Your Pet's Veterinarian

Grades: 10 - 12

Animals, like people, require annual health checkups by a qualified doctor.

Veterinarians play a key role in the healthy pet's life. Annual health checkups to the veterinarian can ensure early detection and prompt treatment, if necessary. Moreover, a pet that is treated with preventative measures (i.e. vaccinations, dental care) is more likely to Iive longer, happier lives. Pet owners should select a veterinarian who they trust and depend on to protect their pet's good health. The goal of this lesson is to aid students on how to responsibly raise their animals. Start by downloading the lesson handouts (pdf) and printing them out.

1. When taking your pet to the Veterinarian be sure to inform them of your pet's age, any abnormal behavior, as well as vaccination and health records. The vet will then perform a routine exam; starting by checking your animals vital signs such as, temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and body weight. Then, they will proceed to examine the overall health of your pet.
2. Eyes: Excessive discharge can indicate infection. Many illnesses such as anemia, jaundice, glaucoma or corneal ulcers can be detected by an eye examination.
3. Ears: Signs of infection or external parasites are: red, swollen, foul smelling, clogged ears. A pet may also scratch or shake its head excessively. Inspection of the ear canals determines infection.
4. Nose: Sneezing or discharge that has a strange color, odor, texture or moisture content can be indicative of disease.
5. Oral Cavity: Pink gums, tongue and white teeth are desirable. A foul smelling odor and bloody gums can indicate an abscess or disease.
6. Heart & Lungs: Stethoscopes enable the vet to listen for heart and respiratory function.
7. Skin & Coat: What is the largest organ on your pet? SKIN! Your pet's skin is a good indicator of health status. A healthy coat and skin are vital for insulation and temperature regulation. External parasites, fleas, ticks, tumors and wounds affect the skin and coat.
8. Touch: Feeling the abdomen can aid in diagnosis of the pet's internal organs or irregularities. Swollen lymph nodes indicate infection. Manipulation of the joints and muscles can determine your pet's physical state. A radiograph can indicate bone fractures.
9. Reproduction: Neutered or spayed pets have markedly decreased chances of developing cancer. Your veterinarian can discuss your options.

Vaccinations:

Immunizing your pet is the most important preventative measure you can take for your pet. " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure......"

Vaccinations for your pet are as follows:

Dog

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus
• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme Disease

Cat

• Rabies
• Feline Panleukopenia
• Rhinotracheitis
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Feline Leukemia Virus
• Calicivirus
• Chlamydia
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

What is a virus?

A simplified answer is that a virus is a microscopic infectious agent that enters a cell and alters the cell's function (i.e. for virus replication). A complex answer is that a virus is an infectious agent consisting of DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat and/or a membranous envelope. Like bacteria, viruses require a living cell's machinery  (Biochemical mechanisms) for replication. When a complete virus particle attaches to a living host cell (i.e. animal) only the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and a few enzymes get injected into the host cell. Some viruses are resistant to the environment. Many enveloped viruses are sensitive to the environment because damage to their envelope or outer membrane destroys the virus's ability to spread disease.

Rabies

Rabies is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects all mammals. Rabies is causes by a virus that targets and attacks the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted in the saliva of an infected animal through a bite or scratch. It can also be transmitted if infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound, eyes, nose or mouth. For instance, an infected bat flying overhead can transmit rabies without biting its victim. Humans can be treated for rabies as long as they receive immediate medical attention.

There is no known cure for rabies. Once symptoms occur (from 10 days to a year), death will eventually result. Humans can prevent rabies by limiting exposure to potentially rabid animals and by completing a series of pre-exposure vaccinations. Pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis are given by your doctor or the Department of Public Health. People who work around animals a lot (i.e. animal technicians, researchers, veterinarians, wildlife workers, park rangers) are especially at high risk for infection without the vaccination.

