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September 2011 - Canine Influenza
To All Bear Creek Animal Clinic Clients:
IMPORTANT MEDICAL UPDATE: CANINE INFLUENZA
We want to give you the vital information about a viral disease called Canine Influenza or "Canine Flu". We want to make sure you get accurate, up to date information and our professional medical recommendation regarding protection of your pet. Canine influenza virus only affects dogs.
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Mild Symptoms (80% of Cases) |
Severe Symptoms (20% of cases) |
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Low-Grade Fever |
High Fever |
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Nasal Discharge |
Pneumonia |
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Lack or Energy |
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Loss of Appetite |
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**Starting September 23rd 2011, we now require an annual Canine Influenza vaccination for all dogs boarding, grooming, or staying for surgery. We will also recommend vaccination for all dogs that visit other boarding, grooming, and training facilities. The vaccination series consist of two injections of the vaccine, three weeks apart, then annually.
There are 5 reasons for this policy.
1. This is a new disease so all dogs are susceptible, infection rates are staying at 100%.
2. Infected dogs spread the disease to any dogs they contact for 2-4 days before they show any clinical signs.
3. While the vaccine does not prevent infection, it dramatically decreases the severity of disease and reduces transmission, limiting spread.
4. 5-7% of infected dogs, without vaccination, develop hemorrhagic pneumonia, a serious complication which is often fatal.
5. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association recommend vaccination of any dog at increased risk (boarding, grooming, daycare, dog parks, and travel to endemic areas).
Please let us know if you have any questions concerning Canine Influenza or the change in vaccination requirement
July 2011 - Coyotes and the drought
In the last couple weeks, people around Houston have noticed more coyote activity nearby and in our neighborhoods. The recent drought has coyotes and other wild animals going in search of food/water in areas which they aren't normally seen.
As seen on some of the local news channels, it has become a critical issue for pets and their owners. Friday, July 22nd, ABC 13 had a segment on the Braeswood area where many cats are showing up missing, injured, or killed. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8264621
In our own area and at this very clinic, we have had 1 dog brought in and treated with serious injuries after the owner managed to scare away the coyote before it carried off her beloved dachshund. We have had an increase of small dogs and cats reported missing from fenced in yards, some of which back up the Addicks Bayou and Reservior.
We are recommending that your pets be supervised when out in the yard, especially smaller dogs and cats. Try not to leave any food or trash outside that may attract the coyotes.
May 2011 - Rabies Alert
Quoted from an e-mail recieved from Veterinary Public Health
"The last two rabid skunks reported in Harris County prior to 2011 occured in 2004 and 2006. Although Harris County reported no rabid skunks within the county for 2010, one rabid skunk was found within the Houston City limits in Fort Bend County near the Harris County line last December. Already this year, two skunks have tested positive for rabies in Harris County. Both cases occurred in the extreme northwest part of the County near Hockley and resulted in the exposure of 11 dogs to rabies. Fortunately, there were no known human exposures.
These recent events emphasize the need for the veterinary community to continually remind the public of the dangers of contact with wild animals, the potential for exposure of our domestic animals to rabies, and the importance of keeping our pets and livestock currently vaccinated."
2010 - Distemper Alert
Recently there has been a noticeable increase of Distemper in Harris County and surrounding areas. HCPHES Veterinary Public Health (VPH) has sent out an alert to local clinics informing of the increased amount of distemper they have seen in raccoons, as well as dogs. In the clinic, we have seen a handful of patients displaying common signs of distemper.
All dogs are at risk for distemper, but puppies and young dogs that have not been vaccinated are at increased risk. Symptoms of distemper range from slight eye and nasal discharge to muscle tremors and seizures. Coughing, vomiting, and lethargy are also common symptoms presented. Even if a dog does not die from distemper, there is often permanent damage to the nervous system.
Prevention is a key element when it comes to reducing the risk of illness. It is recommended that puppies receive a complete series of vaccines to help protect them from diseases. Until a puppy has completed the series, it is crucial that you reduce their exposure by keeping them at home. As an adult dog, it is also important to stay up-to-date on scheduled vaccinations. Contact with animals that may be sick, as well as potentially infected wildlife, should be avoided at all times.
If your pet shows signs of illness, call your veterinarian. It is always best to prevent diseases and injuries, but if your pet does need medical attention, getting them treated early is essential to their recovery. | 