Canine Vaccinations and Laboratory Tests
 
Canine Rabies Vaccination 
·          Rabies can infect most mammals including humans. The disease affects the central nervous system and is fatal. A rabies vaccination protects your dog and the rest of your family. This annual vaccination is required by the Texas Department of Health. Upon vaccination, we supply your pet with a rabies tag that can help identify him or her using our computer. 
Canine Distemper Vaccination  
·         The viruses that contribute to this disease complex affect the nervous system, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system. These vaccinations are combined in one injection to minimize discomfort.  The included vaccinations are: canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine corona virus, canine parvovirus, Leptospira canicola, and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae.
o   Healthy puppies six weeks old need three doses administered 3 to 4 weeks apart. 
o   Annual revaccination with a single dose is recommended.  
Kennel Cough Vaccination Bordetella bronchiseptica
·         Should be administered to dogs that will be boarded or otherwise in confinement with other canines. Puppies as young as three weeks of age may be vaccinated. Puppies vaccinated between three and six weeks of age should be boostered at six weeks of age. Dogs should have this vaccination updated every six months. 
Leptospirosis Vaccination   
·         Vaccination is recommended for dogs that may be exposed to wildlife or livestock.  Dogs over 9 weeks of age should receive one dose and a second dose two to three weeks later.   Annual revaccination with one dose is recommended. This vaccination is available in combination with the annual Distemper Vaccination.
 
Laboratory Tests
Complete Blood Count can indicate infection, problems with the spleen, leukemia, bone disease, blood disease, or blood clotting ability
 
Blood Chemistries The relative amounts of certain chemicals in the blood give indication of organ function.   
 
Intestinal Parasite Exam Many puppies are born with intestinal parasites. Many of these parasites can be passed to humans; particularly to children who play with puppies. The Texas Department of Health recommends that all puppies be dewormed with two doses of hook and roundworm medicine two weeks apart. A stool exam should be performed to detect any of the more exotic parasites such as coccidia or giardia. The presence of intestinal parasites may cause vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, poor appetite, and general debilitation. 
 
Tapeworms Tapeworms are less harmful than other intestinal parasites. These parasites are contracted when a dog consumes an infected flea. Infected dogs typically shed tapeworm segments in their stool. Use of flea control (such as that provided by Sentinel and Advantage Multi) will reduce the chances of tapeworm infestation. Medication is available to eliminate existing tapeworm infestation. 
 
Urinalysis Testing of the urine indicates kidney function as well as the presence of bladder infections. 
 
Heartworm Tests Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Blood screens can be run to detect the presence of microfilaria or heartworm antigen. Dogs must be tested for heartworms prior to starting a heartworm prevention regimen, such as Advantage Multi or Sentinel. Dogs that skip their preventative for one month or more must be screened in four to six months. It is recommended that even dogs that take heartworm prevention faithfully be screened annually. Early diagnosis of heartworm disease is desirable.  
 
Skin Scraping Exam or Fungus Culture Sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, and various bacterial infections are detected by microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Ringworm (a skin fungus) is detected by growing the fungus on specialized media.