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Canine Parvovirus

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Image: Pixabay

Canine parvovirus is an exceptionally infectious disease that can prove fatal to dogs. The virus more commonly develops in the small intestine, where it replicates, wiping out cells and impairing the stomach lining. Parvo in puppies is especially concerning as it can attack the bone marrow, tissues and the heart muscles, potentially causing permanent cardiac issues or death.

Methods of Transmission
Parvo can be transmitted through dog-to-dog contact or when a dog sniffs or licks an object, person or animal that has been contaminated by infected faeces. This highly resilient virus can survive for substantial periods of time on items such as food and water bowls, shoes, clothes, carpets and floors. Outdoors, it can survive for years if shielded from the sun.

Symptoms
The following symptoms are associated with canine parvovirus: 

  • severe, bloody diarrhoea
  • dehydration
  • lethargy
  • fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • severe weight loss
  • depression
  • weakness

Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. Warn them in advance if you suspect parvo so they can take the necessary quarantine precautions to prevent subjecting other dogs to the virus.

Diagnosis
Parvo can be diagnosed according to clinical symptoms and faecal testing to identify the virus in your pooch’s stool. Your vet may also insist on conducting various blood works, urine analysis, abdominal radiographs as well as ultrasounds.

It’s helpful to give a sample of your pup’s stool or vomit to your vet for analysis to determine whether parvo is the culprit of your dog’s ill health.

Treatment
Parvo can be a deadly disease if not recognised and treated early. Currently, there is no treatment to cure this life-threatening illness. Intensive treatment in a hospital setting is usually recommended to nurse the associated symptoms and alleviate any chance of developing secondary bacterial infections. Your pup will have lost vast amounts of fluids, proteins, nutrients and electrolytes from vomiting and diarrhoea so it’s important to intravenously replace these to combat the possibility of dehydration. Your puppy will most likely be administered antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections as well as drugs to control nausea and vomiting.

Prevention
Timely parvo vaccinations of all puppies and adult dogs in your household are crucial in warding off this infection.

Puppies require their first vaccination at 8 – 9 weeks old, their second at 11 – 12 weeks old, and their third at 14 – 16 weeks old. A re-vaccination should take place again at 1 year of age and then every 3 years thereafter.

Until your pup has received all their updated shots, isolate them from unvaccinated dogs or from environments where infected dogs could have contaminated the area.

Make sure that your puppy training school requires proof that all dogs enrolled are vaccinated so to prevent outbreaks like parvo.

Unvaccinated adult dogs may be vulnerable to parvovirus. Consult your vet about immunising your dog along with any further vaccinations going forward.

Parvo is impervious to most common disinfectants; however, household bleach is known to successfully kill the virus. Soak an infected dog’s accessories as well as potentially contaminated shoes and clothing in the ratio of 1-part bleach to 32 parts water for 10 minutes. Surfaces such as grass, carpets and floors should be sprayed with this steriliser or resurfaced entirely.

Pregnant females should also receive the complete course of parvo shots because her puppies will rely on the antibodies from her milk in the initial weeks of their lives.

If your infected dog has been in contact with other dogs, tell their respective owners to get their dogs tested for parvo as soon as possible.

Limit your pup’s proximity to other dogs’ poop while quickly cleaning up that of your own dog’s, be it at home or in a communal environment.

Isolate your pooch for approximately two months after recovery so other dogs are not exposed to the virus.

Susceptible Victims
Interestingly, certain canine breeds are more vulnerable to parvo such as Labradors, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds.

Unvaccinated puppies or adult dogs are particularly susceptible to parvo.

From around six weeks to six months, puppies are at the highest risk of contracting this virus. Females weaning their pups are vulnerable to parvo as well as to other secondary infections, so it’s essential to understand how to properly care for both mom and pups.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

National lottery drops SPCA

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Some SPCA branches have Horse Care Units, where horses and ponies that have been abandoned
or abused are nursed back to health before being re-homed. (Roxanne Joseph, GroundUp)

A cut in funding from the national lottery has forced the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to reduce its free services, including the work it does in poor communities.

Since its launch 62 years ago, one of the services it has offered is the care and treatment of beasts of burden, like donkeys, horses and oxen, which many people in rural and other marginalised communities depend on to work the land and for transport, according to a report on GroundUp’s website.

For the past 15 years, the SPCA and its branches across the country have received tens of millions of rands in funding from the National Lottery Commission (NLC).

But in 2017 that funding was cut after the NLC announced a shift in its focus to poverty relief, leaving the SPCA and other animal welfare organisations scrambling to make ends meet.

Marcelle Meredith, the executive director of the National Council of SPCAs, described the decision as “short-sighted and inexcusable” in a statement released at the time the NLC announced the change in its focus.

