Why have your dog or cat vaccinated?

Unless properly vaccinated, your dog is at risk of contracting one of several, possibly fatal, infectious diseases.  Routine vaccination protects your pet, is cheaper than paying for treating your sick pet
later, and reduces virus transmission in the pet population


Immunity and vaccination

Immunity is protection.  Immunity derived from vaccination is protection against a virus.  A Vaccination stimulates the immune system to make antibodies, which are specific to the virus being vaccinated
against.

Viral immunity in an adult pet can result from either

* vaccination
* the pet having suffered (and survived) the disease

What about immunity in young animals?

Animals under 16 weeks are unable to make long term protection.  The dog and cat immune system is not functioning like an adult immune system until 16 weeks of age.  After 16 weeks, a dog or cat
can make protection (antibodies) that protect them for a year or more.  Before 16 weeks, their immune system cannot make these long-term antibodies.  That is why puppies and kittens require a
series of shots when they are so young.  The vaccines are given every 3 to 4 weeks to remind the immature immune system to keep making protection against those viruses.  Once a pet is vaccinated
for the final time after it reaches 16 weeks, the immune system makes the long-term protection, and we just vaccinate yearly after that.

The first vaccination

We recommend starting the puppy or kitten with their first vaccinations at 8 weeks of age.  This is when the immunity they received from their mother is fading, and leaving the puppy or kitten unprotected.  Vaccines given prior to the maternal immunity wearing off, do no good. If we wait too long after the maternal immunity wears off, we are risking the unprotected baby might be exposed to and contract a virus.  So, 8 weeks has been determined to be the appropriate age to start vaccinating
the majority of puppies and kittens

Re-vaccination

Pets should be vaccinated annually for most vaccines.  Some vaccines can be boostered every 3 years.  Remember that these boosters are to remind the immune system to keep making long term
protection. If a pet has never received a vaccine before, and is over 16 weeks, it will need one additional dose in 3 to 4 weeks before starting on the annual or triennial schedule.

An annual visit to your vet provides an opportunity for a routine health check as well as any re-vaccinations that are necessary. If, for any reason, your pet misses a vaccination which has been
advised by your veterinary practice, contact them for advice as soon as possible.

Record of Vaccination

You will go home with a copy of your pet’s medical record each time you visit one of our clinics.  On the reverse side of that medical record, you will find contact information along with other information
about various services we provide. Always bring all medical records with you when you visit one of our clinics.  If you do not have any prior medical records or vaccination records, it is OK.  We will discuss
with you your pet’s needs.

Dog vaccinations:

Rabies

Basics:
A virus that leads to a fatal infection for humans and animals.  It is spread by contact with saliva on an open wound of the skin.  It causes behavior changes, seizures and death.  Rabies vaccination is required by law.  LMP carries a 3 year approved Rabies vaccine only.  But it must be given annually in some cases and geographic locations.  You will learn when this applies.

Specifics:
Rabies, a polioencephalitis virus, is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans.  It is commonly spread by contact with saliva through bites
or a break in the skin.  There is no cure for the disease once the symptoms occur.  Vaccination gives resistance from contracting rabies in case of exposure.

Rabies in humans can be prevented either by eliminating exposures to rabid animals, or in exposed persons, by prompt local wound treatment with appropriate passive and active immunization. Rabies vaccinations are required by law for pets because the disease can be transmitted to humans and is fatal.

Distemper
This is the “D” in DHPP, DHLPP, or the main part of the  5 in 1 and 6 in 1 vaccine.  This is the MOST IMPORTANT vaccine a dog should get!!!!

Distemper is widespread, serious, often deadly, and can affect almost any carnivore, wild or domestic.  Canine distemper is a contagious viral disease seen most frequently in puppies 3 to 6
months old, but dogs of all ages are at risk.  Early signs of the disease are fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, conjunctivitis, and sometimes a nasal discharge.  As the disease progresses, symptoms
include diarrhea, pneumonia, convulsions, and paralysis.  The disease can infect any organ system, but frequently attacks the nervous system.  The disease is difficult to survive, since young puppies are
most frequently infected.  Prevention by vaccination is recommended as the essential means of controlling canine distemper.

