New Vaccine Recommendation -Leptospirosis Alert
● Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be found in
most animals, including livestock and wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums,
skunks, rats and other rodents). The bacteria are passed via the urine
into water sources, where they reside and reproduce. It can be present in any
stagnant surface water, moist soil and ponds and lakes. Your dog can become
infected by drinking, swimming in or walking through contaminated water.
The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut in the skin or mucous
membranes (such as eyes, mouth or nose).
● Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that
can be spread from dog to dog and dogs to people. Cats seem to be naturally
resistant to the organism. Last year we began recommending vaccination for
all dogs based on a rise of the disease in dogs in Colorado Springs, most likely
due to the increased rainfall.
● We are now vaccinating all dogs against four common strains of the
organism. Two doses of the vaccine are given three to four weeks apart,
then repeated annually.
● Symptoms of Leptospirosis infection in
your dog can include flu-like symptoms including fever, loss of appetite,
vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, depression and lethargy.
Jaundice is another possible symptom, marked by a yellow cast in the gums of the
mouth and whites of the eyes. In most severe cases, the disease can lead to
kidney failure or liver failure and may be fatal.
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Porphyromonas Vaccine for Periodontal Disease
St. Francis Animal Hospital is now offering a new
vaccine that has become available through Pfizer Animal Health that helps
prevent and slow down periodontal disease in dogs. Periodontal disease is
a chronic, progressive oral disease that causes pain, tooth loss and bad breath
in our pets. It is caused by overwhelming bacterial infections around the
teeth. Certain breeds, for example, Greyhounds, and many small dog breeds,
for example, Yorkies, are very prone to this costly disease.
The vaccine is recommended for all dogs with
periodontal disease and for those breeds that are prone to the disease. It
protects your pet's mouth against 3 of the most common bacteria species known to
cause periodontal disease. The vaccine is given initially as a series of
two injections, 3-4 weeks apart, and then it is boosted annually. If you
have any questions regarding the vaccine or to see if you should consider this
vaccine for your dog, please call us. We also have informational brochures
available.
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Online Prescription warning
Buying pet meds online might save you money, but there are some things that
all pet owners need to know before ordering them. First of all, many
online pharmacies are selling counterfeit drugs that may make our pets very ill.
Some of the companies operate from outside the USA and are not regulated at all.
In addition, many companies will reimburse owners for adverse effects of
medications and any necessary treatments only when they are sold through their
regular veterinarian. Many companies do not guarantee their products if
they are sold on the internet.
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