A. Yes there is an increasing prevalence of Lyme disease in this area. In the spring of 2002 we began testing for lyme disease routinely when testing for heartworm disease. Unfortunately, we found an alarming number of positive cases with dogs that were not symptomatic. These dogs are treated with 30 days of antibiotics and started on the vaccine protocol. Tick control and vaccination is the best way to prevent Lyme disease

A. There are several reasons that your pet needs to have an exam prior to receiving a prescription product. The primary reason is to ensure that your pet is in good health, and will not be adversely affected by the product. The veterinarian can also explain the appropriate use of the prescription medicine. Also, New York State law requires a veterinarian to have an existing relationship with a client (your pet) before writing a prescription or issuing prescription medicine. It is also important that a thorough physical exam be conducted prior to any surgery. Again, this is done to help keep your pet as healthy as possible. The physical exam allows to the doctor to note any possible concerns that may need to be monitored during the surgery. The doctor can also see if there are any abnormalities that need to be checked prior to surgery as well.

Q. What should I do if I have an emergency?

A. First, try to remain calm and get information about your pet. Has it been hit by a car? Is it ill? Call your veterinarian. We provide twenty-four hour phone coverage for our emergencies. If the emergency occurs after hours, we will page a veterinarian at once. Please keep your phone line open so the veterinarian can promptly return your call. The office staff or the veterinarian on call will advise you on what to do next to help your pet as quickly as possible.

Q. If I keep my dog on heartworm preventative year-round, why do I have to retest him regularly?

A. Unfortunately, the preventative is not 100% effective. To assure your pet's health, we recommend annual testing as part of your pet's health exam. Some of the companies that make the preventative will guarantee their product. This means that if your pet should develop heartworm disease while on the preventative, the company will pay for the cost of treating your animal. One of their requirements for the guarantee process is that the animal receives a yearly heartworm exam.

Q. How do animals get tapeworms?

A. The tapeworm lifecycle involves fleas. The larval fleas feed on the tapeworm eggs as a food source. When the infected fleas mature and are ingested by the animal, the tapeworm eggs hatch and mature into adults and the lifecycle begins all over. We emphasize the importance of not only killing the adult tapeworms, but also using a good, sound flea preventative to help control the tapeworm infections in our pets.

Q. How do cats get infected with FIV? Is there a vaccine?

A. From direct contact, usually from fighting. They can also contract the disease through breeding. FIV is one of the most common infectious diseases in outdoor cats, especially in intact males. In the summer of 2002, Fort Dodge introduced a FIV Vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian if your cat is at risk.

Q. What are the medical benefits of neutering my pet?

A. The primary medical reason is that neutering leads to decreased incidence of prostate disease in males and mammary cancer in females. Also, especially with cats, neutered males tend to roam and fight less often which will decrease the incidence of infectious disease transmission between animals. While controlling the pet population is not a direct medical benefit, it is certainly a very important reason to get your pet neutered.

Q. I understand that annual vaccinations are important, but my pet seems to have reactions to them consistently. Should I stop vaccinating my pet?

A. No. There are several things you and your veterinarian can do PRIOR to vaccinating your pet to decrease the incidence and/or severity of vaccine reactions. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and formulate a pre-treatment plan to minimize adverse reactions.

Q. Can cats get heartworms? If so, is there anything we can do to treat to prevent it?

A. Yes, cats have been proven to be susceptible to heartworm disease, although the incidence is lower than in dogs. There is a good screening test for the disease and yes, there are good preventatives. If you live in a heartworm endemic area and your kitty goes outdoors, call your veterinarian. He or she can discuss the disease and the appropriate steps in ensuring the safety of your cat.

Q. How long does a dog or cat's pregnancy last?

A. Between 61-65 days. Sometimes a first time mom might be a little more variable, but you can anticipate approximate birth dates if you know when they where bred.