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Cancer How Common is Cancer? How is it Diagnosed? Is Cancer Preventable? Common Signs of Cancer in Pets · Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow · Sores that do not heal · Weight loss · Loss of appetite · Bleeding or discharge from any body opening · Offensive odor · Difficulty eating or swallowing · Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina · Persistent lameness or stiffness · Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating Many of the above signs are also seen with non-cancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible. |
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Hewitt Veterinary Hospital Welcomes… Elizabeth Daily joins us as a receptionist. She and her husband Terry moved here from Houston. Elizabeth was doing some fostering for the Waco Humane Society prior to working with us. Elizabeth and Terry are parents of a Dachshund named Lola and a Siamese named Sua Lek (Thai for little tiger). Elizabeth is a real joy and a wonderful addition to the ladies up front. Come by and welcome Elizabeth! |




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FELINE LEUKEMIA What is Feline Leukemia? Feline leukemia is a virus that is considered the most important infectious disease agent producing fatal illness in cats. The virus belongs to a family known as the retrovirus. It is related to other fatal viruses such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The virus is shed in saliva and tears. It can also be present in the urine and feces of infected animals. This means that cat-to-cat contact such as sharing food and water bowls or grooming behaviors can be a source of disease transmission. Kittens and young cats are most at risk. What are the signs of feline leukemia? Common symptoms produced by the feline leukemia virus include depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, or excessive drinking and urination. Cancer occurs in some cats that are infected with leukemia. This virus also interferes with a cat’s natural ability to ward off other diseases and makes the cat very susceptible to picking up other infections. How is feline leukemia diagnosed? There are some blood tests that can be run to determine if a cat has come in contact with the virus. One test typically can be run in your veterinarian’s office and is very sensitive to any exposure to the virus. Is there a cure? No. There is currently no cure for an infected cat. There is a vaccine to aid in the protection from feline leukemia. The vaccine is as safe as other commonly used feline vaccines. The vaccines are reasonably effective in preventing persistent feline leukemia infection. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but the immune response produced by these vaccines will protect most exposed cats from becoming infected with the virus. Kittens should be tested then vaccinated twice starting at about 8-10 weeks of age with a second vaccine given 3 weeks later. Cats should receive annual vaccination boosters at the discretion of the veterinarian.
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A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS......... |
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~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. |





