health-topics

Bloodwork & Your Pet

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 18:22:07 +0100

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Vaccinations matter!

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:05:13 +0100

As National Immunization Awareness Month rolls along, here are a few of the top vaccinations for . You can find more information about the importance of vaccinations and why they matter at the AVMA's Vaccinations resource page: https://bit.ly/3gkU0Oj

HEAT!

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 14:28:17 +0100

Summertime heat has arrived in full force! Please check out the following link showing why it is so important to NEVER leave a pet in the car!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY

Ticks!

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:13:24 +0100

Ticks are here! We have recently seen a heavy amount of Ehrlichia and Lyme positive patients. Remember to do what you can to reduce the likelihood of tick disease transmission. Quality, effective tick preventatives, daily tick checks, and Lyme disease vaccinations can help! Call our office for product advice on what may work best for your pets! 804 769-3200

Don't Let Preventatives Fall by the Wayside!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:11:18 +0100

There is often a misconception that preventative products can be discontinued in the late fall and winter months. On the contrary, it is imperative that proper prevention is administered year round. Our climate plays a large role in the necessity for year round prevention with more a more temperate environment in which insects and parasites flourish. Our rural landscape also plays a part, with a large wildlife reservoir which often serves as an intermediate host for parasites. Additionally, the insects and parasites are opportunistic and appear to be stronger and more prolific with each year. Don't let your pet fall prey to preventable disease! If you need assistance selecting the most effective products to keep your pet healthy call and speak with one of our knowledgeable, helpful team members! (804) 769-3200.

Vaccine Changes

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:19:25 +0100

Our canine and feline vaccine recommendations have changed to reflect our desire to keep your pet as protected as possible, without over-vaccinating or inducing any unnecessary inflammation. We have modified our vaccine schedules based on the American Animal Hospital Association and The American Feline Practioners Association guidelines, as well as a comprehensive review of recent literature and research. We look forward to seeing you and your pet at your next visit to explain these changes and keep you abreast of the most current recommendations.

EWWW Worms!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:11:59 +0100

Worms are a major threat to both dogs and cats. Our area harbors a large population of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Many people know that worms may cause weight loss, a swollen abdomen, or vomiting and diarrhea. However, worms can cause much more serious damage and even death. Roundworms and hookworms are the two worms most common in puppies and cats. Whipworms in adult dogs are perhaps the most dangerous, covert worm attacker. Many of the common heartworm preventatives do not control whipworms allowing whipworms to invade the pet and cause a very severe, non-specific illness. The whipworm eggs are also shed intermittently making a definite diagnosis difficult. Tapeworms are acquired either through a flea infestation or through the ingestion of an infected rodent, such as a mouse or rabbit. Thankfully, all worm problems can be managed well with proper dewormings. Make sure that your pets are properly protected from all the worrisome worms!

Lindsey N. Haile, D.V.M

King William Veterinary Clinic

(804)769-3200

www.kingwilliamvet.com

The Cat is out of the Bag!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:57:48 +0100

Springtime is the season when baby animals are born. Fuzzy, playful, curious kittens are no exception. We have several adorable kittens available for adoption at King WillIam Veterinary Clinic. They are lively, affectionate little creatures that are waiting to meet their new families.

Cats have some interesting qualities to their reproductive systems that result in an abundance of spring and summer time young. The female cat or the “Queen” has an active reproductive cycle somewhere between 6 to 9 months of age. More important than reaching the designated age however, is having enough hours of sunlight! Thus the breeding season in cats reaches its peak in March. Cats carry their kittens for 62-72 days giving us the highest number of newborn kittens in May and June. Queens continue to cycle every 2 to 3 weeks from spring to autumn. Recent research on male cats or “Toms” has revealed that they too have increased reproductive capacity in the spring and summer, with both increased sperm numbers and increased functionality of the sperm. Therefore it is no wonder we see so many kittens in our midst in these warmer months. The creator has deemed it so!

Lindsey N. Haile, DVM

King William Veterinary Clinic

(804) 769-3200

www.kingwilliamvet.com

Essential Pet Care for ANY Economic Era

Tue, 17 May 2011 17:28:54 +0100

Veterinary Care is a tough field. It is crucial to the health of a pet. Yet it can be tempting in tight economic times to only fix what is broken or only grease the squeaky wheel. In following this mentality, people tightly close their eyes and hope for the best. While it is possible that the pet may escape disease, it is more likely that the owner will end up paying more treating a preventable condition than they would have spent preventing it. More daunting is the potential for the pet having to pay with its life should the disease be life threatening. Regardless of the economic times, here are the essentials for pet care:

1. Physical Exams: at least yearly exams help ensure that your pet is healthy and aids in the early diagnosis of disease.

2. Vaccinations: While only Rabies vaccines are required by law, there are several yearly core vaccines that prevent your pet from common, life threatening diseases.

3. Monthly Preventatives: Preventatives for heartworms, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks are all crucial to health.

4. Nutrition: a balanced, healthy diet can help prevent conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis etc.

Do your best to care for the pets that are dependent on you for a healthy life by following the essentials!

Lindsey N. Haile DVM

King William Veterinary Clinic

(804) 769-3200

www.kingwilliamvet.com

Mixed up Metabolism

Wed, 11 May 2011 03:05:49 +0100

Dozing Dogs & Chaotic Cats

The thyroid gland in pets rebels against conformity. Instead of functioning at the same speed throughout life, it changes its pace. This change can be due to shrinkage of the thyroid gland or hyper functioning nodules that develop on the gland. In dogs the metabolic rate drops. This decrease results in weight gain, a slower heart rate and sleepiness. Skin disorders, neurological abnormalities, behavioral changes and even reproductive, gastrointestinal, and heart conditions may subsequently develop. In cats the metabolic rate climbs. This increase leads to weight loss, a faster heart rate, and increased activity. Additionally they usually have a ravenous appetite, an unkempt hair coat, gastrointestinal disturbances and at times, aggression. We diagnose thyroid disorders with lab analysis of a blood sample and treatment is aimed at regulating the metabolic rate. In dogs treatment consists of a daily medication to supplement the thyroid hormone. In cats there are several options to down regulate the overactive thyroid gland. Options include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy or anti-thyroid drugs. Thyroid conditions can be very well managed. Once we diagnose and manage the thyroid dysfunction, the pet’s metabolism returns to normal, and clients are delighted to have their pets healthy and happy once more. If only our metabolisms could be fixed so easily!

Lindsey N. Haile, DVM

King William Veterinary Clinic

(804) 769-3200