The Pediatric Patient Puppies  or  Kittens
	The Senior Patient
	Parasites common to all cats and dogs

Pediatric

The early days are a time of great importance for you and your pet.  It is a time of socialization, great fun and regular veterinary visits for preventive pediatric boosters.  We recommend enrolling your new kitten with a pet insurance company to help cover some of the costs of this initial year.

Recommendations for New Kitten Owners

Congratulations on your new kitten! Your kitten will be a great addition to your family and we hope to keep it healthy for years to come. Getting your pet examined by a veterinarian is the first important step.

TESTING

FELINE LEUKEMIA

We recommend that every kitten 8 weeks of age or older be tested for feline leukemia (FELV) initially. FELV virus is found in saliva, urine, and feces, blood and milk. Licking, biting, sneezing, nursing, and pregnancy can all transmit the FELV virus. Eighty percent of cats that have FELV die within three years from complications. We want to make sure your kitten is healthy from the start.

FECAL SAMPLE

Kittens should have two fecal samples checked for intestinal parasites such as round worms, coccidia, and tapeworms. Intestinal worms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or bloody stools, so it is important that your pet is checked. Your kitten will be dewormed according to what type of intestinal parasites it has. A yearly fecal examination is recommended.

VACCINATIONS

FVRCP

FVRCP includes viral rhinotraceitis, calicivirus, and panleucopenia which can cause upper respiratory disease and diarrhea in your kitten. The kitten receives its first vaccination at 8 to 9 weeks of age and then every 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten is 12 to 14 weeks old. A yearly booster is required thereafter.

FELV

We recommend every cat be vaccinated against FELV since FELV is the number one infectious killer of cats. Even if  your kitten is going to be strictly inside, we recommend vaccinating against this disease since our feline friends can sneak out at times. To protect against FELV your kitten receives its first booster at 9 weeks of age and then a follow up booster 3 to 4 weeks later. A yearly booster is required thereafter.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that is contracted from contact with other cats, (usually fighting).  It is similar to the human Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes AIDS in people.   Even one bite from an infected cat can contract the disease and once infected cats are infected for life.    A vaccine has recently come on the market that can help protect cats from this serious and life threatening disease.  However, because our current tests are based on antibody levels to FIV, once a cat is vaccinated it will test positive on our current in-hospital tests.  For this reason, we require a current FIV test prior to vaccinating.  This makes sure our cat friends are not currently infected with the disease.  The vaccination series includes three initial boosters followed by yearly boosters thereafter.

RABIES

Initial vaccination is given at 3 to 4 months of age. A three year booster is given thereafter.  The City of Springfield requires cats to be vaccinated for Rabies and we highly recommend it. If an animal is not vaccinated for Rabies and it bites someone, the pet must be destroyed and checked for Rabies. It is best to protect against Rabies and avoid any problems.

SURGERIES

TO DECLAW OR NOT TO DECLAW

Many owners have reservations about declawing their kitten. You may have had an unpleasant prior experience declawing a cat or a friend may have told you a horror story about the procedure.

Let’s start with the operation itself. Your pet is given a general anesthetic so it does not feel any pain during the procedure. The declaw surgery involves removing the entire nail and the bone in which the nail grows. A fine scalpel blade is used to dissect between the “knuckle” at the end of each toe. This removes the claw and the bone cleanly. Often the hole is closed with a suture. Bandages are placed on your pet’s feet and they stay in the hospital overnight. We remove the bandages the following morning and most kittens go home and do well within just a few days of surgery.  We prefer to declaw young kittens from the ages of 8 to 12 weeks. Younger  kittens have smaller claws, toes, and blood vessels. Because of this, the surgery is much quicker, and it is easier on the patient. Young kittens have a great potential to heal quickly so they generally do better after the surgery than older cats.

