FACTS
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation VOM
TM
A. What is VOM™?
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is a healing technology that locates areas of the animal’s nervous system that has fallen out of communication, and reestablishes neuronal communication and thus induces healing. VOM is singularly a very, effective and safe healing modality in veterinary care. For the VOM practitioner it is an exquisitely objective, fast and easy to apply technology, whose scope of application appears has yet to be fully appreciated.
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is a healing technology that locates areas of the animal’s nervous system that has fallen out of communication, and reestablishes neuronal communication and thus induces healing. VOM is singularly a very, effective and safe healing modality in veterinary care. For the VOM practitioner it is an exquisitely objective, fast and easy to apply technology, whose scope of application appears has yet to be fully appreciated.
(For more information click here)
An Ounce of Prevention…
It doesn’t take long before you start noticing the unique traits and characteristics of your pets. This knowledge will serve you well. If your pets acts out of character at any time you should be alerted to pay attention because you may be noticing symptoms of an illness.
Besides generally being “in touch” with your pet, there are regimented measures you can take to help prevent illness.
+ Always administer the veterinarian-prescribed medicines to your pet as directed. Since there are some diseases that are almost always fatal, the best approach is prevention.
+Always take your pet to see his/her veterinarian at least every 6 months for a check-up and more often than that if your veterinarian recommends. Vaccinations and parasite exams and routine dental are routinely handled at these check-ups and missing even one injection could put your pet at risk for many diseases.
+At home, get into the habit of regularly checking your pet for fleas, ticks, or skin conditions.
Zoonotic Disease
A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transferred from animals to people. Some parasites can cause zoonotic disease. Having a pet adds to our lives in so many ways. But every pet owner should remember that zoonotic parasites affect both pets and people, and a zoonotic disease can be transmitted from your pet to your family. Children are especially susceptible to zoonotic disease.
9 Easy Steps to Prevent Parasite Infection
You can easily protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following these simple preventative measures.
You can easily protect your family and pets from parasite infections by following these simple preventative measures.
- Deworm your dog on a regular schedule recommended by your veterinarian. This removes internal parasites and prevents further contamination of the environment.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash hands regularly, especially after handling pets or cleaning up pet waste.
- Remove pet droppings from your yard at least 2-3 times a week. Daily is best.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Keep pets flea-free. Ingestion of fleas can transmit tapeworms to animals and people.
- Do not allow children to go barefoot, sit or lie on playgrounds or in parks where they are exposed to animal stools. Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin.
- Clean cat litter boxes daily, and wash hands afterwards.
- Do not drink water from streams or other sources that may contaminated with animal feces.
- Keep pets clean; bathe pet after deworming.
5 Common Questions About Parasitic Infection
What is parasitic zoonosis?
Some parasitic infections in pets can be transmitted between animals and people. The three most common zoonotic internal parasites in pets are roundworm, and hookworms.
Some parasitic infections in pets can be transmitted between animals and people. The three most common zoonotic internal parasites in pets are roundworm, and hookworms.
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Who is at risk?
Parents should be aware of these parasitic diseases because young children are especially at risk. Children are often less careful about hygiene, more likely to put their hands in their mouths. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the human skin.
Parents should be aware of these parasitic diseases because young children are especially at risk. Children are often less careful about hygiene, more likely to put their hands in their mouths. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the human skin.
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How are these infections transmitted?
Children become infected by playing in soil or sand that is contaminated with fecal matter and then putting their hands or contaminated objects in their mouths. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the human skin.
Children become infected by playing in soil or sand that is contaminated with fecal matter and then putting their hands or contaminated objects in their mouths. Hookworm larvae can also penetrate the human skin.
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Where can I get more information?
It’s easy to keep your family and pets healthy by routinely deworming your pet. See your veterinarian for more information on parasites, prevention and the most complete treatment available for your pets.
It’s easy to keep your family and pets healthy by routinely deworming your pet. See your veterinarian for more information on parasites, prevention and the most complete treatment available for your pets.
Strategic deworming is recommended by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP).
Common Zoonotic Parasites
Roundworms
- Virtually every puppy or kitten is born with roundworms or can become infected while nursing.
- Roundworm eggs can hatch after being ingested and can potentially cause blindness and damage abdominal organs in humans as well as pets and/or.
Hookworms
- Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin.
- Although rare, people can become infected by walking barefoot in contaminated soil or putting contaminated dirt in their mouths.
- Hookworms cause lesions where they penetrate the skin; infected children may suffer from intestinal bleeding, anemia, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Whipworms
- Eggs can survive in soil for years, even in cold climates.
- Although rare, people can become infected through ingestion of infected feces, soil and grass.
- Infected people may experience diarrhea, anemia and loss of appetite.
Heartworm
- The deadliest of all canine parasites.
- Since heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, every dog is at risk.
- While infection among humans has been documented, it’s very rare.
- The most common of all canine and feline parasites.