Hepatitis

This is part of the 5 in 1 or 6 in 1.  It is the “H” in DHPP/DHLPP.

 Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a contagious viral disease that affects the dog's liver, primarily.  Early signs are similar to those seen in distemper.  The disease is transmitted by direct contact with urine
from an infected dog.  The canine strain of hepatitis does not cause hepatitis in humans.  This disease can cause fever, enlarged liver, pain, and even death.  It can also cause respiratory tract
illness.  Vaccination is very effective in preventing this disease.

Leptospirosis

This is the “L” in the DHLPP, or the 6th thing in the 6 in 1.
 Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by contact with the urine of an infected
dog, rat, or other wildlife.  Infection occurs through oral mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye
and the skin.

 The disease can produce very severe symptoms of high fever, depression, jaundice and internal bleeding.  Recovered animals may suffer from chronic kidney disease.  Leptospirosis can be spread
from dogs to humans, so prevention of the disease in pets is of paramount importance.  Dogs often become carriers and shedders of the bacterial organism, thus vaccination is a most important
element in controlling the disease.  There are many strains of lepto that can cause the disease.  Many of these strains there is no vaccine currently available to use as protection against.  Also, this
vaccine often causes allergic reactions, fever, and muscle aches in vaccinated pets.  Also, the vaccine is only good for about 4-6 months.  Therefore, we recommend vaccination with Lepto if the
dog is specifically at risk, but otherwise not to give the vaccine.  Dogs at risk include hunting dogs, dogs with access to marshy water, low-laying or standing water, and lakes.  Also dogs that interact
with rodents, or have rodents in their environment.  Ft. dodge offers a vaccine for Lepto that contains 4 different strains.  This product should be used if the dog is at risk for Lepto.

Parvovirus
This is in the DHPP or DHLPP vaccines. (5 in 1 and 6 in 1)
This virus causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting, mainly infects puppies. It is hard to survive parvo,
and dogs must be hospitalized to live.  The bills can be over $1,000 and the dog can still die.  
Vaccination is safe.

Specifics:
Parvovirus is highly contagious, and attacks rapidly dividing cells, most commonly intestinal cells, and sometimes the heart muscle cells.  Because the intestinal cells are destroyed, nothing is able to
be absorbed in the intestines, and violent, bloody diarrhea and vomiting results.  Secondary endotoxic shock occurs form infection through the denuded intestinal tract.  Giving any food or medications by
mouth to a dog infected with Parvovirus only worsens the situation, therefore parvoviral infections require hospital stays to receive intravenous medications and hydration.  Even hospitalization and
treatment does not ensure recovery from Parvovirus, therefore vaccination is recommended.

    Transmission of Parvovirus organisms occurs through the infected dog's feces and can be transported on the hair or feet of infected dogs, on clothing and by contact with inanimate objects like
food bowls.  The virus is particularly resistant and can persist in the environment for many months.  Minimizing contact with other dogs and their stool and the use of a chlorine-based disinfectant can
control the spread of the disease to some degree.

Coronavirus

Basics:

Corona virus infection looks like and is similar to Parvo.  It causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting.  However, it is less severe than Parvo, and dogs can usually live.  WE feel it is important to prevent this
infection, even though dogs live through it (usually) because it causes suffering for the dogs, can be transmitted to cats causing a fatal disease, and, corona virus of some kind is linked to human SARs
(not necessarily canine Coronavirus).

