Physical Examinations
When scheduling annual vaccinations, you are scheduling the most important veterinary visit of the year for your cat. This is the time that your doctor is able to provide a "hands on" exam for your cat.
A yearly examination and annual vaccinations improve your cat's overall health and promote longevity. Early detection of disease usually results in more successful treatment and is less costly for the owner. Cats tend to hide early disease symptoms, so by the time the owner notices something is wrong, kitty may be very ill.
During the annual exam the doctor checks the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, teeth and gums for infection or disease. Oral exams may indicate heavy dental tartar or gingevitis. A dental cleaning may be suggested to prevent potential liver, kidney or heart infection.
The heart and lungs are heard through a stethoscope. The doctor is listening for possible heart murmurs, arrhythmia abnormal heart rates, bronchial or lung congestion. These conditions can be detected and usually treated.
In addition to the above, the doctor also checks the cat's lymph nodes, muscular/skeletal and neurological system and fitness of the skin and coat. He/She will also feel the organs in the abdominal area for abnormalities.
Vaccinations
At A Cat Practice, Inc., your cat's vaccination needs are based on your cat's risk levels. Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are diseases for which preventative vaccinations are available. In addition, Rabies vaccinations are required by all local jurisdictions for both indoor and outdoor cats.
Kitten Exams & Vaccinations
Kitty's physical exams are given in two series, two to four weeks apart. Deworming for round and hookworms is done during both exams. The vaccines administered are: Rabies, FVRCP and Leukemia. The first exam can be done as early as 8 weeks. Cats that have never been vaccinated should receive their vaccines in two series also.
In addition, we recommend that all new kittens be tested for Feline Leukemia. Feline Leukemia is a fatal virus that even a healthy appearing kitten could be harboring. Because this virus could be communicated to other cats in your household, we recommend having the kitten tested before you take the kitten home or before introducing it to other cat(s).
All new cats over 4 months of age that have been outside should also be tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Contact A Cat Practice today at 301-587-0052 to schedule an appointment, or browse the website for more information about services/treatments or our staff.
