News Letter 2011
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011
Happy New Year! Welcome to our new monthly newsletter. Further advice and information can be found on our website: www.baronscourtvet.co.uk, but please remember we are always happy to give advice regarding your pet.
CANINE INFLUENZA
We are aware that a new virulent strain of this disease is in the USA at the moment. Due to the high number of dogs travelling on the Pet Passport Scheme into central London, our dogs will be at a higher risk than other parts of the UK.
There is no vaccine against Influenza in dogs licensed in the UK. There is a vaccine in the USA, but the rules regarding licensing of vaccines in Europe are very different from the USA. It is unlikely that the vaccine will be licensed here soon.
At this practice, we have always operated a strict “no coughing” policy in the waiting room. We do not allow a coughing dog (or a sneezing cat) in the waiting room at the same time as other dogs (or cats). Please tell us if your dog is coughing when you make an appointment. We also practice a strict anti-viral cleaning regime. All our procedures and protocols are approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
PUPPY VACCINATIONS
Many puppies are presented having already had their first vaccinations with the breeder. Many clients are unsure if their puppy has had a different brand of vaccine whether they need the same one again. Some of the different brands of vaccine are actually the same vaccine labelled differently, but some are slightly different. The puppy will be fully protected by two vaccines even if they are different types, but there is a small chance that he or she may shed Leptospirosis bacteria in his or her urine. For this reason we offer these puppies a third Leptospirosis vaccine two weeks after their second vaccine. For this we charge £25.
There is also concern regarding some breeds about the efficacy (effectiveness) of the current vaccine against Parvovirus. Research suggests that certain breeds of puppies have a high level of maternally derived antibodies (MDA). This affects their immune response to the puppy vaccines especially if they are given early (at 6 and 10 weeks).
For this reason we offer these breeds a third Parvovirus vaccine at 16 weeks of age. These breeds are “black and tan” breeds for example Dobermans and Rottweillers. There is now evidence that Labrador Retrievers may also be affected as well as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. We charge £25 for this vaccine. Please speak to Emma or Johnny about this if you would like further information.
ADULT VACCINATIONS
We routinely vaccinate yearly with a full booster for both cats and dogs. However, we can vaccinate some cats and dogs with part vaccines instead of the full vaccine each year. We also have blood tests available to see if your dog even needs a booster vaccine. This is best discussed with Emma or Johnny when you come in.
WEIGHT CHECKS
We are aware that many of our patients’ waistlines may have expanded following the Christmas Holidays! Please remember that we offer free weight checks and advice regarding the best ways to feed your pet. We are also happy to provide free dental checks and free advice regarding any aspect of your pet’s health and general well-being.