“We found out via the media that animal welfare organisations were not being considered for funding for 2016/2017,” Meg Wilson, the SPCA’s head of communications, said in an email last month.

Beneficiaries encouraged to ‘find other sources of funding’

The organisation was then informed that applications for funding within the charities sector for 2016/2017 would focus on areas aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP), which “only included helping vulnerable people and crime prevention”.

After writing to the NLC to query the decision and voice its concerns, the SPCA received this reply: “Unfortunately, animal welfare is not one of the focus areas for this year’s open call for applications, and therefore your application will not be accepted this time around. The criteria also exclude some other sectors for this call.”

“Not only does animal welfare affect communities, but the upliftment of animal welfare affects society in totality,” Wilson said, adding that the work the organisation does goes beyond animal welfare.

The NLC responded directly to the SPCA’s concerns with a statement several months after the initial announcement, which encouraged beneficiaries to “find other sources of funding so that they do not build a dependency and an entitlement to NLC funding”.

Animal welfare has once again been excluded from the next round of funding applications (2017/2018), according to an advert on the NLC’s website.

Despite this, the SPCA is applying for funding, according to Wilson.

The SPCA has adoption centres throughout the country. Some of the bigger branches deal with anywhere from 800
to 1 200 adoptions each year, which is much less than the number of animals who come in during that time.
(Roxanne Joseph, GroundUp)

Free services to the poor since 1955

“The [SPCA] does enforce the law and in some of our portfolios, we do prevention and early intervention for the vulnerable.”

The work done by the SPCA and animal welfare organisations may not seem to fit in the category of poverty relief, but the SPCA has been providing free services for the animals of poor people since 1955.

This care is not only aimed at domestic animals; the SPCA also treats and cares for beasts of burden — horses, donkeys and oxen — which their owners use to grow food, earn a living, and for transport.

They also treat cattle, sheep and goats, which people depend on for food and meat.

“Just looking at the impact that the illegal donkey skin trade has on communities, as well as the direct link between violence against animals and humans, the effect that the SPCA has in the work that it does far exceeds just animal welfare,” said Wilson.

The SPCA has adoption centres throughout the country.

The loss of such a significant source of funding has had a major impact on branches across the country, including Grahamstown, Empangeni and King William’s Town. These branches work in multiple rural communities, assisting hundreds of animals each month.

Donkey skin trade ‘detrimental’

In Grahamstown, the organisation works with a large rural community, running outreach programmes, offering vaccinations and sterilisations, visiting schools and meeting with local groups. It also works alongside other welfare organisations and local vets.

“We form connections within the communities to better understand their needs,” said centre manager Mark Thomas.

In the past year the branch has been focused on the trade of donkey skins throughout the area.

The skins are exported to China, where they are in high demand because of pseudo-scientific beliefs about their medical properties.

Thomas described the impact of the trade as “detrimental” because of the reliance of these communities on donkeys for all forms of transport.

The donkey population between Grahamstown and Peddie has been decimated and there are very few donkeys left there.

A large focus of the SPCA’s educational programmes is to teach people living on and around farms how to properly
care for the animals that are often a major source of livelihood for them and their families. (Roxanne Joseph, GroundUp)

‘Animal welfare is inextricably linked to human welfare’

But the SPCA continues to offer support to other communities and their animals, he said.

Sufficient funding has, until now, enabled the organisation — and others like it — to work in communities that are affected by the donkey skin trade, and educate people on how to properly care for their donkeys and farm animals. Communities were also educated on how to spot the signs of a possible trader.

“These donkeys are a massive part of these people’s lives,” said Tara McGovern, a spokesperson for the SPCA Cape of Good Hope branch.

“They are loyal beasts of burden, and are used for vital community activities like transport and trade.”

The decision by the NLC does not make sense because “animal welfare is inextricably linked to human welfare” and the alleviation of poverty, throughout South Africa, she said.

The national lottery has allocated R138m to animal welfare organisations since 2002, which is 1.29% of the total R10.7bn allocated in the charities category of the NLC’s funding.

‘It is a dire time for the organisation’

While NLC funding of the SPCA has varied over the past 15 years, it has remained an important source of financial support for the organisation throughout that time, with an allocation total of R128m.

The SPCA receives no funding from government and relies on lottery funding and the generosity of the public to ensure that it can continue the work it does.

Wilson said: “It is a dire time for the organisation. And although we work tirelessly to raise funds because we know that lottery is not a guarantee, without that funding, it can be detrimental to the organisation.”

The SPCA takes in more than 237 000 animals each year.

In 2017, it responded to more than 42 000 complaints of cruelty. In the past, funding from the lottery has been allocated to buying vehicles that are used to transport animals and reach outlying communities.

