Congratulations on your new puppy! He now depends on you for everything --- food, water, exercise, training, good health, and above all, lots of love and attention.

It is important that your new puppy receive a good physical exam to be sure he is healthy. Occasionally, congenital or developmental problems can occur. Conditions frequently detected involve the eyes, jaws, legs, hernias, and testicles. Congenital heart defects can also be detected at this first visit.

Because a puppy's immune system is still developing, he is very susceptible to some very serious diseases. This is why it is so important that he receive a series of vaccinations given at about 3-4 week intervals ideally starting at 6 weeks of age. If he received just 1 vaccination at 7 weeks, his immune system is not developed enough to keep him protected. Some of the early symptoms of Parvovirus are diarrhea and vomiting. This is a life-threatening disease. Distemper is another serious threat to puppies and dogs. Runny eyes and nose is often observed.

Following is a schedule GVH has developed to help your puppy be as safe as possible from these diseases. Intestinal worms are also a real problem in almost all puppies. We will discuss those in greater detail later. During your visits, our staff will advise you on feeding and housebreaking, heartworms and training your new little friend!!

FIRST VISIT (between 6-9 weeks)
New Pet Exam and consultation
First DA2PPv (Distemper/ Parvo combo) vaccination
Stool sample exam (for intestinal worms)
Deworming
Heartworm Prevention program

SECOND VISIT (9-11 weeks)
Second DA2PPv vaccination
Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccination
Second deworming

THIRD VISIT (12-14 weeks)
Third DA2PPv vaccination
Stool sample re-check

FOURTH VISIT (15-17 weeks)
Puppy Wellness examination
Fourth DA2PPv vaccination - 1 year
Rabies vaccination - 1 year

All of us at GVH consider heartworm prevention a top priority for our dog and cat owners. We will review your pet's records at each visit and will answer any questions you may have regarding this easily prevented disease.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease of dogs and cats. Long white worms, which can reach a length of 6-14 inches, live in the right side of the heart. An animal with a severe infection can have hundreds of them in his system. These worms can cause extensive damage to organs such as the lungs, kidneys and liver and prevent the heart from functioning normally. It is very important to remember that a great deal of damage can occur before any outward sign of the disease is noticed. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs that owners are most likely to notice are coughing, rapid breathing, sluggishness and rapid tiring. When the disease reaches this stage, damage to vital organs is so severe that treatment is much more difficult and the possibility of complete recovery is much lower.

Heartworm infection is transmitted by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it takes up blood which may contain young worms called "microfilaria." Then, when the mosquito bites another cat or dog, these young worms are passed on to the second animal.

Heartworm infection in dogs can be detected by a simple blood test performed here at the hospital. In the case of a "positive" test, further testing may be necessary to determine the severity of the disease. Chest x-rays and/or ultrasound imaging may also give some indication of the amount of damage caused by the infection.

The treatment of heartworm disease in dogs is both costly and requires a thorough medical examination to determine his health status. The treatment is not without risks but most dogs can be successfully treated if detected early. After laboratory and x-rays are performed, the initial treatment consists of two injections, given 24 hours apart. Your dog will be kept here in the hospital and carefully monitored. Supportive medications may also be given as necessary on a case-by-case basis. Following the initial treatment, complete rest is necessary to prevent lung damage from the dead and decomposing worms. Excitement and exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Unfortunately, heartworm disease in cats is more difficult to detect and, as of now, there is no treatment. And, like dogs, symptoms vary and can mimic many other diseases. The threat is real, however, whether yours is an indoor or outdoor cat.

Prevention is certainly the answer! It is safe, nearly 100% effective and very economical. For dog owners, a chewable monthly tablet is available and the cost is about $10.00 per month to prevent this serious disease. We will send you reminders when it is time to purchase the monthly product or to bring your dog back in. Revolution for Cats is the monthly product available for cats. It is packaged in 6-month doses and prevents heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms and ear mites. Again, for about $10.00 per month!!

We require a blood test for all dogs over 4 months old prior to beginning preventative to be sure they do not have heartworm disease and annually after that.

Intestinal worms actually live and reproduce in the intestinal lining of your cat or dog. Many puppies and kittens are born with these parasites. Roundworms can be acquired from the mother while the puppy or kitten is nursing or by eating infected animals such as rodents or snakes. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea. Hookworms may develop while the puppy is in the uterus, while nursing, through skin penetration, or later in life as dogs swallow hookworm eggs often found in the yard. Symptoms include anemia, weight loss, weakness and a dull hair coat. Whipworms develop when a dog swallows whipworm eggs passed from an infected dog. Symptoms include diarrhea, anemia or dehydration. Tapeworms are transmitted by fleas. Often a microscopic exam of the stool does not detect these worms. They are often seen around the tail area and may resemble grains of rice.

