Veterinary Care in Vancouver WA

I know of no veterinarian that is not too challenged with balancing the ethical ramifications, potential complications and the demand from the public for feline declaws. At a continuing education conference we were introduced to some of the benefits of using a laser for this procedure.

After a demonstration and “test drive” we decided to make the considerable investment into this technology.

It was one of the best decisions related to surgery we have made to date. The difference was night and day between using a scalpel or a laser. The results were so impressive that we decided to use the laser for all soft tissue surgeries in the clinic. Continue reading →

The answers are numerous. Pet overpopulation leads to unnecessary deaths of unwanted animals. Avoidance of unwanted behavior issues and avoidance of certain later life disease are just a few additional reasons to spay or neuter your pet.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in a period of only 6 years. In 7 years on unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce as many as 420,000 cats. In 2007 at the Southwest Washington Humane Society in Vancouver, WA 12,601 cats and dogs were given up for adoption. Of those, 994 dogs and puppies and 5,579 cats and kittens were unnecessarily put to their death. For that reason, we strongly encourage responsible pet ownership by promoting spaying and neutering of companion cats and dogs. Continue reading →

First of all, they’re really gross. More important than that, keeping the various parasites under control is much healthier for your pet and your family. Some of the more common parasites in this area are: fleas, some ticks, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites and Giardia.

Contrary to public belief, dogs and cats do not carry pinworms and cannot be infected with them.

Fleas are very common in the Pacific Northwest, especially on this side of the Cascades.

Ticks generally stick to areas of thick underbrush (in our immediate area we have noted them mostly in the Hockinson Hills area). Both of these blood-sucking skin parasites can be controlled. Continue reading →

Vaccinations are designed to strengthen the immune system against certain viruses. The immune system recognizes and builds immunity to the particular virus that the vaccine is designed for. If the patient comes into contact with that live virus in the real world, the patient has a strong enough immune system to fend off the invading virus. If the patient comes into contact with the live virus without full immunity the patient could become violently ill or even die.

In canines, we commonly vaccinate against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza and Rabies.

In felines, we commonly vaccinate against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, Panleukopenia and Rabies. There are other vaccines that can be given for both species but we prefer to give them on an “as needed” basis, considering the particular lifestyle of the patient. Continue reading →