Specifics:

    Coronavirus is extremely similar to Parvovirus, attacking the cells of the intestines.  However, the intestinal cells are able to regenerate in fewer days when affected by Coronavirus than with infection
with Parvovirus.  Therefore, there is more likelihood of recovery from Coronavirus.  The clinical signs are diarrhea, vomiting, and depression.  It is most commonly seen in young puppies.  Treatment is
symptomatic (supportive), and again requires hospitalization for intravenous medications and hydration.  Transmission is by contact with feces from an infected dog.  Vaccination is the best
method of ensuring protection from Coronavirus.  Coronavirus of dogs can infect cats and cause an FIP like disease that is fatal.  Coronavirus is the virus identified as causing human SARS after
mutating from an animal species virus.  (You cannot get SARs from a sick dog)

    g.        Bordetella

    Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial agent that causes the respiratory disease, kennel cough.  The disease can also be caused by a lot of other viruses & bacteria.  It is like the different strains of
the flu.  Specific types of infectious agents causing this disease are the viral agents canine adenovirus type 1 and type 2, and canine parainfluenza.  These highly contagious airborne agents
cause mild to severe inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.  The disease is characterized by a harsh, chronic cough.  It is usually considered to be a self-limiting disease, unless pneumonia
develops from secondary bacterial complications.   The dry, non-productive cough may last for weeks to months after the resolution of the clinical disease due to the damage done to the trachea.  Most
boarding facilities require this vaccine, and dogs which live in shelters, pounds, or kennels should
receive protection through vaccination.

This vaccine does not prevent a dog from acquiring Kennel Cough (the lay term for Bordetella type respiratory syndromes), but it does help prevent a dog from developing pneumonia from a case of
Kennel Cough.


 PARASITIC INFECTIONS
 

1.        INTESTINAL PARASITES          a.   Hookworms,  b.   Roundworms,  c.  Tapeworms
2.        EXTERNAL PARASITES            a.  Fleas,  b. Mites,  c. Ticks

3.        CANINE HEARTWORMS

1.        INTESTINAL PARASITES

Basics:
Puppies and kittens can be born with hookworms and roundworms, and therefore need to be dewormed as babies.  This is why we include a dewormer in puppy & kitten package.  Puppies &
Kittens should be dewormed at least twice, and should have a fecal test to determine if other intestinal parasites are present.  Remember intestinal parasites are worms in the stomach and
guts.  Heartworms are worms in the blood stream & Heart.

a.        Hookworms –

Basics:
Cause blood loss through the intestines and can cause a puppy or kitten to die from anemia (severe blood loss).  This worm can be transmitted to humans through the skin.  These worms are killed with
Pyrantel (Anthelban, Strongid)

Specifics:
Hookworms are nematode parasites of the species Ancylostoma caninum in the small intestine of dogs, and Ancylostoma tubaeforme of cats.  Adult hookworms and fourth stage larvae are voracious
bloodsuckers causing blood loss, anemia, and enteritis.  Active worms leave bite sites in the intestines that continue to seep blood.  Of special concern is infection in neonates causing acute
disease.  Coughing may result from larval migration to the lungs following skin penetration.  In dogs, hookworms may be transmitted through a mother’s colostrum.   All species of hookworms are also
transmitted by ingestion of infective larvae or by skin penetration.
 

Clinical signs include: pale mucous membranes. Dark tarry stools, constipation, loss of condition, poor appetite, dry cough, and sudden death.  Diagnosis is by fecal examination for eggs.

Treatment for hookworm infections is with Pyrantel Pamoate (Strongid-T).   Interceptor Flavor Tabs, or Heartgard given monthly will prevent hookworm infestations.   Puppies and kittens should be
dewormed at two to four week intervals until weaning.  Breeding females should be dewormed to prevent transmission to their young.  Acute cases are treated with fluid therapy and deworming, blood
transfusions may be necessary.

b.        Roundworms –

Basics:  
This worm gives puppies & kittens the very large bloated belly appearance, while being thin in muscle and flesh.  This worm also causes blood loss through the intestines, is present often at birth
in these babies, and can be transmitted to humans.  These worms are often vomited up, or pooped out.   They are very fat, long and round, and curl up in a tight spiral after leaving the body.  They look
like fat spaghetti noodles.  Owners that state they are seeing worms must be questioned as to the appearance of the worm.  These worms are killed with Pyrantel (Anthelban, Strongid).  Short flat
looking worms are tapeworms and are killed with Praziquantel (Cestex, Droncit).


