Blue Ravine News Your Pet 's Health Is Our Concern - Blue Ravine Animal Hospital
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A Publication of Blue Ravine Animal Hospital
Blue Ravine News
Your Pet ’s Health Is Our Concern
Volume 16 Issue 1 February 2018
Staff
Jennifer Sweet, DVM
Blue Ravine Welcomes A New Veterinarian
Jackie Thomas, DVM
Katie Wolf, DVM Dr. Finochio is a graduate of The University of Melbourne Doctor of Veterinary
Christina Riffle-Yokoi, DVM
Michelle Rivera, DVM
Medicine program. She worked for 4 years as a
Cristina Finochio, DVM volunteer and Veterinary Assistant at clinics in
Lori Siemens, DVM
Independent Cardiologist
Citrus Heights and Orangevale prior to attend-
Katherine Schwartz, RVT ing veterinary school.
Practice Manager
Patti Rungo Dr. Finochio received a Bachelor of Animal Sci-
Office Manager/Receptionist
Tricia Hudick, Receptionist ence at UC Davis. Her veterinary interests in-
Michelle Ippoliti, Receptionist clude surgery, clinical pathology and ultraso-
Ann Nicewander, Receptionist
Kathy Barker, Receptionist nography. She is a member of the AVMA
Natascha Favero, Receptionist (American Veterinary Medical Association),
Brianne Boon, Lead RVT
Angel Rivera, RVT
CVMA (California Veterinary Medical Associa-
Andrea Gavin, RVT tion) and SVVMA (Sacramento Valley Veteri-
Jolene Benevento, RVT
nary Medical Association).
Alison Goodwin, RVT
Jacquie Farnworth, RVT
Dr. Finochio is the proud owner of Meeka, her
Jacqui Hodges, Vet Ass’t.
Kayla Nelson, Vet Ass’t. native Australian mutt, and Rhône, her newly
April Benzow, Vet Ass’t. acquired Golden Retriever puppy.
Chris Chu, Vet Ass’t.
Lauren Johnson, Vet Ass’t. In her free time Dr. Finochio enjoys hiking, swimming, kayaking, spending time
Rashi Kals, Vet. Ass’t.
Brittany Ray, Vet. Ass’t. with her family and any activity that involves her dogs.
Sarah Gardner, Vet. Ass’t.
Jessica Jones, Vet. Ass’t. Dra. Finochio puede comunicarse en Español.
Anni Kasper, Kennel Ass’t.
Jacob Parsons, Kennel Ass’t.
Misty Tracy, Groomer
In This Issue: 2018 Canine Influenza—The “ Dog Flu”
2018 Canine Influenza— In the last few weeks there have been confirmed cases of Canine Influenza
1-2
The “Dog Flu”
H3N2, known as dog flu, in our area. Canine Influenza is a highly contagious
Blue Ravine Welcomes A virus. There are two variants of the virus–H3N8 and H3N2. They are host spe-
1
New Veterinarian
cific and they’re found all over the world. As news coverage increases about dog
BRAH Coupon — $50 off flu (or influenza) in California, we wanted to provide you with some basic facts
a Professional Dental 4
Cleaning about the condition.
(Dog Flu—Continued on page 2)
Pet Dental Health 3
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 1
The Dog Flu
(Dog Flu—Continued from page 1) A dog may have the canine virus yet not show any
symptoms, and it could still spread the virus. The se-
The two strains of the virus were first recognized in verity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can
greyhounds around 2003, and they’ve since been diag- range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneu-
nosed in over 36 states. There’s some controversy over monia and sometimes death. Most dogs will recover
where it originates from; some experts think it came within 2 to 3 weeks, however, other dogs develop sec-
from horse influenza and ondary bacterial infections
some think from avian influ- which may lead to more se-
enza. Some dogs are catching the flu in four US states. vere illness and pneumonia.
But there’s no reason to panic. Anyone with concerns about
We used to think that we real-
their pet’s health, or whose
ly didn’t have the flu here in These viruses are different from the ones that
pet is showing signs of canine
California, but obviously, it’s cause influenza in people. You can’t get the flu
from your puppy, and vice versa (but your cat can). influenza, should contact
like the flu with humans—
In the past 45 days (as of mid-January), at least 70 their veterinarian. Please note
once it gets started it just
dogs tested positive for the flu in California, 22 in that if your dog is already
spreads. The first cases of dogs
Kentucky, and just a handful in Ohio and Michi- coughing, it’s too late to give
with the flu came from ken-
gan, according to the Cornell University College of the vaccine. You need to call
nels and boarding facilities;
Veterinary Medicine, which keeps track of dog flu your veterinarian in this case
now some of them have shut
cases in the US. because your pet may need
down to limit the spread. In
medication and supportive
the meantime, we are offering
care.
a vaccine for our clients.
