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Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

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SPCA

Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Apart from acquiring a new furry friend, you have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved their life and given them a second chance of a happy home.

Many people feel that offering to take on the responsibility of giving an unwanted animal a home, shelter and food should be enough. So it can come as quite a shock to discover that there’s a fee involved.

What you get for your money

Although we call it an ‘adoption’ fee it’s not, as you might think, a case of ‘selling’ animals to raise money for the SPCA. It’s actually the heavily subsided cost of ensuring that your new pet goes home with you in the best possible condition. The adoption fee covers the cost of:

  • A full veterinary check-up to make sure your new pet is fit and healthy.
  • All the necessary vaccinations to prevent deadly disease.
  • Deworming and flea treatment to make sure they’re free from parasites that would otherwise end up in your home or garden.
  • Sterilisation to prevent unwanted litters. This applies to both male and female animals, ensuring that your pet can neither produce a litter nor father one.
  • Microchipping – a permanent, non-invasive form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet should they get lost or stolen.
  • An ID disc and collar which provides immediate, visible identification.
  • Good nutrition – your new pet will be handed over to you in peak physical condition, having enjoyed plenty of nourishing food in the weeks and months leading up to their adoption.
  • In certain cases, your pet’s behaviour will have been assessed, and any potential problems pointed out to you so you know what to expect and how to deal with it.

SPCA

How does the adoption fee measure up against the cost of private vet fees?

The SPCA adoption fee is only a fraction of what you’d pay for the same services at a private vet. Vaccinations alone cost more than our fee. And that’s without counting the time and trouble of taking the animal to the vet yourself. Especially if you need to arrange transport.

On top of that, there’s the cost of having the animal spayed or neutered. Please read “5 compelling reasons to have your pets sterilised” to understand why it’s so important not to neglect this responsibility.

All in all, adopting a pet from the SPCA is a really affordable option. And when you think that your new pet will repay you with years of companionship and laughter, it’s well worth the initial investment.

No government funding

Contrary to what some people think, the SPCA is not a government-funded organisation. We don’t get free veterinary supplies or food to help us care for the thousands of stray and unwanted animals that are admitted to our facilities every month. Everything we need to provide loving care and shelter for the animals has to be paid for. And we rely heavily on donations from animal lovers to make our work possible.

Rather than begrudging a very fair charge – when you adopt a new pet from the SPCA, please consider bringing along a donation of pet food. Or make a financial contribution to help provide for all the other furry orphans still waiting for their forever homes.

If you have further questions or comments, please contact our Adoptions Team on 031 579 6500.

Source: Durban SPCA

TEARS urges pet owners to vaccinate their pets as it records an increase in Infectious Canine Hepatitis cases

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TEARS

TEARS Animal Rescue has announced an increase in laboratory confirmed cases of Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH), which results in a 95% death rate in unvaccinated animals or if they receive treatment too late. Due to the infectiousness of the disease TEARS is urging pet owners to speak to their local vet regarding the risks to their pets and confirm if their vaccinations are up to date.

ICH (which does not affect humans) is a fatal disease affecting dogs. It is caused by canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1), which occurs worldwide, and is most commonly found in the environment because it can last up to three months in ideal conditions.

Says TEARS Head Veterinarian, Dr Tania Heuer, “We have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent the spread of the disease and limit the negative impact in our communities and the unnecessary suffering of animals. While vaccination has been successful at reducing the prevalence of this disease, once it occurs in a community it’s extremely challenging to manage the spread and prevention of the disease. The vaccine for ICH forms part of TEARS’ community vaccination programmes, but we continue to see a general lack of compliance from many community pet owners because of our mandatory sterilisation and vaccination requirement. Puppies are most at risk but older dogs can also contract the disease if not vaccinated.”

