client handouts wellness

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1 01 client handouts wellness

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4 client handouts wellness 01 What is a wellness screen? 02 Junior/senior wellness testing 03 What you should know about vaccines 04 All about microchipping 05 Vaccine information form 06 Pet report card 07 Rabies: still a threat 08 Lifecycle of heartworms 09 Cats and heartworm disease 10 How old is your pet in human years? 11 Watch for these signs of illness 12 A lifetime of wellness

5 what is a wellness screen? More than 10 percent of pets brought to veterinary clinics for checkups have some type of underlying disease or abnormality, according to published research. Many of these pets appear normal upon physical examination, and their abnormalities would go undetected without a wellness screen a blood test designed to detect these silent problems. The process of disease development in pets can be slow and insidious. When an organ system starts to fail, that organ will compensate to bring function back to normal. Over time, this compensating mechanism will fail as well and the pet will become ill. Once the pet is in organ failure, treatment options are limited and the prognosis is poor. Our staff can perform a simple in-house blood test that will check your pet s: liver kidneys pancreas electrolytes minerals blood sugar. The test also can alert us to infection, inflammatory disease, and anemia. Early detection of disease is key. Once a problem has been identified, we can make appropriate treatment recommendations at a point when treatment will make the most difference. Often, a simple diet change is all that s needed to avoid major health problems. Our wellness screen is a simple blood test. We usually have results in 20 to 30 minutes. If you have questions, please talk with a team member. Early detection of disease is key. Once a problem has been identified,we can make appropriate treatment recommendations at a point when treatment will make the most difference. Getty Images Source: Michael Rehm, DVM

6 JUNIOR wellness testing includes: Complete blood cell count (CBC) to evaluate red and white blood cells and platelets Biochemical profile to evaluate liver and kidney health and blood proteins and to screen for diabetes and evidence of Cushing s disease Heartworm/Lyme disease/ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis test (canine patients) Heartworm/feline leukemia/feline immunodeficiency virus test (feline patients) Source: Dr. Robert Stannard, Adobe Pet Hospital in Livermore, Calif.

7 SENIOR wellness testing includes: Complete blood cell count (CBC) to evaluate red and white blood cells and platelets Biochemical profile to evaluate liver, pancreas, and kidney health, electrolytes, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus levels, blood proteins and to screen for diabetes and evidence of Addison s and Cushing s diseases Thyroid test Heartworm/Lyme disease/ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis test (canine patients) Heartworm/feline leukemia/feline immunodeficiency virus test (feline patients) Complete urinalysis with bacterial culture and sensitivity to evaluate the urinary tract for infection, crystals that can lead to urinary stones, kidney health, and dehydration Source: Dr. Robert Stannard, Adobe Pet Hospital in Livermore, Calif.

8 what you should know about vaccines in your pets e virtual eradication of polio in people is just one example of the vital power provided by vaccinations. And vaccinations are just as important in pets. oughout their lives, your pets will likely be exposed to several infectious diseases that can cause severe illness or even death. But if you ve taken steps to prevent infection through vaccination, you will greatly extend the life of your pets. Which vaccines should my pet receive? e veterinarian will recommend several core vaccines that all pets should receive in order to maintain their health and prevent serious disease. For dogs, these vaccines may include rabies, parvovirus, adenovirus, and distemper. For cats, core vaccinations may include rabies, panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and calicivirus. If you are boarding a pet, the facility may require vaccination against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that causes a common and highly contagious disease known as kennel cough. e veterinarian may recommend other vaccines as well, depending on where you live, your pet s lifestyle and level of health, and the risk of your pet passing on disease to other pets or even you. What should I be on the lookout for after my pet has been vaccinated? Vaccines can cause side effects, but they are very mild in most cases. Your pet may experience a mild fever, have a decreased appetite, or be a bit sluggish for a day or two after the vaccination. In addition, you may note slight swelling or pain at the vaccination site. ese are all normal reactions and do not require medical attention. However, rarely, more severe reactions to vaccination can occur that may result in swelling in the face or limbs, generalized itching, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse. If any of these more serious signs develop or you are concerned about any reaction in your pet, don t hesitate to contact the veterinary clinic immediately to schedule an appointment. How often does my pet need to be vaccinated? e frequency of vaccination will vary depending on where you live. For example, some states require a rabies vaccine once a year in all dogs and cats, while other states may allow less frequent rabies vaccination. e veterinarian can inform you about your state s regulations and the best timing of other vaccinations as well. Getty Images

