| September is Senior Health Month |
September 2008 |
| |
|
 At Park Cities Animal Hospital we are committed to helping our patients live longer and healthier lives. Every six months in your companion's life is equal to two to three years in a human's life. Dramatic changes could occur in your pet's health in as little as three to six months. At Park Cities Animal Hospital we want to make recommendations prior to the onset of disease symptoms. We have the ability to diagnose minor problems before they become major medical conditions by recommending a Senior Health Exam every six months for pets over the age of eight years.
As a pet reaches their senior years, more extensive examinations and more frequent testing is recommended than in younger pets. The Senior Health Exam will likely include laboratory tests. Your veterinarian utilizes these results to diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, thyroid disease, digestive disorders, cancer, and hormonal problems. Senior Health Exams also give your veterinarian a benchmark for the future, if your companion becomes ill. Optimally we can individualize your pet's care, assess and manage pain that may be part of the aging process, enhance the quality, and longevity of your pet's life. Many abnormalities can be prevented, controlled or even totally reversed if caught early enough.
Routine testing along with twice yearly Senior Health Exams can asist your older companions continued good health or allow treatment to begin early, giving you and your pet the advantage over aging. Once symptoms do appear, the condition may be difficult and more costly to diagnose and treat. Twice yearly Senior Health Exams are one of the simplest means to help your loved one lead a longer and healthier life.
To Learn More Join Us for a Free Seminar on September 20, 2008 on "Caring For Your Senior Pet"!
Call our office at 214-368-8573 to register.
|
As canine influenza spreads experts say not to panic. Texas is not a hot spot but you can be assured our doctors and staff will be on alert for any and all updates. In an effort to relieve any of your concerns let me give you some background and information.
The first recognized outbreak of canine influenza is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. There have been other occurrences since then at racing tracks across the USA.
Canine influenza is a respiratory infection that can spread when dogs come into contact with infected dogs, contaminated objects and people who have had contact with infected dogs. The incubation period from time of exposure to signs of infection is usually 2-5 days. Infected dogs shed the virus for 7-10 days after clinical signs appear. Because this is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs are susceptible to infection. This is because they have had no previous exposure or vaccination therefore they have no acquired immunity.
It has been determined that 80% of exposed dogs will develop clinical signs while the other 20% may not but will still shed the virus and therefore spread the infection. The majority of infected dogs exhibit only mild symptoms which include coughing (dry or moist) and nasal discharge with a slight fever. Some dogs are more severely affected with clinical signs of pneumonia, such as a high grade fever and increased respiratory rate as well as coughing and nasal discharge.
Canine influenza causes clinical signs that mimics kennel cough. Treatment is the same which includes antibiotics and cough suppressants. Good supportive care is a must. So give them lots of TLC and good nutrition.
In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of the disease but as with any vaccine it is not 100% in preventing the infection altogether. Because we have not seen an apparent risk to our patients, at this time we are currently not administering the vaccine but as events unfold, this could change.
Addendum: We have had a confirmed case of canine influenza in the Dallas area! We will now be carrying, recommending and vaccinating all “at risk” patients. It is a two dose series program with the second vaccination 4 weeks after the initial vaccine.
Please call for more information 214-368-8573
For more about canine influenza visit www.cdc.gov/flu/canine
| 
Processing ....