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A description of the FVRCP vaccine and why it is recommended 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.

The important of routine wellness exams and what to expect during an exam. 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.

A description of what we offer for surgery, including spays, neuters and soft tissue surgery. Surgery Colchester Veterinary Hospital provides many surgical services , ranging from routine to advanced procedures. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to specialists (board-certified veterinary surgeons) to perform complex operations when advanced equipment or training will be beneficial. Our veterinary team takes every precaution so that your pet receives the highest-quality care. We perform a physical exam and preanesthetic testing before surgery, monitor your pet during surgery, and provide appropriate pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery. Spay/Ovariohysterectomy Spaying, which involves removing the ovaries and uterus, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure her safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe. Neuter/Castration Neutering, which involves removing the testicles, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe. Soft Tissue Surgery We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets. Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (nonharmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous. Other soft tissue surgeries include abdominal exploratory surgeries (such as those for foreign bodies), limb amputation, splenectomies, and cystotomies (for bladder stones).

A description, including bio and picture, of our customer service representatives. 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.

A description of radiology services provided at Colchester Veterinary Hospital Radiography Radiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in veterinary practice. Other imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging are also very important and commonly available in specialty practices. Imaging can provide a large amount of information and should not cause unacceptable discomfort to the animal. Although radiography itself is painless, sedation is often desirable to reduce anxiety and stress associated with the procedure, to promote acquisition of good diagnostic studies with minimal repeats, and to control pain associated with manipulation in animals with painful disorders such as fractures and arthritis. If sedation is needed, your veterinarian will discuss this with you before hand.

A description of the accessibility of our website and how to contact us. Accessibility Colchester Veterinary Hospital is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability. We aim to adhere as closely as possible to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0, Level AA), published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines explain how to make Web content more accessible for people with disabilities. Conformance with these guidelines will help make the web more user friendly to everyone. Whilst Colchester Veterinary Hospital strive to adhere to the guidelines and standards for accessibility, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website and we are currently working to achieve this. Be aware that due to the dynamic nature of the website, minor issues may occasionally occur as it is updated regularly. We are continually seeking out solutions that will bring all areas of the site up to the same level of overall web accessibility. If you have any comments and or suggestions relating to improving the accessibility of our site, please don't hesitate to contact our accessibility coordinator by phone or colchestervh@gmail.com . Your feedback will help us make improvements.

Colchester Veterinary Hospital: Exceptional Veterinary Medicine in Truro. Offering same-day urgent care appointments, learn more about our clinic and stay connected. Providing compassionate veterinary care in a low-stress environment OUR SERVICES WELLNESS EXAMS VACCINATIONS SURGERY ANESTHESIA DENTISTRY URGENT CARE RADIOLOGY MICROCHIPPING EUTHANASIA our_services EMERGENCIES Emergencies outside of regular hours can call: 1-902-703-2323 KEEP IN TOUCH 190 Industrial Avenue Truro NS B2N 6V4 Email: ColchesterVH@gmail.com Tel: (902) 897-7387 OUR ADDRESS Monday 8:00AM-5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM-5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM-5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays OPENING HOURS CONTACT US about contact ABOUT OUR CLINIC Colc hester Veterinary Hospital is locally owned and operated by Dr. Karen Johnson . Our hospital is conveniently located in the Truro Industrial Park, with ample parking and quick and easy access from Highway 102 (Exit 13). Our hospital is located in Mi'kma'ki, the traditional, ancestral land of my Mi'kmaq People. We acknowledge the Mi'kmaq people as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land as we continue to uphold the treaties of peace and friendship as a settler and descendant here in Mi'kma'ki. We also recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies and contributions have enriched Mi’kma’ki for over 400 years. We are proud to offer a low str ess experience for you and your pets. We are committed to providing quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. Our caring team is focused on offering preventive health care as well as early detection and treatment. We offer a full-service hospital and provide general wellness examinations, vaccinations, dentistry and dental digital imagining, surgeries, digital radiology, ultrasonography, pain control, pharmacy prescriptions, and end of life appointments. Choosing a new veterinary clinic is an important decision . We are dedicated to providing the best experience for you and you pets. Our terrific team would love to meet you and look forward to your call! Submit Thanks for submitting! We will reply within 48 hours. If the matter is urgent please call the hospital.

A description of the DAPP vaccine and why we recommend it. 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.

This is a description of our hospital manager and includes a bio and picture. 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!

A description of bordetella and recommendations for the vaccine Bordetella Vaccine Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that is associated with respiratory disease in dogs. It is one of the components of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, sometimes referred to as kennel cough, upper respiratory infection, or infectious tracheitis. Dogs who will be in areas where they may come into contact with other dogs (e.g. doggy day care, the groomers, the dog park, boarding facilities) are more likely to come into contact with this bacterium and develop signs of an upper respiratory infection. Clinical signs of an upper respiratory infection include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, etc. If you suspect that your dog has an infection, it is important to isolate your dog from other dogs and contact your veterinarian right away. There are bordetella vaccines available for dogs which can lessen the severity of disease and can even prevent infection altogether. This vaccine is an optional vaccine, not a core vaccine. It important to keep in mind that this vaccine only helps protect against one thing that can cause respiratory disease. Your dog can still develop an upper respiratory tract infection if they come in contact with other infectious organisms.

Here you will find a description about the staff members Meet The Team Dr Karen Johnson Owner and Veterinarian Annika Veterinary Assistant Sam Registered Veterinary Technician Candice Customer Service Representative

Inside Our Hospital We are proud of the design and layout of our hospital. Our goal is to make visits as low-stress as possible - for both you and your pets!