Specifics:
Roundworms is the common name for Ascariasis.  Ascariasis of dogs is caused by Toxocara canis, and in cats is caused by Toxocara cati.  Both species are affected by Toxocara leonina.  Roundworms
are relatively large robust worms up to 12 cm in length so that distension of the small intestine often leads to colic, interference with gut motility, and inability to utilize food.  Because of transplacental
transmission to fetuses, pups may be born with a developing worm burden.  Kittens can be infected through transcolostral transmission.  Older pups and kittens may become infected by ingestion of
infective eggs disseminated on premises by dams infected postgestationally.

Clinical signs include: abdominal distension, colicky pain, cachexia, anorexia, scanty feces, coughing due to larval migration, weakness, sudden death.  Diagnosis is by fecal examination for
eggs.

Treatment for roundworms is by deworming with Strongid or other anthelmintics.  Giving Interceptor or Heartgard Plus will prevent infestation.  Bitches and queens should be treated to
prevent subsequent litter infections.  Roundworms may be seen in a pet’s stool.  They look like thick strands of spaghetti, with round bodies.  They usually coil up tightly when defecated out of the body.  
They can be from 3”-10” long.

c.        Tapeworms

Basics:
Tapeworms are caused by the pet eating/swallowing fleas carrying the tapeworm eggs.  This is the only way to get tapeworms, by eating infected fleas.  Tapeworms crawl out of the anus, and are found
crawling on fresh stools.  They are very itchy, and cause the pet to drag their rears on the ground to scratch.  These worms are not dangerous, and cause no other real harm to the pet.  They just “gross
out” owners, and cause rear end itchiness.  We kill these worms with Praziquantel (Cestex, Droncit).  We can give this drug to kill the tapeworms, but if the fleas on the pet are not
killed/removed/addressed, the pet will have tapeworms again in about another month.

Specifics:

 Tapeworm infections of the small intestines of dogs and cats are caused by Taenia pisiformis, and Dipylidium caninum.  Taeniids are transmitted by predation of rabbits or rodents, Dipylidium is
flea-vectored with flea maggots picking up tapeworm eggs in dog or cat feces and transmitted by adult fleas when ingested by dogs or cats.  There is no apparent harm done to the dog or cat by
tapeworms except for perianal pruritus.   Owners find the tapeworm segments unsightly, as they crawl from the anus periodically and stick to the pet's hairs.

 Clinical signs include, dragging or rubbing the anus on the ground, and visible tapeworm segments on the feces.  Causes or risk factors are eating viscera of rabbits or rodents, and fleas in
the environment.

 Treatment for tapeworms is with Praziquantel (Droncit) 5mg/kg once.  Tapeworms are often described as looking like “grains of rice”.  They are flat, usually ½” or shorter, and can be seen
crawling out of the rectum, or moving on freshly defecated stool.



2.        EXTERNAL  PARASITES

a. Fleas

Basics:
 Fleas can infest dogs and cats, and in areas of moderate to severe infestation, people can be bitten by fleas.   An infestation that is severe and not treated can cause death to a pet due to blood
loss (anemia).  Also, histamine-like compounds in flea saliva irritate the skin and allergies to fleas develop in both dogs and cats.    There is no cure for flea allergy hypersensitivity, only management
through flea control

 The latest products in the war on fleas are Advantage & Frontline  These will be discussed in the section on product information.  It should be noted that these two products are safe for both dogs and
cats as opposed to over the counter products such as spotton and bio spot.

b.  Mites
There are numerous types of mites that affect pets, many of which can be transmitted to people.

