How to Choose a Veterinarian For Your Pet?

What you should know about choosing a veterinarian for your pet
June 2004

Today's pets are living longer, healthier lives thanks to the availability of high quality medical services and pet-owners' careful monitoring of their animals for early signs of illness. With so much attention being given by owners to their pets' daily needs, doesn't it make sense to take some time in selecting the veterinarian who will become that pet's health care provider?

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.

The veterinarian you select will want to maintain an ongoing history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, surgical procedures, behavior traits, etc. He or she will also advise you on the best preventative care program available to maintain your pet's health.

Where to Look for a Veterinarian

Ask a Friend
Animal-owning friends are generally a good source of information. Ask them why they chose their veterinarian. If you believe their expectations of service are similar to yours, you may want to schedule a visit to the facility.

Breed Clubs
If you have a purebred dog or cat, area breed clubs can be a good source of information. They have often established a strong relationship with a practice that is very familiar with the potential health-related problems for your particular breed.

Local Directories/Internet
Turn to the business pages of a phone book or yellow pages for contact information on local veterinarians. Also check the Internet for listings of veterinary association Web sites - many state or local veterinary medical associations maintain lists of area practices.

Your Current Veterinarian
If you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current veterinarian if he or she can recommend a practice where you will be living. Many times they have colleagues in other towns whose practice policies and services are similar to theirs. Your current veterinarian should also give you copies of your pet's medical records to take to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is available to the new staff.

When to Look for a Veterinarian

It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life.

If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet actually needs one. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill or requires emergency care. It is best to have secured a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff in advance of such situations. Consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your veterinarian will suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to its unfamiliar environment.

Pay a Visit

When deciding on a veterinary practice, first schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your pet and ask questions about fees and services. You may want to visit several practices before making a final selection.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting a Veterinary Practice

Office Hours

• What are the regular hours?
• Are they compatible with your schedule?
• Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically?
• Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?
• What is the average wait time for making a non-emergency appointment?

Professional Staff

• How are telephone calls handled?
• Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
• Does the staff dress and act professionally?
• Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor? The technician?

Fees and Payment

• What methods of payment are accepted?
• Does the hospital treat patients of clients that have pet insurance?

Services

• What is the range of medical services that the practice provides?
• Does the hospital have educational materials for pet-owners on a variety of topics?
• Are there non-medical services such as boarding, grooming, and training classes?
• If necessary, does the veterinarian have a network of specialists for referrals?

Emergency Care

• How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after office hours?
• Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?

Facility

• Is the building environment clean and orderly?
• Are there any unpleasant odors?
• Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?

Professional Affiliations

• Are the doctors members of a professional veterinary association such as the American Veterinary Medical Association or a state or local veterinary association?
• What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?

Your Responsibility As a Pet Owner

In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet's good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. At each appointment, be sure to communicate clearly your pet's behavior and habits. Since many signs of illness are subtle, even minor changes in your pet's behavior can give your doctor valuable information on what might become a serious health issue.

Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a rewarding partnership.

Source: AVMA Website (www.avma.org)

Shiba Dog Family Tree

My Shiba Baby Dog's Family Circle

"Tensi"
This is my baby dog's birth father. He is a Shiba and is from Japan. He has interesting face and stocky body. He is one of kind pedigrees in Japan.

"Penny"
This is my baby dog's birth mother. She is also a Shiba Inu from Japan and is one of kind pedigrees in Japan. She won many awards from dog shows.

My baby dog Pookie.
She got her mother's look but her body looks more like her father. I am not sure where she got her personality but she is very stubborn and extremely smart. She willl be 3-years old next month. I love her more than anything, anyway.

This is when she was 8-months old.

This picture was taken when she was 2-1/2 years old.

This also was taken when she was 2-years old.

This was taken when she was 2-1/2 years old.

Heartworm and Traveling with Your Dog

Dog owners, be aware of the following:
Alex, a Labrador retriever, lives in a heartworm-endemic state. He has heartworms, but his owners don't know it because the disease is not easily detected until its later stages. Alex travels with his owners on vacation to states where there are fewer incidences of heartworm disease like Alaska. While in Alaska, Alex is bitten by a mosquito, which picks up the heartworm larvae from his bloodstream. Later, the same mosquito bites a healthy local dog, infecting him with heartworm. The cycle continues.

A problem can also result if a dog from a low-incidence state like Alaska travels into a state where heartworm disease thrives, is bitten by a mosquito and then brings the disease back home.

What Does This Mean For All Dog Owners?
Now that greater numbers of people are traveling across the country with their dogs, on vacation or visiting friends and relatives, no state is entirely heartworm-free. Heartworm disease continues to pose a threat to dogs across the United States. Because heartworm disease is potentially fatal, owners should visit their family veterinarian to learn how easy and convenient prevention can be.