The incubation period usually occurs between two to five days, but it can take up to 14 days to manifest. The virus is present in the urine, nose and eye discharges of infected animals with transmission occurring by direct contact with these infected materials between animals. Symptoms of the disease ranges from mild to severe and can be non-specific or even indistinguishable from, for example, “kennel cough”.  Lethargy, increased thirst, no appetite, coughing with nose and eye discharge, red eyes (conjunctivitis), abdominal pain, oedema (the swelling of soft tissues due to fluid accumulation), vomiting (including vomiting blood), yellow mucous membranes, and signs of internal bleeding due to liver necrosis (cell death) are commonly seen. Prognosis is poor if the animal’s symptoms have developed to the point of liver failure and internal bleeding. Dogs that recover from the disease will continue to shed (spreading the virus in the environment) via their urine for another six months.

TEARS

Says Dr Heuer, “ The TEARS Veterinary Hospital is seeing more of these cases which indicates that there is a worrying re-emergence of this disease in our communities. We suspect that this is largely due to the reduction of administering routine vaccines during and post the Covid Lockdown, and because of pet owner complacency when it comes to ensuring puppies and adult dogs receive their required vaccines. “

Last month the TEARS Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Clinics vaccinated 641 community pets as part of its welfare mandate. Protection lasts for many months but it decreases with time and adult booster vaccination is required. In addition to the pets that were vaccinated in March, TEARS also conducted 507 free sterilisations, 824 veterinary procedures, rescued and admitted 71 homeless/surrendered pets to the TEARS Kennel and Cattery, and delivered 1460 pet meals as part of its Feed Hungry Pets Programme.

TEARS Head of Fundraising, Lara Van Rensburg emphasises the importance of financial support in order for TEARS to carry out its’ 2024/25 Veterinary Outreach Programme.

“TEARS relies 100% on donations to provide a vital lifeline to vulnerable pets. It costs the organisation R10M to sterilise and vaccinate 6000 at-risk companion animals over a 12-month period, reducing the spread of disease, uncontrolled breeding, and suffering.  Our welfare mandate is to combat animal homelessness and prevent the spread of zoonotic and other deadly animal diseases in the under-resourced communities of the Southern Peninsula that we serve,” she says.

TEARS

Capetonians can help by donating to the TEARS’ Veterinary Outreach Fund which enables the TEARS Mobile Clinics to continue their sterilisation and vaccination drives and protect more animals. To donate please click here:  www.tears.devman.co.za/devman/online/vetoutreach/ or visit www.tears.org.za

TEARS is a recognised Level 1 B-BBEE contributor and Public Beneficiary Organisation. Donations to TEARS are tax deductible, with donors receiving a Section 18A tax receipt.

Source: TEARS

Cape Flats cat owners warned of rise in incurable Feline Leukaemia Virus

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FeLV only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals. File picture: Shelley Kjonstad/African News Agency(ANA)

FeLV only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals. File picture: Shelley Kjonstad/African News Agency(ANA)

THE Animal Welfare Society of SA has issued a warning to cat owners that they have noticed a worrying rise in the number of unvaccinated cats testing positive for Feline Leukaemia Virus.

The organisation said that Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the leading causes of death in cats and over the past few weeks they’ve noticed the increase of cases on the Cape Flats.

“There is sadly no cure for FeLV, but this can be preventable. FeLV only affects cats and cannot be transmitted to people, dogs, or other animals.

“It is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, and to some extent, urine and faeces and kittens can contract the disease in utero or through an infected mother’s milk,” they said.

“To minimise the risk of healthy felines contracting this highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, cat owners must not skimp on vaccinating and treating their pets for parasites and ideally take their pets to their veterinarian for annual check-ups.”

Cats or kittens who exhibit any of the following symptoms should be tested for FeLV as soon as possible.

  • Pale gums
  • Jaundiced colour in the mouth and whites of eyes
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Bladder, skin, or upper respiratory infections
  • Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
  • Poor coat condition
  • Progressive lethargy
  • Fever
  • Diarrhoea
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Stomatitis – An oral disease

To have your cat or kitten tested at the Animal Welfare Society of SA (based in Philippi) costs R270.00 per test.

