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Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect all mammals—including dogs, cats, and people—and is certainly not something you want to risk or mess around with. It’s transmitted to other animals via a bite, and kills tens of thousands of people every year worldwide. ​ While canine rabies has been mostly eradicated in North America, an infected animal can still infect other dogs, cats, cattle, horses, people, and domestic animals. Making sure you get a rabies vaccine for cats in your home is the best way to protect everyone—including your furry friends. Doing so also helps prevent the re-emergence of rabies. ​ In most domestic species, the incubation period is generally between 3 to 8 weeks, but can be as short as nine days or as long as a year or more. The virus attacks and replicates in the nervous system, causing the clinical signs of rabies. ​ There are two forms of rabies: the excitatory form (sometimes call the “furious” stage) and the paralytic form (also referred to as the “dumb stage.”) Not all animals experience both stages, and symptoms can vary. Symptoms may include: Vicious, erratic behavior (the classic form) Foaming at the mouth Heightened sensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli Weakness Paralysis Death from respiratory failure Once symptoms appear, rabies generally results in death in 3 to 8 days. There is no treatment for rabies. The good news is this disease can be easily prevented via a rabies vaccine for cats. ​ Generally, kittens receive their first rabies vaccine at or after16 weeks of age, which stimulates the immune system to make antibodies. A second single dose of rabies vaccine is administered one year later regardless of the age of the cat, and then every three years thereafter.

Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring Ensuring our patients remain safe during surgery and other medical procedures is extremely important to us. Our team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians is skilled in using anesthesia and monitoring patients to ensure their safety and provide the most comfortable experience. Anesthesia and patient monitoring vary greatly from clinic to clinic. You can be confident that we use the most effective and up-to-date protocols. The type of anesthesia we use depends on the procedure. Some require general anesthesia, while others may only call for sedation or local anesthesia. We also closely monitor every procedure, regardless of whether it’s routine or more advanced.

Customer Service Representative A Bit About Me Hi, my name is Candice! I was born and raised on the South Shore but I have lived in Truro with my family since 2003. I graduated from the NSCC with a certificate in Human Services. I have many years of experience in customer service. Outside of work, I have a busy family life. I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren and a house full of international students. We also own a 12 yr old beloved golden retriever named Sierra. I love taking her for walks in Victoria Park and around my neighbourhood. I look forward to welcoming you and your fur babies to the Colchester Veterinary Hospital.

