Bad Breath
Cold Weather Issues
Canine Influenza
Dental
Feline Leukemia and FIV*

Fleas and Ticks
Glaucoma
Heartworms
Lyme Disease
Poison

BAD BREATH/DENTAL HEALTH --

Pet dental health goes beyond bad breath. As funny as it may sound, dental hygiene for animals is as important to them as it is for us humans. Eight out of ten adult animals have periodontal disease, causing "doggy breath". Left untreated it can cause abscesses, loose teeth, and gingivitis. When our pets receive good dental care, they will live longer and better lives. In the majority of cases, the cause of periodontal disease can be traced to the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tooth surface. Tartar on teeth can also become a source of infection that may result in damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and even loss of life.

There are several factors that can influence the tendency to accumulate plaque:

• Size - Smaller dogs are more at risk.
• Age - Older pets are more at risk.
• Eating Habits - Pets that chew and/or consume hard food are less likely at risk.
• Breed - Certain breeds are more prone to developing periodontal disease.
• Advanced Plaque Buildup - To help control the accumulation of plaque, a dental home care program is a good idea. If nothing is done to prevent the accumulation of plaque, the periodontal disease process will continue.

Homecare: Where To Start? --

• Dental Exam by the Veterinarian - Patients need to be evaluated for the presence of dental disease. Dental cleaning is recommended annually after the age of three years.
• Tooth Brushing - Daily tooth brushing is the best thing for a pet owner to do to promote good oral hygiene. However, human toothpaste should not be used on animals.
• Diet - There are several diets labeled for reducing plaque and tartar.
• CET Products - There are several products produced by Virbac that will help with preventing plaque and tartar.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. During January and February, Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital offers a 20% discount of dental cleaning. Providing your pet with the best dental care will help him/her be much happier and healthier.

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FEINE LEUKEMIA and FIV *--

Does Fluffy need to be tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or Kitty Cat Aids. Feline Leukemia and FIV are major causes of illness and death in many cats. Both viruses can be spread contagiously from cat to cat. FIV is usually spread when one cat bites another. Feline Leukemia is typically spread when the saliva or urine of an infected cat comes in contact with another cat. Kittens born to infected mothers are usually infected as well. There is no cure for FIV, but there is a vaccine available. Call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss this or any other vaccine.

When should your cat be tested?

• if your cat has never been tested before;
• if your cat is sick, even if it may have tested negative in the past;
• when cats are newly adopted;
• if your cat has been recently exposed to an infected cat;
• if your cat goes outdoors, it may need to be tested occasionally.

Feline Leukemia and FIV are deadly diseases for cats. They affect a cat's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections. Watch for these early signs:

• Decreased Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Weakness
• Pale Gums
• Mouth Sores
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Abscess

Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital cares about your cat. If your cat shows any of the above signs, get them tested today.

During the months of September and October, Cedarwood Veterinary Hospital is offering a 20% discount on Feline Leukemia and FIV testing.

*Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

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FLEAS and TICKS --

Spring through Fall brings these unwanted guests. Fleas and Ticks can cause many problems for our furry friends. We know our pets are miserable from the constant scratching, but did you know that these parasites could cause anemia and even paralysis? There is no time like the present to start a prevention program. We recommend two products: Frontline for dogs and Revolution for cats. The once a month application is easy to use and is guaranteed. Revolution will kill fleas, ear mites, and round worms in cats and also protect them from heartworms.

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GLAUCOMA --

Glaucoma Testing for your pet - Did you know that one of the leading causes of blindness in pets is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is the increase in eye pressure, which leads to severe pain, enlargement of the eyeball and blindness. Certain breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to inherit glaucoma. Ask today for your pet to be tested. The test is painless and takes less than 60 seconds.

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HEARTWORMS --

Of all canine parasites, heartworms are the most life-threatening. If left untreated, they are almost always fatal. Heartworms can be over a foot long, and they spend their adult life in the right side of the heart.

How Pets Become Infected -

A mosquito sucks blood from a dog infected with heartworms. The mosquito then bites another dog, passing along the Heartworms' larvae. Any dog that spends time outdoors is at risk. But even dogs that are kept mostly indoors can become infected when taken for short walks. Mosquitoes often find their way inside homes. One mosquito species that carries heartworm larvae is known as the house mosquito because it breeds around the home is such places as flower pots and in aquariums.

How Heartworms Cause Disease -

Heartworms interfere with the normal flow of blood, stressing the heart and causing organ failure.

Signs of Heartworm Infection -

Heartworms usually cause no outward signs until the disease is advanced. As the disease progresses, mild coughing and fatigue develop. Dogs then gradually lose weight and stamina. Breathing may become painful or difficult. Complications may develop in the liver and kidneys. Death can result from heart failure or from obstruction to the blood supply to the lungs and other major organs.

How Heartworm Disease is Diagnosed -

A blood test is used to determine whether heartworms are present.

Treatment for Heartworms -

Adult worms are killed by a series of intra muscular injections. The dog is hospitalized for 2 to 3 days for this portion of the treatment. For 4 weeks after the treatment it is very important to confine your dog to walks only on a leash and TOTALLY confined when unattended.

