There are cases of the highly contagious, often fatal distemper disease occurring throughout the Phoenix Area. The Arizona Humane Society has reported an increase in the number of the cases of distemper as compared to previous years.  Typically distemper infections in dogs do increase in the spring due to an increase in the number of puppies that are typically born at that time. Signs of distemper are appearing much earlier this year and  cases have recently emerged as far away as Florida, Ohio and Georgia.

There is also evidence to suggest that two new strains of distemper virus indigenous to Europe have made their way in to the U.S.  The typical incubation period for distemper is one to two weeks; however the new strains may have an even longer incubation period. In addition, distemper was once thought of as a disease that primarily affected puppies which have not had all of their “puppy” shots. However, there is now evidence of older pets with unconfirmed vaccination histories becoming infected with the distemper virus.

This extremely contagious whole body viral disease is shed in bodily secretions of infected animals and spread via inhalation. Once inhaled, the virus moves to the lymph nodes where it begins reproducing. The virus then spreads to the blood and the cell lining of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and central nervous system of infected animals. Symptoms vary from dog to dog, but often include: discharge from eyes/nose, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite, callusing of nose/foot pads, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

Finlayson Animal Hospital routinely recommends vaccination for distemper for all dogs.  It is imperative that the all dog owners be diligent and make sure that their dogs have booster vaccinations regularly.  Puppies need a series of vaccinations until they are 5 months old. Dogs, two years old and older, with 2 previous vaccinations for distemper, need booster vaccinations no less than every 3 years. Distemper and the equally fatal parvovirus, are both a common problem in Phoenix and Maricopa County. People must be very careful when taking their pets to communal areas such as dog parks or other public areas with unknown dogs. Unvaccinated dogs are at high risk for contracting the disease. Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for the distemper virus nor is there a fool-proof test to confirm or deny the diagnosis.

For dogs suspected of having distemper, it is imperative that they be checked immediately at our office and isolated from other dogs within the home. In the event your pet is diagnosed with the distemper virus a thorough cleaning of your home with disinfectant is necessary
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Finlayson Animal Hospital is taking every precautionary measure available to ensure the health of the animals in our care and of our patients. To that end, Dr. Finlayson is recommending in the face of this threat, a Distemper vaccination every 12 months on all dogs.  Our office will attempt to contact all our clients with a dog and let them know if a booster vaccination is needed. If you have any questions please call our office. The Arizona Humane Society has done a lot of the work in identifying this new threat to the dogs in our area.  I am sure that in the future, the vaccine that we use will be changed to provide protection against these new virus strains. Until that happens we all will need to be very diligent in how we care for our dogs and where we let them go and what dogs they associate with.

Dr. Finlayson

It is Christmas

The Christmas Season is a special time of year for most of us.  It is a time when we reflect on what has occurred during the year and look forward with plans to make life better in the coming New Year.  Over 2000 years ago, Jesus was born in humble surroundings.  He was born in a stable with animals around him and laid in a manger which served as his first bed. 

Animals have served humans for thousands of years.  At the time that Jesus was born animals were the primary mode of transportation over land.  If you didn’t ride a horse or burro or ride a cart pulled by and animal you walked.  We still use animals for food and other products, but many items that used to be made from animals are now made from other materials.  The companionship animals provide is still a part of all our lives.

Animals and our pets become part of the family.  We depend on them for their friendship and companionship.  When I have a frustration day at work, my cat Tigger is happy to see me and accepts me and is affectionate even though I am in a bad mood.  There is a special bond that develops with a dog when it is part of your family.  Dogs are always happy to see you when you come home and let you know that you are number one in their life.  Horses have special personalities and after a good hard ride you and your horse grow to know each other.  You learn what your horse can do and also needs to be taught and your horse learns what you expect from him and after time will anticipate what you want him to do before you ask.

Animals give us all a lot.  In return we are responsible for providing them with the necessary things that they need in their life such as food, water, shelter, and medical care.  It is easy to see when the food or water bowl is empty and fill it.  It is also obvious to us when a dog needs better shelter. However, animals do not talk to us.  They do communicate, but through actions more than words and sometimes and animal can be ill for a long time before their actions speak loud enough to let us know they are sick or have a health problem. 

At this Christmas season when we are all caught up in giving gifts to friends and family, take that time to give your 4 legged family members the gift of good health.  Dogs and Cats and other pets should have a checkup every 6 months.  Routine vaccinations along with parasite control and parasite prevention keep your 4 legged friends happy and healthy and comfortable. In addition to a checkup, older animals should have routine blood tests to check for hidden problems that do not always show up on a physical examination.  Please give the office a call to schedule a gift of health for your 4 legged family members.

Most of all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dr. Finlayson

Why Vaccinate Your Phoenix or Glendale Pet?

If you just adopted a new four-legged member of the household, do you know when — or whether — it has been vaccinated against common animal diseases? Even if you do have that information, do you know when the next vaccinations are due?