Wellness Exams My pet is healthy, why bother going to the vet? ​ Your pet's annual wellness exam is a veterinary 'check-up' for your cat or dog. Wellness exams - or pet checkups - take place once or twice a year while your pet appears to be perfectly healthy. These examinations are a great way to help your pet achieve optimal health by focusing on prevention and early disease detection. By taking your healthy dog or cat in to see their vet regularly, you give your veterinarian the opportunity to monitor your pet's overall health and check for diseases that can be difficult to spot in the early stages (such as cancers and parasites). How often should my pet have a routine wellness exam? ​ The recommended frequency of your pet's wellness exams depends upon your pet's age, previous medical history, lifestyle, and breed risk for developing diseases. If your animal is healthy at the moment but has a history of illness or a higher than average risk of developing a disease, seeing your vet twice a year can help to ensure that your pet stays as healthy as possible. For adult pets in good health yearly wellness exams are often ideal. Animals that are very young or very old tend to be more susceptible to illness, and sometimes your veterinarian will recommend more frequent examinations. If you have a senior pet, or an animal such as a giant breed dog that faces an increased risk of developing disease, twice-yearly wellness exams are recommended. This will give your veterinarian an opportunity to check your pet for the earliest signs of disease, and get treatment started before the condition becomes more severe. What will happen at my pet's routine wellness exam? ​ When you bring your pet in to see us for their wellness exam we will review your pet's medical history and ask if there is anything about your dog or cat's health or behavior that you are concerned about. A veterinary team member will also ask you about your pet's diet, lifestyle, exercise routine, level of thirst, and urination. ​ Next, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your pet which generally includes the following: Weighing your pet Checking the animal's stance and gait for irregularities Examining your pet's feet and nails for damage or signs of more serious health concerns Listening to your animal's heart and lungs Taking a close look at your dog or cat's skin for issues such as dryness, parasites, or lumps Inspecting the overall condition of your pet's coat, watching for dandruff or bald patches Checking eyes for redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge Examining your pet's ears for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps Looking at your pet's teeth for any indication of periodontal disease, damage or tooth decay Feeling along your pet's body (palpating) for signs of illness such as swelling, evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion, and signs of pain Palpate your pet's abdomen to access whether the internal organs appear to be normal and to check for signs of discomfort ​ ​ All of these checks and more can be done quickly and easily if no issues are detected along the way. No doubt your vet will continue to chat with you as they perform this comprehensive examination. ​ Annual vaccines will also be given at your pet's wellness exam, based upon the appropriate schedule for your cat or dog. Vaccinations for puppies and kittens, as well as booster shots for adult dogs and cats, are an important part of giving your animal their very best chance at a long and happy life. Keeping your pet up to date on vaccines throughout their life will help to protect your furry friend against a range of contagious, potentially serious, diseases and conditions. Why is my vet recommending extra tests for my pet? ​ As well as the general checks listed above, your veterinarian may also recommend additional wellness testing. When deciding whether your dog or cat should have additional testing it's important to keep in mind that in many cases early detection and treatment of disease is less expensive and less invasive than treating the condition once it has reached more advanced stages. ​ The following tests screen for a range of conditions and can help detect the very earliest signs of disease, even before symptoms appear: Complete blood count (CBC) Chemistry profile Thyroid hormone testing Urinalysis ​ ​ If you have a senior pet or a giant breed dog, more detailed diagnostic testing may also be recommended including x-rays and other imaging. ​ What happens once the examination is complete? ​ Once the examination is complete, and your pet has received their annual vaccines, your vet will take the time to discuss any findings with you. If your veterinarian has detected any signs of illness or injury, they will take the time to speak to you about more detailed diagnostics, or available treatment options. ​ If your dog or cat is given a clean bill of health, your vet may offer tips or recommendations regarding your pet's diet and exercise routines, oral health, or appropriate parasite prevention. ​

Veterinary Assistant A Bit About Me I'm Annika! My partner and I moved back to Nova Scotia from Toronto in 2021. My passion for wild animals and conservation led me to attend the Durham College Veterinary Assistant program specifically focused towards wildlife rehab. I spent my co-op at the Toronto Zoo working with snow leopards and red pandas and graduated on to finish an internship in South Africa rewilding and studying the wild cheetah population. My partner and I own a farm sanctuary in South Maitland where we aim to educate on sustainability and animal welfare for the younger generations. I love emergency medicine as well as helping assist animals in need!

Dentistry Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist! For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. Common signs of dental disease include: Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth Red, swollen, or bleeding gums Bad breath Excessive drooling ​ Changes in eating or chewing habits Pawing at the face Loose teeth We perform an oral exam at every wellness appointment (temperament permitting). Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly oral surgery (typically extractions). ​

Veterinary Technician Sam started with us in September of 2024. She earned her veterinary technician diploma from Dalhousie Agriculture Campus. Prior to this she also earned a BSc (agriculture) in animal science and a certificate in animal welfare. Sam passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam in 2023 and has been working as a tech ever since. Sam has 2 cats at home named Bella and Luna, and a gentle giant named Beaufort, a St. Bernard. When needed, Sam and her furry family members make room for her Fiance Matt in their home in Oxford NS. Sam's love for animals extends to her love of the outdoors, as well as riding and training with horses. She loves all aspects veterinary medicine and looks forward to continuing her career at Colchester Veterinary Hospital.

Euthanasia One of the hardest things we will ever do as pet owners is saying goodbye. Our pets are such an important part of our families, and making the decision to end suffering is a very difficult and emotional choice. The staff will do what they can to help you through the process. Our goal is to help you and your pet by ensuring a calm environment and a peaceful passing. Please contact us for additional information.

