Phases Veterinary Emergency Hospital

08/22/2025

Next up on our list is Leptospirosis.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate!

Leptospirosis (Lepto) mainly affects dogs and is usually associated with tropical and sub-tropical areas. In BC, this is considered to be the lower mainland and along the coast, which are the areas where vaccinating dogs for Lepto is most common. In recent years though, the presence of Lepto in the interior regions of BC has been increasing. Puppies and unvaccinated adults are most at risk, but lifestyle is also a factor, with large breed mostly outdoor dogs at higher risk of exposure. The AAHA (American Animal Health Association) now considers Lepto a core vaccine and recommends vaccinating all dogs. Dogs can be exposed to Lepto through infected urine, contaminated warm and slow moving water or contaminated soil, where it can survive for months, or from the saliva from an infected animal.

Leptospirosis can cause both liver and kidney failure, as well as death. Here is a list of important signs to watch out for, though they can vary from dog to dog:
-lethargy/weakness
-loss of appetite
-high fever

Leptospirosis can infect cats, but they are considered to be more resistant to it, and there is no licensed Lepto vaccine for cats in Canada. Lepto is unfortunately zoonotic and one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world.

The vaccine to protect dogs from Lepto covers all four major strains of the bacteria. This vaccine is given at 12 weeks, needs to be boostered at 16 weeks, and then given annually throughout their life.

08/18/2025

Next, Canine Distemper! Also with the help of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Partner websites.

Canine distemper virus (CVD) is a contagious disease that can affect all dogs, though puppies and unvaccinated adults are most at risk. CVD can lead to long term neurological problems or death, though recovery rate is good for dogs with strong immune systems. CVD is spread mainly through fluid released when sneezing or coughing, but can be spread through all bodily fluids, including on items like toys, dishes, clothing and shoes, and can do so for several weeks after infection. CVD can survive for several weeks in cool, damp and dark environments but is easily neutralized with high temperatures and routine disinfection.

Here is a list of important signs to watch out for, though they can vary from dog to dog:
-discharge from eyes/nose
-fever
-cough
-lethargy
-reduced appetite
-vomiting/diarrhea
-neurological (ex. seizures, paralysis)

Canine distemper is not a zoonotic disease, though it is related to measles, and other animals, such as ferrets, can contract the virus. Cats have their own variation of distemper.

The vaccine to protect dogs from distemper is the same vaccine previously mentioned that protects against parvo, the DA2PP combo vaccine, and is one of the core vaccines for dogs. This is the first vaccine puppies will receive at 8 weeks of age, and will need boostered at 12 and 16 weeks, and then every 1-3 years throughout their life.

08/15/2025

Next up, Feline Panleukopenia! The following information was supplied by the American College of Veterinary Medicine.

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), also known as Feline Distemper, is a type of parvovirus and is a highly contagious illness that affects the digestive system, as well as the bone marrow and lymph nodes. FPV affects unvaccinated kitten, adult cats and can also greatly affect kittens while in utero, which can result in foetal death, heart disease or brain damage. FPV is a disease that can be transmitted by infected adult cats without the cats showing symptoms for weeks after illness, and is also very hardy in the environment, able to survive up to a year at room temperature.

Here is a list of important signs to watch out for, though they can vary from cat to cat:
-loss of appetite
-depression
-high fever
-vomiting
-diarrhea

If your cat shows any of these signs, immediately contact your veterinarian. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, which can lead to death.

FPV is not a zoonotic disease, but some other animals, such as ferrets, can contract the virus.

The vaccine to protect cats from FVP is the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia, or FVRCP, combo vaccine, and is one of the core vaccines for cats. This is the first vaccine kittens will receive at 8 weeks of age, and will need boostered at 12 and 16 weeks, and then every 1-3 years throughout their life. FPV was once much more common, but with the arrival of the FVRCP vaccine, infection rates have greatly decreased and it is seen less often at veterinary clinics.

08/12/2025

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the different components of vaccines, and what these illness may look like in a clinical setting.

First up, Parvovirus! The following information has been supplied by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Parvovirus, or Parvo, is the most common unvaccinated related emergency seen in veterinary clinics for puppies. It is a highly contagious disease caused by Canine Parvovirus Type 2, and while there are several strains of CPV-2, all produce similar signs. This virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and puppies, and can even damage the heart muscle. All dogs are susceptible to canine parvovirus, with some at greater risk than others, such as puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age and unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult dogs. Dogs can be exposed to parvo through infected f***s or a contaminated environment, where it is able to survive for months or years, especially in dark and damp conditions.

