Many diseases can be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your dog or cat. At Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital, we recommend the following vaccinations:

Dog and Puppy Vaccinations

DAPP Vaccination
The DAPP vaccination is commonly referred to as the distemper vaccination. It vaccinates against canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus. We recommend a regular DAPP vaccination or titer test depending on your dog’s vaccination history. Puppies should be vaccinated for DAPP at six to eight weeks, 10 to 12 weeks, and 14 to 16 weeks and given an annual booster. Adult dogs are given a vaccination, which is repeated in three to four weeks, then an annual titer or vaccine.

Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and humans. The virus infects cells of the nervous system, producing incoordination and behavioral abnormalities, such as unusual aggression or withdrawal. Once the signs of rabies appear, the disease is always fatal. Rabies is usually transmitted by bite wounds, often from infected wildlife, which represents the largest reservoir of the disease in the U.S. Vaccines are very effective in preventing rabies. Most states in the U.S. require rabies vaccination of dogs and cats at one- to three-year intervals. A rabies vaccination should be given to a puppy at 14 to 16 weeks old and a booster given in one year, then every three years.

Bordetella Vaccination
Canine Bordetella (B. bronchiseptica) may contribute to kennel cough. This bacterial infection can occur alone or in combination with distemper, adenovirus type-2 infection, parainfluenza, and other respiratory problems. A Bordetella vaccine is recommended for dogs and puppies going to boarding facilities or dogs kenneled or trained with numerous other dogs. A Bordetella vaccine may be given at six to eight weeks of age or one week prior to kenneling. The Bordetella vaccine is an annual vaccination.

Lyme Disease Vaccination
The deer tick may transmit Lyme disease, a fast-growing condition among people and pets in parts of North America. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete bacteria and can cause serious, potentially deadly health problems. Signs of Lyme disease in dogs are lameness, lack of appetite, fatigue, fever, and hot and/or swollen joints. The Lyme vaccination is recommended for dogs exposed to tall grassy or wooded areas or dogs exposed to ticks. Puppies may be vaccinated at 10 to 12 weeks and 14 to 16 weeks with an annual booster. Adult dogs are given a vaccination, which is repeated in three to four weeks, then given an annual booster.

Cat and Kitten Vaccinations

PRC Vaccination
A PRC vaccination is commonly referred to as a distemper vaccination. It vaccinates against Feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus. We recommend a regular PRC vaccination. Kittens should be vaccinated at eight to nine weeks and 12 to 13 weeks and given an annual booster. Adult cats are given a vaccination, which is repeated in three to four weeks, then given an annual or three-year vaccination.

Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including cats, dogs, wildlife, and humans. The virus infects cells of the nervous system, producing incoordination and behavioral abnormalities, such as unusual aggression or withdrawal. Once the signs of rabies appear, the disease is always fatal. Rabies is usually transmitted by bite wounds, often from infected wildlife, which represent the largest reservoir of the disease in the U.S. Vaccines are very effective in preventing rabies. Most states in the U.S. require rabies vaccination of dogs and cats at one- to three-year intervals. A rabies vaccination should be given to a kitten at 12 to 13 weeks old and a booster given annually. At Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital, we use Purevax, which is considered the safest rabies vaccine for cats.

Feline Leukemia Vaccination
Feline leukemia is a high-mortality disease caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV produces an initial immunosuppressive infection followed by various other diseases (e.g. respiratory disease, diarrhea, anemia), affecting the immunosuppressed cat. Cats that survive these initial diseases may develop some form of cancer, hence the name feline leukemia. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats or with contaminated food dishes.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) attacks a cat’s immune system, producing a slow developing immunodeficiency disease that results in chronic secondary and opportunistic infections. These include respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and skin infections and general unthriftiness. Various cancers may also develop. FIV infection is lifelong. However, FIV disease is relatively uncommon, and most cats remain normal for extended periods until immunodeficiency occurs. Because FIV is relatively uncommon, the questionable effectiveness of available FIV vaccination and possible vaccine reactions, we recommend testing but not vaccinating for this disease.

We recommend a test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) for kittens under six months old and a test for FeLV and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) for kittens over six months old and adult cats. Testing is important before vaccination to determine existing disease. Kittens eight to nine weeks or older may be tested for FeLV. Kittens and cats that will be outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats should be vaccinated for feline leukemia.

At Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital, we offer many different surgeries. The doctors at the clinic perform routine spays, neuters, declaws, dentals, lump removals, etc.

Prior to the surgery, a pre-surgery profile is highly recommended. This is a blood test that checks kidney, liver, pancreas values, and a platelet count. This pre-anesthetic blood work is necessary to ensure that these organs are healthy to process the anesthetic drugs for the surgery. This blood work is required for pets that are over seven years old. This blood work would be run at the clinic before the surgery, and the owner would be called by the doctor with any level that was high or low.

