PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE BOOKLET

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1 PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE BOOKLET Prevention is better than cure Doc. Paul Doc. Peaches

2 VACCINATIONS Vaccinations increase the body s immunity to bacterial and viral diseases by stimulating the production of antibodies which provide immunity and protection against potentially fatal and debilitating diseases. DOGS CORE VACCINATIONS Canine Parvovirus A potentially fatal disease that causes severe gastrointestinal illness, resulting in profuse bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. Dogs of all ages can be affected. Puppies are the most susceptible. Transmission is via oral-faecal route. Canine Distemper Virus A highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory and nervous systems leading to permanent lung and nerve damage. Transmission is via contact with infected respiratory secretions, tears, saliva and faeces. Canine Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis) A disease that causes acute liver failure and kidney disease. Transmission is via contact with infected urine and nasal secretions. CATS CORE VACCINATIONS Feline Panleukopenia (Parvovirus) A fatal disease that causes severe gastrointestinal illness, resulting in profuse bloody diarrhoea and vomiting. Unvaccinated cats of all ages can be affected. Kittens are the most susceptible. Transmission is via oral-faecal route. Feline Herpes Virus & Feline Calicivirus (Feline Respiratory Disease complex) Commonly referred to as Cat Flu. These highly contagious viruses can cause severe respiratory tract infections. Transmission is via contact with aerosolized secretions. Feline Chlamydia A disease that causes severe and persistent conjunctivitis. Progression can lead to other respiratory symptoms. Canine Parainfluenza Virus A viral component of Kennel Cough. Results in debilitating respiratory problems. Transmission is via contact with aerosolized secretions. NON-CORE VACCINATIONS Bordetella Bronchiseptica Commonly referred to as Kennel Cough. This bacterial disease causes respiratory symptoms, mainly a dry, hacking cough. Transmission is via contact with aerosolized secretions. Leptospira A bacterial disease that causes acute kidney failure. Transmission is via infected urine and contaminated water-bodies. NON-CORE VACCINATIONS Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) FIV causes significant life-long immunosuppression. Transmission is via bite wounds. This virus is not transmissible to humans. Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) FeLV causes significant immunosuppression. Transmission is via secretions (saliva, tears, urine, nasal).

3 POST VACCINATION CARE Vaccinations are designed to challenge the body and stimulate an immune response. Some patients may experience a transient episode of lethargy or inappetence, hours after a vaccination. In rare cases, patients may develop hypersensitivity reactions such as facial swelling, hives and respiratory distress. Please seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice such complications. Close monitoring is recommended 72 hours after every vaccination. If no complications occur, you may shower your pet. VACCINATION SCHEDULE For Puppies & Kittens 6 to 8 weeks 10 to 12 weeks 14 to 16 weeks For Adult Dogs & Cats (with unknown vaccination status) 2 vaccination boosters (1 month apart) Annual Boosters Annual Boosters

4 INTESTINAL PARASITE PREVENTION Some common intestinal worms in dogs and cats: Roundworms Hookworms Whipworms Tapeworms Microscopic eggs Commonly visible to eye? Ingestion of eggs in faeces Transplacental during pregnancy Transmission via: Mother s milk Skin Ingesting worm carrying rodents / fleas The only worms visible to the naked eye are roundworms and tapeworms which may be observed being expelled within the faeces or vomitus. Some infestations may lay dormant in the body without exhibiting any clinical symptoms (asymptomatic). Animal to human transmission is possible and poses a health hazard as certain species of worms can cause significant diseases in humans. All pets should be placed on a regular intestinal worming regime to minimise the health risks to both animals and humans.