9 all aboutmicrochipping What is a microchip? The microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number. The chip is enclosed in biocompatible glass and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with a chip, it can be identified throughout its life with this one-of-a-kind number. What s the benefit of microchipping my pet? Microchips are permanent and can t be lost, altered, or destroyed. Pet owners have been reunited with chipped pets that have been missing for years or that have traveled thousands of miles. How does microchip identification work? A special scanner is used to send a radio signal to the chip to read the identification number. The pet feels nothing when the scanner is placed over it. The number is displayed on the scanner, and the person reading the scanner can contact a national registry to find out who the pet belongs to. How is the microchip implanted? Microchips are implanted with a needle beneath the skin between the shoulder blades. They can t be felt or seen. How early can puppies or kittens be injected with a microchip? Young pets can be microchipped as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. How long does the microchip last? The microchip has no power supply, battery, or moving parts, and it s designed to last the life of the pet. Once injected, the microchip is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it. It requires no care and will not pass through or out of the body. Does implanting the microchip hurt my pet? Most pets react the same way to this shot as they do to any other. The microchip contains nothing that will burn or irritate tissue; it s completely biocompatible. Does my pet have to be sedated to be implanted with a microchip? No. Injecting a microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended. Could my pet be allergic to the microchip? The microchip is inert, smooth, nontoxic, and nonallergenic. Microchip companies say there is virtually no chance of the body developing an allergy or trying to reject the microchip. If a veterinary clinic or animal shelter finds a microchip, how will they know who to call? Animal shelters and veterinarians are finding chips in more and more pets. They are aware of the national registries and routinely contact them to obtain owner information regarding the pet. They then contact owners to advise them their pet has been found. I have tiny toy breeds can I still have them implanted? Absolutely. The same size microchip and needle are used in pets even smaller than puppies and toy breeds, including mice, baby birds, and even fish. How do I update information in the registration? After your pet is chipped, you will be given information about how to contact the national registry to update your information. Remember to do this whenever you change your address or telephone number. Do shelters scan animals for microchips? Yes, scanning pets for microchips has become standard practice in animal shelters. Some municipalities, such as Los Angeles County in California, are even requiring pets to be microchipped, so local governments can cooperate with shelters to reunite pets and owners. Source: Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control

10 vaccine information form Client s name Pet s age Date Pet s name Species and breed Please check the appropriate box for your pet s lifestyle. We will use this information to create an appropriate vaccination program for your pet. Where does your pet spend its time? Indoors only Indoors sometimes and outdoors sometimes Outdoors only What are the approximate dates of your pet s most recent vaccinations? Disease Where did your pet come from? Date Stray Shelter Private home Rescue organization Breeder Other How often do you board your pet or take it to a groomer? Never Once a year or less One to three times a year Four times a year or more How often do you walk your pet in the neighborhood or a pet park? Never Once a week or less Several times a week Daily How many other pets are in your home? None One Two Three More than three Please list your other pets names and ages. Dogs Cats Other Vaccinations recommended for your pet: Disease Accept Decline I understand these recommendations as explained by my veterinarian or pet healthcare team member. Client s signature: Date:

