VCA Cedar Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital offering medical and surgical services, as well as boarding. We enjoy caring for a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Local Medical Issues
There are numerous local medical issues that can impact your pet's health and require your attention. Heartworm disease, for example, is one such problem. Since it is transmitted by mosquitoes, which thrive in our region, it is a serious cause for concern. It can be fatal to both dogs and cats, but is almost 100% preventable with safe, effective, and easy-to-administer heartworm preventive medicines.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which is also prevalent in our area, and can be risky to both you and your pet. The bacteria are found in most animals, including livestock and wildlife (deer, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats and other rodents), and are passed via the urine into water sources. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil, and recreational water sources, such as ponds and lakes. Your dog can become infected by drinking, swimming in, or walking through contaminated water. Exposure risk is highest during times of increased rainfall "summer and early fall. This disease can cause severe illness in people. The most common forms of leptospirosis can be prevented by vaccination.
Lyme disease, transmitted by the deer tick, is another problem in our area. It can cause joint problems, fever, and long-term kidney problems in dogs. Exposure can be prevented by careful tick prevention. There is also a vaccine for Lyme disease in dogs.
