Our thanks to the generous contributors to our Have a Heart Fund.
Contributors during this past quarter ar:
* Robert Murphy
* Diane Earnest
* Linda Boland
* Charles Allgood
* Carl and Toby Carlson (in memory of Danny and Tom)
* David and Laura Hunsicker
* Denise Weiman (in memory of Timber)
* Vickie and Stephanie Schofield
* Cathy Jo Burdette.
Friday, December 1, 2000
Update: Vaccine Protocol
Our hospital takes very seriously its responsibility to provide the best possible health care for your pets. This responsibility includes staying current on new developments in the field of veterinary medicine. An area of recent research and study has focused on determining the optimum frequency of vaccines required to protect against diseases. In response to new data in this field, our hospital has decided to change its vaccine protocol. In the next few years, we expect more veterinarians will follow our lead. The changes we have made, and the rationale for them, are summarized below.
Rabies (Canines). No change. The first vaccine will still be given and 4 months as required by law. It will be boostered in a year, and thereafter, every three years.
Rabies (Felines). In the past, cats and dogs followed the same protocol and used the same rabies vaccine. However, growing concern that rabies vaccines may be related to fibrosarcomas (malignant tumors) in cats has changed this. A new vaccine, specially designed for cats, is less likely to cause these tumors. This vaccine is currently only licensed for a year. Until a three-year version of this vaccine is available, it will have to be boostered annually. Therefore, after the first rabies vaccine, which is required by law at four months, the rabies will be boostered annually.
Distemper (Canines and Felines). Distemper vaccines for both dogs and cats are actually a combination of three to four vaccines, but are referred to as distemper vaccines for brevity. In the past, after initial pupply or kitten series, distemper vaccines were boostered annually. Research now indicates that these vaccines provide protection for up to three years after the first two years of boosters are given. In fact titers performed on some of our patients over the past year support this research. Research also indicates that annual vaccinations may be associated with some immune system disorders. Therefore, after the initial puppy or kitten series (boosters every three weeks until 16 weeks of age), the vaccine will be boostered annually for the first two years and then every three years thereafter.
Bordatella (Canines only). Previously, this intranasal vaccine against kennel cough, a viral upper respiratory infection, was given annually starting at six to eight weeks. However, as an exception to other research, studies indicate that immunity in this case may not last a year. Under our new protocol it will be given every six months.
Feline Leukemina (Felines only). Like the distemper vaccine, this one was boostered annually after the kitten series was given. Under our new protocol, kittens will receive two vaccines at 12 and 16 weeks (after a negative feline leukemia test). Then if your cat is an outdoor cat, the vaccine will be boostered annually for the next two years, and then every three years. If your cat does not go outdoors, no further vaccines will be necessary. (Just be sure any new cats to the household are tested for feline leukemina before bringing them into contact with your cats.)
Physical Examinations. These will continue to be done annually. They allow the veterianrian to monitor and evaluate your pet's health. In this way, problems can be identified early enough for successful treatments. The Annual physical examination also establishes a valid patient-veterinarian relationship, a requirement for dispensing medication to your pet. Fecals (stool sample tests) and heartworm tests will continue on an annual basis as well.
As an exception, we recommend twice yearly examinations for our geriatric patients (eight years and over). Many problems can develop during these years and early detection of them is key to successful treatment. We also recommend annual bloodwork for geriatric patients.
The new protocol outlined above will apply to the requirements for boarding, grooming, and surgery, and any other admissions to the hospital. During this initial transition period, reminders are based on the old protocol. During your next visit, the doctor will determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet based on its age and vaccination history. The computer will be updated at that time and future reminders will incorporate the new protocol.
Thank you for choosing us to be your partners in the health of your pets. We encourage your input and questions about this new protocol.
Rabies (Canines). No change. The first vaccine will still be given and 4 months as required by law. It will be boostered in a year, and thereafter, every three years.