Clawing is an instinctive behavior for cats. Cats use clawing to mark their territory so most often clawing will be done in a very obvious place. Some cats can be trained to use a designated scratching post, but your pet may not use this area 100 % of the time and this is what can create a problem. What will you do when your cat is 5 or 7 years old and this happens? How will you feel having to declaw an older cat?

SPAYING AND NEUTERING

A female cat is spayed when she is 4 to 6 months old. A spay surgery involves removing both ovaries and the entire uterus.

Neutering involves removing both testicles from the scrotum through two small incisions. We strongly recommend neutering your male cat at 4 to 6  months of age. Many male cats will begin reaching sexual maturity about this time. Male cats can begin to spray urine at sexual maturity. It is best to neuter your cat before he ever sprays.

NUTRITION

Many cat foods bought at the grocery store contain excessive amounts of protein, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium.  Excessive levels of the first three can predispose your pet to early kidney disease. Excessive amounts of magnesium can contribute to a disease called feline urological syndrome (FUS). FUS is a condition in which crystals form in your cat’s urine. The crystals irritate the bladder wall and can lead to recurring urinary tract infections. In severe cases the crystals can become so numerous that they form a “sand.” This sand can completely plug up your male cat’s urethra and make it impossible for him to urinate. This is a life threatening situation and is a medical emergency. In order to avoid this situation it is best to feed a diet low in magnesium and phosphorus. Of all the cat food available, Science Diet has the lowest levels of magnesium. We recommend feeding Science Diet to your kitten to hopefully avoid FUS.  Iams Kitten Food is another very good choice.

THE LITTER BOX

The litter box is a very private place to your kitten. Be sure to place the cat box in a quiet area where your pet will not be disturbed when using it. Either clay or scoopable cat litter are fine to use in the cat box. Be sure to keep the cat box clean. A cat naturally wants to go to the bathroom in an area that is clean. If the litter box is dirty your kitten may find a cleaner alternative place to use. When cleaning the cat box itself use only warm water and a mild detergent. Cats do not like the strong smell of disinfectants. DO NOT USE LYSOL- LYSOL IS TOXIC TO CATS. If you have more than one cat, be sure to clean the litter box often or provide each cat with their own litter box. Often many litter box problems are due to too many cats per litter box or dirty litter. It is usually our fault and not our feline’s fault. If your cat experiences problems with using the litter box, be sure to call us.

INSIDE VS. OUTSIDE

We recommend that kittens be kept inside from the beginning. There are too many threats waiting outside for our feline friends. The potential to get hit by a car, get chased by a dog, pick up fleas, get exposed to toxins or garbage, get into a cat fight, get an abscess, or catch feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) always exists. FIV is a deadly virus that is transmitted by bite wounds. There is no cure and there is no vaccination to prevent this terrible disease. Let your kitten avoid this deadly disease by staying inside.

Unlike dogs, cats do not adapt to leashes or harness. Moreover, cats that have been outside are more likely to try to sneak outside later on. Let your pet safely enjoy the world from a window inside.

GROOMING

Cats are very clean by nature and they bathe themselves regularly. This can lead to hairball problems in both long haired and short haired cats. Be sure to give your pet a hairball preventive. Ask your veterinarian the correct way to administer it.

For long haired cats we recommend a good bath and comb out several times a year. Bathing and combing removes old hair and prevents matting of hair. Hair mats can lead to skin infections and can be painful to your cat. Hair mats should be removed regularly. Many Persians and Himalayans require frequent grooming to keep their coats under control. It is a good idea to bathe your short- haired cat once in a while to remove old hair and dandruff. Although our feline friends may not like the bath, they generally feel better afterwards. Of course, if your cat ever gets fleas, we recommend bathing them as soon as possible or at least applying Frontline to kill the fleas.  Fleas can cause a variety of problems for your cat.  We also offer Program flea injections that provide 6 months of flea protection with one single injection.

Recommendations for New Puppy Owners

The early days are a time of great importance for you and your pet.  It is a time of socialization, great fun and regular veterinary visits for preventive pediatric boosters.  We recommend enrolling your new puppy with a pet insurance company to help cover some of the costs of this initial year.   

