Neutering prevents testicular and prostate infections and cancer, and prevents roaming, hiking, fighting, aggression toward children and other undesirable stud-dog behaviors. Neutered males remain protective and will fight when challenged. However, they typically stay home rather than roaming to breed a female in heat. Neutering protects dogs from perianal tumors, hormonal imbalance, hair loss, and virtually eliminates inappropriate (marking) urination.

Unless a pet owner is a licensed dog or cat breeder, spaying or neutering is the responsible thing to do considering both the personal pet’s health and pet overpopulation. Professional breeders require knowledge, proper facilities, and an emergency savings account in case of complications. Breeding pets can be difficult and complicated. The Georgia Department of Agriculture requires a license for dog breeders and periodic inspections of the home and facility are performed by an Ag Inspector.



When should the surgery be performed?
Spaying and neutering surgeries are generally performed at the time of the final set of puppy or kitten vaccines at approximately four to five months of age. However, the procedures can be performed at any age as long as the pet is healthy. Professional breeders typically spay and neuter as soon as the last litter is produced and weaned.

How is the spay or neuter performed?
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries through a midline incision in the abdomen. Neutering, or castration, is performed on male patients. A small opening is made in front of the scrotum and the testes are removed. Neutering does not require access to the abdomen and is much less complicated and expensive. For both surgeries, the pet is placed under general anesthesia. The surgery is a sterile procedure requiring sterilized instruments surgical gown, cap, and sterile gloves. Sutures are sometimes internal and dissolve over time. Surgical glue is often used to hold the skin together.

After surgery, pets are discharged from the hospital between 4 and 6 pm. Bathing, running, jumping, and vigorous play are discouraged for the following week until sutures are removed.

Why does my pet need regular dental examinations?

Cats and dogs need regular dental examinations, but large breed dogs rarely need dental cleanings. Veterinary dental cleanings remove disease-causing plaque from teeth before it hardens into brown, foul-smelling tartar. Persistent plaque damages teeth and gums. Oral bacteria, residing in plaque, sheds through the blood stream infecting heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and the immune system. Bad breath and other symptoms such as an inflamed gum line (gingivitis), bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth loss, or a brownish-colored crust along the gum line signify gum disease (periodontitis). Research shows that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of four have oral disease and that pets that receive regular dental cleanings live longer, healthier lives.



Why is my pet fat or excessively lazy?
Too much food and too little exercise cause weight gain. It is untrue that spaying or neutering causes personality changes and weight gain. It creates a less aggressive pet, but the personality and instinct to protect home and family remains the same. After the spay/neuter procedure, your pets hormonally induced nervous energy may be reduced, so reduced rations will be indicated.



Is brushing my dog’s teeth practical?
Owners typically brush only the outer (buccal) surface of the maxillary (upper) molars is brushed. The front teeth (incisors and long canine teeth) rarely need brushing, and the lingual (tongue) surface is not brushed. The back molars are the source of most dental infections and gum disease. Twice a week brushing is adequate and takes only 5-10 minutes. However, pets should be acclimated to the sensation of having their teeth touched as pups. Then as adults they more readily allow the treatment. Chewing large kibbles of hard food helps to keep tartar off teeth. After eating a dry food meal, most pets drink water and rinse their mouth. Alternatively, canned food remains on the gum line causing tooth decay and root rotting. Canned food predisposes pets to dental disease and weight problems and should be generally avoided. Brushing teeth 2 X weekly is the best way to keep the teeth plaque free. Special toothbrushes are made for pets. Small dogs have genetically weaker enamel and need more brushing and veterinary cleaning than large dogs that inherit stronger enamel. Many small dogs need veterinary scaling and polishing annually to maintain healthy mouths and bodies. Oral disease leads to heart, kidney, liver and immune system problems.



What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is spread by the ever-pesky mosquito. Georgia’s warm humid environment is conducive to an almost year-round mosquito population. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition where spaghetti-sized worms reside in your pet’s heart and blood vessels. A pet that contracts heartworm disease will die early unless it undergoes a series of uncomfortable and expensive Heartworm treatments with a drug called Immiticide. However, heartworm disease is 100% preventable. Heartgard is a flavored chewable treat that is given orally once a month. Iverheart is a generic, more economical monthly product, only slightly less palatable than brand name Heartgard. Revolution is an easy-to-use liquid that is squeezed onto the skin between your pet’s shoulders once a month. Using the oils in your pet’s skin, Revolution spreads over your pet’s entire body, protecting it against not only heartworms, but also internal parasites, and ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks.



