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Examination Information
Our basic physical examination consists of the following:
1. a detailed consultation with the doctor about the pet’s general health,
its health history, diet, behavior, appearance, any problem areas, etc.
2. a comprehensive examination of the animal’s
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nose,
eyes, ears, mouth (gums, teeth, tongue, lips, and palate) |
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heart and
lungs (using a stethoscope) |
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skin and hair
analysis |
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legs, feet,
joint and muscle analysis |
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lymph nodes |
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abdominal
palpation |
3. weighing of the animal
Vaccination
Information
CATS
AND DOGS
Rabies - this vaccine is required by Georgia law and, if given annually,
protects your cat or dog against rabies.
CATS
1. Feline Leukemia (FELV) - The feline leukemia virus is a major
cause of death in cats, and is transmitted primarily via saliva injected
through puncture wounds obtained in cat fights . The FeLV vaccine protects
the huge majority of cats, and is strongly recommended for cats who are
exposed to open populations of cats.
2. Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) - this disease causes the white
blood cell count to fall far below normal. Since white blood cells are so
important in defending a cat against infections and disease, a drop in the
quantity of white blood cells renders the cat very vulnerable. Additionally,
this disease causes severe damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines.
This virus is shed in all body secretions, particularly feces, of infected
cats; thus, the virus can be transmitted by ingestion, or transferred to
a susceptible cat via contaminated water, feed bowls, or even on shoes.
The Distemper vaccine provides a strong immunity to this disease, though
the effects of the vaccine decrease with time. Thus, annual boosters are
strongly recommended.
3. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - this virus, sometimes called
the feline AIDS virus, is transmitted primarily through bite wounds that
occur in cat fights. The long-term prognosis of a cat with this virus is
poor; however, infected cats may experience prolonged periods of reasonably
good health.
DOGS
1. Distemper/Hepatitis/Leptospirosis/Parvovirus (DHLP) vaccine -
This 4-way vaccine protects against the four following potentially fatal
diseases:
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distemper
(signs include upper respiratory problems, diarrhea, twitching) |
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hepatitis
(an infectious viral liver disease) |
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leptospirosis
(an infectious virus that can affect the kidney, liver, and other
organs), and |
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parvovirus
(a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting,
diarrhea, lethargy). |
2. Bordetella - also referred to as kennel cough; this is an upper
respiratory infection that is very infectious (though not fatal). The vaccine
is not 100% effective as it does not protect against all strains
of bordetella.
3. Coronavirus - This vaccine protects against this intestinal virus
that can cause severe diarrhea (though this virus is not usually fatal).
HEARTWORMS
Cats and dogs can get heartworms
from being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Yearly heartworm testing and monthly
heartworm preventative is recommended for all dogs. Administering monthly
heartworm preventative is also recommended for cats; however, yearly testing
for heartworms in cats is not required. Failure to detect and destroy heartworms
will eventually be fatal to an animal. |