Exeter Veterinary Hospital
4955 Perkiomen Ave
Reading, PA 19606
610-779-2300
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| Our mission is to provide the best possible care for your pets. To do this, we set aside extra time with each client, we spend extra time and money on our equipment, testing procedures, quality control, and our cleanliness (a cleaner facility means less odor and bacteria which means lower infection rates). It's the little things that add up to make a big difference in the outcome of many surgical and medical cases. We want the best possible outcome for every pet, so we take the extra care to cover the little things. |
| We are located at the corner of Perkiomen Avenue (US 422) and Fairlane Drive in Exeter Township, PA. To get to us from the east turn right onto Fairlane Drive. From the west turn left onto Gibraltar Road (at the Arby's), take a right on DeMoss (past the township building) and a right on Fairlane Drive. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. We regard them as members of your family, and as such, our recommendations, care and treatment reflect this philosophy. Our commitment to excellent care is the reason our hospital is an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). We follow the strict AAHA standards of cleanliness and quality care. Less than 14% of all small animal facilities in the United States are AAHA certified hospitals, and less than 1% have the four-year certification that we have. We are proud of the fact that we not only meet AAHA's strictest requirements, but exceed many of them. |
| We invite you, your family, and your friends to tour our facility to better appreciate and understand the capabilities and operation of Exeter Veterinary Hospital. Please arrange your tour with one of our staff in advance so that we may better accommodate you. |
| Client Service Policies |
| You and your pet are the most important part of our hospital. To better serve you, we have established certain policies and procedures to provide superior pet health care safely and effectively. |
| Leashes and Carriers... For the protection of your pet and those around you, all patients are required to be on a leash or in an appropriate pet carrier. As veterinary hospitals rarely have a calming effect on pets, leashes and carriers provide for better control of our patients. We provide separate areas for dogs and cats to ease their fears, and we provide free leashes if you have left yours at home. Please help us protect your pet's good health. |
| Fees... Many pet owners are surprised to learn that most veterinary drugs, equipment, and procedures are identical to those used in human medicine. However, the cost of hospital and surgical care for pets is approximately one-tenth the cost of comparable human care. At Exeter Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to provide superior care and service at a reasonable price. If you are ever concerned about the cost of your pet's treatment, please discuss it with the doctor. We will be happy to give you a cost estimate and outline your options. You may then choose the course that is right for you and your pet. |
| Payment Policy... As in most doctors' offices (human and veterinary), payment is required at the time the service is provided. For your convenience we accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Unfortunately we are not able to offer billing or delayed payment plans as they require a great deal of administration and increase the cost of providing service to all of our clients. |
| Help Us Help You... This hospital exists to serve you and your pet. We appreciate your patronage because it helps us provide the quality service this community deserves. We will constantly try to meet your needs, but to do this we need your opinion. Our policies were developed to provide cost-effective, quality veterinary care for your pets, but we continually strive to improve our service. Please tell us what we are doing right so that we can continue to do what pleases you. Likewise, please tell us what we are not doing right so that we can improve. And above all, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| All of our staff members are here because of our love of animals. As such, we strive to do the best for you and your pet. Our staff consists of doctors, nurses, hospital assistants, and receptionists. We require all staff members to further their knowledge through continuing education programs, and we supplement this with weekly staff training sessions. Our nurses have specialized college degrees in animal health technology and all are either certified by the state or completing their certification. |
| Our Doctors: |
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Dr. Amy Crawford, owner
Dr. Crawford grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. She received her BS in biology at the Indiana University of PA in 1992. In 1995, she earned her VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After Veterinary school, Dr. Crawford practiced medicine in a referral hospital in Pittsburgh for four years prior to moving to Berks County. She has strong interests in ultrasonography, endoscopy, cardiology, and surgery. In addition to medicine of dogs and cats, she also enjoys avian, ferret, reptile, and pocket pet medicine. She enjoys spending time with her two children. She has 9 pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets. Her hobbies include camping, hiking, traveling, and watching Steeler football. |
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Dr. Crystal Stehly
Dr. Stehly grew up in Slatington, PA. She received her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Delaware in 2004. She then earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She is especially interested in soft tissue surgery. She lives in Chester County with her Fiance, Randy, her dog, 2 cats, and several fish. When she is not working or planning her upcoming wedding, she enjoys cooking, baking, watching Giants football, seeing live music, and reading. |
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Dr. Tanya Seiple
