In the quest for healthy development, many believe that giving calcium supplements to puppies will help straighten their ears. However, this popular notion is more myth than fact. Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine’s latest blog sheds light on the subject, presenting scientific insights and veterinary expertise to debunk this common misconception. Focusing on the crucial role of genetics and proper nutrition in puppy growth, the article emphasizes that a balanced diet is key to healthy development, rather than relying on supplements without professional advice.
Tag: Infectious Diseases
Overview of common infectious diseases in pets and how to prevent them.
[BLOG] What is canine angiostrongilosis? My notes here !
Discover the essentials of canine angiostrongilosis, a parasitic disease increasingly reported in Europe and raising awareness in North America. Known colloquially as the "French heartworm," Angiostrongylus vasorum resides in the heart and pulmonary artery, leading to symptoms that range from respiratory distress to severe neurological and coagulation disorders. Transmission occurs through the ingestion of infected molluscs, posing a risk for dogs across varied regions. Despite the variability in symptom severity, from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening conditions, early detection and a proactive approach to treatment—often extending up to four weeks—are crucial for managing this parasitic threat.
[BLOG] Shelter medicine: 27 things shelter staff should know about ringworm (Part I)
Discover essential insights on managing ringworm in animal shelters with our comprehensive guide. Learn key strategies to prevent, identify, and treat this common fungal infection, crucial for shelter staff dedicated to maintaining animal health and welfare. This article highlights the importance of early detection, effective sanitation practices, and tailored treatment plans, ensuring a safe, ringworm-free environment for both cats and dogs.
[BLOG] Feline upper respiratory diseases: 24 things you need to know concerning Feline Herpes Virus (aka FHV-1)
In the world of feline care, upper respiratory diseases pose significant health challenges, with Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) standing out as a prevalent cause. This comprehensive blog sheds light on 24 critical aspects of FHV-1, highlighting its nature as an alpha-herpesvirus specific to cats, with no risk to humans. It delves into the virus's modes of transmission, primarily through close contact via ocular, nasal, and oral secretions, and underscores the critical role of sanitation and hygiene in managing outbreaks. The post also addresses the virus's life-long impact on infected cats, including potential latency and stress-induced reactivation, which can lead to widespread shelter outbreaks.
[BLOG] Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases: things to know to better control and prevent these diseases
Understanding Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases is crucial for pet owners and breeders alike. These conditions, often highly contagious among cats, can range from mild to life-threatening. The blog explores symptoms to watch for, including sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and veterinary care. Preventative measures, such as vaccination and maintaining a clean environment, play a key role in controlling these diseases. Tailored towards those committed to the health and wellbeing of their cats, this resource provides essential insights into effectively managing and preventing the spread of upper respiratory tract diseases in felines.
[BLOG] How do you know if this animal is spayed or neutered? Easy ways to check !
Discover the straightforward methods to determine if an animal is spayed or neutered with our insightful guide. In a world where responsible pet ownership and population control are paramount, understanding whether your pet has been surgically altered is crucial. This article provides pet owners with practical advice on identifying spay or neuter status, aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of dogs and cats alike. We cover the significance of spaying/neutering in preventing unwanted litters and delve into easy techniques for verification.
[BLOG] Rabies, you are at risk: 5 important tips everyone at the shelter should know !
Rabies poses a significant risk in North America, not just due to wildlife like foxes and raccoons but also domestic animals with unknown health statuses. This article highlights the heightened risk for those working in shelters and provides essential tips to mitigate it. Key measures include vaccination for all at-risk professionals, understanding transmission methods, prioritizing single-housing for new intakes to monitor health, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing the immediate steps to take after potential exposure.
[BLOG] Parasitology: to systematically screen or not, this is the question…
With shelters often being hotspots for infectious diseases, the ideal approach would advocate for systematic screening to tailor treatments and improve sanitation. However, budgetary and time constraints in shelter operations pose significant challenges. While outsourced tests strain finances, in-house testing demands resources and time, making it essential for shelters to weigh the benefits against the costs.
[BLOG] Not only for dogs: CPV-2c
The article sheds light on CPV-2c, a strain initially identified in Italy in 2000, which has since become a significant concern worldwide, including in North America. Notably, CPV-2c doesn't just affect dogs but can also infect cats, causing similar symptoms to those seen in panleukopenia. This revelation emphasizes the importance of awareness and vaccination, as current vaccines and diagnostic tests remain effective against this strain.
[BLOG] A lot of hygiene and a glimpse of contraception: this was our shelter convention !
Key shelter personnel exchanged ideas, aiming for optimal care for animals in their charge. Highlighting the importance of proper sanitation, the introduction of Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide as a potential game-changer in shelter disinfection was discussed. On contraception, while surgical options dominate, promising research into alternatives like GnRH vaccines and gene silencing offers hope for more efficient future solutions, potentially saving time and reducing stress for shelter animals.
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 