Ear Mites:

Basics:
LMP does treat ear mites with Acarexx.  This is usually a one-time treatment.  But if multiple pets in the household are infected, all will have to be treated in order to eliminate the infection.  Kittens are
more prone to earmites.  All kitten owners should be questioned about the presence of black “coffee grounds” like substance in their kitten’s ears.  The vet assistant should remind the vet to check all
kittens for ear mites.  IF present, the ear is cleaned out with a swab & peroxide, and the Acarexx is applied.  The pet should be rechecked in 1 month to see if the infection was cleared.


Mange Mites

Basics:
Luv My Pet does not diagnose or treat mange, but it should be noted that mites can be a cause of skin problems.  Dogs that arrive at our clinics and are bald, or have sever hair loss may have mange.  
Employees should be sure to disinfect the table and their hands after handling animals with hair loss.

Specifics:
Mange in animals can be caused by one of two different mites, Sarcoptic or Demodectic.  Sarcoptic mange mites can be spread to other animals and to people, while demodectic mange mites cannot.  Both types of mange cause hair loss and itching.

b.        Ticks

Basics:

Ticks can cause Lyme Disease and other illnesses.  It is important to control and prevent ticks from infesting pets, homes & humans.  Frontline is the product to recommend for use on dogs & cats with
a tick problem.  Advantage is a flea product that works best for fleas.  However Frontline must be used if ticks are a problem as Advantage cannot kill ticks.

Specifics:
There are numerous types of tick that can parasitize dogs and cats.  Ticks feed only on the blood of their hosts, and are arthropods, closely related to spiders, scorpions and mites.  Ticks can spread
bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, rickettsiae, filarial nematodes and spirochetes.  Examples of diseases spread by ticks are: Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tick Paralysis,
Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, borreliosis, and others.

2.        CANINE HEARTWORMS

Basics:

Mosquitos carry and transmit Heartworms.
When a mosquito bites a dog to suck a blood meal, the heartworm larva (babies) crawl down the sucking mouthpart of the mosquito into the dog's skin.  From there it burrows its way to a blood
vessel to enter the blood stream (circulatory system). The baby Heartworms end up in the heart, and over the next 6 months develop into long skinny, spaghetti like worms, about 12 inches long.  These
worms physically are like a ball of worms, or mass of worms in the heart, taking up space, and interfering with pumping blood.  Therefore, it cases heart failure over the years.  Dog’s not treated
usually die from this disease.  This is most common in Southern hot areas of the United States where mosquitos are not killed off in the winter months, because there are no harsh snow laden
winter months.  This can be prevented by giving heartworm prevention all year round to dogs, and to cats. Types of heartworm prevention are Interceptor, Heartgard and Proheart.  These will be covered
more in depth in the product section.

Specifics:

Heartworm disease is caused by infection with Dirofilaria immitis, which is carried by mosquitoes. The baby Heartworms (microfilaria) find their way to the heart, and there develop over the next 6
months into 12-14 inch long mature Heartworms.  There are male and female Heartworms that breed and produce more baby Heartworms to be picked up by a mosquito sucking a blood meal and
spread to the next animal.  Virtually 100% of unprotected dogs living in endemic areas can be affected.  Infection can occur at any age, but most often affected animals are 3-8 years old.  Because
of the size, and number of Heartworms present in an infected dog's heart, the heart can not function properly, leading to heart failure, and eventually death if not treated.
    
 Clinical signs of heartworm disease are coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, syncope, and ascites (in severely affected dogs).  Treatment requires a hospital stay, and can be expensive.  
Asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic dogs have a good prognosis for successful treatment and cure.  There can be a guarded prognosis for severely affected dogs.

 Since infection with Heartworms can lead to either an expensive vet bill, or death if not treated, prevention of heartworm disease is recommended.  There are several types of preventative available.
Heartgard and Interceptor are the monthly preventative options.  Luv My Pet recommends Interceptor, but can provide Heartgard if a pet owner will not choose Interceptor.  Interceptor is given monthly
according to the weight of the dog, and prevents Heartworms while controlling hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in the intestines.  Heartgard is also given monthly, and controls
hookworms and roundworms in the intestines.