Dr. Seiple was raised in Boyertown, PA. After attending Kutztown University, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Following nearly a year of practice in Lewes, Delaware, she moved back home to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends. Dr. Seiple joined Exeter Veterinary Hospital in January, 2010. She enjoys all aspects of general practice but has a special interest in treating small mammals and reptiles. Outside of work, Dr. Seiple spends nearly all of her free time with her 1 ½ year old son, husband, family, and friends. Her pets include two dogs, three cats, two Russian tortoises, two red-eared slider turtles, and one bearded dragon. |
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Dr. Shawn Achtel
Dr. Achtel was born and raised in Bridgewater, NJ. His educational journey started in Bristol, RI at Roger Williams University where he received a B.S in Biology and a B.A in Classical Languages. In 2005 he shipped off to veterinary school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts. For his clinical veterinary education he moved to Auburn, AL and attended clinics at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating with a DVM, he pursued a job in small animal general practice in Liverpool, NY outside Syracuse. His next move was out to Columbus, OH where he worked as a overnight emergency veterinarian as well as filled in as a relief veterinarian during some days in general practice. When Dr. Achtel is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 dogs (a Boxer, Great Pyrenees, and a Border Collie/Retriever mix) and 2 male orange cats. His free time is currently spent preparing for his first child due in September. Dr. Achtel's hobbies include cooking, working/restoring antique cars, woodworking, and relaxing. |
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Richard Rosato, practice manager
Rich grew up in Bucks County, PA. After high school, he attended a Catholic Seminary until changing his focus to the veterinary field. He received a B.S. in Business Administration. He is a member of the Animal Welfare Council of the city of Reading. He enjoys spending time with his daughter and their pets. His personal interests include art, travel, and antiques. |
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Michelle Pettinato, CVT
Michelle has been on staff as a certified Veterinary Nurse since January of 1991. Michelle graduated from Harcum College in 1986. She has a son Jeffrey and they have 5 cats and 2 dogs. She is active in the Animal Rescue League spay/neuter program and in her church's AWANA program. |
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Jennifer Baumgard, CVT, Head Technician
Jen was raised near Hershey, PA. She graduated from Wilson College in 2000 and has been working in the veterinary field ever since. She joined Exeter Veterinary Hospital in 2005. She lives in Berks County with her husband Kevin, two daughters Charlotte and Cassidy, two cats and a dog. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, gardening, hiking and birdwatching. |
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Kaity Wike, CVT
Kaity graduated from Johnson College in Scranton, PA and joined the staff at Exeter Veterinary hospital as a certified Veterinary Technician in 2007. She lives in Reading and has a terrier-mix dog, Lucy. |
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Melanie, CVT
Melanie grew up in Reading, PA and received her degree in Veterinary Technology at Harcum College in 2000. She joined Exeter Veterinary Hospital in May 1999. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary medicine, but has special interest in client education, assisting with surgery/dentals, and exotic pets. She currently lives in Muhlenberg Twp with her husband, Eric, and two daughters, Peyton and Kenleigh. When she isn't working, or caring for her 2 dogs and 4 cats, she enjoys spending time with family, sports, and camping. |
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Jackie, Receptionist
Jackie worked at Exeter Veterinary hospital from 2007 until Dec 29,2012. She is is now very happily retired and we will all miss having her on our team!! |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | |||||||||||||||||||
| Office Visits by Appointment | |||||||||||||||||||
| All of our office visits are by appointment only. Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, If you are unable to keep your appointment, kindly give us 24 hours notice. If you find you are running late, we will do our best to accommodate you. However, in fairness to clients scheduled after you, we may ask that you reschedule your appointment to a time more convenient for you. You may occasionally find we are running late! We strive to stay on schedule because we know how valuable your time is, but emergencies are part of our business. If you would prefer to reschedule your appointment because of delay, we will gladly do so. | |||||||||||||||||||
| As part of our commitment to you and your pet's health, we schedule extra time with each patient. Instead of the regular 10 or 15 minute appointment, we schedule 20 minute appointments, and in some cases even more. | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| We strongly believe in preventive health care as well as comprehensive pet owner education. Preventive health care practices for pets are even more important than they are for you, since your pet cannot tell us what is wrong. An annual physical examination at the time of booster vaccinations (and semiannual examinations for older pets) can detect health problems early. Early detection of disease can often slow down, stop, or even reverse the progression of debilitating medical problems. Finding problems early increases the chance of your pet living a longer, healthier, and happier life. In addition, we educate you to recognize and prevent common pet problems on your own. Preventive health measures and client education offer the most cost-effective care your pet can receive. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital is a full service hospital offering the following services: |
Routine health examinations and vaccines
Diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical problems
Endoscopy for non-surgical biopsies and retrieval of swallowed foreign objects.