What is the safest protection from fleas and ticks?
There are several very effective and easy-to-use products designed to protect your pet from fleas and ticks. Frontline - A liquid easily applied to the skin between the shoulders of your pet. One application kills fleas and ticks on your pet for one to two months. Revolution - A liquid application also applied between the shoulders. It also protects your pet from Heartworms, mange, earmites and kills fleas and ticks for one month. Advantage - A liquid applied between shoulders that is recommended for cats and very small dogs. All of these products are tested and proven very safe to your pet, in contrast to topical applications available in the grocery or pet store that kill only some of the fleas for a short time and sometimes cause seizure, liver damage or even death. Call a local emergency clinic to ask about the safety of the “over the counter” flea product before applying to your pet’s skin.



How often are vaccinations required?
Vaccination protocols have become a controversial subject in recent years, and change with advancing research. Although some drug companies claim their vaccination lasts three years, there are documented cases of Rabies disease two years into a “three year” vaccination. Therefore, because Georgia is an area where Rabies is endemic, most clinics require the vaccination to be given annually. Some companies now claim that their Canine distemper vaccination lasts three years, but the product is new and unproven. Most veterinarians are reluctant to risk the deadly disease and continue to recommend the affordable and safe immunization annually.

Why is it important to give puppies and kittens a series of boosters four times at 8,12,16 and 20 weeks?
Pups and kittens require vaccinations every four weeks starting at eight weeks up to 20 weeks of age. The answer is somewhat complicated involving the phenomenon of maternal antibody interference with vaccine protection. Newborns receive antibodies from their mother first milk(collostrum) that block the effect of vaccines for a period of time. In other words, pups & kittens receive disease protection through their mother’s milk immediately after birth, especially if mother is current on vaccinations. This protection fades and disappears at some time between 8 and 16 weeks. As long as mother’s protection persists, any vaccinations are eliminated from the baby’s bloodstream by mother’s antibodies and ineffective.

The problem is in knowing the exact time when mother’s antibodies have faded leaving the pup/kit unprotected, needing and able to retain vaccination protection. The only way to know when vaccinations will offer long term protection (8, 12, or 16 or 20week) is to run expensive “antibody titers.” The risk of infection increases exponentially from 8 to 16 weeks. Therefore, repeated boosters are required to ensure the protection.

Why is it important to give 1st time adult vaccinates boosters 3 weeks later?
When initiating vaccination protection, it takes two antigenic exposures to fully alert the immune system of the disease organism. Except for Rabies, a one-time dose. Thus when first protecting a pet from Lymes, Distemper, Parvo, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Feline Distemper, Leukemia, or Feline Aids the vaccination needs to be given twice to get protection. The optimum time period between the two vaccinations is 3 to 4 weeks. After initial immunization, only one vaccine is required annually.



Why is Bordatella given twice a year instead of annually?
Research shows that Bordetella protection lasts only 90 to 120 days, requiring 3 to 4 boosters annually for continual protection. For convenience, most pet owners get the Bordetella protection only twice annually. Many dogs get the protection more frequently if they frequently come in contact with other dogs such as at groom shops, city parks, boarding kennels, etc. Lymes disease, spread by ticks and becoming more prevalent every year in our area making annual immunization an important protection.



What should I feed my Pet?
Not too much. Research shows that 60% of our pets are overweight in the USA and a full 50% of those owners are in denial. You should be able to visualize your pet’s last two ribs. A recognizable brand name dry food is best. Avoid canned food, table scraps and excessive treats. Avoid greasy snacks. Dry food only is best with baby carrots or cheerios as treats. Your pet’s diet should be changed as its nutritional needs change. Growth formula (puppy or kitten food) should be discontinued at 6-8 months of age (not 2 years as the bag recommends after the pet has developed a weight problem). Regular exercise is necessary. Human food is too high in fat and salt, and destroys a pet’s natural satiation reflex. Do not feed your dog cat food or vice versa. Cats need taurine (absent in dog food) and taurine is harmful to dogs (always present in cat food).