5 CLINICAL SIGNS OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITISM: Diarrhea (+/- blood) Vomiting Weight loss Malnourishment Abdominal distension (Pot belly appearance) DEWORMING SCHEDULE For Puppies & Kittens Every 2 weeks (From 2 weeks -12 weeks old) For Adult Dogs & Cats Minimum every 3 months Followed by monthly (until 6 months old) Every 3 months thereafter

6 HEARTWORM INFECTION Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal infection caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Larvae (immature heartworms) circulate within the blood vessels of infected dogs. As they reach the heart, they mature into adult heartworms and reproduce, obstructing blood flow and circulation, resulting in heart failure and possible death. HEARTWORM TRANSMISSION Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes via mosquito bites. When a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, immature larvae are deposited into the dog s blood stream. Over the course of 2-3 months, these larvae mature into adult worms and eventually migrate to the dog s heart and lungs vessels. The adult heartworms begin reproducing, completing a full life cycle. CLINICAL SIGNS OF HEARTWORM INFECTION: The severity of clinical signs depends on several factors such as the worm burden, location of the worms and the duration of the heartworm infection. Chronic coughing Shortness of breath, excessive panting Lethargy, generalised weakness Exercise intolerance, reduced stamina Reduced appetite, weight loss Pale gum (mucous membrane) colour Collapse or loss of consciousness during exercise and hyperexcitability *in severe cases*

7 HEARTWORM PREVENTION Heartworm disease is present and endemic to Singapore. Due to our tropical climate, mosquitoes are prevalent too. As such all dogs residing in Singapore are at a great risk. For the well-being of your beloved pet, please maintain heartworm prevention for life. Heartgard NexGard Spectra Monthly Oral Advocate Revolution Monthly Spot-On Yearly Injection Proheart SR 12 HEARTWORM TESTING Heartworm testing can be done in-house at the veterinary clinic. A blood draw is needed to obtain a few drops of your dog s blood and the test results take 10 minutes.

8 TICKS TICK & FLEA PREVENTION Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of dogs. Barbs in their mouths allow them to penetrate through a dog s skin, locate blood vessels, and suck on blood. This causes itchiness, skin irritation, hair loss and discomfort to the dog. A heavy tick infestation can lead to significant blood loss and anaemia as well. Ticks also transmit fatal diseases such as Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. These parasitic diseases cause immunosuppression, red blood cell destruction (resulting in anaemia), platelet destruction (resulting in clotting problems and uncontrolled bleeding) and a debilitating fever. Dogs infected with tick fever may require emergency blood transfusions to save their lives. Unfortunately, ticks are endemic to Singapore. All dogs residing in Singapore are at risk to tick fever and should be placed on tick preventatives. CLINICAL SIGNS OF TICK FEVER: Inappetence, weight loss Pale gums, anaemia Bleeding, clotting problems, low platelets Lethargy, weakness Fever Jaundice, liver disease Bruising, skin irritation, itchiness, hair loss Discoloured urine (reddish / brownish) In-House PCR machine to test for tick fever FLEAS Fleas are small insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Adult fleas are visible to the naked eye. Flea infestations can result in significant blood loss (anaemia), intense itchiness, skin irritation and an allergic reaction (flea allergy dermatitis). Flea can also spread tape worms to dogs. Effective flea control involves removing fleas from both the animal and contaminated environment. TICK & FLEA PREVENTATIVES: Bravecto Nexgard Spectra Frontline Revolution Advocate Tick Flea

9 DENTAL CARE Periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of plaque (a mixture of bacteria, saliva & minerals) on the tooth. Plaque builds up and eventually thickens to form a calculus (tartar), which is firmly attached to teeth and allows bacterial to proliferate. Severe inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) results in bacteria spreading and entering the bloodstream, eventually reaching and affecting organ systems such as the liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. CLINICAL SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE: Bad Breath (Halitosis) Bleeding / Swollen Gums Inappetence Excessive drooling Pawing / Rubbing the mouth Reluctance to chew Facial swelling / Asymmetry DENTAL DISEASE PREVENTION The key to preventing irreversible dental disease is early detection and intervention from a young age. Routine cleaning is needed to prevent the accumulation of plaque. 1. Dental Scaling & Polishing The dental procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. It involves the usage of ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove the calculus above and below the gum line. This is followed by polishing which smoothens the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation. Before Dental Cleaning After Dental Cleaning 2. Regular Home Tooth Brushing This can be performed regularly using a special petgrade toothbrush. Flavoured animal-grade toothpastes are available as well to improve palatability. Do not use human toothpastes. 3. Dental Treats Chewing on dental treats helps abrade the teeth and removes plaque and calculus. 4. Dental Diets Special prescription diets are available to aid in the removal of plaque and maintain dental health.