We also recommend structured training for your puppy in the first year.  We have introductory puppy training class to better socialize your newest canine to our hospital, new people and other puppies. There is no more special time than that spent with your new puppy.  They love to explore and play and help us all to feel just a little bit younger ourselves.  At Deerfield we are here to help with every phase of a dog's life and with puppies, special considerations need to be thought of.  For example:

DHPP-C VACCINATIONS

The first one is given at 6 weeks of age and then subsequent vaccinations are given every 3 to 4 weeks until the pet is 16 weeks of age.   A yearly booster is required thereafter. The DHPP-C vaccinates for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus & Corona.  Distemper is a neurological virus that can cause meningitis & seizures.  Hepatitis is a virus that can cause liver disease & flu-like symptoms. Parainfluenza is the dog flu.  Parvovirus & Corona are both intestinal viruses that can cause diarrhea & vomiting.  Parvo is the most serious in that it causes severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, septicemia and possibly death in 30 % of the puppies that contract this deadly virus.  Until your puppy has had two DHPP-C boosters keep them isolated to minimize the risk of contracting this disease.  Parvo is very contagious.  For this reason, avoid taking your puppy to the park or a pet store or an area with unfamiliar dogs until it has completed its puppy boosters. 

RABIES VACCINATION
     
Rabies is a neurological virus that causes seizures and death.  It is possible for humans to contract Rabies from an unvaccinated pet that is exposed to a rabid animal so it is very important to vaccinate your puppy against this. Initial vaccination is given at 3 to 4 months of age.  The immunity from the first Rabies vaccination lasts one year.  A booster will be required after the first year, but this booster will then last for 3 years.  The city of  Springfield does require Rabies vaccinations.

BORDETELLA  VACCINATION

Bordetella is a bacteria, Bordetella Bronchiseptica, which causes kennel cough.  An initial booster can be given at any age over 6 weeks and a follow up booster is given in 3 to 4 weeks.  A yearly booster is recommended for most dogs.  For show dogs or dogs exposed to many other dogs regularly we recommend being vaccinated for kennel cough every 6 months.   We require that all dogs boarding at Deerfield Veterinary Hospital be vaccinated for Bordetella for your pet’s protection. Most Boarding Kennels require the Kennel Cough vaccination so if you anticipate boarding pet vaccinate your puppy against this disease.  We also recommend Bordetella vaccinations for puppies that will be attending puppy classes.

Leptospirosis (or Lepto.) is a disease that is caused by a rod shaped bacteria that is transmitted in the urine of infected animals.  Such animals include raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, voles, cattle, pigs and other dogs.  Clinical signs include lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, inappetence and kidney/liver failure.  Transmission is usually through coming in contact with infected urine such as drinking contaminated ground water or abrasions through the skin. This disease can also infect humans.  In addition, there have been some confirmed cases in the area.   For these reasons we have begun offering a new vaccine against Leptospirosis.  Please contact us if you feel your pet could be at risk for contracting this serious disease.

Puppies should have two fecal examinations to check for intestinal parasites.  These can include roundworms, hookworms, coccidia and tapeworms.  Deworming will be done accordingly.  Intestinal worms can cause diarrhea, blood in the stool, and vomiting so it is very important to do a fecal exam.  A yearly fecal examination is recommended.

HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE

Puppies under 6 months of age can be started on heartworm preventative without an initial heartworm blood test.  It takes 6 months for heartworms to develop in the blood, so a puppy less than 6 months old will be negative for heartworms.  There are once a month heartworm preventives.  Heartworm preventives now also prevent intestinal worms.  Heartworm is found in Springfield so we strongly recommend having your pet on preventative to prevent the disease.  If your dog contracts heartworm, the only way to treat is with an arsenic compound.  Unfortunately this treatment can sometimes cause kidney, liver and/or cardiovascular damage.  The heartworm infection can cause permanent heart and lung damage since heartworms live in the heart and vessels of the heart and lungs. It is best to prevent your pet from ever contracting the disease by giving them a once a month preventative. We recommend Interceptor monthly heartworm preventative.

