PREVENTATIVE CARE
A healthy cat is a happy cat! We provide semi-annual check-ups to evaluate your pet’s health so that we have the opportunity to prevent common diseases before they are contracted. The examinations allow us to build a medical profile that is unique to your cat. Using this information, we proceed with a course of preventative treatment that will ensure your pet’s continued good health and well-being.
All cats are required by law to be given rabies vaccinations. For cats that spend time outdoors, we also recommend medication that will prevent heartworms, fleas and ticks, and intestinal parasites. We also use annual visits as a time for you to provide questions or concerns, and understand the benefits that are provided when you are part of your pet’s health care plan.
WHAT DOES A WELLNESS EXAM INCLUDE?
VACCINATIONS
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Rabies Vaccine *required by law*
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Rabies is transmitted through by bites from wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons, opossums, bats, and foxes. This disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected pet/animal. Kittens will first receive this vaccination at 12 weeks of age, then again at their first annual checkup. The Rabies vaccine can then be given every 1 to 3 years thereafter, depending on the type of vaccine we use and your cat’s risk factors. Rabies vaccination is required by law for every cat that spends any time indoors.
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FVRCP Vaccine
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This is a "4-way" feline vaccine that vaccinates against feline distemper (aka panleukopenia), as well 2 viruses (herpesvirus and calicivirus) that cause upper respiratory and eye infections. Kittens can be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks and are boostered every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are then revaccinated every 3 years.
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Feline Leukemia Vaccine
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Feline leukemia virus is a deadly virus that affects the immune systems of infected cats. It can be passed from mother to kitten or between cats through contact with saliva (such as with mutual grooming, sharing food bowls, or even nose to nose contact). We recommend testing every new cat that comes into your household for feline leukemia virus. This vaccine is only recommended for cats who are at risk of contracting disease – cats that go outdoors, or cats that live indoors but may have contact with outdoor cats. This vaccine can first be given to cats as young as 12 weeks of age, with a booster 3 weeks later, then yearly boosters.
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Heartworm Prevention
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Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and if left untreated can be fatal. We recommend your cat be on year-round heartworm prevention starting at your kitten’s first visit. Your cat will need to be tested with a simple blood test for heartworm disease on an annual basis.
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Flea and Tick Control
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We recommend using flea/tick prevention all year round for your cat
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KITTEN CARE
Welcome the newest addition to your family with the gift of comprehensive veterinary care. By establishing a relationship now with a veterinarian at Towanda Creek Animal Hospital, you will ensure that your kitten receives everything needed to grow up healthy and strong. Both you and your pet will be rewarded with the companionship and affection good health provides for years to come!
Cats should be spayed or neutered and given a rabies vaccination, which is required by law. For cats that spend time outdoors, we also recommend medication that will prevent heartworms, fleas and ticks, and intestinal parasites.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE FIRST VISIT
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Your kitten in a pet carrier or on a leash
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The health and vaccination information provided to you by the seller or cat shelter. If this is your kitten's first vet visit we will take care of any necessary vaccinations and deworming.
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Intestinal stool sample less than 24 hours old
WHAT WILL THE FIRST EXAM INCLUDE?
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Thorough physical and dental exam
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A discussion of an appropriate vaccination schedule for your kitten, based on factors including breed, anticipated lifestyle, and previous necessary vaccines
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A discussion on the prevention of fleas, ticks, and heartworms
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Intestinal stool examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
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Testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FELV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOUR KITTEN HAS THE FOLLOWING:
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Signs that the kitten has swallowed something potentially poisonous, as evidenced by drooling, vomiting, seizures, or fever
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Bleeding that cannot be stopped
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Difficulty breathing
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Lethargy
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Staggering
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Blood in the mouth, urine or feces
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Straining in the litter box with no results
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Repeated vomiting in a short time or diarrhea with vomiting
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Signs of pain, such as swelling or inability to use his/her leg
SENIOR CARE
We encourage you to bring in your senior cat(s) for preventative care more frequently to keep them as healthy as possible. Signs of vision or hearing loss, arthritis, or obesity are a concern and should be brought to the attention of one of our veterinarians.
Two (2+) or more visits annually will allow us to devise a customized health plan specifically tailored for your cat through diagnostic screenings and physical examinations. Additional visits may be suggested if your cat is on medication, depending on the type that is taken.
A SENIOR PET PREVENTATIVE HEALTH EXAM MAY INCLUDE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
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Comprehensive preventative health care examination
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Intestinal parasite screening and heartworm testing
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Comprehensive blood profile panel and urinalysis (to assess internal organs, red and white blood cell counts, blood sugar levels, electrolyte levels and much more).
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Dental screening
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Nutrition and dietary advice
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Abdominal x-rays and/or ECG