Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed below some of the questions that we are most frequently asked by our clients.  The answers to these questions may be slightly different from pet to pet.  As promised in our mission statement and in our general philosophy of practice, we seek to educated you so that you can make the best decisions for your pet.

Our Mission Statement: 

• At Kensington Veterinary Hospital we promise to offer your pet the highest quality of individualized, progressive health care.
• We promise to always listen to your concerns thoroughly and compassionately so that we may work in partnership with you to address your pet’s health care needs.
• Our goal is to educate you to that together we can make the best decisions regarding your pet’s health and well-being.

We hope that your experience with us will make you and your pet feel like part of our extended
Kensington Veterinary Hospital family.

What is an annual examination?  How is it different from an exam when my animal is ill?
We recommend a comprehensive physical examination at least once a year, more often for older or less healthy animals.  These examinations allow us to check the overall health of the animals, the general appearance, integument (skin) eyes, ears, lymph nodes, teeth/dental, mucous membranes/tonsils, circulatory, respiratory system, urogenital, gastrointestinal/abdomen nervous system and musculoskeletal system.  These are especially important because an animal cannot “tell” us about the early development of a disease or problem which the veterinarian may be able to diagnose. 

These annual comprehensive physical examinations are a time when the Doctor and the client can discuss questions that the client may have as well as nutritional recommendations, discuss Heartworm testing and prevention (does my pet need it?), discuss flea control, discuss any behavioral questions or issues, etc. 

We recommend checking a fecal and urine sample annually at this time.  We check the fecal sample microscopically for internal parasites, some which could be zoonotic (passed on to you and your family).  The urine sample is an excellent and fairly inexpensive way to obtain general information about your pet’s overall health.  The concentrating ability of the urine gives us an excellent indication of how the kidneys and liver are functioning.  We are able to check for infection-some urinary tract infections can be silent (without outward symptoms) and cause permanent and/or life threatening damage if undetected.  This urine sample would also indicate if there were any signs of diabetes.

The annual, comprehensive physical examination differs from a routine or sick animal examination in many ways.  When examining an animal that is ill, the Doctor will concentrate on diagnosing and treating the problem at hand.  There is not time in a sick animal examination to discuss the preventive care that is discussed during the annual exam, as the emphasis is on resolving the current illness. 

Some animals are very healthy, and appear to have no need to visit their veterinarian annually.  Annual examinations are still very, very important!  Some problems are not visible to the untrained eye.  Also vaccinations or a titer may be appropriate (a blood test to evaluate the level of immunity present).  If your animal is on a special, prescription diet, we are legally required to have a physical examination a minimum of every twelve months in order to be able to continue to sell that prescription food.  We also must have a current examination on record to prescribe or refill medications.

What is your vaccination policy?
We are very conservative in our vaccination policy.  In keeping with belief that the health of your pet is the most important, we prefer to vaccinate only as indicated by lifestyle and exposure risk.  Historically speaking, in veterinary medicine it has been recommended that most vaccines be given yearly, with the exception of rabies vaccine, which is generally recognized as protective for three years in adult animals who have been properly vaccinated.  In some situations, even more frequent vaccinations may have been recommended.  Until recently, there was not much information available regarding how long a vaccine’s protection lasts. 

There are several ways to determine which vaccines are considered necessary and which vaccines are unnecessary for your pet.  We are able to make decisions on most of the vaccines by careful discussion of your pet’s lifestyle and exposure (are they indoor only?  Are they indoor and outdoors?…)  The second way in which we are able to determine the medical necessity of vaccines for your pet is via a blood test called a titer which evaluates your animal’s level of protective immunity.  The protective immunity levels are well defined for most, but not all of the diseases against which animals are commonly vaccinated.  This is a fairly simple and painless procedure, which involves obtaining a blood sample from your pet and having a laboratory evaluate it.  Based on your pet’s level of immunity, a decision can be made as to whether your animal needs to have a vaccination or not.   

