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Quail Creek Newsletter Vol. 1
Welcome to Quail Creek Veterinary Clinic’s first edition of our periodic newsletter. We hope to utilize this format to keep you up to date on pet health related issues as well as any public health issues that may involve your family and your pets. Also, we will include updates and news involving the practice and staff at Quail Creek.
First of all we would like to thank you for staying with Quail Creek through the changes over the last few years with new veterinarians  and the remodeling. The renovations have recently been completed and we want to thank you for your patience with the construction.
Spring is upon us and it is time to prepare for your pets increasing risk of exposure to parasites - namely fleas, ticks and mosquitoes - although in Oklahoma we never really are low risk for parasites. We often have fleas even during the winter. Ixodes ticks are active during the winter months and we even occasionally have mosquitoes on warm winter days. For your pets we recommend monthly topical flea and tick preventative such as Frontline Plus, Advantix (dogs only) or Revolution.
Mosquitoes are the vector of heartworms which affect both the dog and the cat. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended year round in Oklahoma due to risk of exposure. Most pet owners are aware that heartworms are a problem in dogs, but most do not appreciate the risks to cats. This has only become apparent in the last few years as research has found much higher incidence of infection in cats than previously thought. It also is important to realize that many (up to 40% in one practice in Dallas) of the cats that test positive for heartworms are indoor only cats. Please contact us if you are interested in starting your cat on monthly heartworm prevention.
With spring’s warmth and new growth comes pollens and mold spores which may cause your pet’s allergies to begin to flare up. Many dogs (and some cats too) have seasonal allergies known as atopic dermatitis which usually will initially present with itchy feet and ears, but can involve the entire body. If your pet has been previously treated for or diagnosed with atopic dermatitis be prepared and have the antihistamines ready for use as soon as any symptoms are seen. Antihistamines are most effective before severe symptoms develop. There are other medical options for your pets to help control allergies and the secondary infections they cause. Corticosteroids can be necessary to control more severe allergy symptoms. A relatively new medication is available which helps to modify the immune system reducing allergic symptoms. Many pets respond best to immunotherapy (allergy injections) for control of atopic dermatitis. Ask us about allergy testing if you are interested in this option to relieve your pet’s itching. If your pet has not been seen for allergies before and you suspect your dog (or cat) has allergies call and set up an appointment for examination. We can start your pet on a treatment plan for allergies.
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Thanks from all the Staff at Quail Creek Veterinary Clinic.
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