Here at Finlayson Animal Hospital P.C., we would love to see every pet in Phoenix and Glendale properly protected against potentially serious threats to their health. Take a moment to review a few of the common vaccinations you should make sure your pet receives.

Our Animal Clinic Safeguards Your Pet's Health

Rabies, of course, poses a serious threat to animals and humans alike. Rabies passes from animal to animal through bites, and an infected pet (or person) can suffer brain damage and eventually die. A veterinarian cannot confirm rabies in a living animal, and if your pet shows the symptoms you may have to have the pet euthanized. Keeping up a regular program of vaccinations can help prevent this sad outcome for your family.

You can begin your pet’s rabies vaccinations when he or she is only 3 months old. Our veterinarian, Dr. Finlayson will then give you a schedule for follow up vaccinations, as booster shots are often required to uphold the efficacy of the vaccine.

Dogs and cats get species-specific variants of many of the same diseases, notably distemper. Dogs should also be vaccinated against hepatitis, parvovirus, Giardia and the virus that can lead to “kennel cough.”

Cats have their own special vulnerabilities to diseases such as panleukopenia and respiratory conditions such as calicivirus or viral rhinotracheitis.

If you keep horses, they will need vaccinations not only against rabies but also equine influenza, botulism, the respiratory disease known as “strangles,” and especially tetanus.

Fortunately, our animal hospital is able to take care of all your pets’ vaccination needs. We also offer equine veterinarian services alongside our caring, experienced treatment of dogs, cats and other animals.

Do you have a burning question about a particular vaccine or the illness it treats? Post it here!

Reasons to Spay and Neuter Your Pets

When you choose to spay and neuter your dog or cat, you make a decision that will benefit you and your pet. Your pet will be treated to a lifetime of better health since spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of various health issues. You'll benefit as well since pets that have been neutered are generally better behaved than their intact counterparts.

Finlayson Animal Hospital Offers the Benefits
of Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Female dogs and cats can develop uterine infections and cancers as they age. During the spaying surgery, our veterinarian will remove your pet's uterus, eliminating the risk entirely. Spaying will also prevent your pet from going into heat; our Glendale veterinarian recommends spaying at about six months of age for best results.

Male dogs and cats that are left intact are more likely to be aggressive or respond to aggression by fighting. Neutering your male pet will keep him safe from the injuries that can be caused by fighting and significantly reduce your veterinary bills -- no fighting means fewer injuries and vet visits.

Neutered males are also less likely to wander; it is easy for a male pet to become lost as he tracks down a female in a different part of your neighborhood. Your male dog or cat will be less likely to make a dash for freedom the first time a gate or door is left open if he has been neutered. Male dogs can be neutered at around six months of age; the earlier you neuter your pet, the earlier you'll see the behavioral benefits.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the spaying and neutering process and its benefits, call our Glendale office and we'd be happy to help.

We'd love to know -- what do you think is the best reason to spay or neuter your pet?

Phoenix and Glendale Pets Get Quality Holiday Boarding

Holidays can be stressful enough without having to worry about your pets.  With everything going on during the holiday season like traveling to visit family and friends you will have find a place for your family pet to stay while you are away. Animal boarding is available at Finlayson Animal Hospital P.C. for Phoenix and Glendale pets.  Our hospital takes cats, dogs and pot bellied pigs that are less than 75 pounds.  Our facilities are clean and each animal has their own quarters to rest and relax.  The kennels are cleaned frequently with chemicals that kill bacteria and viruses but are safe for the animals.  Our housing facility is heated during the winter months.

Boarding requirements at our animal clinic include current vaccinations; you need to bring proof of vaccinations with you when you drop off your pet. Upon entry each dog will be treated with Frontline for fleas and ticks. Each cat will be treated with Advantage for fleas.  Our veterinarian feels that these treatments are necessary to keep your pet safe from flea and tick exposure.  Pot bellied pigs need current Tetanus and Erysepelas vaccinations.

Boarding at Finlayson Animal Hospital Makes the Difference

It is important to our veterinarian, Dr. Finlayson, to provide the best care possible that makes your pet feel at home.  Some things that you can do as a pet owner to make the transition as easy as possible is to bring a piece of home with you when you drop off your pet.  To provide comfort for your pet, bring an article of clothing or blanket that you use frequently so that you pet will be soothed by having your scent close to them.  You can also bring beds, chew toys or other small items that will help your pet feel more at home during the boarding period. If they have specific food they eat then bring that too.

If you live in Phoenix or Glendale, you will rest easy by choosing holiday boarding accommodations from our animal clinic. If you want a clean, friendly boarding house for your furry family member during the holiday season then our clinic can help you. Call today to reserve your spot because our boarding house fills up fast especially during the holiday season.

What other tips do you have for pet owners who are concerned about leaving their pet in a boarding facility?