Many clients want to vaccinate their pets against as many diseases as possible to keep them as safe as possible.  We do not recommend vaccines that are not absolutely necessary.  There has recently been a link suggested between the administration of vaccines in cats and the development of a particular type of tumor (called a fibrosarcoma).   We have also seen many more diseases of the immune system in animals, and while no definite connection has yet been proven with vaccines, it is an area of concern. 

Please continue reading for our current recommendation for titer and vaccination.  We will continue to evaluate these recommendations as new information becomes available. 

Kitten:

FVRCP:  (airborne upper respiratory virus’):  First vaccine at eight weeks of age, followed by two additional vaccines three to four weeks apart.  Booster vaccine one year after initial vaccine, then titer yearly (vaccinate if titer is low).*

FeLV:  (Feline Leukemia):  This vaccine is given to kittens and cats at risk only.  If necessary, vaccines should start at twelve weeks of age and be repeated three to four weeks later.  A FeLV test is required prior to beginning the vaccine to verify that the cat is FeLV negative.   Booster is needed yearly if cat still at risk.*

Rabies:   This vaccine is given to kittens and cats at risk only.  One vaccine for kittens or outdoor cats at a minimum age of 12 weeks.  Booster one year after initial vaccine, then every three years if still at risk.*

*Vaccine recommendations will be slightly different for adult cats of unknown vaccine history.

Puppy:

DHPP:  Vaccines starting at eight weeks of age.  Boosters required every three to four weeks until puppy reaches sixteen weeks of age.  Booster one year after last vaccine, then titer annually(vaccinating if titer is low).

Bordatella:   (intranasal) recommended at twelve weeks of age.  Recommended for all puppies and social dogs. 

Rabies:   Vaccine can be given between sixteen and twenty-four weeks of age.  Vaccine should be boostered one year later, then administered every three years.

The Cost of Veterinary Care:

Why is veterinary care so expensive?
Every pet owner had different ideas as to what is “acceptable” pet care.  Some owners look upon their pet as an important family member and expect state-of-the-art medical care similar to that available in the human field.  Other pet owners view their pet as a possession and desire only minimal medical care.  The role of the veterinarian is to offer the best available services and products and then educate clients and guide them in their personal choices regarding care for their pet.  The extent of care given to any animal is determined by its owners, the value they place on their pet, and their financial resources. 

Veterinarians are willing to and do go the extra mile for pet owners but, just as in any other trade, they must cover the expenses of operation.  These expenses include staff salaries, government taxes and fees, costly equipment such as x-ray and anesthetic machines, inventory of supplies, rent, insurance, utilities, licenses, maintenance, repairs and, of course, the expense of years of medical training.   Considering this “overhead,” veterinary fees are surprisingly reasonable.  The cost of veterinary care has actually risen very little over the last twenty years, especially when compared to the cost of human health care or almost any other service.

Why do I feel that I’m spending more on my pet’s health care than my own?
The reason you may feel that you are paying more for your pet’s health care than your own is that you probably have health insurance for your own health care needs, thus, you’re not accustomed to seeing true bottom-line figures.  If you add up your insurance costs, deductibles, and pharmaceutical costs, you will find that veterinary care is much less costly than human health care.  There are currently several veterinary insurance plans available---please ask us for information if you are interested.

Another reason your pet’s health care may seem expensive is that, due to our pets’ relatively short life spans, they experience the health problems of young and old age over a much shorter period of time.  Finally, some veterinary procedures are actually more complex that those of humans, An example is the requirement of a general anesthetic to perform a dental cleaning in animals, which obviously increases the relative cost and complexity of this service.  Bear in mind that your veterinarian is not only your pet’s general physician, but also their surgeon, radiologist, dermatologist, neurologist, cardiologist, and pharmacist. 

Why is there sometimes a wide range of prices for the same procedure(s) among veterinarians? 
Prices are set by each individual veterinary practice and each has different expenses that are covered by the fees charged (i.e. salaries, rent, ets.).  Often, the different prices do not actually reflect the exact same set of services, some being more complete than others.  Different types of materials such as drugs, anesthetics, pain medications and antibiotics may have a significant bearing on the cost of the services.  Also, different techniques are used by different veterinarians, which may affect the time required to complete the procedure. 