- Flea bites can lead to itching welts or an overall rash in people.
- Fleas carry and transmit allergens and other organisms that can cause illness.
Fleas
Senior At 7 Program
Like people, dogs and cats are living longer. We all cherish the companionship of our canine and feline friends. It is important that we help ensure these extended years are the happiest and healthiest possible. Working closely with your veterinarian, you can make a significant difference in the life of your senior dog or cat.
Studies have shown that as many as 23% of senior dogs and 17% of middle age or older cats that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the condition may be too advanced to diagnose or treat. Our senior at 7-wellness exam not only covers a complete physical but also laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.
There are several steps that should be taken to ensure the health and welfare of your senior pets.
(For more information click here)
Fleas and Your Pets
General Information
Fleas are small, black or brown wingless insects with flattened, hard-shelled bodies. Fleas prefer the blood of dogs or cats but will occasionally feed on humans if the ideal host is not present. They have well developed hind legs and are capable of jumping 16-36 inches. For their size, this is equivalent to a human jumping over the Washington Monument. They can survive through freezing weather. Tapeworms and bacterial infections are just some of the many things fleas may expose our pets to every time they are bitten. Anemia and skin infections due to allergies can be caused by these parasites.
Fleas are small, black or brown wingless insects with flattened, hard-shelled bodies. Fleas prefer the blood of dogs or cats but will occasionally feed on humans if the ideal host is not present. They have well developed hind legs and are capable of jumping 16-36 inches. For their size, this is equivalent to a human jumping over the Washington Monument. They can survive through freezing weather. Tapeworms and bacterial infections are just some of the many things fleas may expose our pets to every time they are bitten. Anemia and skin infections due to allergies can be caused by these parasites.
Flea Life Cycle
A flea may lay up to 5000 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs are only sticky for a very short time after hatching. As they dry and harden, eggs are dropped from the pet’s coat into the carpet, furniture, and anywhere else the pet has been. In 2-4 days those eggs develop and hatch into a stage referred to as the larval stage. In 7-10 days those larvae enter a cocoon type state called the pupae stage. This stage can develop into full-grown adult fleas in 10-14 days but may lay dormant waiting for a host for up to a year. When the pupae stage has reached maturity they lay in wait until heat, vibrations, or carbon dioxide given off by the host triggers them. When this trigger is detected the adult flea can hatch in a fraction of a second.
A flea may lay up to 5000 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs are only sticky for a very short time after hatching. As they dry and harden, eggs are dropped from the pet’s coat into the carpet, furniture, and anywhere else the pet has been. In 2-4 days those eggs develop and hatch into a stage referred to as the larval stage. In 7-10 days those larvae enter a cocoon type state called the pupae stage. This stage can develop into full-grown adult fleas in 10-14 days but may lay dormant waiting for a host for up to a year. When the pupae stage has reached maturity they lay in wait until heat, vibrations, or carbon dioxide given off by the host triggers them. When this trigger is detected the adult flea can hatch in a fraction of a second.
Flea Control
You must approach this challenge with the correct frame of mind. This is a battle not easily won. Do not underestimate the flea. Having been practicing their act for millions of years, they are exceedingly good at what they do. If you fight this battle with ineffective products, or even the right products but in the wrong way, you will lose.
You must approach this challenge with the correct frame of mind. This is a battle not easily won. Do not underestimate the flea. Having been practicing their act for millions of years, they are exceedingly good at what they do. If you fight this battle with ineffective products, or even the right products but in the wrong way, you will lose.
When fighting fleas, you must look at the whole picture. The adult fleas that you see are only 5% of the total population. The other 95% are in the environment. Therefore you must treat the environment along with the pet itself. We can effectively fight 3 of the 4 life stages of the fleas, those being the adults, larvae, and eggs. There is no product that can affect the pupae stage of the flea.
We begin with temporarily removing the pet from the home and treating the household environment with vacuuming, area treatment sprays, or foggers depending on the situation. We then treat the animal before returning it to the environment with various adulticides, insect growth regulators (IGR), and possibly baths. We will help you analyze the environment that you and your pets are in and help you develop a plan of attack.
Be Realistic
If you have a major flea problem, don’t expect it to go away overnight. If your initial attack has been properly executed you will make a huge dent in the flea population. That’s great, but don’t hold the victory celebration just yet. In any massive infestation, some fleas manage to survive even the most vigorous attack, plus you have to consider that pupae stage that cannot be fought until it hatches into adults. “Mopping-up operations” at proper intervals will keep surviving fleas from developing another generation.
If you have a major flea problem, don’t expect it to go away overnight. If your initial attack has been properly executed you will make a huge dent in the flea population. That’s great, but don’t hold the victory celebration just yet. In any massive infestation, some fleas manage to survive even the most vigorous attack, plus you have to consider that pupae stage that cannot be fought until it hatches into adults. “Mopping-up operations” at proper intervals will keep surviving fleas from developing another generation.