11 pet report card Client s name Pet s name Spouse Species Address Breed Sex Altered? Yes No City Color State Zip Birth date Phone Indoor Outdoor Other: Doctor: Reason for visit: Annual vaccines: Physical exam checklist: 1. General appearance.. Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 2. Oral cavity/teeth Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 3. Neurological Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 4. Eyes Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 5. Ears Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 6. Heart Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 7. Respiratory Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 8. Abdomen Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 9. Musculoskeletal Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 10. Lymph nodes Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 11. Genitourinary Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 12. Integumentary Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated 13. Rectal exam Normal... Abnormal... Not evaluated Doctor s remarks: Fecal Blood parasite exam Ehrlichia Lyme Heartworm Feline leukemia FIV Temperature Pulse Respiration Diet Vaccination reminders Due Description Medication reminders Due Description

12 rabies: still a threat Over the years, we ve made progress preventing rabies in our furry friends, but we re not entirely in the clear just yet. are still roughly 7,000 cases of animal rabies mostly in wild animals reported in the United States each year. Here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association and World Rabies Day to keep you and your pets safe. What is rabies and how is it transmitted? Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is transmitted via saliva from an infected animal, typically through a bite wound but occasionally through an open cut on the skin or the eyes, ears, or mouth of a person or animal. What animals can become infected with rabies? Rabies is only seen in mammals, and most cases occur in wild animals skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes are the most commonly infected in the wild. In recent years, cats have surpassed dogs as the most common domestic species to be infected with the virus, primarily because some cat owners don t vaccinate their cats or supervise them if they go outdoors. What are the clinical signs in animals? most common signs in dogs, cats, and ferrets are fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, and seizures. Horses, cattle, sheep, and goats may also display those symptoms in addition to depression, self-mutilation, or hypersensitivity to light. Wild animals may only exhibit unusual behavior (for example, nocturnal animals seen wandering in the daytime). How can I prevent my pet from getting rabies? Vaccinate. All dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be vaccinated against rabies, along with livestock that are in frequent contact with humans. Spay and neuter. Pets should be spayed or neutered to reduce their tendency to roam. Keep pets indoors when possible. Cats and ferrets should be kept indoors and dogs should be supervised when allowed outdoors. Avoid littering. Don t leave garbage or pet food outdoors, as it can easily attract dangerous wildlife. Keep out bats. Bat-proof your home and surrounding structures to prevent bats from gaining access to living spaces. What if my pet gets bitten? Seek help. Consult your veterinarian immediately. Contact animal control if your pet is bitten by a wild or stray animal. Revaccinate and/or quarantine. If your pet is up-to-date on its rabies vaccines, revaccinate immediately and keep the pet under close supervision for 45 days or more, as determined by state law or local ordinance. If your pet is not current on its rabies vaccine or has never been vaccinated, your pet may need to be euthanized or kept under strict quarantine for six months. Information courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association and World Rabies Day Don Farrall /Getty Images

13 Life cycle of heartworms Understanding how heartworms can infect your pet is crucial to prevention. Heartworminfected dog Mosquito bites an infected dog, ingests larvae called microfilaria TREATMENT REUIRED Developing adult worms reach the heart and bloodstream (4-5 months) Larvae enter your pet s body when it is bitten by an infected mosquito TR EATMENT UNAVAILABLE Developing adult worms reach the heart and bloodstream (4-6 months) REUIRED called microfilaria (5-7 years) TREATMENT Worms mature and reproduce; offspring are continue to develop within tissues inside the pet (2 months) PREVENTION EFFECTIVE Without a monthly dose of preventive, the larvae continue to develop within tissues inside the pet (2 Without a monthly dose of preventive, the larvae PREVENTION EFFECTIVE 1 / 2 months) UNAVAILABLE Worms mature but seldom reproduce TREATMENT (2-3 years)

