ATTENTION ALL CAT OWNERS!!  MEDICAL ALERT!!

Natural Bridge Animal Hospital wants to make you aware of the presence of an emerging,  life-threatening disease that has been found in our area. In fact, we have recently diagnosed a case in our own hospital.   

​DISEASE
Cytauxzoonosis, or Bobcat Fever, is a very serious tick-borne disease that often proves to be fatal.  The disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of the Lone Star Tick, which is very common in our region.  
Symptoms of Cytauxzoonosis include sudden, severe illness characterized by lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, pain, depression, and dehydration.  Symptoms usually present within 5 - 14 days of infection. The disease then progresses rapidly and, once symptoms present, can lead to death within 2 - 3 days.

TREATMENT
Although researchers are studying new medications, there is no cure at this time.  Aggressive supportive care, or humane euthanasia are the best current treatment options.  Even with supportive care, many cats do not survive.

PREVENTION
The only defense against Cytauxzoonosis is prevention.  The best prevention is to routinely and consistently apply a reputable, veterinary-approved flea and tick preventative, such as Frontline Gold or Bravecto. It is also recommended that you regularly check your cat for ticks, especially those that have access to the outdoors.

If you have any further questions, or suspect your cat may be affected, please call us at 540-291-1444.

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Heat Stroke Prevention
The summer heat can be dangerous, visit our Monthly Topics page to learn what you can do to protect your pet!

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May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Learn more about the disease and how to best protect your pet!

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March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month
Find out how to reduce the risk of poisoning in your pets!

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month
It's the month of love, hugs, and kisses!

If bad breath makes your pet positively un-kissable, then it's time to schedule a dental cleaning today.  

Bad breath may mean there is an issue with your pet’s teeth and gums. But it may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If dental issues are left untreated, your pet may be at risk for problems in their mouth (periodontitis) or with internal organs (heart disease). The challenge most pet owners face is that even if their pet’s breath smells fine, some dental conditions can still be present because they are so are hard to spot. Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats over the age of three.
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Early preventive measures, such as at-home care and in-clinic teeth cleanings will help to reduce the frequency and severity of dental disease later in life. At our hospital, we will perform a comprehensive examination of your pet’s teeth and gums. Just like when you visit your dentist, we use special tools to remove tartar from below the gum line and smooth the surface of each tooth to prevent tartar buildup.
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The whole month of February, we are running special promotions on our dental procedures with discounts up to $143!  Call for more details and to schedule your pet's appointment today, and be sure to visit Ora's Dental Day to see exactly what is done when we perform a dental! 

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Congratulations to Dr. McDermott and Tristan on the birth of their daughter, Kaeleigh Ann.  Kaeleigh was born October 28th (just in time for our Fall Festival), and the whole family is doing great!  Dr. McDermott has returned to NBAH full time, and is excited to be back seeing patients and educating clients.

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We are very excited to welcome back a familiar face!
Dr. Monique Siex has returned to Natural Bridge Animal Hospital!  She is seeing patients a few days a week and will deliver the same excellent care that you have come to expect from Natural Bridge Animal Hospital.  Call today to schedule your pet's next appointment with Dr. Siex.