Fayette Veterinary Medical Center

Fayette Veterinary Medical News:

Canine Influenza Virus has broken in our community!
Potentially Deadly Virus - Very Contagious

There is a new virus, affecting dogs, that is most likely present in the Fayetteville area. It is called Influenza A, or Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). This virus, first found in Florida in 2004, has not been identified in our area until just recently. We are currently testing a few sick dogs to get a positive identification from the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. This virus is closely related to the Equine Influenza Virus and is thought to have evolved and jumped species from horses to canines. This virus is spread between dogs by aerosol and direct transmission of respiratory secretions by direct contact from dog to dog or carried on inanimate objects, such as clothing or food bowls. All dogs are susceptible because a vaccine has not been developed until recently. The first cases have just been reported and we are very sure that Canine Influenza is active in our community of dogs. The clinical signs include a non-clear nasal discharge, cough, fever, anorexia (not eating), and lethargy. Manifestations can be mild or severe and 5-8% of cases related to pneumonia can be fatal. Signs of this disease can be very similar to Canine Kennel Cough (Bordetella Bronchiseptica), so the diagnosis can be quite difficult. A vaccine for CIV has been released and we are actively administering it to every dog possible. It is unknown at this time how effective it will be, but you can be sure that our staff will recommend that every dog in our community get this vaccination series. The treatment for CIV involves antibiotics to combat secondary pneumonia and IV fluids and other supportive treatment may be necessary. We have seen several cases of this disease in the last few weeks. At one point, we voluntarily shut down our boarding facility in order to stop the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, it was during a busy holiday season (July 4), but this was done in the best interest of our patients. Here are some points of interest and Q&A concerning CIV and the CIV Vaccine: Why was the CIV Vaccine developed? It was developed to provide more comprehensive respiratory protection for dogs, specifically to curb the spread of CIV, which has now been diagnosed in 30 states and the District of Columbia. It was also done under the direction and request of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) (http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/canine_influenza.asp) Is the vaccine safe? Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8, is a killed virus vaccine. Therefore, while it is effective in significantly decreasing the signs, severity, and spread of CIV infection, it is safe. Because the virus is killed, your dog cannot get an infection from the vaccine. The vaccine's safety was confirmed in a 746-dog field study with over 30 breeds, age 6 weeks to 10 years, participating in the testing. Which dogs should be vaccinated against CIV? Because CIV is a new disease, virtually every dog not previously exposed to the virus will become infected. Any dog which may enter a dog park, veterinary clinic, boarding kennel, breeding kennel, dog show, training setting, shelter, adoption center, pet shop, or other locations with other dogs is a candidate for the vaccine. This is pretty much any dog in our community. Don't let your dog be one of the only ones not protected against this very contagious virus. What if a dog has CIV? Should it be vaccinated? Only healthy dogs over 6 weeks of age should be given the vaccine. What are the possible side effects? There were no side effects in the vaccine field safety trial, which included 746 dogs. As with any vaccine, allergic reactions may occur in a small percentage of animals. How often should the vaccine be given? Every year. It is recommended that the vaccine be administered annually along with the Bordetella, canine parainfluenza, and adenovirus type 2 vaccines to provide more comprehensive protection against canine infectious respiratory diseases. The first time it is given, a booster three weeks later should be administered. Are there new strains of CIV each year, as is the case in human flu? New strains have not been detected. Who developed the vaccine and why? The vaccine was developed by research scientists at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a leader in respiratory disease prevention and treatment, as a response to the growing incidence of outbreaks and a call for the vaccine from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). How much does it cost to get the vaccine and will I have to wait a long time at the clinic to get it? The vaccine is $22.50 per dose. Remember the first time it is administered, it will need to be boosted in three weeks. The booster is also $22.50. It will need to be given once yearly thereafter. It is our desire that your pet get this vaccine in a way that is most convenient to you. If you come just for this vaccine, we will do all we can to give it quickly and get you in and out in a very timely manner. If your pet has been seen within the year and has remained healthy, a Veterinary Technician will be able to administer the vaccine. If you come for the yearly checkup, we will give it along with the other vaccines. It is safe to give with other vaccines. Don't wait...call today for your appointment for the Canine Influenza Vaccine. Protect your dog from this very contagious disease.

Pet Portal is Now Available on our Site!
We could even call this FACEBARK or MEOWSPACE!

