Owners Resemble Their Pets

"A fun New York Times slide show of dog owners and the pets they resemble is now available on-line. Check it out at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/11/health/20090811_dogsowners_userslideshow_index.html"

What is Leptospirosis and why should I vaccinate my dog for it?

A question we technicians hear often while we are setting up a dog for it's annual checkup is - "What is the leptospirosis vaccine?"

Probably why most clients don't recognize the name is because when our dogs are puppies, the leptospirosis (lepto for short) vaccine is given in a combo vaccine along with distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvo. In the veterinary profession we call this combo vaccine simply "distemper", when in truth they are vaccinated against several diseases. Then, at the dog's one year physical exam, we say they are due for their distemper and lepto, and you are wondering where this mysterious lepto has come from! To explain, the "distemper" vaccine is still vaccinating your loved one against distemper, adenovirus, and parvo. At Kingsbrook Animal Hopsital we want to assure that we are not overvaccinating pets and for this reason, once dogs reach the one year mark (provided they recieved the correct puppy series while young) the "distemper" vaccine will only be boostered every three years for the rest of their lives. However studies have shown that the lepto portion of the vaccine, previously given in the combo during puppyhood, is not effective for as long and needs to be boostered every year. So starting at one year, they recieve the vaccines seperately and on different schedules. Lepto is considered a core vaccination, yet is not given in all areas or even recommended in all hospitals.

Which leads to your next two questions- why is it highly recommended at KAH and what exactly IS IT!

Leptospirosis is a type of bacteria highly prevelant in our area that can affect both dogs and humans. The disease caused by this bacteria can quickly infect both the kidneys and the liver. Leptospirosis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms that it causes to the liver and kidneys could be caused by many kinds of diseases. There is also the possiblity to get false negative results for specific tests that can be done even in the acute phase of the disease. Lepto can be contracted by direct or indirect contact with the skin or mucous membranes with an infected animal's urine or by direct organism ingestion. Carriers of lepto include rodents, cattle, swine, racoons, opossums, and several other animal species.
Treatment for this disease is supportive care and antibiotics, however it is very expensive and, as mentioned before, difficult to diagnose.
Considering this, PREVENTION would be best and inexpensive in light of the difficulties to correctly dianose and treat this disease. Please feel free to ask our staff if you have any questions or concerns about leptospirosis and the vaccine that we administer here at KAH!

Redskins Fan

"Mommy likes Ravens, Daddy likes the Redskins--guess who dressed me today?!--Jake Davis"

Hospital Tour

Recently a group of children from the Church of the Brethern came in for a tour of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital. Dr. Davis gave the children a talk on careers in veterinary medicine and animal health. With the help of Bizy, the golden retriever, he also taught the children how to approach animals safely. Technician Sara Moore then gave the children a tour of the treatment area, surgery and radiology. Any schools or civic groups interested in a tour or talk can contact the hospital at 301-631-6900 and speak with our client service specialist, Eileen.

He made it!

Our former veterinary assistant, Josh Gourley, who put himself through college by working at our hospital just completed the Appalachian trail. Josh left from Georgia in March and walked over 2,000 (!) miles to Maine by early September.
Way to go Josh!

Facebook Photo Contest

Announcing our first Facebook Photo Contest. Follow the instructions and link below to enter your pet's photo. Pets must be patients of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital to be eligible.

Visit our Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frederick-MD/Kingsbrook-Animal-Hospital/52811412477) & become a fan of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital


Post a picture of your pet. Enter "September Photo Contest" in the decription & don't foget to put down your pet's name, too!


Vote for your pet by selecting "like" below your pet's picture

Tell your friends to vote for your pet!

Any Fan of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital can vote.

Pictures can be found on the main facebook page or in the Fan Photo Album

The winner will receive a $50.00 credit for use at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital. We will select the winning picture on September 19th based on how many votes (or "likes") each photo receives.

Only patients of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital are eligible to win.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Top Dogs

BALTIMORE’S TOP DOGS 2008
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Boxer
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Yorkshire Terrier
6. Bulldog
7. Pugs **
8. Poodle
9. Chihuahua
10. Maltese

Registration data pulled from Baltimore zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
** Tied for 6th
"The Bulldog jumped from tenth to sixth most popular breed for 2008 in Baltimore," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Baltimore’s love of Toy breeds is demonstrated with two new additions to its Top 10 list, the Chihuahua, and the Maltese."



WASHINGTON DC’S TOP DOGS 2008
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier**
4. Golden Retriever
5. Poodle
6. Pug
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. Boxer
9. Bulldog***
10. Shih Tzu/ Cocker Spaniel****
* Registration data pulled from Washington, D.C. zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
** Tied with #2
*** Tied with #8
**** Tied with #10

"While Obama focuses on the Portuguese Water Dog as potential "first dog" Washingtonians are casting their votes for the more traditional Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Residents of the nation’s capital also saw a rise in a popular Sporting dog, the Cocker Spaniel. This family-friendly breed makes a great pet for active families – in fact, it was ranked number one nationwide for 25 years."