Pharmacy services.*
After Hour Emergencies.*
Laboratory services (complete stat services for critical cases).
Radiology services (including X-ray and ultrasound imaging).
Cardiology services (including cardiac ultrasound and ECG).
Dental services (including oral surgery and repairs).
Hospitalization services for sick pets.
Laser Surgery--the most advanced surgical techniques.
Surgical services (including neutering).
Oncology services (compassionate chemotherapy and cancer surgery).
Nutritional counseling and special diets.
Over-the-counter veterinary health products.
Grooming Services.
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| * These services are explained in more detail below and on other pages. |
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Pharmaceutical Services...
Exeter Veterinary Hospital has a comprehensive veterinary pharmacy on premises. Federal law requires us to have an established doctor/pet/owner relationship before dispensing any prescription medication. This is why we cannot dispense prescription drugs to pets we have never seen or to pets not seen within a year. |
| For all prescription refills, we ask that you call our office 24 hours in advance so that your pet's medication can be ready and waiting for you at our front desk. This allows the doctor enough time to review your pet's record and make any needed recommendations. Sometimes an examination will be necessary before issuing a new prescription. |
| After Hour Emergencies... Accidents and illnesses do not always occur during regular business hours. Exeter Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to providing fast, effective care in emergencies. When the hospital is closed, we have an answering service to take your calls. If your pet requires after hours medical attention either during the week or on weekends, phone our regular office number, 610-779-2300 to speak to our answering service who will be able to provide advice and direction if your pet needs to be seen at an after hours emergency hospital. |
| During the week days, Metropolitan Emergency Services provides emergency care after hours. MES is located off of the Oaks exit on Rte 422. They have a highly skilled staff in emergency and critical care medicine. If your pet is seen by MES, we will have a medical update given to us the next business day. |
| During weekends and holidays the Berks Animal Emergency Center provides emergency care. They are located at 400 West Lancaster Ave (610-898-8425). They are open from 5pm on Friday until 8:00am on Monday. If your pet is seen by Berks Animal Emergency Center, we will have the medical report faxed to us by the next business day. |
| We understand that emergencies can be frightening for you and your pet. You can best help your pet by staying calm. Be prepared to describe your pet's symptoms to the answering service. Make sure every member of your family (and pet sitter) knows where to call in an emergency. |
| Do not hesitate to use this service if you need it. When should you call the answering service? A good rule of thumb is to treat your pet like you would yourself. If you or a family member would go to the emergency room for the same problem your pet has, then you need to call Exeter Veterinary Hospital's answering service for information and direction to an after hours hospital. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| In the event your pet requires hospitalization, you can be assured your pet is in good hands. Dogs that are well enough are walked three to five times daily in our fenced in yard. All pets have physical examinations done at least once a day to monitor any change in their condition. You, the owner, are kept informed of your pet's progress with daily telephone reports from the doctor. Visiting is allowed, although it is not always in the pet's best interest to do so. Please discuss this with the doctor if your pet is hospitalized. |
| Like most veterinary hospitals, we do not have overnight staffing of doctors or nurses. Situations where a pet's condition would benefit from overnight supervision are rare in veterinary medicine. If such a situation should arise, however, you have a few options available to you: referring your pet to the University or Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia, or transferring your pet to an emergency clinic in Valley Forge or Allentown. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital maintains anesthesia and surgical facilities similar to human hospitals. All anesthetized patients are maintained on the safest and most advanced gas anesthetic approved for use in pets. All of our major surgeries (including most neutering surgeries) are done in a surgical suite where we require all staff to wear caps and masks, and the surgical team to wear sterile gowns and gloves. Our patients are carefully monitored for the early warning signs of rare, but potentially life threatening complications. Once the surgical procedure is finished, we closely observe our patients until they recover. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
Did you know dogs and cats need dental care, just like people? Proper dental care can actually help
improve your pet’s overall health, comfort, and quality of life. Your pet needs a healthy mouth to
maintain a healthy body.