The funding is also used for outreach projects, property maintenance and upgrading, veterinary costs, animal handling equipment and salaries, among other expenses.

The lottery has also funded other animal welfare organisations, including The Emma Animal Rescue Society, African Tails and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

Source: News 24
Edited: by inFURmation

At least 5 people confirmed to have died from human rabies in SA since Dec

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Rabies is a disease which can be contracted from domestic animals through open wounds on the skin.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that at least five people have died from human rabies in South Africa since December last year.

Rabies is a disease which can be contracted from domestic animals through open wounds on the skin.

NICD says the amount of reported cases is extremely concerning as contraction of the disease is highly preventable.

Five of the reported rabies deaths involved patients from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The NICD says a sixth person in the Free State is suspected to have died from the disease in the same time period, but this is yet to be confirmed.

The NICD’s Jacqueline Weyer says there has been an increase in the number of rabies cases.

“Rabies is typically very rare and this does present an increase in the number of cases we could expect to find.”

Weyer says the recent rabies cases were linked to domestic cats and dogs through bites and scratches.

The NICD has cautioned all pet owners to ensure their animals receive rabies vaccinations to prevent further human contraction of the fatal disease.

Source: Eye Witness News

How much would you spend to save your pet?

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Image: Pixabay

Betsy Boyd had a tough decision to make. The Baltimore college professor’s 17-year-old cat Stanley had stage 4 kidney failure and faced a dire prognosis. Boyd was considering a kidney transplant for her long-time best friend, but was weighing the cost of putting the cat through such a risky procedure. She was also, of course, concerned about the financial expense.

“I asked myself if I could make such an exorbitant sacrifice for my best friend,” Boyd wrote, explaining the situation. “Even though I’m a college writing professor and freelance editor — and my paychecks reflect as much — even though my semi-retired freelance journalist husband and I have twin sons, age 3, a voice inside said, ‘You can, and you must — this is Stanley.'”

Friends tried to stage an intervention, saying the money should be used for her children’s education.

“Then I talked to Stanley. I explained how much I wanted him to live but said I didn’t know what I should do,” she wrote. “He purred a lot. He wanted to live, I believed. But he wouldn’t, couldn’t — not with a bum couple of shriveled kidneys.”

Boyd opted to have the surgery for Stanley. His donor was a homeless cat that the family adopted after the procedure. The bill came in just under $17,000.

The cost of pet ownership

Image: Pixabay

We all know there are going to be expenses when we bring home a pet.

The annual cost of owning a dog or cat (or other non-human friend) varies, depending on its species and its size, according to estimates from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (ASPCA). That means roughly $737 for a small dog, $894 for a medium dog, $1,040 for a large dog, and $809 for a cat. That excludes one-time expenses like spaying/neutering and equipment like crates or carriers.

Out of those annual expenses, owners typically spend between $210 and $260 on recurring annual medical expenses. Those include regular checkups, vaccinations and preventative medications like heartworm pills and flea and tick medicine.

But the unexpected can happen and then you’re back at the vet for an ear infection, skin allergies or something more serious.

Nationwide pet insurance policyholders spent more than $96 million in 2017 to treat the 10 most common medical conditions affecting pets.

At an average cost of $255 per dog, skin allergies were the most common health issue among insured canines. Bladder/urinary tract disease was the most common concern for cats with an average cost of $495. The most expensive medical condition on the list for dogs is dental disease ($400) and diabetes ($889) for cats.

Where to draw the line

Image: Pixabay

A 2013 study by the American Humane Association found that one in 10 pets adopted from a shelter was no longer in the home six months later. One of the main reasons given for the animals’ return was the cost of pet ownership.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, our pets have the ability to live longer than ever before, but that comes with a hefty price tag. While some people don’t hesitate when faced with diagnostic tests, transfusions or chemotherapy, others have a finite number they’re willing to spend.

A 2017 poll of 250 dog owners and 250 cat owners by online lending resource LendEDU found that the average dog owner is willing to spend more than $10,000 to save their pet’s life. Cat owners, on average, will spend just shy of $3,500.

Some will spend way more, which seems like great news for pets … and vets. But not all vets think it’s a great idea.

“It’s wonderful that people are willing to spend $10,000 or $20,000 to deal with their sick pet, but ethically it puts us in quicksand,” Douglas Aspros, the former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the manager of a veterinary clinic in White Plains, New York, tells Slate.

“If a client wants me to do a $20,000 surgery on a cat, the practicality has to go beyond, ‘There’s someone willing to pay for it.’ As a society, should we be promoting that?” Some veterinary practices, he says, use companies that will offer credit with very high interest rates to people with low incomes, just so they can afford their pets’ vet bills.