Unvaccinated dogs and cats that are exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately and the head of the animal should be submitted to an authorized laboratory to test for rabies. A dog or cat with current vaccinations should be revaccinated immediately if exposed to a rabid animal, kept under the owner's control, and observed for 45 days. If a healthy dog or cat bites a person, that animal should be confined and observed for 10 days. Rabies vaccinations should not be administered during that 10-day period.

Should the animal appear ill during the confinement period, a veterinarian should examine them immediately. If the signs are suggestive of rabies, the animal should be euthanized, and the head tested for rabies. Any stray or unwanted dog or cat that bites a person should also be euthanized and tested.

Rabies vaccines are administered either yearly or every three years, depending on the type of vaccine being used. Puppies should be vaccinated at three months of age and then regularly after that at either one or three year intervals. You should ask your veterinarian about the type of vaccine they use in their clinic.

Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious, viral disease of dogs, not humans, that is seen worldwide. It is most common as a disease of puppies. The virus is shed in the feces and can live in the environment for a long time. Puppies may walk through a contaminated area (i.e. common area such as a park) and ingest the virus when they lick their feet. The dogs will show signs of fever, diarrhea and discharge from the nose and eyes. The puppy may also be unwilling to eat. Any puppy showing these symptoms should have immediate veterinary attention.

Treatment involves antibiotics, fluids, force-feeding and a lot of time, close supervision and care. Puppies who contract this virus do not always survive.

This disease, however, can be prevented with vaccinations. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age and then every 2 - 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.

Dogs should then be vaccinated every year at the same time to ensure they are fully protected throughout their lives. Care should also be taken when bringing a new dog home or when introducing an unvaccinated dog into a home where an infected dog once lived. The distemper virus can live for many years in a frozen state. During the spring, the virus thaws and infects many dogs who are unvaccinated. Bleaching the infected rooms, bedding, toys and bowls is recommended to ensure re-infection does not occur.

Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted between dogs. This form of hepatitis cannot infect humans. Canine hepatitis affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Several forms of the virus from sub-clinical infection (few to no signs) to rapidly fatal, exist. All dogs are susceptible but puppies are the most vulnerable.

The mild or sub-clinical form may present with signs of:

• Lethargy,
• Loss of appetite
• Slight fever.

The acute form may present with signs of:

• Fever in excess of 105 degrees
• Vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding gums
• Corneal opacities called "blue eyes"
• Inability to move

The fatal form may present with:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Sudden collapse
• Death

Treatment for ICH requires intensive veterinary care. The virus is confirmed using a blood test and can be prevented through vaccination.

Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza is one of the many germs associated with kennel cough. The vaccine (known as CPI) protects against this virus. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly via air transmission. The major sign of kennel cough is a spastic dry cough that may persist for weeks. Such a persistent cough can make an animal more susceptible to secondary infections such as pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis can also follow kennel cough.

Parvovirus

The canine Parvovirus (CPV) has a special affinity for rapidly dividing cells. What cells divide rapidly in your body? Cells in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, lymph nodes and heart are especially vulnerable. The highly contagious virus is transmitted from one dog to another via contaminated droplets and fecal matter. It can be carried on a dog's paws, hair, contaminated cages, carriers, shoes and other objects. Dogs of all ages are susceptible, puppies especially, and mortality is fairly high. Two syndromes typically result.

The diarrhea syndrome presents with signs of:

• Severe depression
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• High fever
• Extreme abdominal discomfort
• Bloody diarrhea

These symptoms occur within 7 to 14 days of infection. Since the virus can lie dormant for over a week. A veterinarian should see any animal that comes in contact with an infected animal.

The cardiac (Myocarditis) affects the heart muscles in young puppies. Puppies with Myocarditis stop nursing and die suddenly. Puppies that recover from Myocarditis can develop congestive heart failure and die.

Treatment for Parvovirus includes, fluid and electrolyte replacement, medication to control diarrhea and vomiting, and antibiotics to ward off secondary bacterial infections. Dogs who recover are immune to the disease. The infected area should be bleached because the virus is resistant to almost all other household cleaning agents.