At the right side of any of our web pages you will find a button for Pet Portal. Sign up now and start viewing your pet's records, vaccination dates, get email reminders, find out information important to you and your pet, upload pictures of your pet, and interact with our staff. You'll be able to request appointments, schedule grooming and boarding, and much more. Later, you'll be able to even order products on-line! We are really excited about the opportunity to serve you better. If you have any problems signing up, just call our office. We need to have your email address in order to sign you up.

Does Non Anesthetic Dental Cleaning Help My Pet?
Pet Dentistry Without Sedation ... Worthwhile or Just Surface Changes?

In veterinary medicine, dental disease is seen in almost every animal. But, in our busy lives it is hard to find the time to do regular preventive care. Adding to the problem, dental cleanings under general anesthesia seems risky to many. Recently, anesthesia-free pet dentistry has become a fad. However, is this option good care and safe long term? With more than 85% of pets over age three suffering from some sort of dental disease, veterinarians are constantly reminding clients to provide at home dental care for their pets. In addition, most veterinarians encourage annual dental exams and cleanings for their patients followed by care at home. Still, pet owners are reluctant to follow these recommendations. Some people are actually leery of anesthetics used for dental procedures. In response to client concerns, some people have developed Anesthesia-Free Pet Dentistry (AFPD) protocols. Marketing brochures show calm dogs sitting on the laps of pet dental hygienists who gently scrape tartar off the pets teeth. For anyone who has a senior pet or anyone who has lost a pet under anesthetic, this idea might seem to be right on target. In practice, however, there are several negative unintended consequences. While some dogs can be tolerant and will sit patiently, many have to be physically restrained, leading to stress and deep-seated fears. Veterinarians use ultrasonic scalers and sharp dental instruments. This is one reason a general anesthetic is needed. Beyond keeping the patient from moving, heavy sedation or general anesthetic allows a more thorough procedure and proper visualization of the entire mouth and hard to see gingival areas. Dr. Brett Beckman, a fellow in the American Veterinary Dental Society says most non-professional dental cleanings are done using some sort of hand curette. These tools cause scarring and micro-pitting of the enamel surface and this can actually accelerate plaque retention and tartar build-up! In other words, this incomplete cleaning actually damages the tooth causing plaque and tartar development to occur more rapidly in the future. Dr. Beckman goes on to say that these procedures do much more harm than good. Pets that have had this done actually need to return for more frequent cleanings as a result of this enamel damage. This might be good for the business, but it is certainly not good for the pet. In a proper veterinary medical setting, dental cleanings are followed by a polishing step that helps remove the microscopic divots from the tooth enamel and creates a smooth healthy surface. Many veterinarians also apply a barrier sealant that helps repel plaque-causing bacteria and has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. Once professionally applied, this sealant can be maintained at home for better prevention. Another serious issue with AFPD cleanings is that only visible portions of the teeth can be cleaned – usually only the outside surfaces. Areas under the gumline and on the insides of teeth will still have significant tartar and harbor the harmful bacteria. In time, the underlying bony structure of the jaw can deteriorate and the pet may lose teeth. Under safe anesthetic, veterinarians are able to probe all areas of the mouth and use tools to remove plaque and bacteria from under the gum line. This actually stops the disease process. At the same time, dental x-rays can be done to help find potential problem areas. Even though more than 28% of dogs and 42% of cats have hidden dental disease, you will not find x-ray equipment at the anesthesia free dental facility! Finally, safety is also an issue with these non-professional cleanings. Even though many pets are patient and tolerant, there is the very real danger that the dog or cat will lash out in frustration or pain and bite someone. Lacerations of the pets gums, hard pallet and even the lips are also possible If you know your pet needs a proper dental cleaning, but the thought of general anesthesia frightens you, talk with your veterinarian. While no anesthetic protocol is 100% safe, anesthetic complications are extremely rare. Allow your veterinarian to show you the monitoring equipment and explain how a well trained staff makes anesthesia as safe as possible. You can also reduce the need for dental cleanings by using dental home care products designed to remove plaque buildup in between the veterinary visits. The gold standard is to brush your pets teeth daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a special dentifrice product designed for pets. You should never use human toothpaste! Certain diets, like Hills t/d food or Eukanuba Dental Defense, or dental chew products, like Greenies can also reduce the amount of plaque for problem cases. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal when choosing chew products for your pet. Even the barrier sealant used at your veterinarians office is available in a home version. Oravet by Merial can be applied on a weekly basis to help reinforce the product used at the time of your pets dental cleaning. Anesthesia free dentistry for pets might sound like a good idea, but the truth is the benefits are strictly cosmetic and there are serious medical and behavioral risks.