Mission Statement

Just as some new developments point out what is no longer necessary for your pet, some new developments point out what is necessary.

Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America. In some climates it has been shown that up to thirty percent or more of all dogs and cats are infected with giardia. (26) It has now been demonstrated that dogs and cats  can transmit some species of  giardia to humans , and vice versa. (26) Giardia  can be sub-clinical or can cause severe diarrhea and cramping. It can lead to dehydration or even death in neonates or immune-compromised individuals. Medication is available (Panacur for 5 days, or metronidazole for ten days) which can eliminate this parasite from your pet and reduce the risk to your family. Bathing helps to prevent re-infection. We do not recommend the Giardia vaccine.

Heartworm preventative must be given all year round in Houston to be effective.

VACCINES BADLY NEEDED

A new vaccine for Feline Immuno deficiency virus (FIV) has been developed. Unfortunately this is an adjuvanted vaccine so the there is the potential of  fibrosarcoma developement. The vaccine does not contain the virus that causes FIV in the US.  We do not recommend this vaccine. Hopefully an effective and safe vaccine will be developed soon.

Other important new vaccines in development include: Cat Scratch Fever vaccine for your cat and Ehrlichia vaccine for dogs. See our Pet Care library for more information on these diseases.

Sub unit vectored vaccines, recombinant poymerase chain reaction vaccines and DNA vaccines along with improved adjuvants promise exciting new developments in safety and better efficacy.

A new vaccine for Melanoma, a type of cancer looks promising.

Annual Physical Exams

For years, the pricing structure of veterinarians has led clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots." The value is in the  physical exam of your pet. Twelve months of your pets life is equivalent to approximately 7 years for you & I. We take our children to the pediatrician more than every 7 years. Hopefully we see our own M.D. more often than every 7 years for a physical. Most men over 40 know their blood pressure and their Cholesterol levels. Most women over 40 have a mammogram.

Early detection of treatable diseases  like heart failure, kidney failure, arthritis, or cancer can  provide a longer  and higher quality of  life for our beloved family member- pets.

 An annual  physical exam is more important than annual vaccinations to improve the quality of life and prolong the life of your pet. Our pets now have access to the best medical care in the history of veterinary medicine. 

See or Senior care program for recommendations for your pet.