Prevention of Heartworm Disease -

Prevention with an effective heartworm medication, such as Interceptor, is preferable to treatment after the disease has developed. It should be given year-round and is a pill given once a month. If left on preventative medication, without missing any, we only need to check your pet for heartworms every 3 years. This is just to insure that there have been no breakthroughs in the heartworm preventative.

Interceptor is a flavored tablet given once a month. It also protects your dog from 3 intestinal worms: roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

During the months of May and June we offer a 20% discount on heartworm testing. Interceptor also offers a $5.00 discount when you purchase a year's worth of prevention.

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POISON --

Many of us know about the dangers of antifreeze poison. But did you know that many of the chemicals we use on our gardens could harm or kill your pets? Every year we see several accidental poisonings from a variety of garden and farm products. This spring, would be a good time to take a look at what you have around your house. If your pet does ingest any poison, try to locate the packaging label and call us. The label will assist the doctor in making a decision about treatment.

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RABIES --

One of the most important viruses to protect against is Rabies. This can be transmitted to humans and is fatal if not treated immediately. Each year we hear of a family whose dog got into a fight with a skunk and the skunk tested positive for Rabies. Even inside cats catch mice and bats that could be rabid. If your pet has been vaccinated, they will only need a booster shot but must be watched by the family for a few months. If not, the pet might have to be euthanized and tested - a tragic loss just because of a missed vaccination.

It is a state law that all pets must be vaccinated for Rabies. In order to help owners comply, the state will hold vaccinations clinics in May at the county schools. Call our office, or watch for notices in the Newport Plain Talk for times and locations.

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SPAYING/NEUTERING --

We support the Doris Day League by participating in Spay Day USA. During the month of February we will be spaying and neutering pets at a reduced rate. Why spay and neuter? Helping to reduce the animal population will save many unwanted puppies and kittens from ending up at animal shelters or starving to death as they try to make it on their own. There are also numerous health benefits for your pet. Our space is limited, so call to schedule an appointment. For more information about the Doris Day League go to their Website at www.ddas.org.

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SENIOR PET CARE --

Are you beginning to notice some telltale signs that you pet is entering the "senior" years?

• Maybe it takes him longer to find his favorite toy.
• Maybe she has stopped greeting you at the door, or takes longer to get there.
• Perhaps he is forgetting house training,
• Gaining weight
• Sleeps more than usual.

While these things may seem like normal "old age" signs to you, the fact is that any or all of these signs might indicate your senior pet has a medical problem that needs attention. Remember our pets age 5 to 7 years for every one year of humans age, so their health may need attention.

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VACCINATIONS --

For Dogs -- DHLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Letospirosis, Parainfluenza), Parvo Virus, Corona Virus vaccinations at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks with annual boosters after 16 weeks of age. Bordetella (kennel cough) is recommended if you plan to board and/or show your dogs.

For Cats -- FVRCP (Rhinotrachetis, Calici, Panleukopenia), Pneumontis vaccinations at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age, repeated 3 weeks later, and revaccinate annually. A FELV test is available through our hospital.

Rabies -- for dogs are required by law at 4 months of age. Revaccinate in 1 year and then every 3 years.
For cats, a rabies shot is recommended at 4 months of age with annual boosters.

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WELLNESS EXAMS --

Do you know how old your pet really is? Most of us do not need a medical checkup more than once a year. But dogs and cats are different. Pets, on average, age up to seven times faster than humans. Taking your dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as seeing your own doctor just once every 7 years. Because pets age so rapidly, major health changes can occur in as little as three months. The risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age. Twice-a-year wellness exams can help your veterinarian diagnose, treat or even prevent problems before they become life-threatening. Schedule your pet's six-month wellness appointment today.

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CANINE INFLUENZA --

Canine influenza, sometimes referred to as canine flu, is an emerging respiratory disease in dogs. It is caused by an influenza virus that has caused disease in horses (equine influenza H3N8) for over 40 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has never documented a case of human infection with the equine influenza virus. There is no evidence to date of canine influenza being transmitted to humans.

Canine influenza is believed to have originated in Florida and was first diagnosed in racing greyhounds.

All dogs are susceptible and the virus appears to be quite contagious. The disease has been found in at least 11 states. It was originally identified by researchers at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. While racetracks and kennels have had the highest incidence of disease, canine influenza has also occurred in shelters, pet shops and in pet dogs.

The likely route of transmission is aerosol—or through the air. The virus can also spread by contact with contaminated inanimate objects such as clothing. Following good hygiene practices is important.

There have been no confirmed cases in Tennessee.

The majority of dogs infected with canine influenza will only develop mild symptoms. These symptoms, which mimic kennel cough, can include a cough, nasal discharge, fever and sometimes listlessness.

Some dogs will develop more severe disease and secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia can occur. According to the CDC, the proportion of dogs that have fatal disease is small.

Mortality rates between 1-10% have been reported, highest in puppies, elderly animals and animals suffering other health problems.

Vaccinations against bordetella and parainfluenza virus will not protect your dog against canine influenza.

While there is no vaccine available, work is underway to produce one.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting any signs of a respiratory illness. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been around other dogs recently (boarding kennel, etc.).

Most importantly, use common sense and seek advice from your veterinarian.

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