Are there any alternatives to declawing?
While scratching is natural behavior for cats, it can cause problems for cat owners.  The standard solution for many years was just to declaw the cat.  Declawing is the process where the claw and bone up to the first joint are removed.   It is a painful process with a several week recovery period.   There is now a safe and painless alternative to declawing called “Soft Paws.”

Soft Paws are vinyl nail caps that were developed by a veterinarian that keep your cats nails blunt and harmless for four to five times longer then a normal nail trim.  Soft paws are generally applied for the first time by the veterinary staff so that you know they were applied securely.  After the first application, we teach you how to apply the caps and send you home with a several month supply.  They are a humane and relatively inexpensive alternative to declawing.

Do you recommend Microchipping?
We strongly recommend implanting a microchip in your pet.  It is a safe, simple and permanent form of pet identification.   Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted using a needle.  Anesthesia is not required.  The microchips contain a unique identification number.  When the lost animal is taken to a shelter or veterinarians office, the pet is scanned for a microchip.  With the unique identification number that is your pets, the microchip company is called and you are quickly contacted with your pets location. 
We recommend using the Home Again Pet Recovery Service.  They have a twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week support system to help identify your pet.  They also provide a tag for your pet’s collar and a website where you can update or change your contact information.  This is a permanent form of identification that cannot be removed without surgical intervention. 

What is acupuncture and will it help my pet?*
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect.  The specific point on the body is called “Shu-xu” or acupuncture point (acupoint).  The ancient Chinese people discovered 173 acupoints in animals.

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels.  Most acupoints are motor points.  A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters.  Therefore, acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by those scientific studies.  As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood. 

Vital Energy or Qi
The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of QI (pronounced chee).  Qi is the life force or vital energy.  There are two opposite forms of Qi:  Yin and Yang.  Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body 24 hours per day, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang.  When the flow of Qi if interrupted by a pathological factor (such as virus or bacteria), the balance of Yin and Yang will be lost and consequently a disease may occur.

Pain is interpreted as a blockage of Qi flow (or no free flow of Qi).  Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qu and enabling the body to heal itself.  Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance. 

What are Acupuncture methods and goals? 
Acupoints may be stimulated in a variety of ways.  These techniques include dry needling, moxibustion, aqu-acupuncture and electro-stimulation.  Whatever tools are used, the goal is always the same: to restore the flow of Qi and allow homeostasis to return. 

How long does each treatment last?
Each session may take 15 to 60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
It depends upon the nature , severity and duration of diseases.  A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition.  A series of three to ten treatments can resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.

Does acupuncture hurt?
A proper acupuncture therapy may induce distention, and a heaviness sensation along with contraction of local muscle.  Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy.  Some animals will fall asleep during acupuncture treatment. 

How much does a veterinary acupuncture treatment cost?
It depends on location, practitioner, species, and disease.  A typical range of fees for a single session of acupuncture will vary from $60 to $200.

Who is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
Only licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice acupuncture in most states.  A certified acupuncture training course is highly recommended before performing a veterinary acupuncture. 

Where can I find a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)?
A qualified veterinary acupuncturist can be found at the website:  www.tcvm.com , www.ivas.org and www.aava.org ..
Both Dr. Patty Ungar and Dr. Victoria Jordan are Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists. 

What physiological effects are induced by Acupuncture?
Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces these physiological effects:

• Pain relief
• Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Immuno-regulation
• Hormone and reproductive regulation
• Anti-febrile effect; microcirculation promotion

When is acupuncture indicated?
Clinical trials indicate that the acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal problems:  muscle soreness, back pain, disc problems, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease.
• Neurological disorders:  seizure, laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial nerve paralysis.
• Gastrointestinal disorders:  diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation and impaction.
• Other chronic conditions:  anhidrosis, heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, behavioral problems, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, infertility, hyperthyroidism, renal failure, geriatric weakness, skin problems. 
• Prevention of disease.

Cautions and Contraindications:
When acupuncture is performed, the following conditions are cautioned or contraindicated:

• Fracture
• Pregnancy
• Open Wounds
• Infectious Diseases

Why is Acupuncture frequently combined with Chinese Herbs?
Sometimes the prescription of Chinese Herbal Medicine is chosen by the knowledgeable veterinarian as a support for the acupuncture, or on occasion, in lieu of it.  Herbs are frequently used in situation that have not responded to traditional western veterinary medical practices. 