Both hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to people. The Center for Disease Control has recently issued warnings of an increased incidence of hook and roundworm infections in children, and strongly recommends annual pet dewormings.

Scratching and clawing is normal behavior for all cats. They do this to sharpen their claws, mark their territory, and to stretch. Most cats can be trained to use a scratching post that you provide in an acceptable location in your home. Show your cat this post, use a lot of repetition and praise. Discourage any unwanted behavior by squirting him with a squirt bottle. Be patient!! Another option is plastic coverings on the cat's claws called Soft Paws. These are actually glued on the tips of the claws. Some cats tolerate them very well and they are very economical. If these options have been unsuccessful, declawing may be the only option. This should be done only to indoor cats and, generally, only the front paws are done. Keep in mind a primary source of defense will be eliminated and many rescue groups are opposed to this procedure.

Because of the available pain control medications, this procedure can be performed with much less discomfort than before. Pain control is much more effective if started prior to the surgery and continued for 24 hours after. If you would like more information, give us a call or send us an e-mail. Pain control options are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Dogs and cats age approximately seven years to every human year and large breeds can age even faster. This means diseases can progress up to seven times faster in pets. So, it is very important that we examine your senior pet more often. With more frequent check-ups we can diagnose and treat problems earlier. Often we are able to slow a disease process down, prevent pain and discomfort, and help avoid expensive treatments in the months ahead.

Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the 2 thyroid glands, located in the neck, that all dogs and cats have. Thyroxine regulates your pet's basic metabolic rate, as it does for us. Thyroxine influences many bodily functions such as skin health, reproduction, activity level and body weight. Blood tests can determine if your pet has a thyroid problem. Dogs usually have decreased thyroid production called hypothyroidism. Symptoms can include obesity, dry hair coat, cold intolerance, and lethargy. Cats usually have increased thyroid production called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can include weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, or weakness. Both conditions can usually be resolved or managed successfully.

Difficulty rising from a resting position can have several causes. An early sign of arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is difficulty getting up after laying down to rest. Dogs with DJD or arthritis also frequently have trouble climbing stairs, getting in or out of cars, and jumping. Unfortunately, this condition can begin in the early years, but is more prevalent as the dog ages. Hip Dysplasia can cause similar signs and can present from birth. Your pet should have a good physical examination and, possibly, radiographs, to diagnose this condition. The good news is that there are many more options for pain control than in the past. There are even joint health products available.

Today, fleas are easily prevented and controlled, both in the environment and on your pet. Some products, found as an injection for cats, and a monthly heartworm prevention medication, called Sentinel, will prevent flea eggs from hatching, preventing flea infestation on your pet's premises. These do not kill adult fleas, however. Topical products such as Frontline, Advantage or Advantix are applied monthly and will kill adult fleas very effectively. Bathing is okay if a soap-free shampoo is used. If your home is infested with fleas, we have an effective hand-held aerosol spray that you can apply to your rugs and furniture. Please buy your products from a veterinary hospital. Often, the products found in grocery stores are inferior and may cause problems.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by a deficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and is necessary for body tissues to use blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar remains in the blood and eventually passes into the urine. This causes increased urine production and thirst. Hunger increase because the body cannot use the sugar in the blood. As the disease progresses, chemicals called ketones accumulate, resulting in vomiting and dehydration. Eventually, coma and even death occur in untreated animals. Diabetes is not a curable disease, but with proper insulin administration, the disease can be managed and controlled. Treatment involves the careful monitoring of the blood and urine sugar to determine your pet's insulin requirements. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates must be fed.

Unfortunately, cancer is seen more and more in our animal friends, thanks partially to better diagnostics and also as more pet owners are more aware and educated about their pet's health and condition. Sometimes, cancer is apparent if a suspicious lump or bump is noticed and determined to be cancer by laboratory analysis. But, it is also harder to detect when the problem cannot be readily "seen." We, as pet owners, should always be aware of how our pet is feeling.

Sudden weight loss, lethargy, changes in bowel or bladder habits should all be monitored. Diagnostic laboratory blood testing can often reveal changes in organs or glands that indicate cancer. CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds are all available tools today to help detect cancer. Some dog breeds are pre-disposed to this disease, such as the Golden Retriever, the Boxer and the Doberman. We offer a diagnostic ultrasound program of the chest and abdomen of healthy pets as a screening procedure for abnormalities including cancer. This is similar to your mammograms or prostate exams.

Foot or paw chewing may have several causes. A good examination and thorough history are important in determining the cause. Chewing could result from a local irritation due to chemicals (lime, fertilizer, etc.), foreign bodies (splinters), insect stings or bites. It may result from bacterial or fungal infections. Foot chewing along with chronic ear problems can often indicate food allergies or contact allergies to fescue grass.