Veterinary Science Interview Preparation Guide

We answer this question with a definite "yes". Thousands of companion animals are put to death in this small city every year due to over population. In addition to that benefit, certain medical conditions are prevented by spaying and neutering.

In most cases between 4 and 6 months of age.

The short answer to this question is yes! However what people really want to know when they ask this question is, "Will my pet act differently towards me? or "Will I dislike the way he acts after surgery"? Sterilization surgery affects sexual behavior and inter dog aggressive behavior primarily. His or her ability to be a companion to a person will not change.

This question is posed frequently by the new owners of a mixed breed puppy. We can usually come fairly close by looking at the general body structure at a given age and comparing that size to a known breed of similar body structure. As one might expect, a bit of experience is required.

Crying out or vocalizing repetitively when touched or picked up may be an obvious sign of pain although, a very frightened animal might react similarly. More subtle signs may include restlessness, panting when not hot ( in the case of dogs ), trembling, refusal to eat or reluctance to do a common activity. All of these signs must be viewed in the context of any given situation to be identified as induced by pain since anxiety can produce very similar signs.

Most vaccines are given as a series up to a certain age then continued as boosters either annually or in the case of rabies vaccines for dogs and cats (in Oregon), every 3 years. The following information outlines general guidelines in the 3 species of pets that are commonly vaccinated.

Dogs :

DHLPP - (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus) - This vaccine containing 5 components is begun during adolescence and is given at monthly intervals 2 or 3 times depending on the age when started. It may be given as early as 6 weeks of age. It is boostered annually.

Parvo virus - This vaccine which is part of the combination vaccine above may need to be given as a separate injection at 18 or 20 weeks of age depending on when the DHLPP is started. It is boostered annually as part of the DHLPP.

Bordetella - May be given any time during adolescence at 6 weeks or older as a single administration and continued annually.

Rabies - Given at 4 to 6 months of age, boostered in 1 year then every 3 years thereafter. Required by Oregon law in dogs.

Lyme Disease - Recommended for dogs who live or travel in areas where tick infestation is an issue. Can begin as early s 9 weeks of age, repeated in 3-4 weeks and boostered annually.

Cats :

FVRCP ( Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) - Begin at 8 weeks of age, repeat in one month and booster annually.

FELV ( Feline Leukemia Virus ) - Begin at 10 weeks of age, repeat in 1 month then annually.

Rabies - Given at 4 to 6 months, repeated in 1 year then every 3 years thereafter.

FIP - (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) Given only in certain circumstances.

Ferrets :

Distemper - Begin at 6 to 8 weeks,repeat twice at monthly intervals, then booster annually.

Rabies - Give at 3 months, then booster annually.

The problem here of course is that there is a language barrier between humans and animals. You would like to just ask him how badly he feels and how long he has felt that way. People have a hard enough time deciding when they should see their own doctor. A general rule is that if you spot a problem that you know would cause you to seek medical attention if it were you instead of your pet, then your pet needs to be seen. More subtle problems that persist for more than a day or so at least warrant a phone call to the clinic so that we may begin the problem identification process.

We cannot prescribe or dispense medication without a diagnosis.

All reputable pet food manufacturers include a feeding guide with their foods. One must remember that these guidelines provide a starting point only and that you will know within a relatively short period of time( 1 to 2 weeks ) if your animal is being over or under fed simply by observing his body. He should of course not appear gaunt but his ribs should be easily felt with your fingers. Unfortunately, far too many of the animals we see are overweight which predisposes them to a number of health problems.

Some dogs do not become adequately immunized against certain preventable diseases (Parvo most notably) until 18 to 20 weeks of age. Therefore avoidance of locations where many dogs of unknown background congregate or have been seems to make sense. However puppies do need to to be socialized by being exposed to many sites, sounds, and experiences so we recommend taking them to less "canine intensive" sites and exposing them to known healthy, vaccinated dogs belonging to friends. Since some diseases and parasites are transmitted by exposure to feces, you need to control where your puppy puts his nose when on his walks.