FLEA PREVENTION

There are many effective flea preventives available now.    If your pet has fleas we recommend using the once a month topical therapies that actually kill of adult fleas within 48 hours.  Frontline Top Spot is the best of the topical flea treatment we have.  You use once a month.  You do apply along the neck & back of  your pet.  The small amount is absorbed into your pet’s oil glands of the skin.  The oil gland secretes the substance back out onto your pet’s coat over the next month.  Bathing or swimming will not remove the product since it is hidden in the oil gland.  Frontline is not  absorbed systemically so it is safe to use.  Frontline can be applied to puppies that are 10 weeks or older.   We no longer recommend using flea sprays or dip’s to control fleas since there are now safer & more effective products available.

TICK PREVENTION

Frontline Top Spot controls both fleas & ticks.  Preventic collars are also very effective at killing ticks.  It is important to control ticks on your pet since ticks can carry diseases which can effect both your puppy and yourself.

OTHER HEALTH CARE TIPS:

PUPPY CLASS

We recommend all puppies go to puppy class so that they are socialized to other dogs and to other people.  Most puppies and owners enjoy this special time that they share with their pet and many owners go on to advanced training classes.  Puppy training will result in a much better pet for you.  It is definitely worth the investment. Ask us and we can recommend a program for you.  Ask us about Puppy Playdays that we have here.

BRUSHING TEETH

If possible we recommend that owners try to brush their puppies teeth at an early age. It is always easier to try something new with a younger dog than an older dog. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly will help decrease the tartar build up and help prevent gum disease. Gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in pets today. Try brushing your pet’s teeth every other day or even daily if possible with a gel or paste specifically designed for animals.   Dental hygiene is very important for some dog breeds that are predisposed to periodontal disease.  Poodles, Yorkies, Schnauzers and Pomeranians are a few of the dog breeds that have dental problems.  Puppies begin losing their deciduous (puppy) teeth around 3 to 4 months of age.  Their adult teeth are in by 7 months of age, so routine brushing becomes most important at this time. 

SPAYING &  NEUTERING          

We strongly recommend that your puppy be spayed ( for a female) or neutered (for a male).   Spaying or neutering your pet at a young age significantly decreases health and behavior problems from developing.  We recommend spaying or neutering
your puppy at 4 to 6 months of age.  A spay procedure involves an abdominal surgery in which both ovaries and the uterus are removed.  A neuter procedure removes the testicles from the scrotum with a small incision.  Please ask us any question you may have about this procedure.  You may also learn much more at our Surgery Center link.

NUTRITION          

We recommend feeding a high quality diet such as Science Diet or Iams.  Although premium brand foods cost a little more, in the long run they cost about the same and they prevent many health problems.  Premium foods are a more highly digestible diet.  Your pet will digest its food more completely, will have less food wasted, and will have firmer, less frequent stools.  Feed your puppy as much as it will eat in 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day depending on the age of your puppy. If your puppy refuses to eat please call us, since not eating can be a sign of illness in your puppy.

Small breed puppies can eat puppy food for the first year of their life.  Large breed puppies should be started on an adult dog food when the are 3 to 4 months of age so as not to push them nutritionally.  Feeding puppy food for an extended period to a large breed puppy can contribute to bone development problems.  Please ask if you have any question concerning feeding of your puppy.

CHEW TOYS

Puppies really enjoy chewing.  It is a natural process of exploring their environment and it aids in teething. It is best to provide toys for your puppy to chew on so that your puppy has constructive rather than destructive chewing habits.  Favorite chew toys are Booda Velvet Cornstarch chew bones, potato or carrot chew bones.  All of these type of bones are natural, easily digestible bones that your puppy can have fun destroying.  If your puppy is smaller, cow hooves or pig ears are another favorite.  Nyla bones, Gumma Bones or the hard rubber Kong Toys are safe for puppies to chew on.  Most puppies cannot destroy these things so they are safe, but sometimes not as fun.  Rawhide is not recommend for young puppies since it is not digestible. Ask if you have any question about whether a chew toy or toy is safe or not for your puppy.
 
TREATS

Using small pieces of treats or small treats is an effective way of rewarding a puppy.  Food rewards often help a puppy house train faster since they are receiving praise two ways- verbal praise & a treat too.  Treats we like to use are Science Diet Custom Care Treats, or small pieces of a Beggin’ Strip or Jerky Treat or Snausages.  Some people like using Bil Jac dog food as treat too.  Please ask if you have any questions regarding what type of treats to reward your puppy with.

HOUSE TRAINING
          
We recommend using a pet crate to house train your pet.  It is easy to do and the pet feels the crate is its safe home.  Please ask for a brochure on crate training if you  did not receive one already.  If you have difficulty training your puppy please call.
Sometimes intestinal worms or diarrhea can make it difficult for house training in the beginning, but most puppies will learn.  Always remember to reward them with positive praise when they do well.  A small treat also positively reinforces wanted behavior.

If you are having difficulty house training your puppy please call us so that we can help you.  Some dogs are harder to train such as terriers.

PUNISHMENT

Punishing your pet when they do something unacceptable is necessary to have a dog that you can live with.  The best method of punishment is called displaced punishment which means you are not directly punishing your pet.  A loud “NO” or other loud noise will usually stop the unwanted behavior.  A squirt with water sprayer also works well.  The most important thing is to be consistent so that the puppy clearly understands what it can and cannot do.  Puppy class will cover a lot of the basics.  If a puppy is hit as a form of punishment that puppy may become hand shy or cautious or unfriendly so physical punishment is discouraged.

GROOMING

Routine bathing is an excellent way for you and your puppy to get acquainted. Bathe your puppy with a mild hypoallergenic shampoo so as not to dry out their sensitive skin. 

Do not use people shampoo on your pet- it is too harsh for your pet’s skin.  Some dog breeds need to be groomed regularly at getting that first puppy groom done early will help them more easily adjust to the grooming process.   This helps prevent torn nails, ear infections anal gland problems and skin infections. Routine bathing or grooming is important to your pet’s health.

DVH also offers bathing services - learn more here.

SENIOR CARE

In general we consider cats to be adults between the ages of 1-8 years of age, senior from 9 to 13 years and geriatric from 14 until 25 years old with an average life span of 15 years for an exclusively indoor cat.  The average life span of an outdoor cat is 4 years of age.

For dogs, the aging process occurs much more rapidly in some breeds, relative to their body weight.  Most breeds under 50 lbs are similar to cats, but for breeds over 50 lbs, we can start to consider their senior years starting as early as 6 years of age and many would be considered geriatric by the time they are 10 years old.

The bottom line is, you know your pet better than anyone else, so let us know if you think you detect any changes associated with aging.  We can help you understand common medical conditions in your pet’s senior years.  It’s not all about how long your pet lives, the emphasis should be on their quality of life, while they are with us.

Studies show that 23% of senior dogs and 17% of senior cats that seem healthy in fact have an underlying disease. In order to detect diseases we recommend an annual blood panel.  A senior panel can screen for such important diseases as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and thyroid dysfunction.  Watch your older pet for changes in eating, house training, weight, or mobility.  Many ailments of older age can be treated with medications and/or prescription diets that will greatly improve your pet’s quality of life.

Wellness Care

Most of us don’t need a medical checkup more than once a year, but dogs and cats are different.  Pets, on average, age up to seven times faster than humans.  By age two, most pets have already reached adulthood.  

The bottom line? Taking your dog or cat to Deerfield once a year is the same as seeing your own doctor just once every seven years! Annual blood testing and vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy.