Important Updates
This page will contain important clinic and Veterinary news information and updates. Check back often!
Come meet the new Doctor on staff. Dr. Joe Alaimo has joined us as a full time vet on staff. Stop in and say hi.
Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease affecting dogs. There are two known strains in the US, CIV H3N8 and CIV H3N2.
Canine influenza is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions. Symptoms include; coughing, sneezing, nasal/ocular discharge, fever, decreased appetite or lethargy.
CI can be spread indirectly through objects (e.g., kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) or people that have been in contact with infected dogs. As the virus can remain infectious up to 48 hours after shedding, it is important to clean and disinfect objects that have been in contact with an infected dog to avoid exposing other dogs to the virus. Likewise, people who have been in contact with an infected dog should wash their hands and clean their clothing to avoid spreading the virus.
Unvaccinated dogs are susceptible to infection by both viruses; however there have currently been no known cases of transfer of canine influenza virus to humans.
Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places such as kennels, groomers, day care facilities and shelters are at increased risk of infection. The best way to prevent infection is through vaccination. The influenza vaccines series requires two initial boosters and an annual booster after that. Even if your dog has been vaccinated for the old influenza strain (H3N8) we recommend vaccinating against H3N2 strain as well.
Snakebite Season: We saw the first snakebite dog on May 23rd. Just a friendly reminder that we do have the vaccine.(see more about this on the vet blog page) If your animal does have an encounter with a rattlesnake call and seek emergency care Immediately. We do have antivenin in hospital to provide the best care for your animal we can.
Bayfield Animal Hospital Heartworm Clinic: It's that time of year again! It's time for your dog to have his blood tested for heartworms and to get started on preventative medication (if given seasonally). This year, BAH is running 3 heartworm clinics. Through the clinic, the heartworm test is discounted and there is no office visit charge. Your appointment will be with a technician to pull a blood sample and pick up medication if needed. Please note, if your pet is having other health issues or is due for his annual exam, you will need to set up an appointment with a Doctor at a different time. Heartworm clinic days are March 28th and April 4th 2017. Call our office to set up your appointment!
Rabid bat in La Plata County, 2016: In Bayfield this summer, a bat has tested positive in southeastern La Plata County. Consider this a friendly reminder to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. (For adult animals, typically the vaccine is given every 3 years). It's important that even your indoor-only cats are vaccinated!
Dental X-ray Has Arrived! Part of a complete dental procedure is x-rays, just like at your dentist! X-rays allow us to look below the surface of the tooth and examine the surrounding bone and root structures. X-rays help us evaluate which teeth are healthy, plan extractions to be as safe as possible for your pet and make sure extractions are done perfectly every time! We're still learning the ins and outs of the new machine so bear with us as we work x-rays into your pet's dental plan. Everyone at BAH is very excited to be constantly improving and upgrading to offer your pet the best care possible!
February is Pet Dental Health Month!
Did you know that by the age of 3, 80% of dogs have evidence of dental disease? More importantly, good oral health has been shown to increase your pet's life expectancy by 2 years! Dental disease is painful and can cause other problems as well. With dental disease, there is more bacteria in the mouth, and that bacteria can spread into the blood to the kidneys and heart. In fact, that bacteria can actually set up infections on the heart valves, a disease called endocarditis. The best way to prevent dental disease is to have your pet's mouth checked out by a Veterinarian. One of our Vets would be happy to see your pet and help make recommendations based on YOUR pet's needs. Please call us for an appointment today
Staffing Changes, January 2016
Dr. Wagner is leaving Bayfield Animal Hospital in February. We have enjoyed our time with Dr. Wagner and we wish her all the best with her future endeavors. We look forward to introducing you all to our newest, highly skilled and caring Associate Veterinarian soon - stay tuned!
Rabid Bats in Bayfield, CO, August 2015
Recently, two bats were found dead in Bayfield. They were submitted for testing and came back POSITIVE for Rabies. Rabies is not treatable and fatal. Bats are scary for a few reasons. Their bites are not traumatic and often do not leave any wounds - you may not know if you've been bit. For this reason, if a rabid bat is found in a person's house, that person has to undergo preventative treatment (a series of injections). Bats are also very tempting for cats to hunt and chase. Unfortunately, there are still people who believe house cats do not need to be vaccinated for rabies. This is wrong and very risky. Rabies has been CONFIRMED in Bayfield, so make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines. Call our office today to check your pet's vaccine status, and schedule an appointment to booster the vaccine if needed.