“How much responsibility do we have for getting them into that?”

Roxanne Hawn of Golden, Colorado, spent nearly $31,000 in 23 months to save her dog, Lilly. “Probably not the best financial decision I ever made,” says Hawn, author of “Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate.”

Her blog follows Lilly’s illness and details her veterinary bills and how she paid them. “I did not have anyone to tell me where this might end up,” Hawn says. “When you’re in the crisis, it’s easy to hand over your credit card and say, ‘Save my dog!’ But once you start on a path like this, if it’s going to be a lengthy or even lifelong battle, then it becomes harder to stop.”

Source: Mother Nature Network

The Shots Your Pets Need

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Image: Pixabay

Making sure that your pet is kept up to date on vaccines is part of being a responsible pet owner. However, recommendations can differ between clinics and even between pets, and vaccine schedules can be confusing. Many owners also have concerns about overvaccination, and no one wants to cause their pet more harm than good. That said, it is important to understand which diseases you need to protect your pet against and why. In all cases, it’s best to work with your veterinarian to weigh the risks and benefits.

What Are Vaccines?
The purpose of a vaccine is to protect your pet against acquiring a specific disease. Vaccines contain antigens, which are essentially small segments of a disease-causing organism that, when given to your pet, stimulate his or her immune system to produce protective antibodies against the disease. Most vaccines generate only a mild response from the immune system. However, it is possible for some pets to have more severe reactions. Your vet can advise you of these reactions and what type of symptoms to watch for.

What types of vaccines are there?
Vaccines are generally broken down into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines protect against diseases known to cause significant illness in dogs and cats, those that are highly contagious and those that may be transmitted to humans. These vaccines are generally recommended for every healthy pet. Non-core vaccines are usually reserved for pets who are at higher risk for acquiring a specific disease. The vaccines that your pet requires to stay healthy will depend on age, health and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for your pet. (Get details about vaccines for dogs and vaccines for cats.)
 
Why does my puppy or kitten require a series of vaccines?
When puppies and kittens are born, they acquire protective antibodies from their mothers through nursing. Before or around 16 weeks of age, these antibodies fade and no longer offer immunity. Without testing, it is impossible to know the level of antibody protection each pet has at any given time (some stray puppies and kittens, for example, might not have had the opportunity to nurse). The purpose of the vaccine series is to provide immunization during a time when your pet might not be protected. Adhering closely to this schedule is extremely important for proper immunity. If you miss a vaccine appointment during this series, your veterinarian might recommend additional boosters to ensure that your pet is adequately protected.
 
What if I don’t know my pet’s vaccine history?
If your pet is an adult with an unknown vaccination history, such as a newly adopted dog or cat, he or she should essentially be treated as an unvaccinated pet. One rabies vaccination and two sets of each core vaccine generally will be recommended.

Why do vaccine schedules differ among clinics?
Depending on the veterinary clinic, certain vaccines might be recommended annually or every three years. While research exists to show that some core vaccines offer protection past their one-year booster, some veterinary practices still adhere to an annual vaccination schedule. Thus, it is not uncommon to find variation among clinics. It is best to keep your pet on a consistent schedule and defer to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Regardless of vaccine schedule, every pet should have a yearly wellness exam. Our pets age faster than we do, and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for keeping optimum health and early detection of disease.

Should I be worried about vaccine reactions?
For commonly recommended vaccines, the risk of disease far outweighs the risk of any vaccine-associated complications. Most pets do not show signs of illness after a vaccine. Mild lethargy or itching in the area where the vaccine was given is common. In some cases, pets might have allergic reactions following vaccination. For this reason, it is best that owners schedule appointments when they are able to monitor their pet for 24 hours after vaccines are given.

Signs of a vaccine reaction can include vomiting, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, lethargy or collapse. If your pet ever develops any of these signs following vaccination, seek immediate veterinary care. Generally, these types of reactions can be managed easily by your veterinarian. Pets that are known to have reactions can receive treatment before future vaccinations to minimize these responses.

When should my pet not receive vaccines?
There might be certain situations or medical conditions in which it is not safe for your pet to be vaccinated. If your pet is ever very ill, it is probably best to wait until he or she is healthy before receiving vaccines. The goal of any vaccination protocol is always to offer your pet the best protection for his or her health while minimizing the risk. Every case is unique, and vaccine requirements may vary over the course of your pet’s life as travel and other variables change. Always check with your veterinarian and defer to his or her recommendations.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

Canine Distemper and Adenovirus Vaccine
Distemper is an extremely contagious viral illness that can cause symptoms ranging from coughing and sneezing to vomiting and diarrhea, and even seizures. Infection with adenovirus leads to a condition called hepatitis (an inflammatory condition of the liver). Both of these viruses can cause significant illness in dogs, requiring lengthy treatment and supportive care. In many cases, infection can be fatal.