ZOONOTIC POTENTIALS

Because of close contact with animals, the veterinary health care worker is at special risk for exposure to a group of diseases called zoonoses.  A zoonotic disease is defined as a disease transmitted form animals to humans.  Actually, for most of them, transmission can be in either direction, from animals to humans, or from humans to animals.  It will be impossible to discuss all zoonotic diseases, there are about 200 of them.  Many of these do not occur in this country.  Four of these zoonoses will be discussed.

RABIES

 Rabies is a viral disease.  Transmission is through injection of saliva, commonly by biting.  When an animal or human is bitten by a rabid animal, the virus particles are injected by the teeth through
the skin.  Once inside the new host, the virus travels toward the brain through the nerves and spinal cord.  From the brain, the virus spreads to other parts of the body and gets into the saliva by entering
the salivary glands.

 The average period of time for the cycle of transmission to be completed is usually between two to six weeks.  Occasionally this cycle takes much longer, a feature of rabies, which has an impact on
control procedures.  Once the virus particles enter the saliva, the animal is in the terminal stage of the disease and usually dies in a few days.

 Not all exposures to the rabies virus are a result of a bite from an animal exhibiting savage behavior.  Humans have been exposed by coming into contact with saliva while examining the mouth of an anima not suspected of being rabid.  This can happen when the animal, instead of behaving in the classical furious manner, progresses rapidly to a paralyzed state.

 It is important to remember that dogs are not the only hazard.  Recently more cats have been
diagnosed annually as rabid than dogs.  Farm animals, wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons,
foxes, and bats, are routinely diagnosed as rabid and present a potential threat.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

 Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease produced by a spirochete not unlike, in appearance, the organism causing syphilis in humans.  This organism resides in the kidney, and is spread in urine.  
Transmission usually occurs when an infected dog urinates and droplets make contact with the person, but it can also occur indirectly as when handling newspapers or other cage lining material
soaked with urine.  The incubation period is usually ten days, but may range from 4 to 20.

The clinical signs of disease in humans can range from very mild illness to acute disease with high fever.  Usual signs include fever, headache, muscle pains, and gastrointestinal upset.  Jaundice
may or may not be present.  Illness lasts from a few days to three weeks.  Fatality is low but increases with advancing age may reach 20% in patients with jaundice and kidney damage.

RINGWORM

Ringworm is the term commonly applied to fungus infections of the skin.  The two most common fungi are Microsporum, seen most commonly on pets, and Trichophyton on farm animals.  They are
not host specific, and each can be found on domestic animals.   Transmission is usually by direct contact with an infected animal, but indirect transmission by contact with contaminated articles is
common.

 The incubation period is four to ten days.  Lesions appear as flat, ring shaped, slightly raised, reddish areas which slowly expand leaving normal appearing skin in the center.  Itching is common.
There is no protective immunity. All ages are susceptible.

VISCERAL LARVAL MIGRANS

    This is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog or cat roundworm.  As the name implies, clinical disease in humans results from the migration through internal organs and tissues
by the larval stage of the dog or cat roundworm.  There is also a cutaneous form of larval migrans, caused by skin penetration of hookworm larvae.

    Human VLM results when an embryonated egg is ingested.  Most frequently this occurs among children playing in sand or dirt contaminated by dog or cat feces.  Most human infections are mild, but
serious disease can arise as the result of heavy infestations.  VLM can also affect the eyes, resulting in loss of vision.
    

    Prevention of VLM is dependent upon good hygiene.  Hands should be washed thoroughly after
handling fecal material.

