Vaccines - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Vaccines are health products that trigger your pet's immune system which can either prevent infection altogether or lessen the severity of future diseases.  Vacccines are separated into 'core vaccines' and 'non-core vaccines'.  The 'core vaccines' are required or strongly recommended for every pet while the 'non-core vaccines' are based on your pet's life style. 

Vaccines have protected millions of animals from illnesses caused by infectious diseases.  As with all medical treatments or medications, there is a potential for risk of side effects.  Side effects may occur within minutes to 48 hours after vaccination. 

Serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare.  Pets experiencing anaphylaxis need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.  Signs of anaphylaxis may include: 

- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Hives (skin seems bumpy)
- Swelling of the face
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse

Less severe side effects that occur for longer than 24 hours should be addressed by a veterinarian and may include: 

- Discomfort at site of vaccination 
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy

A small swelling may be noted at the site of vaccination.  If it persists for more than 4 weeks or seems to be increasing in size, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian. 

Rabies (Core Vaccine) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a fatal disease caused by a virus that can be transmitted to different species of animals, including humans. It is transmitted through a bite from the infected animal. Rabies is required by law and many veterinarians require it when providing care for your pet. Even if your pet remains solely inside your home, rabies is still required as potentially infected animals, such as bats, can get into your home.

RCP (Core Vaccine) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a combination vaccine that protects against the following viruses:

- Panleukopenia: this is a contagious and potentially lethal virus that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

- Herpesvirus: this is a virus that can lead to upper respiratory infection with fever, sneezing, eye discharge, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and lethargy. Cats infected with herpesvirus may experience flareups throughout their life. Vaccines can help decrease clinical signs seen with infection.

- Calicivirus: this is a virus that can lead to upper respiratory infection with sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, lethargy, loss of appetite and ulcerations in the mouth. Cats infected with calicivirus may experience flareups throughout their life. Vaccines can help decrease clinical signs seen with infection.

This vaccine is recommended even if your pets are indoor only.

Feline Leukemia (Non-Core) - Please read before clicking 'Next"

This is a virus that can potentially mutate and lead to cancer. All kittens should be vaccinated for this during the first year of life. Revaccination will depend on exposure as an adult. It is recommended that outdoor cats who have a higher risk of exposure should continue to receive this vaccine yearly.

If your pet has not received the feline leukemia vaccine previously, they will need an initial series of 2 vaccines separated by 3-4 weeks. After that, the vaccine is administered yearly.

Heartworm Disease - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Heartworm disease is a very serious and a potentially fatal disease in pets that is transmitted by mosquitos.  Heartworm disease is a very serious and a potentially fatal disease in pets that is transmitted by mosquitos.  While heartworm disease is preventable, more than 1 million pets in the United States are infected with heartworms.  Pets that are infected will have heartworms that live in the heart and lungs which can lead to heart failure, severe lung disease and damage to other organs in the body.  

Cats may become very sick with only 1-2 worms.  Since cats are not the ideal host for heartworms, some infections may resolve on their own.  Persistent heartworms can lead to damage of the respiratory and circulatory systems leading to coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.  The heartworms may also travel to other areas of the body such as the brain, eye and spinal cord.  Diagnosis of heartworm disease can be difficult in cats and requires a physical exam, an X-ray, blood tests, and an ultrasound.  There is currently no approved therapy for heartworm infection in cats as the medication used in dogs is not safe in cats.  

As heartworms can lead to fatal disease or long-term damage and no specific treatment, it is very important to prevent heartworm disease through the use of heartworm prevention.  Heartworm prevention should be given year-round, even in colder states.  Mosquito species are changing constantly which allows them to adapt to colder weather or allow them to live inside your home in the winter. 

It is recommended that your pet be placed on a monthly preventative such as Revolution Plus which will cover for heartworms, fleas, ticks and certain intestinal parasites.

Flea & Tick Prevention - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Your pet should be on flea and tick prevention year round even in colder regions.  Infections can be passed through fleas and ticks which can lead to your pet becoming very ill.  There are many types of flea & tick prevention including oral (by mouth), topical (on the skin) or collars. 

FeLV/FIV - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus can be transmitted from cat to cat.  It is important to test cats that are in contact with other cats, such as outdoor cats.  If your cat is indoor only and does not come into contact with other cats, testing is not required. 

Fecal Testing - Please read before clicking 'Next'

Fecal testing is used to detect intestinal parasites in your pet. Common intestinal parasites include hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia. Intestinal parasites can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, and weight loss. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans and cause illness.

Even if you are not seeing worms in your pet's stool, this does not rule out intestinal parasites. Most intestinal worms will stay within the body and shed eggs which can only be detected through microscopic evaluation. Due to this, it is recommended that your pet's feces be checked every 6-12 months for parasites.

If you elect to have a fecal test performed, please collect a fresh sample of stool on the day of the appointment.

Screening Labwork - Please read before clicking 'Next"

Yearly bloodwork and urine testing can be performed to detect diseases early on.  If any abnormalities are noted on labwork, further options for testing and treatment options will be discussed.  Long-term care of any abnormalities found will need to be referred to a full-service veterinarian. 

There are two levels of labwork: 

(1) Screening labwork: CBC, chemistry, thyroid and urinalysis: $100
(2) Full Feline Panel: CBC, chemistry, thyroid, urinalysis, heartworm, FeLV, FIV, & fecal: $140