Therapeutic Laser
We are so pleased to provide therapeutic laser treatments which provide relief from pain and inflammation of arthritis and enhance healing of wounds and infection. Therapeutic laser has many applications from inflamed joints to ear infections, gum disease, wounds, skin infections and inflammation. It is non-invasive and painless as it stimulates the body's own resources to heal. Doc was first introduced to the therapeutic laser by her chiropractor and can attest to its benefits through personal experience!
Note: The pictures are for demo purposes only...while Doc is not wearing protective goggles in the picture on the right, be assured that the laser is NOT being used at that moment.
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| Montana will feel MUCH better very soon! |
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| Relaxing therapy, great pain relief! |
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Puppy Vaccination Protocol
Puppies begin life with immunity from disease acquired from the dam's colostrum which is rich in antibodies. Some time between 6-14 weeks, this immunity declines to a level where the puppy is susceptible to disease. As long as the maternal antibody level is high enough, it will interfere with vaccinations. There is not a simple, convenient way to determine exactly when the level is low enough for vaccination to be effective but 99% of pups will be receptive to vaccination by 12-14 weeks. Some puppies levels will be low sooner. This is the reason that puppies receive a series of vaccinations, so that we can be sure that we cover that period until the vaccinations will be effective.
According to current research, puppies' immune systems may not be mature enough to respond to vaccination before 8-9 weeks so earlier vaccinations are likely a waste of time and stress them unnecessarily. In addition, it takes the immune system 3 weeks to respond, recover and be ready to respond to the next vaccination so 'traditional' protocols calling for vaccination every 2 weeks are not recommended. Even worse is the practice of separating out antigens and giving one a week. This should NOT be done...ever! While we do not like to load up a puppy with many antigens, the immune system is stimulated by a single antigen just as much as by multiple ones.
Our protocols are customized according to the needs of the individual puppy. For Toy breeds and certain vaccine sensitive breeds (such as the Weimaraner which, according to Dr Jean Dodds, may be the most vaccine sensitive breed of dog) we recommend a minimal vaccination protocol. This limits antigens to distemper and parvo only. These are the most deadly diseases (highest mortality rates) that we cover with vaccination. With all vaccination protocols we must weigh risk vs benefit. That is, what is the chance that a puppy will become infected with the disease, how deadly is the disease, and what are the possible side effects of the vaccine itself.
We prefer to give Rabies vaccine separately from and at least 3 weeks apart from other vaccinations.
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Minimal vaccination protocol for vaccine sensitive dogs.
Age of Pups |
Vaccine Type |
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9 - 10 weeks
14 weeks
16 -18 weeks (optional)
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law
1 year
1 year
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Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV DPV)
Same as above
Same as above (optional)
Rabies
Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
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Note: The above vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-828-4804; Fax 310-828-8251
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Standard Vaccination Protocol for Puppies
Age of Pups |
Vaccine Type |
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8-9 weeks
11-12 weeks
14-15 weeks (optional)
17-18 weeks or older, if allowable by law
1 year
1 year
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Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV DPV)
Distemper,Adenovirus2,Parainfluenza, Parvo
Same as above
Rabies (first vaccination good for 1 year)
Distemper,Adenovirus2,Parainfluenza, Parvo Rabies,killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)
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Bordetella (kennel cough) intra-nasal vaccination is an optional addition to either vaccination protocol and is given if puppy will be attending classes, going to a groomer or boarding kennel that requires this vaccine. Dogs that compete in shows may also benefit from this vaccination. In general kennel cough is not a life threatening disease in a healthy dog so we do not routinely give it to dogs at low risk.
After the one year boosters titers can be run on an annual basis to determine if additional vaccinations are necessary. Current research leads us to believe that immunity in many dogs will last for years. If vaccination is desired instead, there are now distemper/adeno/parvo vaccines that are labelled for 3 year duration.
We do not recommend non-core vaccination (leptospirosis, giardia, corona, etc.) The immunity offered by leptospirosis vaccination will cover only a few of the many serovars of lepto and immunity may be short-lived. Dogs in high risk areas for lepto can be assessed on an individual basis.
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| Kitten Vaccination Protocols |
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