Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging disease. This bacterial disease most commonly causes liver and kidney problems in dogs, but can also cause lung, pancreas, and eye symptoms.  It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred from animals to people, in fact, it is the most common zoonotic disease in the world.  Drinking contaminated water is a common mode of transmission for humans and animals.  It is present in the urine of infected animals, so bodies of water, food (for instance, if rodents have access), soil, or even the beach (California sea lions carry leptospirosis) can easily be contaminated.

Decades ago, veterinarians routinely vaccinated for this disease in a combination vaccine with distemper, hepatitis, and parvo, until problems with the Lepto part of the vaccine developed.  The older vaccine protected against only two types of Lepto, the immunity lasted only about six months, and it was the Lepto portion of the vaccine that was most likely to cause an allergic reaction.  More recently, when it became apparent that the disease was becoming more prevalent, a new and better vaccine was developed.  The newer vaccines protect against four different types of lepto, the immunity lasts for a year, and allergic reactions are not likely.

Many veterinarians are now recommending that dogs be vaccinated for Leptospirosis if they are at risk due to their lifestyle.  So dogs that go on hikes, go to the beach, go to lakes, streams or rivers, or have access to wildlife should be vaccinated.  If you have a rodent problem at your house, you should have your dog vaccinated.  Discuss your dog’s risk with your veterinarian.  There are even some urban areas that have a problem with Lepto.

The first year your dog is vaccinated, it will receive a set of two vaccines, given three weeks apart.  The vaccine is given annually there after.   Ask your veterinarian if you have any questions.  

Mealtime

Puppies

Feed a high quality diet designed for puppies. A wide variety of diets and formulations are available and your veterinarian should be your primary source of information as to the best choice for your puppy. The amount fed will vary with the type of food and the individual dog, but in general, should only be as much as the puppy can consume in 5 to 10 minutes at a given meal. Puppies are usually fed 3 times daily when between 6 and 12 weeks old, 2 times daily when 12 weeks to 6 months old, and may be fed 1 or 2 times daily when older than 6 months. For certain large breeds of dogs, your veterinarian may recommend that several smaller meals be fed rather than 1 large meal (even when your dog becomes an adult) because an association has been suggested between the consumption of large meals and a serious medical condition called gastric dilatation/volvulus or "bloat."




Kittens

Feed a high quality diet designed for kittens. Your veterinarian is your best source for information regarding an appropriate diet for your kitten. Dry foods are usually most economical and have the advantage of providing a rough surface that will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your kitten's teeth, but canned foods can be fed/supplemented if desired. Amount fed will depend on the diet, as well as the age, size, and activity level of your kitten. Kittens can be fed free-choice or at set mealtimes; however, many veterinarians recommend feeding all pets at set mealtimes because intake can be more easily monitored. Canned foods should always be fed at set times, because if left unrefrigerated, they can spoil. I recommend use of stainless steel bowls because plastic and ceramic bowls can scratch, leaving crevices for bacteria to hide. The latter types of bowls (and resultant resident bacteria) have been associated with feline "acne" and skin irritation.

What We Do

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons are medical professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people. The term "Veterinarian" comes from veterinae, which means "working animals." Every veterinarian has gone through extensive medical training for animals and has received a license to practice veterinary medicine.

Veterinarians diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick and injured animals, prevent the transmission of animal diseases to people, and advise owners on proper care of pets and livestock. They ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the health of food animals. Veterinarians are also involved in wildlife preservation and conservation and public health of the human population.

You are probably most familiar with veterinarians who specialize in pet medicine in a clinical setting such as an animal hospital or veterinary clinic. During each visit, this type of veterinarian will be able to guide you in all aspects of pet maintenance, including food requirements, daily care, and any special needs. They will also be able to provide vaccinations, complete surgery, and even prescribe medicines as needed.

Meet our Vets

Dr. Minott Pruyn received his DVM degree from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He has been practicing at the Pruyn Veterinary Hospital since that time. The practice was started by his father, Dr. Earl Pruyn, in 1949. Dr. Pruyn is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (AAVD). He is credentialed for Stem Cell Orthopedic Therapy from Vet-Stem Regenerative Veterinary Medicine. An active member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Dr. Pruyn currently serves as a member of the AAHA's Accreditation Awareness Committee. Locally, Dr. Pruyn was voted "Best Veterinarian" by the Missoula Independent in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Dr. Pruyn and his wife Jan, have three children and one grandchild.

 Dr. Shoni Card received her DVM degree from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. She has been with the Pruyn Veterinary Hospital since that time. Dr. Card is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) from the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her veterinary interests include avian and exotic medicine, rehabilitation, and chemotherapy cancer treatment.

Dr. Paul Schaumberg received his DVM degree from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. Dr. Schaumberg has been at the Pruyn Veterinary Hospital since 2003. Prior to that time, he was the sole proprietor of the Kootenai Veterinary Hospital in Libby, Montana, for 23 years. He also practiced for two years in Pocatello, Idaho. Dr. Schaumberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Montana Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). He also is a member of Rotary International. Doctor Schaumberg enjoys a variety of outdoor recreation. He and his wife Cindy, have two daughters, two dogs, and one cat.

Dr. Jenny Elwell-Gerken received her DVM degree from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been with the Pruyn Veterinary Hospital since 2010. Prior to that time, she practiced in a mixed animal practice in North Dakota. Dr. Jenny is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association (NDVMA). She enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping, kayaking and hiking, as well as reading and watching movies. Dr. Jenny and her husband have one son, as well as 3 dogs, 6 cats, and 7 ferrets.

Dr. Stephanie Blackstone received her DVM degree from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been with the Pruyn Veterinary Hospital since 2011. Dr. Blackstone is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Her veterinary interests include rehabilitation, internal medicine and surgery. She enjoys skiing, hiking, running and yoga.

The Veterinary Approach

Veterinarians in private clinical practice work to prevent disease and other health problems in their patients. They examine animal patients, vaccinate them against diseases, prevent the transmission of animal disease to people and advise owners on ways to keep pets and livestock well nourished and healthy.

When health problems develop, practitioners must diagnose the problem and treat the patients. Accurate diagnosis frequently requires the use of laboratory tests, radiography or x-rays, and specialized equipment. Treatments may involve a number of procedures including: emergency lifesaving measures, prescribing medication, setting a fracture, delivering a calf, performing surgery, or advising the owner on feeding and care of the patient.