    The following page lists other important zoonoses.
ZOONOSES OF IMPORTANCE TO VETERINARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS


DISEASE                COMMON HOST/RESERVOIR                        TRANSMISSION

BACTERIAL  DISEASES

Leptospirosis                Dogs, rodents, wildlife                          Contact with urine
Plague                             Rodents, rabbits                                     Infected fleas, airborne
Rat Bite Fever                Rodents                                                    Rodent bites
Shigellosis                     Nonhuman primates                              Ingestion, contact
Tetanus                          Soil                                                             Contaminated wounds
Tuberculosis                 Nonhuman primates                              Inhalation
Tularemia                      Rodents, rabbits                                      Ingestion, tick bites

FUNGAL DISEASES

Ringworm                Mammals, birds                                        contact

PARASITIC DISEASES

Chagas Disease        Dogs, cats, rodents                                Fecal material
of                                                                                 assassin bug
Coccidiosis                Dog                                                Ingestion
Dog tapeworm                Dogs, cats                                        Ingestion
Filariasis                Dog                                                Mosquito
Hydatidosis                Dogs, rodents                                        Ingestion
Larval migrans                Dogs, cats                                        contact, ingestion
Strongyloidiasis                Dog                                                contact
Toxoplasmosis                cats                                                ingestion

RICKETTSIAL/CHLAMYDIAL DISEASES

Murine typhus                Rats                                                Flea bites
Rocky Mt. Spotted Fever Dogs, rodents, rabbits                                Tick bites
Psittacosis                Birds                                                Inhalation

VIRAL  DISEASES

Orf                        Sheep, goats                                        Contact
Herpes-simian                Nonhuman primates                                Bites
Infectious hepatitis        Nonhuman primates                                Contact
Rabies                        Carnivores, bats                                bites
Cat scratch fever        Cats, dogs                                        Wounds, scratches
Choriomeningitis        Rodents, dogs                                        Ingestion, inhalation.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

1.        Canine Heartworm Test
2.        Fecal Test

1.        Canine Heartworm Test

Luv My Pet offers Heartworm testing for dogs.  The veterinarian does this by collecting a blood sample in a purple top collection tube.  Depending on the territory, the test may be performed
immediately in the field while the customer waits for the result. Alternatively, depending on the territory, all blood samples collected in a weekend may be sent to a lab at once for “batch” testing.  If
the test is performed in the field, a “snap test” is used.  This is an occult test for antigens in the blood that are only present if there are mature Heartworms in the dog’s heart.  If the tests are batched and
performed in a lab setting, a “well test” is done first on all the samples.  Any blood sample that shows a positive result on the well test is then retested with a snap test for accuracy.  The well test is also an
occult test for heartworm antigen.

The results of blood tests that are performed at a lab rather than immediately in the field are reported to the client by mail.  Clients should be instructed that they will receive their test results within 7 – 10
working days.

All dogs must be tested annually to renew their prescription for heartworm preventative.  Clients whose pets were tested at another facility must show proof of a negative heartworm test within the
past year to fill a prescription from another veterinarian.

Dogs 6 months of age or younger do not need to be tested to begin heartworm preventative.  Clients with puppies under 6 months of age should be informed of heartworm disease and prevention, and
advised to purchase the first year’s supply of preventative.

Clients who purchase preventative at the time of testing should be instructed not to administer any preventative until they receive a negative test result in the mail.  If their dog should test positive for
Heartworms (the dog has heartworm disease) they should be instructed to seek heartworm treatment at the full service veterinary hospital of their choice, and begin administration of the
purchased preventative only after heartworm treatment is completed.

A label stating “Do not administer until informed of negative test results” should be placed on all packages of preventative that are sold to clients whose pet is also having a test performed.  The label
should be placed so that it must be torn in order to open the package.  These labels are found in the product rig box.  A prescription label must also be completely filled out and placed on every package
of preventative sold.

2.        Fecal Test

A fecal test is performed with a stool sample, and is for dogs, cats,or ferrets.  The test is for intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms,
coccidia, and giardia.  The client must bring a stool sample.  Luv My Pet, Inc. will not collect the sample from the pet.  

The type of fecal test performed is a fecal flotation test, and this checks for eggs of parasites.  The type of egg present in the stool tells what parasites are present.  The results reported to the client
include the type of parasite found.

