Our canine core shots include Rabies, Distemper (DAPP), Leptospirosis (Lepto), Lyme, Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlihia test, fecal (stool sample), and annual exam.
(If you would like to know what these vaccines cover or what the testing could find, we have included that information below.)
Pets today have an increased life expectancy due to the advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition, heartworm testing and prevention, and improved care provided by more informed owners. As your pet is getting older, they are more at risk for developing diseases common to elderly people including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and dental disease. Many of these diseases are insidious in onset and can go unnoticed in their early stages. Early screening and preventative health care become critical in prolonging your companion’s life. Together we can help your pets live longer, healthier lives.
*Rabies – a fatal, viral infection that is found in the saliva of infected wildlife or unvaccinated animals and is usually transmitted through a bite. Because humans are also at risk for Rabies, it is a state regulation to have your pet up to date on their rabies vaccination. This vaccination is given at 16 weeks of age and is good for 1 year. After the first year, a 3-year rabies vaccination can be given as long as it has not become overdue.
*Distemper– is a virus that is spread by indirect or direct contact in the air. Young, unvaccinated puppies and older dogs are more susceptible. Symptoms range from fever, discharges from the eyes and nose, vomiting and diarrhea, and can lead to nervous system signs. *Adenovirus type 2 – a virus spread by contact or in the air that causes upper respiratory disease, including a hacking cough and conjunctivitis. *Adenovirus type 1 – a virus also known as infectious canine hepatitis because of the damage it can do to the cells of the liver, it also causes upper respiratory disease. *Parvo – a highly contagious virus that causes bloody diarrhea, vomiting and quickly can lead to dehydration and death in puppies if left untreated. This vaccine is boostered every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old, then annually.
*Leptospirosis – is a spirochete bacteria that dogs can come into contact with by walking or swimming through infected soil or water, or by drinking contaminated water. The soil and water becomes contaminated by urine of infected wildlife (typically raccoons). This bacteria can be transmitted to people and causes liver and kidney damage that can be life threatening. This vaccine will need to be booster again in 3 weeks, then annually.
*Lyme – is a tick transmitted bacteria that causes lameness due to inflammation of the joints and more seriously can cause damage to the kidneys; will need to be booster again in 3 weeks.
*Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia Test – Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis. These parasites are transmitted (as microscopic larvae) through the bite of an infected mosquito and eventually live and grow in the lungs and heart of infected dogs. Although heartworm disease is not always fatal, some dogs develop permanent damage to their heart and lungs, which can result in heart failure and death.
Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis are known as tick-borne diseases because they are transmitted when ticks bite and feed. Because ticks can carry more than one of these diseases, and dogs can be bitten by multiple ticks, infection with Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis can occur at the same time in the same dog.
*Fecal Test – detects internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms living in the intestinal tract. People are also at risk for roundworms and hookworms by coming into contact with infected soil or feces.
*Annual Exam – Dr. Stevenson will also do an exam with your dog’s annual shots. She checks the nose, throat, mouth, teeth, gums, eyes, ears, coat, skin, lymph nodes, legs, paws, back, nervous system, heart, lungs, GI tract, abdomen, urinary, and genitals.
We recommend monthly flea and tick prevention and heartworm disease prevention. Take a look at our anti-parasite section to see what prevention would work best for your dog’s lifestyle and also check out the rebates that are available for each product.
If you have any questions or would like an estimate on your dog’s annual exam with us, or about any of these services, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you.
