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August is here!!
DENTAL DISEASE: August is pet dental awareness month! Bring your dog or cat in for a dental cleaning during the month of August & receive 10% off the dental! Seniors & military will receive an additional 5% off.
Remember a healthy pet is a happy pet!!
Springtime is not always about fleas and ticks.
It can also be a time for your outdoor kitty to be exposed to diseases as well. One of the major health concerns for
your cat is Feline Immunodefiency Virus.
What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral infection
commonly referred to as feline AIDS due to it's similarity to the human HIV virus. FIV cannot be transmitted to
humans. The virus diminishes normal immune function, learing infected cats defenseless against infections.
How are cats exposed?
FIV is found in the blood and saliva, and is most commonly passed from
cat to cat through fighting or bite wounds. If an infected mother gives birth to kittens, these kittens may become
infected as well. FIV is not transmitted through living in the same household or by sharing bowls, food, or water.
Does FIV cause illness?
FIV progresses through several stages after a cat becomes infected. The
first phase, called the acute phase, causes fever, enlarged lymph nodes and sometimes upper respiratory infections, and lasts
days to 3 weeks. The next phase is called the asymptomatic phase. During this stage, an infected cat appears clinically
healthy. This stage can last many years. The last phase, called the terminal phase, occurs when, because of reduced immunity,
cats become infected with severe respiratory , eye, or intestinal infections. These infections can be fatal.
Can FIV be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no "cure" available to help a cat eliminate the
FIV virus from his or her system. We can offer supportive therapies such as antibiotics and antivirals to help infected cats
stay healthy. Many infected cats will live long, normal lives and still make excellent pets for a "one-cat" household.
Remember, humans cannot "catch" the FIV virus from cats.
How is FIV diagnosed?
FIV is most easily diagnosed with a 10 minute "snap" blood test which
allows us to detect small proteins called antibodies made when a cat is infected. If a cat is positive on the "snap"
test, we will often confirm this positive test by sending blood samples to the lab for a more specific test.
Who should be tested for FIV?
All kittens should be tested for exposure to FIV at the age of 6 months.
All adult cats who have spent time outside or in an area shared with other cats should be tested. All cats who fight, which
is evident by the appearance of abcesses or scars from cat bites, should be tested. All newly adopted cats should be
tested before they are introduced into your household.
Our goal and policy is to treat our clients as we would treat our families, and to treat our clients' pets as though they were our own. Our clients and patients are the heart of our practice and the reason we are here. At all times our clients and patients will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Being of service to our clients and patients is the definition of our purpose and the mission of our practice. |
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WHAT'S NEW???
We now offer ULTRASOUND! We've added a state-of-the-art ultrasound
machine to our line-up of diagnositc tools! We are very excited about this addition. Ask Dr.
Salas or any staff member for details at your next visit!
**We now offer genetics testing for your dog! It is called the
Wisdom Panel. Please contact us for more information!**
Please tune in to 1550 Joy AM radio every morning between 7:30 &
9:30 for the daily dog do's & cat clues brought to you by Dr. Salas & Dr. Vigil!
HOW OLD IS MY PET?
As an animal ages many of the normal organ functions gradually begin
to change. Their eyes, ears, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys may start to function less optimally, possibly leading to significant
medical problems. Consult the doctor to find out if your pet is at risk
PETS OF THE MONTH
"Dude" in the cabinet. Isn't he cute!
"Dude" in the washing machine - ah geez!
Would you like your pet to be "Pet of the Month"?
Please submit a photo of your pet to the following address, and watch for your pet to make his/her debut!
Please email photos to tlcpethospital@hotmail.com
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