This is a question that is frequently asked either on the phone or at the front desk.

At the Brantford Vet Clinic we believe your pet should be tested annually, and I would like to explain why.

As you know, no medication is 100% effective. For easy comparison, we liken this analogy to birth control. How many instances have you heard where someone became pregnant while taking birth control? Well, the same risk exists with heartworm prevention. Even if you have been diligent about administering your heartworm prevention there is always a small risk of infection occurring regardless.  We have all see cases like this.  Therefore, we recommend the test as a way of making 100 % certain your dog is not infected before you begin giving prevention for another season.

Why can’t I test every other year then?

The simple answer is you can, but not without consequence. We do offer our clients the option of signing a waiver if they have had two negative tests consecutively. A waiver can be signed every other year after two negative tests.

However, clients should be aware that when you purchase your prevention (heartworm medications) you aren’t just purchasing prevention – it comes with a guarantee! The drug companies guarantee their products to prevent heartworm when administered correctly. Therefore if your dog does become infected while using prevention, the drug company agrees to pay for the cost of the treatment required.  However, this guarantee is negated if you don’t do annual testing, which is the consequence I spoke about above.  Also, if your pet were infected, another year would pass before that was detected.

It is our clinic policy to only allow waivers under these circumstances.  We acknowledge that clients should have the right to choose to do a waiver, but only every other year.  Our doctors simply believe the risk to your pet is too great otherwise, and they are unwilling to put your pet in danger.

Brantford is second only to Caledonia in the stats for the highest number of heartworm positives in the country so the risk is truly magnified because of where we live.

Hopefully this will clarify that common question for our clients, and help them make an informed decision. We only want to give your pet the best chance possible at a long healthy life!

by Bev Dungey
Brantford Veterinary Clinic

http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2012/03/articles/animals/dogs/early-spring-and-heartworm-questions/

Although a large percentage of owners want to give the best care to their feline family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive annual physical exams. Cats are complex creatures. They stress easily, don’t travel well and have learned through the hierarchy of the animal kingdom that it is not ok to show signs of disease or weakness. So they hide! They hide under the bed, they don’t go willingly into a carrier and they certainly do not easily show us when something hurts or is wrong with them. Let us help you make this transition from home to the veterinary clinic easier on you and them.

• Try to book their health exam at a time where the clinic is quieter.
• Always bring them in a carrier. It is easier to put them into their carrier if there is a large opening on top, if the lid comes off or if you leave it out in the house for a few days prior to the visit.
• When you arrive at the clinic, keep their carriers elevated off the floor. Covering them with a blanket also helps their stress level.

Cats should receive a physical exam at least once yearly. At this visit your veterinarian and their staff will discuss with you topics important to preventive care. This would include:

•  proper nutrition guidelines
•  oral care and preventive measures
•  prevention of behavioral problems
•  risk factors for disease.

As your cat ages, it is important to consider wellness bloodwork. This blood profile will look for parameters for diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, anemia, infection or cancer. Many diseases only show symptoms once the disease process has progressed to the end stages. If detected early, there are many things that can be done with some conditions to help slow down the progression of the disease.

We look forward to seeing you and your cat soon as Brantford Vet Clinic celebrates cats!

You want me to go where?

by Jennifer Church, R.V.T.

Did you know February is dental health month?

80% of dogs and 70% of cats over age 3 suffer from periodontal disease.

How do you know if your dog or cat has dental disease?  Here are signs you can look for:

«     Yellow or brown discolouration of the teeth

«     Persistant bad breath

«     Bleeding or inflamed gums

«     Loose teeth

«     Missing or broken teeth

«     Trouble chewing or eating food

«     Sensitivity around the mouth

«     Unusual drooling

«     Loss of appetite

«     Lethargy

What should you do if you notice your dog or cat has these symptoms/signs?

Call your veterinarian and book a dental consultation.

Once your veterinarian has assessed the severity of your pets’ dental disease, they may make recommendations.  Some options would be:

«     Dental scale and polish

«     Brushing your pets teeth

«     Dental diets

«     Dental chews and toys

«     Additives for their water

Parts of teeth and gums:

Peridontium – structures that support the teeth

Gingiva – soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and cover the bone

Cementum – tissue that attaches the root to the ligament

Factors in dental disease:

Plaque          – bacterial film that forms on teeth daily.  Can lead to gingivitis and                              periodontal disease.

Calculus        – also known as tartar

- mineralized, crusty deposits that irritate the gums when plaque is                             removed

Gingivitis      – inflammation of the gingiva or gums

Periodontal disease – painful oral disease that can lead to tooth loss and organ disease.

Periodontitis – inflammation and disease of the tooth supportive tissue.

Stages of oral health:

Health – minimal plaque and tartar on the tooth surface

Gingivitis – plaque, tartar and mild bad breath

Early periodontal disease – inflammation and swelling of the gums with moderate bad breath

Established periodontal disease – bleeding gums, pustular discharge with severe bad breath

Advanced periodontal disease – loose teeth, bleeding gums, inflammation of the gums and severe bad breath.

Diagnosing the problem is the first step.  Call your veterinarian to book a consult today!

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm