which has never been
vaccinated should receive an initial series of 2 vaccines, 3-4
weeks apart.
FELINE LEUKEMIA
is now considered to be the LEADING cause of death in cats.
It is a cancer-causing virus that often suppresses the ability to
fight other infections. Kittens can be born with the
virus. Cats can have the leukemia virus for years before
showing signs of the disease. Feline leukemia is HIGHLY
CONTAGIOUS from cat to cat and is spread by licking, sneezing,
fighting, sharing food bowls, or sharing litter pans. THERE
IS NO SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT ONCE SIGNS DEVELOP. Due to the
seriousness of this disease, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL CATS be
tested and, if negative, vaccinated. Cats and kittens over 9 weeks
of age receive an initial series of 2 vaccines 3-4 weeks
apart. After this, a booster is given yearly.
FELINE INFECTIOUS
PERITONITIS
(FIP) is a contagious and fatal virus shed in the saliva, urine and
feces of infected cats. It is the number 2 infectious killer
of cats in the U.S. Signs may include loss of weight, labored
breathing, enlarged abdomen, and generalized illness.
Cats at risk are outdoor cats and those that live in multiple cat
households. THERE IS NO SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT ONCE SIGNS
APPEAR. Cats and kittens over 16 weeks need an initial series of 2
vaccines 3-4 weeks apart, then an annual booster.
RABIES
is a fatal viral infection of the nervous system that attacks all
warm-blooded animals, including humans. Cats have outnumbered
dogs in reported cases since 1981. Rabies is a public
health hazard and personal risk to you. It is transmitted
through the bite of an infected animal. Even indoor
cats may be infected through contact with a carrier animal in a
basement, garage, or attic. THERE IS NO CURE,
Vaccination is very important for your safety, as well as the
safety of your pet, and is required by law for all cats over 4
months of age in Clermont county. Kittens should receive their
first rabies vaccine at 3-4 months of age. This vaccine is
protective for one year. Adult cats receive a rabies vaccine every
3 years.
FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY
VIRUS
(FIV) has been labeled as the cat "AIDS virus" because of its
similarities to human AIDS virus. In cats the virus is
spread through bite wounds or urine. It is not
transmissible to humans. Like AIDS, it depresses a cats
immune system making it susceptible to many secondary
infections. Unfortunately their is no vaccine for this
disease. However, there is a reliable blood test that can be
done alone or in conjunction with the feline leukemia test.
OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS
DENTAL CARE
is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Kittens can
become accustomed to proper dental care by periodic brushing with a
pet toothpaste. Peridontal disease is very common in older
dogs and causes bad breath, and often serious infections. A
dental exam can determine whether your pet needs preventive dental
care such as scaling, polishing, and antibiotics.
SPAY / NEUTER
is one of the best preventive care measures you can take for your
pet. This surgery decreases the likelihood of many cancers
and infections that could kill your pet. Besides this, many
undesirable behaviors such as urine marking, wandering, aggression,
and hyperactivity can all be decreased or eliminated by this
surgery. We strongly discourage breeding your animal as the
pet overpopulation problem is far to great to justify bringing more
into the world. Although surgery can be done at any
age, spaying or neutering is best done between 3 and 6 months of
age.
INTESTINAL
PARASITES
such as roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms cause sickness and
problems with growth, digestion, and sometimes death. Most
intestinal worms cannot be detected without a microscopic
examination of a fecal specimen. We recommend an annual stool
examination for early detection and treatment of intestinal
parasites. All puppies and kittens should receive an initial
2 doses of wormer, followed by a stool specimen check.
FLEAS
often go unnoticed and cause discomfort, chewing,
skin disease and even anemia. If swallowed fleas can
transmit tapeworms. A flea program is necessary to prevent
flea infestation. The pet's environment must also be treaded
with a premise spray or borate powder. DO NOT waste your
money on over-the-counter flea products. Most do not
work, and some can even be harmful to your pet. WE are the
flea experts! Consult with your veterinarian before problems
arise.
We also have available a once a
month flea pill that will prevent any new fleas from hatching and
break the flea lifecycle. Ask our flea experts for more
details and information. Use flea spray on a DAILY basis for flea
control if there is a current problem. Otherwise, spray 1 - 2 times
weekly for prevention during the flea season. (March-November)
Bathe the new pet in veterinarian recommended shampoo every 7-14
days, or more often if needed. This shampoo has the proper pH
to prevent dry skin and scratching from soap irritation. You
may obtain them at our clinic.
GROOMING
Your pet is a responsibility of pet ownership. Bathing and
brushing reduces hairballs, itching and parasites such as fleas.
Ear cleaning is also recommended every 2-4 weeks for routine care,
and more often for ear infections. Out hospital can show you how it
is done properly and what products are safe to use.
DIET
We recommend dry food only, fed twice daily to maintain your cats
proper weight. Lite food (reduced calories ) is often necessary as
cats mature. A good quality diet can usually prevent bladder
problems. We recommend Pro-Plan, Science Diet, or Iams pet
foods.