“The cost of a test compared to the suffering and loss of a beloved pet is minimal and it is quick and painless,” they said.

Source: IOL

Vaccinating your best four legged friend: The Pros and Cons

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Vaccinating your best four legged friend: The Pros and Cons

We all love our domestic pets and only want what is best for them. But love, food, shelter and cuddles aren’t all that they need. They are at risk from a variety of potentially dangerous diseases or illnesses which can be avoided through the use of essential vaccinations recommended by all vets.

Not only can the owner protect the well-being of the animal, be it a cat, dog or other common household pet, but it can be a significant means of avoiding potentially costly treatments, which may be necessary for our furry friends if they are not protected by the vaccines. Certain diseases such as rabies can even be passed from the animal to humans if the pet is not properly vaccinated, so it is a critical way of protecting the family too, especially children.

There are a variety of ways in which a vaccine can be administered to the animal by a qualified vet including through intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. Such vaccinations have been proven to have saved the lives of millions of domestic animals during the last century alone. The basic purpose of a vaccination is to allow the immune system to produce antibodies which fight against the spread of bacteria or viruses within the body without causing the disease itself. The body thus “remembers” the infectious agent for which it has been vaccinated.

There are two principle types of vaccinations: core vaccinations which are necessary for all domestic pets, and non-core or “lifestyle-based” vaccinations, which are only necessary depending on the living circumstances of the animal, for example if it has to spend time in a kennel surrounded by other potentially diseased pets. Whilst certain vaccinations need only be administered once, others must be repeated at particular intervals.

Some vaccines are a legal requirement, such as that against rabies. Puppies should be given a “combination vaccine” three times in the first year of its life and in some cases once a year thereafter (also referred to as “booster” shots). Amongst other illnesses which affect dogs this combination provides protection against “cat-flu” (parvovirus), a deadly virus which affects dogs younger than one year of age, Parainfluenza (an upper airway disease), Bordetella (also known as “kennel cough”) and Leptospirosis which can cause liver and kidney disease. On the other hand, the combination

vaccines for cats on the other hand protect against such diseases as Rhinotracheitis (eye and respiratory infections) and Chlamydiosis which causes pneumonia and can even be passed on to humans.

The risks which can be posed by certain vaccinations are not very common but in some cases, animals have displayed symptoms of allergies such as pain or swelling at the point of the injection and occasionally cats have been found to develop tumors due to particular vaccines. To avoid the dangers of over-vaccinating your vet can perform a “titer” which is a blood test that determines whether your animal is still protected by a previous vaccine.

It is critical to the health of domestic pets and their owners to make regular visits to a trusted vet and to ensure that all precautionary vaccinations are administered. This allows a greater peace of mind and enjoyable life for all. If necessary one can contact SAVA (the South African Veterinary Association), a voluntary association for registered veterinarians which represents more than 60% of all vets in South Africa.

For more information, please visit the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) website, Facebook or Twitter page.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

Tips to remember when travelling with a pet, according to the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)

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Tips to remember when travelling with a pet

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PETS THIS HOLIDAY, ACCORDING TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION (SAVA)

Planning a holiday trip or vacation can be stressful, no matter the circumstances. As COVID-19 brings International holidays to a halt, many South Africans are set to explore our diverse and captivating country this December. Families will want to include their family pet in their plans, which may introduce an entirely new set of challenges. This includes packing the right equipment, checking the hotels pet policies, ensuring your pet meets the appropriate travel requirements, but not limited to. The South African Veterinary Services (SAVA) and Dr Dean Sim from the South City Vet, in Port Elizabeth, share useful tips to remember, which will help you, your family and beloved furry companion enjoy a safe, well-deserved and relaxing holiday.