When Traveling, Help Protect Your Dog from Heartworm Disease

• Many states require that owners traveling with their dogs obtain an up-to-date health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
• As a part of the examination, your veterinarian may check for heartworm disease. If your dog is not infected, the veterinarian can recommend preventive measures. Prevention is the key to protecting a dog both at home and away.
• Upon returning home from a trip, owners should revisit their family veterinarian for an examination to make sure their dog did not pick up any parasites, either internal (e.g., heartworm, hookworm, roundworm) or external (fleas and ticks).
• Remember, annual heartworm tests are important whether or not your dog is traveling.

Source: AVMA.org (www.avma.org)

Pooch Paws

Would You Like to Kiss My Paws?

How to Take Care of Your Pet's Bad Breath?

Pets At Risk: Bad Breath Isn't Funny Anymore
Frisco caught the guest by surprise in the living room. He planted a big, breathy smooch on her face. "Ugh! Dog breath!" The room erupted in laughter.

It wasn't so funny the next day when Frisco had his yearly check-up. The 2-½-year-old dog was diagnosed with gum disease, and he was in danger of losing a tooth if he didn't begin a regular dental care program.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, Frisco's case is not unique. Studies show that more than 80 percent of dogs by age three and 70 percent of cats by age three show some signs of gum disease. Bad breath could be an early warning sign of the dangerous gum disease gingivitis.

Pets Need Dental Care, Too!
During National Pet Dental Health Month each February, pet owners are reminded that dogs and cats need good oral care. An educational campaign to consumers, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society with an educational grant provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., helps pet owners understand the importance of regular dental care for their pets.

Particularly at risk are small dog breeds, such as Pekingese and Shihtzu. Experts say these breeds are more likely to develop tooth problems because their teeth are crowded into small mouths. This can create a haven for plaque buildup.

Cervical line lesions (CLL) are the most common dental disease of domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats that veterinarians examine have CLL. Because the lesions often begin beneath the gumline, owners usually are unaware that there is a problem until the tooth is seriously damaged.

Prevention

Prevention is the key to helping pets maintain good oral health. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow three important steps:

1. Visit Your Veterinarian
   
   Just as dental visits are the cornerstone of a human dental program, visiting a veterinarian is the key to ensuring the health of your pet's teeth. A veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet as part of the dental evaluation.
   
2. Start a dental care routine at home
   
   Removing plaque regularly from your pet's teeth should be part of your pet's home dental care routine. Ask your veterinarian about the procedure for brushing your pet's teeth. Dog owners also may feed specially formulated dietary foods that help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar from teeth when the pet eats. Your veterinarian can offer more information on dietary options.
   
3. Get Regular Veterinary Dental Checkups
   
   The family veterinarian needs to monitor the progress of your pet's preventive dental care routine much the same way a dentist monitors your teeth. Regular dental check-ups are essential.

Once a pet's teeth display the warning signs — bad breath, a yellow brown crust of tartar around the gumline, pain or bleeding when the pet eats or when you touch its gums — gum disease may already be present. For a professional dental check-up, call your veterinarian today!

Source: AVMA, www.avma.org

Dogs' Stories

Do I look spoiled?

I know I am spoiled but I am not rotten. I am only pet my mommy has and she takes me everywhere. I have traveled many different countries but I love the most is to stay

at home with mommy. I am a queen at home.

I'm a Shiba.

I was born in Japan and called Shiba Inu. People treat me like a royalty. I had two children my own but my owner gave them away. I assume they were adopted by loving families because my owner wouldn't give them away otherwise.

This is our play time.

We play rough with each other. We are twin brothers. We live in the wild and are happy. Once in a while, we fear a danger but we can handle as long as we are together.

We are best friends.

We were adopted by a couple whom we call mommy and daddy. We both used to live in an adoption center but we don't remember how we got there. Fortunately, we met our mommy and daddy. They love us very much and we love them. We hope other friends at the adoption center be adopted by a good family like ours.

How to Tell Your Pet Has a Toxoplasmosis?

What You Should Know About Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is not a new disease, having first been discovered in 1908. Since its discovery, toxoplasmosis has been found in virtually all warm-blooded animals including most pets, livestock, and human beings. Nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. and in Europe have antibodies to Toxoplasma, which means they have been exposed to this parasite.

How do people become infected with Toxoplasmosis?There are 3 principal ways Toxoplasma is transmitted:

1. Directly from pregnant mother to unborn child when the mother becomes infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy.
2. Consumption and handling of undercooked or raw meat from infected animals.
3. Ingestion of food or water or inhalation of dust contaminated with a very resistant form of Toxoplasma called the oocyst (pronounced o-o-cyst) during a period called Stage F.

Pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry are sources of meat commonly infected with Toxoplasma. Toxoplasma in meat can be killed by cooking at 152ºF (66ºC) or higher or freezing for a day in a household freezer. Of all the infected animals tested, only cats are the perfect hosts for the production of the infectious and resistant Toxoplasma oocysts. The oocyst, released from the intestine of cats in their feces, is very hardy and can survive sleet, freezing, and even several months of extreme heat and dehydration. Moreover, oocysts can be carried long distances by wind and water. Thus the threat of toxoplasmosis can be greatly reduced when Toxoplasma oocysts are destroyed.

Dangers of toxoplasmosis in human beings
There are two populations at high risk for infection with Toxoplasma; pregnant women and immunodeficient individuals. In the United States it is estimated that approximately 3,000 children are born infected with toxoplasmosis every year. Although the majority of infected infants show no symptoms of toxoplasmosis at birth, many are likely to develop signs of infection later in life. Loss of vision, mental retardation, loss of hearing, and death in severe cases, are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis in congenitally infected children. Ideally, women who are in frequent contact with cats should be serologically tested for Toxoplasma gondii before becoming pregnant, because, if they are already seropositive, they are not at risk of acquiring a primary, acute infection during pregnancy.

The epidemic of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has created an expanding population of susceptible individuals. Usually, people suffering from both AIDS and toxoplasmosis have been exposed to the Toxoplasma parasite earlier in life and the HIV infection simply allowed the Toxoplasma parasite to grow unchecked. These patients develop neurologic diseases and can experience convulsions, paralysis, coma or even die from toxoplasmosis even after treatment is administered. Pets can be companions for AIDS patients suffering from toxoplasmosis and usually pose no additional threat from further transmission of Toxoplasma parasites. Since cats usually shed Toxoplasma in their feces for only one to two weeks in their lives and because oocysts are not infectious immediately after passage from the cat, the risk of human Toxoplasma infection from pet cats can be greatly reduced with minimal prevention.

To prevent exposure to Toxoplasma:
Follow these steps, especially during pregnancy, to prevent exposure to Toxoplasma:

• Change litter daily before any Toxoplasma oocysts can "ripen" and become infectious (Stage F). Dispose of used litter safely, preferably in a sealed plastic bag. If pregnant, avoid changing the litter box if possible (or use rubber gloves).
• Wash vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially those grown in backyard gardens. Boil water from ponds or streams before drinking when camping or hiking.
• Cover sand boxes when not in use to discourage cats defecating in them.
• Wash hands with soap and water after working with soil or after handling raw or undercooked meat.
• Cutting boards, knives, and the sink and counters should be washed well after cutting meat.
• When cooking, avoid tasting meat before it is fully cooked.
• Cook meat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 152ºF (66ºC) in a conventional oven. Microwaving is not a sure way to kill Toxoplasma in meat.

How do cats become infected with Toxoplasma?
Although cats can be infected by the same means as humans, the most likely sources of toxoplasmosis in cats is from eating mice, birds, and other small animals that are infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. For indoor cats, the most likely source is uncooked meat scraps. When a cat is exposed to Toxoplasma parasites through the consumption of infected meat or tissues, the cat can eventually excrete millions of Toxoplasma oocysts in its feces each day. This release of oocysts can continue for up to two weeks. Oocysts in feces become infectious (reach Stage F) after one to two days. Since most cats do not leave feces on their fur for two days, it is unlikely that humans become infected from direct contact with cats themselves. Because cats usually exhibit no signs of illness while passing oocysts, it is difficult to determine when a particular cat's feces may be infectious to people or other mammals. Most adult cats will not pass oocysts eve year. Although the majority of infected infants show no symptoms of toxoplasmosis at birth, many are likely to develop signs of infection later in life. Loss of vision, mental retardation, loss of hearing, and death in severe cases, are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis in congenitally infected children. Ideally, women who are in frequent contact with cats should be serologically tested for Toxoplasma gondii before becoming pregnant, because, if they are already seropositive, they are not at risk of asymptoms of toxoplasmosis, there have been cases in cats associating toxoplasmosis with pneumonia, liver damage, and loss of vision. Why some cats show symptoms and other cats do not is not known. Concurrent infection with other diseases (feline leukemia, feline AIDS) can aggravate toxoplasmosis in cats. Treatment can be effective if the disease is diagnosed early. A blood test for Toxoplasma antibodies helps in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in sick cats.

To help prevent Toxoplasma infection in cats, follow these steps:

• Keep cats indoors and do not allow them to hunt rodents and birds.
• Feed cats only cooked meat or processed food from commercial sources.
  

At present there is no vaccine for toxoplasmosis in cats. Efforts are, however, underway to market a vaccine to prevent Toxoplasma oocyst shedding by cats.

This information was prepared by Dr. J. P. Dubey, Senior Scientist, parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

Resource: www.avma.org