December 21, 2011

Canine Influenza Update

Canine Influenza, colloquially referred to as "Dog Flu," has had a significant rise in our area over the last couple months.  This article from the Wall Street Journal is a very informative highlight of the disease and re-enforces the importance of immunizing all dogs against this virus, especially dogs who have frequent contact with other dogs.
A New Breed of Flu Shot to Avoid Getting Sick as a Dog

November 11, 2011

New Diet for the Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism

Hill's Science Diet has recently released a novel food for the control of hyperthyroidism in cats.  Hyperthyroidism is an extremely common disorder in cats which can cause increased hunger, thirst, and weight loss.  Until now, hyperthyroidism has been typically treated medically with the drug, Methimazole, or by administration of radioactive iodine (I-131).  This new diet, Y/D Feline Thyroid Health, now offers another option for pet owners and their cats in the management of this disease.  If you would like more information on this diet please ask one of our doctors or staff, or visit Hill's Science Diet.  ill's Science Diet has recently released a novel food for the control of hyperthyroidism in cats.  Hyperthyroidism is an extremely common disorder in cats which can cause increased hunger, thirst, and weight loss.  Until now, hyperthyroidism has been typically treated medically with the drug, Methimazole, or by administration of radioactive iodine (I-131).  This new diet, Y/D Feline Thyroid Health, now offers another option for pet owners and their cats in the management of this disease.  If you would like more information on this diet please ask one of our doctors or staff, or visit Hill's Science Diet.

November 2, 2011

New Diet for the Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism

Hill's Science Diet has recently released a novel food for the control of hyperthyroidism in cats.  Hyperthyroidism is an extremely common disorder in cats which can cause increased hunger, thirst, and weight loss.  Until now, hyperthyroidism has been typically treated medically with the drug, Methimazole, or by administration of radioactive iodine (I-131).  This new diet, Y/D Feline Thyroid Health, now offers another option for pet owners and their cats in the management of this disease.  If you would like more information on this diet please ask one of our doctors or staff, or visit Hill's Science Diet.

October 22, 2011

Canine Influenza

There have been numerous reports across the North Eastern States, particularly New York and Connecticut, of cases of Canine Influenza.  This flu strain, denoted H3N8, is a particularly virulent and highly contagious type of influenza.  In response to these reports, and in doing our part to be proactive in protecting our patients and our facility from this virus, we are now requiring that all animals admitted to our facility be immunized against this disease.  We also strongly recommend that all dogs in general be immunized against H3N8, particularly dogs that frequent kennels, dog parks, grooming facilities, or dog shows.  The vaccine does not completely protect all dogs from contracting the virus, however, it can substantially decrease signs of illness and also shortens the time frame for which infected dogs can pass the infection on to others.  The vaccine is a two shot series given 2-4 weeks apart, and requires annual boosters thereafter.  We hope that by initiating this move at our hospital we can do our part to lessen the impact of this disease in our area.

For more detailed information about this disease please review the following links from the CDC, AVMA, CVMA, and Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine:

WSU-CVM:  Washington State, College of Veterinary Medicine

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AVMA:  American Veterinary Medical Association

CVMA:  Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association



February 22, 2011

New Monthly Flea Preventative for Cats Available

A new topical flea preventative from the pharmaceutical company, Elanco, is now available for cats.  The product, Assurity™, is designed to kill adult fleas rapidly, starting 12 hours after dosing, and lasts for 30 days between doses.  The product will become available in March 2011.  For more information please ask our doctors and staff, or visit Elanco's website at http://www.assurity4cats.com

New Monthly Flea and Heartworm Preventative for Dogs Available

A new oral flea and heartworm preventative from the pharmaceutical company, Elanco, is now available for dogs.  The product, Trifexis™, is designed as both a monthly flea and heartworm preventative but also can be used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.  The product will become available in March 2011.  The product is not designed for the prevention of ticks but can be combined with a tick collar, such as Preventic®.  For more information please ask our doctors and staff, or visit Elanco's website at http://www.trifexis.com