Here is a list of important signs to watch out for, though they can vary from dog to dog:
-lethargy
-loss of appetite
-vomiting
-severe, often bloody, diarrhea
-abdominal pain and bloating
-fever or low body temperature

If your dog shows any of these signs, immediately contact your veterinarian. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. This can lead to death, with most deaths occurring within 48 to 72 hours after signs first appear.

CPV-2 is not a zoonotic disease, so cannot cross from dog to human or dog to cat. Humans and cats do each have their own variation of the parvovirus, neither of which can transfer between species.

The vaccine to protect puppies from Parvo is the Canine Distemper, Adenovirus (Type 2), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus, or DA2PP, combo vaccine, and is one of the core vaccines for dogs. This is the first vaccine puppies will receive at 8 weeks of age, and will need boostered at 12 and 16 weeks, and then every 1-3 years throughout their life.

Below is an image of the test and machine used to help diagnose parvo in dogs and puppies, where the swab is used to collect a sample from the re**um.

08/10/2025

August 10th is National Spoil Your Dog Day!
Mr. Edi here will be getting out on the trails today. What will you be doing with your dog to show them some extra love today?
PVEH Team

08/08/2025

Everyone hears the word vaccines, but what does this actually mean?

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association explains that vaccines contain viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms that have been killed or altered so they can no longer cause the disease. They will stimulate the body's immune system to form disease fighting cells (cell mediated immunity) and antibodies to protect against the disease. Most fully vaccinated animals will be resistant to the disease for which they are vaccinated, though protective response to vaccines can be reduced in any pet with poor health, due to an uncompleted series of boosters, and in animals taking drugs that can suppress the immune system.

Vaccines for pets include core vaccines (the primary vaccines), and elective or life-style vaccines, and are available for cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits (though not all clinics may carry for ferrets and rabbits). Which vaccines are best suited for your pet and their lifestyle, is a decision that should be made with your family veterinarian!

08/05/2025

Thinking about bringing a new puppy or kitten into your family?
Keep them safe and healthy by making sure they have received their proper vaccinations! 🐕🐈

For full coverage, puppies and kittens should receive initial vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, and then depending on the vaccine some are updated annually, and some are updated every 3 years. Some vaccines are considered "core" and recommended for all dogs and cats, and some are considered non-core based on lifestyle factors (indoor/outdoor cats, dogs who spend a lot of time hiking ect). If you are bringing a new adult cat or dog into your home, you should also make sure to schedule them in for an appointment with a family veterinarian, especially if you don't know their vaccine history.

For those families planning to welcome an "exotic pet" such as a ferret or rabbit into their home, you can also speak to their veterinarian regarding what vaccines are available for those animals, while understanding that not all veterinary clinics will carry these more specialized vaccines.

While Phases does not schedule general vaccination appointments, there are many general practice clinics in the Kamloops area who do. Once the decision has been made to bring a new pet into your home, one of the first steps as a responsible pet owner is to schedule an appointment with a veterinary clinic. At your first appointment you will be able to speak to your veterinarian about setting up a vaccine schedule for your new family member!

08/02/2025

08/01/2025

August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

Here at PVEH, we see many pets come in to the hospital suffering from diseases that are easily preventable by routine vaccination.
We also see diseases that can be spread to humans from our pets, which can also be prevented by vaccines.

We want to spend some time this month highlighting some of these conditions, as well as the importance of vaccines in our pet community, and what you should know as pet parents to help keep your fur babies safe!

Please take the opportunity this month to contact your family veterinarian to ensure your pet is up to date on the vaccines recommended for their lifestyle.

07/18/2025

Did you hear, we are hiring!!!

We currently have one full time Veterinary Assistant position available for fall 2025.

If you are interested at a career at Phases please click on the indeed link below and apply, we cant wait to hear from you!

Keep in mind this is a full time position only, we currently do not have any part time or casual position available.
All full time positions require candidates to work mornings, evenings, nights and statuary holidays.

Experience is appreciated.

https://ca.indeed.com/job/veterinary-assistant-fca93f91efae1e70

07/14/2025

Please be advised we are currently having issues with our phones. Telus have been advised and are looking into it, other areas are currently being affected. In the event of an emergency and you cannot get through to the clinic, walk ins are welcome.