Adult size in pounds

Cats are now the most popular pet in America with over 60 million feline friends reported. Whether this is your first or fortieth kitten, it is sure to enrich your life. With modern veterinary medical techniques and vaccinations, our goal is to allow each cat to live well into their teens. To ensure that your kitten has all the benefits modern medicine has to offer, we recommend the following health maintenance schedule:

One of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership is that of spaying or neutering your pet. Their are several important reasons that you should have your pet undergo these procedures.

"Spaying" is the lay term for ovariohysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. This not only prevents unwanted pregnancies , but if performed before the first estrus or "heat cycle", reduces her chance of developing breast cancer to less than 1/2 of 1%! This also eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer as well as potentially fatal uterine infections known as pyometra.

"Neutering" is the lay term for orchidectomy or surgical removal of the testicles. There are many medical and physiological reasons for having this performed on your pet. Some of these reasons include: Elimination of unwanted pregnancies, removes the risk of testicular cancer, and diminishes unwanted roaming, aggression and sexual behaviors.

These surgeries are relatively safe and we observe few complications. The most common complication is that of early suture removal by the pet that may result in mild incision site swelling and irritation.

We recommend that you pet be spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months of age. Our staff veterinarians will determine the safest time for your pet’s surgery and give you further counseling at the time of surgery.

The cost of the procedure is determined by your pet’s size, physical condition, duration of surgery and anesthesia and surgical materials used. We try to minimize the cost of these procedures to encourage your participation, but we must maximize our medical and surgical expertise to ensure your pet’s safety. Contact the hospital (910) 579-5550 during normal business hours for an estimate of cost and appointment for this most important surgery or E-Mail here.    Return to Top

Vomiting is the one of the most common reasons that pet owners seek veterinary medical help. The reasons can range from such benign causes as upset stomach secondary to a new food source or gastritis all the way to life-threatening conditions such as intestinal obstruction and Parvoviral Enteritis.

Whether or not to seek emergency veterinary care for vomiting is a difficult question. Vomiting is a clinical sign of disease, not a diagnosis, and the cause should be actively sought. Here are a few questions to ask yourself that may help you arrive at a decision safely and quickly.

How long has your pet been vomiting? It is common for animals to occasionally vomit once or twice on any given day. Pets vomiting multiple times in succession or for over a24 hour period should be examined by a veterinarian.

What is your pet vomiting? Pets may vomit undigested food if it is offending or spoiled. If the vomitus is coffee-colored or if you observe any blood, contact your veterinarian immediately. These are signs of bleeding into the stomach and indicate an emergency. Repeated "dry heaves" are often associated with more serious conditions and a thorough diagnostic workup is in order.

Is your pet on any medications? It is common for animals to experience upset stomach while on many medications. Consult with your veterinarian concerning your specific medication.

Is your pet exhibiting any other clinical signs? If your pet has diarrhea, lack of appetite, listlessness or other symptoms, you should obtain veterinary help immediately. Clients call (910) 579-5550 for emergency assistance.

If your pet is exhibiting mild symptoms and you feel that there is no need for emergency medical care, our hospital recommends the following steps be taken at home:

Restrict food for 12 to 24 hours. If vomiting resolves, offer a bland diet such as chicken and rice or low-fat cottage cheese and rice. Make water or Gatorade^® available at all times unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian.

Closely monitor for any change in your animal’s condition that indicate a worsening situation. Do not hesitate to seek medical care if you feel uncomfortable with your pet’s condition.

Contact your veterinarian if the vomiting continues for more than 6 hours. Small dogs and cats can develop life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in a very short period.

Nothing is more alarming and annoying than finding out that your pet has had an "accident" all over a newly carpeted room! Diarrhea and loose stools are a common clinical sign associated with many types gastrointestinal disorders.

The first step taken by your veterinarian in diagnosing the cause of the problem will be to determine if the diarrhea is originating in the Small or Large Bowel. Some of the common differences include:

Many Small Bowel diarrheas have large volumes of fecal output a normal number of times while Large Bowel          diarrheas have small volumes more frequently.
Large Bowel diarrhea often has mucus present.
Vomiting is more often associated with Small Bowel diarrheas.
Straining to defecate is more common with Large Bowel diarrhea.

Some of the more common causes of diarrhea include:

Intestinal parasites or "worms"
Intestinal infections
Change of diet or the feeding of table scraps
Milk, fatty or spicy foods
Intestinal tumors and polyps
Medications
Many, many more

If your pet is acting normally otherwise, you may choose to restrict food intake for the next 24 hours to allow the GI tract to "rest". When you resume feeding, give bland, low-fat foods in small amounts frequently. Some examples include boiled rice, potatoes, and pasta combined with skinless chicken, yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese.