Our Recommendations
Preventatives (IGR):
Sentinel (IGR) (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron) for dogs is our choice to prevent flea infestations through the use of an insect growth regulator. Sentinel is a combination of two medications, the first is known as Program (lufenuron) which inhibits the production of chitin. Chitin is the substance the exoskeleton (hard shell) on any insect is comprised of. Fleas cannot lay viable eggs if it cannot produce chitin. This product’s second medication gives the added benefit of roundworm, whipworm and hookworm control and Heartworm prevention by adding interceptor (milbemycin oxime). Since this is a flavor tablet given once a month it is a very easy to use form of flea control.
Sentinel (IGR) (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron) for dogs is our choice to prevent flea infestations through the use of an insect growth regulator. Sentinel is a combination of two medications, the first is known as Program (lufenuron) which inhibits the production of chitin. Chitin is the substance the exoskeleton (hard shell) on any insect is comprised of. Fleas cannot lay viable eggs if it cannot produce chitin. This product’s second medication gives the added benefit of roundworm, whipworm and hookworm control and Heartworm prevention by adding interceptor (milbemycin oxime). Since this is a flavor tablet given once a month it is a very easy to use form of flea control.
Program (IGR) (lufenuron) comes in two forms for cats, but is the same IGR as mentioned above. The injectables last for 6 months. The oral suspension is added to the food every 30 days.
Adulticides (A):
Frontline Plus (A + IGR) (fipronil and (s)-methoprene) for dogs and cats has an Insect Development Regulator. When applied once monthly it kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae on the pet. It also kills deer ticks, dog ticks, and lone star ticks. It is fast acting and is waterproof in most situations. Frontline Plus is packaged as pre-measure ampule applied to the skin between the shoulder blades once monthly and is very easy to use.
Revolution (A) (selamectin) for cats protects against fleas, Heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, and ear mites. This medication also comes in pre-measured monthly doses that are applied to the back of the neck between the shoulder blades.
Capstar (A) (NITENPYRAM) for dogs and cats is a fast acting adulticide that only lasts for 24 hours. It begins to kill all the living fleas in contact with the pet within 30 minutes. This product is the only adulticide that can be used in kittens and puppies as young as 4 weeks of age. It is also safe for nursing and pregnant pets.
Environment Treatments:
Ectokyl (A + IGR) (pyriproxyfen) area treatment spray for carpets, furniture, etc. that kills fleas, dog ticks, and carpet beetles. It also prevents any juvenile fleas from developing into biting adults for up to 4 months.
Siphotrol Plus II (A + IGR) (Precor) is an area treatment for home and garage for fleas, ticks, ants and cockroaches. It kills both adults and immature fleas. This spray prevents eggs and larvae from developing into adults for up to 30 weeks.
Knockout (A + IGR) (pyriproxyfen) room and area fogger kills adults and pre-adult fleas for 7 months. It also kills cockroaches, ants, ticks and spiders.
We will help you design a prevention and treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.
Once again, remember that we are fighting a battle that cannot be won in one simple treatment. This is a continuous process to get rid of today’s infestation and prevent future attacks.
(For more information about Flea-Control Program click here)
Life Cycle of the Flea
- After ingesting a blood meal, the female flea begins to lay eggs on or off the host. Because the eggs are not sticky, it is important that those laid on the host fall into areas where there is food for the larvae to develop i.e. where your clients’ pets spend most of their time. Female fleas lay three to 18 eggs at one setting.
- Depending on conditions of temperature and humidity, flea eggs require two to 12 days to hatch.
- Larvae grow and molt twice over a period of nine to 200 days. An effective flea-control program must consider the prolonged larval period that may occur. Larvae are creamy yellow in color, about 6mm in length and feed on organic matter such as dried blood and fecal material.
- The larva spins a cocoon and pupates for seven days to one year. Again, the client must be advised accordingly if a flea-control program is to be effective.
Just the Facts About Tapeworms
Diagnosing and treating tapeworm infections in dogs and cats is simple, and anthelmintics (dewormers) are highly effective.
FACT:
FACT:
The zoonotic tapeworm most likely to infect cats and dogs in the US is Dipylidium caninum, aptly named the “Common tapeworm.” Other tapeworm species, including Echinococcus spp, are extremely rare, or don’t even exist in most of the US.
FACT:
The intermediate host of the Common Tapeworm is the flea or chewing louse.
FACT:
Development of the Common Tapeworm to adults in dogs and cats can be rapid, so…”the benefits of anthelmintics therapy are particularly short-lived unless fleas and biting lice also are brought under control.”
FACT:
ONLY FRONTLINE provides fast-acting, long-lasting control of BOTH fleas and chewing lice, killing these pests and reducing the potential transmission of infections they may carry, while also providing all the benefits of tick control in a convenient monthly topical product.
*Bwoman DD, Lynn RC, Eberhard ML, Helminths, in: Georgi’s Parasitology for Veterinarians, St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders, 2003;148
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