…for venomous snakes, that is! With the warmer weather, copperhead snakes are becoming more active in our area, and there has been a reported increase in dogs bitten by them! Most dogs can recover with conservative treatment; however, bites to the head and neck can be very dangerous. There is an antivenin for “after-the-bite” available at most emergency centers, but can be very expensive.
Venomous Copperhead Snake with Forked Tongue
We offer the Atrox Crotalus Rattlesnake vaccine, which is effective “before-the-bite” at reducing the severity of snake envenomation by the Western Rattlesnake, and studies have shown cross-protection against the sidewinder, timber rattlesnake, Massasauga, and copperhead. Partial protection may be provided against eastern diamondback venom, but not against water moccasin (cottonmouth), Mojave rattlesnake, or coral snake venom. (Davis, Robinson’s Current Therapy, 2015).
The Mannford-area is experiencing a drastic increase in canine Kennel Cough cases the last few weeks. We thought it appropriate that we take a moment and share what it is, what to look for, and what we can do about it.
What is Canine Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is similar to the common cold in that it is very contagious, usually mild, and is caused by a variety of “bugs”. It is very, very contagious and is transmitted by any droplet transfer: coughing, sneezing, nose-touching, etc.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
Kennel cough is usually mild in healthy animals however, symptoms can be quite irritating to the pet and your family. Common symptoms include the following:
cough
gagging
nose and/or eye discharge
fever
loss of appetite
lethargy
These symptoms usually start out quite mildly, but a consistent, hacking cough that may end in gagging is the most common symptom we see. Unfortunately, this is also how the disease is spread.
How do we treat it?
Treatment of Kennel Cough is focused on clearing out bacteria causing the symptoms, bacteria that could worsen the disease (lead to pneumonia), and ease the symptoms. Treatment usually consists of oral antibiotics, mild oral steroids for the cough, with or without cough syrup if it is severe enough. There are many methods of management at home as well (see below) that can ease your dog’s symptoms.
Good news, we can prevent Kennel Cough!
There is a vaccine for Kennel Cough! As a bonus, it is an oral vaccine, so not pokes for Fido. It is recommended to be given yearly, although some facilities that house several animals at once (groomers, boarders, animal hospitals, etc) require it to be administered every 6 months, depending on risk levels.
Do we have Kennel Cough vaccines?
We absolutely do! Calling ahead is required however, we do routinely stock and administer Kennel Cough vaccines!
How old does my dog need to be to receive the Kennel Cough vaccine?
Your puppy must be older than 8 weeks!
Who is most at risk for Kennel Cough?
Dogs that have not been vaccinated, that are around unvaccinated animals are at the highest risk:
Grooming facilities
Boarding facilities
Training classes
Dogs that run free in the country
Dogs that share fences with other dogs
Questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Please give us a call at (918)865-4733!
LOCAL ALERT: We have an outbreak of Canine Distemper in Tulsa, OK
What is it?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can also be carried by ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. It is a virus, so there is no direct treatment widely available to dogs, so prevention is the key to this potentially-deadly disease. Currently, there is an outbreak most noticeable in found and shelter animals but those that are unvaccinated are also at risk! If it is an outbreak in our domesticated dogs, you can guarantee that it is spreading in the local wildlife!
What does it do?
This is a virus that can show up in a variety of ways. It most commonly presents itself as a respiratory disease causing coughing, sneezing, thick yellow mucus crusting on the face, and fever. However, it can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures, especially in puppies.
How do we treat it?
The best treatment for this outbreak is in prevention of the spread. Distemper is easily avoided by vaccinated your dog with standard yearly vaccines. However, if they do contract the disease, our care is supportive. Anti-virals are not widely available in our pets, so we support with hospitalization, fluids, antibiotics to safeguard against concurrent infections, and intensive nursing care. We also treat symptomatically for vomiting, diarrhea, and seizure activity.
What should I do if I see symptoms?
The first step is to isolate the affected dog from all other dogs in the household. If you see sneezing and coughing, do consider that it may be allergies or another respiratory infection. Don’t panic. With that being said, it is highly recommended that your pet be evaluated by a licensed professional. GI symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea are also common symptoms of other conditions however, if these symptoms persist, please take your pet in to your primary care veterinarian.
If Fido begins seizuring, it is an emergency. Please drive to the your primary care veterinarian or emergency hospital as soon as possible. Animal Emergency Center and Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists are right here in Tulsa and both take spectacular care of sick pets.
Canine distemper was previously see worldwide until the conception of our distemper vaccination. It is now much less common than it was in the 1970s however, with the shifting perspective regarding vaccinations, this canine killer is back. This disease can be prevented simply by vaccinating your pets. That is the only way to keep our canine friends safe and healthy.
Questions? Need to booster vaccines? Please give us a call at (918)664-8690!
Today is World Rabies Day! It is a day in recognition and awareness of this deadly disease. Vaccines are available for pets as most human rabies cases come from dogs.
In Mannford city limits, rabies vaccinations are legally required for all dogs and cats. Why? Because rabies is fatal to you and them. Help us protect our pets and raise awareness of this vital vaccine!
Questions? Need to make an appointment? Give us a call at (918)865-4733 or message us below!
Introducing, Simparica Trio! It prevents fleas, ticks, AND heartworms for your pet!
We recently ran a poll asking: Do you want your prevention in one all-inclusive treat or separate treats? Well you, our wonderful clients, voted and a huge 82% of you answered that YOU would rather have all of your prevention in one single treat. We have great news for you, Simparica Trio is now on the market! After years of waiting, we now offer a single chewy chunk that prevents fleas, ticks, AND heartworms. Dogs even say it tastes great!
Better yet, it is MUCH CHEAPER than buying preventative separately. It is about $30-35 dollars cheaper than the other guys if you buy it per box! Isn’t that great news! AND it is super effective! This great product definitely gets the stamps of vet, and dog, approval.
Questions? Want to get your pet started on it? Please give us a call at (918)865-4733 or shoot us an email today!