Bordetella

Bordetella is a genus of bacteria that is associated with canine kennel cough and canine distemper. Bordetella is a gram-negative bacillus that attacks the respiratory tract and can present as chronic bronchitis. Vaccinating dogs against the bacteria can also prevent this disease. If your dog stays in a kennel while you are vacationing you will likely be asked if your dog has had a Bordetella vaccine. This vaccine, however, is not normally administered during routine yearly vaccination. Your veterinarian will usually ask if you are planning to board your dog in the next year and may suggest that he/she be vaccinated if the answer is yes. Or, if you unexpectedly have to board your dog you can call your veterinarian and have your dog vaccinated at least 7 days before he/she enters the kennel.

Leptospirosis

Canine leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by a bacteria known as the spirochete. The disease is spread in the urine of an infected animal. Rats may be the main reservoir for infection. Spirochetes enter the dog's system through a break in the skin via the alimentary canal (i.e. digestive tract - mouth to anus) after eating and/or drinking infected food or water. Some dogs survive leptospirosis but become carriers and shed the bacteria in their urine for up to a year.

Signs of illness may manifest within 5 - 10 days of infection. Some signs include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Depression

The disease is detected through serologic testing in which serum is tested for the presence of antibodies. Blood and urine tests also detect the presence of spirochetes.

Other signs of leptospirosis can include:

• Ulceration of the mucosal lining of the mouth
• A thick, brown coating on the tongue
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bloody gums
• Bloody stools
• Polydipsia (increased drinking)
• Polyurea (increased urination)

Treatment includes intensive veterinary care, antibiotics, fluid and electrolyte replacement and dialysis for kidney failure. Spirochetes can cause human leptospirosis with similar symptoms, known as Weil's disease in people. Therefore, all cases of Leptospirosis must be reported to the local or provincial health departments. This disease can also be prevented by yearly vaccination. To prevent risk of exposure, dogs should not be allowed to roam and should be walked on a leash.

Lyme Disease

This is a bacterial disease, which is transmitted by the deer tick and can affect both dogs and people. An Ectoparasite such as the deer tick bites an animal, becomes infected and transmits the disease to humans through the bloodstream. It is called Lyme Disease because it was first reported in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. When the Ectoparasite bites an infected animal (reservoir) it takes the disease causing agent into it's body during the blood meal. In general, the infective agent must then develop in the body of this insect (intermediate host), or be passed on to its offspring before it can be transmitted to humans.

It can cause arthritis in dogs. Humans develop a rash after being bitten by ticks and can also develop arthritis and heart disease. This is not prevalent in Canada, but the ticks that carry this disease have been found in New Brunswick.

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease in all cats that is caused by feline Parvovirus.

Clinical signs include:

• Anorexia
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Leukopenia (decreased numbers of white blood cells)
• High mortality

Free roaming cats are exposed in their first year of life, shed the virus in their urine and feces and infect other cats through direct contact or via fomite transmission (material that carries disease i.e. boots, feed, bedding, barn, farm equipment, etc.). The virus may survive in the environment for years unless destroyed by a disinfectant such as concentrated bleach. The virus favors cells with a high mitotic (or replication) rate.

What organs does this include?

Gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, liver, etc. Necessary treatment includes fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy, supportive care and antibiotics. Prevention of this debilitating and often fatal disease requires yearly vaccination.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a viral respiratory disease of cats that ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to a severe upper respiratory infection with high morbidity and low mortality.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Nasal and ocular discharge
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Ulcerations of the tongue

Transmission of the virus occurs via aerosol droplets and objects such as bedding or collars and leashes that may be contaminated with the bacteria. Thus, an individual handling an infected cat can expose uninfected cats. Testing for FVR can be determined using nasal and ocular secretions. Treatment includes antibiotics, supportive care, fluid and electrolyte therapy. This disease can be prevented by vaccination of kittens and yearly vaccination of cats. Keeping cats indoors will also decrease the likelihood of contracting disease.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease of cats caused by the Coronavirus. FIP is shed in saliva and feces. Approximately 50% of cats infected with FeLV (Feline Leukemia) are also infected with FIP, perhaps due to immunosuppression. The cat may suffer from a sudden onset of fever, weight loss and gastrointestinal distress. Other clinical signs present depend on the severity of the disease.