Visit our Events page to see specials for February's Pet Dental Month !!PET DENTAL FACTS
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | ||
February is National Pet Dental Month
At Exeter Veterinary Hospital, we strongly believe that preventative dental care is the best way to ensure that your pet has a healthy smile for life. It has been shown that 85% of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of three. Good oral hygiene, starting with regular dental cleanings, can improve comfort as well as overall physical health. Untreated dental disease can lead to major problems affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. PET DENTAL FACTS
Call us today for more information or login to your Pet Portal to make an appointment! 610-779-2300
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| GREAT SITES FOR PET OWNERS |
| WWW.AVMA.ORG/ANIMAL_HEALTH The American Veterinary Medical Association web site |
| AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HEALTHY PET PAGE |
| POISONOUS PLANTS |
| VeterinaryPartner.com |
| Humane Society of Berks County |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
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CANINE FLU VIRUS UPDATE
Recent web postings and Reading Eagle and New York Times articles have addressed an emerging dog virus that seems to have mutated from influenza that previously affected only horses. According to an immunologist at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, it spreads in areas where dogs are in groups together and shows symptoms similar to those commonly known for "kennel cough". The virus can lead to pneumonia and even death. So far there is no known relation to human influenza virus. Research appears to be catching up quickly and we will keep you posted. In the meantime, please call for an appointment is your dog develops a cough, sneeze, runny nose or fever and the symptoms last for more than one day. If you can, try to avoid taking your dog to any places where large groups of dogs are found. As of this date we have not diagnosed or had any suspected cases at our hospital. |
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Twice a year for life!
We all have heard that in "people years," a 10 year old dog is the same as a
70 year old person. Therefore, since our pets age seven times faster in a
year than we do, the staff at Exeter Veterinary Hospital would like to help
keep your pets healthy by performing twice-a-year wellness exams. A wellness,
or physical exam, is a comprehensive evaluation of your pet that includes
listening to their heart and lungs, palpating their internal body organs, and
evaluating their teeth, just to name a few things. An exam every six months
will help your veterinarian detect early signs of disease and initiate treatment
sooner, which could lead to a better prognosis. A few common ailments seen in
our older dogs and cats include arthritis, dental disease, heart and kidney disease,
diabetes, and thyroid disorders. In addition, your veterinarian will have the opportunity to integrate a customized vaccine schedule and bloodwork screening tests based on your pet's health risk for disease. Remember, our goal is prevention and early detection…see you in six months! |
| LASER SURGERY |
| LYME DISEASE TESTING IN DOGS |
| NEW RABIES VACCINE IN CATS |
| VACCINES AND SARCOMAS--A CONCERN FOR CAT OWNERS |
| LYME DISEASE IN DOGS |
| FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | ||||||||||||
| Laser surgery is the most recent advancement in veterinary surgical care, and we are excited to be able to offer this to you and your pet. Lasers have been successfully used on humans for over 20 years. They are proven, versatile, state of the art instruments that have recently become more affordable for the veterinary profession. | ||||||||||||
| We are proud to be among the first veterinary practices in Pennsylvania to offer laser surgery, because this great new option has many increased benefits to your pet. There is less pain, less bleeding, less infection, and less trauma with laser surgery. This helps your pet recover more quickly and get back on their feet much sooner. In many procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery. | ||||||||||||
| What is a Laser? | ||||||||||||
| A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a very specific wavelength. | ||||||||||||
| How does a Laser work? | ||||||||||||
| We have the most commonly used surgical laser, a CO2 laser. When it produces a very intense and invisible beam of light, it vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because your pet’s doctor can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected and undamaged. This results in a speedier recovery. | ||||||||||||
| Why Laser surgery? | ||||||||||||
| Less Pain - Laser energy seals the nerve endings as they are cut during surgery, leaving no raw, exposed nerve endings after surgery. This means that your pet feels more comfortable post-operatively. | ||||||||||||
| Less Bleeding - The laser seals small blood vessels as they are cut during surgery. This allows your veterinarian to reduce the time spent controlling bleeding. | ||||||||||||
| Reduced risk of infection - The laser sterilizes as it is used, killing bacteria that cause infection. This reduces the possibility of infection after surgery. | ||||||||||||
| Less Trauma - Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise surrounding tissues because only a beam of intense light contacts the tissue. This means less swelling to your pet. It also means that surgery can be performed with greater precision, because the laser can remove unhealthy tissue while minimizing adverse effects to healthy surrounding tissue. | ||||||||||||
| What types of procedures can a Laser perform? | ||||||||||||
| A laser is ideal for a wide variety of surgical procedures for dogs, cats, birds and other pets. Probably the most common procedure done with a laser is declawing cats. The difference is amazing. Laser surgery is also used to treat many common conditions such as cysts, tumors, warts and infections that may occur around the eyes, in the mouth, and anywhere on the skin. Specialized internal procedures are also possible. | ||||||||||||
| Surgical procedures using laser surgery include: | ||||||||||||
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| How much does Laser surgery cost? | ||||||||||||
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Laser surgery generally costs an additional $80-$120.
