Routine Vet Care & Pet Wellness

Vaccinations

Vaccinations play a large part in keeping your pet healthy and free from disease. Our veterinarians tailor a vaccine protocol to your pet based on his or her lifestyle and recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Core vaccines for dogs include Distemper, Rabies, and Leptospirosis. Core vaccines for cats include: Distemper and Rabies.

Non-core vaccines for dogs include: Lyme, Canine Influenza and Bordetella

CORE: (Recommended for all dogs)
Rabies:
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person or animal. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal.
DAPP:
·  Canine Distemper- Canine distemper is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. Infection occurs through airborne exposure (sneezing and coughing). All dogs are at risk. Symptoms are pus like discharge from the eyes, fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, vomiting and/or reduced appetite. Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.
·  Adenovirus- Adenovirus is also known as infectious hepatitis. There is no cure, only supportive treatment.
·  Canine Parainfluenza virus- Canine Parainfluenza virus is a common cause of infectious upper respiratory tract disease in dogs. Clinical signs are typically mild-coughing, sneezing and eye/nasal discharge may be present.
·  Canine Parvovirus- Canine parvovirus is highly contagious. The virus affects the dogs’ gastrointestinal tract and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environment or people. Some signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature and severe, often bloody diarrhea. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are very important in successful outcomes. Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate.
Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection of Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. Leptospirosis can spread from animals to people. Common risk factors are drinking from contaminated rivers, lakes or streams. Also, exposure to wildlife urine if contaminated with Leptospira bacteria. Vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis in dogs.

 

NON-CORE: (Life-style)

Lyme:
Lyme disease is an illness that affects both animals and humans. It is the most reported vector-borne illness in the United States, according to the CDC. Best defense against a tick-borne disease is an oral or topical tick prevention, however vaccinating is also an option on top of the tick prevention as the vaccine does not prevent the disease itself.
Bordetella:
The Bordetella vaccine is a vaccine that is given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs in boarding or social settings that are at risk for kennel cough. Bordetella Bronchiseptica causes inflammation of your dog’s upper respiratory system. This inflammation leads to coughing and illness and can expose your dog to secondary infections like pneumonia. Symptoms generally include coughing and lethargy.
Canine Influenza:
Canine influenza virus is not contagious to humans. It is spread through direct contact, coughing/barking/sneezing and contaminated objects. Symptoms range from mild to severe: coughing, sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite and fever.
CORE: (Recommended for all cats)
Rabies:
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person or animal. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal.
FVRCP:
·  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis- Rhinotracheitis is triggered by the common herpes virus. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, drooling, ocular discharge, lethargy and anorexia. If left untreated this disease causes dehydration, starvation and eventually death.
·  Calicivirus- Calicivirus has similar symptoms to Rhinotracheitis that affects the respiratory system and also causes ulcers in the mouth. It can result in pneumonia if left untreated. Young and old are especially vulnerable.
·  Panleukopenia- Panleukopenia is also known as distemper and is easily spread from one cat to another. It is so common that nearly all cats will be exposed to it in their lifetime. It’s especially common in kittens who have not yet been vaccinated against it. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This disease progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. Without intervention, a cat can die within 12 hours of contracting the disease.
NON-CORE: (Life-style after 1 year of age)
Feline Leukemia:
Feline Leukemia is recommended to any cat that may come in contact with other infected cats. Transmission is car to cat bites, grooming, contact with infectious saliva, transplacental and transmammary. Symptoms include upper respiratory signs, persistent diarrhea, gingivitis, fever and chronic infections.
If your cat is overdue for vaccines by more than 6 months, there is a different protocol than listed below. Please talk to your veterinarian for recommendations on your cat’s vaccines if they are overdue for any vaccine by more than 6 months.

Heart worm testing and Parasite Prevention

Dangerous parasites are always present in the environment. We recommend regular fecal checks and annual testing for Heartworm as the best way to prevent parasitic disease and the transmission of intestinal parasites to your pet and your family.

External Parasites (fleas, ticks) and internal Parasites (heartworm, hookworm, roundworm) can cause problems for your pet and your family. Prevention is the best approach to eliminating these pests. Please ask a staff member at Vet Partners Pet Hospital for the best way to prevent parasite problems in your pet.

Vet Partners Pet Hospital carries a variety of topical, oral, or injectable flea/tick and heartworm preventatives.

Nutrition

Proper diet and nutrition can help your pet fight against disease, maintain a proper weight, and promote the overall well-being of your pet. Maintaining a healthy body weight is a very important aspect of a pet’s overall physical health. Good nutrition can help provide your pet with a happier, safer, and longer life. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and be within a healthy weight range. The best way to make sure your pet’s needs are being met is to consult with us about a specific diet for your pet and their lifestyle. Our staff will help your pet battle unhealthy weight gain and counsel you on the best nutritional options available.

Behavior Counseling

Vet Partners Pet Hospital recognizes that well-socialized animals live more peaceful, relaxed, and healthy lives. We utilize both behavior modification programs and the use of prescription medications in order to help with behavioral problems. We also work closely with veterinary behavioral specialists in the Twin Cities if we feel a particular case is beyond our skill level. Please call to schedule an appointment and consultation with one of our veterinarians.