Two Heartworm Positive Dogs in 2015
We had our first positive heartworm tests of the season this spring, unfortunately. Heartworm is a potentially devastating infection. Give us a call and schedule your dog for a heartworm test as soon as possible, so we can start preventative medication to keep your pet safe!
Rabid Cat in Colorado, June 2014
An indoor/outdoor pet cat tested positive for rabies after it bit and scratched its owner. Rabies is fatal and is spread by saliva. It is one of the oldest viruses known to mankind and has been around for thousands of years. Only one person has ever survived rabies infection, and no pets have ever survived. Many wild animals can be infected with rabies, along with our pets. In Southwest Colorado, the most common source of infection are bats. Because bat teeth are so small, the bite is very mild and most people (and pets!) show no sign of ever being bitten! This is an important reminder that all dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies to protect them and ourselves. Please call us to schedule an appointment if your pet isn't up to date. If you're not sure, give us a call and we can help find out!
Spring is here, is your dog on Heartworm Preventative?
2013 was an active year for Heart worm infections in our area. Because heart worm is a fatal disease, it's very important that your dog is tested and treated with the preventative medication. Heart worm testing is done in the spring and preventative should be done year round, or at a minimum, once per month from March through November. Please call us today to schedule a blood test for your dog!
Treats Thought to be the Cause of Poisonings in Many Dogs
Many dogs have been poisoned by chicken and other jerky treats throughout the US. The treats cause kidney failure and the disease can be fatal. Many different brands and types of treats have been associated with the poisonings including (but not limited to): Beggin' Strips, Wagon Train, Canyon Creek and many other brands. Chicken and beef jerky have been involved as well as dried sweet potato treats. Our recommendation is that you ONLY feed treats that are MADE in the USA (and clearly labeled!), and avoid the brands listed above for the time being. If you're worried, carrots or green beans are a healthy treat alternative! If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it's always a good idea to call your Vet: vomiting, poor appetite, drinking too much water, urinating excessively or diarrhea.
This page will contain important clinic and Veterinary news information and updates. Check back often!
Come meet the new Doctor on staff. Dr. Joe Alaimo has joined us as a full time vet on staff. Stop in and say hi.
Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease affecting dogs. There are two known strains in the US, CIV H3N8 and CIV H3N2.
Canine influenza is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions. Symptoms include; coughing, sneezing, nasal/ocular discharge, fever, decreased appetite or lethargy.
CI can be spread indirectly through objects (e.g., kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes) or people that have been in contact with infected dogs. As the virus can remain infectious up to 48 hours after shedding, it is important to clean and disinfect objects that have been in contact with an infected dog to avoid exposing other dogs to the virus. Likewise, people who have been in contact with an infected dog should wash their hands and clean their clothing to avoid spreading the virus.
Unvaccinated dogs are susceptible to infection by both viruses; however there have currently been no known cases of transfer of canine influenza virus to humans.
Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places such as kennels, groomers, day care facilities and shelters are at increased risk of infection. The best way to prevent infection is through vaccination. The influenza vaccines series requires two initial boosters and an annual booster after that. Even if your dog has been vaccinated for the old influenza strain (H3N8) we recommend vaccinating against H3N2 strain as well.
Snakebite Season: We saw the first snakebite dog on May 23rd. Just a friendly reminder that we do have the vaccine.(see more about this on the vet blog page) If your animal does have an encounter with a rattlesnake call and seek emergency care Immediately. We do have antivenin in hospital to provide the best care for your animal we can.
Bayfield Animal Hospital Heartworm Clinic: It's that time of year again! It's time for your dog to have his blood tested for heartworms and to get started on preventative medication (if given seasonally). This year, BAH is running 3 heartworm clinics. Through the clinic, the heartworm test is discounted and there is no office visit charge. Your appointment will be with a technician to pull a blood sample and pick up medication if needed. Please note, if your pet is having other health issues or is due for his annual exam, you will need to set up an appointment with a Doctor at a different time. Heartworm clinic days are March 28th and April 4th 2017. Call our office to set up your appointment!
