Friday, September 19, 2014

The Benefits of Fish Oils
by: Tammy Wahsburn, LVT

It is estimated that 11% of dogs and 20% of cats have cardiovascular disease.  Dogs with heart failure are deficient in DPA and EPAs. Omega 3 fatty acids can be supplemented to increase these levels.  Dogs and cats require a higher level of fish oils than people.  Veterinary pharmaceutical companies have developed products such as, Free Form Snip Tips specific to your pet's needs.  It can take 4-6 weeks before the owner sees ant benefits of the fish oils.  For more information visit www.tevaanimalhealth.com.

Fish oils can also help with the reduction of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.  Hill's J/D food provides fish oils that can help to preserve joint cartilage. Within 21 days in dogs and 28 days in cats owners are seeing their pets be more active and most are able to decrease the dosage of pain medication being given.  For more information visit wwwDVM360.com or wwwhillspet.com/homeguide.  


Thursday, September 11, 2014


FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION (FIV) IN CATS

 ~ Smokie ~
A 14 year old cat, diagnosed with
FIV at 1 year old

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a complex retrovirus that causes immunodeficiency disease in domestic cats. Immunodeficiency is the medical term used to describe the body’s inability to develop a normal immune response. FIV is slow moving, capable of lying dormant in the body before causing symptoms.
FIV is a transmissible disease that occurs more often in

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

    By: Kristi Skelton, LVT

    If your cat has ever suffered from symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge, then it is likely that he or she was experiencing the symptoms of a feline upper respiratory infection.

    Feline upper respiratory infections (URI's) are common in cats but by not means normal.  These symptoms usually last 7 - 21 days and can clear up on their own, but generally require a trip to the veterinarian's office and a prescription for an antibiotic.

    The most common viral agents that cause feline URI's are feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR),
also known as feline herpes virus 1, and feline calici virus (FCV).  All cats that have FVR will become carriers for life and symptoms can flare up during stressful situations.  Only around 50 % of cats that have had FCV will become carriers and although symptoms do not usually reoccur, infected cats serve as a source of infection for other unprotected cats.
 
    Fortunately, both of these viruses can be vaccinated against. In fact both of these viruses are so common the vaccination for them is considered a "core" vaccine meaning that it is highly recommended.  The vaccine helps decrease the clinical signs.
  So please be sure to keep your cats vaccines up to date with a yearly exam at you local veterinarian's office