What are the side effects of an animal that has gotten into a dangerous substance?
Common household toxins include antifreeze, certain plants, and excessive amounts of chocolate among others. Common signs of toxicity include salivating and vomiting, or in more severe cases weakness, staggering, or even seizuring.

What are the signs of liver disease or kidney failure in a cat/dog?
Kidney failure is symptomized in the early stages by PU/PD = polyuria (excessing urinating) and polydypsia (excessive drinking). The symptoms occur because the kidney has lost its ability to concentrate urine and recycle body fluids. Therefore the body excretes dilute watery urine (not rich golden color with a strong urine smell, but rather clear and relatively odor free.)

In late stages, after the kidney disease progresses from azotemia (high kidney enzymes in the bloodstream indicating toxins are accumulating because the kidney is too weak to filter them out) to uremia (toxins level so high it is triggering the vomiting reflex), the patient becomes anorexic (stops eating) and emesis or vomiting occurs. Dehydration and malnutrition follow unless fluid therapy for diuresis and other kidney treatments are effective.

Kidney disease is largely due to bacterial infection or old age failing kidneys. A bacterial nephritis or glomerulonephritis requires appropriate antibiotic therapy along with fluid therapy.

Liver disease is harder to recognize. Early liver disease often manifests in loss of appetite and activity level. In advanced cases, jaundice or icterus (yellow ears and mucus membranes) becomes apparent.

What is the most commonly diagnosed disease in a dog?
Probably Tracheobronchitis, commonly called Kennel cough. The disease speads like a flu in a child’s day-care because it is highly contagious. Many pet owners fail to recognize that multiple boosters are required annually. Staph dermatitis (itchy skin disease) is also extremely common.

What is the most commonly diagnosed disease in a cat?
Likely respiratory infection – feline distemper. Feline distemper is not the same deadly neurological syndrome as dog distemper. It is most commonly a sneezing sinusitis sometimes complicating into pneumonia. The disease is sometimes seen even in vaccinated cats, but is shorter in duration and milder in severity. Early appropriate antibiotics are important. The patient should be encouraged to eat and drink.

What is a staph infection?
Staphyloccus Aureus is the most ubiquitous and omnipresent (everywhere all the time) bacteria in our environment. Staph can be cultured off many surfaces even in a sterilized human hospital. Staph Dermatitis is probably the most common canine skin disease symptomized by scaly skin, circular collarettes, dry flaky itchy skin, sometimes complicating into open weeping sores.

How can Staph dermatitis be treated?
Staph dermatitis symptomizes immunoinsufficiency, an immune system incapable of rising to the challenge of a normal daily microbe (like Demodex). Appropriate antibiotics are usually effective on a remedial (2 X daily for 2 wks) or maintenance schedule (2 X weekly indefinitely).

Vaccinations are typically used as a protection against viral pathogens, but an example of a bacterial vaccination is Staph Lysate. Many dogs benefit from a boost to the immune system provided by the latest formulation of Staph Lysate, very finely chopped pieces of staph bacteria. Staph Lysate should be injected on a weekly schedule for a month, then boosted monthly through allergy/staph season to remind the immune system how to effectively combat the bacteria.

How do cats contract feline leukemia or AIDS?
Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids or FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) are spread through blood, saliva, semen, and possibly feces and urine. Extremely effective protective vaccinations are now available for both diseases.

Why is it dangerous for dogs/cats to eat chocolate?
Chocolate contains toxic substances, as does Ibuprofen and Tylenol that when ingested in large quantities that can injure a pet’s liver.

Why are E-collars important to surgery patients?
E collars are used to prevent pets from chewing out sutures prior to the complete healing of the skin.

Why is it bad for an animal to eat his own stool?
“Coprophagia” (eating of stool) is a common behavioral nuisance in puppies. Most pups outgrow the habit. Disgusting as it is, dogs can obtain some nutrition from previously processed cat food in the form of cat feces. Likewise they derive some small nutrition from their own feces. Treating the pet’s food with Meat Tenderizer 20 minutes prior to mealtime is often effective. There is also an effective product on the market (Forbid) to be mixed with the food prior to offering.