If the diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours or if your pet develops other symptoms such as vomiting, bloody stools or listlessness, contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions. Chronic diarrhea can be life-threatening in dogs and cats due to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Return to Top

If your pet is having "accidents" in the house, urinating more frequently or straining to urinate, discolored or bloody urine, the most common cause is a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections most often involve the bladder which is called cystitis. Cystitis usually results from an ascending bacterial infection from the vulvar or penile areas or from primary bacterial overgrowth in the bladder. A more serious, life-threatening condition is a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. It is important for you to seek medical attention so that your veterinarian may distinguish between these two diseases.

The diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is based on:

Clinical signs - such as frequent or abnormal urination and bloody urine
Cystocentesis - a technique for obtaining sterile urine from your pet that may be analyzed and cultured for bacterial growth
Urinalysis - to determine kidney status and analyze the urine cells
Urine Culture and Sensitivity - to determine the exact pathogen responsible for the infection and which antibiotics will be effective
Bladder X-rays - to search for bladder stones, tumors or other causes for chronic infections and/or cystitis

It is important to have your pet treated promptly to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys. Other causes of urinary tract infections include diets high in ash content, medications, bladder or kidney stones, abdominal trauma resulting in bladder hemorrhage and tumors.

Ear infections are a common problem in companion animals. From Cocker Spaniels to Golden Retrievers, those red, irritated and smelly ears are a sore spot for both pet and pet owner.

Most ear infections are associated with moisture trapped in the lower or horizontal ear canal. This may result from humid weather, swimming, bathing or excess wax production. Other causes of ear infections are ear mites, allergies, matted hair in the ear canals or foreign objects. Let’s review some of these common causes and how they may appear:

Yeast infections - Extremely bad smelling; moist and runny; often associated with trapped moisture.
Bacterial infections - pus may be seen; often painful.
Allergic otitis - outer ear red and inflamed; warm to the touch; Food Allergies can also cause this.
Ear Mites - dry, crusty black flakes; scratch ears intensely. Common in cats.

Other common causes include: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid disease), Food Allergies, Foreign Objects in the ear canal, Atopy or allergies to inhaled pollens, molds, dust mites and many more. Diagnosis is made by your veterinarian obtaining a sample of the ear contents and performing stains (ear cytology) and cultures to determine your pet’s specific problem.

Treatment consists of appropriate antibiotics both directly in the ear and orally and cleaning the ear with drying agents known as astringents. Ear infections can be difficult to treat and may take weeks to resolve. In chronic, severe cases, surgery is required.

Remember that dogs with long, floppy ears are more predisposed to ear infections and should be cleaned weekly from puppyhood to reduce their risk.

Itching is a common problem in pets, especially dogs, that can be discomforting to the pet and unnerving to the pet owner. It often leads to more serious secondary conditions such as "hot spots", skin and ear infections, dry, flaky skin and objectionable odor. It must be emphasized that itching can have many causes. While "quick fixes" are uncommon, there are many diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to help minimize your pet’s discomfort.

Some of the more common causes of itching are as follows:

Fleas - the most common reason for itching in dogs and cats is flea infection and flea allergies. Flea Allergy Dermatitis is usually characterized by biting at the tail base region and along the back. It is of utmost importance to control fleas on your animal to help eliminate this problem. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best flea control products currently available.

Atopy - is a term referring to allergies caused by inhalants such as pollens, dust and environmental pollutants. If your pet experiences itching around the face and stomach or licks its paws, atopy is to be considered. To accurately determine the substance(s) that your pet has become allergic to, your veterinarian will often perform blood and/or intradermal skin tests.

Food Allergies - can develop in any pet, at any age, regardless of the type of diet. 10-15% of all allergic dermatitis cases have this as a component. Food colorings, preservatives and protein sources are the most common inciting causes. The clinical signs are extremely variable, with itching over the entire body and especially the tops of paws while no seasonal pattern exists. Oddly enough, there are usually no signs of vomiting or diarrhea in food allergy cases. Your veterinarian may recommend a special hypoallergenic diet trial for 8 weeks.

Ectoparasites - such as "mange" mites can cause severe itching in dogs and sometimes cats. Depending on the type of mite present, this condition may or may not be contagious to other animals, including humans. Your veterinarian will perform skin scrapes to diagnose this condition.

The common therapies for itching include:

Corticosteroids - are often given on a short term basis to relieve itching and the associated discomfort. Because these drugs can have some undesirable side-effects, they can not be given for long periods of time.

Antihistamines - often do not work well unless used in combination with other treatments.