1. Preparation is key!

Preparation is key to ensure a successful vacation, so book an appointment with your vet to ensure your pets vaccinations are updated. This includes deworming of parasites, such as roundworm, flukes and tapeworm. Calming medication might be viable especially if your pet is not used to driving long distances.

As many parts of South Africa reach high temperatures in December, make sure that you take your pet for a grooming session. This will help keep your pet cool and make it easier to find any ticks or flees. If you are planning a camping trip, be prepared for destinations with potential risks such as snakes and paralysis ticks.

Make sure to look up the name and contact details of a local vert in case of an emergency.

Order enough medication ahead of time and pack a first-aid kit including diluted antiseptic (betadine) and clean bandages.

Make sure that your pet is microchipped to help identify him or her in case they get lost. Make sure your contact details are registered so you can easily be contacted.

2. Tips when travelling in a car

If your pet is not accustomed to travelling long distances, spend a bit of time to get your pet used to the experience. Pets that are used to travelling in the car, are a lot calmer, which will ensure a less stressed trip for all.

  • A lot of pets associate car travels with going to the vet, which can be stressful. Take your pets on shorter trips from home (e.g. going to buy bread or milk).
  • Keep a doggie bed, a thin blanket, and their favourite toys to ease travel stress and for settling once you reach your destination.
  • Always remember to keep your travel food secured away from your pets when you leave the car.
  • When stopping to fuel up, or to grab a quick bite, park your car at a far distance so that your furry companion can relieve themselves. Never take them off their leashes at petrol stations!
  • NEVER leave your pet in your car, especially during days of extreme heat – always plan your outings to ensure that they can either go with you or a family member can sit under tree shade with them.
  • Make sure to pack plenty of water and food, treats, an extra leash, poop bags, and any medication for the treatment and prevention of the vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs.

3. Make sure your destination is pet friendly

Do your research on pet friendly accommodation and activities before you book your holiday. Be sure to check for pet restrictions at the beaches as some beaches have different dog friendly hours during peak time holidays. Create a list of activities for your pet that includes:
– Nature walks
– Country markets
– Pet friendly restaurants

4. Taking care of the wellbeing of your animals

An important element to remember is the use of pet-friendly UV protection. Many pet owners might not be aware, but sunblock is as important on our furry companions, as it is for humans.

Should your pet enjoy swimming in the ocean, remember to pack an appropriate ear rinse. This will prevent your animals from getting an ear infection from the water gathered when swimming.

Ensure you pack eye rinse in case of sand coming into contact with their eyes when playing on the beach.

Brachycephalic dogs (commonly known as “short-headed” dogs such as the English bulldog, French bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, and Boston terrier) are prone to heatstroke. Be extra careful with these types of breeds in the car and provide a lot of water and shade if you plan a beach day.

5. Travelling with pets on an aeroplane

Should you opt to travel with your pet via an aeroplane, check with the airline for pet travel policies, regulations and restrictions. You’ll need to have your pet thoroughly examined, wormed and vaccinated before being approved for air travel.

Pets often do well travelling by air so ensure that you have the correct right type and size travel crate. Place a blanket and toys for comfort. However, if you see your pet showing any signs of distress, visit a vet you’ve located at your destination urgently. If you are still hesitant to take your pet travelling on an aeroplane, speak to your local veterinarian well in advance.

With the correct amount of preparation, you can ensure a safe, well-deserved, relaxing holiday with your family and your furry companion, regardless of where you go or what form of transport you take.

Source: South African Veterinary Association

Pet welfare during Covid-19

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JOBURG – The South African Veterinary Association shares tips on on pet health during the lockdown.

Pet welfare during Covid-19

Here are some guidelines to follow when thinking of taking your pets to the vet l Photo: Pixabay

Veterinarians, being the custodians of animal health and welfare in South Africa, have been designated as essential service providers.

The South African Veterinary Association has provided guidelines for veterinarians, assisting them in determining which services have been deemed necessary.

