Pathways Animal Clinic Newsletter
Vol. 8, Spring 2010
WELCOME TO THE SPRING EDITION OF PATHWAYS ANIMAL CLINIC’S NEWSLETTER!
Thankfully Spring is here and with it we would like to share some important news and information regarding your pet’s wellbeing this season.
RABIES DIAGNOSED IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA CAT
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has issued a report to all veterinarians regarding a confirmed rabies case in a 3.5 year old unvaccinated, male, mainly indoor cat. This cat lived in an area 40 Kms Northwest of Calgary. This case reminds us of the importance for all pets, including indoor animals, to be vaccinated against Rabies.
Rabies after all, is an incurable disease that can be transmitted by and to all mammals including humans. There were no clues in this case as to what type of animal infected this cat. Rabies can be transmitted by pets, foxes, bats, skunks, coyotes etc.
A few years ago a strictly indoor cat was also a confirmed Rabies case. Please ensure that all your pets are protected with a simple vaccine. Remember, that at any time an indoor pet can also become infected. Rabies is a major public health issue.
HAITI ANIMAL RELIEF EFFORTS
We are happy to report that thanks to you, all of our supporting clients we were able to raise over $600.00 to help animal relief efforts in Haiti. These funds were donated to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Once again, THANK YOU for helping us make a difference!
HEARTWORM DISEASE
May through October make up Heartworm season in Alberta. This is the time of year when the mosquito population is prevalent. Camping, travel and outdoor activities with our pets increase exposure to mosquitoes which transmit the disease. Also, heartworm is found in many parts of Canada and all over the US.
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and dogs are considered the most common host, although the parasite infects many species, including humans. Heartworms live in the heart and adjacent blood vessels. This stresses the animal’s heart and internal organs. Left untreated this disease is fatal.
Heartworm preventatives are readily available either in topical or injectable form. If your pet has not been tested in the past 2 years, they should be tested for heartworm before starting a heartworm prevention protocol. Ask us what medication is more convenient and if testing is important for your companion.
FLEAS AND TICKS
Warmer weather also brings about these little creatures that will cause a lot of discomfort and other health problems. Fleas are insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Females will lay 50-100 eggs per day, so a flea infestation can become large issue in your home as these hatch and hide on the ground, carpets and upholstery. Flea allergy dermatitis causes severe skin issues in pets. Fleas can also transmit several disease, as well as tapeworm.
Ticks are wingless and also live exclusively on the blood of animals. They are “vectors” or carriers of many diseases including Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever which can be transmitted to humans.
As always prevention is the best and most cost-effective medicine. We offer a variety of flea and tick prevention and treatment options. Be sure to ask which medication is right for your pet!
ALLERGIES
Spring also brings about a larger amount of environmental allergens which will manifest as skin disease in pets. If you notice your pet seems overly itchy this time of year, or is licking, chewing or showing lesions on his or her skin this may be an indication of environmental allergies also known as atopy. Pets can also be allergic to mosquito, fly, bee and other insect bites. If your pet shows facial swelling, wheals or other signs, call us immediately so they can get medical attention.
Allergy testing is available for pets as are a number of medications both traditional and alternative to manage allergies in your animal companions. As always, we are here to help your pet be as healthy and comfortable as possible. Please ask us regarding allergies in pets this season.