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| Please ask us if your pet’s procedure can be performed with a laser. Your pet will experience less bleeding, less pain, and will have a quicker recovery period. With laser surgery, we are continuing our tradition of providing advanced care with uncompromised compassion. | ||||||||||||
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Crawford's pets Bailey and Darby. (back to top)
Dr. Achtel's pets Tabasco, Sadie, Watson, and Ginger. (back to top)
Jennifer's pets Herman, Lily, and Ziggy. (back to top)
Kaity's pet Lucy. (back to top)
Rich's pets Joy, Gabby and the clan. (back to top)
Michelle's pets Fozze, Eddie, Mikkee, Maezie, Odie, Panda, and Sammee. (back to top)
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| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
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Exeter Veterinary Hospital 4955 Perkiomen Ave Reading, PA 19606 Phone: 610-779-2300 EMail: ExeterTVH@aol.com |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | ||||||||||||
| Laser surgery is the most recent advancement in veterinary surgical care, and we are excited to be able to offer this to you and your pet. Lasers have been successfully used on humans for over 20 years. They are proven, versatile, state of the art instruments that have recently become more affordable for the veterinary profession. | ||||||||||||
| We are proud to be among the first veterinary practices in Pennsylvania to offer laser surgery, because this great new option has many increased benefits to your pet. There is less pain, less bleeding, less infection, and less trauma with laser surgery. This helps your pet recover more quickly and get back on their feet much sooner. In many procedures, the laser can replace the scalpel and provide a better alternative to traditional surgery. | ||||||||||||
| What is a Laser? | ||||||||||||
| A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a very specific wavelength. | ||||||||||||
| How does a Laser work? | ||||||||||||
| We have the most commonly used surgical laser, a CO2 laser. When it produces a very intense and invisible beam of light, it vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. Because your pet’s doctor can precisely control the laser, only a thin layer of tissue is removed, leaving the surrounding areas unaffected and undamaged. This results in a speedier recovery. | ||||||||||||
| Why Laser surgery? | ||||||||||||
| Less Pain - Laser energy seals the nerve endings as they are cut during surgery, leaving no raw, exposed nerve endings after surgery. This means that your pet feels more comfortable post-operatively. | ||||||||||||
| Less Bleeding - The laser seals small blood vessels as they are cut during surgery. This allows your veterinarian to reduce the time spent controlling bleeding. | ||||||||||||
| Reduced risk of infection - The laser sterilizes as it is used, killing bacteria that cause infection. This reduces the possibility of infection after surgery. | ||||||||||||
| Less Trauma - Laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise surrounding tissues because only a beam of intense light contacts the tissue. This means less swelling to your pet. It also means that surgery can be performed with greater precision, because the laser can remove unhealthy tissue while minimizing adverse effects to healthy surrounding tissue. | ||||||||||||
| What types of procedures can a Laser perform? | ||||||||||||
| A laser is ideal for a wide variety of surgical procedures for dogs, cats, birds and other pets. Probably the most common procedure done with a laser is declawing cats. The difference is amazing. Laser surgery is also used to treat many common conditions such as cysts, tumors, warts and infections that may occur around the eyes, in the mouth, and anywhere on the skin. Specialized internal procedures are also possible. | ||||||||||||
| Surgical procedures using laser surgery include: | ||||||||||||
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| How much does Laser surgery cost? | ||||||||||||
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Laser surgery generally costs an additional $80-$120.
