As we head toward the end of the year, I always like to look back and reflect on all the changes that happened in the last 365 days. Personally, this usually involves realizations like my oldest son growing taller than me (I know, it didn’t take much!), it takes longer to get up out of bed in the morning (ouch, ouch, ouch…), and that darn clinic scale keeps saying that I am heavier than I used to be. What’s up with that!?
While this all might seem very entertaining for you, our wonderful clients, I think you’ll be even more interested in what has changed in veterinary medicine this year. Part of what I LOVE about this profession is there is always something new or different to learn and discover. Here are some highlights that may impact you and your pet - things that we have discovered right here at Shaver Road Animal Hospital.
Lyme disease is on the rise:
You will see from the above map, courtesy of Lyme Info.org, that the entire state of Michigan is now in the “Expansion” zone. Uggh, I really hate ticks! I have been in practice for about 17 years now. During that time, we have never diagnosed more than 2 to 5 cases of Lyme disease each year. In 2018, we have diagnosed over 20 cases. This is a worrisome trend! Therefore, if your pet travels to any of those red “Endemic” areas - please let us know. We do recommend the Lyme vaccine for these pets. For all of our other canine patients - PLEASE BE SURE TO PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY FLEA AND TICK PRODUCT FOR YOUR PET ALL YEAR ROUND!! Ticks are active and “questing” for a victim whenever the temperature is above freezing. They don’t care if it is December, January or July. Therefore, your pet needs to be protected. Lyme disease is on the rise for people too - keep that in mind as well!
2.) We will be recommending Leptospirosis vaccine more often:
I am saddened to report that we had our first ever death from Leptospirosis this year. This disease is usually very responsive to antibiotics but in this case even advanced care at a referral hospital did not save our patient. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread in the urine of wildlife. As the vaccine that protects against this pathogen is shorter acting than our other immunizations and is the leading cause of vaccine reactions in dogs, we have historically been very conscientious about who receives this vaccine. After watching one of our beloved patients succumb to the disease, Dr. Plodzik and I plan to be more aggressive with our immunization advice. Therefore as we see your pets during the next year, don’t be surprised if this topic comes up!
3.) The dreaded canine flu visits Michigan:
For the first time in 2018, we experienced an epidemic of influenza in our canine patients. The disease started over on the east side and gradually followed I-94 to southwest Michigan. We will continue to track the locations of future outbreaks but will recommend this vaccine for any dog who boards in 2019.
4.) Food for thought about Grain Free Foods:
The FDA continues to investigate a link between pet foods that are grain free and heart disease in dogs. Diet cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, or other “pulses” (seeds of legumes) as main ingredients. We posted about this earlier in 2018 and are happy to report that most foods made with the above ingredients have added taurine to their foods to help prevent this type of heart disease. Please check your grain free foods for this important additive and call us if you have further questions.
5.) How about some good news?
Dr. Plodzik joined the practice in January of this year. Her healthy baby boy, Anthony, was born in July and continues to keep her on her toes! Our veterinary assistant Rachel is pregnant as well. I am not (this is great news!)
The Bordetella (or kennel cough) vaccine is now given in the mouth - no more torturing our canine patients with that nasty nasal spray!
Cats rule and dogs drool: I just realized that all of the above “bad news” impacts our canines. Our feline patients have no new diseases to deal with!
Our food drive was a fantastic success! THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR KIND-HEARTED CLIENTS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS. We donated about 1600 pounds of pet food to the Animal Rescue Project.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO THE ENTIRE SHAVER ROAD ANIMAL HOSPITAL FAMILY AND THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO TRUST US WITH YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS!