Regular health check-ups are important for the long-term health and welfare of all pets. Routine examinations allow us to take a pro-active role in preventative health care. Actual or imminent health problems will hopefully be spotted earlier and appropriate treatment or preventative action taken
Regular health check-ups are important for the long-term health and welfare of all pets. Routine examinations allow us to take a pro-active role in preventative health care. Actual or imminent health problems will hopefully be spotted earlier and appropriate treatment or preventative action taken. We carry out a full physical examination and health check as part of the annual booster vaccinations that are recommended for all dogs, cats and rabbits. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss any aspect of your pet’s health or well-being that is of concern to you. If appropriate, further investigation such as blood tests or xrays may be suggested.
It is of course possible to perform health examinations at times other than the annual vaccination. We often recommend more frequent check-ups for pets with chronic problems (eg, heart disease, arthritis). Remember one human year is considered equivalent to about seven for a dog or cat. If your pet is on an ongoing medication, then it will require more regular check ups to allow us to keep prescribing.
Puppies are routinely vaccinated against Distemper, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Viral Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. The initial course is two injections two to four weeks apart. The first injection can be given at eight weeks of age allowing the puppy to “socialise” from twelve weeks of age. Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check ups.
Dogs can also be given a vaccination against ‘kennel cough’, (Bordetella bronchiseptica). Ideally it should be given at least two weeks before going into a “high-risk” situation, such as kennels, pet-shows, training classes, etc. This vaccination lasts for a year and is in the form of drops into the nose. There is a significant saving if given at the same time as the annual health check and booster.
We routinely vaccinate against “cat flu”, feline viral enteritis, feline chlamydia and the feline leukaemia virus. These can all be given together as a single injection at nine weeks and then again at twelve weeks, allowing the kitten to “socialise” from fourteen weeks of age. Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check ups.
Rabbits can be vaccinated from six weeks of age against Myxomatosis and from twelve weeks against Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. Both are very serious and fatal diseases, and vaccination is highly recommended. Annual booster vaccinations are given along with a complete health check examination. Boosters for these two vaccinations are now usually given together. We send out reminders to help you remember these important check ups.
Some people consider the cost of booster vaccinations an unnecessary expense. This is a risky strategy. The widespread reduction in the levels of these largely fatal diseases has arisen from the use of vaccination protocols, and is only maintained by their continued use. Reduction in the use of vaccination protocols will lead to increased outbreaks (as is currently occurring with TB in humans). The annual cost of vaccinating pets actually works out as a few pence per week. Or to look at it another way – we can vaccinate our pets for the cost of one can of soft drink per week!
If you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us!