While we do carry the influenza vaccine, it is not con- How is Canine Influenza Infection in Dogs Treat-
sidered a core vaccine, but you may want to consider it ed?
if your pet frequents dog parks, groomers, boarding
Treatment largely consists of supportive care. This
facilities, doggie day care, dog shows or other public
helps the dog mount an immune response. In the mild-
dog events.
er form of the flu, care may include medication to
Our vaccine covers both strains of the virus, which make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure
does not spread to humans and that your dog remains well-hydrated.
doesn’t seem to cross over to differ- Broad spectrum antibiotics may be
ent species. Cats can sometimes prescribed by your veterinarian if a
catch the virus from infected dogs secondary bacterial infection is sus-
but there is no flu vaccine for cats at pected.
this time.
How Serious is Canine Influenza
What are the Symptoms of the Infection in Dogs?
Dog Flu?
To reiterate, the percentage of dogs
Dog flu symptoms are respiratory in infected with this disease that die is
nature and can vary from dog to dog. very small. Some dogs have no signs
Some dogs have no symptoms, while others become of illness, while some have severe infections. Severe
severely ill. The symptoms may include: illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia.
Fever If your dog is ill with the flu you will need to quaran-
Lethargy tine him or her from other canines for 4-5 weeks to
prevent the spread of this flu.
Loss of appetite
Runny nose If your dog is not vaccinated already for canine influen-
za, we recommend that you call the hospital to discuss
Eye discharge
whether this vaccine is appropriate for your dog—(916)
Coughing 984-0990.
Vomiting
Page 2 Blue Ravine News
Pet Dental Health
While February is National Pet Dental Health Month, Periodontal disease
dental health should be a daily ritual for pet owners all is the most com-
year long. mon dental condi-
tion in dogs and
Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s
cats – by the time
overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be
your pet is 3 years
caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and
old, he or she will
gums should be checked at least once a year by your
very likely have
veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and
some early evidence of gum disease, which will worsen
to keep your pet’s mouth
as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures
healthy. Brushing should take
aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical,
place daily. Regularly brush-
because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe
ing your pet’s teeth is the sin-
problems and pain for your pet.
gle most effective thing you
can do to keep their teeth Periodontal disease starts with plaque that hardens
healthy between cleanings, into tartar. The tartar above the gumline can often be
and it may reduce the fre- seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the
quency for periodic dental gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection
cleaning. But if that is not always possible brushing and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that con-
several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept nect the tooth to the jaw bone.
brushing but cats can resist more, so patience and
But gum disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth—
training are important.
it can also cause kidney, liver, and heart muscle prob-
A dental exam begins with an oral exam of your pet’s lems.
mouth. Radiographs (x-rays) are used to evaluate the
Why perform dental cleanings under anesthesia? Anes-
health of the jaw and the tooth
thesia makes it possible to per-
roots below the gumline. Most
form the procedures with less
dental disease occurs below the
stress and pain for your pet. In
gumline where you can’t see it, so
addition, anesthesia allows for a
a thorough dental cleaning and
better cleaning because your pet
evaluation are performed under
is not moving around and risking
anesthesia. Dental cleaning in-
injury from the dental equip-
cludes scaling the teeth to remove
ment. If x-rays are needed, your
dental plaque and tartar, and pol-
pet needs to be very still in order
ishing, similar to the process used
to get good images, and this is
on your own teeth during regular
unlikely without heavy sedation
dental cleanings.
or anesthesia.
Although cavities are less common
Although anesthesia will always
in pets than in people, pets can
have risks, it’s safer now than
have many of the same dental
ever and continues to improve so
problems that people can develop:
that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by
Broken teeth and roots the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of
Periodontal disease the procedure.
Abscesses or infected teeth Help your pet achieve the best health ever—call Blue
Cysts or tumors in the mouth Ravine Animal Hospital at 916-984-0990 today to
schedule your pet’s dental check-up.
Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and
bite
Broken (fractured) jaw
Palate defects (such as cleft palate)
Volume 16 Issue 1 Page 3
1770 Prairie City Road
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: 916 984-0990
Fax: 916 984-6510
February is Pet Dental Health Month! Call for your pet’s checkup today.
Blue Ravine Office Hours
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For emergencies outside regular office hours, please call Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center, 916 362-3111 or
Vista Veterinary Specialists, 916 231-4445.
www.blueravineanimalhospital.com
Pet Dental Health Month All of our dental packages include
radiographs, sevoflurane anesthesia,
pulse oximeter monitoring, ultrasonic
Receive $50 Off a cleaning, and fluoride polishing
Professional Dental Cleaning supervised by the veterinarian.
(Limit: one [1] per family) Extractions, antibiotics, and specialty
procedures are available at an
BLUE RAVINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL additional charge.
1770 Prairie City Rd. in Folsom, CA 95630
916-984-0990
Coupon expires March 31, 2018
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