#3. What is a distemper vaccine, and why does my dog and cat need it?

#3. What is a distemper vaccine, and why does my dog and cat need it?

From the series “Top Twenty Questions Veterinary Clients Ask” Distemper vaccines are multivalent. This means a distemper vaccine protects your pet against 3-4 of the common viruses that can cause illness or death in cats and dogs.  Most canine distemper vaccines are comprised of modified distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus.  Most feline distemper vaccines are modified panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.  Canine viruses can be carried by foxes, coyotes, and other animals.  Feline viruses are

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#2. Why do my pets have to be vaccinated against Rabies?

#2. Why do my pets have to be vaccinated against Rabies?

From the series, Top Twenty Questions Clients Ask Rabies is 100% fatal. Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to animals and humans.  The disease is transmitted mainly by bite, but exposure may also occur through contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes with saliva from an infected animal. Once neurological symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans. Children are the main victims. “Rabies is primarily a disease

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#1. Why test my dog for heartworm every year, when she is on heartworm prevention medication?

#1. Why test my dog for heartworm every year, when she is on heartworm prevention medication?

From the Series: Top Twenty Questions Asked by Veterinary Clients Heartworm disease is fatal. Juvenile worms attach to the inner surface of the right atrium and grow to a foot in length as they feed on blood and heart tissue. Their bodies block the proper function of the heart causing heart failure, but not before their breeding causes a chronic pneumonia making it hard for pets to breathe.  Coughing, difficulty breathing, then heart failure and

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Internet Pharmacy Policy

Internet Pharmacy Policy

A recent warning issued to veterinarians from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the safety and business ethics of online pharmacies has influenced our hospital policy. YOUR PET’S HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. Because the FDA warns medications sold over the internet may be repackaged, counterfeit, and improperly stored, you may be purchasing a reduced or altered form of the medication; which is why medications sold through online pharmacies are NOT GUARANTEED by their

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Common Illnesses

Common Illnesses

Written by Dr. Nicole Cummings According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the top 10 most common conditions affecting our pets are: 1. Allergies 2. Bladder Infection 3. Arthritis 4. Diabetes 5. Skin cancer 6. Gum Disease 7. Acne 8, Stomach Ulcers 9. Cataracts 10. Laryngitis As you can see, people are not the only ones who suffer from allergies. Allergies are the top claims among all pet medical issues. Followed by urinary tract infections and arthritis.

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Bugs on the South Coast: Pets feel the sting

Bugs on the South Coast: Pets feel the sting

[alert type=”yellow”]“Dogs are 100 times more likely to get a tick than humans. They get attached to fur. They’re not as good groomers as cats that tend to groom them off,” said Dr. Francis.[/alert] From Sippican Week, By Georgia Sparling | Aug 05, 2012 Pets and livestock are just as, if not more, susceptible to this year’s large population of nasty bugs. When Dr. Rachel Francis says it’s been a record year, that’s not something

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Pet Plan Insurance- Success Story!

A Pet Insurance Success”Whoever thought pets should have insurance?? I thought it was just an extra expense we didn’t need. Well I am sure glad we did put pet insurance on our dog. Wrigley needed knee surgery in both knees weeks apart! TTA surgery was covered 80% (after the deductable we initially chose) and (because it was performed by a specialist) through our Petplan Insurance company. Both knee surgeries at Cape Cod Vet Specialists totaled

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Pet Acupuncture Testimonial

Pet Acupuncture Testimonial

“Acupuncture for dogs??? Yes,and with remarkable results. Iʼd like to share our story about how acupuncture has helped Ling, our 13 year old pit bull, continue to enjoy an active life. Weʼve had ling since she was 3 months old. Someone who knew that I took in stray animals had found her abandoned in New Bedford and brought her to me. Needless to say, she is very special to us and it broke our hearts

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Marion Animal Hospital Goes Green!

Marion Animal Hospital Goes Green!

Written by Beth Cosgrove Recently our staff members have been concerned with the amount of plastic trash that is produced everyday here at the hospital. Items such as plastic wrap that is used to protect the products that are packaged and shipped to us, to plastic trays that our vaccines are stored in the amount we produce on a daily basis is a concern to us. Beth the hospitalʼs grooming assistant has organized a new

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Pet Acupuncture at The Marion Animal Hospital

Pet Acupuncture at The Marion Animal Hospital

Written by Chantelle Pavao Below is a wonderful testimonial from one of Dr. Kimberley Suh’s acupuncture clients, the Cammarata/ Kullas Family! “In September of 2010, Oliver, a nine month old black lab joined our family of three (Bob, Sandy and Ruby, our female black lab). It was instant love, however, shortly after Ollie’s arrival, he developed chronic skin issues. The condition seemed to only improve, and then only temporarily, with the administering of antibiotics and drugs

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Pet Health Insurance

Pet Health Insurance

Pet Health Insurance “Protect your pet.  And yourself.”  That is the slogan of Trupanion, and here at Marion Animal Hospital we support and recommend that motto.  What is Trupanion?  It’s a great pet insurance company used by many of our clients, and their pets. Why should you have pet insurance?  Unexpected accidents and illnesses happen but it’s good to know that a company like Trupanion covers 90% of the actual costs of veterinary care if

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The Problem: Helping Wild Animals

The Problem: Helping Wild Animals

The arrival of spring and summer means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures are upset by people who mean only to help. These people take baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to save them. In fact, these would-be rescuers are

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Heartworm Disease

Heartworm Disease

HEARTWORM DISEASE         Heartworm is a preventable and serious disease that is costly and difficult to cure. Unfortunately, many dog owners choose not use a monthly preventative. The only way for a dog to become infected is by the bite of a mosquito. All 50 states have reported Heartworm disease and the numbers are on the rise. It is not only spreading rapidly throughout the United States, but also in areas where

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Dog Urine Damage to Yards

Dog Urine Damage to Yards

Written by Texas Farm Radio Lawn damage from dog urine. Many of you may have dogs and also want a well manicured lawn.  Although many people believe dog urine and feces is a lawn fertilizer, this is not always the case. Urine and feces in small amounts can cause a green up or fertilizer effect. However, dog urine in large amounts can cause dead brown patches surrounded by a green outside ring called lawn burn.

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Fisher Cats

Fisher Cats

Written by Tabetha A Fisher CatFisher Cats are very secretive animals and are rarely seen, but can be found throughout Massachusetts including most recently – Cape Cod. These predators prey on small mammals and poultry, including domestic cats, rabbits and chickens. They can be seen all year round and hunt day or night. For safety reasons, you domestic cats should be kept indoors. All outside animals should have secure pens or cages. Do not leave

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