DR. MELISSA PEREZ

Feline Aids Vaccine has finally arrived.  Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a highly infectious disease transmitted to cats usually through reproduction, bite wounds or in utero when the kittens are developing in the infected mother.  This vaccine has been extensively tested by the Fort Dodge Company, a leading manufacturer of veterinary drugs.

It is our recommendation that any cat that goes outside be immunized for FIV.  The rule of thumb is, if we vaccinate for Feline Leukemia, we should vaccinate for FIV.  The vaccine has been proven 84% effective in preventing the virus.  Three doses are required initially, spaced 2-3 weeks apart.  Then an annual booster is necessary to maintain protection.

Please call our office and we will be happy to schedule an appointment!

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                      Volume 4, Issue 8                               

August will see the completion of framing and the beginning of roofing, wall erection and internal wiring and plumbing.  Things have stayed on schedule and we applaud the job our contractors are doing.  Rodney Kinkella, the foreman continues to be extremely diligent about safety and cleanliness.  We appreciate the patience and loyalty of all of our clients during this time of inconvenience.  No one doubts that we will all be rewarded with a better functioning facility within a few months.  Take a look at the pictures below which mark our progress.

We are happy to announce a change in available appointment hours for the convenience of our clients.  We are now open for appointments Monday--Friday from noon till 3pm, in addition to our regular office hours.  Clients may now come in for appointments from 9am until 6pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; from 9am until 9pm on Monday and Wednesday; and from 9am until noon on Saturdays.  As always, we are here 24 hours a day for emergencies.  We hope this new appointment schedule helps us better accommodate our clients during the daytime hours.

                      Volume 4, Issue 8                               

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                      Volume 4, Issue 8                               

The image on the left reflects a mass/tumor in the mid brain region.  Due to the progressive, unmanageable nature of seizures resulting from this brain tumor, the prognosis for this patient was very poor.  MRI's , like the one pictured on page 3, are useful in establishing a diagnosis for a variety of conditions of the brain.

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                      Volume 4, Issue 8                               

Parvo virus can only be controlled in canines through proper vaccination of all susceptible pets.  We see most fatalities in puppies less than six months of age, but have seen cases in pets during their later years.  Certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans and their crosses) are very susceptible to parvo virus and may not carry adequate immunity even with annual vaccinations.  For this reason we suggest a semi-annual booster for the first few years of a pet's life then adjust the vaccine schedule as needed. 

We have also seen cases in the past where parvo viral infection has recurred after several months.  Anyone who has a pet with parvo is encouraged to disinfect appropriate areas with a 10% solution of bleach.  Any feces should be picked up and appropriately (i. e. bagged) disposed of .  It is also a good idea to let owners of recently obtained littermates know about the parvo infection to initiate appropriate vaccination.

Parvo virus was first isolated in the seventies during a world wide pan endemic plague that destroyed an estimated 1/4 of the total pup population.  Unfortunately, this virus is still alive and well and constantly mutating, providing an ever present danger to canine companions.