Can you spay or neuter small animals?
A. Obesity is one of the most common diseases afflicting dogs and cats today. Too much weight can cause some of the same problems in pets as it does in people. Obesity can aggravate respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Because pets generally weigh much less than people, just a pound or two can make a big difference. That is why it is important to watch your pet's diet, exercise routine, and weight. An average-sized cat should weigh between eight and ten pounds. A dog's ideal weight varies with its breed size. A small dog may weigh about the same as a cat. A large-breed dog may weigh sixty pounds or more.
A. There are times during an animal's life when blood may be drawn for laboratory tests even though your pet is perfectly healthy. For the young animal, laboratory tests are helpful in establishing a baseline for health care. For the middle-aged or older pet, laboratory tests, along with an annual wellness examination, are important for the detection of potential health problems and for sustaining a good quality of life. Laboratory tests may be necessary to diagnose disease and to treat your pet effectively and safely.
A. Cats reach puberty around six months of age. A female kitten's first heat cycle will last about four to eight days and if she is not spayed or mated, she may go into heat again in another two to three weeks. A female cat's ovaries do not release eggs until she has mated, so a sexual encounter nearly always results in pregnancy. Because a full-term pregnancy is only eight to nine weeks, a healthy female is capable of producing several litters of kittens in a year.
A. Dogs reach puberty around six months of age. Your female puppy's first heat cycle will last 21 to 22 days, and she will continue to go into heat on the average of every six months, usually in the late winter and summer.
A. Dogs can be immunized against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, coronavirus, bordetella, rabies and Lyme disease.
Cats can be immunized against feline panleukopenia (distemper), rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia, feline leukemia and FIP.
Valley Animal Hospital strives to offer the safest products available and in accordance with the most effective schedules. We are members of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, both of which have made recommendations and published general guidelines for pet immunizations. The doctors at Valley Animal Hospital are following these guidelines, but more importantly, are considering the lifestyle of each pet as well as local and regional diseases in order to make specific vaccination recommendations for each patient.
A. Canine Parvo virus is a very contagious virus that generally infects young puppies but can occur in dogs of any age. It has no known origin. The virus is very stable in the environment and can withstand high temperatures and a wide pH range. It is resistant to many disinfectants. The viral infection can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of interest in food and high fever. Parvovirus is spread by direct contact with an infected dog and can be spread through indirect means by contact with the feces of an infected dog. The symptoms require aggressive supportive care. Fatalities are not uncommon, especially for young dogs. There is no specific cure for a Parvovirus infection. However, the best preventative medicine is vaccination.
A. It is recommended that you spay or neuter your cat or dog at 4 to 6 months of age.
A. Spaying your female cat or dog will eliminate the risk of uterine infections, and will decrease the risk of mammary cancer later in their life. Likewise, neutering your male cat or dog will eliminate the chances of testicular cancer, and may help control some behavioral issues such as roaming, aggressive behavior, and in cats, spraying.
A. You can bring injured or orphaned wildlife to Valley Animal Hospital. Forever Wild, a local wildlife rehabilitation center, picks up the wildlife daily. Young birds that appear to be orphaned are probably best left alone. Its parent is nearby ensuring that it is safe.
A. It is always preferable to see the same veterinarian. Seeing the same veterinarian allows both the pet owner and pet to develop a relationship with their doctor. The doctor will be familiar with your pet's history and you can be confident that the doctor fully understands your pet's health status. On occasion, it may be necessary to see another veterinarian. During these situations, all of Valley Animal Hospital's doctors have full access to your pet's medical records. At any time, you may request that your doctor be consulted.
A. At this time, we do not recommend vaccinations for birds. Special situations need to be discussed with your veterinarian.
A. Yes, you do need to make an appointment for vaccinations. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination on your pet to look for health problems prior to administering any vaccinations. This appointment time also allows you and your veterinarian to discuss your pet's preventative health care needs and any other concerns.
A. We provide veterinary care for many different kinds of animals at Valley Animal Hospital. In addition to cats, dogs, reptiles and birds, we treat small mammals and exotics.
A. Yes, we can spay or neuter small mammals, such as rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, sugar gliders, and ferrets.