Cats and dogs are capable of hiding symptoms of illness. This is an instinctive behavior protects them against predators or the dominant animals in their pack. It is not until the pet becomes critical and displays symptoms that client becomes aware their pet is sick.
A pet may be suffering from a fever, enlarged lymph nodes, gastritis, internal bleeding or a clotting disorder which would not be detected by an untrained eye. Most commonly the pet's medical problem goes undetected until the pet stops eating, develops diarrhea or starts to show bruising on their skin. It is at this time the owner calls a veterinary hospital for appointment to see their pet.
If a cat or dog has an underlying medical issue at the time a vaccine is administered the vaccine could jeopardized their ability to recover from the illness. An exam performed by a veterinarian will determine if the pet is healthy prior to administering a vaccine. Some adverse reactions to vaccines may be spiked fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anaphylactic shock and death.
Treatment for patients suffering from adverse reactions to vaccines may include veterinary clinic hospitalization, IV fluids, medications for shock, oxygen therapy and plasma transfusion.
As a precaution to avoid adverse reactions veterinarians should be perform a thorough exam prior to administering a vaccine. Just as MD's who exam, diagnose and treat people, veterinarians attend 8 to 12 years of college which enables them to know how to exam, diagnose and treat all medical conditions that effect pets. Pet examinations are necessary to diagnose illnesses, prescribe correct medications, perform laboratory tests and provide preventative pet health care.
Clients are charged a minimal fee for their pet's examination which requires the veterinarian's knowledge, expertise and time.
From the other side of the exam table,
Dr. Gloria Williams
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