HoofBeats

West Nile Virus update:

As reported by Fort Dodge representative Garet Becker, the number of cases of West Nile virus infection in the horse population in Indiana this year has significantly decreased from last year. This is very good news for horse owners. It speaks highly of the effectiveness of Fort Dodge Animal Health's West Nile Virus vaccine.

As with all vaccines, the goal is to prevent disease... vaccines do not work well after an animal gets sick. The West Nile Virus vaccine is no exception. Horses need to be vaccinated prior to the mosquito season so that they will have adequate protection if bitten. Current recommendations are that a horse get 2 doses of the vaccine spaced 2-4 weeks apart, followed by a once a year booster. Yearly boosters should be given in the Spring, before heavy mosquito populations emerge.

...On the Wild Side

Wildlife Rehab a busy, successful year!

Dr. Jones holds a Federal Wildlife Rehabilitator's license, and Southlane Veterinary Hospital is an adjunct referral facility to the University of Minnesota's noted Raptor Rehab Center.

This past year Dr. Jones and the staff treated numerous injured Red-Tail Hawks, Owls, Canadian Geese, and ducks, along with the usual orphaned bunnies, raccoons, and squirrels.    

!!! New Service at Southlane !!!

Laser Surgery Now Available at Southlane

  Often used in human surgery, Laser technology is now available at Southlane. Laser surgery uses a high frequency, focused beam of light. It has well recognized benefits over conventional surgery using a scalpel blade. These benefits include:

• Little to no bleeding.
• Greatly decreased swelling after surgery.
• Significantly decreased pain.
• Much less chance of infection post-operatively.

  The Laser can be used in any surgical procedure, but it will be especially beneficial to the recovery of dogs and cats after routine spays and neuters, and for cats after declawing.

Got Fleas?

Fleas Are Coming!

As the weather turns warmer outside fleas are ready to begin multiplying. Now is the time to begin your preventative control. Topical products such as Frontline-Plus should be applied through December to assure no fleas infest your pets and home.

Fun Flea Facts:

• Fleas can jump up to 3 feet!
• 90% of the population of an established flea infestation will be in your house and yard! ...and not on your pet. Adult fleas stay on the pet, but the egg, cocoon, larval, and immature adult stages will infest the environment and keep an infestation active.
• Fleas are blood-sucking parasites. "Flea Dirt," the tiny black specks found in a pet's coat that has fleas, is actually flea excrement ( ie digested blood...yuck!) and will turn a rust-red color if wiped with hydrogen peroxide.
• The average life-span of an adult flea is 90 days. This is why you should treat for at least 3 months if you find fleas on your pet.
• Flea cocoons may lay dormant for a year or more. They'll hatch out in response to heat and vibrations (...like when you walk into your new house or apartment!)