During the surgery, an IV catheter and fluids are highly recommended. This catheter is placed into the vein and ensures that your pet stays hydrated during the surgery and also gives us immediate access to the vein in case of emergency. The IV is required for any pet that is over seven years old, in heat, pregnant, or if the doctor deems necessary. There is an additional fee for this service.

Before the surgery, each animal is intubated with an endotracheal tube and then connected to a gas anesthetic machine.

During the surgery, each animal is hooked up to a cardiac monitor that helps to ensure his or her safety. This cardiac monitor monitors the animal’s heart rate, respiration, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen level. Along with the monitor, each surgery patient is monitored by a certified veterinary technician. Also during the surgery, the animal is placed on a heating pad to maintain body temperature, and once the surgery is completed, the animal is wrapped in a blanket and closely monitored until they have woken up.

Acupuncture and various other versions of acutherapy are among the oldest medical procedures in recorded history, while animal acupuncture is slightly less ancient. The original theories of traditional Chinese medicine formed the basis of acupuncture: needling certain spots on the body regulated the flow of “Chi” (energy), which flowed through and nourished the tissues and organs. Today, we do not have a full understanding of the neurologic or biochemical basis of acupuncture, but that is changing as the results of studies are published on a regular basis.

In people and animals, there is good evidence that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, skin, reproductive, neurologic, and behavioral disorders, as well as for stress. In cancer patients, acupuncture can be extremely effective for the alleviation of pain, fatigue, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, inappetence, and improving the quality of life.

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Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has been practiced for over 3000 years and is used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of ailments. At Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital, we use herbal medicine to help alleviate pain and restore organ function. Herbal medicine can be powerful on its own or as an addition to other treatments. Each recommendation is tailored specifically to your pet to promote the fastest healing possible.

We use herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including but not limited to:

• Lyme disease
• Cushing’s disease
• Skin allergies
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney disease
• Urogenital disease
• Behavior issues/anxiety
• Liver disease
• Joint and disc disease

Homotoxicology is the blending of medical science with homeopathic principles. By combining concepts from molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, and homeopathic remedies, we’re able to create a customized treatment plan for your pet. The main principles of homotoxicology include detoxification, organ strengthening, and immune and cellular activation. This concept is used to treat a variety of conditions and can greatly benefit your pet. From orthopedic injuries to surgery and pain management, our team will work to find the best treatment for your pet.

At Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital, we take every step to ensure the safety of your pet during surgery. We have anesthetic protocols for each specific case and use gas anesthesia. Our doctors recommend blood work to make sure internal organs are functioning properly and an IV catheter to give fluid therapy during surgery and to administer IV drugs. Your pet’s pulse, respiration, blood oxygen, temperature, and blood pressure are monitored with our surgical monitor. In addition, we have a certified veterinary technician monitoring your pet during the entire procedure and while your pet recovers. Pain prevention is important to us, so we will give pain relief before and after your pet’s surgery. We also will dispense pain relief for your pet to be administered at home.

A neuter involves surgical removal of the testicles of a male dog or cat. Why neuter your dog or cat?

• Eliminate the risk of testicular tumors
• Decrease the risk of prostate disease
• Reduce aggression, marking, and roaming behavior
• Prevent unplanned puppies and kittens

A spay involves surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus of a female dog or cat. Why spay your dog or cat?

• Reduce the risk of mammary cancer
• Eliminate the risk of uterus infection (pyometra)
• Prevent unnecessary heat cycles
• Prevent complications due to pregnancy
• Prevent unplanned puppies and kittens (Cats reproduce at an alarming rate! Cats can have three litters each year with three to six kittens in each litter.)

Studies have shown that about 45% of middle-aged dogs and cats are overweight or obese. There are severe health risks for your pet associated with being overweight or obese.

You can improve your pet’s health by maintaining them at a healthy weight. The benefits are longer life span, better health, and younger appearance. Your pet will have a decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, skin problems, cancer, and liver disease.

Your pet’s health is important to us, and that is why we offer a FREE weight loss program. Please call us and we will help you determine if your pet is at a healthy weight.

For dogs and cats ages one to six

The Junior Wellness Blood Profile helps form a more complete picture of your pet’s overall health than can be determined by physical exam alone. This test can help identify hidden problems before they become more serious. Early testing and detection of medical problems often allow for a more favorable and less expensive outcome. Likewise, if the lab work is normal, these tests provide a baseline for future results and a comforting peace of mind that your pet is in good health! Our staff can perform this simple in-house blood test that will check your pet’s:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Electrolytes
• Minerals
• Blood sugar