QUESTION: When Should I spay or neuter my pet? Why should I spay or neuter?

ANSWER: You can have your pet spayed or neutered as early as six months of age. This time period allows enough time for the reproductive organs to grow. Spaying and neutering your pet benefits both you the owner and your pet. Pets that have been spayed or neutered no longer have the urge to roam and look for a mate, and as a result it limits their chances or being involved in traumatic accidents, such as being hit by a car.

QUESTION: What is heartworm disesase?

ANSWER: Heartworm is a disease that is found in both cats and dogs, but is more commonly found in dogs. Heartworm is a collection of large worms that lives directly in the chambers of the heart.

QUESTION: How is heartworm transmitted? SEE DIAGRAM

ANSWER: Heartworm is transmitted from a mosquito who is a carrier of heartworm. The steps are as follows:

(1) A mosquito bites a heartworm - infected animal

(2) The mosquito is then carrying microscopic versions of the heartworm, which is now called microfilariae.

(3) When the mosquito bites another dog or cat, that animal is now infected with the heartworm microfilariae.

(4) Within 70 to 90 days, the microfilariae have made it through the tissues to the animal's heart, where they reproduce (providing both male and female worms are present) and live for several years. If both sexes of worms are present, they will be producing their own little microfilariae within 6-7 months after that mosquito bite

(5) The cycle continues

QUESTION: How can I prevent my pet from getting heartworm?

ANSWER: Before your pet is placed on the prevenative a negative test result is needed. At that time you can begin your pet on the heartworm prevention; prevention is the form of a chewable monthly tablet. Depending on the climate in which you live in heartworm prevention may be given April through December or even year round. It is best that you discuss it with your veterinarian.

QUESTION: What is a mircochip and how does it work?

ANSWER: Losing a pet can be heartbreaking, and an unsuccessful search even more. Over the past few decades a new method has been developed in helping us keep track of our pets, microchipping. Microchipping is nothing more than your pet receiving another annual vaccine. A microchip is administered through a needle and is implanted in the flap of skin in the neck of your pet. The chip itself is a tiny capsule, about the size of a grain of rice. Bascially, the chip holds a 10 digit number that is given to your pet specifcally. The chip remains inactive until it is scanned, and today just about every vet and animal control center is equiped with these scanners. Once a chip has been idenified professional personal will ensure the safe return of your pet.

QUESTION: What is Feline Leukemia?

ANSWER: Feline Leukemia is a virus that is considered the most important infectious disease agent producing fatal illness in cats. Feline leukemia virus is shed in saliva and tears, and it can also be present in the urine and feces of other infected animals. This means that cat-to-cat contact such as sharing food and water bowls along with grooming behaviors can be a source of transmission.

QUESTION: What are the symptoms and how can I be sure that my cat isn't infected?

ANSWER: Some of the common symptoms that are produced by the feline leukemia virus include depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipatio, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, or excessive drinking and urination.

Today the best way to determine if your cat is infected with feline leukemia is through a blood test and this blood test can typically be run in your veterinarian's office, and you can usually have the results in about 15 minutes.

QUESTION: Can feline lukemia be treated?

ANSWER: NO. Currently there is no cure for an infected cat. And because it is not treatable it is recommened that you do not bring in another cat into the home who doesn't have the infection.

QUESTION: What is pre-anesthesic bloodwork, and is it necessary?

ANSWER: Having your pet tested prior to being placed under anesthesia is very important. Pets are unable to communicate to us weather or not they are feeling well. If your pet had an underlying illnes such as kidney or liver failure the pre-anesthesic bloodwork would tell doctors that before placing your pet under anesthesia. Also pre-anesthesic bloodwork would allow doctors to see if you pet was diabetic. Overall, pre-anesthesic bloodwork will provide you as a pet owner with a peace of mind.