*Information obtained from “FAQ for Veterinary Acupuncture” printed by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. 

What are Chinese Herbs and Nutritional Supplements  and how can they help my pet?
Nutritional supplements have been specifically designed to provide a broad range of nutritional support for multiple organs and glands including the liver, kidney, heart, and adrenal glands. In addition, some of the products provide broad-spectrum support for the immune system, skin, and the body as a whole.
Chinese herbal formulas are centuries-old and have been shown over the years to have many positive effects on the body’s ability to heal and resolve symptoms. They are typically administered in pill, capsule, powder or liquid form, and can be given with food. There are generally very few side effects, though occasionally digestive upset may be seen.

Why do you recommend bloodwork?
Current bloodwork is an excellent diagnostic tool in all animals.  Sick animals are unable to tell us how they feel and the bloodwork will give us indications of what is wrong.  Bloodwork in healthy animals is ideal as a baseline of their general health.  We recommend preanesthetic bloodwork for all animals that will be undergoing anesthesia (and require it for animals over six years of age).  If the preanesthetic blood test results are within normal ranges, we can proceed with confidence, knowing that anesthetic risk is minimized.  On the other hand, if results are not within the normal ranges, we can alter the anesthetic procedure, postpone it, or take extra precautions to ensure your pet’s safety.  Please find below an explanation of what tests are run and why:

Blood Chemestries: 
ALB (Albumin):  A protein that is produced by the liver.  Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver, kidney or intestinal disease. 

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase):   An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury. 

ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase):  An enzyme present in multiple tissues, including liver and bone.  Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, Cushing’s syndrome or steroid therapy. 

AMYL (Amylase):  An enzyme produced by the pancreas.  The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion.  Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic disease. 

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen):  BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.  Abnormally high levels can indicate kidney disease or dehydration, and low levels can be associated with liver disease.

Ca2+ (Calcium):  Increased levels can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys, or as an indicator of certain types of tumors. 

CHOL (Cholesterol):  Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders, including hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease.

CREA (Creatinine):  Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys.  Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or dehydration. 

GLU (Blood Glucose):  High levels can indicate diabetes.  In cats, high levels can also indicate stress, which can merely be a result of the visit to the veterinarian.  Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.

PHOS (Phosphorus):  Elevated phosphorus can be an indicator of kidney disease.

TBIL (Total Bilirubin):  Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin as well as a component of bile.  Blood bilirubin levels are useful in indicating liver disease and possibly help characterize anemia.

TP (Total Protein):  The level of TP can detect a variety of conditions, including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney or intestine.

Hematology: 
HCT (Hematocrit):  Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) present in the blood.  A low hematocrit indicates anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin). 

CBC (Complete Blood Count):   A more complete panel of tests, a CBC provides detailed information on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelets.  The total white blood cell counts and individual cell counts can indicate leukemia, stress, inflammation or an inability to fight infection.  Low platelet numbers can indicate a bleeding problem.  We might advise that surgery be delayed if anemia, inflammation or especially a low platelet count is present because these conditions could cause serious surgical complications. 

Morphologic Inspection:  Looking at the cells through a microscope can provide information on the type of anemia or inflammation, or other abnormalities, such as leukemia. 

Electrolytes:
Na+, K+, Cl- (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride):  The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your pet’s health.  Abnormal levels can be life-threatening.  Electrolyte tests are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and cardiac
(heart) symptoms. 

T4 (Thyroid):  This is a measurement of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood, and is helpful in identifying thyroid disease.  Thyroid disease occurs in both dogs and cats, and can have a serious impact on health if left untreated. Testing is especially important for cats over the age of seven. 

UA (Urinalysis):  The urine contains by-products from many organs, such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas.  Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate diabetes, liver or urinary tract disease.

**Some of this information obtained from a brochure produced by IDEXX Laboratories called “Anesthesia and your pet.  Why testing is necessary.