Very young puppies and kittens are highly susceptible to infectious diseases because their immune systems are not fully mature. While nursing, their mother’s milk contains antibodies (special proteins) that provide some immunity to diseases; however, these maternal antibodies do not last long, and there may be gaps in protection as the milk antibodies decrease and the puppies’ or kittens’ immune system isn’t yet capable of fighting off infection.
In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prime the pet’s immune system against the virus or bacteria while subsequent doses help to further stimulate the immune system to produce the antibodies needed to protect a pet from specific diseases. To keep these gaps in protection as small as possible and to provide optimal protection against disease in the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, usually 3-4 weeks apart.
For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is administered at about 4 months of age; however, in some situations, a veterinarian may alter this schedule based on an individual animal’s risk factors. Remember that an incomplete series of vaccinations may lead to incomplete protection, making puppies and kittens vulnerable to infection.
source: avma brochure, image source: Highway 29 Veterinary Hospital
Hoof Problems: Hoof Construction, Trimming and Shoeing, Solutions for Common Issues and Ailments (Hardcover)
Providing the first accessible look into farrier studies—the shoeing of horses—this guide offers research and diagrams that will help horse owners and trainers better understand more than 50 common hoof problems. Featuring copious illustrations, it describes how to recognize good and faulty shoeing, explains the mechanics of the foot in motion, discusses foot balance, illustrates the anatomy of the foot and limb alignment, and explains how many common ailments and conditions affect hoof care and shoeing. Each problem is clearly illustrated and accompanied by a straightforward description of the problem, its cause, and treatment. BUY NOW
Canine parvo virus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvo virus occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.
Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before the puppies’ own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvo virus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother’s milk may interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally succumb to parvo virus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal protection against parvo virus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.
source: avma brochure, image: cvmbs.colostate.edu
A master storyteller continues the charming account of his experiences as veterinarian in rural Yorkshire. And although there are more cats and dogs as patients than before, there are plenty of large farm animals to deal with, frequently during the middle of the night. The detailed but succinct descriptions of people, places, and animals are a delight. Herriot’s unusual ability to identify individual characters, both human and four-legged, brings them to life–even for the most urban American. The endearing strand weaving all episodes together is the constant devotion of man to animal and animal to man. Chapters are short, the pace is rapid, and the stories are very easy to read–perfect for unmotivated readers. The author’s keen sense of humor will bring smiles to the faces of YAs, particularly when he tells a joke on himself. Nonfiction at its most entertaining best.
The late Alf Wight aka James Herriot left a legacy of books that excites readers to this day (and I presume will do so for decades more.) His gentle, self-deprecating style of humor and the portraits of the Yorkshire Dales farmers and country people are amusing and interesting.
The four books, named after a hymn "All Creatures Great and Small" are joined by this fifth volume with similar stories. James (as Alf called himself) now has his own practice in Skeldale House, is married with two kids. The stories are very similar to the first four, with goof-ups, miracles, and funny tales. Somehow, these stories are not quite as hilarious as the first set, possibly because Mr. Herriot had written up most of the good stuff, or to represent the seriousness of raising two kids and having his own practice and being a settled man rather than a raw youth just out on his own. Nonetheless, if you lapped up all the "Creature" books, as I did, and you mourn the loss of Dr. Wight, who passed away in the 90’s, then you will want to read these stories and vicariously enjoy more of the daily life of a country vet. VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS
Females need to be spayed before 6 months too. You don’t want your dog to go through a pregnancy and a stressful and hormone ridden delivery every three months. Moreover, the scent of a female in heat can attract unneutered males from miles around. Dogs attracted to a female have been known to try to enter yards, and indulge in bloody fights over the female.