Puppies should be vaccinated for distemper and adenovirus every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, until they are at least 16 weeks of age. Adults should then be vaccinated at 12 months of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine
Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that destroys the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Parvo is an extremely serious condition. Dogs who become infected can require days of hospitalization receiving fluids and additional supportive care. Complications from parvo can include extreme dehydration and secondary bacterial infections which can be fatal. The virus is spread through the feces of infected dogs. Young, unvaccinated puppies are especially susceptible, although unvaccinated adult dogs can easily acquire the disease, too.

For best protection, puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus every 3-4 weeks, starting at 6-8 weeks old until they reach at least 16 weeks of age. Dogs are then vaccinated at 12 months of age and every 1-3 years after that.

Canine Rabies Virus Vaccine
Rabies virus is the causative agent of a grave disease affecting the nervous system. Infection with rabies is universally fatal, meaning that animals who become infected will eventually die from the disease. Due to tightly regulated vaccination practices, the occurrence of rabies in domesticated dogs in the United States is rare. However, wild animals can serve as a reservoir for infection, so it is especially important that every pet be protected.

Rabies is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected animal. Rabies can be transmitted to humans; therefore vaccination for dogs is required by law. Every state has its own laws regarding rabies vaccination and licensure, so be sure to check the specific requirements in your area.

Puppies should receive a single rabies vaccine, generally around 12-16 weeks of age, which will be repeated at one year of age and then every 1-3 years after that.

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs

Bordetella and Parainfluenza Vaccine

Bordetella bronchiceptica and parainfluenza are the bacterial and viral agents respectively involved in causing the upper respiratory disease in dogs commonly known as kennel cough. Although kennel cough is a highly contagious disease among dogs, symptoms are generally mild. Dogs most notably develop a rather dramatic-sounding hacking cough, often accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes. Some dogs might show more severe symptoms such as lethargy or a reluctance to eat or drink, and in some cases, secondary pneumonia is possible.

Like the common cold in people, kennel cough can be spread through the air and by coming into close contact with infected dogs. Dogs who take frequent trips to the dog park, grooming salons or doggy day care are more susceptible to acquiring kennel cough and should be vaccinated.

The recommended schedule for vaccination against kennel cough will depend on the type of product used, so check with your veterinarian. Please note that while the bordetella vaccine is generally considered by most veterinarians to be protective for one year, some kenneling and boarding facilities require it to be updated every six months.

Leptospirosis Vaccine
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by a microscopic organism known as a spirochete (a type of bacteria) that can cause liver and kidney disease in dogs and humans. While once thought to be primarily a rural disease, Leptospirosis is being diagnosed increasingly in dogs in urban and suburban areas.

Dogs generally acquire the disease by drinking or wading through contaminated water or by being exposed to infected wildlife (such as rodents, skunks and raccoons). Because the infection can be transmitted to humans, extreme care should be taken around any dog thought to have Leptospirosis. Several strains of Leptospirosis exist, so vaccination is not considered to be completely protective.

Talk to your veterinarian to see if your pet should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

Lyme Disease Vaccine
Lyme disease (also commonly known as tick fever) is an infectious disease of the blood that is transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease can affect both dogs and humans, although infected dogs cannot directly transmit the disease to people. Symptoms in dogs can include lameness, fever, depression and anorexia. Dogs who live near heavily wooded areas are more susceptible, however, any dog who comes into contact with an infected tick can acquire the disease.

Routine tick control is an important aspect of prevention against Lyme disease. Talk to your veterinarian to see if your pet should have additional vaccine protection.

Miscellaneous Vaccines for Dogs
Other, less common vaccines such as Giardia, canine influenza and the rattlesnake vaccine may be beneficial to some dogs in specific situations. As always, defer to your veterinarian for the best recommendations for vaccines for your pet.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia Vaccine

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus cause upper respiratory disease symptoms in cats such as fever, runny eyes and sneezing. Symptoms are generally mild, although kittens can develop corneal or oral ulcers and pneumonia. These viruses are spread through close contact with infected cats. Transmission can also be airborne, and spread, for example, through the droplets of a sneeze.

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious virus that causes a severe infection of the bone marrow and intestinal tract of cats, leading to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and a dangerously low white blood cell count. The virus is spread through the feces as well as oral and nasal secretions of infected cats. Young kittens, especially strays who haven’t had an opportunity to be vaccinated, are particularly susceptible.

Kittens will generally receive a combination rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccine beginning at 6 weeks old and then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After that, boosters are given every 1-3 years.

