NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR PETS (written by Tom Gervais, DVM)

THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF DOG AND CAT OWNERS ARE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATIONS IN MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH OF THEIR PETS – FROM PUPPY (KITTEN)-HOOD WELL INTO THE “GOLDEN “ YEARS. IN THE PAST, ANNUAL REVACCINATION WAS RECOMMENDED FOLLOWING THE INITIAL PUPPY (KITTEN) SERIES. THE VACCINE MANUFACTURER SUPPLIES GUIDELINES TO VETERINARIANS, AND MOST OF THESE RECOMMEND A REVACCINATION INTERVAL OF 1 YEAR.

RECENTLY, HOWEVER, A GROWING BODY OF VETERINARY RESEARCH EXPERTS HAVE PROVIDED INFORMATION THAT HAS CALLED INTO QUESTION THE TRADITION OF ANNUAL REVACCINATION. IN THE CURRENT ISSUE OF THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION (JAAHA), A REPORT OF THE AAHA TASK FORCE ON CANINE VACCINES WAS PUBLISHED. IT WAS EMPHASIZED THAT VACCINATION MUST ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED A MEDICAL PROCEDURE. AS SUCH, IT (VACCINATION) MUST BE TAILORED TO THE INDIVIDUAL PATIENT’S NEEDS (AGE, ENVIRONMENT, LIFESTYLE, ETC.).

THE REPORT ALSO STATED THERE IS INCREASING EVIDENCE THAT THE DURATION OF IMMUNITY FROM MANY OF THE COMMON VACCINES IS LONGER THAN PREVIOUSLY RECOGNIZED. THEREFORE, THE TASK FORCE IS RECOMMENDING A REVACCINATION INTERVAL OF 3 YEARS, FOR ANIMALS OVER 1 YEAR OF AGE. THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PUPPIES AND KITTENS REMAINS UNCHANGED. ONE YEAR AFTER THE INITIAL PUPPY (KITTEN) SERIES, AN ANNUAL “BOOSTER” SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED. REVACCINATION AFTER THIS SHOULD BE TRIENNIAL (EVERY 3 YEARS). IT SHOULD BE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT ANNUAL EXAMS REMAIN AN ESSENTIAL PART OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR BOTH DOGS AND CATS. AS PETS AGE, SAY TO 6 OR 7 YEARS, BIANNUAL EXAMS (EVERY 6 MONTHS) BECOME APPROPRIATE. YOUR VETERINARIAN WILL LOOK FOR THINGS LIKE DENTAL DISEASE, SKIN TUMORS, HEART MURMURS, ETC. MANY CONDITIONS THAT ARISE AS PETS AGE ARE MUCH MORE TREATABLE IF DETECTED IN EARLY STAGES.

12/02

Douglas County Animal Hospital is Re-Accredited By AAHA

In late December 2002, The DCAH was re-evaluated by an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) practice consultant, and earlier this year was re-accredited at the four-year level. The AAHA is a professional association of high quality small animal hospitals founded in 1933. The association is the only organization providing evaluation / accreditation for veterinary hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. To become accredited, hospitals must practice in accordance with AAHA’s standards of excellence. There are more than 300 standards covering the following areas:

· Medical records

· Examination facilities

· Pharmacy / laboratory

· Diagnostic imaging

· Anesthesiology / surgery / dentistry

· Nursing care

· Housekeeping / maintenance

· Emergency services

AAHA accreditation is a voluntary program and only about 15% of small animal hospitals in the U.S. are AAHA accredited. DCAH has chosen to be accredited because of a commitment to excellence in small animal care.

12/06/02

Courtesy of the Castle Rock Daily Star / Blanca Middlebrook

The Everyday Hero Award was given to Dr. Roberts for time donated at the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock. To date, Dr. Roberts and the veterinary surgeons at Douglas County Animal Hospital have donated their time and skills for over 700 spays and neuters, as well as hundreds of physical exams since the shelter opened last spring. Dr. Roberts accepted the award on November 20 on behalf of himself and the other participating veterinary surgeons. The other surgeons include: Dr. Tom Gervais, Dr. Jonathan Quint, Dr. Dave Palmini, Dr. Wendy Wyman, Dr. Sheri Thompson, and Dr. Karrie Holston.

Dr. Roberts’ service to the Dumb Friends League began in April 2002 when the Buddy Center in Castle Rock opened. Initially Dr. Roberts was the sole veterinary surgeon performing spays and neuters, volunteering two to three times a week for 2-3 hours, and performing 6-10 surgeries per week. While maintaining his volunteer schedule, Dr. Roberts coordinated a volunteer program at the Douglas County Animal Shelter that helped bring other veterinary surgeons from Douglas County Animal Hospital on board.

The 7 Everyday Hero Award is given to Coloradans who initiate solutions, motivate others, represent or serve working families and work on a nonprofit basis.