How many times a year should a pet be groomed?
It depends on the coat. Many pets should be groomed quarterly – every 3 months. But to maintain certain styles, some pets require grooming every month. With busy lives, many owners wait too long between grooming, without brushing at home, and the coat must be shaved off. Owners should brush at home frequently. Good groomers point out medical needs such as dental, skin, anal sac and ear infections. Good groomers always provide extra services: trim nails, brush teeth, empty anal sacs, pull hair from ears and clean ears.

Why is it important for an arthritic patient to maintain its ideal weight?
Pounds = pain. The musculoskeletal system is designed to carry an optimum amount of body weight. Anything over that amount adds stress and unnecessary wear and tear to joints and ligaments. Many pet owners over-estimate their pet’s (medically ideal) optimum Body Weight.

Why is it important to give antibiotics as instructed?
Pet owners often give antibiotics only until the symptoms subside, thinking no more is needed. But this method risks recurrence of a stronger and more resistant infection. The goal is to eliminate the bacteria completely, not to merely reduce the numbers to a minimum. Bacteria have the ability to become resistant to certain antibiotics and the idea is to wipe them out completely, not teach them how to adapt to our antibiotic medications.

What are the side effects and treatments if a pet ingests over the prescribed amount of Rimadyl/ Heartgard/Etodolac/Phenobarbital?
Heartgard – no big deal. Dogs have eaten the whole 6 month package, cardboard and all with no ill effects. Rimadyl can be hard on the liver and bloodwork should be run to test liver enzymes, likewise with Etodolac and Phenobarbitol. Overdosing Phenobarb can have a dangerous sedative effect.

While under anesthesia for a surgical procedure, can pets feel pain?
Much research has been performed trying to determine which anesthetic agents provide our pets with the most analgesia or protection from pain. The task is made difficult in that pets cannot talk or explain their experiences. Many pet owners use the “Pain shot”, Torbugesic just in case. A good indicator is whether the pet will snuggle or come to you after the procedure. Their biggest discomfort seems to be psychological fear more than physical pain. A soft stroke, warm towel and a kind word during recovery offering reassurance is their greatest comfort.

Why is it important that all pet owners considering ear crop/tail dock make an appointment to discuss the procedure with a Veterinarian?
Ear cropping is a controversial procedure, outlawed in Europe for humane reasons. The AKC (American Kennel Club) no longer requires ear cropping for show dogs. Ear crops are a cosmetic surgery, purely a matter of personal taste. Veterinarians ask the owner’s wishes, and explain the surgical process fully, including the extensive aftercare (ear wrapping) required on the part of the owners. Veterinarians explain the surgical risks and possible complications.



What should I do if my dog slides its rear end across the floor?
Have his or her anal glands checked.  Anal glands can become impacted, infected, abscessed and ruptured causing intense pain.



What vaccinations does my cat need?
Listed below are the diseases cats and kittens are commonly vaccinated against.

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis - Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a respiratory disease spread by the coughing and sneezing of infected cats. Symptoms include sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Kittens and old cats are more susceptible and the disease is usually more severe in these cats. Death is not common from feline viral rhinotracheitis but it can permanently damage the nasal passages causing a lifetime of sneezing.

• Calcivirus - is another respiratory disease spread by the coughing and sneezing of other cats. Symptoms include oral ulcers, cold-like symptoms, fever, and loss of appetite. Calcivirus may also lead to pneumonia. This disease is usually not fatal but can be dangerous to kittens.

• Panleukopenia – Sometimes known as “feline distemper”, Panleukopenia produces similar symptoms to canine distemper but is not caused by the same virus. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea which may be bloody. The disease is spread by contact with the urine or feces of an infected cat or by contact with contaminated objects such a food bowls, shoes, and litter boxes. The disease is almost always fatal in kittens and is very dangerous to adults as well.

• Chlamydia – Chlamydia is a bacterial upper respiratory disease. The main symptom is conjunctivitis, an abnormal eye discharge. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Chlamydia is spread by direct or indirect contact with the upper respiratory secretions of infected cats. Although the disease is not usually severe, complete recovery may not occur.

The five vaccines above are commonly combined and given as one. This combination of vaccines is frequently referred to as the feline distemper combination. It is also known as FVRCPC for the letters in each disease it protects against.

• Rabies – Rabies is a very serious disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite wound. Although any mammal can contract rabies, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats are the main reservoirs of the disease. Rabies affects the central nervous system, producing symptoms such as erratic behavior, aggression, seizures, inability to swallow, and paralysis of the jaw and throat. Eventually paralysis spreads to other parts of the body and the animal enters a coma and dies. This fatal disease is contagious to humans so it is very important to vaccinate yearly for rabies. It is Georgia law that all dogs, cats, and ferrets receive a yearly rabies vaccine.

• Feline leukemia – This disease is responsible for more feline deaths than any other disease. The virus is transmitted through infected saliva and spreads to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestinal tissue. Feline leukemia inhibits the immune system leaving cats open to secondary diseases and cancers which they will eventually die from. There is no cure for feline leukemia and it is difficult to predict how long an infected cat will live. The life span of a cat with feline leukemia may be weeks or even years. 50% of infected cats remain alive after two years while only 15% of infected cats remain alive after four years. Outside cats are particularly susceptible to feline leukemia.

What vaccinations does my Dog need?
Listed below are the diseases dogs and puppies are commonly vaccinated against. Distemper – Symptoms of this deadly disease include discharge from the eyes and nose, high fever, and convulsions.

• Distemper - is spread by contact with bodily secretions of infected animals and by airborne viral particles. A dog that does not die from central nervous system complications may suffer a lifetime of neurological problems.

• Hepatitis – Hepatitis is a highly contagious virus spread by either direct contact with an infected animal or contact with contaminated objects such as food bowls and feces. Hepatitis affects the liver and kidneys causing fever, lethargy, decreased appetite and jaundice. There is no cure for canine hepatitis. Although a dog may recover from the disease, it may be left with serious organ damage.

• Leptospirosis – This disease is caused by an organism called a spirochete. It is transmitted by contact with the urine of an infected host. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and joint pain. The organism reproduces in the kidneys of its host, leading to eventual kidney failure. This disease is contagious to humans also, producing the same symptoms seen in canines.

• Parainfluenza – Although usually not life-threatening, this highly contagious disease causes upper-respiratory distress. The parainfluenza virus is contracted by direct contact or airborne transmission. It is frequently contracted at kennels, grooming facilities, and dog shows. When parainfluenza works in combination with the Bordatella bronchisepticum bacteria, a disease commonly known as Kennel cough can develop. Kennel cough is characterized by serious nasal secretion, coughing, and fever.

• Parvo – The parvo virus is transmitted through the feces of infected dogs. It is easily spread by the hair and feet of infected dogs, contaminated cages, and people’s shoes. The parvo virus attacks the intestinal lining, causing it to slough off. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea is often fluid and bloody. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occur quickly in a dog with parvo. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through the weakened intestinal lining causing septicemia, or blood infection. Puppies under six months of age are especially susceptible to this fatal disease.

• Corona – The corona virus usually presents as a mild version of parvo. Although most dogs respond to treatment, Corona can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea.

The six vaccines above are commonly combined and given as one. This combination of vaccines is frequently referred to as the Distemper combination. It is also known as DHLPPC for the first letter of each disease it protects against.

• Rabies – Rabies is a very serious disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite wound. Although any mammal can contract rabies, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats are the main reservoirs of the disease. Rabies affects the central nervous system, producing symptoms such as erratic behavior, aggression, seizures, inability to swallow, and paralysis of the jaw and throat. Eventually paralysis spreads to other parts of the body and the animal enters a coma and dies. This fatal disease is contagious to humans so it is very important to vaccinate yearly for rabies. It is Georgia law that all dogs, cats, and ferrets receive a yearly rabies vaccine.

• Bordatella – Bordatella, or Kennel Cough, occurs when the parainfluenza virus and the bacteria Bordatella bronchiseptica work together. Your dog does not have to visit a kennel to contract bordatella. It can be transmitted through the air or by any object an infected dog has come in contact with. The vaccine is administered as nasal drops that can protect your dog for a year from the dry cough and nasal discharge that characterizes bordatella.

• Lyme – Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks that attach themselves to a dog. A tick must remain attached to a dog’s skin for two days in order to transmit Lyme disease. Symptoms include swollen lymph glands, lameness, inflamed joints, loss of appetite, heart disease, and kidney disease. The Lyme vaccine is suggested for those dogs that live in areas in which the disease is endemic.