Web Resources

The World Wide Web provides an overwhelming amount of information for pet owners – some of it valuable and some of it misleading. Here are some website links that provide valuable, reliable information for pet owners in Southern Arizona. However, please do not hesitate to call our office at (520) 572-8300 if you have questions.

Rabies

Rabies is a preventable, deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. All mammals, including humans, dogs and cats are susceptible. Rabies is transmitted by contact with saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite wound. Arizona’s number of confirmed cases of rabies in animals has increased dramatically over the past few years. The most commonly infected species include bats, skunks, and foxes, but there are confirmed cases in coyotes, bobcats, javelina, domestic livestock and pets. Pima County requires that all dogs three months of age or older be vaccinated for Rabies and licensed by Pima Animal Care Center. Twin Peaks Veterinary Center also strongly recommends a Rabies vaccination for cats, even those that are confined indoors. The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer information about Rabies exposure, symptoms, and prevention.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, foxes, wolves, and coyotes. The virus can be fatal if left untreated. It is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact, or dogs in contact with a feces-contaminated environment. For example, a dog can contract parvo from kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, or the hands and clothing of people who have handled an infected dog. The virus is strong enough to last for months in the environment. All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have not been completely vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus are at increased risk of becoming infected. Parvo is common in Tucson, so Twin Peaks Veterinary Center recommends vaccination against the disease early on and throughout the lifetime of your dog. When a dog develops parvo, early recognition and aggressive treatment, including hospitalization, may be required for a successful outcome. Twin Peaks Veterinary Center offers the parvovirus vaccine and treatment/hospitalization should your dog become infected. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers further information about this disease.

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

Valley Fever is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides, and is not a "contagious" disease (it is not passed from person to person). It can infect any mammal (including people, cats and dogs), and is especially common among dogs living in Tucson. Symptoms vary, and can include coughing, limping, lack of appetite or energy, seizures and more. The disease is diagnosed with a blood test, and requires long-term treatment. Testing and treatment are available at Twin Peaks Veterinary Center. The University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence offers up-to-date accurate information about this disease.

Snake Bites

Southern Arizona has a number of venomous species of snakes. Rattlesnake bites in particular can be fatal for dogs and cats. At this time, Twin Peaks Veterinary Clinic does not recommend the Rattlesnake vaccine. There is no home treatment for these encounters – it is best to seek veterinary care immediately. Keep your pet calm and warm and call our office right away so we may prepare for your arrival. Twin Peaks Veterinary Center offers treatment for snake bites, including antivenin, antibiotics and pain management if your pet is bitten. Information about snake bites and Rattlesnake Avoidance Training is available from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Pets and Poisons

Cats and dogs can ingest or come into contact with many things that are toxic, or become ill because of items/animals they encounter in their environment. Many of these can be fatal to your pet, including medications, foods, plants, antifreeze, pest control substances, and encounters with cactus, poisonous animals (like the Colorado River Toad) or harmful insects (spiders, ants, scorpions). If you believe your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, or if your pet has swelling, a sudden rash, nosebleeds, vomiting or erratic behavior, you should seek immediate treatment. Prompt treatment can save your pet’s life.

Please note that Anticoagulant rodenticides (D-con, etc) do not produce signs of poisoning for several days after the toxic dose has been consumed. Anticoagulant rodenticides cause internal bleeding. A poisoning victim will show weakness and pallor (pale gums), but bleeding will not likely be obvious externally. If you suspect your pet has ingested D-con or a similar rat poison, please proceed to our office immediately for appropriate care.

Pet Rescues in Arizona

Twin Peaks Veterinary Center encourages the adoption of rescued pets. As a convenience for owners who are searching for a pet appropriate for their family, we provide an Arizona Pet Rescue Contact List. While Twin Peaks Veterinary Center makes no endorsement of the organizations shown, we recommend that owners use the list to visit and/or contact rescue organizations as part of their search for a new family pet.

A Few Other Helpful Sites…