Feline Rabies Virus Vaccine
Rabies can affect cats just as it does dogs. Because wildlife can serve as a reservoir for infection, outdoor cats are particularly susceptible. Although indoor cats are at considerably lower risk for acquiring rabies, some states regulate feline rabies vaccine administration, so check with your veterinarian for recommendations.

A single dose of the rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 12-16 weeks of age, at 12 months and then every 1-3 years thereafter.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine

Leukemia is a contagious viral disease of cats that can result in immune system suppression, blood abnormalities, and even cancer in some cases. Infected kittens will show signs of fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Adult cats can carry the virus in their system for years and can be prone to chronic infections and illness resulting from a suppressed immune system.

Feline leukemia virus is highly contagious and can be spread by infected to non-infected cats through grooming, sharing food and water dishes or simply being in close contact. Every cat should be tested for feline leukemia virus before introducing new cats into a multiple-cat household. Outdoor cats are considered at high risk for infection and should be protected.

All kittens receive two sets of leukemia vaccine 2-3 weeks apart. After the kitten series, if a cat is to remain indoors and not exposed to other cats of an unknown health status, further leukemia vaccination is not necessary or recommended. Outdoor cats should be vaccinated annually.

Miscellaneous Vaccines for Cats
In special circumstances, vaccination against diseases such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or other conditions may be beneficial. Check with your veterinarian for his or her recommendations.
 
Source: Spark People

Don’t be cruel to your pets

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Image: Pixabay

SPCA Amanzimtoti blames the lack of education for animal cruelty acts committed by people year-round as South Africa joins the world to observe The Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Month.

Speaking to Michelle Hannan and Zakhona Mzelemu from the Amanzimtoti SPCA they shared how the month of April is used to highlight the suffering that animals go through and how animal shelters feel the outcomes of that the most. “This month is used to highlight the plight of animal shelters and to inform and educate the public about how to treat their animals as well as report acts of cruelty,” said Hannan.

When asked what is animal cruelty Mzelemu said: “ Animal cruelty is not just hitting your pet, it starts from the beginning by not giving your pet its basic needs like food, water and shelter, if you fail to provide those needs for your pet you are committing the first basis of animal cruelty.”

She continued to add that not being able to provide for your pet financially like paying for vaccinations, defleaing and deworming also falls under a form of animal cruelty. “Everything that you wouldn’t do to your child but do it to your dog, we consider that animal cruelty,” added Mzelemu. She also pointed out the source of animal cruelty comes mainly because of lack of education.

“It’s not only you hitting your animal and tying them up but also verbally abusing and getting your animal so scared of humans that it cowers and loses itself in that, that’s when you violate the five basic freedoms of your dog,” said Hannan.

The duo said that cruelty can be prevent and that Amanzimtoti SPCA holds Edupaw programmes every Saturdays where the community can go in to be educated on caring for their animals, vaccinations, sterilising and deworming pets.

Both Hannan and Mzelemu share that they have had people come in the SPCA and ask specifically for a dog that is vicious and a dog that will protect them, they mentioned that some people even go as far as breaking animals basic rights just to get their pets to be vicious as that makes them feel powerful and gives the owner status. “You know, if you love your dog enough and you give it the best care possible, that dog will die for you. It will put its life on the line to protect you,” said Mzelemu.

When a couple divorces Mzelemu shares how it breaks her heart that children get to either go with their father or mother but in most cases pets are brought into them and the excuse of divorce is given to them. “Animals get so attached to their families that when they bring them to us because the couple is separating we have a hard time putting the animal up for adoption because it struggles to get used to another family,” said Mzelemu.

People can report animal cruelty anonymously to the Amanzimtoti SPCA and they urge that you try to get a video or pictures as proof but still report the incident immediately by calling Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031 904 2424 or 072 122 7288.

Source: News 24

Help a guide dog make a difference

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(Picture) Joel Stavil with Ariel, who is being trained as a guide dog, during a visit to the Wilro Lions.

The Guide Dog Association of South Africa (GDASA) is looking for people who can help them raise their special puppies.

Puppy raisers are people who foster the future guide dogs for the first year of the pup’s life, and are responsible for socialising and caring for the puppies. Although it is a rewarding task, it can be very time-consuming.

In order to become a puppy raiser you need to be able to commit for at least 12–18 months, be able to attend training sessions during weekdays and live in Johannesburg, Pretoria or surrounding areas.

The pups are brought to the Training Centre for a 13-week puppy training and socialisation programme, which runs on a weekly basis. Thereafter, monthly group walks and home visits are done.

The puppies can only learn appropriate and desired behaviour when they are with their puppy raisers who will be able to teach them, that is why a home where the puppy would be alone all day during the week, would not be suitable.