10 STERILIZATION (DESEXING) Sterilization refers to the surgical procedure of removing an animal s reproductive organs. The surgery is a day procedure and patients need to be fasted the night prior. The recommended age of sterilization is any time after 6 months of age, once dogs and cats begin to sexually mature. Castration (Orchiectomy) is the surgical removal of the testicles in a male. Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female. Benefits of Castrating Male Dogs / Cats: Reduce undesirable behaviours such as dominance / territorial aggression, urine spraying & humping. Reduce the risks of hormonal related diseases such as prostate disease & perineal hernias. Prevent the occurrence of testicular diseases such as testicular cancer, torsion or infection. Benefits of Spaying Female Dogs / Cats: Reduce the risks of breast cancer (mammary tumours); Spaying before the first heat = almost 0% chance of developing breast cancer. Spaying after the first heat = 7% chance Spaying after second heat = 25% chance In patients with pre-existing breast cancer, removal of the ovaries helps to slow or stop the disease progression by eliminating the source of the oestrogen hormone. Prevent the occurrence of pyometra (infection of the uterus). Pyometra in Females Pyometra is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate medical attention and emergency surgery. Pyometra typically occurs in middle-aged to older females, 1-2 months after their latest oestrus ( heat ). Pyometra Clinical Signs: Vaginal discharge, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence, abdominal distension Infection begins locally in the uterus with pus accumulating and the uterus expanding. As the infection progresses, bacteria spreads from the uterus into the blood stream and to the rest of the body, infecting vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. If the uterus expands beyond its physical capacity, it can rupture and lead to a potentially fatal infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).

11 Cryptorchidism / Undescended Testicles in Males Cryptorchidism is a male birth defect in which the testicle(s) do not fully descend into the scrotum. The defect may be bilateral with both testicles undescended, or unilateral with only one testicle undescended. Cryptorchidism is an inherited genetic trait, as such cryptorchid dogs should never be used for breeding. If a testicle has not descended into the scrotum by 6 months of age, your dog or cat is likely a cryptorchid. The undescended testicle will be located either within the abdomen (abdominal cryptorchid) or within the groin (inguinal cryptorchid). The incidence of testicular cancer and testicular torsion is higher in cryptorchid dogs compared with normal dogs. Castration is recommended for cryptorchid male dogs. Post-Operative Care for Sterilization The sterilization wound takes approximately days to heal. The surgical site needs to be monitored daily for any abnormal discharge, swelling / redness or wound breakdown. Surgical wounds need to be topically cleaned twice daily. An Elizabethan collar ( Cone ) must be worn to prevent self-trauma to the surgical wound via licking / chewing. Exercise restriction and rest is important to facilitate wound healing. Short, controlled leash walks are recommended. Avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping or stair climbing.

12 FOOD TOXIC TO DOGS If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of the substances listed above, please seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. 1. Remain calm & remove the source of the toxin 2. Contact your veterinarian and provide them with information on when and how the poisoning occurred. If applicable, bring a sample of the toxin or the product packaging along to your consult. TOXIC FOOD Bones Chocolate Grapes & Raisins Onions & Garlic Walnuts & Macadamias Avocados Alcohol Coffee & Caffeine Xylitol (artificial sweetener) Fatty food Dairy Raw meat Human Vitamins Fruit Pits & Seeds DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES Gastrointestinal obstructions / lacerations Heart & Nervous system toxicity Kidney Failure Red blood cell damage & Anaemia Nervous system toxicity, Muscle damage Vomiting & Diarrhoea Intoxication, Coma & Death Heart & Nervous system toxicity Hypoglycaemia & Liver failure Pancreatitis Diarrhoea Vomiting & Diarrhoea Liver & Kidney damage Gastrointestinal obstruction

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