THIS PAGE WAS DESIGNED TO KEEP OUR CLIENTS INFORMED OF ANY CLINIC NEWS AND ABREAST OF ANY NEW MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS THAT MAY HELP KEEP YOUR PET AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE.
July 24, 2004
Currently there is some very hot discussion about the over use of canine and feline vaccines. Dr. Carter has spent some serious time reviewing current data and has followed the debate very closely. At this time, we have decided not to change our current canine vaccine recommendations. We currently advise that our canine patients receive an annual distemper/parvo/hepatitis/parainfluenza vaccine. This along with the required annual rabies vaccine compromises our total annual vaccination package. We do not recommend vaccination for Bordatella bronchiseptica(kennel cough) unless our patients are traveling out of state, are going to be admitted to a kennel, or will be visiting a grooming facility. This vaccine (if required) is only given once yearly. We do not recommend vaccination against Lyme's disease, or Giardia. We strive to take the best care of your friend and we hope that you trust our decisions regarding the care of your pet.
Feline vaccination is another story……there has been some very interesting evidence that our feline patients may mount some very good immunity and that we may be able to vaccinate our kitties less frequently than our canine pets. Dr. Carter, after careful review of all the studies, is leaning toward a new vaccine schedule for our feline friends. We are structuring an every other year schedule for the FVRCP/FELV vaccine and an annual rabies vaccine as required by our area. We are also starting to very strongly recommend heartworm testing and prevention for our cats. Not only is heartworm disease in cats fatal and untreatable, but we are finding an increase in the prevalence of this deadly disease. Also, there are some very good options for heartworm prevention in this species. Because of the high incidence of renal issues with cats, (possibly related to over-vaccination??!), we will also recommend a blood screen every other year for our feline patients.
Other clinic news…………….
Dr. Carter just returned from a trip to "Ocean Boy Farms" where she serves as corporate veterinarian. This is a biologically secure facility that raises shrimp for consumption without the use of any hormones, antibiotics or any other artificial means to achieve maximum production. They are seeking organic certification!! She really enjoyed her visit and is proud to be a part of something that does not harm the environment, but also provides us with healthier seafood options.
Kristy (Senior Technician) is tackling some tough courses in school this year….we wish her all the best…..(but we KNOW how smart she is so WE aren't worried!!).
We will be losing Karen and Noelle….Karen to a wonderful move North for her and her family, and Noelle to "lots of other stuff on her plate". They will be missed.
April and Ian "THE DYNAMIC DUO" have pulled together and have been performing extraordinarily during the past few very busy weeks. They don't know just how much we appreciate them (even though we tell them all the time). Thank you both very much!!
Jessie our groomer….there is just a few words to say here………..SHE'S THE BEST!!
And Dr. Kim's cat, Chub says "thank you very much Jessie for my very beautiful summer cut…I am the envy of all the other kitties in the neighborhood!"
Patty Brandon our "Do-it-All" girl is like water to a dying man in the desert…she has risen to a lot of "occasions" and has handled all of them with the utmost efficiency and professionalism….we couldn't do it without you, Patty….thanks.
The newest member to the Nassau Veterinary Hospital family is Jayrah Haley...she will be the bright and cheerful voice on the phone taking your appointments and helping you with any questions you may have. She is excited about her new position, and we are all glad to have her as part of our team. Please make her feel very welcome.........
Stay tuned…………..