It is very important that the pups are exposed to children of all ages throughout their upbringing as well as other pets, that is why multi-pet homes are preferred.

Puppy raisers will also need to ensure that the pups are:– Introduced to people of all races and ages, especially children

  • Taught to relieve themselves only on command when on lead and working
  • Introduced to and be able to behave in an appropriate manner in shopping centres, post offices, shops, restaurants, to name a few
  • Taught how to behave in the home
  • Taught how to behave around people
  • Taught how to walk calmly on a lead and ignore distractions in the environment

All veterinary costs incurred for pups on the scheme, in addition to vaccinations, deworming and micro-chipping, are covered by the GDASA and when puppy raisers go away on holiday or females are in season,the pups will be boarded in the GDASA’s luxurious, air-conditioned kennels.

For more information, contact Leigh on 011 705 3512 or send an email to LeighD@guidedog.org.za.

Source: Roodepoort Record

Deadly dog virus hits crisis levels in Cape Town just before busiest season

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deadly dog virus hits crisis level cape town

Canines with parvovirus suffer from loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhoea Image: Supplied

As animal welfare organisations prepare for their busiest time of year, clinics and veterinary services are facing the added burden of an outbreak of the potentially deadly parvovirus among dogs in Cape Town.

The workload ahead of the Christmas season includes normal vaccinations and check-ups. In addition, over the festive season many pets are abandoned and need rescuing.

This year an unusually high incidence of the canine virus, reported across the city, will exacerbate the workload and costs.

“We’ve learned first hand that parvo is extra bad this season,” said Lesley Jones, director of Pet Farewells, an organisation that collects and disposes of 1,500-2,000 pet and animal carcasses each month. She said staff at the animal clinics she deals with expressed concern.

Parvo is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that spreads through dogs’ faeces. Symptoms include vomiting, distinctively scented diarrhoea, loss of energy and loss of appetite.

It’s the worst influx of parvo patients in the 22 years of our existence

Mdzananda Animal Clinic

Karen de Klerk, who heads the Cape Animal Welfare Forum, representing animal rescue shelters in the Western Cape, confirmed that infection reports were up across the region.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has been overwhelmed with the “worst influx of parvo patients in the 22 years of its existence”, said manager Susan Wishart.

While the clinic usually sees around 14 parvo patients a month, last month it had seen 45, the organisation confirmed. “Our vets think that the recent heat wave could have triggered the outbreak,” said Wishart.

Parvo is preventable if pet owners take their dogs for a three-part vaccination, starting when dogs are six weeks old, and return for a booster shot each year, the clinic advises.

But at R300 for the full vaccination, it is not something that all dog owners can afford. “It’s not an option for some people. We support animals but we also support people,” said Wishart.

Treatment of infected dogs is even more costly. At the Mdzananda clinic, it runs to almost R6,400 per animal.

The nonprofit organisation is appealing to the public to donate money to help deal with the crisis that will strain already-stretched resources, as it approaches the “busy season” for abandoned pets. 

“We see a lot of undernourished dogs coming in during the holidays because people haven’t talked about who’s going to take care of them while they’re away,” said Wishart. 

Source: TimesLive
By: FRANCINE BARCHETT

 

Revolting against Rabies

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Rabies

Just the mere mention of the word “rabies” is enough to trigger alarm and panic amongst pet lovers, given the fatality rate associated with this horrific virus. However, it is important for all responsible pet owners to recognise that rabies is preventable and with a deeper understanding, you will be empowered to protect your furry friend from the merciless hands of this viral disease.

Causes of Rabies in Cats and Dogs

Rabies can be transmitted to felines and canines when they are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal through a bite. Even though it is less likely, transmission is also possible through a scratch or if your pet’s mucous membranes or open wounds become exposed to the saliva of an animal with rabies. Wild animals in South Africa, such as bats, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes and mongooses are common carriers of this unrelenting virus.

Symptoms

Initially, the infected pet may portray extreme behavioural modifications that are contrary to their normal character such as anxiety, agitation and aggression. Energetic and enthusiastic pets may become meek and depressed, whilst jovial and peaceful pets may become cantankerous.

The infected pet may lash out at or attack anything alive or inanimate. They may also be inclined to incessantly lick, chew or bite the area of their body that was bitten. Oversensitivity to sound, light and touch can also be experienced as the virus advances.