14 cats and heartworm disease: a story you may not have heard M osquitoes don t discriminate. They bite you, they bite your cat. But when they sink their teeth into your feline friend, they might cause more than an itch. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm larvae to cats. If these microscopic larvae settle in cats lungs, they can cause big health problems. There s no cure for feline heartworm disease, but it is 100 percent prevent-able. Read below to learn more, then talk with your veterinarian about which prevention method is best for keeping your cat and its ticker heartworm-free. Do cats really get heartworms? Heartworms aren t just a dog problem. A Texas study conducted in the late 1990s found that 26 percent of cats had contracted heartworms at some point in their lives. And remember, those pesky mosquitoes will bite any animal regardless of whether its tail wags or flicks. Just how do mosquitoes transmit heartworms to cats? Mosquitoes are carriers of heartworm larvae. When a mosquito bites a cat, the larvae enter the cat s system through the bite wound. When these larvae develop into adult heartworms, they eventually die and cause severe heart inflammation that can be fatal. Even though the presence of adult heartworms is potentially deadly, the little larvae can be even more problematic. Most larvae don t make it to adulthood in cats, which means they die in the cat s lungs. The irritation leads to heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). Studies show that 50 percent of cats infected with heartworm larvae have significant disease in the arteries that supply blood to their lungs. To learn more about HARD, see Heartworms Can t Hide, below. My cat doesn t go outside, so I don t need to worry, right? Wrong. Indoor cats are at lower risk for heartworm disease than outdoor cats, but there s no guarantee a mosquito won t buzz into your house through an open door or window and it only takes one bite to do the damage. A North Carolina study reported that 28 percent of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease were inside-only cats, so prevention products are smart to use in indoor cats as well as free-roamers. Mosquitoes aren t common where I live. Does my cat need prevention? Yes. Cases of feline heartworm disease have been reported in all 50 states. The occurrence of heartworm disease is markedly lower in some states, but mosquitoes are resilient little fellas and they re showing up in more and more places. And don t forget that the game changes when you travel. Anytime you pack your cat s bags, especially if you re heading to lake or coastal regions, you need to arm him with heartworm prevention. OK, so my cat needs heartworm prevention. What does it involve? The good news is that heartworm prevention products are some of the easiest to use, least expensive, and most effective items on the market. Your veterinarian knows all about these products and will help you decide which one is right for you and your cat. Heartworms can t hide Heartworm larvae are virtually invisible, but if your cat is infected with them, they ll show themselves. Most cats with early-stage disease experience heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) signs. Rather than affecting the heart, the larvae affect the lungs and cause breathing problems often mistaken for asthma or allergic bronchitis. If your cat exhibits any signs of HARD, which are listed to the right, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Coughing Panting Open-mouthed breathing Rapid breathing Gagging Appetite loss loss Diarrhea Fainting Lethargy Getty Images

15 REALITY CHECK How old is your pet in human years? ADULT SIZE IN POUNDS AGE > Relative age of your pet in human years Senior Geriatric

16 Watch for these signs of illness in your older dog Typically, once pets are 7 years old or older, they re considered seniors. And as your pet ages, you may start noticing some lifestyle or behavior changes that could signal a problem or need attention. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, give your veterinarian a call. Gaining or losing weight; decreased grooming Lumps or changes in areas of skin color Changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual Increased urination; loss of bladder control or noncompliance with house training; unusual bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation Increased thirst; repeated vomiting; bad breath or drooling Excessive panting or exercise intolerance Reluctance to jump, walk up stairs or rise from the floor Changes in behavior, such as disorientation or excessive vocalization; avoiding human interaction or hiding

17 Watch for these signs of illness in your older cat Typically, once pets are 7 years old or older, they re considered seniors. And as your pet ages, you may start noticing some lifestyle or behavior changes that could signal a problem or need attention. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, give your veterinarian a call. Gaining or losing weight; decreased grooming Lumps or changes in areas of skin color Changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual Increased urination; loss of bladder control or noncompliance with house training; unusual bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation Increased thirst; repeated vomiting; bad breath or drooling Excessive panting or exercise intolerance Reluctance to jump, walk up stairs or rise from the floor Changes in behavior, such as disorientation or excessive vocalization; avoiding human interaction or hiding

