What's New
"How to make the cat carrier a friend, not a foe" 2/4/12
Deer Tick Increase 2/3/12
It is reported that an increasing number of "Black-legged Ticks", commonly known as the "Deer Tick" have been found in Ohio, including Clark County. Ticks are known carriers of Lyme Disease. Symptoms of Lyme Disease include flu-like symptoms, headache, muscle ache, fever and a round,red rash. Click here for more information.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza virus (CIV) causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is often referred to as “dog flu.” CIV is a relatively new virus, so almost all dogs are susceptible to infection when they are newly exposed because they have not built up natural immunity.
Just like human flu is among humans, canine influenza is highly contagious among dogs. CIV can pass from dog to dog through virus particles in the air (eg, through coughing or sneezing) or by coming into physical contact with other dogs (touching noses). It can also be picked up if a dog touches or plays with objects that were touched by infected dogs (for example, food bowls, toys). Humans can even transfer the virus between dogs.
Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8 is the first vaccine for canine influenza. It has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. Just like human flu shots, this vaccine may not completely prevent canine influenza but will make it less likely.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation and keeping close track of all exposures. To date, there is no evidence that CIV can infect humans, and there has not been a single reported case of a human being infected with CIV.
Courtesy of Merck Animal Health
Some boarding kennels are now requiring dogs be vaccinated for Canine Influenza before they arrive, in order to protect other boarders and minimize liability for the kennel. Vaccination is also recommended for show dogs and pets, such as Dr. Cole’s ‘Fred’, that regularly get to meet many different animals. Two doses of vaccine are given 3 weeks apart to gain full protection, and yearly boosters are needed to maintain good immune response as well as helping protect your pet against virus.
New Testing Now Available
We are now able to test dogs for Leptospirosis, an infectious cause of liver and kidney failure. This will allow quicker treatment and a better chance for a cure.
We are also able to test your pet for Giardia, a diarrhea causing protozoa found in contaminated water, in our own lab. This will result in faster results at less cost.
"Battered Puppy"
We have been amazed and astounded by the out-pouring of good will for our “battered puppy”. We are pleased to announce that his healthcare is guaranteed. Any donations not used for the puppy’s care will be devoted to helping other cases of abused and neglected animals. We hope that he will be available for adoption by the end of next week. Adoption applications are available through the clinic for anyone interested in providing a loving home. We will choose the puppy’s new family at random if multiple applications are submitted.
UPDATE: We would like to thank everyone that expressed an interest in adopting our "battered puppy". We are happy to announce that his lucky new owners have been randomly selected from the elidible applications we received. We would like to congratulate Albert and Anne Mayer on their new adoption! He will now be named "Morgan".
And the efforts of the community will live on. His fund continues to help those that never had a chance. Look for regular updates on our facebook page.
NOW AVAILABLE: LASER SURGERY. Dr. Sanders made the initial investments over two years ago, so this one has been along time in coming. Surgical lasers have been shown to make surgery less painful, and will often allow us to release your pet sooner.
Laser surgery will even allow us to offer new surgical cures. For example many bulldogs and pugs are born with significant respiratory deformities that can lead to major problems and even cancer in later life (and you thought they just snored). In the past, surgical correction was risky. A 24 hour critical care facility was required for the aftercare. With the newest laser surgical equipment we can correct most soft palate problems, and even secondary changes that make breathing increasingly difficult, right here in Urbana. This saves you time and money, while we continue with our mission to offer the best possible care for the animals you care for..
Canine Feline