Other symptoms of rabies in cats and dogs are:

  • Fever
  • Paralysis – especially that of the tongue, throat, jaw and legs causing the notorious symptom of foaming from the mouth.
  • Pica – consumption of non-food substances such as dirt or rocks
  • Seizures
  • Drooling
  • Chewing stones
  • Wandering around aimlessly
  • Disorientation
  • Incoordination
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Hypersalivation

Diagnosis

If your pet is projecting these associated symptoms after a vicious attack by or contact with a rabid or wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. As the virus has an incubation period of as short as ten days, the vet may quarantine your pet to confirm the case of rabies. Fluid testing of saliva, skin and urine are some of the preferred diagnostic methods. However, the most accurate diagnosis is received through the “direct fluorescent antibody test” which unfortunately, can only be performed after an animal passes away because this diagnostic procedure requires tissue from the brain.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for rabies in cats and dogs. Confirmed cases of rabies in unvaccinated animals must be reported to the local public health authorities who may quarantine the animal or devastatingly, euthanise it based on the regulations in the relevant region.

Prevention

Ensuring that your pets are properly vaccinated is not only important for them, it is also important for your safety as a pet owner and those around you. Indoor animals have a lower chance of being subjected to vicious attacks or being exposed to rabid animals. Humans must exercise caution when encountering a pet potentially carrying the virus and any places which may have been infected, should be thoroughly sterilised by using an appropriate bleaching solution.

Plan of Action if your Pet’s been in Contact with a Rabid Animal

  1. Consult your veterinarian immediately!
  2. Alert your local health department of the incident and carefully follow their instructions.
  3. Alert your local animal control officer if the rabid animal is still roaming free so they can professionally and safely catch the animal.
  4. The rabies virus may remain active on your pet’s skin for two hours after the incident, so wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them within this time frame.
  5. If your pet has been bitten by a rabid animal and was luckily vaccinated beforehand, a rabies booster should be administered as soon as possible, and they should be closely monitored for 45 days thereafter.

 

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

 

Drop in rabies jabs in KZN a cause for alarm

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Drop rabies

Dr Vanessa Meyer says it is every pet owner’s duty to make sure their pet is vaccinated against rabies, whether the owner thinks it is safe or not.

Nearly 50 positive rabies cases in dogs have already been recorded in KZN this year, and it is only June.

State Vet for the King Cetshwayo District, Dr Vanessa Meyer, said this year’s stats did not paint a good picture to the trained eye.

“Looking back at the figures of previous years, by May 2017 we had 25 positive dogs in KZN, and by May 2018 we had already had 111. We are currently on 47 positive dogs for this year so far,” said Dr Meyer.

While it might look like there is a decline in rabies cases this year, she said a serious threat persists as they have seen a decline in rabies vaccinations along the coastline.

“This is due to the very real persistent threat of vehicle hijackings while conducting mass vaccination campaigns. The public needs to be more pro-active in getting their animals vaccinated, and not expect the vaccine to come to them.”

She said the vaccination of dogs in South Africa was a legal requirement and was the responsibility of the pet owner.

“No single person is excused from having their dogs vaccinated against rabies.”

She warned people living in estates on the Dolphin Coast not to get complacent thinking their pets were safe and therefore did not need to be vaccinated.

“It is not uncommon for dogs to get bitten on the nose through a fence or a gate and many a beloved pet confined to a garden has developed rabies this way. The owner has a false sense of security and believes they are above the law. The risk in Ballito is very real and a rabid dog will cover a great many kilometres.”

The rules are clear when it comes to a pet being bitten by a rabid animal and the consequences can be heartbreaking.

“Should any pet be bitten by a rabid animal and a valid rabies vaccination certificate cannot be produced, that pet must be euthanased as the risk of it contracting rabies is too great. There are no exceptions, no matter how loved that pet may be.”

It is important to remember that while dog rabies is the biggest threat, according to Dr Meyer other animals can also be the carrier of the deadly virus.

“A rabid cat or mongoose will enter any property with ease, and a number of human deaths can be attributed to cat bites.”

Do not be fooled by the wagging tail

Rabid animals are not always the aggressive, snarling, salivating beasts they are made out to be – they might be calm and relaxed.

“There is a change in behaviour so a wild or aggressive animal may become tame. There is also a dumb form of rabies where the animal will be subdued. Rabid dogs and puppies often wag their tails due to stimulation of the nervous system, and so can frequently appear friendly.

“Even the experts get tricked by the vast plethora of rabies symptoms. The best advice is to never approach or touch a strange animal.”

Dr Meyer said the incubation period of rabies varies from a week to many years, but typically it is less than six months.

“Rabies can only be transmitted by an animal when it is sick with rabies, and also during the time immediately preceding symptoms. Rabies is 100 percent fatal. If an animal is still alive ten days after the onset of symptoms, then it does not have rabies.”

The disease can only reliably be confirmed by the examination of brain tissue said Dr Meyer.

“There is no accurate test in the living animal.”

Source: The North Coast Courier