18 a lifetime of canine wellness Preventing disease or catching it early is preferable to allowing disease to develop or progress. Pet Name 8 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Vaccinations* Discuss puppy s environment, diet, behavior, and dental care Deworming Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention 12 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Vaccinations* Discuss puppy s environment, diet, and behavior Check fecal sample Deworming Dental examination 16 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Vaccinations* Check fecal sample Deworming Dental examination 4 to 6 Months Spay or Neuter Presurgical blood work Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention Please remember that this is a wellness schedule and if your pet ever becomes ill, additional examinations and diagnostic tests will be necessary. Seventy-five percent of pets over the age of three have dental disease. Dogs and cats are not supposed to have bad breath. Dental plaque, oral diseases, and other conditions can cause bad breath. Brushing your pet s teeth and having regular dental cleanings are beneficial for your pet and your pocketbook. Advanced dental disease can be painful to your pet and costly to treat. 1 to 4 Years Comprehensive annual physical examination Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Heartworm test and prevention** Check fecal sample Deworming Vaccinations* Flea and tick prevention Dental cleaning when needed Wellness and/or preanesthetic blood work Check urine sample M F N S Senior at Seven Pets age much faster than people do. Most pets are considered seniors at seven years of age. Dogs should visit a veterinarian once or twice a year throughout their lives. 5 Years and beyond Twice-a-year physical examinations Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Heartworm test and prevention** Check fecal sample Deworming Vaccinations* Flea and tick prevention Dental cleaning when needed Complete blood count and serum chemistry panel Check urine sample Thyroid check Optional Senior Wellness Tests ECG Blood pressure measurement Eye pressure measurement Abdominal radiographs Thoracic (chest) radiographs * May be adjusted based on age of puppy at first visit and based on individual risk of exposure. **Preventives are available and effective against other parasites as well Advanstar Communications. All rights reserved. Source: Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT, VMC Inc., Evergreen, Colo.

19 a lifetime of feline wellness Preventing disease or catching it early is preferable to allowing disease to develop or progress. Pet Name 8 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Vaccinations* Discuss FeLV/FIV diseases, tests Discuss kitten s environment, diet, behavior, and dental care Deworming Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention 12 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Vaccinations* Discuss kitten s environment, diet, and behavior Check fecal sample Deworming Dental examination 16 Weeks Comprehensive physical examination Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Vaccinations* Check fecal sample Deworming Dental examination 4 to 6 Months Spay or Neuter Presurgical blood work Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention Please remember that this is a wellness schedule and if your pet ever becomes ill, additional examinations and diagnostic tests will be necessary. Seventy-five percent of pets over the age of three have dental disease. Dogs and cats are not supposed to have bad breath. Dental plaque, oral diseases, and other conditions can cause bad breath. Brushing your pet s teeth and having regular dental cleanings are beneficial for your pet and your pocketbook. Advanced dental disease can be painful to your pet and costly to treat. 1 to 4 Years Comprehensive annual or twice-a-year physical examinations Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Check fecal sample Deworming Dental cleaning when needed Wellness and/or preanesthetic blood work Check urine sample Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention Vaccinations* FeLV/FIV tests if needed 2016 Advanstar Communications. All rights reserved. M F N S Senior at Seven Pets age much faster than people do. Most pets are considered seniors at seven years of age. Cats should visit a veterinarian once or twice a year throughout their lives. 5 Years and beyond Twice-a-year physical examinations Body condition score Nutritional assessment Behavior assessment Check fecal sample Vaccinations* FeLV/FIV tests if needed Dental cleaning when needed Complete blood count and serum chemistry panel Check urine sample Thyroid check Heartworm prevention** Flea and tick prevention Optional Senior Wellness Tests ECG Blood pressure measurement Eye pressure measurement Abdominal radiographs Thoracic (chest) radiographs * May be adjusted based on age of kitten at first visit and based on individual risk of exposure. **Preventives are available and effective against other parasites as well. Source: Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT, VMC Inc., Evergreen, Colo.

20 Client Handouts 1: Wellness (With Sharing License) VCH001 Contact UBM: 8033 Flint, Lenexa, KS (800) Fax (913) First Edition March 2016