For years, it was believed that annual vaccinations for viral diseases were necessary to keep our beloved companions out of harm's way. But we have recently come to a turning point in vaccination of the canine. While we are greatful for protection from diseases such as distemper and parvovirus, there is growing realization that vaccination is not always benign.
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Atrioventricular Endocardiosis, or Myxomatous Valvular Disease, is a chronic degenerative disease affecting the mitral and tricuspid valves of the heart. It is the most common cardiac disease in small-breed dogs, and has a hereditary predisposition. The condition is caused by polysaccharide deposits in the valve leaflets that eventually distort the valves and cause them to leak. The leaks cause the heart to work less efficiently, and the increased workload may eventually lead to congestive heart failure.
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A cataract is any opacity in the lens of the eye or the lens capsule. The cause, size, location and severity of a cataract may vary. They can be caused by trauma, inflammation, diabetes or other metabolic disease, retinal atrophy, persistent pupillary membranes, hyaloid remnants, nutritional deficiencies, congenital abnormalities, or heredity.
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Primary Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures. The exact cause is unknown, but is probably some kind of biochemical or electrical discharge in the brain. It usually presents itself between the age of six months and five years, most commonly prior to the age of three.
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Atlantoaxial Subluxation is an instability of the first and second vertebrae in the neck. It takes its name from the proper name of the first cervical vertebrae (the atlas) and the second vertebrae (the axis). The lack of stability causes compression of the spinal cord that results in pain or paralysis.
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Below is a list of board-certified veterinary cardiologists by state (also including Canada, Brazil, Switzerland). When you make an appointment, state that the appointment is for cardiac OFA.
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