If animal owners are concerned about the health of their animals, it is important to first call the veterinary clinic to discuss the concern and if deemed necessary by the consulting veterinarian to take the animal to the clinic, maintaining social distancing at all times. Both animal and owner welfare (i.e. human-animal bond) play an important part in these uncertain times, particularly as companion animals may be a critical support mechanism to many people.

Using the guidelines below, veterinarians will guide their clients on when and how they will consult.

Wellness visits

Postpone

Food sales

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Medication refills

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Rabies vaccination

Routine vaccinations (including previously unvaccinated animals) can be reasonably postponed if the owner can manage the animal in such a way to minimise the risk of exposure until your animal can be vaccinated.

Other vaccinations

If deemed necessary, have your veterinary clinic administer boosters of vaccine series based on your animal’s condition and circumstances (e.g. risk of exposure), alternatively postpone other vaccinations if the risk of exposure can be managed in the interim.

Flea/tick preventives

Maintain social distancing if collecting from your veterinary clinic or arrange with your clinic if they offer the option for drop-off or delivery. If you are a new client/patient at your veterinary clinic, establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship via telehealth (distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies).

Life-threatening conditions

If your animal suffers from a life-threatening condition and you are both from a low-risk household, manage using social distancing when visiting your veterinary clinic. With cases from high-risk households, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options.

Management of painful conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine (this allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology, it also allows patients in remote locations to access medical expertise quickly, and without travel) when possible. If an examination is required and your animal is from a low-risk household, your veterinary clinic should admit your animal for examination, but always maintain social distancing.

Management of chronic conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine when possible. Schedule an appointment if an urgent examination is needed but always maintain social distancing.

Surgical procedures for painful disorders

If your animal can be temporarily maintained on analgesics (medicines that are used to relieve pain) with a low risk of negative consequences, delay the surgery. If the surgery cannot be delayed, do proceed if the household is low-risk. If the household is high-risk, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options. If possible, isolate your animal from any high-risk individuals for two to three days to minimise the risk of possible contamination.

Sterilisations

Elective sterilisation for animals from a high-risk household should be discontinued until further notice. Animals from low-risk households could be sterilised, but always maintain social distancing.

 

Khayelitsha animal clinic offers free vaccinations for World Rabies Day

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World Rabies Day

A local animal clinic in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has offered free vaccinations to community members in a bid to prevent the spread of rabies.

The offer comes ahead of World Rabies Day on Saturday.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic said it aimed to vaccinate 200 dogs on the day. The clinic said it was important to offer the vaccination because rabies was a deadly virus that could easily spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.

“99% of human cases result from dog bites and are fatal once symptoms occur,” the clinic said in a statement.

The virus causes extreme pain and discomfort in humans, and also leads to the death of the infected dog.

According to the clinic’s fundraising and communications manager, Marcelle du Plessis, the clinic will offer the vaccination despite the Western Cape not being a rabies hot spot.

“This does however not mean that we shouldn’t prepare against it. All it takes is for one infected dog to come into our community for the virus to spread rapidly,” said Du Plessis.

She said neighbouring provinces had previously reported cases of rabies which had forced them to be vigilant and strive to make Khayelitsha an immune community in the event of the area being affected by the virus.

“Dogs and cats should first be vaccinated for rabies between four and six months of age. They need a booster one year from that date. Thereafter they need to be vaccinated once every three years,” said Du Plessis.

Du Plessis said the majority of the pets that would be vaccinated would be first-timers, and their owners would receive vaccination cards indicating when to bring their pets for their booster shots.

Despite providing free vaccinations, the clinic has asked for donations to cover the costs of administering the vaccinations, including needles, syringes, gloves and veterinarian time.

The Mdzananda Clinic has received the vaccines free from the state vet.

Apart from just administering rabies shots, each pet will receive a vaccination against deadly diseases including the Parvo virus, distemper, parainfluenza and adenovirus.

Source: Times Live

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

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

 

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