Fatty Acid Supplements - are very effective in aiding in the skin healing process and can be used for long periods of time with no side-effects. Especially effective in healing dry, flaky skin conditions. Recommended for all pets experiencing allergic dermatitis. May take 4-8 weeks to see results.

Shampoos and moisturizers - most flea shampoos tend to dry out a sensitive pet's skins. Your veterinarian may recommend a special medicated shampoo followed by a skin moisturizer to aid in the treatment of your pet's skin disorder. An important element in the treatment of long-term skin diseases.

Antibiotics - may be necessary to combat secondary skin infections.

Hyposensitization or Desensitization Therapy - "allergy injections" usually given weekly to every three weeks to treat Atopy. IgE allergy blood tests are performed that identify the specific allergens that are causing your pet's discomfort. Once started, these treatments are often maintained for years to entire life. Strongly recommended in chronic cases. We normally recommend an 8-week hypoallergenic food trial prior to initiating this therapy to eliminate the possibility of Food Allergy, thereby reducing the chance of running unnecessary tests and/or treatments. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your pet.

There are over 27,000 cases of animal rabies reported yearly worldwide, with the actual number estimated to be many times greater. Confirmed human rabies cases number around 500, but the actual number is most likely to be well over 20,000. This discrepancy may be due to inaccurate diagnosis and improper reporting. It is estimated that in southern Asia alone, rabies may account for over 15,000 human deaths per year. Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, England, Ireland, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Japan are rabies free at present.

In the United States, where rabies is continuing to escalate, the highest incidence is in wildlife - raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. In our area, the raccoon is the most commonly reported species.

Bite wounds are by far the most common mode of infection for rabies. Contact with bodily secretions, especially saliva, is also a likely route of transmission. Dogs and cats are usually exposed to the virus when they fight with or are attacked by a rabid animal. Cats are at greater risk because they are naturally more efficient hunters and are allowed to roam more freely than dogs. The virus has been shown to be shed in the saliva for up to 13 days prior to the onset of neurological signs and continues until the animal dies, usually in 20 days or less.

Classical signs of rabies consist of three disease stages: Prodromal, Furious and Dumb (paralytic).

The Prodromal Stage lasts 2 to 3 days and is characterized by apprehension, nervousness, solitude and intermittent fever. Friendly animals become agitated and hostile while fractious and aggressive animals may become unusually friendly and approachable.

The Furious Stage typically lasts 1 to 7 days and presents as restlessness and extreme irritability. Dogs may snap at unseen objects, chew and eat unusual items and even attack their owners. Cats especially exemplify the Furious Stage and will scratch and bite at anything.

The final Dumb or Paralytic Stage usually develops within 2 to 4 days (up to 10) after the first clinical signs are observed. Dogs begin to salivate profusely because they are unable to swallow, make choking sounds which may make the owner and veterinarian concerned that something may be lodged in the throat, and experience difficulty in breathing. The animal eventually lapses into coma and dies of respiratory failure. The syndrome is identical in humans with rabies.

Fortunately, there is a very efficacious and safe vaccine for animals and, more recently, for humans. It is imperative to have your pets vaccinated for this fatal disease. You do not get a second chance with rabies! Call your veterinarian and set up an appointment today to have any unvaccinated animals inoculated. We must act today to protect our environment, our pets and our families from this terrible disease.

Never approach or attempt to handle any wild animal that comes near your home. This is extremely important to impress upon children.

 As our society becomes increasingly health conscious, the attitude towards obesity and weight problems has dramatically changed. This is beginning to carryover into our pet's well-being and the recognition that "fat cats are not necessarily healthy cats".

Obesity is defined as a 15 percent increase over optimum body weight. This is the most common nutritional disease in the dog and cat. It is estimated that 44% of all dogs and at least 12% of all cats are obese. It is more common with advancing age and is more common in females.

If you are unsure what your pet's optimum weight should be, perform this simple test: Place you hands on your pet's rib cage with your thumbs on the back. If the ribs are easily felt, your pet is considered to be normal weight. If you can feel fat between the skin and ribs or the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet is overweight. If the ribs can not be felt, your pet is definitely obese. In some pets, particularly cats, a large abdomen that hangs down may indicate obesity. It is important to have this judgment confirmed by your veterinarian. It is very important to rule out other diseases that may look like obesity such as heart, kidney or glandular disease.

Obese animals have much higher incidence of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, impaired reproductive ability and greater risks with surgery and anesthesia. Most research in both humans and animals suggests that increased weight shortens life.

If your animal is determined to be overweight, there are usually painless methods for losing those unhealthy pounds. With careful dietary management and oversight by your veterinarian, changes in diet and lifestyle can lead to a much more productive life. There are prescription diet formulations available to your veterinarian that can make dieting easy for you and your pet.

Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you did not brush them routinely. What if you never brushed them at all? Not a pleasant thought, but this is a reality for many pets. Unless you are regularly providing some form of dental care for your pet, you are neglecting an important part of your pet's overall health.

Periodontal or gum disease is one of the most common problems seen by veterinarians. Periodontal disease is known as the "silent disease" because of its slow, progressive nature. Bad breath, loose teeth and bleeding gums are some of the early signs but periodontal disease can cause weight loss, serious generalized infections, kidney, bladder and even heart-valve infections.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on the teeth. Plaque harbors bacteria which cause the infection and subsequent gum inflammation and recession. In severe cases, the plaque has become so large and mineralized that we call it calculus. The gum continues to recede, exposing the tooth root beneath the crown. This can cause pain and discomfort which leads to decreased appetite. Eventually, the tooth will die and fall out. This can be serious if a "dry pocket" infection develops. A foul-smelling discharge, pus, bleeding, and extreme pain are some of the symptoms.

Home dental care is easy for you and your pet. A word of caution: DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE OR BAKING SODA IN PETS. Human toothpastes contain ingredients which may cause gastric upset and foaming at the mouth. The high sodium levels in baking soda may cause problems in some animals, especially those with a heart condition.

There are two common methods for cleaning your pet's teeth at home:

Brushing
Antimicrobial rinses

Brushing is accomplished by using enzymatic toothpastes which do the cleaning for you. We recommend using a soft finger brushette for applying the dentrifice. Use a gradual approach to brushing: rub the face with the brush on for a few days to accustom the pet to the sight and smell of the brush; slowly begin to rub the gums for a few days; finally, add the dentrifice and rub it on the outside surfaces of the teeth. Brushing every 2-7 days will save you and your pet future problems.

An acceptable alternative to brushing is oral rinses with an antimicrobial such as chlorhexadine. Spraying a small amount in each cheek every other day will help reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria that are the "root" of the problem.

In pets where home dental care is a problem or in advanced cases of periodontal disease, we recommend the use of Pulsatile Antibiotics. We commonly use clindamycin twice daily for 5 days each month. This reduces pathogenic bacteria and promotes  a healthy oral environment. Especially important if your pet has any type of heart disease. Remember, periodontal or gum disease is the leading cause of heart valve infections (endocardiosis), a life-threatening and life-shortening condition.

Canine and Feline Heartworm Disease is a serious and deadly disease found wherever mosquitoes are present. Each year, thousands of dogs become permanently debilitated or die needlessly from this easily preventable disease.

The heartworm life-cycle begins when a mosquito ingests a microfilaria (larval heartworm) while sucking blood from an infected animal. The microfilariae develop into the infective stage in the mosquito in 2-3 weeks. The infective stage is then passed to the dog when the mosquito takes a blood meal. If the larva is passed into a mammal other than a dog, for example, a human, the immune system and tissues destroy the larva before they can cause disease. In the dog and, rarely, the cat, the larvae find suitable conditions for survival and propagate. Over the next 2-3 months, the larvae develop and migrate to the heart. The life-cycle has now run full circle 5-6 months after the dog was initially infected as the adult female heartworms begin to give birth to microfilariae.

The symptoms of heartworm disease are related to the cardio-vascular problems they create. Coughing, lack of energy, tiring easily and weight loss are some of the common clinical signs of advanced disease. Secondary liver and kidney disease may develop in some dogs. Heartworms average 5 to 14 inches in length and as many as 100 worms have been found in a single dog!

There are three tests for heartworm disease. The first test is direct visualization of the microfilariae in the blood. This test is dependent on the number of circulating heartworm larvae and may miss small number or single sex infections since no "babies" are made. The second, more sensitive test detects canine heartworm antibodies in the blood. This is the test of choice for dogs on monthly preventatives. Your dog should be tested yearly because even the best preventative programs may fail. The third test is a heartworm antibody test. Cats should have a heartworm antibody test before beginning preventative if any clinical signs exist. Our staff veterinarians will determine if your cat needs testing.

Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior in cats. The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn fragments of nails. Though scratching is normal for cats, this behavior can be destructive and costly in the home. For many cat owners, declawing is the best solution.

Declawing is performed under general anesthesia and consists of the surgical removal of the nail and nail bed. The incision site is then closed and your pet hospitalized one to two nights. Antibiotics are given in many cases to ensure that post-operative infection does not develop.

There are few complications encountered with this surgery and most cats are "back to normal" within 7 to 14 days after surgery. We recommend using shredded paper in place of granular litter for the first five to seven days after surgery.

Cats that are declawed should be confined indoors because their primary mode of defense, climbing trees, is now removed. Declawed cats will resume all normal activities and most cat owners do not notice that their pet has been altered.