Distemper, Advenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus Vaccine Several of the most common vaccines are typically given together in a single shot that’s known as the DHPP, DAPP or DA2PP vaccine. This combination vaccine is considered a core vaccine, which means all dogs should receive it regardless of their lifestyle. Core vaccines tend to protect against viruses that are highly contagious, cause serious disease, and have high fatality rates. ​ This vaccine protects against canine distemper virus (indicated by the letter D), two types of adenovirus , parainfluenza (P), and parvovirus (P). ​ These diseases are all caused by viruses with no known cure, so vaccination is the primary way to keep dogs protected. They are also highly contagious, and dogs of all ages are at risk of becoming infected. Canine Distemper Virus Canine distemper virus is related to the virus that causes measles in humans. Distemper is spread through the air, by direct contact with an infected animal or by indirect contact through shared bedding or dishes. This serious disease targets the respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of a dog. Infe cted dogs may suffer from a high fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and watery discharge from the nose and eyes. Progressive stages of disease may include pneumonia, seizures, and paralysis. Distemper can quickly become fatal. For dogs that do survive, the disease can cause permanent brain damage. Newborn puppies and unvaccinated dogs of any age have the highest risk of infection. Canine Ade novirus There are two types of canine adenovirus (CAV): CAV-1 , which is also k nown as infectious canine hepatitis, is the more serious of the two types. It spreads through the urine and feces and can severely damage the liver. Even after the initial infection clears, dogs may suffer long-term, irreversible changes to the liver, kidneys, and eyes. CAV-2 is one of the diseases commonly associated with canine infectious respiratory disease complex (aka kennel cough). The virus spreads directly from dog to dog through coughing and sneezing. Infected dogs typically experience a dry, hacking cough along with a fever and nasal discharge. Canine Parainfluenza Like CAV-2, canine parainfluenza is another virus responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex . It is also transmitted in the air and can spread rapidly, especially in areas where large numbers of dogs are kept together. Coughing, fever, and nasal discharge are the major symptoms associated with infection. One important thing to remember is that canine parainfluenza is not related to canine influenza. The two viruses cause different diseases and require separate vaccines for protection. Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal disease. Although dogs of all ages are susceptible, puppies that aren’t yet fully vaccinated have the highest risk of i nfection. Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and causes damage to the GI tract, resulting in vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid fluid and protein loss. Treatment often requires hospitalization and intensive care. The virus is highly resistant to many common disinfectants and can remain in the environment (including soil) for up to one year. ​ How Often Does My Dog Need the DHPP Vaccine? The combination vaccine is initially given as a series of injections spread out over a number of weeks. However, because it is a combo vaccine, your puppy will only need one shot per visit. Puppies at least 6 weeks of age receive a dose every two to four weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. For dogs who are older than 16 weeks but have never been vaccinated, the num ber of initial doses is reduced to two. All dogs should receive booster doses of the vaccine every one to three years, depending on the vaccine label and your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Feline Leukemia Vaccine Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2 and 3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below). Fortunately, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased significantly in the past 25 years since the development of an effective vaccine and accurate testing procedures. ​ Cats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection for other cats. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat's body – probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions. ​ Cats at greatest risk of FeLV infection are those that may be exposed to infected cats, either via prolonged close contact or through bite wounds. Such cats include cats living with infected cats or with cats of unknown infection status, cats allowed outdoors unsupervised where they may be bitten by an infected cat, and kittens born to infected mothers. ​ FeLV adversely aff ects a cat's body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, may cause various blood disorders, and may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders a cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. Because of this, disease that usually do not affect healthy cats can cause severe illness in FeLV-infected cats. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FeLV. ​ The only sure way to protect cats from FeLV is to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats. Keeping cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats is recommended. If outdoor access is allowed, provide supervision or place cats in a secure enclosure to prevent wandering and fighting. All cats should be tested for FeLV prior to introducing t hem into a home, and infection-free cats should be housed separately from infected cats. Food and water bowls and litter boxes should not be shared between FeLV-infected cats and non-infected cats. Unfortunately, many FeLV-infected cats are not diagnosed until after they have lived with other cats. In such cases, all other cats in the household should be tested for FeLV. Ideally, infected and non-infected cats should then be separated to eliminate the potential for FeLV transmission. ​ A relatively effective vaccine against FeLV is available, although it will not protect 100% of cats vaccinated, and it is not considered a core vaccine. Owners contemplating FeLV vaccination for their uninfected cats should consider the cats' risk of exposure to FeLV-infected cats and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with a veterinarian. Since not all vaccinated cats will be protected by vaccination, preventing exposure remains important even for vaccinated pets.