These may include:

Hind limb paralysis, ataxia (uncoordinated movement), seizures, and nystagmus.

Treatment can include supportive therapy, fluid and electrolyte replacement, and antibiotics, but is usually unsuccessful. The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your cat indoors.

Feline Leukemia

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a serious infectious disease that affects cats of all ages. Cats contract feline leukemia from being in close contact with other infected cats (i.e. licking, biting, sneezing, sharing food bowls and litterboxes). The virus is carried via nasal discharge, saliva and urine. Not all exposed cats become infected. Of those infected, 30% become carriers (which means they carry but are resistant to the virus), and 30% develop the disease and may die within 3 years.

Clinical signs of FeLV include:

• Chronic wasting
• Anemia
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Anorexia

And more severe cases include:

• Jaundice
• Cancer
• Abortions
• Immunosuppression

Diagnosis is confirmed using a blood test. Prevention includes vaccinations, preventing exposure to an infected cat, and keeping your cat indoors. Treatment can help prolong the cat's life and lessen symptoms but cannot cure the disease.

Feline Calicivirus

The Calicivirus affects the respiratory system in cats. Common signs are: sneezing, runny eyes and nose and coughing. Cats with Calicivirus can also suffer from pneumonia, ulcerations of the oral cavity (tongue, lips), seizures, diarrhea and lethargy. Survivors of Calicivirus are carriers and can shed the virus from the pharynx. Except for the younger and older cat, many cats overcome Calicivirus as long as they receive supportive care, antibiotics and fluid re-hydration therapy. Vaccination against this virus is part of the annual vaccination and checkup, which all cats should receive.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a parasite that relies on the host cell (its victim, e.g. cat) for energy (ATP) for replication. Once attached to a host cell, this parasite is phagocytosed (broken down or enveloped). Inside the cell, the bacteria grow and divide until the host is lysed (bursts), releasing the infectious bodies of the parasite.

Chlamydia sufferer's experience:

Sneezing, fever, excessive tear discharge. This infection results in a chronic state of conjunctivitis (inflammation of membrane covering eyelids and eyeballs), producing a purulent (pus-like) ocular discharge.

A definitive diagnosis requires testing ocular and/or nasal discharges. Treatment includes antibiotics, fluid re-hydration therapy and supportive therapy. Transmission occurs via aerosol droplets, close contact and fomites (i.e. objects that spread disease such as shoes, bedding, food bowls, etc.). Feline Chlamydia is believed to cause or contribute to one's chance of developing human conjunctivitis. Thus handling a Chlamydia-infected cat with care is essential for one's own health and protection.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccines prevent disease by boosting the body's immune response to a later exposure to a virus or bacteria. Thus, preventative medicine is the most effective approach to staying healthy. Most vaccines are injected but some are given through the nose or mouth.

When do you vaccinate?

Kittens and puppies are vaccinated around 6-8 weeks and follow a vaccine schedule. Administering too many vaccines at once or too often can be harmful. Vaccines should be delayed if the pet is ill, stressed or undergoing major surgery. Most vaccines require annual boosters to maintain adequate immunity.

Conclusion

 Vaccinations are a vital part of pet ownership and should be administered at the recommendation of your veterinarian. Most all deadly diseases can be prevented through a vaccination regimine. This protects you, as well as your beloved pet. Vaccinations can sometimes seem expensive, but in the long run, they cost much less than the treatment of a contracted disease, as well as the heartbreak of potentially losing your family pet. Please feel free to contact our office for questions concerning vaccinations.