All About Animals Veterinary Clinic

Some definitions for your reference:

DHPP-distemper parvo

DHLPP-distemper parvo with lepto

Parvo- Parvo is a viral disease affecting the lining of the digestive system. They become deprived of nutrients and also suffer severe diarrhea and vomiting which leads to dehydration. There is no cure for parvo, just treatment of symptoms as they occur. Fluid therapy is a must, as well as medications to stop the vomiting and diarrhea. The only prevention for parvo is following the vaccination program.

Lepto-Leptospirosis, a contagious disease affecting both animals and humans and spread by infection with a bacterial pathogen called Leptospira, may result in chronic liver and kidney disease and fatality in the dog. Over the past 30 years, preventative vaccination against two of the most common Leptospires, L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae, have nearly eradicated clinical disease associated with these strains among the inoculated population. Most lepto vaccinations are included in the parvo vaccine.

Bordatella- Also known as kennel cough, bordatella is a highly contagious virus that is identified with a harsh, dry, hacking cough. Watery nasal discharge may also be present. It is an airborne virus picked up when boarding, grooming, at dogs parks, or anywhere there is close interaction with other dogs. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and/or cough suppressants.

Rabies- This is a deadly virus found in the saliva of mammals that affects the nervous system. There is no cure or treatment for rabies. The state of Tennessee requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated on a yearly basis.

Spay-Also known as an ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying a female dog or cat. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and utreus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is impossible. Surgery is usually performed after 6 months of age. Though it is routinely performed, ovariohysterectomy is major abdominal surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique. Prevention of pregnancy and heat periods is the main reason for the surgery, but the procedure is often necessary in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and/or uterine tumors, and some skin disorders.

Neuter-Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. Such surgery is performed to eliminate sexual activities and render the dog sterile. Castration usually (but not always) reduces a dog's tendency to roam and fight. The general level of aggression may also be reduced. However castration is not replacement for obedience training by the owner!

Doctor-All veterinarians must be trained and licensed based on the requirements of their state. A bachelor's degree or significant undergraduate coursework is the typical basis for admission to the 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. They also complete a preceptorship, and an internship.
Typical coursework for veterinarians includes vertebrate embryology, genetics, zoology, systemic physiology, and biology. Pre-veterinary courses emphasize science, and courses in business management and career development are considered incredibly useful for veterinarians who want to run their own practice.
Technician : The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technician programs throughout the U.S. that are conducted in laboratory or clinical settings involving the humane use of live animals. Most AVMA-accredited programs lead to an associate' degree after two years but some lead to a four-year baccalaureate degree. Students earning a baccalaureate degree usually receive higher salaries and greater level of job responsibilities.
A period of clinical experience in a veterinary practice is required for all students in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. This period of hands-on training is called a preceptorship, practicum, or externship, and is a critical component of the veterinary technician program.
Assistant- There is no formal educational requirements to be a veterinary assistant. It is on the job training only. An assistant can perform duties under the watch of a veterinary or licensed technician only. An assistant should never be called a technician because he/she has never gone to school or become licensed.

Dental- Dental cleanings involve complete sedation. A tube in inserted down their throat and the animal is put on gas anesthesia. Dr. Byrd has an ultrasonic scaler that removes all plaque from the surface of the teeth. An electric polisher is then used and fluoride is put on the teeth to prevent the return of plaque. Excessive plaque on the teeth can lead to heart, kidney and liver problems, so clean teeth are a must for dogs and cats-just like in people!
Heartworm-Heartworm are a parasite that are transmitted by mosquitoes. They travel through the bloodstream and then nest in the heart. There are treatments for heartworms, but it is a costly endeavor, and by the time they are discovered the damage to the heart often has been done. There are many cost-effective options for preventative. Most of them are a once-monthly pill or topical solution. Your animal needs to be tested to ensure that he/she is free from heartworms before being put on a preventative.

Intestinal worms-These are parasites that are picked up through the environment and through fleas. Most travel through the intestinal tract and can cause weight loss, anemia, diarrhea and vomiting. Most are seen only through a microscope. They are treated or prevented quite easily with a liquid or tablet type dewormer given every few months according to the weight of the dog or cat.

FELV-Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus, so named because of the way it behaves within infected cells. All retroviruses, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), produce an enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which permits them to insert copies of their own genetic material into that of the cells they have infected. Although related, FeLV and FIV differ in many ways, including their shape: FeLV is more circular while FIV is elongated. The two viruses are also quite different genetically, and their protein constituents are dissimilar in size and composition. Although many of the diseases caused by FeLV and FIV are similar, the specific ways in which they are caused differs.

FeLV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. In the United States, approximately 2 to 3% of all cats are infected with FeLV. Rates rise significantly-13% or more-in cats that are ill, very young, or otherwise at high risk of infection.
FIV is prevented through vaccination.

FIV-Virologists classify feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a lentivirus (or "slow virus"). FIV is in the same retrovirus family as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), but the viruses differ in many ways including their shape. FIV is elongated, while FeLV is more circular. The two viruses are also quite different genetically, and the proteins that compose them are dissimilar in size and composition. The specific ways in which they cause disease differ, as well.

FIV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly. In the United States, approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates rise significantly-15 percent or more-in cats that are sick or at high risk of infection. Because biting is the most efficient means of viral transmission, free-roaming, aggressive male cats are the most frequently infected, while cats housed exclusively indoors are much less likely to be infected.

Pruritus- “itchiness” often associated with allergies

Radiographs- the act of taking an image on film produced by passage of x-rays through a body part.

Congenital- meaning present at birth.

Allergies- hypersensitivity acquired through exposure to a particular substance (allergen). Like people, dogs and cats can be allergic seasonally to pollens, dust, and molds. Most allergies are seen in pets as watery, matted eyes and itchy, irritated skin. They can be controlled through diet, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Allergy testing is an option for owners who are having a hard time controlling the allergies in their pet.

Wellness Testing- We recommend all animals get wellness tested on a yearly basis. Along with the physical evaluation to check for lumps, looking at the eyes and ears, and the heart, blood is drawn. Tests are run to get a complete blood count (CBC) and the chemistry panel. This gives the vet a solid baseline for the natural levels of your pet. For example, if the red blood cell count on your dog is always a little low, and it tests a little high one year, the vet knows that something is off. It’s a great way to catch problems early on and get treatment for illnesses before they become full-blown. Full paperwork of all tests is sent home with the owner. Another bonus of wellness testing is in the case of an emergency. Should you be out of town, or need to take your pet to am emergency clinic, the results of testing can be shown to the vet on staff, and then they also will have a solid baseline of the animals’ natural chemistry, making treatments more effective.

Geriatric Testing- Labs that are run in older dogs and cats to check the kidney and liver functions, just to name a few. It provides a solid baseline of the animals’ health, just like in wellness testing. It’s especially important in older animals to catch disease and illness before it becomes out of hand.