Preventative Care

At FVH, “Preventative Care” involves a thoughtful, proactive approach to promoting health and preventing the numerous forms of illness that negatively affect the quality of life of our cherished companions.  This of course includes the expected immunizations and preventative measures for infectious diseases.  It also involves proactive detection of common and breed-predisposed hereditary conditions, early signs of disease, pain, and chronic illness.  At FVH we know that when we act early to support health, the longer and happier life will be for our 4-legged friends!

Immunizations for infectious diseases

Click here for FVH and AAHA’s recommended vaccination schedule for puppies/kittens and adult dogs and cats.

Immunizations for Dogs: 

Core vaccinations are the Canine Distemper combo, Leptospirosis, and Rabies vaccines.

Life-style-based vaccinations include the Bordetella, Canine Influenza and Lyme vaccines.  

Immunizations for Cats:

Core vaccinations are the Feline Distemper combo and Rabies vaccines.

Life-style-based vaccination is the Feline Leukemia vaccine*.

• A Feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency virus test is recommended for all kittens and cats of unknown status.  These viruses are spread cat-to-cat and are common in outdoor cats.

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventatives and Screening

Prevention against flea, tick and heartworm disease are recommended for both dogs and cats year-round.  We have several recommended options for preventative products available.

Interesting, useful facts:

• • Our geographic area has one of the fastest growing rates of heartworm disease in the country, we are in the top 6!
  • Heartworm disease does occur in cats and is greatly under-diagnosed.  In many cases, by the time our feline friends show any symptoms of heartworm disease, they are often too sick to treat.
  • Mosquitos spread heartworm disease.
  • Even primarily indoor dogs and cats should be on preventatives because mosquitos and fleas easily find their way indoors!

For dogs, annual screening for heartworm and 3 common tick-borne diseases in our region is strongly recommended.  Heartworm disease is very painful and often fatal if not treated.  Ticks can carry many diseases.  3 common diseases in this region are Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.  These infectious can severely damage the joints, kidneys and cause bleeding disorders.  This emphasizes the importance of prevention and the saying “prevention is the best treatment”!

Intestinal parasite screening is recommend at least once per year.  Intestinal parasite eggs can live in dirt for literally years and be picked up on feet and paws.  Since cats and dogs often lick their paws, they can become infected easily.  It is very important to know that some intestinal parasites can also be transmitted to humans!  Regular parasite testing helps ensure your health as well as the health of your furry friend!

Exam recommendations

Preventative care also means active screening and early treatment of emerging illnesses.  Many breeds are pre-disposed to specific disorders.  These include heart disease, orthopedic issues, arthritis, skin infections, allergies, pancreatic disease, eye disorders, specific cancers, kidney disease.  Regular exams, and proactive care will keep your pet healthy so you can be together for as long as possible!

For young adult dogs and cats:

• Annual physical exam
• Health screen labwork panel*
• Testing for intestinal parasites (stool test)
• Screening for heartworm and tick borne disease (blood test) (Dogs)
• Consider x-ray imaging for joint dysplasia (arthritis/OA) and other orthopedic conditions especially in predisposed dog breeds.

For middle-aged+ patients (dogs over 5 yrs, cats over 7 yrs), additional recommendations include:

• Physical exams every 6 months
• Blood pressure check annually
• Health screening labwork annually*
• Evaluation of mobility, gait, comfort, body condition with care-taker involvement
• Consider x-ray imaging for arthritis/OA and other orthopedic conditions especially in predisposed dog breeds.
• Consider cancer screening tests

*Labwork includes blood and urine tests to evaluation organ and immune system health, thyroid health, and heart health (in cats).  Early stages of disease are often undetectable and it is truly amazing how often disease is identified on these routine screening tests in patients who otherwise seem normal!

Your doctor may adjust these recommendations based on the specific patient and any active health concerns.

See the chart below for examples of common breed-predisposed health conditions