Rabies (Felines). In the past, cats and dogs followed the same protocol and used the same rabies vaccine. However, growing concern that rabies vaccines may be related to fibrosarcomas (malignant tumors) in cats has changed this. A new vaccine, specially designed for cats, is less likely to cause these tumors. This vaccine is currently only licensed for a year. Until a three-year version of this vaccine is available, it will have to be boostered annually. Therefore, after the first rabies vaccine, which is required by law at four months, the rabies will be boostered annually.
Distemper (Canines and Felines). Distemper vaccines for both dogs and cats are actually a combination of three to four vaccines, but are referred to as distemper vaccines for brevity. In the past, after initial pupply or kitten series, distemper vaccines were boostered annually. Research now indicates that these vaccines provide protection for up to three years after the first two years of boosters are given. In fact titers performed on some of our patients over the past year support this research. Research also indicates that annual vaccinations may be associated with some immune system disorders. Therefore, after the initial puppy or kitten series (boosters every three weeks until 16 weeks of age), the vaccine will be boostered annually for the first two years and then every three years thereafter.
Bordatella (Canines only). Previously, this intranasal vaccine against kennel cough, a viral upper respiratory infection, was given annually starting at six to eight weeks. However, as an exception to other research, studies indicate that immunity in this case may not last a year. Under our new protocol it will be given every six months.
Feline Leukemina (Felines only). Like the distemper vaccine, this one was boostered annually after the kitten series was given. Under our new protocol, kittens will receive two vaccines at 12 and 16 weeks (after a negative feline leukemia test). Then if your cat is an outdoor cat, the vaccine will be boostered annually for the next two years, and then every three years. If your cat does not go outdoors, no further vaccines will be necessary. (Just be sure any new cats to the household are tested for feline leukemina before bringing them into contact with your cats.)
Physical Examinations. These will continue to be done annually. They allow the veterianrian to monitor and evaluate your pet's health. In this way, problems can be identified early enough for successful treatments. The Annual physical examination also establishes a valid patient-veterinarian relationship, a requirement for dispensing medication to your pet. Fecals (stool sample tests) and heartworm tests will continue on an annual basis as well.
As an exception, we recommend twice yearly examinations for our geriatric patients (eight years and over). Many problems can develop during these years and early detection of them is key to successful treatment. We also recommend annual bloodwork for geriatric patients.
The new protocol outlined above will apply to the requirements for boarding, grooming, and surgery, and any other admissions to the hospital. During this initial transition period, reminders are based on the old protocol. During your next visit, the doctor will determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet based on its age and vaccination history. The computer will be updated at that time and future reminders will incorporate the new protocol.
Thank you for choosing us to be your partners in the health of your pets. We encourage your input and questions about this new protocol.
Friday, June 30, 2000
Update: Have a Heart
We currently have three cats, four dogs, seven kittens, and a rabbit who have benefited from your thoughtful donations.
Our thanks to the following Have a Heart Fund contributors during this period:
* Virginia Wade
* Patricia Lattimore
* Patricia Boger
* Bobbie and Kathy Williams
* Girl Scout Troop 1686
* Tess Tompas
* Carolyn Carpenter
* Sandra Newsom
* John and Geri Hoessle (in memory of Jenni)
* Joann Hughes (in memory of Cujo)
* Gary Hinrichs (in memory of Velcro)
* Granny’s Treasures (in memory of Sally)
* Barbara and David Pasternak (in memory of Levi)
Our thanks to the following Have a Heart Fund contributors during this period:
* Virginia Wade
* Patricia Lattimore
* Patricia Boger
* Bobbie and Kathy Williams
* Girl Scout Troop 1686
* Tess Tompas
* Carolyn Carpenter
* Sandra Newsom
* John and Geri Hoessle (in memory of Jenni)
* Joann Hughes (in memory of Cujo)
* Gary Hinrichs (in memory of Velcro)
* Granny’s Treasures (in memory of Sally)
* Barbara and David Pasternak (in memory of Levi)
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