Understanding the 4Dx Test
If you are a St. Francis client and you own a dog, you are likely very familiar with our yearly recommendation to perform a 4Dx test on your pet. The 4Dx test is part of comprehensive preventative care for dogs, but do you know what exactly we are looking for with a 4Dx test?
The 4DX test is a blood test that screens for four main types of vector-borne diseases in dogs:
- Heartworm Disease: Transmitted through mosquito bites, heartworms can cause permanent damage to the heart and lungs, and can even be fatal if left untreated.
- Lyme Disease: Spread by ticks, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause joint inflammation, lameness, and even kidney damage in dogs.
- Anaplasmosis: Another tick-borne bacterial infection, anaplasmosis can lead to fever, joint pain, and lethargy. This organism infects platelets, and so can also lead to bleeding abnormalities.
- Ehrlichiosis: Transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can cause fever, bleeding disorders, and organ damage if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
In Minnesota, we primarily see heartworm disease, Lyme, and Anaplasmosis. Ehrlichiosis can be seen in Minnesota but is more common in the southern parts of the United States.
Regular 4Dx testing allows for early detection of these diseases. Early detection is crucial for several reasons:
- Effective Treatment: Detecting these diseases early allows for prompt treatment, which can significantly improve your dog’s prognosis and reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Preventive Care Planning: A positive test result means that your pet had exposure to parasites. This knowledge prompts us to discuss preventive measures, such as regular parasite control and vaccination protocols.
- Protecting Other Pets: These infectious diseases are spread from dog to dog via mosquitoes and ticks. If your pet is carrying these diseases, they can become a source of infection to other pets.
4Dx testing is an essential part of your dog’s preventative health care. If you have more questions about 4Dx testing, send us an email at group@stfrancisabh.com!
Happy Rabbit Awareness Week!
For the past 17 years, the last week in June has been known as Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW). This year, the RAW theme is “Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies”. The most important factor to remember when feeding rabbits is that 85 to 90% of their diet should be made up of grass hay such as Timothy hay. Rabbit pellets, such as Oxbow or Science Selective, provide additional vitamins and minerals that hay is lacking, and special treats like fresh veggies and small amounts of fruit offer variety and environmental enrichment. If you’re interested in learning more detailed information about the ideal diet for rabbits, visit the Rabbit Awareness Week informational video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxvNKg8JzA8
Happy Pride!
Pride Weekend is here! The month of June is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, and for those of us at St Francis, it is a chance to honor that many of the pet owners that we serve are members of this community. We know that when you bring your pet into the vet, you are often feeling vulnerable, particularly if your pet is sick or injured. As active supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community, we want you to know that we support and celebrate you, and we want you to feel safe and cared for in our practice. We at St Francis have committed to having regular conversations and training regarding diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and work towards improvement in these areas every day. In honor of Pride Month, we have made a donation to PrideVMC, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to “create a better world for the LGBTQIA+ veterinary community that embraces wellbeing by being their authentic selves.” In honor of our clients and our staff members who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, Happy Pride!
Upcoming Closures
Thursday, July 4th (Independence Day)
Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day)