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| Please ask us if your pet’s procedure can be performed with a laser. Your pet will experience less bleeding, less pain, and will have a quicker recovery period. With laser surgery, we are continuing our tradition of providing advanced care with uncompromised compassion. | ||||||||||||
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | |||||||||
| LYME DISEASE TESTING IN DOGS | |||||||||
| The incidence of Lyme Disease in our area has snowballed in both humans and dogs (we don’t see it in cats, ferrets, birds, or other pets). In the past year alone, our hospital has seen more than 200 cases. Lyme Disease was thought to be primarily an arthritis problem; however, we have seen many patients with kidney, heart and neurological symptoms. | |||||||||
| Lyme disease is a silent disease as most dogs won’t show any symptoms until months or years after the initial infection. The most common symptom associated with Lyme Disease is a reversible arthritis. The next most common problem is an often fatal kidney deterioration called Lyme Nephropathy. We have seen almost 8% of the positive dogs develop kidney problems, and 75% of those have ultimately died of the disease. Unfortunately, most dogs with Lyme Nephropathy show no symptoms until it’s too late. We are hoping to diagnose and treat these dogs before serious kidney damage occurs. | |||||||||
| While it is important to realize that most infected dogs will never be completely rid of the organism, treatment will put the disease into a dormant state. Recent research has indicated that treatment of Lyme positive dogs without symptoms will usually prevent problems from occurring, provided that no new organisms are transmitted to the pet. This is why continued preventative measures are imperative even after a dog has been treated for Lyme Disease. | |||||||||
| The key is catching Lyme Nephropathy early, or before the problem starts. This is why we have changed our recommendation on Lyme Disease testing. Two years ago we tested a number of dogs and found that approximately 24% were positive for Lyme disease. Most contagious disease specialists were not recommending treatment unless a dog was showing symptoms, so we stopped routine Lyme Disease screening. In light of new treatment information, coupled with an increase in Lyme Nephropathy, we are again recommending screening with treatment of all positive cases. | |||||||||
| We hope with our aggressive approach to Lyme Disease prevention that the incidence of Lyme Disease will be lower than two years ago. We are making the following recommendations because no method is 100% effective: | |||||||||
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| One final note--it is important to understand that the vaccine we use does not contribute to Lyme Nephropathy, nor will it cause a positive test result. | |||||||||
| If you have further questions about these recommendations, please feel free to discuss them with your pet’s doctor at the next visit. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
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A NEW RABIES VACCINE FOR CATS
At Exeter Veterinary Hospital we are dedicated to providing the best possible care to you and your cat. It is with this goal in mind that we will now be using a new Rabies vaccine for cats. |
| Over 10 years ago, veterinarians established an association between vaccinations and the rare development of a cancerous tumor called a sarcoma at the site of the injection. Estimates are that 1 in 4,000 cats will develop a sarcoma following a vaccine. This is a problem found only in cats, and not in ferrets or dogs. In addition, most feline sarcomas are not associated with vaccinations. Current research indicates that cats who grow sarcoma tumors in response to vaccines inherit a tendency to do so. Research also shows that these tumors may be due to the "activator" or adjuvant that is added to the vaccine to help the immune system to respond. |
| In response to the evidence linking the adjuvant in vaccines to some sarcoma tumors, a new group of vaccines with no adjuvant has been developed. These include individual vaccines for Feline Distemper, Feline Leukemia and Rabies. We have already incorporated the first two vaccines into our practice. Having evaluated the research on safety and efficacy, we will be vaccinating with the new Rabies vaccine. The new Rabies vaccine will be slightly more expensive and will need to be given yearly; however, we strongly feel that the increased safety is worth the added cost. |
| We wish to emphasize that we have not made this change without careful consideration. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to help assure that you and your cat remain safe from the devastating consequences of rabies, while minimizing the chance of developing life-threatening side effects from the vaccine. Your individual cat’s situation will be evaluated every year to determine the vaccinations that are best for him or her. |
| If you have any further questions, we will gladly discuss them during your cat’s next examination. We can also provide you with a pamphlet entitled, Vaccines and Sarcomas, A Concern for Cat Owners. It is an excellent source of additional information and can be found duplicated on our website. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital | |||||||||
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Vaccines and Sarcomas
At Exeter Veterinary Hospital we are dedicated to providing the best possible care to you and your cat. It is with this goal in mind that we will now be using a new Rabies vaccine for cats. |
