Hospital News
As spring approaches, the staff at Ramsey Veterinary Hospital would like to address seasonal concerns affecting your pet’s health.
1. Lyme disease, along with other tick borne diseases such as Anaplasma and Erlichia, is very common in our area year round, but especially in the warmer months. Symptoms of Lyme disease include limping, swollen joints, fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Remember to apply Frontline Top Spot to your pet every 28 days and booster your dog’s Lyme vaccine yearly. If you have any questions about how to apply the Frontline, need a Frontline refill, or would like to make an appointment for a Lyme vaccine, please call the office for an appointment or to discuss Lyme disease with one of our veterinarians.Recently, you may have heard concerns in the news about the safety of topical flea and tick preventatives. We have found that Frontline when used properly and under the supervision of a veterinarian has been extremely effective and safe for your pet. Please be sure to read the label carefully and use only the product intended for your pet’s weight and species. If you have any concerns or questions, please call our office.
2. Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted to dogs, humans, and other animals from a contaminated environment. Over the past few years, we have noticed this disease becoming more prevalent in our area. All dogs in this area are at risk, particularly those who swim in lakes or streams, drink from puddles or other standing water. Infection with Leptospirosis is serious and can cause severe liver and kidney disease. An infected dog may be contagious to his or her owners, as well. A vaccination is available to help prevent infection with Leptospirosis. Please call our office to discuss your dog’s risk for Leptospirosis and if vaccination would be appropriate for your pet.3. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) tend to become more prevalent in the summer months as well, often due to an increase in dogs being boarded in kennels, interaction between pets at dog parks, and frequent trips to the groomer. Any canine pet that is kenneled, groomed outside the home, or frequents dog parks should consider Bordetella and Parainfluenza vaccination. Our veterinarians are always available to visit with you and your pet to discuss whether your pet is a candidate for this or any other vaccination.
Recently you may have read or heard in the news about outbreaks of Canine Influenza. While sporadic cases have been diagnosed in our area, most outbreaks have been confined to boarding kennels and shelters. Although there is an approved vaccine for this virus, our vaccine protocol does not include this vaccine as part of our routine immunizations. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and make recommendations in the best interest of your pet. Please do not hesitate to speak with one of our veterinarians if you have any questions or concerns about this topic or any other issue related to your pets well being.Canine Influenza is not the same disease as H1N1 or Swine Flu. There is no vaccine currently available for H1N1 flu for cats or dogs. There have been some reports of dogs and cats being infected with H1N1 flu from their owners. If you have any flu-like symptoms, please see your physician and wash your hands thoroughly before handling your pet.
4. Seasonal Allergies are very common this time of year for many pets. Allergies in dogs and cats do not often manifest as sneezing and runny noses as they do in people. Please monitor your pet closely for any scratching, licking paws, head shaking, ear rubbing, redness or scaling of the skin, or any change in coat quality. If you notice any of these signs or are otherwise concerned your pet may have allergies, please call our office to schedule an appointment to have your pet evaluated by one of our veterinarians.