I have a spoiled rotten,10 yr old neutered male Shih Tzu, named Kuro. He's also blind, but still my sweet baby!
Although it's only him and me now, there's a lot of talking around our house. I didn't realize he knows so many words! Some people say it's repetition, but I prefer to think he's that smart.......We moved to Michigan from Indiana 4 years ago, and for the first 7 years of Kuro's life, the only expense I had was vaccinations, grooming,and buying toys. ( Lots of toys)
But time passes on and age starts taking a toll, and he started having problems: bladder, tumor on paw,liver enzymes too high, dental work, eye problems,and for the past few months, skin problems.
Dr. Dhaliwal has done all of Kuro's surgeries, and worked with me on the other problems. He never loses his patience, and stays calm while I am asking my 100 questions .
Dr. Dhaliwal is definitely in the correct profession. It seems he has a passion for not only helping animals, but he takes every opportunity to learn new techniques so he can help them even more.
The staff is also very nice. They greet you with a smile, take the time to talk, explain meds,etc. and if Dr. D. doesn't call to check on Kuro after a procedure, the staff will, and that means a lot to me.
Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital is a caring place, and everyone makes sure your pet is given the best care. Whatever it takes to make you and your pet "HAPPY!"
Vaccinations For Cats & Kittens
Recent advances in veterinary medical science have resulted in an increase in the number and type of vaccines that are available for use in cats, and improvements are continuously being made in safety and efficacy. Some vaccines are more or less routinely advocated for all cats (‘core’ vaccines) whereas others are used more selectively according to circumstances. However, in all cases the selection of the correct vaccination program for each individual cat, including the frequency of repeat, booster, vaccinations, requires professional advice.
Currently cats can be vaccinated against several different diseases: ‘Core’ Vaccines:
- Feline panleukopenia, FPL (feline infectious enteritis) caused by FPL virus or feline parvovirus.
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, FVR caused by FVR virus or herpes virus type 1, FHV-1.
- Feline caliciviral disease caused by various strains of Feline caliciviruses, FCV.
- Rabies caused by Rabies virus
Non-core, discretionary vaccines:
- Feline chlamydial infection
- Feline leukemia disease complex caused by Feline leukemia virus, FeLV
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) caused by FIP virus or Feline Coronavirus
- Giardiasis caused by the protozoal parasite Giardia
- Bordetellosis caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica
What is the difference between the various types of vaccine?
Three major types of vaccine are produced for use in cats.1. Modified live vaccines - these vaccines contain live organisms that are weakened (attenuated) or genetically modified so that they do not produce disease but will multiply in the cat's body. Live vaccines are generally considered to cause a stronger, longer lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines, but there is continuous improvement in all vaccines. It is not advisable to use modified live vaccines in pregnant queens or cats whose immune system is not working properly (cats infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), etc.).
2. Killed (inactivated) vaccines - these vaccines are prepared using fully virulent organisms or genetically modified organisms that have been killed by various treatments. Because, on their own, they do not give such a high level of protection as the live, replicating type of vaccine, killed vaccines may have an ‘adjuvant’ added to enhance immune stimulation.3. Subunit vaccines - these are vaccines in which the infectious organism has been broken apart and only certain parts are included in the vaccine. In some cases this is achieved by using genetic engineering techniques prior to the fragmentation.
Also vaccines come in various combinations, so that protection against more than one disease is achieved in a single injection or administration (some vaccines are given by drops into the nose rather than by needle). Veterinarian will advise you on the most appropriate vaccines for your cat.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommended the following Vaccination sites:
FeLv administered in the left rear leg as distally as possible.
FVRCP administered as low as possible over the right shoulder.
Rabies administered in the right rear leg as distally as possible.
Vaccinations Schedule for Cats and Kittens:
- 6 weeks: Temporary vaccination for kittens that did not nurse from their mother during the first hours after birth or kittens from a mother that is not current on her vaccinations
- 8 weeks: FVRCP - Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Chlamydia
- 11 weeks: FVRCP Booster
- 14 weeks: FVRCP Booster and FeLv - Feline Leukemia (if recommended)
- 18 weeks: FVRCP and FeLv Booster (if Recommended)
- 16-18 weeks: Rabies
- FVRCP & FeLv Boostered annually
- Rabies boostered after 1 year thereafter every 3 years in Michigan
Other Feline Vaccinations
- FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis Administered in drops intranasally ( if recommnended)
- 13-14 weeks: first administration
- 16-18 weeks: booster
- boostered annually
We carry a full line of vaccines for your Cat. We administer vaccines based solely and completely on the needs of your pet.
Mandy previously had surgery at another veterinary hospital for the removal of a growth on her hind leg. For some unfortunate reason, the area became badly infected that the doctor's opinion was amputation to save Mandy's life.
At first, I was devastated about this news and wanted to get a second opinion. Therefore, I began seeking other veterinary hospitals that specialized in this area. However, for some reason Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital would constantly reappear on my list. I began to read the testimonies from his previous clients and suddenly a peaceful feeling came over me. Even though Dr. Dhaliwal's hospital was a great distant from Detroit to Ypsilanti Michigan, it was worth the ride.
Mandy's outcome was the same, yet the calming and patient manner in which my dog and I were given from Dr. Dhaliwal and his loving staff made a difference. Today, Mandy is still running, climbing and playing even with three legs and I am thankful for the time and quality of life I still share with her.
Crystal Matthews
August 2012
mianimalhospital@gmail.com