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| A Concern for Cat Owners | |||||||||
| Is this something new? | |||||||||
| Sarcomas are not new forms of cancer in cats. But in 1991, veterinarians began to notice a higher than expected number of sarcomas occurring on cat’s bodies in places where vaccines are commonly injected. Subsequently, an association between vaccine administration and sarcoma development has been established.. Most feline sarcomas are not associated with vaccines in any way–and those that are associated occur infrequently–yet veterinarians are deeply concerned. | |||||||||
| I found a lump where my cat was vaccinated. What happens now? | |||||||||
| It is quite common for a small, firm, painless swelling to form under the skin at the site where a vaccine was injected. The lump is almost always of no consequence and disappears after several weeks. Rarely, however, the swelling may progress to a sarcoma. To be on the safe side, your veterinarian will suggest that you periodically check the vaccination area for several months after vaccination. If you detect a lump, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Small samples of the lump will be sent to a laboratory for diagnosis if any of the following are true: | |||||||||
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| If the lump is found to be a sarcoma, your veterinarian may confer with or refer you to a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) for management. | |||||||||
| If vaccines are causing problems, why use them at all? | |||||||||
| Disturbing as this issue may be, there is great concern that cat owners, attempting to keep their cats from harm, may forgo vaccinations entirely. The result? Though well intentioned, these owners may be placing their cats at far greater risk of acquiring a fatal infection than any risk the vaccine poses. And in the case of rabies, human health is at risk as well. | |||||||||
| So, what is being done? | |||||||||
| Even though vaccine-associated sarcomas are uncommon, the problem is receiving unprecedented attention by veterinarians and feline vaccine producers. The Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force is a coalition of national veterinary organizations dedicated to resolving the dilemma. This group is devoting considerable human and financial resources to determine the true scope of the problem, the cause, and the most effective treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas. | |||||||||
| How should I respond? | |||||||||
| Until the problem is solved, the best response is to discuss the issue with your veterinarian. In the vast majority of situations, vaccines are much more beneficial than harmful, and they continue to help protect cats from serious infection and disease. But one way to reduce the chance of sarcoma development is not to vaccinate unnecessarily. Veterinarians are being urged to evaluate each individual cat’s risk of infection to guide in deciding which vaccines should be given. After considering both the vaccine and your cat’s situation, your veterinarian will assist you in designing a vaccination program that not only protects against infectious disease, but is as safe as possible. | |||||||||
| Those of us entrusted with caring for cats have two basic desires: first, we wish to help cats by preventing serious diseases and death; second, we wish to keep them free from harm. Achieving both objectives at the same time seems simple enough. Unfortunately, few medical procedures are totally without risk, and sometimes procedures that are normally helpful can cause harm. The association between vaccine administration and sarcomas (specific kinds of cancer) is an example. | |||||||||
| Prepared by the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force. A combined effort of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American association of Feline Practitioners, and Veterinary Cancer Society, the task force consists of representatives from each of these groups, veterinary researchers and clinicians, and representatives from the USDA/APHIS and Animal Health Institute. | |||||||||
| For more information, visit the task force website: www.avma.org/vafstf | |||||||||
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
|
LYME DISEASE PREVENTION
Lyme Disease is a disease that is caused by a bacterial organism known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria is carried and transmitted by Ixodid ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks, which are found on deer and field mice. Because deer ticks are found everywhere in this area, all dogs are at high risk for Lyme Disease. Transmission generally occurs after the tick has attached for more than 36 to 48 hours, but in rare cases, can occur in less than 36 hours. Dogs can develop signs such as lameness, recurrent arthritis, lethargy, fever, and in severe cases, fatal heart or kidney disease. Symptoms may not show up for months. |
| Recently, due to an increased incidence of Lyme Disease in our area, there has been much discussion over preventative measures for Lyme disease. Currently, there are many methods of prevention available for dogs. The safest and most effective methods include Frontline Topspot, Preventic Tick collar, and a Lyme Disease vaccine. These methods can be used independently or in combination. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these methods. |
| Frontline Topspot is a liquid applied topically. Unlike most topical flea products, it is not absorbed into the dog’s system. This makes it a very safe product. In addition to the deer tick, it kills all ticks, thus helping to prevent other tick-borne diseases. For maximum effectiveness, it must be applied monthly all year round. Pets can be bathed and can swim without losing protection. Topspot kills 95% of ticks within 18 hours and 100% within 48 hours. It is very effective if used correctly. Frontline is also our recommended method of flea prevention. |
| Preventic Tick collars are much quicker at killing ticks, usually within 6 to 8 hours. They also kill all ticks in addition to the deer tick, helping to prevent other tick-borne diseases as well. There are some concerns about the chemical agent in the collar, especially if the dog is around children. It is not as effective if the dog swims, and it can be toxic if it is eaten. For maximum effectiveness, the collar must be replaced every 3 months year round, and needs to be checked often to ensure a proper fit. |
| The most recent Lyme Disease vaccine available is much more advanced than previous ones. It is a genetic recombinant vaccine which contains purified agents designed to reduce the potential for reactions; however, there is still a small chance of vaccine reactions and immune mediated problems occurring in some patients. The vaccine does not kill ticks, nor does it prevent other tick borne diseases; therefore, other tick control methods need to be used. It is also important to note that the vaccine will not prevent Lyme Disease in dogs that already have the organism in their system. The main advantage of the vaccine is that it provides protection when other methods fail or are not used. |
| In summary, no one method is 100% effective for every patient; therefore, the more methods used in combination, the better the protection. The most protection you can offer your dog in the prevention of Lyme disease is vaccination, year round Preventic Tick collar, and year-round Topspot. Excellent protection, however, can be attained using any two of these methods. We understand many factors will affect your decision in the products you use. We will be happy to discuss this further with you at your pet’s next visit. |
| Exeter Veterinary Hospital |
| FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE |
| What is Heartworm Disease? |
| Heartworm Disease is a condition in which parasites live in the heart and lungs of cats. Cats and kittens, even those that are indoors, can be infected. Heartworm Disease causes significant health problems such as heart failure and lung disease. Infections are very serious and often fatal in cats. |
| How do cats get Heartworm Disease? |
| Heartworm Disease is transmitted to a cat when bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworms. Infections in cats tend to be self-limiting, meaning the parasite will usually die after two to three years. However, during that time, the heartworm can cause significant heart and lung disease. |
| What are the signs of Heartworm Disease? |
| Signs are usually nonspecific and can include coughing, breathing difficulties, vomiting, weight loss, seizures, and sudden death. Signs can be caused by just one worm in cats; so, even a light infection is capable of producing severe disease with life threatening consequences. |
| How can you tell if my cat has Heartworm Disease? |
| Heartworm disease is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs for two primary reasons. First, microfilaria, the immature form of the worm, do not live long in a cat (less than a month). Secondly, most infected cats usually have only one or two adult worms present. |
| There are several methods used to diagnose heartworm disease in cats. An antigen test and an antibody test can be run using only a small blood sample. The antigen test will detect specific proteins produced by the adult heartworms; but, a false negative result can occur if only one adult worm is present. The antibody test detects the cat’s immune response to the presence of heartworms; but, a false positive result can occur if the cat was exposed previously and spontaneously recovered. Other tests such as radiographs or ultrasound can be used but are not always able to detect heartworm disease. |
| How do you treat heartworm disease? |
| Treatment of heartworm disease in cats is not an easy task. There are no approved medications for the treatment of heartworm disease in cats. Current treatments used for dogs can cause significant complications in cats such as pulmonary thromboembolism (clot to the lungs) which can cause sudden death. |
| But my cat doesn’t go outside. |
| Mosquitos are all around and can certainly find their way into our homes which places all cats at risk. In fact, some species of mosquitos actually prefer to be indoors. |
| What can I do to protect my cat? |
| You can protect your cat by giving him or her Heartgard, a meat-based chewable tablet given only once a month. Feline Heartgard is the safest and most effective way to prevent heartworm disease in cats. We strongly recommend year-round monthly Heartgard in the prevention of Heartworm Disease in cats. |
| What if my cat won’t eat the chewable tablet? |
| The tablet can be given whole for the cat to chew as a treat, or can be crumbled easily into small pieces and mixed with their favorite food or treat. |
| Why was prevention not previously recommended for my cat? |
| Feline Heartworm Disease has only recently been recognized as a health concern for cats. This is primarily due to the fact that the signs cats exhibit are usually nonspecific. Some infected cats may not show any overt signs except sudden death. For these reasons, prevention is strongly recommended. |