Feline Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia Vaccine (FVRCP) The FVRCP vaccine is one of two core vaccines for cats. Core vaccines are shots that are strongly recommended for all cats regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor cats. ​ Although you may believe that your indoor cat is immune to the infectious diseases listed below, viruses that cause these serious feline illnesses can survive on surfaces for up to a year. That means that even if your indoor cat sneaks out the door fo r a few seconds, they could contract the virus and become seriously ill. ​ Conditions That The FVRCP Vaccine Protects Against : ​ The FVRCP vaccine protects your cat against three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (the FVR part of the vac cine name), Feline Calicivirus (the C), and Feline Panleukopenia (the P at the end of the vaccine name). Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR, feline herpesvirus type 1 or FHV-1) is believed to be the cause of 80-90 percent of all infectious upper respiratory diseases in cats. This disease can harm your cat's nose and windpipe, as well as cause complications during pregnancy. Fever, sneezing, inflamed eyes and nose, and discharge from the nose and eyes are all symptoms of FVR. These symptoms may be mild in healthy adult cats and clear up after 5-10 days, but in more severe cases, FVR symptoms can last for 6 weeks or longer. FHV-1 symptoms may persist and worsen in kittens, senior cats, and immune-compromised cats, resulting in depression, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and mouth sores. Bacterial infections are common in cats suffering from feline viral rhinotracheitis. Even after the symptoms of FVR have cleared up the virus remains dormant in your cat's body and can flare up repeatedly over your kitty's lifetime. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) This virus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Feline calicivirus (FCV) symptoms incl ude nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation , and clear or yellow discharge from the infected cat's nose or eyes. In some cats, FCV can also cause painful ulcers on the tongue, palate, lips, or nose. Common symptoms of FCV infection include loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting, and lethargy. It's important to remember that there are several different strains of FCV, some of which cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pneumonia) and others that cause symptoms like fever, joint pain, and lameness. Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) ​ Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) is a virus that causes damage to your cat's bone marrow, lymph nodes, and intestinal cells. FPL symptom s include depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration. Due to the weakened state of their immune systems, cats infected with FPL frequently develop secondary infections. Although this disease can affect cats of any age, kittens are particularly vulnerable. Because there are currently no medications available to kill the vir us that causes FPL, cats with feline panleukopenia are treated with intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care to alleviate symptoms such as dehydration and shock. When Your Cat Should Receive The FVRCP Vaccination To provide th e best possible protection, your cat should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at around 8 weeks old, followed by a booster shot every four weeks until they are around 16-20 weeks old. When your kitten is just over a year old, they will need another booster, and then every three years for the rest of their lives.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect all mammals—including dogs, cats, and people—and is certainly not something you want to risk or mess around with. It’s transmitted to other animals via a bite, and kills tens of thousands of people every year worldwide. ​ While canine rabies has been mostly eradicated in North America, an infected animal can still infect other dogs, cats, cattle, horses, people, and domestic animals. Making sure you get a rabies vaccine for dogs in your home is the best way to protect everyone—including your furry friends. Doing so also helps prevent the re-emergence of rabies. ​ In most domestic species, the incubation period is generally between 3 to 8 weeks, but can be as short as nine days or as long as a year or more. The virus attacks and replicates in the nervous system, causing the clinical signs of rabies. There are two forms of rabies: the excitatory form (sometimes call the “furious” stage) and the paralytic form (also referred to as the “dumb stage.”) Not all animals experience both stages, and symptoms can vary. Symptoms may include: Vicious, erratic behavior (the classic form) Foaming at the mouth Heightened sensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli Weakness Paralysis Death from respiratory failure Once symptoms appear, rabies generally results in death in 3 to 8 days. There is no treatment for rabies. The good news is this disease can be easily prevented via a rabies vaccine for dogs. ​ Generally, puppies receive their first rabies vaccine at or after16 weeks of age, which stimulates the immune system to make antibodies. A second single dose of rabies vaccine is administered one year later regardless of the age of the dog, and then every three years thereafter. ​ ​