Rabid bat in La Plata County, 2016: In Bayfield this summer, a bat has tested positive in southeastern La Plata County. Consider this a friendly reminder to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. (For adult animals, typically the vaccine is given every 3 years). It's important that even your indoor-only cats are vaccinated!
Dental X-ray Has Arrived! Part of a complete dental procedure is x-rays, just like at your dentist! X-rays allow us to look below the surface of the tooth and examine the surrounding bone and root structures. X-rays help us evaluate which teeth are healthy, plan extractions to be as safe as possible for your pet and make sure extractions are done perfectly every time! We're still learning the ins and outs of the new machine so bear with us as we work x-rays into your pet's dental plan. Everyone at BAH is very excited to be constantly improving and upgrading to offer your pet the best care possible!
February is Pet Dental Health Month!
Did you know that by the age of 3, 80% of dogs have evidence of dental disease? More importantly, good oral health has been shown to increase your pet's life expectancy by 2 years! Dental disease is painful and can cause other problems as well. With dental disease, there is more bacteria in the mouth, and that bacteria can spread into the blood to the kidneys and heart. In fact, that bacteria can actually set up infections on the heart valves, a disease called endocarditis. The best way to prevent dental disease is to have your pet's mouth checked out by a Veterinarian. One of our Vets would be happy to see your pet and help make recommendations based on YOUR pet's needs. Please call us for an appointment today
Staffing Changes, January 2016
Dr. Wagner is leaving Bayfield Animal Hospital in February. We have enjoyed our time with Dr. Wagner and we wish her all the best with her future endeavors. We look forward to introducing you all to our newest, highly skilled and caring Associate Veterinarian soon - stay tuned!
Rabid Bats in Bayfield, CO, August 2015
Recently, two bats were found dead in Bayfield. They were submitted for testing and came back POSITIVE for Rabies. Rabies is not treatable and fatal. Bats are scary for a few reasons. Their bites are not traumatic and often do not leave any wounds - you may not know if you've been bit. For this reason, if a rabid bat is found in a person's house, that person has to undergo preventative treatment (a series of injections). Bats are also very tempting for cats to hunt and chase. Unfortunately, there are still people who believe house cats do not need to be vaccinated for rabies. This is wrong and very risky. Rabies has been CONFIRMED in Bayfield, so make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines. Call our office today to check your pet's vaccine status, and schedule an appointment to booster the vaccine if needed.
Two Heartworm Positive Dogs in 2015
We had our first positive heartworm tests of the season this spring, unfortunately. Heartworm is a potentially devastating infection. Give us a call and schedule your dog for a heartworm test as soon as possible, so we can start preventative medication to keep your pet safe!
Rabid Cat in Colorado, June 2014
An indoor/outdoor pet cat tested positive for rabies after it bit and scratched its owner. Rabies is fatal and is spread by saliva. It is one of the oldest viruses known to mankind and has been around for thousands of years. Only one person has ever survived rabies infection, and no pets have ever survived. Many wild animals can be infected with rabies, along with our pets. In Southwest Colorado, the most common source of infection are bats. Because bat teeth are so small, the bite is very mild and most people (and pets!) show no sign of ever being bitten! This is an important reminder that all dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies to protect them and ourselves. Please call us to schedule an appointment if your pet isn't up to date. If you're not sure, give us a call and we can help find out!
Spring is here, is your dog on Heartworm Preventative?
2013 was an active year for Heart worm infections in our area. Because heart worm is a fatal disease, it's very important that your dog is tested and treated with the preventative medication. Heart worm testing is done in the spring and preventative should be done year round, or at a minimum, once per month from March through November. Please call us today to schedule a blood test for your dog!
Treats Thought to be the Cause of Poisonings in Many Dogs
Many dogs have been poisoned by chicken and other jerky treats throughout the US. The treats cause kidney failure and the disease can be fatal. Many different brands and types of treats have been associated with the poisonings including (but not limited to): Beggin' Strips, Wagon Train, Canyon Creek and many other brands. Chicken and beef jerky have been involved as well as dried sweet potato treats. Our recommendation is that you ONLY feed treats that are MADE in the USA (and clearly labeled!), and avoid the brands listed above for the time being. If you're worried, carrots or green beans are a healthy treat alternative! If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it's always a good idea to call your Vet: vomiting, poor appetite, drinking too much water, urinating excessively or diarrhea.
