BRADFORDVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Location:
6714 Thomasville Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32312
850.893.3047
email: info@bah.com
Services
Medical
Diagnostic
Surgical
Dental
Boarding
Grooming
Hours Monday-Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - Noon
Sunday -
Closed
After hours emergencies:
850.222.0123
Immunizations
Bradfordville Animal Hospital is following the most current guidelines reccomended by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.
The current reccomended vaccine protocol is divided into core vaccines and optional vaccines. Core vaccines in dogs include Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Bordetella and Rabies. Optional vaccines include Lyme, Corona and Leptospirosis. For cats, core vaccines include Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus and Rabies. Optional vaccines include Feline Leukemia. Your pet's lifestyle will determine if optional vaccines are needed.
Canine Vaccinations
Distemper (DHPP):
Distemper is a highly contagious disease of dogs. It is a caused by a virus that is easily spread through the air and by contaminated objects, much like a cold virus spreads in people. The combination vaccine protects against canine distemper virus, canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus. A series of vaccinations is given every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 8 weeks of age and continues up to 16 weeks of age. After one year of age, the vaccination is given every two to three years at the time of the annual physical exam done by your veterinarian.
Kennel Cough
Infectious tracheobronchitis or “kennel cough” as it is commonly called, is an infection of the upper respiratory system in canines, primarily caused by the bacteria, Bordetella. While it is not considered dangerous, it is highly infectious and causes a hacking cough for 14 days. Since kennel cough is extremely contagious, if your dog regularly comes in contact with other dogs, such as in a boarding kennel, show ring or even a city park, he should have the Bordetella vaccine. The vaccine is given intr-nasally to stimulate immunity against the disease.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by infected ticks. Dogs can now be safely vaccinated against Lyme disease and can be protected from tick bites using tick prevention such as Frontline® TopSpot or a Preventick® collar. An initial two series vaccination is given 3-4 weeks apart and then is repeated once yearly at the time of your pets' annual physical.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus usually spread when an infected animal bites another animal or person. Florida requires your dog to be vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies vaccination that your puppy receives (at 16 weeks of age) is a one-year vaccination. On the return to your veterinarian for your pets' annual physical a three year rabies vaccination is given and is repeated every three years for the remainder of your dogs life.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a contagious infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease interferes with the normal flow of blood from the heart to the vessels serving the lungs. The heartworm test we use checks for heartworm disease, as well as exposure to Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis. While heartworm disease is spread by mosquitos, Lyme and Ehrlichiosis are spread by ticks and regularly diagnosed in Florida. Heartworm disease is easily prevented with a once-a-month chewable tablet or treat. An annual heartworm test and examination is required to dispense this prescription medication.
Feline Vaccinations
Feline Distemper (FVRCP)
Distemper is a highly contagious disease of cats. It is a caused by a virus that is spread through direct contact with an infected cat or its body secretions, especially feces. This combination vaccine protects against feline panleukopenia (distemper) virus and upper respiratory viruses, herpesvirus and calicivirus. A series of vaccinations is given every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 8 weeks of age and continues up to 16 weeks of age. After the initial vaccination series is complete, the vaccination is given every two to three years at the time of the annual physical exam done by your veterinarian.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus usually spread when an infected animal bites another animal or person. Florida requires your cat to be vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies vaccination that your kitten receives (at 16 weeks of age) is a one-year vaccination. On the return to your veterinarian for your pets' annual physical a three year rabies vaccination is given and is repeated every three years for the remainder of your cats life.
Leukemia (FELV)
Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common and destructive of all cat viruses. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily by saliva during catfights, grooming or mating. It can also be spread by blood, urine and feces. Kittens may become infected while still in the womb or while nursing. The virus is to disrupts the cat 's immune system. Disorders commonly associated with FELV infection include: chronic respiratory disease, chronic infection of the mouth, gums and tongue, chronic eye disease and chronic urinary tract infections. A simple blood test can be performed to detect the disease at 8 weeks of age. A two-part series of vaccinations are given every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 8 weeks of age. After the initial vaccination series is complete, the vaccination is given every year at the time of the annual physical exam done by your veterinarian.
Viral Testing for Cats
If your new kitten or cat has been a stray, was adopted from an animal shelter or will be in contact with other cats, we HIGHLY recommend screening for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These viral infections are contagious and once a cat is infected, these diseases are usually fatal. The only sure way to know whether your cat or kitten has been exposed to either virus is to test them. This is a simple test with results in 15 minutes and requires only three drops of blood. We recommend having your new cat tested prior to bringing it home if you have other cats in your household.
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms cause disease in dogs and cats. These are common parasites of dogs and cats and have the potential to cause significant disease in people. We recommend fecal testing for parasites at least once a year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends regular parasite testing and control in dogs and cats to help prevent disease in people. The monthly medications used for heartworm control also help to prevent these parasites.
When you come in with your pet for their annual physical bring your concerns and questions with you and let our veterinary team assist you in keeping your pets healthy.