Luv My Pet, Inc. will deworm an animal for hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.  All other parasites that may be found on the fecal test require a special medication that will be recommended
if required.  The client should then obtain that medication from the full service veterinary hospital of their choice.

A fecal test can be done on any animal of any age, but is especially important in young animals.  Baby animals can be born with parasites (from their mother) and are much more susceptible to
serious complications, including death, from a large infection of worms.

A fecal flotation test (the kind of test we do) will not diagnose tapeworms.  A client should be informed of this!  An animal will be de-wormed for tapeworms when the owner sees them and
informs us.  Tapeworms appear as small, flat, “rice-like” worms that crawl out of the rectum, and are on the stool.


PRODUCT INFORMATION

1.        Interceptor
2.        Advantage
3.        Frontline
4.        Heartgard

1.        Interceptor
Interceptor (milbemycine oxime) is a heartworm preventative. It is a once a month tablet that is chewable.  The dog will eat the tablet readily like a treat.  It is sold in packages of six tablets (a six-
month supply).

Interceptor will prevent heartworm infection, and control hookworms, roundworms and whipworms in the intestine.  Remember that Heartworms are a blood parasite (living in the heart), and “worms” are
intestinal parasites.

Interceptor is dispensed in sizes based on the dog’s weight.  It is therefore important that each dog’s weight be estimated in the appropriate blank on each vaccination certtificate.  The sizes are as
follows:

    Brown                1-10 pounds                (2.3mg)
    Green                11-25 pounds        (5.75mg)
    Yellow                26-50 pounds        (11.5mg)
    White                51-100 pounds        (23.0 mg)

Dogs over 100 pounds must receive a combination of tablets each month to cover its total weight.Dogs that are positive for Heartworms must not receive heartworm preventative as an adverse
reaction may occur.

There is a product called Sentinel, that contains Interceptor plus a flea control product called program.

2.        Heartgard
This is another heartworm preventative.  It is a once a month, chewable pill.  It will prevent heartworm disease, while controlling the intestinal parasites hookworms and roundworms.We can order this product for clients if necessary.


3.       Advantage
Advantage (imidacloprid) is another method of flea control offered by Luv My Pet, Inc.  This product does kill fleas, and has shown larvicidal activity in preliminary studies.  Advantage kills 98-100% of
adult fleas within 24 hours after application.

Advantage is a liquid that is applied to the pet’s skin, a topical medication.  It is not absorbed into the bloodstream.  Once applied to the skin, Advantage spreads over the whole body surface of the
pet, so that a flea is affected no matter where it contacts the animal.  Advantage is stored in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the skin, and continually secreted over the next 30 days.  Therefore,
this medication is recommended for once a month application.

    Advantage works by impairing the flea’s nervous system, leading to death on contact.  This avoids the fleabites, and therefore, this is the flea control choice for allergic animals.

    Advantage is also completely safe for puppies and kittens and can be applied as early as 8 weeks of age.  Once applied, the animal should not be bathed for 4 days.  Recent studies showed that dogs
repeatedly immersed in water weekly still experienced nearly 90% efficacy.  After shampooing, Advantage-treated dogs still showed 92% efficacy.

    Advantage is also dispensed depending on the weight of the animal.  Again, the weight of each pet receiving Advantage should be documented on the Vaccination Certificate, and the veterinarian must
approve the animal to receive flea control

4.        Frontline

This is a product used to kill and prevent infestation with both fleas and ticks.  The chemical name of the product is Fipronil.  This is used safely in both dogs and cats, and is sold by weight of the animal.

Fipronil collects in the oils of the skin and hair follicles and continues to be released over a period of time resulting in long residual activity.  The drug spreads over the body once applied, within 24 hours
by a mechanism called translocation.  This product kills fleas and ticks by interfering with their nervous system.  The sizes of Frontline are as follows:

    Cats/kittens:  green, 0.5ml
    Dogs up to 22 lbs.:  0.67ml, gold
    Dogs up 23-44lbs: 1.34ml, blue
    Dogs 45-88lbs: 2.68ml, purple